Author's Note: Today's chapter is a little short, but don't worry, tomorrow's will be longer, I promise. The response to this story has been amazing. Thank you all for your support.

Disclaimer: In the world of fan fiction, people who sue fan fiction authors are considered especially heinous (because we aren't making any money and our fandom keeps your ratings up). In this fandom, the dedicated authors who write for no money and little acclaim are known as The Special Letters Unit… er… um…The Special Writers Unit… oh screw it. Please don't sue me.

Title: The Ivy Green

Chapter: 9

"Lizzie, do you want to go shopping with me tomorrow?" Alex asked, talking to her sister on the phone on the way to Lewis' apartment.

"I thought you were going shopping with Bobby and his niece," said Elizabeth.

"I was," said Alex. "But I'm not anymore."

"Do you want to tell me why?"

"Not particularly," said Alex. "You want to go?"

"I have to bring Caleb along," said Elizabeth.

"That's fine," said Alex, turning on to Lewis' street.

"I'll see you at your house around 9am," said Elizabeth.

"Thanks, Lizzie. See you then." Alex hung up the phone and parked her car. Lewis met her in front of his building with an armload of blankets. "What are we doing tonight?" she asked.

"It's a surprise," he said. They got in his car. He drove them to central park. There was a horse drawn carriage waiting for them.

"Evening, Lewis," said the driver.

"Hi, Max," said Lewis. "How's Miss Grady?"

"Ready to take you for a ride," said Max, patting the mare on the neck.

"Well, my lady," said Lewis, turning to Alex. "What do you think? Shall we take a ride around the park?"

Alex grinned. "I'd love to," she said. Lewis held her hand and helped her into the carriage. There was champagne on ice with two glasses in the carriage and some chocolate covered strawberries. Lewis grabbed the blankets from his car and joined her, tucking the blankets around them. "Lewis, this is so sweet. Thank you," she said.

Lewis grinned. "I hoped you'd like it," he said. They cuddled up together to keep warm and he poured the champagne.

Max and Miss Grady drove them around the park and parked at the Tavern on the Green. Lewis had made a reservation. After a romantic candle lit dinner they rode in the carriage for an hour more. Then Max took them back to Lewis's car.

"I had a really wonderful time tonight," said Alex, kissing him in front of his building.

"The night doesn't have to end," he said. "Would you like to come up for coffee or something?"

Alex raised her eyebrows. "Why Lewis, are you trying to seduce me?"

Lewis kissed her deeply. "I believe I am, detective."

She went with him up to his apartment.

xxx

"Is something wrong?" Ivy asked. Bobby had taken her to dinner at his favorite Italian restaurant. They were just finishing the main course.

"Why do ask that?" asked Bobby, taking a bite of veal Parmesan.

"You seem down, quiet," said Ivy, twirling spaghetti onto her fork. "What's up?"

"Very observant," said Bobby.

"Runs in the family, detective," said Ivy. "Something happen with your partner?"

"I… I said something I shouldn't have," Bobby admitted. "She's angry with me."

"You should apologize," said Ivy.

"I will," said Bobby. "She's supposed to go shopping with us tomorrow. Would you like desert?"

Ivy's eyes lit up. "Do they have tiramisu?"

"They have delicious tiramisu," said Bobby. "Would you like some?"

"Yes, please," said Ivy.

xxx

Ivy smiled when she first saw Bobby's apartment. "I'm glad you have a tree," she said. "I wasn't sure you would."

"It's actually my first Christmas tree since I was seven," said Bobby. "I'm glad you like it."

Bobby had made up the couch with sheets and blankets. "Is this where I sleep?" she asked curiously. She plopped down on the couch. "It's comfy."

Bobby smiled at her and put her suitcase beside the couch. "I'm glad you like it. If you keep coming around I was thinking I would see about putting a bed in the spare bedroom."

Ivy went to the restroom and changed into her pajamas and brushed her teeth. She came back to the living room and went to examine the tree. She smiled when she saw the ornaments with their names.

Bobby came and stood beside her. He pointed up to the angel. "She reminded me of you," he said.

Ivy looked up. She laughed when she saw the angel holding a book.

Author's Note: Reviews, as always, are appreciated and gleefully enjoyed. If I get enough reviews and hits, maybe I'll post the next chapter at midnight. And the next one is extra long.