A/N: Wrapping this story up, so enjoy! Hopefully I will have the next story started for you wonderful readers tomorrow! Thank you all for your amazing reviews, they really keep me motivated and inspired! :)
Four days after Alex left…
Alex woke up alone again in her room at the bed and breakfast. She was beginning to hate waking up because when she slept she dreamt of Casey. She dreamt of Casey smiling and laughing, of having sweet family moments with Casey and Caroline, of future plans they shared. Something had to give something needed to change.
Climbing out of bed she decided to get a shower and go for a walk of the premises around the B&B. She hadn't left the room since she got to the B&B as a matter of a fact she had only gotten out of bed to use the bathroom and get more water. After showering, she pulled her hair back and threw on a sweater, jeans and a pair of boots and walked out into the crisp morning air.
The morning air was a little colder than she had expected and Alex debated going back for a jacket but in the end decided against it. She thought the air might help keep her thoughts progressing; she really needed to figure out what to do about Casey and their relationship. It had been four days since she left and they hands down had been the four worst days of her life. She missed Casey more than anything and wanted to go home and make things right.
Although, she wondered how could they possibly have a real relationship if Casey couldn't let go of John. She wasn't asking Casey to forget John completely, just love her completely. She could still love John, but Alex wanted to know that Casey loved her to the point that she wasn't holding anything back and she didn't get that the night she left. It was why she left.
Sitting down on a bench along the path, Alex wondered could she return and look past Casey's insecurities. At this point, after spending the last four days with zero communication with Casey she fully believed she could. She would rather have what Casey could offer her than not have Casey at all. Simply being with Casey made her feel complete and she wanted that feeling back, she wanted to be with Casey and Caroline, they were her family now.
Pulling out her cell phone, Alex knew it was time to go home. She would let Casey know that everything was fine between them but that the offer of marriage still stood so when she was ready all she had to do was put the ring on. They could make everything work, she knew they could.
Turning on her phone it began to alert her of multiple messages. Going to the last one from Abbie, Alex hit play and put her ear to the phone to listen to Abbie's message, "Alex, where are you? Turn your phone on and call me back ASAP. Casey is having some sort of emotional breakdown or something. Owen has her drugged and says if she doesn't improve he is going to have to take her to the hospital. You need to come back. NOW ALEX! Call me please."
Alex paled hearing the message. Her heart rate sped up as she wondered what had she done. Shakily she stood running her hands through her hair she paced back and forth. What if Casey had been hospitalized? How was Caroline without either of them for support? What had she done?
Suddenly, Alex takes off running back towards the bed and breakfast. She had to get back to her room; she had to get back to the city now. Hopefully, she could get to Casey in time. Hopefully, she wasn't too late. Hopefully, Casey would forgive her for leaving.
Finally spotting the inn as she ran, she saw someone sitting outside on the porch steps. Alex began to slow down so she didn't plow the person over and as she did she noticed they had red hair like Casey's. Slowing to a walk the redhead looked up and she saw it was in fact Casey. Casey was sitting on the steps in front of her.
Casey sat on the steps of the porch. She saw Alex's car in the parking lot, but the inn keepers at the B&B wouldn't give her Alex's room number. Not knowing what to do Casey walked outside to sit on the porch steps. She hoped the crisp air would help her think maybe she would just sit here until Alex showed up. It was lame, but at least it would provide her a chance to see her. At least she was right about Alex's location.
Hearing someone coming her way, Casey looked up and saw Alex to walking towards her. Seeing her caused Casey's heart rate to sky rocket. Here she was and Casey had her moment staring her in the face, she had to make her move, it was time to make things right with her girlfriend. Slowly she stands and walks towards the now still Alex.
Alex's eyes were wide as if she was in shock. Casey was afraid that once she started talking Alex was going to run away. She didn't know if she could survive being left by Alex twice in a week's time, but she didn't have a choice she wasn't going to lose her again. Taking a breath to calm her nerves Casey finally spoke, "Alex, I am so sorry for hurting you the way I did."
Feeling tears start to slip from her eyes Casey wipes them away quickly and continues, "I am so sorry Alex. I love you and I don't know exactly what happened. I want to marry you Alex and I want to raise a family with you and spend every day of our lives making up for how much I hurt you. I have been so lost without you and I don't want to spend another day without you by my side Alex."
Casey's tears are falling steadily as she looks into Alex's eyes and walks up close to the blonde. Reaching into her shirt she pulls her necklace out and unclasps it. Sliding the ring from the chain Casey kneels in front of Alex and looks up in her eyes, "Alexandra, the moment I saw this ring I thought of you, your smile, your laugh, your love. I love you more than anything. Since buying it I have worn it close to my heart because that is where I want you to be and stay forever. Please Alexandra, please say yes you will marry me and make me the happiest woman in the world." As she finishes she slips the ring onto Alex's finger and stands.
Running her hand up to Alex's face she softly asks, "What do you say Alex?"
Alex is slightly shaking now, her emotions are in overdrive. A second ago she thought Casey might be in the hospital and then she was right in front of her. Now she just proposed and she is wearing Alex's ring. She opens her mouth to speak, to say yes but nothing comes out. Seeing a look of fear start to cross Casey's face Alex grabs the redhead by the waist and kisses her.
Casey was clearly shocked at first, but soon realized what was happening, what this kiss meant and melted into it, enjoying the softness of Alex's lips, the faint taste of coffee on her tongue, the feel of her magical body pressed into hers. Finally needing air, Casey broke the kiss and pressed her head against Alex's, smiling she softly says, "I take it that's a yes then?"
Alex smiles and says, "Yes, yes I want to marry you Casey," and pulls Casey in for another heated kiss. Casey breaks the kiss again and presses her cheek against Alex's whispering in her ear, "Let's go to your room." Quickly the blonde takes her lovers hand and leads her into the building and up the stairs to her room.
Once in the room, Casey looks around the spacious area. "You were right Alex, this place is really amazing." Casey says lightly turning to see the look on Alex's face she laughs, "What?"
Alex shakes her head with a smirk on her face as she approaches the redhead, "I didn't bring you up here to discuss the inn Casey and you know that," she pauses taking Casey in her arms and lightly kissing her lips before continuing, "You know that because you suggested coming up here."
Casey lick's her lips softly and says, "Your right," as she slips her hands under the hemline of Alex's sweater slowly lifting it over her head. Her breath catches instantly in her throat realizing Alex wasn't wearing a bra. Slowly, she runs her hands over Alex's breasts causing the blonde to gasp at the sensation. Leaning in, Casey begins kissing up Alex's neck as she slides her hands down to unbutton Alex's jeans.
Laughing Alex stops the redhead. "Casey, you are going to get hung up if I don't take my boots off first." Casey bites her lip as she smiles at Alex and removes her own shirt while kicking off her shoes. Getting the idea Alex sits in the window seat and takes off her boots and socks as she watches Casey remove her jeans.
As the last articles of clothing fall to the floor, Alex looks over Casey's magnificent body. Taking her into her arms she kisses her softly while running her hands over Casey's back and sides, enjoying the feel of her soft skin beneath her fingertips. Walking the redhead back towards the bed Alex has her lay down as she climbs on top.
Kneeling between her legs, Alex looks over Casey's body and leans forward pressing her body to the redheads sighing at the sensation of their bodies meeting again. Looking into Casey's eyes Alex whispers, "I love you Casey, I love you so much."
Hearing Alex's words, Casey pulls the blonde in for another searing kiss quickly flipping the blonde over and kissing down her neck towards her chest as she lets out a gasp. Reaching Alex's breast Casey runs her tongue around a hard nipple before nipping it between her teeth causing Alex to arch up towards her. Smiling at how she is affecting the blonde, Casey kisses over to her next nipple repeating her actions as she runs her right hand up Alex's leg towards her center.
Kissing her way back up to Alex's mouth Casey moves to straddle one of her legs. As she kisses the blonde softly she runs a finger lightly over Alex's soaked center. Alex sucks in a deep breath at the sensation causing Casey to smile. Sliding a finger inside the blonde Casey quickly finds her sweet spot and begins to slowly move the fingers against it.
Alex arches into Casey letting out a soft moan as the pleasurable sensations take over her. Grabbing onto Casey, Alex rolls her hips into Casey's hand as her breathing starts to quicken. Watching Alex's reactions to her ministrations Casey feels herself growing hotter and more desperate for release and begins to grind herself against Alex's thigh.
Casey can feel Alex tightening around her fingers and notices her breathing becoming irregular. Continuing to rub against herself against Alex's leg Casey can feel her own orgasm closing in and lets out moan. Alex opens her eyes hearing Casey and watches as the redhead works to get them both off. Feeling Casey plunge a little deeper into her, Alex gasps, "Yes Casey there." Seeing how close Alex is to crashing over the edge Casey moves her left hand to work Alex's clit causing the blonde to cry out from the sensation. Casey knows she is about to come, but wants Alex to finish first so she frantically rubs against Alex's clit causing the blonde to come hard crying out her name. Feeling Alex come around her fingers is enough to cause Casey to join her with her own orgasm.
Falling down on the bed next to Alex, Casey gasps for air. Rolling over to face Casey, Alex whispers, "I love you Casey," and places a light kiss to her lips. Casey smiles and answers, "I love you to Alexandra. Don't ever leave me again." Alex smiles and replies, "I never will," as they drift off to sleep in each other's arms.
The next afternoon…
Alex and Casey pull up next to the townhouse and park their cars. Climbing out, Alex knowingly smiles at Casey as she rushes to her side. Kissing her briefly, Alex whispers into the redhead's ear, "Do you think Serena will be pissed?" Casey laughs and lays her head on Alex's shoulder before answering, "Oh hell yes."
Laughing herself Alex says, "Well she can get over it, I couldn't wait." Taking Casey's hand she leads the redhead up to their house. Unlocking the door, Casey grins at Alex and says, "Brace for impact baby." Alex smiles wide understanding what Casey is meaning as they walk into the house.
"Hello family!" Casey calls out but doesn't get an answer.
"Maybe they are downstairs?" Alex asks when they suddenly hear a shriek and see Caroline coming running up the stairs.
"Guess so," Casey laughs seeing her little girl running from the stairs towards them. Alex drops to her knees and opens her arms wide to collect the little girl. Hugging her tightly Alex says, "I missed you so much," before kissing the little girls head and picking her up.
"You were gone so long!" Caroline exclaims as Owen, Kim, Abbie and Serena file into the room.
"I was Care-bear and it was awful. I missed you and Mommy so much. How about I try to never leave for that long again?" Alex offers with another kiss to Caroline's cheek.
Caroline beams and hugs Alex's neck hard saying, "Okay deal."
Casey looks at Alex and then to her brother and friends, taking a breath she says, "So Alex and I have some news."
"You're engaged!" Kim exclaims. Alex places Caroline on the ground and takes Casey in her arms before saying, "No, we got married!"
"What!" Serena yells.
Alex looks into Casey's eyes and laughs, "You were right," as she places a kiss to Casey's lips. Breaking the kiss, Alex looks to their friends and explains, "We knew what we wanted and the inn had a chapel and a minister so we asked if they would marry us and they agreed."
"I can't believe you two are married. Congratulations!" Owen says walking to give Casey and Alex a hug.
"Alex!" Caroline calls out.
"Yes sweetheart." Alex answers, getting on Caroline's level. The little girl looks at her intently and asks, "Does this mean you are my Mommy too?"
"I sure can be if you want me too." Alex answers with a big smile. Caroline smiles brightly and hugs Alex's neck again.
The newly married couple spends the next hour explaining how their nuptials occurred to their friends and what their plans are for announcing their marriage to the rest of their friends and the DA's office. Additionally, they took the lashing Serena felt was necessary about 'stealing her thunder' which lasted about all of two minutes before she hugged them both and told them how incredibly happy she was for them.
That evening they went out to dinner to celebrate. It was a nice quiet celebration with the people they loved the most. Coming home that evening, Casey looked over to her wife and smiled. She couldn't be happier being married to Alex. She honestly couldn't believe that she almost let her get away.
"I love you Alex and I am so happy to be married to you." Casey said kissing the back of Alex's hand.
"I love you to babe and am super happy to be married to you too." Alex says with a smile keeping her eyes on the road.
"I love you to!" Caroline calls out from the back seat causing Casey and Alex to laugh.
"We love you to Caroline." Alex replies.
"Alex, since you are mommy to do I call you Mommy?" Caroline asks from her booster seat.
Casey looks over to Alex with a big smile, she can see a tear running down her wife's cheek and she leans over to wipe it away. Taking a breath to steady her words Alex replies, "Care-bear since we already have a Mommy why don't you call me Mama. I called my mommy Mama so you could call me that as well that way Mommy and I will know who you are talking to."
"Okay Mama." Caroline happily replies looking out the car window as they continue their drive home. Casey lightly squeezes Alex's hand thanking God for how perfect her life really was now. It amazed her that just a few days ago it all seemed hopeless, but that one day literally changed the rest of her life.
Arriving back home, Alex and Casey quickly began bedtime routine with Caroline. Like normal Casey started Caroline's bath while Alex got her pajamas and bed ready then joined them in the bathroom. "Caroline, what do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" Alex asked as she sat on the floor next to Casey.
The little redhead tapped her chin and thought. Suddenly her face brightened and she squealed, "A baby brother!"
"Oh no!" Casey exclaimed while Alex laughed so hard she fell into Casey's lap. Casey quickly fixed there dilemma, "Caroline sweetie, Santa Claus doesn't bring babies. You have to pick a toy or something."
"Why?" Caroline asks as Alex sits back up composing herself.
"Why what Care-bear?" Alex asks.
"Why does Santa not bring babies?"
"Oh, um…" Casey stutters trying to find the right answer. Seeing her wife's problem Alex jumps to answer, "Because babies grow in mommies like Aunt Kim's babies remember. So would you like a new doll? Or how about a dollhouse?"
"Dollhouse!" Caroline says happily.
"Okay, a dollhouse it is sweetie. We can go talk to Santa tomorrow, but right now you have to get into bed." Casey says helping the little girl out of the tub.
Alex quickly dresses the little girl in her pajamas and read Caroline her books. She held the little girl close, so happy her dream has come true and now she really is a mom. Tucking the sweet little one in her bed Alex sang Caroline her song. As Alex kissed her goodnight and began to walk from the room Caroline sleepily called out, "Night Mama."
Smiling Alex replies, "Goodnight Caroline. I love you all the way to the sun the moon and all the stars and back again."
Walking down the hallway, Alex smiles thinking that the last time she put the little girl to bed she thought it might be the last time but now Caroline and Casey really were her family and her future. She couldn't ask for a better life.
Entering their bedroom, Alex sees Casey sitting in bed reading a book. Life already seems so normal again and it feels like the best thing ever. Quickly getting ready for bed, Alex climbs in next to Casey and pulls her close.
"I have a secret," she whispers into Casey's ear. Casey smiles brightly and whispers back, "Tell me please."
"You have to kiss me first."
Casey leans in and slowly kisses Alex enjoying the softness of her lips. Pulling back after a minute, the redhead says, "Spill it."
"I love you Casey Novak." Alex replies with a grin.
"I love you too Alex Cabot, but you need to get my name right." Casey replies with a smirk.
"What?" Alex questions with a confused expression on her face.
"I thought I might change my name. I would like to take your last name if you are okay with that." Casey answers entwining Alex's fingers with hers.
Alex smiles and replies, "I would love that Casey, but only if you really want to."
"I do." Casey quickly answers kissing Alex again.
Pulling back from the kiss Alex says, "There is one more thing Casey, I would like to adopt Caroline. I want to adopt her for all the legal reasons, but I most importantly I want her to know just how much I love her that I think of her as my own child. I don't ever want her to question my dedication and love to her when we one day have our own children."
Looking tearfully into Alex's eyes Casey nods while answering, "Yes Alex, yes I would love for you to adopt Caroline. I love you."
"I love you to Casey Cabot." Alex says with a chuckle as Casey snuggles into Alex's side laying.
"Don't laugh at my name Cabot."
"Okay CC." Alex says kissing Casey's head goodnight.
Ten years later, Christmas Morning…
"Casey, wake up!" Alex whispers loudly into her wife's ear.
"Haven't we gone over this baby? I only like to be woken up with kisses." Casey complains rolling back into Alex for warmth.
Running her fingers through her wife's gorgeous red hair Alex sighs, "Well in five seconds don't say I didn't warn you."
Casey looks up confused at Alex and blinks trying to think what the problem could be before her eyes go wide remembering what today is. She quickly sits up as four children come bounding into their room and jump on their bed. "It's Christmas!" they all exclaim happily.
Casey smiles as she looks over her four children. Caroline was now fourteen, followed by Neil who was 8, then Charlotte who was 6, and 4 year old Alexander at the end. They fondly referred to Alexander as Little Alex.
"Merry Christmas kids," Casey replies laying back into Alex's arms. She leans up and gives Alex a quick kiss before adding, "Merry Christmas baby. Thanks for my warning."
"Anytime CC," Alex replies with a grin as Casey pinches her. Alex laughs, "Ten years later and you still don't like my nickname for you. Oh well, Merry Christmas to you too. I love you Casey." As she finishes, she steals one more kiss before getting out of bed.
"Okay kiddos! Who is ready to go downstairs and see what Santa brought us all?" Alex asks their children.
"Mama," Caroline groans, "We all are can we get the show on the road?"
"Only fourteen and already so sassy," Casey grumbles climbing out of bed, "Santa may have just brought you coal this year."
Caroline smirks at her mother, "So funny Mom, but I might already know just what Santa brought me this year."
"Oh do you," Alex asks.
"Mommy can we go!" Little Alex asks tugging on her night shirt. Picking up her miniature clone of her wife, Casey says, "Yes, children lets go downstairs, but you all will not tear completely into all the presents until your mother and I have time to each have a cup of coffee."
"Yes Mom," Caroline grumbles. Putting her hand on her oldest shoulder Alex jokes, "Care-bear it might be time for you to start drinking coffee. You sure are not a morning person."
"More like anytime person." Neil retorts.
"Hey watch it or I will change your name to something else!" Caroline calls back.
"Mama!" Neil cries out.
"Caroline, Neil it is Christmas so please let it go." Alex firmly states as they reach the ground floor and the kids go racing to the presents. Casey wraps her arms around Alex as they watch their children's excitement over all the new stuff.
Kissing Alex's neck, Casey whispers, "Thank you for giving me the best Christmas present of all..."
"Oh, and what was that?" Alex asks turning in Casey's arms to look her in the eyes.
Casey smiles brightly, "You and our children, our life together. It's all because of you Alexandra Cabot."
"Well if you like that for a present then you should love what Santa brought us." Alex says leading Casey into the family room.
Leaning against the wall sat a family portrait of them. It had clearly been painted from Casey's favorite picture of them from the beach the summer before when they forced poor Abbie to play photographer. Casey loved it because it was a rarity for all four children to be smiling at the same time.
"Alex its beautiful thank you!" Casey replied wrapping her arms around her wife's neck.
"Anything for you Casey. Why don't you sit down and watch the kids for a minute while I run upstairs and fix us some coffee."
"Deal," Casey responds as Charlotte comes up to her. "Mommy can you open my dolly please," Charlotte asks holding up the boxed toy doll. "Yes sweetheart," Casey says taking the toy from her.
Charlotte had her red hair, and reminded Casey so much of Caroline at her age that it was shocking. Casey had Charlotte while Alex had carried Neil and Little Alex. Neil turned out to have light brown hair and striking green eyes, Alex thought he looked like her father, while Little Alex literally looked like Alex. It was funny to see the differences between the two boys, whereas the two girls looked almost like carbon copies.
Handing the freed doll to Charlotte with a kiss Casey sat back and observed her children. Caroline was loving her new art easel and paint set, Neil was fascinated with his giant set of K'NEX, Charlotte was lovingly playing with her doll and doll accessories, and Little Alex hadn't even opened a present yet because he was far to captivated by his new bicycle. Their children were beautiful.
Seeing Alex walk back into the room with their coffee Casey smiled. Taking the coffee from her wife, she asked, "Did you ever think life would be this amazing?"
Sitting next to her wife and wrapping an arm around her should Alex answered, "Before you no, after you yes."
"Always so smooth with your words Cabot."
"I try." Alex smiles.
"So you gave me my present, are you ready for yours it's big." Casey says with a big grin on her face.
Alex's eyes go wide as she asks, "How big Casey?"
"Really, really big Alex," Casey hands the blonde a small box.
"You didn't, seriously!" Alex exclaims opening the box to pull out a set of house keys, "Casey! You bought me the house!"
All four children are now staring at their mothers in shock. "Oh my God, I love you so much Casey. I can't believe you bought me the house. You are unbelievable." Alex exclaims again before kissing her wife.
Breaking the kiss, Alex looks at her kids with a big smile, "We are moving kids! You all will have your own rooms, and a yard to play in and a big driveway to ride bikes in and the most awesome Christmas light display every year!"
Their children instantly begin cheering and running around as Alex looks into Casey's eyes, "Thank you Casey."
Casey smiles saying, "Anything for you baby. I love you Alex."
Pulling her wife tight in her arms as she looks at their four rambunctious children Alex whispers in her ear, "Well thank you anyway for being here with me always. I love you."