A year later, InuYasha and Kagome pulled into a downtown parking lot. It was late evening of Independence Day and they had agreed to join his family and hers for the celebration in the town park.

InuYasha wasn't fond of the loud noises and crowds that came with the holiday, but he'd come a long way both in and out of counselling. It wasn't his favorite activity, but the sight of Kagome's eyes lighting up at the fireworks show made it worth it. He only hoped that this year they would shine even brighter and match the sparkle of the diamond ring he had in his pocket.

That was, if she agreed to be his wife. As they carried the lawn chairs and coolers to join the rest of the crowd, he thought about how much his life had changed. Kagome had become the answer to questions he never even knew he had. They had settled into a quiet life at her home where he began a computer programming and networking business from home. The logic of the numbers and letters creating whole new things were soothing, and working away from the public kept his panic attacks to a minimum.

He watched Kagome's hair dance in the summer breeze and couldn't help but to smile. Their lives had slowly entwined until they had become inseparable. She gave him a quick kiss and headed off to say hello to her family. He set their chairs up next to his parents and began unpacking the cooler.

"Really have you told him yet?" Sota's voice carried to his ears. "I bet he's going to go crazy when you tell him! I'm going to be the uncle that spoils all of your kids and gives them enough chocolate to make them bounce off the walls before sending them home."

InuYasha laughed softly and glanced in their direction. Kagome's little brother was practically vibrating in excitement, while her mother had a radiant smile on her face. He was going to be a daddy, but he'd known for a week or so now. Her hormones had been all over the place, and her scent had clearly changed, though subtly.

He had thought about children before, but could never decide exactly how he felt about having his own. InuYasha knew it could be a cruel world for hanyou kids, and had seen enough to know that it was a miracle anyone, hanyou or not, lived to be elderly.

He couldn't wipe the grin off his face, though. He was going to be a daddy, and soon Kagome would tell him. Together they had created a new life that would be living proof of their love. He'd had a hard time keeping the news to himself, but he'd wanted her to tell him on her own. He knew she loved a good secret, and this one topped them all.

He kissed her hard when she came back to him and almost gave himself away. He had originally planned to wait until right before the big fireworks show to pop the question, but with what he had overheard he knew he couldn't wait any longer.

Their families began to gather around, 'ooh-ing' and 'ahh-ing' as soon as he knelt on one knee. He ignored them, their smiles and sounds of glee and looked into Kagome's beautiful blue eyes. She was smiling and already beginning to cry and he knew he'd join her soon if he didn't hurry up and just do it. He pulled the small black ring box out of his pocket and opened it.

"Kagome Higurashi, you have made me the happiest and luckiest man on the face of the Earth. I don't want to spend one day of the rest of my life without you. You are my life. I love you so much. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"Yes!" Kagome cried and threw her arms around his neck. "I love you so much."

InuYasha rose to his feet, pulling her with him. Their lips met in a passionate kiss and the crowd cheered. When they came up for air he slipped the ring onto her finger and she kissed him again.

"I have a surprise, too. You're going to be a daddy, InuYasha," she whispered when the kiss broke.

"I know," he kissed her again. "I've been waiting for you to tell me. I can't wait to be a family. You've made my life perfect, Kagome. I love you so much."

As if on cue red, white, and blue fireworks erupted in the sky and for the first time since coming home from the war, InuYasha didn't startle at the loud noises. He and Kagome cuddled on a blanket they had brought and began to talk about names for their baby and the life they wanted to build for them.

Finis

I hope you've enjoyed Haunted, it was a moving experience to share it with you.

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