Title: The More Things Change

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Someone else (Radiant Productions?) Owns The Agency and all of the characters portrayed in this story) therefore, the author will receive no compensation for this story.

Part 27: Always

Liz walked up and kissed Stiles' cheek. "I'm so glad you came."

"Hi Liz. Happy anniversary."

"Thank you darling. Where is that beautiful wife of yours? How are things going with you two? You seemed like you were having fun out there."

"She's over there." He pointed at the table where Terri was waiting for him. "Things are progressing—slowly, but progressing nonetheless." He wanted to add that they would be much better if her son would stay away from Terri. Before he finished the thought, Matt walked up and sat down next to Terri.

"So Matt isn't giving you too much trouble?" Liz saw the puzzled look on his face and thought she should explain. "I saw who he was dancing with when they called for the family. If he gets out of line you just let me know; I told him he isn't too old for me to put him over my knee." She followed Stiles' eyes to the table where Matt had joined Terri.

"Terri, about earlier…"

"Matt, I don't want to talk about it, okay? Just forget about it. Let's enjoy the party."

Terri spotted Stiles and Liz and stood up before Matt had a chance to say anything else. She was afraid that if she said anything else they would end up in an argument and she didn't want that—not there.

"I could just snatch a knot in him. Listen, don't you worry about him. She is your wife and I'm sure she'll remember that. If she doesn't you're just charming enough to make her fall in love with you again."

Stiles picked Liz up, hugged, and kissed her. It was nice to have someone else on his side. He really missed having a mother. Liz's feet were barely back on the ground when Terri appeared with Matt close on her heels.

"What are you talking about over here?"

"Oh, a little of this, a little of that," Liz answered and winked at Stiles.

Terri was about to say something else when the music started. She paused and listened carefully as though she was trying to figure out the name of the song. Matt was about to ask her to dance when she spoke.

Ignoring Matt, Terri turned to his mother."Liz, will you excuse us please?"

Liz smiled at Terri and made a face at her son. "Of course dear."

Terri took Stiles' hand and led him to the dance floor. "Song number two."

Bailey kissed her husband when she heard the song and saw her two best friends walking to the dance floor. "You did very well, my dear," She said remarking on Chance's ability to have the DJ play the song at exactly the right moment.

They walked to the dance floor during the intro, Terri still holding Stiles' hand. Stiles had a stunned look on his face. "You don't like it? I love this song." Stiles didn't respond as he put his arm around his wife and began dancing.

Girl you are to me
All that a woman should be
and I dedicate my life to you, always
A love like yours is rare
It must have been sent from up above
and I know you'll stay this way, for always

Terri couldn't help but notice the glisten of tears in his eyes when she looked up at Stiles. She battled an internal war over whether or not to say anything. Her curious side won. "You okay?"

She received no reply as they danced to the next verse. He closed his eyes and held onto her tightly.

"Stiles?"

And we both know
That our love will grow
and forever it will be you and me
Ooh, You're like the sun
Chasing all the rain away
When you come around
You bring brighter days
You're the perfect one for me
and you forever will be
and I will love you so, for always

Come with me my sweet
Let's go make a family
and they will bring us joy for always

Oh boy I love you so
Can't find enough way to let you know
But you can be sure; I'm yours, for always

He didn't say a word while the song was playing. He was lost in the words--images of their wedding day playing on his mind. When the song was over, Stiles opened his eyes and looked down at his wife. "Thank you."

Terri assumed he meant for dancing with him. "You're welcome. I was pretty sure you wouldn't step on my feet."

"You didn't…You don't remember do you?" Stiles asked disappointed.

Terri shook her head. "Remember what?"

"The song, I thought you remembered. IHOP this morning and then this, I thought you remembered."

"Is it a special song to you?"

"To us; it's the first song we ever danced to together and it kind of became our song. The first time was on Andros, the last time was at our wedding reception."

"Stiles, I'm sorry I don't remember." Terri was genuinely sorry. She had fought remembering for months, determined that she couldn't have fallen in love with much less married this man. Now she could see the sadness in his eyes when she was with Matt, when he said 'I love you' and she didn't, when she couldn't remember something special to just the two of them.

This time though, he wasn't sad; he was hopeful. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. When she looked up he was smiling. "It's okay; it means the world to me just knowing that you want to. I think you remember more than you realize. You did choose 'our song' for our second dance. I don't think that's a coincidence."

He'd gotten her to smile! Ten things ran through Terri's mind. She wasn't sure what to say to him. She did want to remember, but now standing in front of him as he looked at her with such hope she was a bit unnerved. Instead of responding to his last comment, she told him they should find Liz and Carson before they went home.

As they got back to the table where Terri left her purse, Bailey and Chance appeared. "Hey, looked like you guys were having a good time out there." Terri shook her head. Stiles smiled as he reached out and put his hand on the small of Terri's back. "You could say that."

"We're going to head out; he's got an early flight tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, Chicago."

"Didn't you just get back from Chicago?"

Stiles rolled his eyes as he looked in Matt's direction. "Yeah, it seems that I'm still needed there. I had to pull rank to come home for this."

Bailey hugged him. "Well I'm glad you did. I know both mom and dad were glad to see you."

Chance whispered to Stiles, "I'll keep an eye on things while you're gone. But by the way, she looked happy with you tonight. I don't think you have anything to worry about." Stiles sure hoped he was right.

Bailey hugged Terri and thanked her for all of her help. When she let her go, she noticed the faraway look on Terri's face.

"Are you okay? I thought things went well with you two tonight, did I miss something?"

"No, it's just Matt and Stiles…Oh Bailey; I think I'm falling in love with my husband."

Bailey smiled and hugged Terri again. "Honey, that's a good thing; I'm so happy for you. It'll be okay I promise. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. Trust me." Bailey winked at her friend as Stiles took his wife's hand and walked her to the door.

Matt caught up with the four of them at the door. As soon as Stiles saw him, he moved closer to Terri. "Terri it's still early you don't have to go so soon."

"He's my ride and he's got the flight to Chicago early tomorrow morning."

"I can drive you."

"No that's okay."

Matt smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her goodbye. As he got close to her face, Terri instinctively turned and he missed her lips and got her cheek instead. Stiles didn't say a word, but the look on his face told Matt he'd noticed. Matt watched as Stiles walked out with his arm around Terri's waist.

"What was that all about?" Chance wondered aloud.

Bailey smiled broadly. "She's falling in love with him."

"Him who?"

She poked him in the side and looked at him astonished. "Her husband, of course!"

"Of course," Chance mumbled to himself as they headed back inside.

Always Performed by: Atlantic Starr and Written by: Jonathan Lewis, David Lewis, and Wayne Lewis