A/N: Hello, readers. Thank you for all the reviews on the last chapter. Enjoy chapter 21.

Will POV

Megan scrolled down the page on her laptop as the waiter took Will's order. She felt him nudge her arm across the table.

"What?" she asked.

"Your order?"

"Oh, right. Sorry about that. I'll have a grilled chicken sandwich and some mushroom soup." The waiter scribbled the order on his notepad and disappeared into the kitchen.

It was Saturday afternoon and they were at Rey-Nowen's. It was about a week after Megan had announced her pregnancy and Will started to notice the little changes in her as she drank a blend of pink lemonade and coconut water.

"What are you working on anyway?" he asked. She looked up from the laptop. "I was just looking for some sponsors for the benefit. I want to do it as soon as possible."

"So what are you planning on doing?"

"I'm not sure yet, but I think I want to do something competitive. I know how dad's a sucker for a good charity golf game."

Will nodded. Megan looked up at him before closing her laptop. "But I did promise to hang out with you, so this can wait." She turned it off and put it in her bag. "Okay, little brother. I'm all yours."

Will smiled. "Well, thank you for the attention." He took a sip of his soda as the waiter came out of the kitchen with their plates. Megan bit into her sandwich and sighed. "I forgot how good these were."

"Yeah. They used to be your favorite, remember?"

"Of course I do. We used to come here all the time." She looked up at the walls. "We grew up here." She said solemnly.

Will looked up with her as he ate. "Yeah, but soon you'll have your own little one to bring here."

Megan looked down and rubbed her flat stomach. "Yeah, I will. I still can't believe it. I guess it'll finally start to hit me once I start showing."

"What about Daniel? How does he feel about it?"

"He's excited. I'll never forget his face when I told him. I hadn't seen him smile like that since the day he proposed and I said yes." She gave a small smile, recalling the memory.

Will looked down and smiled too, thinking about Ronnie and his conversation with Scott.

"It kind of reminds me of the smile I've been seeing on you lately."

Will looked at her. "What are you talking about?" Megan leaned back in her chair and eyed him. "Come on, Will. You're my brother. I know when something's up. So what is it?"

Will sighed and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Well, over the past few days, I've been thinking about my relationship with Ronnie and where I want it to go. There's no denying that I love her and I know she loves me. We've both been through a lot and have had our disagreements but in the end, it's only made us closer. I guess I just-"

"You want to marry her, don't you?" Megan interjected. Will gave a nervous laugh. "Am I that obvious?"

Megan smiled. "Yeah, pretty much. I just want to know something."

"What's that?"

She sighed and put her hand on his arm. "Are you sure you're ready for this? I mean, you're only nineteen, Will. You have your whole life ahead of you."

Will took a deep breath and thought about it. It was the question that had been hounding him forever. He knew that he was young and most people his age thought that it was way too early to settle down. But like he said, he didn't see himself being with anyone else and he saw no point in waiting. He looked up in satisfaction, knowing he could give his sister a clear answer.

"Yes, I am." He said.

Megan stared at him. "You really want to do this, huh?"

"Yes, Megan. I really do. I love her. More than love actually. There is no one word to describe how I feel about her. She's the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing that runs through my mind before I go to sleep. I can't help but love her more any time I see her smile or hear her laugh. It amazes me how special she is and I learn something new about her everyday. She's an incredible person and she's so kind. I've never loved anyone like I love her. She's my best friend and I don't want to be without her."

Megan smiled. "Then I'd say you're ready."

Ronnie POV

"Are you doing anything today?" Will asked. He rubbed Ronnie's back as she groaned. "I don't think so, I'm a little tired. I was up all night talking to my mom."

They were on his bed and she was lying on her stomach while he sat up next to her. "How's she doing?"

"Great. She and Brian are making the final plans for the wedding. The date is set for December."

"That's great. I was wondering when they would finally tie the knot."

Ronnie yawned. "Yup, they've been engaged for almost two years. They've just been really busy and haven't had time to plan a wedding."

"Speaking of planning, you still haven't told me what you want to do for your birthday." He said.

"I don't know, I haven't really thought about it. Do you have something planned?"

"Even if I do, I'm not telling you. Birthdays are all about surprises." He said.

"A surprise from you? Now I'm a little scared."

Will chuckled and continued rubbing her back. "So do you want something to eat?"

Ronnie looked back at him and sat up. "What's up with you?"

"What are you talking about?"

She scooted over and sat next to him. "I don't know. It's just that you've been really nice to me lately…and helpful….. and you're listening to me more."

"Don't I always do that?"

Ronnie crossed her arms. "Yeah, but you've been really nice. It's like the Will-o-Nice-meter has gone up ten notches." Will laughed and pulled her to him. She rested her head against his chest. "Can't I be nice just to be nice? Why do you always think I'm up to something?"

Ronnie sighed and ran her fingers down his chest. "You're right. I should trust you."

Will kissed her forehead. "Thank you. So when are you heading to the aquarium?"

"Maybe tomorrow. The eggs are supposed to be hatching on Tuesday, so I might head there to help out with some things."

"Will Colton be there?" he asked. Ronnie looked up. "I don't know, maybe. Why?"

Will shook his head. "No reason."

Ronnie sat up. "Yes there is a reason. What is it?"

"Nothing, really. I just know that he works at the aquarium and you guys see a lot of each other."

"You're not jealous, are you?"

Will thought about it for a moment. "Actually, yes I am." Ronnie giggled. "Wow, I didn't expect you to admit it so quickly."

"Oh, I'm not really jealous. I just remember what you said you'd do the last time you thought I was jealous."

Ronnie laughed. "Right, I forgot about that. Refresh my memory."

"Well," Will began. "You promised me no more wise cracks and you'd pay more attention to me." He said putting his hands on her waist. Ronnie rolled over until she was lying on top of him. "Mmm-hmm." She said.

"And you said we'd spend a lot more time together." He continued.

"Mmm-hmm."

"No more making fun of my flaws."

"Mmm-hmm."

"And you'd agree with me when I say I'm an amazing kisser." He said. Ronnie grimaced. "I'm not sure I can do that last one." Will scoffed and Ronnie smiled. He brought her face down to his and kissed her lips. After a few seconds, she broke the kiss and looked down at him. "Okay, I agree."

"So how long does it take these to grow?" Ronnie asked Susan. She was admiring a patch of peonies that were blooming along the sidewalk.

Susan reached into her pocket and dug around for the key to the greenhouse. "Those have been here for a few months. They're one of my favorites." She said. After a few seconds, she pulled out the key and put it in the lock. As she walked in, Ronnie followed behind her.

Susan sighed. "Well, here it is."

Ronnie looked around in awe as she laid eyes on the wide range of colorful flowers. The green house was spacious and countless pots of flowers and plants lined all of the walls. She looked up and saw various types of roses hanging from the ceiling as the bright light from the sun blazed through the skylight.

"Wow." She whispered. Susan smiled and walked over to her. "I know, it's beautiful isn't it? It's my pride and joy. It's started out as a little hobby but now it's something I can't imagine living without."

Ronnie walked over and gently touched a small Calla Lily. "When did you start doing this?"

"A few years ago. I wanted something to ease some stress away and I found that this helps. I actually expanded it after Will left for school. I added some more space in the back and now it's twice as big."

"I've heard of gardening, but never like this. I can't believe I've never been back here before."

Susan pulled out some watering cans from a small shed and handed one to Ronnie before she gently trickled water on some Hydrangeas. "Well, I don't usually let people back here. It's my own little sanctuary…a way I can get away from it all."

Ronnie watered some of the flowers before looking up at Susan. "Thanks for bringing me here."

Susan looked back at her. "Look, I know I haven't always given you the friendliest approach and I know how I've treated you is wrong. But I have learned a lot about you this past month. I've learned what a good person you are. Even though I wasn't as nice as I could've been, you were so patient and mature about it. Not once did you disrespect me like I did you. And you're so good with Will, no matter how much I didn't want you to be. I know how he feels about you and I can see that you feel the same way. I realize that we're halfway through the summer and you two will go back to New York to continue your lives together, whether I like it or not. I just want to tell you I'm sorry for everything I've put you both through. It's just that Will's the only son I have left and I can't let anything happen to him, including letting him get his heart broken. But I see how wonderful you are and I know you won't let that happen. I'm so sorry, Ronnie."

Ronnie stood motionless, enthralled by her words. It was something she never expected to hear. Even after the few times they had spent together, she wasn't quite sure that Susan would ever completely except her and started to think of it as a lost cause. Her lips soon turned up in a small smile as she pulled Susan into her arms.

She was surprised at first, but soon wrapped her arms around her also.

"Thank you." Ronnie said softly.

Susan smiled in her arms and rubbed her back. "You're welcome."

Ronnie walked up the steps of the house before knocking on the door. No one answered and she lifted her hand to knock again just as the door swung open and Galadriel stood in front of her.

"Where have you been?" Ronnie asked. "I've been calling you for days. I was so worried."

"I'm fine." She said quickly. "I've just been busy."

Ronnie noticed how antsy she was. "Just busy?" She walked past her and into the living room. Galadriel closed the front door and quickly followed.

"Yeah, I had a lot going on and I'm sorry I didn't get back to you." She said. Ronnie nodded and walked down the hall to her bedroom. Galadriel followed behind her. "Ronnie, wait."

Ronnie opened the door and gasped when Marcus looked up at her.

Will POV

Ashley stood next to Will, who was leaning over the open hood of the car. "So what's wrong with it?" she asked.

"Well, the alternator needs to be checked, the battery's dead, the lights don't work and…pretty much everything."

Ashley frowned. "Oh."

"But on the bright side, the car itself is in pretty good condition." He walked over and tried to open the door, but the handle broke off. "Never mind."

Ashley gave a small laugh. "So can we fix it?"

Will put his hand on his chest. "In the words of the great Bob the builder…yes we can." Ashley laughed again and Will joined her. "But it's going to take some elbow grease."

Ashley nodded. "No problem. I'm ready for anything."

"Great." Will grabbed the toolbox he had brought and got to work taking out some of the parts. Ashley stood next to him, handing him tools and flashing a light whenever he needed her to.

"So how's everything been with your mom?" he asked.

"You know, same old same old. She's working overtime this week so she hasn't been home a lot for the past few days. I've been here by myself."

"Sounds rough."

"It's been ok. But thanks for helping me out with this. It feels nice to hang out with somebody. I thought I would never talk to another member of the human race again."

Will smiled. "No problem. Hand me that screwdriver, please." Ashley reached into the toolbox and pulled out the red screwdriver.

"So how's your family?" she asked.

"Good. Everyone's excited about the baby."

"Oh, right. Is she having cravings yet?"

He nodded. "All the time. It's so weird. I don't get you women."

Ashley grinned. "Hey, it's not our fault. Blame the hormones."

"It's still weird." He said. "Light, please." Ashley flashed the light into the car.

"What about Ronnie? How's she?"

"Great. She's actually been spending some time with my mom."

"Really? That's great."

Will stopped working and looked up. "Yeah, it is. It's actually…pretty amazing. After everything that's happened, I never imagined I'd see them like that. It's refreshing to see them get along, especially after all the thinking I've done these past few weeks."

Ashley turned the flashlight off. "And what have you been thinking about?"

Will grabbed a towel from the shelf and wiped the grease off his hands. "I'm going to ask Ronnie to marry me."

Ashley stood in silence as if the words he spoke froze her. Once she regained her composure, she put down the flashlight. "Wow." She said, taking a seat on the bench in the corner of the garage. Will sat down next to her.

"I know. It was a big decision to make but I'm ready to take that step."

Ashley tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled. "Then I'm happy for you."

Will smiled back. "Thank you. That means so much. You know, you've been a really good friend, Ashley."

"Thanks." She said.

"No, I really mean it. The way you've been here for me and looked out for me. I know we've had our differences but I really, really care about you. I'm happy we were able to build this bond this summer. Now I don't know what I'd do without you." He pulled her into his arms for a hug.

Ashley wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. A single tear fell from her cheek as she whispered, so low that he couldn't hear. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you."

Ronnie POV

Ronnie waited on the sidewalk as Galadriel locked the door. After she came down the steps, she joined Ronnie and they started walking.

"Listen, I'm really sorry I haven't called you or anything. I just didn't know what to say. I wanted to spend time with you, but I couldn't leave him alone." Galadriel explained.

"But why is he here? I thought you guys were done." Ronnie said.

"We are. I'm just helping him out."

"With what?" Ronnie asked. She stopped walking and pulled Galadriel with her. "What's wrong with him?"

Galadriel sighed. "He overdosed on some medication last week and went to the hospital. He's been staying with me for the past few days."

"What? Was it on purpose?"

"I don't know. Apparently he was unconscious in his car and someone found him and called 911. While he was in the hospital, he called me and told me he had nowhere else to go. I didn't want him to hurt himself or do anything stupid, so I picked him up and told him he could stay with me. Even though he did what he did, I don't want him to take his own life. Even he doesn't deserve that."

Ronnie drew a deep breath. "But why would he do that to himself?"

Galadriel sighed. "I don't know. I don't even know the whole story. All I know is that I've never seen him like that before. He just seems so lost and out of it. It's like he's just a lifeless shell. I've never seen him this vulnerable and I feel a little bad for him."

Ronnie crossed her arms. "Why didn't you just tell me what was going on?"

"Because I knew what you'd say. You'd tell me that he's just trying to mess with my head."

"Well, he is, Galadriel." She countered.

"No, Ronnie. He's not. He needs help and he has no one else but me. Even if he is trying to get in my head, you know I won't let him. I know how much he's hurt me in the past and I'm stronger now. He's been here for almost a week and we haven't done anything. I'm not going to let him take advantage of me, I'm just lending a hand. Now can you just trust that I can handle this myself?"

Ronnie sighed. "Fine. I'll trust you. But if he tries anything funny, promise me you'll kick him out and be satisfied with the fact that you tried to help."

Galadriel smiled. "I promise."

Will POV

Will pulled out his phone and dialed the number. His heartbeat sped up as he waited for her to answer. He felt as if this phone call was the beginning to the rest of his life. His heart ached a little at the fact that it wasn't her father he was asking this question to, but he shoved that thought aside and focused on the bigger picture. After a few rings, he heard her voice.

"Hey, Mrs. Miller. There's something I wanted to ask you."

A/N: Thanks for reading and please review.