So here's just a quick PS I had for this whole thing. I figured with as close as Ash is with her family, of course she calls them ASAP after what happened in the previous chapter.

Again, I'm just leasing the characters, though I wish I could do rent-to-own.

Chapter 3: Call from Home

The comm unit in Ashley Williams' apartment was chirping. She rushed from the bedroom out to the living room in order to answer it. Keying the answer button, she sat down in the chair in front of the monitor. She had been expecting this call all day now, and was excited to answer. As the image of her sister appeared, she burst into a huge smile.

"Abby, so good to hear from you!"

"Ash, I need details, stat!"

"Why Abby," Ash said, with every bit of innocence she could muster, "Whatever do you mean?"

"I know you saw John, and I know what was happening… now spill it, marine!"

Ash just smiled. She knew what Abby was talking about, but she couldn't just come out with everything. That wasn't the way the Williams girls had been raised.

"Well, I'll start at the beginning. You already know about the whole promotion and Spectre thing. Anderson called me to meet him in his office, and, when I got there, there was John, waiting for me! He had arranged with Anderson to surprise me so that we were both there at the same time so we both got our orders together. And it was a surprise, since I didn't even know he was on the Citadel at the time, even though from what he told me later, you did."

"Yes I did, but did he ask…"

"So anyways," Ash continued, interrupting her sister, "John got his orders first. He's taking the Normandy and the crew on a classified mission. Then I got my orders… to go with him!"

"Oh my God, Ash, that's awesome!"

"I know! And to help us out, Anderson gave us four days of leave to relax, catch up, and finish putting together our team. Fortunately, our team was all pretty much already on the Normandy, and then we just have to pick-up the last couple of people when we leave here.

"But anyways, after we left Anderson's office, John said we should go out to dinner. I came back here, got changed into that red dress that I told you about the other day, and then we went out to the nicest restaurant on the Citadel. We had a lot to talk about, as you can guess."

"Yeah, I can guess. I know it's been tough on you, Ash. But I'm dying to know…"

"Anyways," Ash interrupted her again. She was having far too much fun with this. "We cleared everything up, we talked about a lot… and we're good. He actually even looked into the rules, and the Council has no rules about fraternization between their agents, which is good because…"

Ash lifted her left hand into view, to show her sister the ring that Shepard had given her the night before.

"Oh my God Ash, congratulations!" Abby was nearly screaming with excitement.

"Thanks Abs! John said he talked to you and gave you the scoop."

"He certainly did. Not only is he handsome and famous and the savior of the galaxy, he's also quite the gentleman."

"I know. When he told me he called you guys, I just about melted. He's so sweet."

"So, do you want to tell the rest of the family yourself, or should I relay the good news?"

"Well, why don't you tell them? We're going to be all over the place the next few days so I don't know exactly when we could call everyone. Besides, I don't think I can take Lynne and Sarah's squealing all at once. I'll call you guys when everyone's there to talk to them."

"No problem, sis. So, where is Mister Wonderful? Out doing super secret Spectre stuff?"

"Nope, he's getting his stuff from his apartment here on the Citadel and bringing them here! It may be weird, considering everything we've gone through, but it's kind of a big deal to me that he's moving in."

"Aww, my big tough marine sister is being reduced to a regular girly girl, all by a guy!"

"You just stop it right there, Abs. Just because I can drill someone between the eyes from a hundred yards away doesn't mean I'm not allowed to get butterflies when he's near."

"You're pathetic, sis. But you're in love, so it's to be expected."

"Shut up. But I have to go. We still actually have some work to do before we leave, so I better get some of it done while I have the chance. Oh, real quick. Can I ask you a favor?"

"Name it, sis."

"Would you, you know… be my maid of honor?"

"You are such a nerd, Ash! Of course, I'm honored! But I'll let you go. I'll let everyone know the good news, and that you'll call back. How's tomorrow evening? I can make sure everyone's here."

"Sounds great, Abs. I'll make sure John's here so we can all talk together. I can't believe it!"

"Neither can I! Congratulations again Ash! You take care!"

"You too, Abs! And thanks, for everything!"

"You're crazy, Ash. Bye!"

As her sister disconnected the call, Shepard walked in the door with a box.

"Hi honey, I'm home!"

Ash just smiled as she stood up from the terminal. She took the box from Shepard's hands and gently placed it on the ground. He looked at her with a confused look on his face, until Ash stepped in close to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He quickly wrapped his around her waist.

"No, Skipper," she whispered in his ear. "Now you're home."

Ok, yes, a sappy ending there. I guess I'm a romantic at heart. Don't tell my wife, or she'll expect flowers all the time.