Melissa

Rex slammed the lid of his car's trunk shut. "I think that's all of our stuff. That is all of our stuff, isn't it, Cowgirl?"

"Yep, that's it; although since I've gotten so used to Jonathan, Jessica and Alex being here, it sort of looks like there's something missing, you know?"

Rex put his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "They won't be missing for long. Jess said she only wants to visit her parents, not move back with them, and Alex's business trip will probably take even less time; he doesn't even like his coworkers that much, so he'll take care of business as fast as he can and then get back here."

"I know he will; he doesn't want to leave Mick alone with Dess any longer than he has to."

Rex looked startled. "What did you say?"

Melissa grinned. "Oh come on, Rex, you honestly haven't noticed the way those two look at her? Some seer you are."

Rex shook his head. "That's just great, Mick and Alex fighting over Dess. You ever notice how much drama it causes when a bunch of midnighters try to work together?"

"All the time. Remember what a hard time you used to have trying to get anything done, because none of us got along all that well?"

"Yes, I have very vivid memories of all the disagreements we used to get into. I have to say, I missed you guys after you left, but in some ways it was a relief to not have to be in charge all the time."

Melissa twisted around in his arms so she could see his face. "You're not thinking about ditching the rest of us and going back to Bixby, are you? Because without you, I had to take over, and it was not fun. I mean, explaining the blue time to a ton of newbies is hard enough, but then Alex decided to stick with us, and his stuttering is annoying, Jonathan was always either impatient with him or brooding about Jessica's rotten situation, and…"

Rex put his fingers over her lips to silence her. "Relax, Cowgirl, I'm not going anywhere. I missed you way too much to even consider leaving."

Melissa sighed in relief. "Good, because I like having you here with me. I really never want to lose you again."

Rex smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way; it'll make this a lot easier."

Melissa frowned, bewildered. "Make what easier?"

"This." Rex leaned his forehead against hers and as their minds connected, pushed all his other emotions away and sent her a single thought. Melissa, will you marry me?



Several things flickered through her mind: mostly shock, happiness, and then absolute certainty of what her answer should be. Yes, I will.

They were still kissing when Dess joined them, having checked out of the hotel. "What's up with you two?" she asked.

"We're getting married," Rex told her.

"Of course you are; I was wondering what was taking so long. I mean, how hard is it to say four little words?"

"Wait a minute. You knew Rex was going to ask me to marry him?"

Dess shrugged. "I knew that he should. You guys are perfect together. Honestly, Rex, I'm glad you asked her now, 'cause if you had waited too much longer, I would have had to kick your butt, again."

Melissa laughed. "Don't worry, Dess, from now on I'll take over telling-Rex-things-that-should-be-obvious duty."

"Oh, this is gonna be great fun," Rex muttered.

Mick popped out of thin air in time to hear that remark. "What's gonna be great fun?" he asked. Rex and Melissa exchanged a 'why can't he butt out' look, and didn't answer.

"They're getting married," Dess informed Mick.

Mick's eyes widened. "Married, huh? Wow, that's a big deal. Are you sure it's a good idea? I mean, he just got here; did you guys even date in high school or…"

Dess held up a hand, and Mick fell silent, though his skeptical expression stayed in place. "Mick, sweetie, if you're gonna stick with us, you need to learn when to keep your mouth shut," Dess said firmly.

"Hear, hear," Melissa added.

"Fine," Mick grumbled. "So, if I can't talk much, can I at least teleport the car? You're not telling me I have to sit through thirteen-hour car trips…"

"We're going to Houston, Mick, it only takes six hours to get there," Rex began.

"Um, actually, it takes 5 hours, 40 minutes and 17 seconds to get to Houston from here," Dess interrupted. "Seriously, you guys never do the math."

"Why should we, when we have you to do it for us?" Rex retorted.

Melissa unwrapped her fiancé's arm from around her shoulders and stepped back to watch the (mostly) good-natured dispute unfold. Yeah, the gang's still all together; and, annoying as they can be, I wouldn't have it any other way.

A/N: Well, folks, that's the end of this story. Thanks to everyone who read this, and an extra-special thank-you to 8BonnieBlue8 and lizzy105 for reviewing! Also, thanks to my parents, because if they hadn't complained so much about Jessica being stuck in the blue time, I never would have written this. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it, and even though the story is now complete, I still welcome new reviews, if you have anything to say about this story. Peace out,

RLD