Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.

A/N: This next chapter finds the family making some tough adjustments to their new found status and there may be a few surprises ahead for Lois and Clark. Thanks to my betas for sticking with me through all of my insanity. I love you guys! *hugs* Read on! Please R&R. Thanks, everyone!

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Chapter 10 – In the End

Previously:

"You're here." Jason grabbed his Father's hand and pulled him into the living room.

"Good evening, everyone," Clark said as he entered the living room. He had on a suit and tie and glasses of course. "Sorry, I'm late."

Lois and Richard both had their backs to the front door. They both stood up at the same time, and as they saw Clark, they both gasped. "Clark?" They both said almost at the same time.

##

Richard and Lois were both speechless for a moment.

"Lois, what is he doing here?" Richard asked, not believing Clark was there. I knew he was a rival, but why is he here apologizing for being late? "I thought..." He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence.

Clark took off his glasses and put them in his pocket. He stood up a little straighter.

Lois was shocked, but then she felt relieved. No more lies. This really was the only way for this arrangement to work for all of them.

After several moments, Richard looked between Lois and Jason and they were staring at Clark like the sun rose and fell in him. I would give anything for that look. "Well, Clark, who else knows about you? I have to say your disguise is very clever." Richard asked, impressed in spite of his feelings.

"It's a very small number of people who know the truth, but I felt you should be in that circle, Richard. You were there for Lois and Jason when I couldn't. Thank you." He held out his hand in friendship. Richard shook it.

"Well, I'll always care about what happens to them, and I want them to be happy, and I can see you do make them happy. I can't ask for more than that."

"Jason, honey, could you go upstairs for a few minutes while the grownups talk for a little while?" Lois asked. She didn't want to force him to go.

"Lois, if you wouldn't mind, I would like Jason to stay," Clark said smiling at his son.

"So would I," Richard said.

"Thank you, Father." Jason said. Then he turned to Richard. "Thank you, Daddy." He smiled at both of them.

"Well, I guess I'm outnumbered. You can stay honey." They all sat down. Jason sat between his two dads on the sofa, feeling like the luckiest boy in the world, while Lois sat in a chair facing them. She shook her head at her unusual family. "Well, where should we begin?" Lois asked hoping to get things started.

"Well, first," Richard began, as he turned to Jason. "Jason, I'm moving away." Jason hung his head. Richard put his finger under his chin, lifting his face up. "But I won't be far away, only about an hour by car, so you can call me anytime you want. I'm still working for the paper, so we'll probably see each other from time to time. I'll have assignments here, and if it's alright with your Mom, I could come visit you every other weekend or so. How does that sound?"

"I suppose it sounds ok," Jason said but didn't like any of it.

"Everything will work out, Jason. We'll see each other in the summer for several weeks, and I'll definitely try and be here for your birthdays, and special holidays, too. You'll see. Everything will be alright."

"You'll be here for my birthday?" Jason brightened a little at that.

"Sure, I wouldn't miss it," Richard said, ruffling his hair.

"Good, now that that's settled. Richard, have you thought about the house?" Lois asked.

"It's yours. I signed over the deed to you." He held up his hand, anticipating her refusal. "I was going to sell it anyway. Keep it and enjoy it. I'll find a hangar for the plane once I get settled in Gotham."

"Thank you, Richard."

"So, when are you two?" He held up his hand indicating the both of them. He let that question hang there for a moment or two.

Lois and Clark stared at each other. They both spoke or mumbled at the same time. "Well, we haven't. I mean, we just."

Richard laughed. "I couldn't resist it. Well, I'll be going now. I have a few things to do before I leave. Come here, buddy." He lifted Jason up and gave him a warm hug. "Goodbye, Jason. I love you very much, and I'll see again in no time at all. You be a good boy, and take care of your Mom and your father, alright?" He smiled at all of them, even though his eyes were bright.

Jason hugged him tight. "Goodbye, Daddy. I'll miss you," Jason whimpered.

Richard sat him down, and brushed his hair out of his eyes. He turned to leave. Lois brought him to the front door. "Goodbye, Lois." A tear slid down his cheek. He wiped it away.

"Goodbye, Richard and thank you for everything." She gave him a hug. "We'll see you soon."

Richard smiled through his tears.

##

After Richard left, Clark could see Jason was barely holding it together. He went to his son, picked him up, stroked his back, and took him outside for some air. Jason started to cry. "Shssh, Jason, don't cry. You'll see him again soon," he said trying to reassure him.

"I miss him already," Jason said between sniffs.

Lois stood by the door listening, giving them this time together.

"I know. Here, let's sit down and we'll talk for a few minutes." They sat down on the chaise lounge out back. Jason sat on his father's lap resting his head on his shoulder. Clark wiped his son's eyes with a hankie.

"Jason, did your Mom ever tell you why I wasn't here when you were born?" Clark asked his son.

"No, she didn't. Where were you Father?" He glanced at Clark. "Can I call you Dad? I like that better."

"Sure, you can, Jason," Clark said feeling proud and touched by his question.

"Well, before I tell you my story, I wanted you to know that your Mom and I wanted you very much. You are our miracle child. We never thought the day would come that we would be parents, but here you are, and we love you with all of our hearts."

"I love you too, Dad, and I love you Mom," Jason said, as he smiled at his Mom who was watching them in the doorway. Clark turned and saw Lois and smiled.

"Now, on with my story. I think you're old enough to understand a few things. I'll try not to bore you too much."

"I want to know, Dad," Jason said.

"Alright, it started a long time ago in a small town called Smallville, Kansas." Clark told Jason about his childhood, about moving to Metropolis, about meeting his Mom, and loving her from afar. He told Jason about how they fell in love and wanted to be together, but the outside world had other plans, and things didn't work out the way they wanted. He told him about Krypton and how he wanted to find his people, his family, a home, but he finally realized that his family was here all along, and he wanted Jason to know how sorry he was for leaving his Mom and for leaving him. "Jason, is this too much? Do you understand?" Clark asked.

"I think so. You went to Krypton because you wanted to find a home and a family, but you have us now. You won't ever leave us again, will you Dad?"

Clark pulled his son into his arms, holding him tight. "No, Jason, I'll never leave you or your Mom ever again." Clark tried to hold back his tears. He looked up and Lois was wiping her eyes. Clark held up his arm and Lois sat down and they all pulled each other close for a family hug. No words were spoken for a few minutes. Then Clark pulled back, and they all wiped at their eyes and smiled at each other. "How would you guys like to take a trip, a quick trip to visit my Mom? She's dying to meet both of you."

"I have a grandma?" Jason asked thrilled.

"Yes, you do. My Mom is very excited about meeting you, and I wanted to show you Smallville, where I was raised and the farm and, well everything. I think you'll like it. Well, Lois?"

"Smallville, huh? You couldn't have made that name up. Sounds like fun. Cows, chickens, roosters, right?" Lois deadpanned.

"And let's not forget the family dog, Shelby," Clark said smiling, knowing what Jason's reaction would be.

"You have a dog, Dad? Mom, we have to go. When can we go, Dad? Can we go tomorrow? Please, can we Mom? Please?" Jason couldn't hold back his excitement.

"Oh, alright, Jason, and will you please stop begging. It's not pretty. I suppose we could go next weekend and maybe stay overnight?"

"Perfect," Clark said.

"Yayy," Jason said.

##

Jason held onto his Dad's neck as tight as he could. His Mom had her eyes closed. Jason refused to close his eyes, because he wanted to see everything. He still couldn't believe it. He was actually flying with his Dad. He was so excited. He thought they were going to fly on a plane, but he and his Mom were wrapped up tight in his Dad's cape, flying above the clouds to Smallville. They packed a small overnight bag with a shoulder strap, and his Dad was able to carry that and both of them without any trouble at all.

All too soon they landed on the farm in Smallville where his Dad was raised. A dog came bouncing out of the house to greet them. "Shelby, boy!" Jason yelled. He ran to the dog, and Shelby was all over him like she knew Jason was a friend.

"Shelby's a girl, Jason." Clark said, as he quick-changed into his jeans and plaid.

Lois snickered behind her hand. Then Shelby bounced over to Clark, and he gave her a hug and rubbed her ears.

Lois just watched and shook her head. Then Shelby bounced over to Lois, and she immediately sneezed. "Oh, no, I … achoo! I can't believe this. Achoo! I'm allergic to Shelby? Achoo! Get her away from me." Shelby had her paws on Lois' coat and tried to pull herself up to get a lick.

"Down, girl. Achoo! Clark, do something."

Clark grabbed Shelby by her collar and pulled her away from Lois. "Come on, girl. City-folk." He shook his head and chuckled. He took Shelby over to the barn and tied her up.

Lois put her hands on her hips. "It's not my fault I'm allergic to your dog, Clark," she said shaking her head, as she looked in her bag for a tissue.

Martha came out of the house then. "Clark, you're here!" She called and walked over to Clark and gave her son a hug.

"Mom, I want you to meet Lois and … our son, Jason."

"Lois, I'm so happy to finally meet you." Martha gave Lois a hug, even though Lois had her hand out for a handshake. "We're family, honey."

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Kent," Lois said feeling welcomed.

"Oh, honey, please call me Martha."

"Grandma?" Jason asked pulling on Martha's skirt.

"Hi, Jason." Martha reached down and enveloped her grandson in a warm hug. "It's so nice to meet you." She looked into Jason's eyes, so like her son's. "Oh, Clark, he's so beautiful." Martha's eyes filled with tears.

"Come on, Mom, let's get everyone settled, then I want to take Lois and Jason on the grand tour of the farm."

"I'm sorry, where are my manners. Come on in, everyone. I'll show you to your rooms." Martha led them into the house and showed Lois and Jason to their rooms. "Clark can sleep on the couch tonight."

Lois smiled at Clark at that statement then quirked an eyebrow at him. Clark just shook his head and chuckled.

##

As Martha started dinner, Lois, Clark and Jason all went out for a walk around the farm. Shelby and Jason ran ahead, while Lois and Clark walked slowly behind.

Clark shyly took Lois' hand in his. Lois looked down at their joined hands and squeezed. They smiled at each other.

"This is so nice, Clark. You have a beautiful home," Lois said.

"Thanks, Lois, but I haven't lived here in a long time. My home is with you and Jason, wherever that may be." Clark stopped walking, took both her hands in his and smiled at her. He glanced ahead and he could see Jason playing with Shelby by a tree. Clark took a deep breath. "Do you love me, Lois?"

"What kind of a question is that? You know I love you," Lois said confused by his question.

"Well, you haven't actually said it."

"I haven't?" Lois shook her head. He's right, I haven't said it, not directly anyway. "Well, these past few weeks have been insane for all of us. Clark, you know me, I'm not a mushy sentimental person."

"I know, but just this once?" Clark smiled and touched her cheek.

"Alright, I'll say it." Lois looked into his eyes. "Clark Kent, I love you with all my heart and soul." She tried not to be moved but she couldn't hide it, not from Clark.

He pulled her close and said "I love you too." Then he kissed her softly, as Lois put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

"Ewwwwww," Jason said.

Lois and Clark just shook their heads at their son and laughed. One day he'll know!

##

A month later, they were back at the farm and Jason and Martha had turned in for the evening. Lois and Clark were out taking a walk. It was a beautiful night. They both noted how the stars were particularly bright this evening. They walked arm in arm both silent and grateful for these quiet moments together. They were rare and special to both of them.

"Clark, it's really beautiful out here. You know, Smallville is starting to grow on me," Lois said smiling at him.

"I wanted to show you this spot, Lois. This is where my parents found me all those years ago, took me home, and accepted me as a part of their family. This is also the spot where my spaceship landed after my second journey from Krypton. I think it's appropriate that I do this here." He got down on one knee.

Lois gasped as tears sprang into her eyes. "Clark?"

"Lois, from the moment I saw you, I knew deep inside that you were the only woman in the world for me. I think about you and Jason all the time, every minute of my life. I can't think of a time when you aren't on my mind. I want to be with you always, take care of you and Jason, and love you forever and ever. You're the love of my life, Lois Lane." He pulled the ring from his pocket, opened the box and showed it to her. "Will you marry me?"

##

A/N: I wonder what she'll say. *giggles* I hope you liked it. We're almost there... just two more chapters to go! Thanks for reading! Reviews are like little bursts of sunshine. Clark would be so happy … and so would I!!