Chapter 29

Heidi grinned as she and Lachie slipped off the plane and walked towards the luggage claim. She held his hand and smiled the entire time, knowing that their friends were probably waiting for them somewhere. Surely it was either Dean or Chase that were coming to pick them up. Heidi had left that part of the planning to Lachie.

She felt Lachie's arms encircle her waist and Heidi leaned back into his warmth. She could honestly say that this was where she felt the safest – in Lachie's arms. Heaving a heavy sigh, Lachie pulled away from her when he saw their bags. Heidi felt the same way, she hadn't wanted him to let go either.

Lachie guided her to the exit and stopped. Dean stood there waiting for them and he waved them over. "Hey Deano." He hugged his brother fiercely.

"Hey Lach,Heidi." He hugged Heidi and pulled back. "Let's get going, the gang is waited at your condo." They piled into the car and head out.

Thirty minutes later, Dean pulled into the parking at the condo and smiled. "Home sweet home."

Heidi grinned widely. "Yeah, it is pretty sweet to be home."

They made their way up the stairs and walked into their condo, Dean trailing slowly behind them. As they opened the door, they were greeted with a loud, "welcome home!"

Heidi was hugged immediately by Lara and Michelle, then Vince and finally, Jordan. She realized that Jordan was still there and that made her smile even wider. Everything was turning out as it should have. "Where is Chase."

Lachie greeted everyone, Chase walking in the door behind him. He was carrying roses and a box, which he promptly handed over to Lachie. Everyone quieted down and Heidi looked at Lachie like he was insane.

"Heidi, I know that I did this in Hawaii, but I wanted to give you your proper ring in front of our friends and family. Heidi, I love you so much. You made me the happiest man in the world when you said yes." Lachie opened the box and revealed her real ring.

Heidi's hands flew to her mouth to cover her trembling lips. Tears pooled in her eyes. "Oh, Lachie…"

"So, Heidi Wilson, will you do me the honour of accepting my proposal again?"

Heidi nodded before shouting, "yes!"

Lachie removed the other ring and then slipped her engagement ring on her finger. It was perfect. Heidi looked at it and smiled. It was everything that she had ever wanted. A diamond was nestled between two sapphires. Lachie lowered his mouth to hers, and Heidi entwined her hands into his hair. When Lachie finally pulled back, he rested his forehead on hers. "I love you, Heidi."

"I love you too, Lachie." Heidi's hand cupped his cheek and she smiled. "So much."

Lara was the one to interrupt .She pulled Heidi away from Lachie and wrapped her in a hug. "Congrats babe! This is great news! I want to hear all the details from the Hawaii proposal." Lara reached out for Dean's hand and pulled him to her side.

Dean looked at Heidi. "Welcome to the family. We are finally getting a little sister that we can tease." He hugged her quickly before moving over to Lachie to shake his hand.

Michelle grabbed Heidi and hugged her tightly. "Congratulations Heidi. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you Michelle." Heidi smiled at her boss.

Vince stood there watching Heidi with tear-filled eyes. "Oh Heidi, this is great. Really great." He pulled her into a bear hug. "I am so happy for you. After all that has happened, something good has come out of it."

Heidi nodded and hugged Vince tightly. It was like being with her father for a moment. "Vince, I need you to do something for me."

"Sure. Anything."

"Whenever the wedding happens, I want you to give me away."

"I would be honored to." Vince pulled out of the hug and walked over to the table to get a drink.

Jordan approached Heidi and Heidi could have sworn that she saw a bit of sadness in his face, mixed with regret. "Heidi, this is great news, really."

"Thank you Jordan."

"I'm back with Rescue full time."

Heidi broke into a huge smile. "Oh Jordan, that is great news. Welcome back to the team."

"You ready to go back to work?"

"With Lachie by my side, I feel like I could take on the world." Heidi looked over her shoulder at Lachie and smiled at him. "He's everything I have ever needed Jordan."

"I know. He's good for you – and good to you. That is what is important." Jordan hugged her quickly and moved across the room to speak with Dean and Lara.

Heidi watched Jordan go, knowing that seeing this must have been hard on him, but she was happy. Happier than she had been in a long time.

Chase wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "So, you finally weaseled your way into the Gallagher clan."

"I did." Heidi grinned. "I'm going to be your big sister."

Chase groaned. "I'm still the youngest."

Heidi grinned wickedly. "Yup."

Vince broke up the party an hour later, reminding everyone, including Heidi and Lachie that they were expected at work on time the following morning.

Jordan was the first to leave, and soon everyone but Dean, Lara and Chase had gone.

"Jordan seemed a bit down." Heidi commented.

"He'll get over it." Dean said, scoffing. "Look, I'm glad he's straightened himself out and is back with the team, but I cannot forget what he did. I have forgiven him, but I haven' t forgotten."

Chase and Lara back him up. "Yeah, he's still not the same old Jordan." Lara mentioned cautiously.

"Give him time, " Heidi said. "And an ear if he needs it." She wrapped her arms around Lachie's waist. "We should get to bed. Don't want to be late tomorrow."

Dean, Chase and Lara filed out the door, closing it quietly behind them after saying their goodbyes.

"Welcome home, Ace." Lachie planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"Home is where the heart is." Heidi said gently. She pulled out his embrace and led him to the bedroom.

The following morning, Heidi shrugged into her uniform, her shoulder still feeling stiff. She knew that she would be flying a desk for a while, but she was anxious to get going anyhow.

Lachie was already dressed in his uniform. "Ready Ace?"

"Yeah, I guess." She scrunched up her nose. "This feels a little weird."

"It has been a little while…. But we'll be fine." Lachie kissed her softly. "Lets go."

Heidi followed him out the door, grabbing her backpack on the way.

Heidi slipped out of the vehicle and sighed. They were back. It felt like ages since she had been here for work purposes. She was still going to be riding a desk for a while, but at least she was in the action again. Lachie was going to be going out on rescues before her, but he was still on light duties as well.

Lachie fell into step beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. This would be the first time that they were working together as a couple, and not just friends. Somehow, it felt right.

Heidi walked up the stairs ahead of Lachie and gasped when she reached the top; stopping in her tracks. Lachie bumped into her as he came to an abrupt halt as well.

"Welcome back!" The team shouted, Lara running forward to hug Heidi.

"Welcome back, babe." Lara whispered as she held onto Heidi. She had missed her best friend. When Lara pulled away, Heidi had tears in her eyes.

"Thanks guys," Heidi wiped at her eyes and felt Lachie's hand on her shoulder. "For a while there, I didn't think I would be back."

Vince stepped forward, "but you are, and that is all that matters."

Heidi hugged Vince fiercely before hugging the rest of the team. Her heart felt light and everything felt like it was falling into place.