bluepaintbox: Thank you for reading!

Willara4ever: Thank you for the ideas for this chapter when I got stuck.

Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve and if I get stuck it tells me where you would like to see the story go.

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for all your help with this story. Thanks for being the best beta on this and all my published and especially the unpublished stories I have going. Thanks to matash21 for the awesome cover image!

Chapter 37

As Willow and Tara were walking through the airport terminal they heard someone calling Willow's name.

"Willow...Willow…" called the voice causing Willow to turn in the terminal.

"Mom?" said Willow shocked.

"Hi," said the older woman as she finally closed the distance between them.

"Hi," said Tara smiling at the woman.

"Ira," called the older woman waving her hand as her party started to pass the by.

"There you are," said the older man smiling.

Ira hugged both Willow and Tara.

"We wanted to tell you both how amazing the convention was, but Jacob and Rebekah were talking with one of the vendors and we missed you," said Sheila.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you were able to make several contacts that will help you with the foundations work," said Tara as she felt Willow's hand slide into her own.

"I'm so glad we ran into you," started Willow. "I have something really exciting to share with you...well WE do."

"Oh, and what is that?" asked Ira smiling because of the giant grin his daughter had on her face. He had never seen Willow as happy as she had been dating Tara.

"Tara and I are engaged," said Willow holding up Tara's hand to show off the ring.

"Oh honey, that is incredible. I am so happy for you both," said Ira as he hugged his daughter and then Tara.

"When did this happen?" asked Sheila in shock as she hugged her excited daughter.

"I asked Tara last night," Willow said beaming at her fiancée and receiving a loving smile back.

"Wait, you two are a couple?" asked Jacob with disgust in his tone.

"I thought this was a reputable company you connected us with," said Rebekah. "One with ethics and values."

"I'm sorry? What is the problem?" asked Ira angrily.

"You support this disgusting…" started Rebekah motioning towards Willow and Tara.

"Watch what else you say! That is my daughter you are talking about," said Sheila getting in the other woman's face.

"I cannot believe that you two condone such a, I don't even know what to call it," spat Jacob.

"I think that it is best that you just stop there and keep your mouth shut," growled Ira.

"Ira, Sheila, please," said Tara stepping between the two couples.

"No, Tara, they are being rude and ignorant and what they should be doing is either keeping their mouth shut or congratulating you two," said Ira.

"We will not be subject to something like them," spat Rebekah.

"Fine, we withdraw from your foundation and will take our support elsewhere," said Sheila.

"Mom? Dad?" said Willow looking between her parents and the other couple.

"We have a contract," said Jacob.

"Sue me," Ira said in a tone that told the man he wasn't messing around. "Bad mouth either of these girls, TDM Enterprise, or their program and I will sue you for everything you personally and professionally have. I know enough about your business to make it hurt. Am I understood?"

"Clearly," said both Rebekah and Jacob.

"Good, now be on your way," said Sheila.

Willow and Tara stood in disbelief. Neither knew what to make of what had just happened, but Willow had never been so proud of her parents and to be their daughter as she was at that moment.

"I, er," said Willow.

"Honey, your father and I may not have been there for you as often as we should have, but that doesn't mean that we don't love you and want you to be happy. We have noticed since you and Tara got together how happy you have been," said Sheila.

"Thank you both. I'm sorry we caused you to lose the work you were doing with the foundation though," said Tara.

"We aren't," said Ira. "After listening to them talk to vendors, we realized we had separate goals that were not going to be met in the direction we were going. Are you guys going to be late for a flight?"

"Actually we aren't leaving for a while," said Tara squeezing Willow's hand. "Willow isn't a fan of flying, so I booked us on a smaller flight."

"Well, would you have time to chat, we'd love to hear about this engagement."

"Of course. Do you need to take care of your flight reservations?"

"Oh right, yes," said Sheila smiling at the two women before she and Ira headed over to the ticket counter.

"I can't believe that just happened," said Willow in disbelief. "I mean, not only are my parents happy for us, they threatened Rebekah and Jacob. Not that they didn't deserve it."

"Well, I for one am glad we ran into them. Now they know everyo...Sweetie, we never told Dawn. We had Buffy and Joyce here, we called Connor, but we never told Dawnie."

"Let's call her now," said Willow pulling out her phone.

"Hello?" answered a tired voice.

"Dawnie, sorry to wake you. I forgot about the time difference," said Willow.

"It's okay. I have been avoiding getting up for work. Buffy and Mom aren't home yet," said Dawn tiredly.

"I know, we just put them on a plane with Donald and Donnie."

"So, what's up?" said Dawn a bit more alert.

"Are you sitting down?" asked Willow.

"No, I'm still laying in bed," said Dawn hearing Willow and Tara laugh.

"That works too," said Tara. "Morning Dawnie."

"Morning Tara. So, to what do I owe this wake up call?"

"Tara and I are getting married," blurted out Willow.

"I'm sorry, repeat that because in my sleep haze I believe you just said you two were getting married."

"That is what she said," replied Tara giddily.

"Oh my god," squealed Dawn. "Oh my god! You guys? Really?"

"Really," Willow and Tara said together.

"I love you guys!"

"We love you too, Dawn," said Willow. "What time do you get off work today?"

"I'm done at 5. Why?"

"I was thinking if you wanted we could do a video chat and I can show you the ring that I got Tara and we can tell you all about it."

"Yay! You realize you just made this the longest day ever right?"

"Would it help if we took a picture of the ring and sent it to you?" said Tara.

"Uh huh," said the brunette. "So, Mom and Buffy know right?"

"Yeah, they were there...sort of. I didn't ask her in front of everyone, but it was while we were at dinner."

"I can't wait to hear the full story...but seriously, send the picture," laughed Dawn.

"We will. Now, get you ass up and off to work," said Willow.

They finished saying their goodbyes and then took a picture of the ring and sent it to Dawn. Just as they had sent the picture Willow's parents came back.

"Well, we have an hour before we have to be at the gate for our flight. Shall we go get some coffee?" asked Ira.

The foursome went and got some coffee and then found a quiet table to talk at.

Willow and Tara filled them in on the dinner and about the picture Willow had given Tara before proposing to her. Willow told them about proposing and how nervous she had been. She knew that Tara loved her, but marriage was in Willow's eyes a lifelong commitment and she wasn't certain that Tara was ready for that. Tara just looked at Willow in disbelief before kissing the side of her head and telling her she was a goof to think that she wouldn't want that.

"I'm still fuzzy on why you chose that place though," said Sheila.

"Tara's mom loved that place and they went there often. I had already asked her Dad for her hand, but I wanted to include her Mom, or her memory at least in it too. Proposing at her mom's grave site seemed creepy, so the restaurant was the next best place I could think of."

"Sweetie? Really?" said Tara as a tear rolled down her face. She knew Willow was thorough with everything she did, but to be that in-depth just made her love the redhead even more.

"Of course," Willow said wiping the tear away.

"That is really thoughtful honey," said Ira.

"The ring is gorgeous, Willow. You have great taste," said Sheila taking Tara's hand again and looking at the ring.

"She does. Now we just need to get her a ring," said Tara.

"Are you going to have matching rings?" asked Sheila.

"We never talked about that. Sweetie, do you want matching rings?" asked Tara.

"I want whatever you choose for me," said Willow. "I chose that one because of trinity meaning and because I thought it would look great on you."

"Trinity meaning?" asked Ira.

"The three promises of a relationship to love, honour, and protect."

"Isn't that a...oh what is it called...oh yeah a Claddagh?" asked Sheila.

"It is very similar," smiled Willow.

"Leave it to you to find the deep hidden meaning in something that beautiful," laughed Ira.

"I can't help my analytical side," laughed Willow.

"Sweetie, I think you mean your hopeless romantic side," laughed Tara.

"Fine, that too."

The two couples enjoyed the rest of their time talking about how the Rosenbergs were going to have to find a new project, but they were going to take some time to just relax before they did that. Willow wasn't sure what had brought about such a change in attitude with her parents, but she was enjoying the new attitude. She finally felt a connection with her parents.

After seeing her parent's off Willow and Tara went to hang out at the gate their flight would be out of. They didn't leave for another couple of hours, but they could play on their tablets while they waited.

Willow and Tara arrived at their hotel in Atlanta, GA. They still had a few hours before they were to meet with the Event Coordinator so they decided to order lunch and relax in their room. The food came and they ate and then went and cuddled on the bed.

"I am still in shock about my parents," said Willow.

"Well Sweetie, I don't think you can question their love for you," smiled Tara.

"No, I definitely can't do that. They are also very fond of you," Willow said smiling at the blonde.

"I'm grateful for that. I would hate to be at odds with my in-laws," laughed Tara.

Of all the jokes that were always made about in-laws, Tara had always feared not getting along with whomever her in-laws were. When she found Willow that fear intensified as she knew their relationship was a very special one. Tara was grateful that the Rosenbergs had come around and were becoming more of a part of their life and she hoped that would continue.

"Have you ever thought about your wedding?" Willow asked.

Tara adjusted so that they were both laying on their side facing the other. She reached up and ran her fingers through the redhead's hair. The gesture was one that emanated love and devotion.

"As a kid I did. As an adult, I'll admit that since we started dating it has crossed my mind," blushed Tara.

"Why are you blushing?" asked Willow scooting a little bit closer to the blonde.

"I have no idea. I guess it is because I've thought of marrying you, and what our future could hold, but I neither said nothing nor acted on the idea like you did."

"Baby," said Willow bring her hand up to cup Tara's face. Willow looked longingly into Tara's eyes. "Just because you didn't act on it doesn't diminish the idea. The fact that you thought about us spending our life together at all makes me feel so loved."

Willow leaned forward and softly kissed Tara. There was no need to deepen the kiss or anything, just the soft touch of their lips made them both sigh in contentment.

"I do love you, Willow Rosenberg. Very...very...much," said Tara punctuating each word with a kiss.

The two women kissed for a while before they had to get up and get ready to go meet with the Event Coordinator.

After three hours of meeting with the coordinator and getting everything set for the following day Willow and Tara went back up to their room and Willow ordered a pizza while Tara stretched out on the bed.

"I can't believe that they didn't have everything set up," said Willow as she hung up the phone and made her way over to lay next to Tara.

"I know. I have a new appreciation for the previous venue. I mean we sent all of the specs to each place."

"At least it is over with. We'll get some nummies in our tummies, then we can cuddle before calling Dawn, and then maybe we can check out the hot tub," said Willow.

"I like all of those ideas. Especially the one that involves you wet and naked," laughed Tara.

"That was my favorite choice for you as well," said Willow kissing Tara gently on the cheek.

After cuddling for a while the pizza arrived and they ate and then watched some television before Willow set up her laptop so that they could video chat with Dawn. When it was time they called the younger Summers'.

"Hey Dawnie," said Tara as the chat connected.

"Hi Tara! Hi Wills!"

"How was your day Dawnie?" asked Willow.

"It took forever because I knew I was going to get to talk to you two. Mom and Buffy came in but wouldn't tell me a thing. They said I had to wait to talk to you."

"And here we are," said Tara.

"So, gimme details. Oh, and the ring...you have awesome taste Willow."

Willow and Tara recounted for Dawn the night of their engagement. Dawn gave several girly squeals and Buffy poked her head in to say 'hi' and to tell them to stop making the teen squeal. Willow told Buffy and Dawn about running into her parents and telling them about her and Tara being engaged. Willow then told them about what happened with Rebekah and Jacob. Buffy was shocked but pleased that Willow's parents were finally coming around.

After they finished their video call, they got the hot tub filled, turned down the lights, and Willow turned on some soft music from her laptop.

"When we get a house, we're getting one of these," said Tara as she climbed into the tub and let one of the jets power out a knot in her back.

"I love the sound of that. The whole us getting a house," said Willow as she eased herself into the tub as well.

"Well, before we buy a house, I need to get you a ring so that the world knows you are mine," said Tara pulling Willow onto her lap.

"You don't think that everyone knows by now that I belong to you?"

"I don't care. I still want one on your finger soon. I like what my beautiful ring means. Do you mind having matching rings?" asked Tara with a nervous quiver in her voice.

"I told you Baby, as long as the ring comes from you that is what is most important to me," said Willow reassuring Tara.

"Then let's get your ring ordered tonight," Tara said grinning at the redhead.

Once the water started to cool off and they were well pruned, the two women got out of the tub and as Tara got situated in bed Willow grabbed her computer sat down next to Tara. Willow brought up the site where she had ordered the ring. Tara slipped her ring off briefly and put it on Willow's finger to make sure that they were both pleased with the look. Once they were in agreement Tara put her ring back on and ordered Willow's ring. Tara chose to have it sent to her Dad so that he could get it to them no matter where they were. After ordering the ring Tara took the laptop out of the redhead's hands and set it on the nightstand. She looked over and saw the same desire in Willow's eyes as she had in hers.

The couple made slow passionate love to one another. The past few days had been more lust, but this...this was more intense and about taking their time savoring every touch, every sensation. By the time they finished, they were both exhausted, but had never felt as complete as they did at that moment.

Morning arrived and the two women showered together and got ready for the day. They went down to the hotel restaurant and had breakfast before heading to make sure that everything they had told the Event Coordinator needed to be done was done.

While Tara and the Event Coordinator walked around checking everything Willow went and looked over the audio and visual setup and made sure that the queues were loaded, the wireless remote for Tara to click-through the presentation. Tara appeared in the a/v hut smiling at Willow as she worked.

"You know it isn't nice to stare," said Willow without looking up.

"I got a ring that says otherwise," laughed Tara. "How are things going in here?"

"All I have let to do is get you wired for sound and I'm done. How are things out there? Better than last night?"

"Much better," said Tara entering the a/v hut and leaning over and kissing Willow gently.

"What was that for?"

"I need a reason to kiss my fiancée?"

"Never," said Willow as they kissed again quickly. "Looks like it is time to get you wired."

"My Dad and Donnie aren't coming to this one are they?"

"No, but then again I didn't really know they were coming to the last one," laughed Willow as she hooked up the battery pack and microphone for Tara.

"Well, I guess I should get out there," said Tara giving Willow another chaste kiss.

The Event Coordinator introduced Tara and she went through the rehearsed speech from the first launch only this time there was no interruption from her father and brother.

At the end of the presentation, while Willow put up the video loop of all of the participating partners Tara made her way to the a/v hut and Willow removed the battery pack and microphone. The pair then went out to mingle with those attending. They started walking around together, but were quickly separated as some of the vendors had questions for Willow and others had questions for Tara. They tried to stay near one another though. After several hours of roaming the room, things were starting to wind down and the women finally were able to spend some time together.

"I think it was a great turnout," said Willow.

"Yeah, it was. There were some really interest suggestions given too," said Tara.

"Do you wanna watch a movie or go out tonight?"

"Movie, definitely. I'm exhausted. Someone kept me up most of the night," Tara said bumping shoulders with Willow.

"I don't recall you complaining," teased Willow.

"And I'm still not."

After they were done and had met with the Event Coordinator, Willow and Tara headed back to the hotel to relax.

"Tara," called a female voice in the hotel lobby as Willow and Tara were walking through.

The couple turned and saw Erin standing there. Both women groaned at this sight.

"Hello Erin," said Tara exhaustedly. Willow moved closer to her fiancée.

"That was a great launch party. My company sent me as a representative."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Since when do you wear a ring? Were you getting hit on by too many people and Daddy said you should do it?," smirked Erin.

"No, actually, Willow and I are engaged," said Tara smiling and taking Willow's hand.

"Well, congratulations. I didn't think you would stoop to dating an employee. You two didn't seem all that serious when you were in Seattle."

"Yeah, we did seem serious, you just didn't want to see that because you were having fun tormenting me," said Tara flatly.

"That isn't true," said Erin with an offended tone.

"Erin, Faith tells me all the shit you say. And Willow is and would never be below me unless we are making love. You are the one with the superiority complex, not me. Now, I'm tired. It has been a long day, and I'd like to go to my room and relax with my fiancée."

"There is no reason to be rude," said Erin.

"She wasn't, that is all you," said Willow. "Now, if you will excuse us." With that said Willow turned and walked Tara towards the elevator leaving Erin standing there in shock.

Once they were in the elevator Tara pulled Willow into her arms and kissed her gently.

"Thank you," said the blonde when the kiss ended.

"Nobody messes with my girl, and that woman needs every square inch of her ass kicked for what she did to you," said Willow as they got out of the elevator and walked to their room.

Once they were in the room the couple showered together and put on comfortable clothes, ordered and ate dinner, and then settled in together to watch a movie.

"This is perfect," said Willow as she cuddled closer to Tara who was starting to fall asleep.

"Mmmhmm," said Tara softly.

TBC...