Adrian spent the night tossing and turning, replaying his last conversation with Natalie over and over. He finally forced himself out of bed at 8:00 am, even though he was still tired. He hadn't been in his apartment in over a week. He needed to clean and get some groceries, plus he needed to meet Leland at the station to wrap up some paperwork on the cases they had just solved. As he worked, he mulled over everything Natalie had said. He knew she was sad about the idea of giving Sophia up. Even though she hadn't received a call yet, they both knew it could come at any time. He couldn't blame her for struggling with giving her up. He remembered very clearly how hard it had been for him to give up Tommy Granger, even though he knew it was what was best for the child, and Sophia was just as special, a sweet, lovable baby with an infectious laugh and smile. He already loved her as if she were his own.

Natalie had also been upset about his leaving, even though she knew it was only a temporary situation. She knew he would never consider moving in unless they were married. He didn't think it was proper. He had to admit the time they shared that week had been special, despite Natalie's injuries. It wasn't just Natalie, either. Being in her home gave him a glimpse of a family life he had never experienced, or at least not since he was very young, and he loved every minute of it. His apartment felt cold and sterile after spending so much time in a vibrant, happy home filled with people.

After his cleaning was done, Monk drove to the station to meet with the captain. They wrapped up the necessary paperwork for the cases and several people offered their congratulations on catching their suspect. With all the evidence against him, there was no doubt he would be going to prison for a very long time.

With the paperwork complete, Leland filed it away with a satisfactory smile on his face. "Another one for the books, right Monk?"

"Yeah, I guess so," said Monk.

Leland raised an eyebrow. "You ok there buddy? You seem a little out of sorts."

"I'm just tired. It was a long drive home."

"Are you going back to your apartment tonight?"

"I actually went back last night." Monk had a look on his face that his friend knew all too well.

"Uh oh. What happened?"

"Nothing happened…not really." Monk was pacing now and really wanted to leave.

"Come on, Monk. I know that look. Did you and Natalie have an argument?" Leland asked, sitting down on the edge of his desk.

Monk stopped pacing and looked at his friend. He didn't really care to discuss private conversations he had with his girlfriend, but he knew Leland was trying to help, and maybe he could provide some insight into what happened. He sighed. "It wasn't an argument, but Natalie was clearly upset about something, and she wouldn't tell me why."

"Ok," said Leland. "Everything seemed fine when we dropped you off at the rental car place. What happened after that?"

"Well," Adrian said, trying to remember. "She took the first shift of driving, and I fell asleep. When I woke up a couple of hours later, she was crying. I asked her what was wrong, but all I could get out of her is that she was sad that our time together was ending, and she knew Sophia would be going away soon, too. Then, when we got back to her house, she asked me to go home because she needed time to think. I understand her being upset about Sophia leaving. She's really grown to love her, as have I, but what I can't figure out is why she's so upset about my going back home. We'll still see each other, even more now that we're dating."

Leland stroked his mustache as he thought about what Monk said. "It sounds like she really enjoyed the time you spent together after her accident, and I think she wishes it could be permanent."

"I enjoyed it too." Monk said, a bit frustrated, "but she knows I can't stay."

"She loves Sophia," said Leland, "but she doesn't want to be a single parent again."

"Right, but what does that have to do with me? I don't want to see her go either."

Leland leaned forward and looked his friend in the eyes. "There's a solution to this, buddy, and I think Natalie's been thinking about it, but she won't ask you because she's scared of how you'll react."

Monk started pacing again. Certainly, Leland couldn't be implying… "Lelaaand, if you're saying what I think you're saying, remember that Natalie and I have only been dating for a little over a week. I can't deny that I've had similar thoughts, but it's far too soon."

Leland smiled. "I know I'm probably not the best person to be taking relationship advice from, but I do believe that when it's right, it's right. T.K. and I hadn't known each other long when I knew she was the one. You and Natalie may have just started dating, but you've been friends for a long time, and you've known each other even longer. I also know that I've only seen you this happy at one other time in your life, and we both know when that was, and what I saw over at Natalie's the other day…well, it suits you."

"I don't know Leland. It's just so soon."

"Think about it, ok? That little girl is going to need a good home and parents who will love her, and I don't think she could do better than what she's got right now."

"I'll think about it," said Adrian, sighing again.

As Monk opened the door to leave, Leland said, "I'll see you tomorrow night, right?"

Monk stopped dead in his tracks. With all the excitement of the case and then his mind being so occupied with his and Natalie's last conversation, he had almost forgotten. "Yes, see you tomorrow night," he said.

As soon as Adrian got back to his car, he pulled out his phone. He had a call to make. He just hoped she would want to talk to him. When Natalie answered her phone, he said, "Hi Natalie, this is Adrian, Adrian Monk."

Natalie laughed. "I know it's you, Adrian."

He was thankful she was laughing, even if it was at his awkward telephone greeting. It put him a little more at ease. "I'm calling because I'd like to take you out for your birthday tomorrow, around lunchtime. Would that be ok?"

"Oh, how sweet of you to remember," Natalie said, "but Julie won't be available to watch Sophia."

"That's ok," he said. "We'll bring her with us. How about 12:00?"

"I don't know," said Natalie. "She's in a real wiggly stage. I don't know how she'll do in a restaurant."

"Then we won't go to a restaurant. How about a picnic at the park instead?"

"You, go on a picnic, with nature. Are you sure?"

"I'll be fine. It will be better for Sophia."

"Well, ok, if you're sure. 12:00 sounds good, and Adrian…"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about last night. I don't know what came over me. I think I was over-tired and confused. I love you and I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

"Natalie, don't ever apologize for your feelings. We can talk about it more tomorrow if you want. I love you, too."

Adrian arrived at Natalie's house at 12:00 on June 14, 2010. He was looking forward to spending the day with Natalie and Sophia, but he also felt nervous after their last conversation and his conversation with Leland. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about it, but when Natalie opened the door, all he could think of was her beauty. She was dressed in summery white shorts and a sea-green blouse that brought out her eyes, but it was her smile that captivated him in that moment.

"Hello there," she said.

"Happy Birthday sweetheart," he said, giving her a kiss and a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you. These are so pretty!"

Natalie placed the bouquet on the table before grabbing a quilt. She lifted Sophia out of the baby swing, and said, "Are you sure you don't mind eating at the park?"

"It's a beautiful day," he said. "I'll be fine."

A few minutes later, the trio pulled into a parking lot adjacent to Golden Gate Park. Natalie pulled out Sophia's stroller and Adrian buckled her in. "She should probably have a helmet," he said.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "She doesn't need a helmet. We'll be careful."

They spent the next couple of hours strolling through the many acres of trails, gardens, and other sites. Sophia enjoyed it as much as the adults, often babbling and pointing at the various things that caught her eye, but after a while, she began to fuss. They stopped at a fountain, and Natalie pulled her out of the stroller. It didn't take long for the baby to calm down, since she just wanted to be held. As Natalie held her, Adrian made funny faces at her, sending her into peals of infectious laughter. An elderly man and woman stopped at the fountain and sat beside them. The woman leaned over and said, "What an adorable baby you have. How old is she?"

"She's six months old today," said Natalie, smiling at the couple.

"Well, I just love seeing families out here together. We've raised five of our own," said the man, proudly. "We've got twelve grands and two great-grands now, and we should have more soon. My granddaughter and her husband have been fostering a set of twins they hope to adopt soon. We're very excited to add to our family. They're all a blessing, no matter how they come to us."

"Yes sir," said Natalie, as she looked at Sophia. "Babies are a blessing no matter how they come to us."

"I guess we'll be heading on," said the man. "You folks have a good day and take good care of that beautiful little girl you have."

The couple slowly walked off hand-in-hand. Adrian and Natalie watched them go, similar thoughts playing in their minds. Sophia began to fuss again as she rubbed her eyes with her fists.

"I think she's getting tired," Natalie explained. "Let's find a good spot to lay her down on the quilt."

They quickly found a private, shady spot under a tree and Natalie spread out the quilt. She laid the baby down and sat beside her. Sophia quickly found her thumb and closed her eyes. Adrian opened the cooler he had packed with sandwiches, crackers, cheese, fruit and drinks. They ate but Adrian continued to stand, leaning against the tree. After they put the remnants of the picnic away, Natalie looked up at him. She found him especially attractive in his jeans and a short-sleeve button-down, a peaceful smile on his face. She said, "Adrian, please sit down. I'll scoot over so you'll be completely on the quilt. You won't touch the ground at all."

"I'm ok like this." He said.

"You might be ok." She said, pouting a little, "but I was hoping for some cuddles."

Oh, that pout! He had little resistance. "Ok, he said, but if there's any spiders, you're going to kill them, right?"

"Yes, I will kill them," she said, laughing. "Now, please sit down."

He did as she asked and leaned back against the tree, inviting Natalie to lean back against him. She did so, and he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek.

"This has been the nicest birthday," she said. "Thank you."

"There's more." He pulled out a small, wrapped box from the bottom of the stroller. "I snuck it in when you weren't looking," he said with a smile. He handed her the gift.

Natalie unwrapped it and slowly lifted the lid. Inside, was a lovely gold necklace with a gold heart pendant. Inside the heart, was a pearl, her birthstone, encircled by a series of tiny diamonds. She gasped. "Oh Adrian, it's perfect! Thank you so much!" She put the necklace up to her neck, and Adrian helped her clasp it. She turned to face him and asked, "How does it look?"

"Beautiful, but not as beautiful as the woman wearing it." He placed his hand against her cheek and looked into her eyes. "I love you so much, Natalie," he said, leaning towards her. Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss.

Natalie sighed and said, "I love you too, so very, very much." She leaned back against him, and they stayed that way for a while, just listening to the sounds around them and watching the steady rise and fall of Sophia's back as she slept.

Natalie finally spoke. "Adrian," she said. "About the other night…"

"It's ok," he interrupted. "You don't have to explain."

"No, I want to." She turned to face him. "While we were driving home and you were sleeping, I was happily remembering that wonderful week we had together at my house. Even though I was hurting from the accident, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I loved having all of us together every day, but I knew it had to end. I couldn't ask you to stay once I no longer needed your help. It's not in your character. I know that. You sacrificed so much by just being there for me, and Sophia. I'm also painfully aware that my time with her is limited, and I don't want to let go of that, either. I guess having my birthday coming up, and maybe because I'm turning 40, made me start evaluating where I've been and where I'm going. Adrian, I feel so incredibly lucky to have you in my life, and I have to keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I love my life. I love you, and I love the girls, but I want more. It's not that I'm not grateful for what I have. I am, but I just wish what we had last week could be for always." She paused and took his hand. "I know it's really soon in our relationship to have those thoughts, and I'm not asking for any kind of commitment or anything… In my heart, you've been part of my family for a long time, and now Sophia fits right in. I just wish…" She looked down at their clasped hands, "but I know it's too soon."

Adrian slowly let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Why didn't you want to tell me this the other night?"

"I know I should have. I'm sorry for shutting you out, but I was afraid it might scare you away."

"Sweetheart, please don't ever be afraid to tell me what's on your heart. You're not going to scare me away, ever. Now, I need you to do something for me. Could you stand up for a minute?"

"Stand up? Why?"

"Please Natalie."

Natalie stood and Adrian got to his knees. She thought he was going to stand up as well, but then he shifted his position so that he was only on one knee. He then took her hand in his.

"Natalie Jane Teeger, I love you with every fiber of my being. I know this is soon, but I know this is what I want for the rest of my life. You said that you weren't asking for a commitment just now, but the truth is I'm ready to make a commitment to you. I want to make a commitment to you." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box and opened it, revealing a sparkling, princess-cut, diamond solitaire. Natalie's hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. "Will you marry me, Natalie? I promise to do everything in my strength to love you, care for you and make you happy for the rest of my life."

"Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" she shouted. He slipped the ring on her finger and stood, taking her in his arms. They came together in a passionate kiss, knowing they belonged to each other, for always.

They breathlessly held each other for a moment, then in between small kisses he placed along her cheek and temple, he said, "Natalie, there's something else I need to ask you. Would it be ok if we adopt Sophia together? I love her so much, and I want her to be part of our family too."

Natalie looked up at him through eyes brimming with tears. "You mean I won't have to give her up?"

"No, never," said Adrian.

Natalie didn't know whether to laugh, cry or cheer, but then she heard movement and a soft coo. She and Adrian looked down to see two big, green eyes looking up at them. Natalie scooped the baby up in her arms. "You hear that, sweet girl? We're going to be a family!"

Adrian encircled his two loves in his arms, and they stood that way, holding each other for a long while, until it was time to go.

As they walked back to the car, Natalie kept looking at the sparkly ring on her finger.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"Like it? I'm overwhelmed! Tell me, were you planning to ask me today."

He chuckled. "No, to tell you the truth, I was planning on waiting a little longer. I just bought it this morning, along with the necklace. I figured it was too soon, that we needed more time, but when I realized it's what we both wanted, I thought, why wait?"

"I'm so glad I told you," she said, wrapping her arm around his waist as he pushed the stroller.

As they drove home, Natalie asked, "How do you want to tell everyone? Should we make phone calls or talk to everyone in person? We can tell Julie when we get home. She is going to be so excited. Let's see, I guess we could make a trip to the station to tell Leland. Won't he be surprised, and you can call Molly and Ambrose. Do you think people will say it's too soon?" Natalie excitedly rambled on, but Adrian just smiled.

Once they were back at Natalie's, she said, "That's odd. It's dark inside. I thought Julie would be home by now." She unlocked the door and they stepped inside. She was just reaching for the light switch when there was a commotion. Then, the lights came on and Julie and all of their friends jumped from their hiding places and shouted, SURPRISE! Happy Birthday Natalie!"

Natalie was stunned for a moment, then she looked at a grinning Adrian. He looked like the Cheshire Cat, he was so pleased with himself. "I see you got me back. Good one," she said, as she pushed against him with her shoulder.

"It was Julie's idea," he said, shrugging.

Before she knew it, Natalie was surrounded by well-wishers. Julie was there, of course, plus Molly, Leland, T.K., and Dwayne and Nicole Washington, and a few other friends from the station. Natalie had slipped off her ring, wanting to wait for the right time to make their announcement. Adrian, of course, noticed her do it, and she winked at him.

There was delicious food and a cake. Natalie opened gifts and laughed with her friends, but neither her thoughts nor her attention ever strayed far from her fiancé.

Julie noticed that Sophia was starting to get sleepy, so she picked her up and went to tell Natalie that she would put her to bed, but Natalie took her from Julie and said, "In a few minutes. We need her for a moment, first." Then, Natalie walked over to Adrian and whispered in his ear. He nodded and stood up next to Natalie and Sophia.

He cleared his throat and said, "May I have everyone's attention." Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked in their direction. "First of all, I want to thank everyone for coming to Natalie's birthday party. I know it means a lot to her. Before you all leave, we would like to make an announcement." Adrian looked at Natalie, suddenly feeling nervous. She took his hand and squeezed it, giving him a nod." He cleared his throat again and continued. "Today, I asked this lovely lady to marry me and she said yes." There was a collective gasp. "Then, I asked her if we could adopt this beautiful baby girl, and she said yes, again!" By then, the surprises had turned into squeals and cheers, and suddenly, the couple and baby were being hugged by everyone in the room.

Julie was the first to run up to them and embrace all three. "Is it true? Are we going to be a family?" "Yes, it's true," shouted Natalie. Then, they both jumped and shouted, and were soon joined by Molly who was also jumping and shouting. T.K. and Nicole hugged Natalie while Leland and Dwayne gave their friend hearty slaps on the back. Sophia joined in on the laughter to the delight of everyone there.

Leland leaned over and whispered, "I'm glad you didn't take too long to think about it."

A few minutes later, Leland handed his phone to Adrian and said, there's someone here who would like to talk to you. Adrian looked at his friend curiously, but took the phone.

"Hello," he said into it.

"Adrian?" came a familiar voice. "Is it true? Are you and Natalie getting married?"

Adrian chuckled. "Yes, Sharona. It's true."

Then he heard screaming, followed by, "Randy, come here! You won't believe this!"

Adrian and Natalie both laughed as they were quite sure the entire state of New Jersey just heard the news of their engagement.

Later that evening, after everyone had left and Julie was putting a very tired Sophia to bed, Adrian and Natalie sat at her dining room table, finally able to eat some of Natalie's birthday cake. Natalie sighed and said, "Ok, I think you've got me beat for best birthday surprise ever. I will never forget this day, my love. You've made me so happy."

"Thank you for saying yes," he said, leaning over and kissing her. Then he took a piece of his cake and fed it to her, feeling quite certain that he was the luckiest man in the world.