Instead of doing my work, I decided to procrastinate a little, so I added a bit more to this story. I decided to make some changes to certain chapters and added an extra scene.


By the end of her internship six weeks later, Aria and Ezra decided that visiting Ella and Byron was in order, and they would deal with the people of Rosewood directly. There would be no games this time.

Ella picked them up at the airport and cooed unabashedly at Clara, who was now in the habit of smiling and giggling at everyone she met. From the moment their plane landed to the moment they entered the Montgomery home, Aria held Ezra's hand, seeking comfort, as the pair prepared for the inevitable onslaught of unwelcome judgments from the Rosewood population.

Once unpacked, Aria just wanted to get the inevitable done with, so she and Ezra placed Clara in her stroller and made the relatively long walk to the town center to eat lunch at The Grill.

Throughout the walk, Ezra whispered words of encouragement to Aria. He told her that whatever happened today didn't matter. Their life, after all, was in Chicago now not in Rosewood. It didn't matter what anyone thought of them, and nothing about their life or family would change. Aria couldn't hear his logic.

After eating, as they prepared to leave, Aria spotted Mona, out of the corner of her eye, heading straight for the table.

"Here goes nothing," Aria mumbled to herself. At Aria's statement, Ezra looked around confusedly before he caught sight of Mona. He smiled reassuringly at Aria, but it didn't help. It was Mona after all. Aria knew what was coming.

"Hi, Mr. Fitz." Then turning to Aria, Mona continued, "Sweetie. How are you doing?" Mona said. Aria flinched at Mona's use of the word sweetie.

"I'm fine, Mona." Aria tried to keep her voice calm, but it felt like her world was about to crumble.

"So this is your little bambina, huh? She's pretty, Aria."

"Thanks, Mona. This is Clara."

"Hi Clara," Mona said as Clara began to giggle, "Aria, she likes me." Aria wanted desperately to tell Mona that Clara giggled at everyone and that Mona was nothing special, but she held her tongue. Normal Mona was dangerous enough; Aria didn't want to bring out Angry Mona.

Then, Mona turned her attention back to Mr. Fitz. "Mr. Fitz, what are you doing back in town?"

Aria looked at Ezra, uncertain of what he'd say. He stated, without any sign of hesitation or discomfort, "Aria and I are just back visiting for a week." Aria couldn't believe his directness. Why wasn't he freaking out too? Did he really believe what he'd said earlier? Did he really not care what the people of Rosewood thought of him?

"Wait a second. You two are dating now?" When Aria nodded, Mona continued, "That must be awkward. What does Clara's father think?"

Deciding that she might as well enjoy the last few seconds before her secret was exposed, Aria chuckled, before saying, "Ezra doesn't seem to mind."

Mona looked confused, "He must be very understanding. Did he at least ask for a paternity test?"

With a slight smirk on his face, Ezra chimed in, "Actually, Mona. My first name is Ezra."

Mona looked taken aback and then the look was replaced with a strange intensity as she attempted and, due to her extreme level of shock, apparently failed to come up with a barbed reply. As if defeated, Mona only said, "OH! I was unaware of that. I've got to get going. Bye." As Mona left, she pulled out her cell phone and indiscreetly began texting frantically.

As she realized their secret was out, Aria grabbed Ezra's hand across the table. "Well, I guess we don't have to wonder when everyone will find out. Mona's got it covered," Aria said.

Ezra smiled brightly, unperturbed by the recent turn of events, "We have nothing to be ashamed of, remember? Just block unknown numbers on your phone, and I think we'll be..."

Before Ezra had a chance to finish his statement, Aria's phone buzzed to indicate a new text message. She looked at the alert: a new text from an unknown number. It was starting, but with the arrival of that single text message, Aria came to a realization. It didn't matter what terrible message the text contained because what the people of Rosewood thought about her and her family didn't matter. This wasn't her home any more, and Ezra was right: they had nothing to be ashamed of. Without hesitation, Aria simply deleted the unread text and proceeded to block all unknown numbers. With the immense weight of her worry lifted, Aria smiled broadly at Ezra who returned the smile unreservedly.

After paying, Aria and Ezra left the restaurant with baby Clara and meandered back to the Montgomery's, stopping occasionally for a little well-deserved PDA. It didn't matter who saw them. Everyone would soon be aware of their relationship, if they weren't already, so Aria and Ezra were going to enjoy the freedom.


EPILOGUE:

"Aria, don't forget we have that party tonight."

"Faculty party, right. I hate these things. Last time, Harry got drunk and became super handsy," Aria replied, making a pained face.

"Well, if he gets drunk again tonight, I'll glue myself to your side and give him my best "I'm her husband, dammit. Keep your paws off" look. Will that help?"

"Sounds like a plan." Aria stood up on her tiptoes to give Ezra a light kiss, but it quickly escalated. She wrapped her hands around his neck, and he backed her into the kitchen counter and placed her on top of it.

"Come on, guys. I just ate breakfast. Please don't make me vomit," Clara yelled from across the kitchen.

"There's no need to be so dramatic, baby," Aria said, as she gave Ezra one last kiss and dismounted the counter, "Are you all ready to go, Clara?"

"Yep."

"Ok, I'll just grab Riley, and we'll be off. Clara, remember Mrs. Johnson will pick you up from school today and stay with you this evening. Your Dad and I have to go to a faculty party at work."

"Mom," Clara complained, "I don't need a sitter. I can take care of myself."

"Not going to happen until your thirteen."

"Mom," Clara whined.

Ezra chimed it, "You know the rule. You have two more months, Claire-bear. Besides, do you really want to be in charge of Riley for a whole night? Go grab your backpack, and we'll go."

With that, Clara left the kitchen and Aria left Ezra to put the finishing touches on their children's lunches as she went into the living room to collect their young son, who was happily watching a rerun of Sesame Street.

Five minutes later, the Fitzes left their house. They made their way first to the kindergarten to drop Riley off, then to the middle school for Clara, before making the final stop at the high school where both Aria and Ezra worked.

Once parked, Aria and Ezra walked into the high school with their hands linked together, just as they did every morning.