A/N: Small M section in this chapter. Thank you for reading.

Disclaimer: Same 1-29.


"Congratulations, John! Here is your release form. You are rehabilitated," Jane announced to the small group gathered around applauding.

It felt surreal that he should be accepting the piece of paper stating he could once again be himself. Many times he had doubted himself, but his hard work and perseverance had paid off in the end. He took the piece of paper in hand and looked it over with a smile. It was real tangible evidence that he had achieved his goal. It would not have happened, though, without the people who were standing around him. Elsie, Gwen, Jane, and Anna had all played some role in getting him to this point. He would be forever indebted to them.

He lifted his head, and addressed the ladies.

"I would like to sincerely thank each one of you for helping me to see I could get here. It wasn't always easy, but you all understood what it was I needed. I could never possibly repay you."

"Your healing is repayment enough," Jane voiced with some emotion present in her voice.

John stepped closer to Jane and gave her a warm hug. He knew Jane was his therapist, but she had also become his friend.

"Thanks, Jane," John voiced.

"It was my pleasure, John," she replied before they broke apart.

"It'll be a shame to not see you around as often, but I'm so glad for you," Elsie said.

"I don't plan on staying away completely," John replied.

"I don't suspect Anna would have any complaint about you visiting," Gwen added.

"I most certainly would not," Anna said cheerfully, "and I couldn't be more proud of you."

"Thanks, love," John said shyly.

"The rest of the day waits for no one I'm afraid. Congratulations again, John," Elsie said before returning to work.

"Thank you, Elsie."

"Congrats, John. I'll see you sometime soon," Gwen said before leaving.

"Thank you."

"I don't want to see you back here," Jane said with a lop-sided grin. John knew she meant as a patient but wanted to tease anyways.

"Not even if it's to bring my future wife and her friends a treat?" John asked curiously.

"Alright, that's the only exception," Jane laughed, making both John and Anna laugh too.

"Bye, John," Jane said before heading to her office.

Turning around, he faced the most important person in the room who was beaming at him.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

John released a deep breath before replying, "I am. Let my grab my bag first."

John sometimes brought a rucksack with him to therapy in case he needed something or needed to change before he left. Today he had brought the bag along with him. They walked into Anna's office and when he reached for his bag he noticed a sunshine post-it note stuck to it.

In Anna's handwriting, it read, "You are the strongest person I know. Congratulations my future husband."

Anna had already stepped out of the office knowing he was taking a minute to read her small note. He was glad of that because it gave him the time to slip what he needed into his pocket. Once he had, he lifted the bag and followed Anna outside. She was just about to open the car door when John called to her.

"Anna."

Anna dropped her hand and looked over to him. "Yes?"

"Would you mind joining me on the bench for a bit?" He asked before walking in that direction.

"Okay," Anna answered with suspicion. She wasn't sure why he would want to sit outside the office when they could go home.

Reaching the bench, she sat down as John pulled out two sodas from his bag. He handed one to Anna before opening his own.

"What are you up to?" Anna questioned as she opened her drink.

"Nothing," He replied cheekily.

Anna hummed her disagreement before taking a sip of her drink.

"This was how we began to know each other," he mentioned as he patted the bench.

"Yes, it is," Anna agreed happily.

"I'm so glad you had the nerve to come offer me a drink. I don't know if I'd had the courage," he confessed sheepishly.

Anna drew closer to him until she was snugly against his side. "I was drawn to you from the moment I met you."

"And I you," he admitted.

"A lot has changed since then," she sighed dreamily.

"Thank God for that," John chuckled, making Anna chuckle with him.

"The reason I wanted to just be here for a moment with you and these can drinks-"

He paused to share a smile. "Is because I couldn't think of a better place to give you this."

He sat the can down on the ground before reaching into his pocket. He retrieved the small red velvet box and held it with his fingertips.

A gasp left Anna as she saw what John had pulled from his pocket. The box was now only a reach away from her.

"I apologize for the delay, but I didn't want to just hurry up and buy a ring. I wanted to make sure it was perfect."

Of course he would say something as perfect as he just said. She silently cursed Harvey for placing doubt in her mind.

"Please, open it," John encouraged.

Anna sat her drink down on the bench beside her and took the small box from John. With delicate fingers, she opened the box to reveal her engagement ring. It had a white gold band with a sizeable cushion cut diamond with diamonds outlining it. It sparkled brightly as the sun rays hit it the right way. It was absolutely gorgeous and something she would have picked out herself.

"Oh, John," Anna breathed. This ring must have cost him a fortune, but she wouldn't spoil the moment by talking about money.

"Do you like it?" John asked softly.

"Like it? I absolutely love it. It's beautiful."

"May I?" John asked as he nodded to the box.

"Yes, please," Anna replied as she positioned herself so John could place the ring on her finger.

John plucked the ring from the box and took Anna's left hand in his left hand.

"This is my promise that I will always be with you," he vowed.

He then slid the ring onto her ring finger and kissed the back of her hand.

"I love you so much," Anna said as happy tears formed.

"I love you too, my darling."

John awoke the next morning with a languid stretch. His muscles were a bit sore but he smiled devilishly from the reason. He was lying next to Anna in her bed. It had been thrilling to make love in her room. He had only been up there one other time. Things had been heated that night, but they had not made love. Now with it being morning, the excitement was still buzzing around in his mind. Maybe he could convince Anna into a morning encore. Turning to face her, he smiled as she made a little groan from his movement. He liked that he was the morning person and she wasn't. It gave him the opportunity to watch her while she was most peaceful.

Slowly, he reached under the sheet and curled his arm around her bare waist. He pressed warm kisses to her shoulder and the base of her neck to coax her from her slumber. He was caught off guard when Anna's leg came to wrap around his, making him pull back to look at her.

"Good morning," she said in a sleep laden voice. Her eyes were open, and she had a small smile.

"Good morning," he replied with dark eyes.

He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her with a gentleness a morning kiss should bring. He slid his hand down to her hip as he felt Anna raise her head a little to press a firmer kiss. He was glad she seemed to be wanting the same thing because right now all he could think about was their bodies coming together again. He was very much eager to try out the same position they had the night before; him on top of her. His knee had allowed him to be with Anna in that way, so he couldn't wait to try it again.

The confines of the sheet were beginning to be quite warm, so John slid the sheet down to expose the both of them to each other. Anna reached up a hand and pulled John back down to her by the back of his neck into a slow hungry kiss that made John ache with longing for her.

"I need you, John," she whispered hotly onto his lips as she broke the kiss. Their breaths mingled as they looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds.

He gave her another kiss before raising himself up and moving more to the end of the bed. Once he was there, Anna raised her knees and began spreading them enticingly as her left hand slid up her body. John gulped hard as he watched the most wanton display he had seen. When her left hand came to rest on her breast with her legs wide for him, he thought we was going over the edge without ever being inside her. Seeing her ring on an intimate part of her body, and her inviting him to love her physically was a precious gift to John. He cherished every moment.

Needing no further persuasion, John crawled closer until he was positioned between her thighs. He grasped Anna's left hand with his right and pressed it into the mattress above her head. His fingers brushing the symbol of their dedication to one another was driving him mad. This beautiful woman had agreed to be his, which still completely flummoxed him but he wouldn't question it.

He brushed up against the outside of her causing both their breaths to catch. If they were both already this sensitive, this wouldn't be lasting long. With a shift of his hips, he entered her fully.

John had learned at times Anna could be very vocal during there love making, and sometimes barely said anything at all. He liked the variety, and it usually didn't take long to figure out which way she felt like going.

"John," Anna breathed as they moved together. "Yes, John."

Anna used her free hand to reach for his. Once she had it, she moved it to match her other hand above her head to give John more leverage.

"Oh, Oh God!"

John was trying his hardest to remain in control. He would not allow himself to reach his peak without Anna meeting hers first.

Her body was tensing, her breath was coming in short gasps, and it was then she let out a yell and allowed all the pleasurable sensations to claim her. Within seconds, John screwed his eyes shut and joined her with a cry of his own.

He opened his eyes to see a glowing Anna smiling widely at him.

"If you wake me up like that I might turn into a morning person," she teased.

"I'll keep that in mind," he growled.


A few days later John was ready to go to the recruitment center to test for reenlistment.

"Are you going to wish me luck?" John asked as they walked to the front door.

"I don't think you'll need any, but I will wish it anyways. Good luck," she offered sincerely.

John sighed, "I hope they see I'm still able."

Anna stood up straighter and looked at him with determination. "You, John Bates, are a completely able and competent man."

"I should know," she continued cheekily with knowing eyes.

John gave her a half-smile.

"I know you're going to get your career back, and together we are going to build a beautiful life."

How could he not believe it when she was standing there telling him so confidently.

"I won't find out today which is the hardest part. They'll review and give me a date to come back."

"All you can do is your best. I will still love you no matter what the outcome is."

"Thank you, my darling. Are you sure you don't need the car?"

"No, I had two cancellations this morning, so I won't be needed until later. Gwen is more than happy to come get me."

"It still feels odd that I can drive," he mentioned off hand as he took the car keys from the hall table.

Knowing he needed to be on his way, Anna's reply was, "You'd best be off. You wouldn't want to be late."

"I'll see you this evening," he said before embracing her, "I love you."

"And I love you," she replied before kissing his cheek and breaking the embrace.

Later in the day, Anna was in her office doing some paperwork when Elsie knocked on her door frame.

"May I come in?" Elsie asked as Anna looked up from the form she was working on.

"Yes, please. I need a break from this mountain of forms," she said before Elsie took a seat on the other side of Anna's desk.

"I was wondering if you'd heard anything yet," Elsie inquired.

"No, I doubt he'd want to tell me over the phone. He'll most likely tell me when I get home," Anna answered as she leaned back in her chair, giving her back a break.

"For his sake, I hope they give him a chance. I know how hopeful he was."

Anna appreciated the ladies she worked with. It was so easy for her to talk with them and they with her. It was also nice to know that when they were asking about John they were being genuine and not just being nosy.

"I hope they do as well. I know he'll feel much better having something to do during the day now that he doesn't have therapy. I hate the thought of him feeling like there's nothing for him to do," Anna answered honestly.

"You know Charles is the same. He's supposed to be in retirement, but must have something to do so he's working here part time. I asked him once if he thought about giving his notice. You would have thought I had grown two heads."

Both the ladies laughed.

"Well, if it doesn't then I have faith we will find him something he will enjoy," Anna insisted.

"Just so you know we're all rooting for him, for the both of you," Elsie said kindly.

"Thank you Elsie. That means a great deal to us."

Once the work day was over, Anna was growing more and more anxious to get home. Gwen's safe driving was doing nothing to help. She hadn't heard a word from John since that morning, so she hadn't the slightest clue which way the meeting may have gone.

Making it home, she thanked Gwen for the ride and quickly made her way inside to look for him. After looking in the usual places, she decided to look out back to see if he may be there, and to her delight he was sitting in one of the wicker chairs.

He turned his head when he heard the door open and stood to greet her as she closed the door behind her.

"Welcome home," he said stoically.

Anna was trying to read him but he had an even expression. She couldn't tell whether or not he had received good or bad news.

"Thank you," she voiced before her eyes drifted to the table.

There was freshly cut fruit, crackers, and an assortment of cheeses on a tray. On the side table in between the chairs were two glasses and a bottle of sparkling grape juice.

This could be for one of two things. It could be for celebration, or it could be a way for him to apologize for supposedly letting her down. She hoped more than anything it was the former.

"How was your day?" he asked casually as she now stood in front of him.

She had this growing feeling the only reason he would be delaying in telling her was because it was an outcome he didn't want to share.

"Fine," she responded with finality, "and yours?"

She really didn't want to talk about her day, but he had to know that.

"Well, the meeting was amicable," he started.

She felt like she had been waiting an hour for him to tell her.

"And..." she prompted.

"And the testing everything came from memory."

She couldn't take anymore of being on the hook.

"I wish you'd just come out with it," Anna pleaded.

He held both of her hands as he revealed, "I got reenlisted."

The smile that formed in his eyes and on his face were glorious. He looked like the cat who caught the canary, and Anna was so thankful the outcome had ended in his favor.

"Oh darling, I'm so thrilled. I knew you would," she praised.

"I was in disbelief most of the day, and then I thought we could have a nice evening out here. Maybe talk about everything."

She loved how he was so inclusive. He didn't start out that way; he had kept himself to himself. Now, he relished in sharing with her, and it made her heart lift in her chest.

She angled her head upward, kissing him.

"I want to change out of these scrubs first then I will most certainly join you."

John only nodded and Anna made her way back inside.

He set to work then on removing plastic wrap from the tray and pouring each of them a glass of the next best thing to wine. A minute or so later, Anna was back outside.

"Better?" John asked as he handed her a glass.

She accepted the glass gratefully. "Yes. Thank you."

John sat back down and motioned Anna over. She sat down easily on his lap with her weight on his left leg. Picking up his glass, he said, "What shall we drink to?"

"To us and the future," Anna smiled happily.

"Now that I can drink to," John smirked.

They talked and nibbled from the tray. John had said he wouldn't know what positions would be available to him until they asked him to come back, but he would be going back in with the same rank.

"Does this mean I should address you as Captain all the time now," she asked with a smirk.

She had called him Captain on the rare occasion, but never as a common thing.

"You can call me whatever you like," John answered.

"Will you be wearing your uniform to the wedding?" Anna asked with sparkling eyes. The thought of him walking her down the aisle in his uniform was bringing heat to her cheeks.

"I'll be issued a new set of uniforms, and we've already picked out my suit," John reminded her.

"Oh, yes. Silly me. We'll save that for our own wedding then."

"Speaking of weddings, are you ready for Saturday?"

Anna signed, "I can't believe it's only three days away. I'm glad it's a small group of people though with only the people who truly matter."

"Is that the way you would prefer our wedding?" John asked sincerely as their eyes met.

"I don't even need a wedding as long as I have you."

"Nonsense. You deserve the whole package, the white dress, flowers, bridesmaids following you around in matching dresses, your family and friends, and me looking like a fool."

Anna placed a hand on his chest and said, "Don't be silly. I'd rather have the right man than the right wedding."

"Once things are settled we can discuss it further. Ready to go inside?"

"Yes."


Saturday had arrived quicker than either of them could have thought. Today was the day Debbie Smith would vow to share her life with Harvey Mitchell. When John had awakened, he was made immediately aware he was in bed alone which was a rarity. He pulled the sheet back and got himself up and into his robe. He then proceeded to make his way downstairs in search of Anna.

As he reached the bottom landing, he heard Anna ending a phone call.

"Yes, Tory I'll be there. No. Okay, see you soon."

John peaked around the corner of the kitchen doorway to see Anna pacing the floor as Jingles watched her. He didn't like her pensive expression, so he made himself known.

"You're up early," he voiced calmly as he came into the room.

Anna jumped, clearly being brought out of her thoughts, and said, "You gave me a fright."

"I'm sorry. Is everything okay?" He asked as he stood in front of her.

"Oh, John," Anna gasped as tears started pooling in her eyes.

John's eyes widened as he watched Anna instantly fall apart. Fear overtook him as he thought something must have happened. Stepping closer, he took Anna in his arms as she gratefully buried her head against his chest.

He comforted her and gave her as much time as he could before he needed to know why she was so upset. His mind went straight to Harvey which expedited his urgency to know.

"My darling," he said like a warm caress. "Please tell me what is wrong."

Anna sniffed a few times as she attempted to compose herself. When she had, she pulled back only a bit to be able to look at John.

"I'm being terribly selfish," she stated as her words came out waveringly.

"That's not possible," he answered.

"Then why am I acting this way? Why can't I be happy for my mother? Today is supposed to be a happy day for her and here I am being completely stupid."

"Hey..." John said with a frown. "You are anything but stupid. I know you are happy for your mum, but it's okay to be a little overwhelmed."

"I should be used to the idea by now. It's just... Harvey isn't anything like my dad... and..."

Tears came rushing back and she fell onto John's chest again.

John had to hand it to Anna. She had done extremely well considering the changes that were happening to her family. Sure, she had been emotional about the whole idea, but overall she had handled everything with the grace that is Anna. He figured the emotions she was battling now were more about her dad than the wedding itself.

"Your dad will always have a special place in your family. Just because your mum is getting married today doesn't mean that she loves him any less or will forget him. It doesn't mean you or Tory will forget him either. He knows your heart, Anna."

He noticed she started calming down again, so he kept talking to reassure her.

"Your mum, your sister, and I all love you so very much."

He couldn't believe he was doing it, but he was going to stick up for Harvey this once as well.

"And Harvey, he's very careless with his words, but he's never had a family before. Maybe it'll just take him time to sort himself out."

John wasn't sure if he believed what he said, but there could be some truth to it. Harvey had admitted he never got married or had a family, so hopefully his demeanor would change.

He felt it a small victory when Anna lifted her head and wiped at her eyes. The small smile was an added bonus.

"Thank you for that," she said.

"Feeling some better now?"

"Much better."

"Good. Now, I know we have to be out of here by nine, and I'm guessing you've not had breakfast yet."

"I came down to make tea but ended up on the phone with Tory."

"Then if you will go rest on the couch, I'll bring your breakfast and tea shortly," he smiled.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome," he replied before kissing her forehead and sending her out of the kitchen.

After breakfast, the rest of the day began to speed up. They had both gotten themselves ready and made sure they had everything with them in order to change before the ceremony which was to be in the afternoon. They had received a warm welcome when they arrived at Debbie's. John was glad of it for Anna's sake, though she had been her usual cheerful self since breakfast. He thought her feelings were normal because he would have probably felt the same if his mother were alive and had decided to remarry. Anna never let anything knock her down for long without getting right back up again, and he loved her for it.

Tasks had been handed out for them to complete. Harvey and Debbie decided not to spend a great deal of money on the wedding, so most things were being put together by them. The venue they would be going to was small and would be used for the ceremony and the reception. As he worked on arranging devils on horseback on a tray, his mind drifted to what their wedding may be like in the future. He knew Anna wouldn't mind an intimate ceremony and being honest he wouldn't mind it either. But if she decided she wanted a grand wedding with all the fancy details and frills, he would make sure she would have whatever her heart desires.

He heard her giggling with her sister in the next room and then suddenly gasp. Pausing his task to see what was happening, he walked into the front room to see Anna with her arms tightly embracing a man. He wasn't sure who it was until they broke the embrace, and he could see it was Uncle Tim.

"Tim, we're so glad you are here," Debbie said as she embraced him as well.

"I wouldn't miss it," he replied as they pulled back.

"Timothy," Harvey greeted, offering out his hand.

"Harvey," Tim responded as he shook the man's hand and then released it.

"Hello there, kiddo," Tim greeted Tory.

Tory hugged her uncle before replying, "Uncle Tim, I'm twenty-one."

"You could be eighty and you'd be a kiddo to me," he replied, giving a short laugh.

It was then Tim turned to look at John. This would be the second time John had encountered the man, but for whatever reason he felt they had a mutual understanding of each other. John knew it was the closest he would ever get to meeting Anna's actual father, and if Liam had been like Tim, which he assumed he was, then he knew he was a good man.

"There he is," Tim said as he walked over to John.

"Pleasure to see you again, Tim," John said as he firmly shook Tim's hand.

"You as well, John. You're looking well," Tim responded as they dropped their hands.

"Thank you. I recently completed my therapy."

"As I knew you would," Tim commented.

Debbie then asked everyone to finish up and get changed.

The trip to the venue was shorter than John had originally thought. Once they were there, they unloaded the car and set up the venue.

"I think it looks lovely don't you?" Anna asked as she came to John's side.

"It does, though if I may say you are the loveliest thing in the room."

His eyes shifted and narrowed to look at her out of his peripheral; his smirk a sly one.

"I'd dare say the same about you, Mr. Bates."

He couldn't help but to turn then and address her fully.

"It's almost time. Is your mother okay?"

"She's great. Nervous. Excited. Just what one could expect."

John nodded his head before they were being called to make themselves scarce as guests arrived.

Soon enough the ceremony began, and the two became man and wife. John felt overwhelming pride as he had walked Anna down the aisle and then stood on the opposite side with eyes only for her. He knew vows had been exchanged and words had been said but he hadn't heard any of them. Anna was too breathtaking to focus on anything else.

The reception was now in full swing, and John was glad to see how happy Debbie looked as Harvey twirled her around on the dance floor. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. He wouldn't want anything less for his future family.

"I should have known I'd find you in a corner," Anna teased as she approached him.

"I was just spectating for a moment," he responded lightly.

"Will you save me a dance?" Anna asked with hopeful eyes.

"You have my word," John replied sincerely.

Anna left John then to head back to the dance floor. It was then Uncle Tim walked up to her.

"May I ask my niece for this dance?" he asked as he held out one hand.

"Of course," Anna answered, taking her uncle's hand.

As they danced, Tim said, "You know your dad would be proud of how you handled today."

Anna couldn't help think how she had acted that morning. She didn't think her dad would have been proud of that.

He continued, "I miss him just as much as the rest of you, but I know he is happy to see your mother happy again."

"I guess you're right," Anna answered, feeling unsure how to respond.

"That John of yours has really come along."

"He has," Anna smiled. "He has even reenlisted in the army now."

"He had mentioned that earlier. What a fine husband he will make," he complimented.

"Thank you, Uncle Tim."

"May I cut in?" Harvey asked Tim.

Tim winked at Anna before addressing Harvey. "Be my guest."

John was still standing in his spot as he had watched Anna and her uncle. He stood up straighter when he saw Harvey cut in, focusing closer on Harvey.

He was interrupted from his thoughts when Debbie walked up to him.

"Care to dance with your future mother-in-law?" Debbie asked with a small smile.

What John really wanted to do was to make sure Harvey's hand didn't go any lower than it already was and didn't understand why he would feel the need to be dancing as close as he was to her, but he could not turn Debbie down. Not today.

"It would be my honor, Debbie."

They made their way onto the floor. As he looked over in Anna's direction he could see she was smiling at the fact he was dancing with her mother. He would gladly continue to dance with Debbie if that was the reaction he received. They swayed at the music as Debbie began to speak.

"I just wanted to thank you, John," Debbie began.

"For what?"

"For being there for Anna. I know this wasn't the easiest transition for her, so I'm grateful for your love and support."

"I'm thankful for the opportunity. You've raised two wonderful daughters," John complimented.

"Well, I for one am glad you are part of this family. Anna made a wise choice when choosing you."

John was speechless for a few seconds. He wasn't expecting such high praise.

"I only want to make her happy."

"I know," Debbie smiled softly.

As the evening was drawing to a close, John approached Anna and whispered in her ear.

"I believe I owe you a dance, milady."

Anna grinned widely before turning her head to look at him.

"Indeed you do."

"Then, may I have this dance?" John asked in a charismatic tone.

"I thought you would never ask," she replied before John took her into his embrace.

They swayed and gazed into each others eyes.

"You're amazing you know," he commented lowly.

Her cheeks pinked slightly at his spontaneous compliment.

"Why's that?"

"For so many reasons, and how you've been there for mum today. You make me fall more in love with you everyday."

"And I love you. We made it through didn't we?"

John tightened his hold on her as he replied, "We did. The way I see it there is nothing we can't do as long as we do it together."

"I couldn't agree more, Mr. Bates."