"Becs, hurry up. The cab's here," Jesse shouted up the stairs. "Have you said your goodbyes?"

"Yes, I did," Beca said as she hauled her holdall down the stairs.

Kate came round to hug Beca and Jesse in turn. "Gonna miss you, Becs. And big brother, thanks for lending me the car. I'll take care of it like it's my baby." She then squealed loudly at the thought of driving the Jaguar.

"OK, why are we taking a cab? Why are you leaving your car here?" Beca asked, her brow frowning. Jesse just grinned and took her luggage to the waiting cab.

"Bye everyone!" he said, waving at his parents and Kate who were at the front porch and forcibly bundling Beca into the cab. She didn't even have time to protest before the cab drove off.

"OK, Swanson. Why the hell are we going home in a cab?" Beca said, eyes narrowed. Jesse just looked at her and said casually, "Who said we are going home?" He handed her an envelope. "It's your Christmas present."

"But you've got me these already," she said, touching the diamond earrings she was wearing. She nearly had a fit when Jesse gave her the earrings because the jewellery box looked remarkably like a ring box. It was just a little scary.

"And they look beautiful on you," he said. "This is your other Christmas present. Don't open it yet. I'll tell you when."

"Venice? We are going to Venice?" she squeaked. They were in front of the airport now and Jesse had told her to open the envelope.

"Why not? Venice is lovely. We are going to be there for New Year's Eve."

"OK, you've got to stop surprising me with trips like this," Beca said, trying to calm down. "I don't have my passport. I'm supposed to be back at work. And Jesse, I didn't pack the right things."

"I've got your passport. I've cleared it with Luke," he replied, smugly. "And since when not packing ever stopped you? You just go shopping." Beca muttered under her breath, following the grinning Jesse to the check-in desk. Oh she is so going to shop. There was no doubt about that.

God, it's so hard to stay mad at him - she thought crossly. Not when he had booked first class flights which meant she was comfortable, had enough sleep and cannot be grumpy. And booked this gorgeous suite in this beautiful hotel, right by the Grand Cana.. It was infuriating, really. He could be a little less considerate and let her be mad at him but nooooo... The suite was amazing. It was freaking two floors, for goodness sake, with a rooftop terrace with a pool, overlooking the Grand Canal and the beautiful architecture that was Venice. She could seriously get used to being spoilt like this.

"Hey Luke," Beca answered her phone.

"Becs, Merry Christmas." Luke drawled. "And if I get my dates right, you should be in the same continent as me now."

"Are you still in Scotland? How's your Christmas?"

"It's quite nice actually. I had a long talk with my father. It was enlightening," Luke said. "So did you enjoy yourself at Jesse's? Is he shooting you dagger looks now since you are talking to me?"

"Christmas was fun. I don't ever want to work Christmas now," Beca said with a huge smile. "And Jesse is not here now. He said he got some things to take care of."

"So how's the view out of the window?"

"Beautiful. I'm at the Gritti Palace, looking out to the Grand Canal."

"Very posh, Beca. That boy got taste."

"Well, he did picked me," Beca said airily. "So why are you calling?"

"Just to say thanks for my cufflinks and check up on you," Luke said. "I wish I knew earlier you will be in Venice. There's a job there and I had sent Agent Matthews instead. I would have sent you."

"Oh no..I am on my vacation with Jesse," Beca said. "No way you can convince me to do a job."

"Agent Matthews is not the brightest crayon in the box, Beca but I had to send her," Luke said. "Hopefully it will be alright. Are you OK to be back-up?"

"No," Beca said decisively. "The big job is coming up and I will away a long time from Jesse when that kicks in so no, I can't be back-up now."

"Alright!" Luke said, a little crossed. "Listen to you all loved up. So... do you have anything to tell me?"

"What?"

"Anything unusual?"

"I don't think so."

"Okay." Luke said finally, sounding like he wanted to say something further but stopped himself. Beca frowned when she thought of something. "Luke, do we have any leads at all?"

Luke was silent for a minute. "Becs, let's talk about that when you come back. Enjoy your time with Jesse, OK?"

"I just want to know. I think about my dad all the time," she said with a catch in her voice.

Luke said, "The trail leads to Istanbul. That's as far as I knew. We have to work on it when you get back."

Beca just sighed, her happiness marred a little by the thought of her dad's murder. Luke heard her sigh like that and tried changing the subject, "So, have you warn Jesse about the next few months?"

"Not yet," she said, chewing her bottom lip. "I don't quite know how to tell him I'll be away for some time. It would be hard."

"Do the usual, Becs. You need to work on an album, that sort of thing and that you need court some backers. He'll be alright," Luke said.

"I really hate lying to him," Beca said, gritting her teeth.

"You are protecting him," Luke said. "Although saying that, he can take care of himself, Beca. Don't worry too much."

"OK, I have to go. I have some serious shopping to do. Love you, Luke."

"Yeah, I love you too, Becs."

Jesse was waiting at the bar in the lobby. He was dressed in black tie and nursing his drink, a little impatient now waiting for Beca. She had shooed him out of the room, not wanting him to see her dress. Ah well, he would just have to wait.

They had a wonderful few days, barring the jetlag, wandering the alleys of Venice, just soaking up the sights and atmosphere. Of course, they had to do the touristy things, visit the sights and going on a gondola ride. Despite being fleeced by the price, he did not mind at all. It was priceless to have Beca in his arms, drifting along the canals with the gondolier singing Italian opera. It hit all the right notes in his romantic soul. The best moments were the nights, just spent in their room, either in that sumptuous bed or in the terrace, watching the sun set. Jesse brought her to St. Mark's Square one evening where various orchestras from the cafes lining the square were playing, music spilling into the square and he had Beca in his arms, dancing slowly in the moonlight, like many other romantic couples. It was magical.

She's here - he could feel her presence and he turned towards the doorway of the bar.

He had been trying to guess what colour she would wear tonight. He had seen her in red, blue and green; always strong jewel colours that contrast with her pale skin and dark hair. This time round she was in a champagne coloured dress, Grecian style, sleeveless tight bodice flowing in soft folds down to her ankles. She had a light tulle wrap in the same colour. Her hair swept up in a riot of curls, secured with the jewelled ruby red barrettes. Her ears twinkling with the diamonds he had given her.

She looked like an ethereal angel with her skin so pale and dewy and that soft dress that whisper as she moved, yet her dark eyes, snapping with fire and her perfect rosy mouth, begging to be kissed just made him think of sinful things he wanted to do to her. This is not fair - he thought - She could not keep doing this to him. She could not keep taking his breath away. She could not keep making him tremble at the sight of her. It was just not fair.

Beca moved to him and looked up at him, "Dude, are you OK? You look like you might pass out." Jesse tried to speak a few times but failed, intoxicated by the nearness of her and overwhelmed by her light jasmine perfume. He finally settled for a smile and brushing a curl away from her face, his fingers soft on her skin. He offered his arm and Beca slipped her arm through before they made their way to dinner.

"Hey, do you mind if I leave you for a minute? I wanted to say hi to someone," Jesse asked when they were seated at their table, their dinner finished. Beca just shook her head and smiled. She did not mind at all. Jesse stood up and walked away. Beca just looked around the beautiful room. It was softly lit with Murano chandeliers, casting pleasing shadows on the Venetian interior. A very good orchestra was playing, adding to the heady atmosphere and there was a small dance floor filled with couples dancing. Beca saw Jesse greeting a short, bald Italian man who threw his arms around Jesse and pumped his hand, pleased to see him. They conversed for a while and they both turned to look at Beca, giving her a little wave.

"Who was that?" Beca asked when Jesse came back.

"That's Carlo," he said. "I worked with him on a few movies. He's great. It's good to see him again."

The lights went down a little as the night progressed. They sat there, hands intertwined across the table, enjoying the champagne and listening to the orchestra playing. Carlo was conducting the orchestra now and he gave them a cheeky grin as he took the stage. A singer came on and took the mic and Beca was surprised at how good she was. Her voice was rich and throaty and Beca shut her eyes, just drowning herself in the music washing over her.

When the strings played a familiar strain, Beca's eyes opened wide. The beautiful singer lifted her head, opened her mouth and her voice sang out languidly

At last, my love has come around
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Beca could not believe it. It was her favourite song, sang so perfectly. She turned to Jesse. He returned her look with a smile and put his hand into his jacket to draw something out of his inner pocket. Beca could hardly breath. Oh, OK. That box was definitely not a ring box. Jesse just pushed the longish box across the table for Beca to open. She felt.. a little disappointed? Is that what she was feeling?

At last, the skies above are blue
My heart is wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you

"Jesse, it's beautiful," she said when she saw the diamond bracelet that matched her earrings. It was indeed beautiful but she can't help feeling.. a little anti-climax? Why am I having these thoughts? - she chided herself. She was then distracted when Jesse put the bracelet on her left wrist, before raising her wrist to his lips and kissing her tattoo. "May I have this dance?" he asked, rising up to his feet and offering his hand. They made their way to the dance floor and he held her tight, swaying to the song.

I found a dream that I can speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

This is it. I am going to ask her after this song - Jesse thought, pressing her closer to him. What could be more perfect? This beautiful room, this beautiful song, this perfect girl. What more could he ask for? He drew back, looking down at her.

You smiled, and the spell is cast
For here we are in Heaven
For you were mine... at last

She felt his eyes on her and looked up. The strings were playing the last strains of the song. This is it.

"Beca.."

He was a heartbeat too slow.

"Signora e signori! Please make your way to the balcony for the New Year countdown."

The announcement broke their perfect moment. A loud cheer went up as excited revellers rushed past them. They were swept in the rush. Jesse put his arm around her protectively against the surge as they made their way to the balcony. He was cursing inwardly a little for losing such a perfect moment.

"10, 9, 8, 7..."

He held her tight against him. He should ask her already. It's all good waiting for the perfect moment but he just lost count on how many times he had been interrupted.

"6, 5, 4..."

He just wanted to start this part of his life together with her as soon as possible.

"3, 2..."

Ah what the heck.

"1."

"Beca Mitchell, will you marry me?"

She was halfway facing him. At that moment, the crowd broke into a frenzy of whistles and horns, the fireworks started and his words were carried away by the loud explosions.

"What?" she mouthed. "I can't hear you."

Jesse laughed out loud and raised his eyes heavenward. For the love of God. Why is this happening? He then looked down at her and cradled her face in his hands. His eyes soft. He would remember this moment forever. The way the fireworks were casting colours on her face, the colourful explosions reflected in her, eyes, the noise surrounding them yet he could not seem to hear it clearly.

"Marry me."

This time she heard him. And saw the smile on his lips as they formed the words. She looked up at him, seeing the fireworks exploding behind his dark head, like fiery, colourful halos. He was like an angel. She did not realised that she was holding her breath. She did not realised how long and how much she wanted him to say it. It was inevitable. And with the sweetest, softest sigh, she said yes.

For you are mine... at last.