Will

The last month had been bliss. He thought the months he had spent with Alicia years before had been perfect, however they didn't compare to this. This was different; they were different. They weren't "out" as a couple yet, which meant they got to live pretty much undisturbed. They only let a few select people in on the news, first was Zach, since Grace already – accidently – knew, then Diane and Cary and then Kalinda; because she would have found out anyway. They weren't totally surprised by the support they had received from each person; they both assumed that they probably thought it was inevitable as they did.

In moments when he was alone, he found himself unable to escape thoughts of the time they had been spending together. She'd always been the main subject of his day dreams but these days she was the only subject. They'd been to countless restaurants, watched an exuberant amount of movies, had many lunches with Grace, hung out at each other's offices and even gone for strolls in the park. It was the mundane things that couples do; but with Alicia, it was different. Everything felt so completely normal, but still absolutely extraordinary. They still hadn't had sex. But he found himself not even caring. He found moments where they were just holding each other, or holding hands at the table, more intimate than sex had ever been. The idea of them truly allowing themselves to be in love finally, was greater than sex would ever be.

He was sat in the dining room listening to Alicia complaining that she had nothing to wear whilst packing in the bedroom. The invitations had arrived 2 weeks earlier and they were both excited but sceptical. It was time for a Georgetown reunion. They hadn't outed their relationship to the world yet and they knew if any of their old friends saw them together again, they would know they were more than just friends immediately. None the less, they had decided to go together and just use the friends accompanying each other excuse. Will chuckled to himself as he listened to Alicia cursing quietly, and his thoughts drifted to when the invitation had arrived.

"So we should go to this thing together Leesh", he watched as she eyed him suspiciously.

"Why would we do that? Most of the people we see everyday don't know but you want to tell people we haven't seen in over a decade?"

"People you haven't seen. I go to all the reunions. But seriously, it could be a good test run for us, and you know, my mom lives in DC now ..." He watched as her eyes grew wide; a deer caught in the headlights.

"Will seriously? You want me to meet your mom so soon after your cancelled engagement?"

"Alicia I love you. And my family have always known that. We'll stop in, have a coffee and probably cake, and then we'll go to the reunion game". He knew that she was comfortable with the idea, but he always knew that she wouldn't say know as she would know how important it was to him.

"Okay fine". He watched as she sighed loudly and he couldn't stop himself from chuckling. "But I'm going to be so nervous Will so you better be nice. I already feel sick."

He jumped when he heard another – louder – curse from the bedroom and couldn't stop his guffaw. She poked her head out of the door. Her hair was a mess and she was flushed. She had a stern look on her face and she fixed him with a glacial stare;

"Are you laughing at me? Because this is not funny, it's tragic. I have nothing to wear".

"Babe you said you and Grace found a new dress yesterday, wear that. Grace said it's amazing".

"Oh I don't care about that. I mean for meeting your mom. I have nothing to wear to meet her!"

He suddenly found himself in hysterics and receiving evil glares from the woman he loved.

"I'm sorry but are you serious? She's an old lady. She doesn't care what you're wearing. And you always look beautiful. So anything is fine."

He heard her mumble something incoherently and stalk back off into the room. She'd always had the slight tendency to over react. He got up and followed her into the room to find her sat on the floor surrounded by a sea of clothes that had been thrown from her closet.

"Wow".

It was the only word that had entered his mind. He could see the distress etched on her face as she looked up at him through her eyelashes. It was completely endearing. He couldn't believe he finally had her. He knew his life was going to revolve around making her happy now. And that in turn, made him happy. Making room within the mountains of clothes and sitting down next to her, he formulated a plan.

"How about this, I arrange it so that we have to go straight from my mom's to the game? That way we can both wear our Georgetown stuff? You don't need to worry about outfits then".

The look she gave him made him feel like he hung the moon. She crawled from her space next to the closet, and wrapped her arms around his neck, placing a soft, but passionate kiss on his lips.

"What on earth did I do to deserve you Will Gardner?"

Alicia

They had arrived in Washington an hour ago and they were making their way to his mother's house. Alicia could feel her stomach turning. This is only the second time in her life that she's ever had to do one of these kinds of lunches. She never felt nervous meeting Jackie, she never really cared whether she had her approval or not. Right now, all she can think about is how his mom has to like her. It somehow feels more important this time around. So many things have come between them in the past, and she will not allow his mother not liking her to derail them.

When they arrived outside her door, he squeezed her hand as a sign of encouragement before letting go and knocking. She was immediately alarmed as she heard multiple voices approaching. She turned and looked at Will who looked equally as confused as she was; not a good sign.

The door opened and everything became clear.

"Hey big brother!"From stories Will had told her, she knew the first sister to speak – his younger sister – was Aubrey. She didn't really look Will. She was blonde, and much shorter.

"Aubrey, Sara ... what are you doing here?" Alicia watched as Sara smirked at him and laughed.

"Mom told us you were coming. And then I told Lily and she just had to see her favourite uncle Will". Alicia watched as Wills face seemed to glow. He adored his little niece. He often told her stories about the times he had seen her. She was pulled from her thoughts by Sara turning her attention to her; she didn't seem too pleased to see her, as if she had somehow ruined some plan.

"I don't believe we've met". She went to answer, whilst glancing at Will for support, but was interrupted by Aubrey.

"She's his lawyer friend. They were giving each other sultry looks at his engagement party".

She felt her face burn up as they walked in to the living room. Will grabbed her hand again and she felt her heartbeat start to slow. That was until she caught sight of Wills mother laughing in conversation with the strikingly beautiful blonde sat next to her on the couch. She looked at Will in time to see his face fall and his brow furrow. Whoever this girl was, Will seemed angered by her presence, and that was enough to both placate and concern Alicia.

She watched as the unknown blonde caught Wills eye, beamed at him and stood to make her way to him. Her limbs were long, her hair was shiny, her smile was bright, her figure was perfect and Alicia hated her. She was the perfect woman; the type of woman Alicia had often seen Will date. She felt her stomach turn again. She was getting warm and felt herself start to sweat. She pulled her hand out of Wills grasp and caught his confused but hurt sideward's glance.

"Will! It's so good to see you!"

Her voice was almost like music. Her perfection was sickening. Of course she was bias and probably over exaggerating everything, but again, she hated her. Will forced out a greeting and removed himself from her embrace making Alicia do a dance inside. She watched as the unknown entity turned to her. She held out a perfectly manicured hand and Alicia reluctantly accepted.

"Will, you're so rude to not introduce me to your friend. I'm Jessica. Will and I are high school sweethearts ... and you are?" The look of disgust on Jessica's face lit a fire in Alicia. She looked so smug; as though she had some sort of claim over Will; a claim that definitely did not belong to her.

"I'm Alicia, Will's girlfriend".

Wills Girlfriend. She said it. She outed them to his family because of her jealousy. The eyes of everyone in the room turned to her, including Will, who smirked at her before taking her hand again and raising it up to his mouth and placing a soft kiss on her fingers. The last set of eyes she took note of were smaller than everyone else's. The little girl stepped around Jessica, placing herself directly in front of Alicia. She looked up at her and smiled and she couldn't help but fall for this girl. She would be willing to bet that she already had everyone in the room wrapped around her little finger. She found herself crouching down to the same height as her.

"Hey there sweetie, you must be Lily. I've heard an awful lot about you off your uncle Will here".

The little girl beamed up at her uncle before returning her gaze and smile to Alicia.

"Do you want to come and see my tent?"

"Lil, I'm sure Alicia doesn't want to climb in to your tent. She's here to visit with the adult's honey". Alicia watched and had to stifle a laugh as the little girl turned to throw an angry glare at her mother. Turning back to Alicia – her eyes full of sorrow – she opened her mouth to speak again;

"You don't like tents?"

Alicia's resolve was broken. She understood exactly how Will was so besotted with this little girl.

"Actually, if it's alright with all the adults. I would love to come and see your tent. I bet its real pretty huh?"

Lily practically squealed. Taking Alicia's hand in hers she dragged her out of the room - almost immediately - toward the large garden. Before she was pulled out of the back door, she turned to Will who threw her a cheeky wink. She couldn't help but laugh as she left Will to deal with the awkwardness that was in front of him.

Will

She was phenomenal. Lily was practically swooning over her, she'd taken his ex down a notch and even his sisters were lost for words. He would never be surprised at how fascinating and brilliant Alicia was. He glanced over at his mom on the couch who he was shocked to see was in fits of quiet laughter, and he had to resist the temptation to do the same.

After an awkward and uncomfortable conversation with Jessica, she was headed towards the door. Before leaving she slipped Will her number on a card and winked. Before Alicia, he would have called. He knows he would have. But now he knows he doesn't need to settle for women like Jessica, not when he can go home to the most beautiful, intelligent and challenging woman he had ever known. Sighing, he threw the card into the bin and walked back to his family, to find them all sniggering. He knew he should be mad at them, but couldn't stop himself from laughing along. As he followed Sara's gaze, his eyes fell on Alicia laughing outside with his niece. He realises this is how she would have been when her children were young. He often imagines what it would have been like if it were him instead of Peter that she had raised children with. Baseball games on the weekend, trips to lakes and beaches, family holidays, bath times; he would have cherished it all. He always knew Alicia was a fantastic mother, but seeing her interact so easily with his niece made his heart glow.

"Will it's sickening how in love with that woman you are".

"You know what Sara, you're right. Anyway, whose ridiculous idea was it for you to bring Jess here?" He eyed the three women in front of him, neither willing to tell on the other. He turned to his mother, knowing that eventually she would break.

"Oh William don't over react. The girls bumped in to her at the shop. How were they supposed to know you already had a beautiful and charming woman bringing home with you? Have you been hiding her from me?"

"It's Alicia mom, from Georgetown".

The look of understanding on her face was immediate as he knew it would be. Every time he would visit from school, his stories would revolve around her; something funny she had said, how intelligent she was, how she made him better. She smiled at him.

"It's about time".

That was all that was said and all that needed to be said.

They opted to skip the Georgetown game – Alicia's idea - and continued their lunch with his family instead. He loved the way she so effortlessly fitted in with the most important people in his life; as if they were already part of her family. He was in absolute awe. She held her own against his sisters; which isn't an easy thing to do. She told them all embarrassing stories about him from Georgetown, talked about baking with his mother, kept Lily smiling and laughing with ease and won over his impossible sisters like it was nothing. When it was time for them to leave he laughed as Lily's screams and protests came immediately. She cried as she hung on to Alicia, much to the amusement of everyone in the room. He watched as Alicia handled it with ease.

"Sweetie, don't cry. I promise you soon Uncle Will and I will have you come to stay with us for a bit to give your mommy a break". She paused to wink at Sara before continuing, "And we'll play lots of games, go to the park and eat a lot of ice cream".

He watched as Lily stopped crying as quickly as she had started and wrapped her arms around Alicia announcing proudly that she was her new best friend causing everyone to laugh. As he was hugging his sisters goodbye, he noticed his mom having a quiet conversation with Alicia. She almost looked as though she was going to cry. He felt his mouth open in shock as he watched Alicia wrap her arms around his mother – knowing that she only ever hugs the people she's closest too; mainly him and her children. He never had any doubts that she would win over his family. She always had something about her, but he had never expected that it would be this instantaneous.

They were quiet on the ride back to their hotel but he couldn't help but notice her smiling to herself.

"What exactly did my mother say to you to make you that happy?"

She smirked, and looked at him slowly. "I do not know what you're talking about Mr Gardner" and to stop further questions she placed a kiss on his lips; managing to distract him until their arrival.

When they got in to their room, realising how little time they had she told him she was getting straight in the shower. He led on the bed, closed his eyes and listened as he heard the water turn on. He considered more than once getting off the bed and climbing in to the shower behind her, but decided against it. He knew if he did that, they would never get out of the room that night.

Not too long after, he heard her turn the shower off and the bathroom door open - alerting him that she was now in the room. He kept his eyes closed. He heard her searching through her suitcase obviously looking for her outfit for that night. And then it went quiet.

"Nice shower?"

"Mmmmm".

Her answer did something to him that he didn't expect. He opened his eyes slowly to look at her and he stopped breathing. She stood with her one leg hitched up on a chair, slowly and purposely rolling a stocking up her leg. Before switching legs, she turned to him and smirked knowingly. She started slowing rolling up the other stocking as he took in her attire; black lace. She knew exactly what she was doing and it was killing him.

"Leesh..."

She turned and smirked at him again. But it was different, it was full of desire. He knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Pure unadulterated passion clouded his mind as she walked over to him. It was impossible not to see the lust in her eyes. She climbed up his body, letting her fingers trace along the visible skin of his arms taking his t-shirt up over his head with her. She placed soft yet sensual kisses over his chest and abdomen before reaching down and removing his jeans. He watched her, he wanted her and he needed her. He pulled her in for a deep kiss, only breaking when they both needed air. Every moment was eager and needy but not rushed. It was slow and full of desire. She looked up at him through her thick eyelashes;

"I need you will".

As they lay in each other's arms an hour or so later, naked with their limbs still entwined, neither had the desire to move.

"Why did we ever stop doing that?"

She laughed and he felt it vibrate against his chest before kissing him again through her laughter.

A while later, they were fashionably late and making their entrance at the reunion. He watched as numerous people turned their attention to Alicia. He wasn't surprised; she was breathtaking. The royal blue colour of her dress elevated her porcelain skin. It was strapless, it hugged her curves perfectly and the back was completely bare. She was beautiful; but of course he always thought that was the case, even when she was wearing sweats and a hoodie.

They made polite conversation with most people in attendance. He laughed when he saw Alicia make a face as one of his exes pulled him in to a hug. He made up for it when he made a remark about his "girlfriend making them late" motioning towards Alicia and getting an insincere smile from the woman in front of them. The crowd went quiet as one of their old class mates took the stage, making a short and snappy speech before a photo montage started playing. Will, being the social butterfly and playboy of Georgetown, was in numerous photos; many of them making people laugh. Action shots of cannonballs at orientation pulled the most laughs of the night. Will felt Alicia tighten her grip on his arm as a photo of them came up. It was after one of his baseball games. He had run up the stands and pulled her into a tight hug, smiling widely and that is the exact moment the photo had captured. He looked down at Alicia and kissed her softly before she whispered;

"Let's get out of here".

He followed her readily, expecting her to go straight to grab a cab, but she veered off in the direction of the baseball field instead. She grabbed his hands and pulled him toward the bleachers. He felt his heart skip a beat as she looked back at him, with a look filled with desire as she pulled him up the steps. She stopped suddenly and sat causing Will to stumble slightly.

"You know, I used to watch nearly all your games. You didn't always know I was here. I used to watch as you'd run up here afterwards and kiss whatever girl you were with that week". She smirked up at him, laughing slightly. "I used to get so jealous".

Will was listening intently, eager to know where this was going.

"And then one week, after you'd come back from visiting your mom, you ran to me and I didn't know why. But you just grabbed me and pulled me into a hug and I was so sure you were going to kiss me and then you didn't and I swear my heart nearly stopped".

She chuckled and looked up at him, clearly expecting an explanation but he couldn't find the words to speak; he didn't know she wanted that. They'd had discussions about them; what they were; what they were doing; were they friends or were they more? But they'd always played on the side of caution.

"Earlier, your mom told me that one time, when you went home to visit her you told her I was the one and that you were going to change for me. I knew straight away what weekend it was" She smiled up at him, a slight laugh playing at her lips, "she also thanked me, for finally letting you love me and for giving her the one thing she's wanted to see for a long time ... your happiness".

He didn't know what to say, so he kissed her instead. He poured all his feelings into it. Showing her – instead of telling her – everything she needed to know. She pulled away and rested her head against his for a while. He opened his eyes and stared straight back in to hers. He heard her sigh contentedly and turn to look off in to the night.

As he looked at her, staring off in to the distance, sat in the same spot he had seen her in many years before; he knew what he had to do. He grabbed her hand causing her to start slightly as he pulled her from her daydream and looked in to her eyes.

"You know I love you right Leesh?"

She eyed him suspiciously before answering, "Of course I do".

"It's always been you. Only you. I think subconsciously, I would choose women so different from you before because I didn't want to be reminded of you. I didn't want to be reminded that I couldn't have you. But I can now. I can have every birthday and every holiday. I can enjoy every happy moment with you and help you through every tough moment. I can watch your kid's graduate, fall in love, get married and give you grand children. I can hold you and comfort you and love you every day"

He paused and looked up at her and noticed a single tear run down her face. Without thinking he moved his hand up to wipe it away, leaving his palm resting on her face.

"Marry me."

I'm so so sorry this update took so long, i've been crazy busy. I hope this chapter makes up for it! Thank you again for all the amazing reviews. They make me smile and laugh and again, i appreciate every single one!