Chapter 25

When Dean arrived home from the hospital a few days after, Lisa was waiting for him on his bed crisscross applesauce. It was like living the night he got back all over again and Dean felt like a deer caught in the headlights. Dean placed his jacket on his desk and looked at her but didn't say anything. Neither did she. She didn't visit him in the hospital because he texted her not to and they hadn't spoken face-to-face since they had their argument, five days earlier. He hadn't called her back the night he said he would nor had he picked up her calls while he was in the hospital. It had been chaotic few days.

He sucked in a sharp breath, cutting through the thick silence but it was Lisa who spoke first but in a somber tone.

"I'm glad you're okay," Lisa told him. She arched her back forward a bit more and it made her stomach look bigger.

Dean nodded. "Me too."

The next moments were spent quietly. Dean didn't know what to say. He couldn't explain himself. He had hurt her, he knew that. Lately, that was all he'd been doing. "So, what happens from here?"

Dean leaned against his door, wishing that there was even more distance between them. "What do you mean?"

Lisa looked down and began to run her hands through his navy blue stripped comforter, not meeting his gaze. "I mean, what happens with us now?"

Dean felt like he had been punched in the gut. He had really hurt her. "Lisa, Listen I-"

She looked back up at him with glossy eyes and Dean felt all the air escape from his body. "No, Dean, you listen. We haven't said a word to each other in almost a week. Do you want to take a break? Is that what this is? I'll give you your space if that's what you want… if it's what you need. This baby doesn't have to be your responsibility, and I'll understand if it's too much for you."

Dean suddenly felt his limbs begin to move, closer to her. "No, that's not at all what I want. I shouldn't have run away like that, even if I still can't remember certain things. That was selfish of me. I know that now. I don't ever want space from you again." Dean was now facing her on the bed sitting just as she was. Tears had now escaped from Lisa's eyes and she furiously wiped them away before Dean could get to them.

Dean found his hands inching up towards her stomach and all the fear that he had been having vanished when he felt the smallest flutter of the baby. Dean smiled, despite the knot forming in his throat and looked right in her eyes, "I want the responsibility of both you and this baby, and I will love him or her just like I've loved you."

Lisa let out a sigh and nodded. "You don't know how good that made me feel. I love you too," Lisa told him. Dean then began to feel the slight movements of Lisa's stomach as she began to giggle despite the tears still running down her face. Dean wondered if tears could instantly change from gloomy to joyful. Dean wrapping his arms further around her and straightened himself up more on his bed so that his head was now resting on her stomach. He felt so tired.

They stayed like that for a while- even when the baby protest by kicking Dean. They didn't speak again till Lisa's tears were dry streaks.

Dean was rubbing circles into Lisa's back when she began to speak. "Do you think Arthur's going to have green eyes, like you?"

"No, I think Olivia's going to have brown eyes," he countered looking up at her. Dean didn't really know what gender he wanted the baby to be but since Lisa had hinted boy in her previous sentence, it was only fair that he would choose the opposite.

Lisa twisted her mouth to the side. "But brown eyes aren't as cute."

"Yours are," Dean quipped before he could stop himself.

"You're so cheesy…"

"I'm not cheesy. It's the truth! With your genes, this baby is set. You're gorgeous," Dean said quietly, leaning in closer.

"You're gorgeous too." Lisa smiled down at him for a moment. "Especially with those green eyes."

"I want to marry you," Dean blurted out. It was then understood that he had lost his filter for the night. He didn't care. He was just excited that they were speaking again.

Lisa stretched her neck to look over at him. "Except we have that small detail of me being pregnant."

"And what if that small detail doesn't bother me?"

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right… well since you've only been back for a bit, I'll let you in on a little secret. Dean, I'm 34 weeks pregnant. That's almost full term. I feel like tying my shoes is considered exercising for me. Hell, I can't see my feet most days. And on top of all that, I can't fit into cute clothes anymore."

"That doesn't mean you're not sexy. I'm loving the belly too it's a nice pillow... even if the pillow keeps kicking me in the face."

Dean could feel the slouch that Lisa gave him because her stomach shifted. "And you just ruined it…" She deadpanned.

"What?" Dean dragged as a he sat up with a laugh. "All I'm saying is that you are beautiful when you're pregnant." He looked down towards her stomach. "I love your stomach," then up towards her face. "I love your beautiful face; I love your brown eyes." Dean leaned in for a kiss. "And I love how soft your lips are because I love everything about you."

Lisa kissed him back and Dean felt the furious hot blush spread across his face.

*S*P*N*

Dean's fingers had never sweat so much in their entire life than they were now. One step… two… three and he was standing in front of the door of no return. Dean wiped his hands on his dark jeans and placed his hand on the thick wooden dark green door. He took a deep breath and gave the door a few knocks. If he were lucky, the person on the other side wasn't home and he could just go now. Wait a minute… Dean was never lucky…

He smiled to himself but it faded as quickly as it had popped up when he heard steps.

But these weren't just any regular steps. They were heavy steps. Steps that sounded like they had an agenda and by Dean knocking, the agenda was now ruined. Dean jumped as he felt a sharp puff of air as the door was opened a sliver.

Dean watches as a man with thick glasses-like his own- popped his head out from the heavy wooden door. Sharp eyes looked him up and down for a moment. For a split second, Dean felt like his legs were going to bolt, wished that they would. Just then, the man cleared his throat and with a smile, opened the door wider. Dean sighed in relief. There would be no running today.

"It's good to see you, Dean! I almost didn't recognize you there for a second. Sorry if I scared you. I thought you were telemarketers trying to sell me something." Lisa's father, Max, greeted. Dean breathed out a sigh and hoped it didn't sound shaky. The 6 "4" Ex-marine, who had a beer in his hands with tattoos lacing every arm- was in a good mood. "If you're looking for Lisa, she's not here right now. I'm not sure when she'll be back but you're welcome to come in," Max said opening the door wider and stepping aside. Dean took the offer.

Dean liked Max. He was outgoing and funny but he was also very intimidating at times, and even more so since Dean had gotten Lisa pregnant.

"I actually wanted to talk to you and Amelia," Dean said, taking his jacket off.

Max nodded as he closed the door and lead Dean to the kitchen. "Amelia just made some lemonade. Heads up, it's very sour. Drink at your own risk." Max pointed to the pitcher and called for Amelia. "I had to wash it down with some beer to get the taste out of my mouth. So if you want a bit, don't hesitate to ask."

Dean declined and explained how he was still on pain meds. Max offered him some other juice instead.

Dean took a glass and put his jacket down on the counter. Lemonade had been one of his favorite drinks when he was growing up but he hadn't had lemonade since he had started his treatments, nearly two years ago. Eating anything acidic back then would cause mouth sores for days so Dean had been stuck eating things like pudding, yogurt and oatmeal. Dean cringed at the thought of the mushy foods and took a sip of his lemonade. He shuddered as the drink pinched just under his jaw and his eyes began to water.

Max began to laugh and gripped the back of Dean's neck. Max had done this gesture several times over the last couple of years even when he was still sick. That was the thing, Max didn't treat him like he was fragile and for that, Dean was grateful "I warned you!" Dean began to laugh along with him. "Quick, pour it out before she comes."

Dean went to their sink when he heard Amelia's voice. He stopped and turned around. Max smirked at him. "Dean, it's nice to see you! How have you been? Can I make you anything to eat? You're as skinny as a stick." Dean looked down at his tee- shirt then belt keeping his pant' from falling down and wondered if his clothes hung on him too much. He then pulled up his shirt so his collar bone was hidden a bit more. Dean watched as Amelia's eyes widened "Oh, I'm so sorry. I did not mean for it to come out like that… I truly didn't mean to say that. I'm just so used to saying that to Lisa."

"Don't worry about it. My mom says the same thing," Dean said with a shrug. "I actually just ate."

"Good." Amelia clasped her hands together. "Well, let's go sit in the living room," Amelia said walking away from the kitchen. Both he and Max followed. "So, how have you been?" Amelia asked as Dean took his seat across from them on their cracked black leather coach. The bright pale blue walls did nothing to calm him. "Lisa mentioned that you were in the hospital a few days ago. I hope everything's alright. Are you alright? And is the the cancer at bay?"

Dean took a breath and nodded. No matter how many times people had asked him that over the years, he was never ready. "I've been doing pretty well. Everything's alright and yes, the cancer is at bay. I just hit my head and I had a concussion. I'm fine now though. I actually came here to talk about your daughter."

Amelia nodded. "Okay then."

Dean felt like he suddenly didn't have any control of his body because his legs began to bounce up and down and his fingers were getting clammy again. Dean counted to ten as his heart felt like it was gunna pop out of his chest. "As you know, Lisa and I have been dating for 3 years, almost 4 now. During these years, I have gotten to know the most unique, outgoing and smart woman." Dean leaned forward in his chair and felt like he was going to throw up.

Here goes nothing, he thought. He then went on to tell them about his father and how Lisa had brought him out of depression. He also told them how Lisa had lifted him up when he was going through his treatments. And how she was there for him now when his life seemed so unfamiliar to him. "I know that she is a very important part of your guy's lives and I hope to make her a permanent part of mine…" Dean wiped his hands on his pants again and was suddenly grateful that they were dark. "So… that's why I'm asking to marry your daughter."

Max looked up at him with an expression that Dean couldn't read. Max looked over at Amelia, whose eyes were glassy and then back at Dean. Suddenly Max's eyes crinkled and a smile came next. "Well, it's about damn time." Max stood up and he reached for Dean's hand in one quick stride. Dean let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding. He then reached for Max's hand, suddenly feeling his whole body being lifted up and a pair of strong hands holding him up. He wasn't even sure his feet were touching the ground anymore. "As long as you love our daughter, I don't see any reason why we shouldn't say yes. I would say welcome to the family but, I think you've always been a part of our family for a while now."

Amelia joined them right then.

Dean changed his mind right then and there.

He was the luckiest guy in the world.

*S*P*N*

Sam could practically hear the click of the hand cuffs and he rubbed at his wrist absently. This couldn't be happening. His favorite character shouldn't be going to jail, when the real culprit was still out there. He put the book down on the couch and closed his eyes, spent.

Sam suddenly felt something tickle his face. It felt like hair. Sam knew it wasn't his because his hair wasn't even past his ears yet. Sam opened one eye to see two eyes staring back at him. He pushed the intruder away with both his arms. "Dean, what are you doing and how did you get into my house?"

Dean went over to Sam's socked feet and lifted them up and onto his lap before sitting down himself. "Watcha reading?" Dean asked, completely dodging his question.

Sam held up the book. "Graceland."

Dean's brows inched together. "Graceland… wait- as in my book Graceland?"

Sam shrugged. "Yeah, I hope you don't mind. I borrowed it."

Dean shook his head. "Dude… so not cool."

Sam rolled his eyes and pointed to Dean. "Come on! You weren't even here!"

"Whatever… just take my books why don't you? Oh and you should really lock the door if you're going to be zoned out like that. If it weren't for the fact that your eyes were moving along with the book, I would've thought you were dead. I've been here for a few minutes."

Sam blinked at Dean. "Wow… I had no Idea… so what are you doing here?"

"I just did the craziest thing ever…"

"That doesn't surprise me. What was it?"

"I kind of just asked Lisa's parents if I could marry her."

Sam put his book back down, intrigued. "Holy…"

Dean nodded his head slowly. "Oh, don't I know it."

"Wow… and her dad was okay with it? I met him over Thanksgiving. He seems intimidating…"

"I like him but he can be very intimidating. My hands were completely covered in sweat the whole time. But when it was over, he told me that I had been a part of the family for a while and he had no reason to say no."

"Dude, that sucks. So when's the big date?"

Dean cocked his head. "I haven't decided yet. I do know that I want to propose to her before he baby is due at the beginning of February."

"Well, congratulations man."

"Thanks. So, how are you and that Ruby girl?"

Sam looked at Dean confused and Dean mirrored his expression. "What about her?"

"Come on, you're not dating yet?"

Sam shuttered and stuck his tongue out. "God no! She's my best friend. I would never! I don't like her like that." Dean's eyes moved to something behind Sam's head.

"I remember when I said that about Lisa… well she didn't start off being my best friend but..."

"Dude… just no. And besides, she's into someone else right now."

Dean patted Sam's legs. "Well, you'll find your lucky someone someday."

Sam shrugged with a smirk. "Yeah, I know."

"Oh, that confidence…" Dean raised his eyebrows and Sam smiled again. "Hey, so… it's almost Christmas soon." Dean leaned in so he was closer to Sam. "What're you getting me?"

Sam went back to his book with a smile. "Absolutely nothing."

Dean scoffed and sat back up. "What? Come on man! It's been a tough year; it's the least you can do."

Sam pointed to himself. "What about me? It's been a tough year for me too. I got a freaking bone marrow transplant from a brother that I never even knew existed."

"Oh yeah, speaking of which, how is that going? That stupid cancer isn't giving you trouble is it?"

"Uh well, the docs still say there's nothing there for right now and they're optimistic. And since it was from my brother, there's a lower chance that I'll relapse because we're blood related. But I'm beginning to feel good. I'm starting to eat more things now that I couldn't before. So in turn, I have more energy. I mean, I'm still drinking those disgusting protein shakes but that's an every other day kind of thing now. As opposed to everyday, multiple times a say. And my hairs growing back so that's cool. I wont have to wear hats to stay warm anymore."

"That's what I like to hear!" Sam ignored Dean's attempt for a high five only to be hit in the forehead.

"Very funny," Sam deadpanned, rubbing his forehead. "Why are you even here?"

"Oh come on Sammy, can't a friend bug another friend?" Dean gave him his best puppy dog eyes and ruffled his hair. And Sam let him.

*S*P*N*

Dean felt like he was in a spy movie from the careful way he was walking. He shuffled on the carpet as quietly as he could. He knelt down as close as he could to his victim and moved the mass of red hair from their ear.

He took a deep breath and yelled as loud as he could, feeling his throat burn. "Wake up Anna, it's Christmas!" Dean saw the mess of hair and suddenly Anna's arms were flailing. He felt the burning sting after one of her hands hit him in the nose. He held his nose and felt the drip of liquid. "I guess I deserved that one."

Anna was now sitting up, eyes unfocused but face just as red as her hair. "Dean, what the hell?! Its 4 o'clock in the morning!"

"But it's Christmas," Dean said again with his face down and holding his nose tight. "You used to wake me up like this all the time! Paybacks a bitch now, isn't it?"

Anna pulled the sheets over her head and told him off, hoping his nose was broken. Dean only laughed as he sat up and walked toward the door, wiping the tears from his eyes, wounded but not defeated. "Make sure the video camera is charged for later today! You know how mom likes to video tape Christmas morning."

He had no warning when Anna's pillow hit the back of his head.

"Hey, at least I can use the pillow to mope up this blood. Sweet dreams princess! I think I got a little blood on your carpet. You're welcome."

Anna told him she hated him and he told her he loved her too.

He had a bruised nose that Christmas.

Anna did not apologize.

Christmas morning had been spent at the Braeden's house along with Dean's family and the Winchester's. Even Bobby was invited. It was just like Thanksgiving.

After a huge breakfast of casseroles, they had also opened present.

After presents, Mary spoke.

"I'm glad everyone came. It's been a weird year and to have everyone together like this is just what we all needed." Mary said. "A tradition of our family is to watch a holiday movie after opening presents. We have either A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th street or Christmas Vacation to choose from."

Dean spoke up just then. "Uh, before we start the movie, I have one other gift for Lisa," he reached under the couch to pull out a wrapped box.

Lisa took the messily wrapped gift and for the first time she didn't shake the box. "What is it?"

"Please Lisa, for once humor me," Dean told her. Lisa ripped the snowman wrapping paper away to reveal a book. She looked at the cover. The letters were gold and the brown leather book was outlined with the same gold flecked paint as the letters.

"Gathering Stories," She read then she touched the cover's letters one by one before opening it. She flipped through the pictures slowly with a look of excitement for each picture, cherishing every detail and it reminded Dean why he loved her. "There's pictures of us on our first date here. I had forgotten that you had pictures. Did you make this?"

Dean nodded. "Sure did. And I'm just putting it out there, I will never do this again."

She rolled her eyes as she flipping through some more pictures.

The room was completely silent as everyone stretched their neck to see each picture.

There were ones of them during Halloween dressed up as pirates. There were pictures of them at school games and Christmas time. There were also pictures of them together as he was receiving chemo, some where he was seeping and one where he was grimacing in pain after a bad case of mouth sores. She looked at those pictures the longest.

"I almost didn't add those in…" Dean added. "But it's part of our story."

Lisa smiled up at him and grabbed his hand. "I'm glad you added them."

Lisa flipped through the album until she got to a blank page. He told her to continue.

She flipped to the end to reveal a square cut out of the pages. She looked at him questioningly and there were whispers in the room.

Dean smiled. "I just want to say that I'm privilege to have you in my life. Uh, when my dad died, my heart had hardened and I had built a shield around it so nothing could infiltrate it, including love. When I met you, you were the first person to bring my guards down, in a good way. You taught me how to love again and showed me that I was capable of being loved after losing someone that had been very close to me."

Dean watched as Lisa's skin paled and he touched her cheek. She was warm despite her pale complexion. "Are you okay?"

Lisa only nodded.

Dean began again. "When I was diagnosed with the same disease that took my father, I was terrified. I just kept thinking, 'why me?' and 'why now,' you know? I was a kid in the beginning of high school, beginning sports and just beginning to get used to the fact that my dad wasn't there. You again dug me out of the hole by loving me. You showed me that I mattered. I don't know what I would have done without you in my life. I made you this book to show you that I love these stories that we made so far and that… I want to make more stories… with you."

Dean pulled out the little dark blue felt box. He kneeled down beside her.

"No way…no way…no. You're not serious…" tears began running down her face. "Oh my God."

Dean opened the small box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he asked.

"Oh my God… you're not joking…" The room was filed with light laughter. "Yes, yes, yes, of course I will marry you!" Dean slipped the ring on the forth finger and pulled Lisa to a standing position.

She placed her hands on his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

"I love you so much," she told him.

"I love you too," he responded. He looked at her for a moment. Her skin was glowing, her smile was bright and her eyes were mesmerizing. He wanted to remember this moment. Because, this moment was worth remembering forever.

She was worth remembering forever.

*S*P*N*

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Epilogue

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