Chapter 8

AN: Thank you to everyone who keeps reviewing it keeps me writing!

"So how was it? Was it awkward? How did Ryan seem? Did seem like he was missing me at all?" Seth bombarded Summer with questions as she walked into the door as she shook her head at him. "So no to which question?" He asked her perplexed as Summer smiled at him smugly.

"Why don't you call Ryan and he can tell you?" She suggested as he gave her puppy dog eyes and she sighed feeling herself caving while staring into those brown eyes that she adored.

"He gave me something to give you" She told him reaching into her large purse pulling out the comics Ryan had got for him while in New York and Seth's eyes lit up with joy and excitement taking them quickly from her hands. He examined them then gasp as his eyes grew large then flew up to Summer's and she saw sheer joy in his eyes making her smile.

"Ryan had my favorite one signed by favorite comic book writer of all time" He said in awe staring at the signature on the comic book.

"Actually Serena did" Summer told him as his eyes flew up to hers stunned. "Ryan told her all about how he was your idol and she knew he was in New York and tracked him down while Ryan was in meetings. I think that was the moment Atwood realized not only did he love her but she was the one. You should have seen the look on his face when he told the story I have never seen Ryan look so happy or in love ever" Summer said to her husband who looked at her thoughtfully.

"What if she only did it to get to Ryan and his money? After all Ryan makes the big bucks" Seth pointed out protectively as Summer smiled at him brightly.

"Serena is a member of the Van der Woodsen's one of Manhattan most wealthy family's they have more money than any of our families." She pointed out as Seth. "I really like her ok. The girls at work are great and all but I haven't had a real true girlfriend since Taylor left." Seth knew that Summer had really missed having a girl best friend around and he let of his agreement of reasons they could possibly distrust her. "She is the reason Ryan found all of your graphic novels her brother took them to the store."

"She looks like Ryan's type beautiful, tall, thin and blonde with a nice chest" Seth said as Summer narrowed her eyes glaring at him. "But blondes who are tall and thin are so over rated. I love petite brunettes prone to rage blackouts" He said pulling her honestly but feeling nervous of rage black out would occur.

"Good answer" Summer told him holding him close to her close to him. "Did I mention she was staying in the room across the hall from him at his hotel?"

"That totally explains it!" Seth exclaimed throwing his head back. "We know Ryan was no self control when it comes to the girl next door. When he moved into his new house I thought maybe Ryan would be proclaiming his love to Edna or Marge spending all his nights at the bingo hall and early bird dinners" Seth told her as Summer giggled at the image of Ryan romance 80 year old ladies and playing bingo. Summer looked at her husband and her best friend and was so grateful for him in her life. She often wondered if she would not have given him a chance would she be another ditzy Newpsie. If it had not been for Ryan Atwood that probably would have happened so she knew she owed him one. She was convinced that this was her chance to repay the favor to him and she knew Coop would want it this way.

"God I love you" She proclaimed then pulled him into an intense kiss causing him to drop the comics in his hand.

Meanwhile

"I really like Summer" Serena told her husband as they walked into their house and Ryan shut the door pulling her up against him holding her around the waist tightly.

"She likes you too." He said between kisses on her neck. "How could anyone not like you?" He added as he continued working his way up to her ear making her giggle as she wrapped her arms around her neck. Serena's cell began to ring in her purse. "Ignore it" He mumbled then took her earlobe in his mouth making moan softly as she reached into her purse pulling out her phone. She did not recognize the number on the caller ID display but she put it up to her free ear.

"Serena Atwood" She answered her phone trying to keep her voice sounding normal because Ryan's lips and teeth on her earlobe were driving her crazy with lust because he increase his assault.

"Serena. It's Sandy Cohen your new father in law" She heard him stunning her but Ryan was too caught up to notice.

"Mr Cohen" She said surprised causing Ryan to pull away from her quickly looking completely surprised as well.

"Call me Sandy" He said to her. "I got your number from Frank I hope you don't mind." He began. "My wife and I owe you an apology. I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been for you yesterday to walk into that room. We didn't give you a chance and just judged. So we are very sorry" He said honestly to her as Serena bit her lip feeling her eyes water as Ryan watched her carefully.

"It's ok. Mr..I mean Sandy" She corrected herself. "You love your son and you are very protective of him and his happiness I completely understand that." Sandy felt his respect for this young lady grow at her maturity and compassion.

"No, it's not ok." Sandy insisted to her. "I wanted to call you personally to apologize so I hope you accept our apology. Is Ryan with you?"

"Thank you." She said to him in disbelief and happiness. "Ryan is right here" She handed Ryan the phone.

"Sandy" He said unsure of what was going on and a little nervous to be hopeful still.

"Hey kiddo" Sandy greeted him. "Your mother and I owe you and Serena an apology for how we acted." He said as Ryan let out the breath he was holding. "We shouldn't have behaved like that. It's embarrassing when your eight year old daughter has to set you straight."

"It's ok. You are calling now that's all that matters." Ryan told him wanting to let go of the past and concentrate on the future and the positive.

"You are being too easy on us but I will go with it. Can you two join the three of us for dinner tonight?" Sandy invited him hoping that they would accept.

"What time should we be there for dinner?" He asked Sandy as Serena smiled at him happily.

"How is six-thirty?" Sandy asked him and Ryan agreed to the time. "I would like to invite Seth and Summer but I don't want to make things awkward. Have you two spoken?"

"No, but Serena and I had lunch with Summer today. As much as I would love Seth to be there I don't think it's the best idea." Ryan hated the fact that Seth would not be there but he knew it was too soon to push things.

"Ok. We will see you two at six-thirty" Sandy told his foster son then they said their goodbyes and hung up. Sandy had hoped that Seth would have come around but he knew how stubborn he could be about things when he had his mind made up about something. Sandy glanced down at the picture in front of him on the coffee table of their family portrait taken last year with everyone in it even the Bullitt, Julie, Jacob, Frank and Kaitlyn in the picture as well. He wanted his family life back in harmony but he knew that he had to be patient it would take a little while. It was still a bit shocking that Ryan had married a girl that he had only known for a short period of time. But then he thought about the moment he met Kirsten and he just knew he had to know her. It had only taken him a very short period of time to realize that she was the one he wanted to spend his life with so how could he not believe that Ryan had not experienced the same thing.

Ryan turned off his jeep after parking in his foster parents driveway and look over at Serena who looked very nervous. He leaned over while taking her hand into in hers as her blue eyes turned to him.

"Hey, this is dinner is going to be great. I know my family and they wouldn't have invited us if they weren't making honestly making an effort to understand" He whispered to her while he moved even closer to her as his thumb traced her jaw line softly. "You are a part of that family too now" He added as she smiled at him feeling her nervousness slip away slightly seeing the love and devotion in his eyes. She felt as though she could stare into his eyes endlessly and never tire from it. Serena had been in love once before but it was never like this when everything felt like it just fit there was no trying to make it work it just did.

"I have no idea what I did to deserve you" She said to him smiling at him as she put her hand on his cheek gently staring into those blue eyes that she loved so much.

"I feel the same way" He breathed out then kissed her softly then heard a loud 'EEW!' exclaimed as he pulled apart to see Sophie peering in the passenger window making him and Serena laugh. Serena turned to the window as Sophie waved enthusiastically at her with a huge grin on her face as the front door of the Cohen household opened and Kirsten walked out wearing a black knee length sleeves dress with black kitten high heels looking apologetic with Sandy close behind her wearing khaki shorts and a short sleeve button up shirt with a grey t-shirt under it. "Are you ready for this?" He asked her as she smiled at him happily.

"I have never been more ready for anything in my life" She said to him as a huge grin broke out on his face remembering when he said those words to her.

Flashback New York

It had been one week since he had met Serena and he had spent every moment he wasn't at work with her exploring New York and loving every second of it. He loved New York the architecture, the history, the arts and most of all Serena as his tour guide. After a long day of exploring Central Park to The American Museum of Natural History they walked into the lobby of the Carlyle Hotel together.

"Maybe I am biased by the fossil halls at the Natural history museum are pretty kick ass" Serena said to Ryan as they walked over the elevators and he smiled at her. He hadn't felt this happy in so long and felt himself beginning to panic because he knew that he would only be in New York for another week. The walked into the elevator then the doors closed behind them. All he had been able to think about this whole week was Serena and how it would feel to kiss her to touch her if her hair was a soft as it looked and how would feel to go home everyday to her after a long day of hard work.

"I am only going to be here for another week so maybe we just shouldn't do this" He said to her quickly in a low voice as she bit her lip looking at him. "This week has been great but I will be leaving next week" He repeated to her. All week they had just explored New York as friends but his attraction to her was undeniable and the idea of not being able to kiss her or touch her and that this couldn't go anywhere becoming more unbearable each day.

"Ok" She said in a soft voice as her blue eyes met his but strayed away very quickly to the front of the elevator. Serena has caught completely off guard by his comment and hurt by the idea of never seeing him again. The ride to the 33rd floor seemed to take forever as they both rode in silence wanting to say so much to each other but remand silent by fear of what they felt for each other. He watched her out of the corner of his eyes staring at the elevator doors intensely and felt the need to take her in his arms and take back everything he just told her. This could not be happening to him he couldn't deny the way the fact that he wanted to hold her and spend every second with her. The elevator doors opened and she stayed put turning to him. "I am going to go for a walk .I know that you will close the deal so congratulations on that. Enjoy New York. It was great knowing you Ryan Atwood" She said to him softly as Ryan he nodded at him exiting the elevator then turned watching the doors close. Her blue eyes were filled with sadness but understanding and she gave him a smile half smile and he felt as though he could not breathe when the doors closed and he could no longer see his face. This all felt so wrong to him but he walked over to his hotel room door and pulled his room key out of his pocket then hesitated turning around to look at the elevator doors. He took a deep breath as his head and his heart fought over what do when he swear he a soft whisper in his ear say 'Go' and his heart won the battle as he walked over to the elevator pressing the button. He would have run down all thirty three flights of stairs but he knew where she was going there was no doubt in his mind.

Serena walked over to the jukebox staring at all the titles in as her mind raced with memories of her week Ryan. All week she had been happier then she had been in such a long time and never felt at ease with alone before. She had wanted him to kiss her ever since the night they sat her in this diner getting to know each other but she tried to clear all of her thoughts of that. Ryan was right this was crazy she tried telling herself but she couldn't quite convince herself that it was true. Serena eyes caught the song she wanted and went to punch it when she felt someone's hand cover hers gently and a body pressed behind her softy and felt every nerve in her body come alive knowing immediately it was Ryan.

"Wait" He breathed out into her ear as her breath caught at the sensations she was feeling as she eyes fluttered shut. Ryan finger held her hand tenderly and punched in a code putting in the same one Serena had been getting ready to put in a few moments ago C6 Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley and the tune filled the air. "You are all I can think about since the moment I met you" He began as this all felt so right. "I know I should care that I am only going to be here for another week but I don't really give a damn" he finished as she let out the breath she was holding. "I am sorry it's just I can't remember ever feeling this way and it scares the hell out of me but what scares me is not spending every second with you that I can" He whispered into her ear as her whole body relaxed into his. Serena turned around slowly meeting his blue eyes that shined intensely into hers and she swallowed hard feeling overcome by the look in his eyes mirroring what she felt for him.

"Are you sure?" She asked him in a whisper leaning up against the jukebox as his hands went around her waist pulling her close to him with their eyes locked on each other.

"I have never been sure of anything in my life" He said softly as he tilted his head leaning inching in closer slowly to her his eyes traveling from her eyes to her lips. When his lips touched hers he felt a tingle through his body and as though he had found everything that he needed but never knew what it quite was. Ryan kissed her softly and his hand touched her cheek gently and never wanted this moment to end feeling so content and happy in this moment in his life. He pulled away to look at her as her eyes fluttered opened and a small but happy smile crossed her lips and lit up her eyes.

"Me neither" She said to him in a soft tone staring intently into his eyes while her arms went around his shoulders. He smiled at her then kissed her softly but with more passion this time and a few moments later his tongue traced her bottom lip. Serena's lips parted and he immediately took her invitation and his tongue sought out hers. When he felt his tongue tangle with his knowing that this was exactly where he should be and was so very sure of that. He pulled away from her feeling breathless and as he stared at Serena who was breathing erratically and he smiled at her which she returned instantly while pulling her away from the jukebox.

"Dance with me" He whispered as she nodded at him and he pressed his forehead to hers while staring into each others eyes as they began dancing.

End of flashback

Ryan was shock out of his memories by Sophie opening up Serena's car door with Kirsten exclaiming to her to be patient as Serena held by a giggle by biting her lip and smiling.

"It's ok" Serena told her getting out of the car and Sophie threw herself out her hugging her tightly after she was out the car. Ryan got of the car walking around the other side of the car to greet Sandy who shook his hand then pulled him into a hug.

"I am sorry son" He said to him in soft voice as they hugged briefly and Ryan smiled at him waving his hand.

"Don't worry about it" He told him honestly and Sandy could tell Ryan had forgiven him already by the look in his eyes. "So what's for dinner?" He asked Sandy who grinned at him.

"Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti with garlic bread" Sandy told him rubbing his hands together as Ryan smiled at him.

"Sophie let Serena close the car door" Kirsten said to her daughter with a smile who pulled away from Serena reluctantly watching her close the jeep door noticing the friendship bracelet on her wrist.

"You are wearing it!" She exclaimed with excitement that she was wearing the bracelet she had given her. Serena reached into her purse bending down and pulled out a purple friendship bracelet and Sophie's eyes lit up when she saw it.

"Sophie I got this for you. I am really glad that you are my friend" She told the young girl putting the bracelet on her and then Sophie launched into her arms holding her tightly as everyone watched smiling.

"I love it. Thank you!" She told her after pulling away and notice what Serena was wearing. She was wearing a knee length dress that had a ruched sweetheart neckline with an empire waist with a soft flow skirt that flattered her frame with gold design pattern on it with gold flat sandals. "Mommy I want a yellow dress" She called out turn her head around to her as Ryan shook his head smiling along with Sandy.

"I really love your dress" Serena said making Sophie beam as she looked down at her tie dye sundress that was purple at the top with pink flowers on it then a stripe of teal and white at the bottom of the dress with purple flip flops. "I will have to see if I can find one in my size"

"I want to show you my room" Sophie said taking her hand and pulling her towards the house.

"Be down in 15 minutes Sophie Rose" Sandy called out to her but Sophie did not respond and was chattering to Serena as they went up the steps. "Well just have to go up and get them in a few minutes" He said following them as Kirsten walked over to Ryan hugging her tightly.

"I am really sorry Ryan" She apologized to him as she held him tightly and he turned the hug as well.

"It's ok. I understand that is all over with now" Ryan insisted to her as they pulled away from there hug. "Thanks for inviting us over for dinner" He thanked her as she smiled at him putting her arm around his shoulder.

"Your Welcome and thanks for coming to dinner" She thanked him in return and they walked towards the house as well.