A/N: Whew! Thank you for all those reviews for the last chapter. I didn't think some people would still read this after my own hiatus. Well, looks like get to continue this after all.

So here's another chapter and brace yourselves. Here it is!


For some weird reason, Rachel felt braver that day.

She was riding a cab on her way to Long Beach. Quinn called her and asked her to pick her up because the cab she was in broke on the way home from a meeting. Rachel wondered how the hell Quinn's meeting got to Long Beach but decided not to worry about it.

Quinn arrived this morning from Lima and the blonde told her that she had to go back to work immediately. Rachel didn't complain because really, after a year of being in a relationship with Quinn, the blonde's job always came first.

She never complained every time Quinn cancelled their dates due to endless emergency meetings because she didn't want to demand much from Quinn. It was okay at some point because every time Quinn would cancel, she would always try to make it up to Rachel. Sometimes, Quinn's work caused fights and no-talking mornings but Rachel never felt threatened. She sometimes felt like it's unfair that Quinn had to put her work first but there were also various times that she put hers first. It was a fair game.

Still, she can't believe that Quinn held a meeting somewhere in Long Beach.

But nothing can stop Rachel Berry.

She's gonna ask her. Tonight.

She and Quinn agreed to have dinner before they head back to the city. It's been a while since they actually went to dine at Quinn's favorite seaside restaurant. And Rachel missed that place; it was where their first date happened.

She smiled as she clutched the small box in her pocket.

It wasn't the kind of proposal she imagined all her life. She was kind of convinced that she's the one for big and grandiose things but there wasn't any more time to prepare because she was feeling it all right at that moment.

Sometimes, you just have to act the moment you felt it because you'll never know if you'll ever feel it again.

These were Brittany's words at the rehearsal dinner and it all made sense to Rachel at that moment.

Her fathers approved of Quinn, Judy and – seems like – Russell approved of her and her one-year relationship with Quinn: these are reasons enough to make her believe that it was time to ask Quinn. She was ready for Quinn and hoped that Quinn was ready to take this step; because she knew – everyone knew – that at the end of the day, Quinn and Rachel are end game.

I was her she was me. We were one, we were free and if there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

For some reason, the radio chose to fill in Robbie Williams on that exact moment.

If there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

Rachel smiled as she, again, clutched the box in her pocket. She smiled because indeed, Quinn is the one.

As the song played in the background, Rachel recalled moments inside her head. From their first date to their simple Casper and Funny Girl nights – all of it seemed perfect. Whenever Rachel thought about it, she still could not believe that she actually got the girl.

Sure, Quinn was a tough one to handle. Her mood changes approximately 3 times in the course of an hour and it gets bad whenever Quinn was stressed about work. The blonde would always insist that she was right each time they fought and most of all, Quinn dedicates half of her life to work and half of it to Rachel.

Under normal circumstances, Rachel could have asked for more because she knew she deserve more from Quinn but she couldn't bring herself up to complain. She did Quinn wrong in the past and if this is one of the things she had to bear with, she'll take it just so she can keep Quinn in her life.

There were various times that she felt like Quinn still didn't trust her enough but just like most days, she refused to ask Quinn about it because one, she wanted to prove her that she deserved her trust and second, she was just so afraid of the answer.

Still, she wants to marry Quinn because if Quinn wants assurance – more than what Rachel tried to assure her for the past year – this would be it.

The ultimate promise.

Rachel wants Quinn in her life because she balances everything that was overwhelming in her life. The fame, the awards, the attention – she could get anything she wants in a snap but Quinn was an everyday representation that there are still some things she needed to work hard for.

Though sometimes she wished that things were easier with Quinn, she just couldn't let her go because this is a part of the Quinn that she loves; the Quinn that would sneak into her apartment to make her breakfast when she cancelled last night's date. It's part of the Quinn that sent her flowers every time she was up for grueling technical dress rehearsals and the Quinn that never missed a big show night.

Instead of counting the bad ones, Rachel chose to look at all the good things in their relationship. She smiled again because every moment that she wakes up with a very calm sleeping Quinn, she was reminded about how far they have actually come from being two old sweethearts who fell apart.

Though the sea will be strong I know we'll carry on, 'cause if there's somebody calling me on… she's the one.

Tears formed in her eyes because it felt amazing to finally feel as if you've found the one. Rachel wasn't sure if it happens to everyone else but she felt lucky.

She felt lucky to have Quinn. She felt lucky to have found the one. It's Quinn.

If there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

It's always been Quinn.

o-o-o-o-o

By the time the cab pulled over by the beach, Rachel's heart started racing.

This is it.

She checked her phone and saw that Quinn texted her.

By the lighthouse, baby. I missed this place.

She smiled because Quinn was being a little melodramatic. She decided to walk down the short distance; all the while holding on to the small box that holds the most important question she'll ever ask Quinn.

She was nervous but there was that stupid smile on her face as the song in the cab played in her head.

I was her she was me. We were one, we were free and if there's somebody calling me on. She's the one. If there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

As she turned the corner to the lighthouse, her eyes grew wide, her heart beat faster and her knees grew weak.

If there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

Quinn was standing in the middle of the candlelit beach looking out the darkness of the ocean. She was wearing a white knee-length dress and it seemed perfect even if she was barefoot.

The entire shore was lit with candles lying on the sand and it seemed endless. It seemed like the scattered little amounts of candle lights stretched as far as she can see. The candles were scattered all around her and Quinn was just there in there in the middle of all, looking like not six challenging years passed since high school. She's still the most beautiful girl Rachel knows.

"Quinn?" she called.

Rachel was nervous because obviously, Quinn set her up.

As Quinn turned to her, Rachel looked around again. It felt as if the stars we're dragged down to the shore. The candles lighted the entire beach, calmingly contrasting the darkness of the ocean and the night sky.

She looked back at Quinn and the blonde looked so beautiful. "Did you do all these?" Rachel asked as she walked closer to Quinn.

Quinn shrugged, "Do you like it?"

Rachel smiled, "Are you kidding me? I love it."

"I love you," Quinn said as she looked at Rachel straight in the eyes.

Rachel smiled as she stood in front of Quinn and snaked her arms around the blonde's neck, "I love you, too."

She kissed her chastely and then leaned their foreheads to each other, "But what's this for?"

Quinn pulled away as she took Rachel's hand and led her closer to the beach, "You'll know."

Rachel decided not to ask anything anymore. It's been a while since Quinn actually did something like this and she missed it.

"You're so romantic, Fabray."

"I don't show it much, I know."

Rachel smiled sheepishly, "Well, it counts at moments like this."

"Thank you."

"But seriously, Quinn, what's the occasion? Well, aside from us getting your dad's blessing."

"I said you'll know later."

Rachel just nodded as she and Quinn reached the middle of the candlelit shore. Tears were already threatening in her eyes because it was just so sweet and so romantic. Who would've thought that Quinn Fabray had romantic genes?

Then, there was a red medium-sized rectangular box and that's where Quinn decided to stop. She sat beside the box and tapped the space next to her summoning Rachel to do the same.

Rachel did as told and sat next to Quinn.

"What's this?"

Quinn chuckled, "You really had to ask that although you knew you'll find out, did you?"

Rachel pouted, "Don't blame me, Fabray! You told me your cab broke and I expected you to be in such a bad mood and we'll have a quiet dinner. You told me a thousand times before, don't underestimate the power of an extremely pissed off Quinn Fabray. So, I didn't expect you pulling this off."

"I didn't want you to expect anything. I guess I am getting better at my acting."

Rachel smiled, "I guess."

Quinn took a deep breath as she took the box and handed it to Rachel.

"It's a gift for you, from the past."

"It's not a prank, right? Because I really wouldn't talk to you for a whole week if you're going to pull off a high school Quinn tonight. It's so romantic. I don't want your old self ruining this."

Quinn smiled, "Trust me. Nothing's gonna ruin this night."

Rachel nodded because she trusted her. Rachel settled the box on the sand as she stared at it for a fraction of second. There was a small "WMHS" printed on the side of the box. "Looks like a blast from the past," Rachel said.

"Just open it, Rach."

"You're more excited that I am."

Quinn rolled her eyes and Rachel had to smile at how impatient her girlfriend was. She finally opened it and saw something she didn't expect to receive this day or ever. She smiled as she pulled the red piece of clothing up and she was instantly reminded of the Quinn who used to wear that jacket.

"It's my McKinley letterman," Quinn said as she smiled and stared at the old piece of clothing.

"It is," Rachel said, not finding the right words to say. It felt so nostalgic seeing it again.

"It's yours now," Quinn said silently.

Rachel turned to Quinn and asked, "Why are you giving this to me?"

"I should have given you that in senior year but you know…" Rachel saw her blush, "I wasn't in the position to give you that since we weren't –"

"Together, yes," Rachel finished for her. "Quinn, I don't understand."

Quinn sighed as she took the jacket from Rachel and draped it around her shoulders. Rachel felt comfortable in it, like it was meant for her. "There was a time in my life that it was everything I thought I could be."

It made Rachel's heart ache a bit.

The blonde continued, "But you always had a way of making me feel as if I was wrong about my low perception of myself."

Rachel just smiled warmly at her melodramatic girlfriend.

Quinn smiled as she looked back at the box, "There's one more thing inside."

Rachel quickly looked back at the box and saw a scrapbook inside it. She must have missed it the moment she pulled the jacket up. She took the scrapbook and smiled at what's written on the cover: Quinn and Rachel – Hell Yeah.

"Really, Quinn?"

"I couldn't think of any word that could describe us, Rach. Seriously, I nearly pulled my brain out of its place when I was thinking about that."

"This is so Santana."

"She's the one that actually gave me an idea that there's no better way of describing our relationship."

Rachel chuckled, "I knew it."

"But I was the one that came up with that!" Quinn defended as she pouted.

"I understand. That's so creative of you," Rachel teased.

Quinn rolled her eyes again.

Rachel opened the book and nearly laughed at what was on the first page: a screenshot of her age-old MySpace page.

Quinn chuckled, "That's when I first knew that you existed."

Rachel chuckled, "Oh my goodness, Quinn. It instantly reminded me of your mean comments."

"I was saying mean things to you but look at who hasn't missed your big nights now?"

Rachel nodded, impressed at that.

Rachel then turned to the next page and saw Quinn and Finn's photo probably way back in sophomore year; Quinn in Cheerios uniform and Finn in his football jersey.

"He led me to you," Quinn said silently and that's when Rachel felt a bit emotional. "If it weren't for you coming after him in sophomore year, I wouldn't have joined Glee and I wouldn't have known you."

Rachel looked at Quinn and saw her just staring at the photo in the scrapbook resting on Rachel's lap.

"No matter how much I hated him when he chose you over me, I owe Finn a lot. I wouldn't have known how wonderful you are. I would have missed on everything I love about my life right now."

Rachel's heart swelled with pride and emotions. Here Quinn was, in one of the rare opportunities, letting Rachel see her heart without barriers. She smiled as she turned to the next page and as they both saw what as in there, they both laughed.

Using letters that were cut out of magazines and newspapers, words were all over the page: Man Hands, RuPaul, Stubbles, Dwarf, and Midget. In the middle of the page was a photo of a 7-Eleven slushie.

"Those were the first words I said to you, weren't they?"

Rachel nodded.

Somehow, it didn't hurt recalling all those memories.

"I don't know if I had said it enough but I am so sorry for making your past miserable, Rachel."

"I don't know if I had it enough but I forgive all of it, Quinn. You're here with me, it's all that matters."

Rachel turned to the next page and her heart skipped a beat. There's a picture of Quinn when she was pregnant with Beth.

"Remember when I told you that you did what I was not brave enough to do?"

"When I told everyone that Puck is the father of your baby?"

"It wasn't just that. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself one bit."

Tears welled in Rachel's eyes and stared at Quinn's photo, "You still look beautiful here, Quinn."

"I think that's when our friendship really started."

"But you didn't want to be seen being all friendly with me. It'd hurt your status."

"Turn to the next page, Rach."

Rachel did and saw a sketch of her – it didn't look like her but her name was written on the side. There was a huge 'Loser' written on top of the page and then, there were hearts all over it.

"I drew that in sophomore year, after Finn found out. You were with Jesse then. I think, I didn't want to be friends with you because I hated the idea that it's all we were ever going to be."

Quinn said it straight and in all honestly that Rachel almost choked a sob.

"It was so hard in high school, Rachel. I needed to push you away."

"I understand."

"I was so afraid that the day will come that I will find no reason to hate you."

Rachel chuckled, "I believe and forgive you, Quinn. I think I understand the denial part more now. You actually drew hearts."

Quinn laughed, "I just noticed the hearts when I saw that in Lima yesterday."

Rachel turned to the next page and saw the words of the song she wrote back in high school: Get it Right.

"The sending-me-on-my-way scene between us," Rachel said as she smiled warmly at the memory.

Quinn nodded.

"I remember one of the first humane conversations we had. It's when I volunteered to help you with writing an original song."

"You said I was an artist and that I didn't need the burden of a relationship."

Quinn nodded, "Back then, I was so convinced that talking you out of Finn and Jesse was just my way of being nice for the sake of the Prom Queen thing. But now, maybe, I just hated seeing you happy with someone else."

"It makes sense now."

"Then came senior year."

Rachel smiled as she turned to the next page and saw photos of them with the New Directions, with Santana and Brittany and some with just the two of them. They seemed happy and that's when Rachel's tears finally fell.

"Oh God. These days are golden."

"They are."

Rachel ran her fingers over the photo of New Directions winning Nationals in senior year. Artie was holding the huge trophy with everyone gathered happily around him as she and Quinn were at the back sharing an intimate hug.

"That's the moment I realized that I wanted to go to New York with you. That I wanted to be there for you and that I want you to be there for me," Quinn said as her voice broke mid-sentence. "I really fell hard for you back then."

"Quinn..."

"I kept it all in that scrapbook because I wanted to remind you of how far we've come."

"Are there any more pages? I really want to kiss you now."

"That'll have to wait."

Rachel playfully pouted as she turned to the next page and saw a photo of Lucy.

"I don't take that picture out very often," Quinn sighed heavily, trying to hold back her tears. "That was me, Rach. Before I started believing I deserved better."

"But -"

"Turn to the next page."

The next page revealed a photo of Quinn in her Cheerios uniform.

"That was me... before you."

Rachel looked at Quinn lovingly and the brunette felt like she could fly.

"You didn't change me, Rach. You made me realize who Quinn Fabray really is," she said. This is the part where Quinn's heart started beating faster but she continued anyway, "Before you turn to the next page, promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Don't say anything until I allow you to. There are things I can only say once because we both know I'm not so good at this."

"I could promise you that, except if it's you saying that you're breaking up with me."

Quinn smiled, "Believe me, it's not that."

Rachel nodded nervously, "Can I turn the page now?"

Quinn nodded and Rachel did.

As she saw what was on the next page, her hands started to tremble that she needed to clutch on the scrapbook itself.

"You saw Lucy and then Quinn. Now, I'm showing you the 'me' you turned me into," Quinn said as her eyes glimmered with tears.

Rachel was left staring on the photo that was in front of her.

There was photo of Quinn's hand with a diamond ring on her palm.

"The Quinn you made out of me is strong enough to get that ring. She's the same Quinn who went back to Lima to tell her father about you because there's no other person in her life that makes her feel like you do," Quinn said as she wiped her own tears.

Rachel could not believe it.

Is Quinn about to...

"When I came back here to be your Publicist, I kept telling myself – and everyone – that I came here for answers, for closure. But I guess that was only true for a short while. Of course I came back for you. For my Rachel."

Rachel sobbed. It was a good thing that Quinn hasn't allowed her to speak because she was at lost for words.

"Quinn is a better person now, Rachel and it's because you believed in her. Quinn wants you in her life... forever."

That's when Rachel turned to Quinn. She was crying because really, this is Quinn doing what Rachel never expected her to do.

Quinn met Rachel's eyes as she pulled a small velvet box from the pocket of the letterman jacket that was on Rachel.

She slowly opened it and revealed a band of channel-set round brilliant diamonds that enhanced the classic Tiffany six-prong. Rachel knew in an instant that it was Tiffany. There's no way it wasn't a Tiffany.

Rachel's eyes grew wide and her heart melted. She was sure she died for a second. It was the same ring in the photo. But this time, it looked real. It looked to so real but she felt like she's on a dream she didn't want to wake up from.

So, it felt like this. Quinn finally initiates something.

Rachel never felt loved and cared for than she felt at that moment. Finally, someone has the courage to deal with Rachel Berry for the rest of her life.

She probably will never know that it was what Quinn bought with half of what she had saved for the past year she had worked with WPIX and Blaine's management. Rachel doesn't know that the ring in front of her was a product of Quinn's grueling hours at the office and on the fly with Blaine's career.

And Rachel will never know that the Tiffany engagement ring in front of her is a 1-carat platinum worth $12,000.

Quinn knew that the price doesn't matter to Rachel. She knew that Rachel wouldn't care where she bought the ring or what it means as long as she's the one Quinn's proposing to but Quinn, up to this day, still wanted to be the one that made Rachel's dreams come true.

"I don't have an entire choir or a marching band or a Glee Club singing Rihanna while on a pool but I have this shore, these candles, and the wind. And it's all I can offer you Rachel. This is just me. This is just Quinn Fabray... asking you if you'd marry her despite the mess that she is."

Quinn had tears in her eyes. She was feeling a tad nervous but it felt so freeing to finally let Rachel know what she had been thinking.

And Rachel was just rendered speechless.

"Turn to the next page."

Holy Barbra. It's not yet over.

Rachel turned to the next page and smiled at what was written – in Quinn's penmanship.

10 Reasons Why Rachel Berry Shouldn't Marry Quinn Fabray

"Read it, out loud."

Rachel smiled and, despite her tear-clouded vision, began reading.

"Number One, Quinn is bossy," Rachel read out loud.

"You just followed what I just said. See?"

Rachel smilingly shook her head at how clever item number one was. She continued, "Number Two, Quinn is the mean bitch that bullied you in high school."

"Fact."

"Number three, Quinn was a troubled college student."

"Another fact."

"Number four, Quinn is moody and four point one, she tends to displace her mood on you."

This time, Rachel looked up to Quinn and gave her an 'it's okay' look but Quinn shook her head and said, "Keep reading."

"Number five, Quinn stomps her foot when she gets frustrated."

Rachel smiled because Quinn has no idea how much Rachel loves her for that.

"Number six, Quinn loves Casper. Period."

Despite her tears, Rachel laughed at this.

"Number seven, Quinn is not wholeheartedly vegan."

"I tried but bacon..."

Rachel didn't let Quinn finish her explanation because she had long accepted this fact. "Number eight, Quinn is complicated and if Rachel says yes, she will have to spend the next few years of her life just figuring Quinn out."

"That's true. I spent my entire life trying to understand myself."

"Number nine, Quinn doesn't have the track record of the best girlfriend."

It was when Quinn went all serious, "I know that Rachel. I know that I hadn't been the best girlfriend to you. I spent the past year trying to figure out how it works for us because I am still scared of everything that's happened in the past. But today, I am giving you the letterman jacket, the scrapbook, Lucy and everything that has something to do with the past because I want us to not be threatened of it anymore. It hurt. The memories hurt but I realized that it was the reason why I am here now. The past made me realize how much I need you in my life, Rach. The past reminds me, everyday, that I like who you turned me into because this Quinn – this Quinn that is talking to you right now – is so much more than the girl in the past. I don't want you to feel like you have to make up for the wrongs you did in the past. I know that's how I made you feel for the past year and I'm sorry, Rach. I'm sorry for not making you feel how special you really are to me. The past year had been about me trying to figure out where the pieces fit but I want the next few years to be about you... being my wife," Quinn said clear and straight. She was slightly out of breath but she felt brave. Finally, the message was sent to Rachel.

Rachel, meanwhile, was trembling. She still couldn't believe it.

If there's somebody calling me on. She's the one.

There was one more item though.

"Number ten... there's more than 10 reasons why Rachel Berry shouldn't marry Quinn Fabray. It can't fit it this scrap book anymore : ( "

Rachel smiled because it was just too cute.

"Turn to the next page, Rach."

There's more.

Rachel nervously turned to the next page and cried the moment she saw what was written, again Quinn's bare handwriting.

10

7

3

1 Reason Why Rachel Berry SHOULD Marry Quinn Fabray

"Quinn Fabray loves Rachel Berry," Rachel read as her voice broke mid-sentence. She's just so happy.

"I tried to give more reasons, Rach. But that's the only thing I can give you. I love you. I don't know of it's enough but that's the only thing I have that I am certain. I love you and if you want to, I'm gonna make you feel that every single day for the rest of our lives. I love you and I want your last name to replace mine because I'm yours, Rach. Only yours."

Quinn took the ring out of the box and looked Rachel in the eyes.

"Rachel Barbra Berry, will you marry me?"

Rachel felt like she could die any minute now.

She didn't know that it could happen to her: to look someone in the eyes, to hear someone talk and feel just how much they love you. But it was happening to her. Quinn was looking at her and she saw love. Quinn just had her proposal speech and all Rachel could hear was love.

She would have wanted to be the one proposing but it was magical – the way Quinn said everything, the way she did it, the ring; the moment. Rachel wanted to step out of this scene and watch it unfold in front of her because for the first time in her life, she believed that love could be enough.

Quinn only gave her one reason why she should say yes and Rachel would swear, for the rest of her life, that she's gonna hold on to that – no matter what.

She looked at the ring and then straight back up at Quinn's eyes. She wanted to scream the answer so loud but feared that it would wake her up, if in case she was just dreaming.

"Yes," she said under breath. She was overwhelmed. There were just no words to describe how happy she felt. Rachel's tears fell rapidly from her eyes as she saw Quinn smile. Quinn wasn't crying but her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

"I'll marry you, Quinn!" Rachel verified almost squealing as Quinn slid the ring on her finger.

Rachel then launched herself to Quinn and hugged her for dear life because finally, they were off that ground. They were off the same ground they had been in the past few years of their life.

And here Rachel Berry is, about to move forward to rest of her life with Quinn Fabray, her future wife.

"Oh God, I love you, Quinn!" Rachel said as she kissed Quinn passionately.

"I love you, Rach. I can't imagine losing you. It's too much to imagine."

They both felt like they could fly; like the rest of the world didn't exist.

Both of them didn't know that it was possible to feel as happy as they felt at that moment.

To Rachel, it was about leaving the past behind and moving forward to a future with the one she had loved since day one.

For Quinn, it was all about moving forward – despite history, despite herself. She felt unafraid of the future for the first time in her life because she knows she'll be spending it with Rachel.

Quinn cupped Rachel's face and looked at her straight in the eyes, "I'm not going to say that it'll be easy, Rach but I promise you it's going to be worth it."

"You're the best thing that happened to me, Quinn. We're gonna be fine, baby. We're gonna make it," she assured her because she knew that after this night, she'll be willing to travel to hell and back just make it work with Quinn.

Her Quinn.

"I will not be scared anymore, Rach. Who were are, right at this moment, is all I care about."

Rachel smiled playfully as she tried to contain her burst of emotions, "I'm trying to think of the best color for the wedding!"

Quinn laughed so hard that it hurt her face. Dear God, thank you.

"And I'm also thinking how I never guessed that this is a set up!"

Quinn kissed her fiance again because it was the only sensible thing to do. Her heart was in overdrive and as she wrapped her fiance in her arms, she looked up and silently prayed to the God she had believed in all her life.

She thanked Him because she knew, no matter how crazy it sounds, that He gave Rachel to her.

For probably the first time in her life, she believed that everything, indeed, happens for a reason.

Rachel is her reason. Rachel is the reason for every good and bad thing that happened to her and even if she had lived a hard life, she will never change a thing because Rachel Berry is the reason Quinn Fabray learned to live.

She smiled as she kissed Rachel's temple. All the bad things, all the mistakes, all the wrong decisions led her to the only thing that's right about her life right now. From this point forward, the past will be nothing but a memory; a bittersweet memory that led her to the sweetest thing that happened to her. It's Rachel.

It will always be Rachel.


I know it's not the grandest proposal ever but I loved Q's list in the end. x In the scrapbook stuff, I referred to a scene that was cut in Season 2 when and R and Q spent the night writing a song. (If you haven't read it, check out the Rachel-Quinn Glee Wiki)

Hah. Do you want to read about how Santana will get back on Quinn for the cliff dive? Hmm. Let me know! We have a few more chapters left and if you have any suggestions about this, please just hit the review button or message me!

I might have to warn you for the next few chapters, it's gonna be one heck of a roller coaster! : )