Last chapter
After they returned to Star City, Oliver decided that he'd put off a conversation with Samantha and William long enough.
"Oliver, we were just coming over to talk to you. Now that William knows that you're both the Green Arrow and his father, I think that maybe you should get to spend some time with him again." Samantha said.
"Wait, what? I thought you didn't want William to get mixed up in all my craziness." Oliver reminded her.
"I didn't, but it's become clear that he already did when you discovered that he was your son. Besides, now that he knows the truth and you just saved all of our lives, I think you've earned your share of time with him." Samantha said.
"Samantha, that sounds great, but I can't just uproot William from his life, since I'm assuming that you guys are moving back to Central City." Oliver said.
"Actually, I decided that it would be safer if we moved to Star City. After all, what's safer for William than a city where the Green Arrow is the mayor?" Samantha said.
"Any other city on earth." Oliver said.
"Please dad." William said.
"Fine, but William, you have to remember that you cannot tell anyone that I'm the Green Arrow or anything about this part of my life. It has to be our secret." Oliver said and William nodded.
"So, we're moving to Star City then?" Samantha asked.
"I guess if you think that's a good idea." Oliver conceded before heading back over to where Laurel, John and Thea were standing.
"What was that about?" Thea asked.
"Samantha and William are moving to Star City. Apparently now Samantha thinks it's a good idea for me to be a part of my son's life." Oliver said.
"Oliver, that's great news. You're finally going to be to have a real relationship with your son and from one father to another, that's something that can't be replaced." John said.
"Speaking of kids, are you and Lyla planning on having anymore or is Sara the only one?" Oliver asked.
"Not sure yet. I mean, things have been pretty hectic right now." John reminded him.
"Fair point. But on another topic, Thea, have you made your decision?" Oliver asked his sister.
"I think I'm ready to get back on the team." Thea said.
"Great, but I think that means we'll have to make a few improvements to the bunker." Laurel said.
"Already done." Oliver said.
The whole team, minus Nyssa and Malcolm since they had left now that they were no longer needed, had just entered the bunker to see that some of the lights were off.
"What's going on?" Curtis asked.
"I just wanted to show you guys the new improvements I've made down here." Oliver said as he turned the lights back on to reveal that he'd added more suits to the display. It now went Ragman, Mr. Terrific, Spartan, Green Arrow, Speedy, Black Canary, Arsenal, Wilddog and Artemis.
"What do you think?" Oliver asked.
"I think this is overdue." Rene said.
"I can always take it back down if you're not careful Rene." Oliver warned.
"Never mind then." Rene said.
"Hey, you know what I just realized." Laurel said.
"What?" Oliver asked.
"Today's your birthday and we haven't even talked about celebrating." Laurel said.
"Honestly Laurel, I've forgotten when the last time I celebrated my birthday." Oliver said.
"Wait, how can you not remember the last time you celebrated your own birthday?" Evelyn asked.
"Because this time of year is usually when we have to save the city." Oliver said.
"Seriously?" Rory asked.
"Yep. Year one was the Undertaking, year two was the siege, year three was the Outbreak and last year was Genesis." John said.
"Which is why we are definitely celebrating tonight. Party at our place." Laurel said.
Oliver knew Laurel well enough to know not to talk her out of it, so he just nodded his head.
That night, the whole team, plus Lyla, both Sara Diggle and Sara Lance (the Legends had decided to spend some time with their families in the present), Ray, William and Samantha were at Oliver and Laurel's house, celebrating.
"I can't remember the last time we celebrated your birthday." Thea said.
"Remember what happened the last time we celebrated yours?" Oliver asked.
"I thought we agreed never to talk about that again." Thea said.
"Please tell me you did not bake that cake." Sara said to her big sister. as they saw the Green Arrow cake Laurel had just set out.
"Relax, Oliver made it very clear that I am not allowed to cook anything." Laurel said.
"So, where did you get it?" Sara asked.
"Lord Mesa Bakery. And before you ask, I bought the cake for a 6 year old since I didn't think that you could order a Green Arrow cake for a grown man, and well, let's be honest, Oliver's basically a child at heart." Laurel said.
"I heard that honey." Oliver said as he handed her a glass of club soda.
"I wish this were champagne." Laurel said.
"Hey, you got no one to blame for that but yourself. Now come one we're about do a toast." Oliver said.
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight. It's been so long I'd nearly forgotten what it felt like to celebrate my birthday. Last October, I never would've seen myself where I am now. Being a successful mayor of Star City, having my best friend and sister back on the team, having Roy on the team again, actually building a new team, actually having the chance to have a real relationship with my son and best of all, having the love of my life back." Oliver said as he wrapped his arm around Laurel's waist.
"Happy birthday baby." Laurel said, kissing him.
"And while I know on birthdays, you're supposed to receive gifts, today I want to give one instead to Laurel." Oliver said as he pulled a small box out of his pocket.
Being the only person who knew what Oliver was planning, Quentin actually showed a small smile as Oliver got down on one knee, took Laurel's hand in his own and opened the box to reveal a shiny diamond ring.
"Dinah Laurel Lance. Will you marry me?" Oliver asked.
Laurel was frozen in shock for a minute before saying "Yes, absolutely, I will marry you."
Oliver grinned as he slid the ring onto her finger, stood up and kissed her as their friends congratulated them.