The next morning, Leonard arrived after dropping Joanna off at Gaila's with food. As Chris and Leonard started preparing the food, Melanie made coffee and set the table.

"Are you sure you two don't need any help?" she asked, setting the plates down at their rightful spots.

Chris looked back at her and smiled, "You just worry about setting the table," he said. "Us boys can manage here."

She snorted and went to retrieve the utensils that were left unpacked, and moved back to the table. As Chris and Leonard spoke freely amongst each other, Melanie stole quick glances at them and smiled to herself. Never, in the last year, did she ever think that her brother and boyfriend would be able to stand together in her kitchen, laughing and joking with one another.

After breakfast, Melanie cleared the table and made another pot of coffee. Setting a cup down in front of both Leonard and Chris, she scooped up her own and left them to chat.

"I'll be in the den," she glanced at them. "Talking to Nyota."

They watched as she slinked out of the kitchen, leaving them alone in the room together for the first time in ages.

"So.." Chris started, looking down at his glass.

"Yeah.." Leonard nodded, unsure as to how to start the much-needed conversation. "Look, I want to apologize for how I reacted when I found out you and Mel were datin'."

Chris nodded, "I want to apologize as well," he said. "For hiding it as well as keeping it a secret from you for so long."

Leonard nodded, "I get why she did it. Hell, I'm not the easiest person to get along with, blood related or not. That's why boys never stuck around when she was a teenager and it's the reason why her last serious boyfriend ran," he sighed. "I'm an asshole, who gets jealous when his sister's love life is on track."

"You were jealous of what we had?" Chris frowned.

He nodded, "That and the feeling that I failed to protect her when I left for school," he sighed, leaning back in the seat. "You know about our mother and how awful she can be."

Chris nodded, "My mother pushed her to date boys that had potential because she wanted Mel to be a trophy wife," Leonard shook his head in disgust. "By going to New York, I felt that I had abandoned her and I didn't like that feeling. That I couldn't protect her from my mother and all the boys she dated."

Chris remained silent as Leonard continued, "Then everything that happened with Jocelyn, my ex-wife, I just viewed relationships differently. I wanted to protect Mel from falling into the same trap that I did."

"What happened between you and your ex-wife?" Chris asked. "I know it was bad because you call her the "devil-reincarnated" and many other things."

Leonard ran his fingers through his hair, "Jocelyn and I were married for four years before we had Jo," he sighed. "After Jo was born, Jocelyn started actin' funny. Stayin; out late with friends, growing irritable around Jo when she cried or needed a feedin'. I figured it was a mix between the onset of post-partum and the fear of not being able to see her friends."

"But it was more than that, wasn't it?" Chris asked, as Leonard nodded.

"When Jo turned five, Jocelyn OD'd one night while I was at work," he paused. "Jo was with her when it happened; in her bedroom that is. When I came home after midnight, I found her in the bathroom."

Chris shook his head, "Jesus.." he whispered. "Len.."

"Once the doctor came in with the results, I quickly filed a restraining order and filed for divorce and sole custody of Jo."

Leonard looked up at Chris, "I stayed in Atlanta for a few months and then I decided that we needed a change of scenery," he shrugged. "So we packed up and moved out here."

Chris didn't know what to say, as Leonard revealed a part of his life that changed him forever. Between that and his firm belief that he failed to be the best older brother he could be, was enough to make Chris understand why Leonard reacted the way he did.

"Len," he said quietly. "I'm not Jocelyn."

He huffed a laughed, "Thank god," he shook his head.

"But I love your sister very much," Chris continued. "And I would never do anything to hurt her ever again. I did it once and I regret it and will continue to regret it for the rest of my life. But I love her and I want to make her happy, because she makes me happy and she deserves a life of happiness."

Leonard nodded, "You gonna marry her?" he asked. "Make an honest woman out of her and take care of her?"

Chris nodded, "If she still wants to, I will," he said. "Whatever she wants, I'll do it."

"Even if she asks for something completely ridiculous?" he asked. "Like… an entire room for the cats?"

The older man hesitated for a moment, "Well…" he shrugged. "I don't see why not."

Leonard laughed, "Jesus Christ, she's got you wrapped around her finger," he shook his head. "Good luck, Chris."

Chris snorted, "I'm not complaining," he picked up his cup. "I actually like the unexpected when it comes to Mel. It makes life a lot more interesting."

"That it does," Leonard agreed, picking up his own cup.

They both took a long sip from their coffee's, before settling into a comfortable silence. They could hear Melanie giggling in the den, as she spoke to Nyota about Christmas.

"Just so you know," Leonard said, breaking the silence. "If you do break her heart or do anything to upset her, I will beat your ass."

Chris nodded, "I understand," he said. "I'll also beat the shit out of you if you ever raise your voice at her or hurt her again."

"I think you'll be a great brother-in-law," Leonard grinned. "Joanna kept askin' me yesterday when she'll be able to call you "Uncle Chris"."

"Well considering the fact that I don't plan on giving your sister up," Chris shrugged. "She's a great kid, Len. You're doing a great job raising her, considering what she went through with her mother and the divorce."

Leonard nodded, "I know it's been hard, but I'm trying the best I can," he sighed. "It's just hard when Jocelyn's beggin' to see her, when you know it's a bad idea."

Chris hummed in agreement, "It'll all work out in due time, Len," he sighed. "Give it time."

"Speaking of time," Leonard shifted in the chair. "I do hope you let everyone know in advance when you're plannin' on getting hitched. I want to be there this time when you two get married."

Chris paled, "Y-you know about.." he started, before Leonard cut him off.

"About your drunken trip down the aisle in Puerto Rico?" he asked, chuckling. "Yup, I know all about that now."

They were in a deep conversation when Melanie made her way into the kitchen, "You're still alive?" she asked, looking at Chris with wide eyes.

Chris turned around in his seat, "Of course I am!" he exclaimed. "What? You had little faith in me surviving a manly conversation?"

She made her way over to the table, "I was worried," she admitted, as Chris pulled her onto his lap. "But I'm glad to see that you're still in once piece and breathing."

Leonard snorted, "Dramatic as ever," he sighed, earning a glare from Melanie. "So, what did Miss Nyota have to say?"

Melanie sighed and wrapped her arm around Chris's neck, "Well, since it is Christmas Eve and we're home… Nyota has invited us over for dinner and drinks."

"She's got her boyfriend there too," Leonard snorted, "He's an odd fellow that one."

"I like Spock, "Melanie shrugged. "He's nice and very smart."

Chris frowned, "Not as smart as me though," he hugged her tightly. "Right?"

Melanie rolled her eyes, "Whatever you say, darling," she cooed, patting his cheek lightly.

Leonard snorted, "Shit," he shook his head. "That pretty much screams NO."

"Hush," Melanie rolled her eyes. "Nyota said that if we're up to it, we are more than welcomed to join her and Spock."

Chris nodded and Melanie turned to Leonard, "And she told me to tell you that you and Jo are more than welcomed to come by for sugary treats and what not," she shrugged. "She also said that Jim was coming over to your place for dinner?"

Leonard nodded, "Yeah," he shrugged. "Kid had nothin' else to do, so I invited him over to hang with Jo and I."

"Hmmm," Melanie frowned, "I see."

"See what?" Chris asked, glancing between the McCoy siblings. "I don't see anything."

Melanie turned to look at him, "Not to worry," she smiled. "I'm going to hop in the shower and get dressed. I want to pick up a bottle of wine before the store closes."

She then placed a quick kiss on his lips, earning a groan from Leonard. "Don't make that noise," she said, once she pulled away from Chris. "Be glad it was just a quick kiss and that I didn't have my way with him on the table."

"MEL!" Chris scolded, as she got up. "Please.."

"Yes," Leonard covered his face with his hands. "Please don't talk about you and Chris having sex. In this room. Or in any room for that matter."

Melanie laughed as she skipped towards the stairs, "Just so you know," she turned to look at them. "We had sex on that table," she grinned, as Leonard looked at her. "I think my ass was right where your cup is."

Leonard quickly pushed the chair back from the table, "JesusfuckingChrist!"

Chris blushed and covered his face with his hands, "Melanie!" he warned, as she ran up the stairs laughing.

"You realize that her foul mouth will get you in trouble," Leonard asked, looking at him. "Right?"

"Her foul mouth has already gotten me in trouble more times than I can count," Chris sighed. "Want more coffee?" he asked, getting up.

Leonard nodded, "Please?" he asked. "Preferably in a new cup."

….

After a quiet dinner with Nyota and Spock, along with drinks and desert with her brother, niece and Jim; Chris and Melanie returned home long after midnight.

"I had so much fun!" Melanie giggled, as Chris shut the front door. "Ow, I need to take my shoes off."

Chris snorted as she tried to pull her heels off, unable to untie the laces. Carefully, Chris scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the living room and sat her down on the couch.

"Why are you wearing these things anyways?" he asked, pulling her foot up onto his lap. "Heels and ice don't go well together."

Melanie snorted; "Because they matched my dress?" she shrugged. "Plus, you like it when I wear high heels."

"You're drunk," he said, pulling up her other leg. "I am not having sex with you while you're intoxicated."

Melanie pouted, "I'm not drunk," she wiggled her toes at him. "I'm just slightly buzzed and very, very happy."

She then pulled her feet off his lap and moved around on the couch, straddling his lap. "Can't a girl be happy?" she asked.

Chris reached up and pushed her hair over her shoulders, "Of course she can," he whispered, cupping her face in his hands.

Melanie leaned down and captured his lips with hers, wrapping her arms around his neck. Chris moved his hands from her face to her waist, pulling her close against him.

Pulling back for air, Melanie rested her forehead against his and sighed. "Marry me.." she whispered.

"What?" Chris asked, opening his eyes to look at her.

A small smile appeared on her face, "Marry me," she repeated.

Chris sat up and pulled her close to him, "Yes."

Melanie smiled and kissed him again, "Yes?" she asked, as he squeezed her tightly. "You mean it?"

He laughed and he moved her from his lap, to her back on the couch. "While you caught me off guard," he said, moving to lie on top of her. "I had a ring in in my drawer for the longest time."

She gasped, "You did?" she asked, as he nodded. "Oh Chris! I'm sorry!" she groaned, covering her face.

"Why?" he asked, pulling her hands down. "Think of how great it's gonna be when we tell our kids and grandkids, how you were the one to propose."

Melanie snorted, "You're a goof," she sighed. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he grinned, before kissing her. "I can't wait to marry you."

"I can't wait to marry you, too," she sighed. "But I want to plan a wedding," she shot him a warning look.

He nodded, "Whatever you want," he kissed her cheek. "Hell, I'll even look at a bridal magazine with you and whatever else you want."

"Will you wear a dress?" she asked.

"Um..no?" he frowned. "That's where I'll draw the line at giving you what you want."

Melanie snorted, "Okay," she nodded. "So we're not going to rush, right?" she asked.

Chris nodded, "Mel, I tried pushing you before and we know how that ended," he said. "You pick the date and I'll be there," he kissed her shoulder. "Dressed in a suit and waiting at the alter for you."

"You are perfect," Melanie said, running her fingers down the side of his face. "I love you so much."

Chris leaned down to kiss her, "Thank you," he said. "For giving me another chance."

She nodded and pulled him down so that his head was resting on her shoulder. Both knew that they wouldn't be able to sleep on the couch in that position, unless they wanted to wake up with stiff necks and sore backs. Eventually, they would get up and move upstairs.

"So," Melanie broke the silence a few minutes later. "What does this ring look like?"