p dir="ltr"strongAurora's POV: /strong/p
p dir="ltr"I woke up in Laszlo's arms. When I actually opened my eyes I saw that he was already awake. A sweet smile spread across his face, which warmed my insides. "Good morning sweetheart." He whispered as he brushed some of my hair out of my face. "Good morning." I replied with a smile of my own. I snuggled into him and breathed in his comforting scent. I was so warm and comfortable I didn't want to get up just yet. All I wanted to do was cuddle with him. "Good morning." I replied happily. He played with my hair as he left a sweet kiss on my forehead. After what had happened in the last... however many hours, I couldn't help but feel lucky. My brother, my best friend, and I all could have been killed last night./p
p dir="ltr""Thanks for telling Stevie to keep an eye on us. If he hadn't been there to save us, I'm not sure if I would be here right now." I said and a sadness filled his big brown eyes. "Shhh," He said as he placed a forefinger over my lips. "I don't even want to think about that. You're here and that's all that matters." He said softly as he gently tightened his arm around me. The two of us stayed like that for a while before we decided to get up and start the day. I changed behind a folding curtain, mostly because I wasn't comfortable enough to change in front of him. The most I've seen of him was the times I saw him shirtless and I was a little nervous about seeing more than that at the time being. It wasn't because I thought he wasn't beautiful; it's just... I've never really had any experience with romantic relationships before. I didn't want our relationship to go too fast./p
p dir="ltr"We've moved pretty fast already. But now I wanted to savor and enjoy my time with him, especially now that the case was over. I pressed my thoughts to the back of my mind once I was dressed. After making sure he was changed I walked out into the open to see him in his usual black suit. "You look so handsome. Then again... you always look handsome to me." I said as I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his torso. He smiled as he too wrapped his arms around me. "You look beautiful, but you've always looked beautiful." He said softly as he closed the short distance between us and kissed me. I melted at the soft touch of his lips against mine and I returned the kiss. Everything in that moment felt perfect. We walked downstairs together and he joined me as I entered the kitchen. From the looks of things, Cyrus and Stevie hadn't gotten out of bed yet. So I started brewing some coffee and begun getting breakfast under way./p
p dir="ltr""I'm so glad I have you in my life Aurora. You've been nothing but sweet and kind to me since the very beginning. I only hope I'm able to make you happy and treat you with such tenderness that you have already shown me." He said as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. "You have, Laszlo. You have done so much more than you realize." I replied as he slowly broke the embrace so I could turn to face him. I reached up and brushed my fingers through his luscious mane of a beard, which caused a smile to spread across his handsome face. A sparkle ignited in his beautiful brown eyes as well. He rested his forehead against mine before nuzzling his adorable nose against my own. "I love you Laszlo. I love you so much." I said as I fell under the sweet spell his big eyes have over me. "I love you too Aurora. I love you too." He replied before he kissed me again. Our tender moment was interrupted when I suddenly got the feeling that we were being watched./p
p dir="ltr"I looked over to see both Stevie and Cyrus peeking through the kitchen door with huge goofy grins on their faces. I giggle and blushed as I buried my face into Laszlo's chest. Laszlo chuckled lightly. I knew he was smiling even though I couldn't see it at the moment. "Come on in you two. Aurora is making us a very late breakfast." Laszlo said. We broke the hug and our friends entered the kitchen. Both of them were still smiling though. My inside felt so warm. It was like our lives were back on track after a long and interesting detour. But I'd be kidding myself if I said a part of me didn't miss being a part of a dangerous investigation. However, I figured I'd give the detective lifestyle a break considering the fact that I could have been killed just a few hours or so ago. When the food was ready the four of us just ate there in the kitchen instead of going into the dining room. After we finished eating Stevie helped with the dishes. Then we went into the sitting room to enjoy some of Cyrus's piano playing./p
p dir="ltr"He and Laszlo even played a song together even though the doctor could only use one of his hands. The song was beautiful regardless, just as I expected it to be. For the rest of the day we just stayed together and relished in each other's company. Eventually we all changed into our fancy clothing so we could attend the opera. I hadn't expected such a lovely outing, but I knew that it was well deserved. When we reached the opera house we met up with my brother, Jeremy, Sara, John, and the Isaacson brothers. I gave each of them a hug. Each of them accepted it with smiles and open arms. But it did cause Lucius to get a little flustered. He has always been the nervous type, except for when he was talking about something he was very familiar with like science. Our group made our way inside after we greeted each other. "Wow! I never thought I'd be sitting in a private box at opera." Jeremy said and Henry agreed. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show; even John behaved despite his dislike for the opera./p
p dir="ltr"But John really came alive as soon as we walked into Delmonico's. Laszlo got a private room so Cyrus and Stevie could join us. It made me a little upset that they couldn't dine with us in the open, but I knew society would have never allowed it. We talked and laughed as we ate the delicious food that was prepared for us all. I felt like I did the first time I had dinner with all of them when I first started working for Laszlo, but this time it was a little different. This time they were officially meeting my brother and my childhood friend. It was like all of the threads of my life were finally being sewn together. Of course they would never get to meet my parents, but that didn't mean they couldn't get to know them through the stories I had to tell./p
p dir="ltr"After that night everything went back to normal. Everyone went back to their respective jobs and whatnot. Henry and I gave our parents old bakery to Jeremy so he could open a restaurant of his own. Apparently he knew a lot of good friends he went to culinary school with that he eventually hired. I ended up moving in with Dr. Kreizler since it was no longer a secret that he and I were romantically involved. So that let the apartment in my brother and Jeremy's hands. Everything really worked out for everyone. December finally arrived with cold weather and thick snowflakes. I was sitting next to the fireplace reading a really good book with a hot cup of tea next to me. I should have been cooking Christmas dinner, but Laszlo insisted for me to relax since I cook every meal unless we get food from restaurants./p
p dir="ltr"That left Jeremy in charge of the food today. Everyone seemed to me helping him while everyone else made sure I was staying right were I was seated. Deep down I had a feeling they were up to something, but I knew it was useless to ask. Although I'm sure I could have coaxed it out of John somehow; I guess that's why they made sure he stayed in the kitchen. But I had a little surprise of my own. I figured I'd tell everyone over dinner since everyone was here. Stevie was the first one to emerge so he could set the table and I helped him. He had no objections, which I was thankful for. Then the others came up with large dishes with food on them. Cyrus and John both had to carry the turkey into the room. Marcus and Lucius were present also even though they don't celebrate Christmas due to the fact that they're Jewish. It was more of just an excuse to come and spend time with friends than a holiday to them. Once everyone was seated everyone elected John to cut the turkey. We filled our plates and started enjoying the wonderful meal Jeremy had cooked./p
p dir="ltr""Henry, I have some good news for you." Laszlo said, starting the conversation. "You do?" My brother managed to swallow a mouthful of mashed potatoes before he spoke. "I talked to your professors and I think they'll be willing to give you an internship." He replied. "An internship? Where?" My brother asked, brightening up a bit. "At The Kreizler Institute." Laszlo said with a smile. From the look on Henry's face I think he could have kissed him. But I warned my brother that Laszlo is my boyfriend and I wouldn't allow him to do so, which caused everyone to laugh. I wanted to tell them what I had to say, but I decided to let them absorb that information first. I didn't want to overwhelm them with more news just yet./p
p dir="ltr"The conversation shifted to my friend's work lives. Everyone was a little too curious if Sara had gotten any new interesting cases lately. To most of our disappointment she said no. Apparently she was back to the usual mundane cases that didn't take her long to solve. It didn't surprise me that the simple cases didn't take long for her, especially since she's a very intelligent woman. As the dinner started to come to an end I was going to speak up, but Laszlo beat me to it. "I have something else I'd like to say, if you all will indulge me for a few moments." He said, which caught everyone's attention. "Over the past couple of years I've faced heart ache and hardships. Most of which you all have been around to witness." He started and the others nodded. "But this year it seems as if my life has changed for the better. I got to meet three wonderful and kind people." He said as he looked from me to Henry and then to Jeremy./p
p dir="ltr""So... this might be a little sudden and some might even say crazy. But... I can't deny that I've found someone who has made me happier than I could have ever imagined." He looked back to me before he pushed his chair put to stand up. I heard Sara gasp softly and I looked over to see everyone else smiling like idiots. When I looked back towards Laszlo my heart skipped a beat when I saw him kneeling on one knee next to me. "So... Aurora Perish... Will you marry me?" He asked and I was absolutely speechless. I couldn't believe that the man I love was actually proposing to me right here and right now. "Yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you." I said as happy tears filled my eyes. He slipped a beautiful engagement ring on my finger, one I hadn't even realized he had until then. It wasn't extremely fancy, but then he knew I wouldn't have wanted anything fancy. Everyone congratulated us as they clapped and cheered. As soon as everyone had settled down and Laszlo was back in seat, I decided to tell them what I had been wanting to tell. br /"Laszlo, I... I'm sure you've probably caught on to a certain morning routine over the past couple of weeks." I started, and a knowing look filled his eyes. "Yes, I have. But that's not why I decided to marry you, Aurora." He replied. "I know." I said with a small smile. "What are you talking about?" John asked with a dumbfounded look on his face. Sara gasped once more and the Isaacson brothers grinning, apparently understand what was being said. "Guys... Laszlo is going to be a father." I said. John smiled like a goofball just as Stevie and Cyrus did. But my brother and Jeremy had their mouths open in shock. Their surprised expressions soon faded as their minds processed the information that they just received. "I'm going to be an uncle? I'm going to be an uncle!" Henry said happily. Jeremy voiced his congratulations with a smile on his face. Marcus said he couldn't wait to meet the little boy or girl and the others agreed./p
p dir="ltr""I never thought I'd have children of my own, but... I guess I was wrong. In this particular situation... I glad I was." Laszlo said as he moved closer to me and placed one of his large hands on my stomach. That sweet gesture made me blush and gave me butterflies. Especially when he kissed my lips. The whole room was full of love. In that moment I was glad that I had decided to take that housekeeping interview, because if I hadn't then none of this would have happened. I wouldn't have found my new family. Everyone helped clean up before we started opening presents. Laszlo and I sat next to each other holding hands and blushing when our friends mentioned how cute we are together. Life couldn't have been any sweeter./p
p dir="ltr"strong++++++++++++++++/strongbr /strongThanks for reading! I really hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!/strong/p
p dir="ltr"I woke up in Laszlo's arms. When I actually opened my eyes I saw that he was already awake. A sweet smile spread across his face, which warmed my insides. "Good morning sweetheart." He whispered as he brushed some of my hair out of my face. "Good morning." I replied with a smile of my own. I snuggled into him and breathed in his comforting scent. I was so warm and comfortable I didn't want to get up just yet. All I wanted to do was cuddle with him. "Good morning." I replied happily. He played with my hair as he left a sweet kiss on my forehead. After what had happened in the last... however many hours, I couldn't help but feel lucky. My brother, my best friend, and I all could have been killed last night./p
p dir="ltr""Thanks for telling Stevie to keep an eye on us. If he hadn't been there to save us, I'm not sure if I would be here right now." I said and a sadness filled his big brown eyes. "Shhh," He said as he placed a forefinger over my lips. "I don't even want to think about that. You're here and that's all that matters." He said softly as he gently tightened his arm around me. The two of us stayed like that for a while before we decided to get up and start the day. I changed behind a folding curtain, mostly because I wasn't comfortable enough to change in front of him. The most I've seen of him was the times I saw him shirtless and I was a little nervous about seeing more than that at the time being. It wasn't because I thought he wasn't beautiful; it's just... I've never really had any experience with romantic relationships before. I didn't want our relationship to go too fast./p
p dir="ltr"We've moved pretty fast already. But now I wanted to savor and enjoy my time with him, especially now that the case was over. I pressed my thoughts to the back of my mind once I was dressed. After making sure he was changed I walked out into the open to see him in his usual black suit. "You look so handsome. Then again... you always look handsome to me." I said as I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his torso. He smiled as he too wrapped his arms around me. "You look beautiful, but you've always looked beautiful." He said softly as he closed the short distance between us and kissed me. I melted at the soft touch of his lips against mine and I returned the kiss. Everything in that moment felt perfect. We walked downstairs together and he joined me as I entered the kitchen. From the looks of things, Cyrus and Stevie hadn't gotten out of bed yet. So I started brewing some coffee and begun getting breakfast under way./p
p dir="ltr""I'm so glad I have you in my life Aurora. You've been nothing but sweet and kind to me since the very beginning. I only hope I'm able to make you happy and treat you with such tenderness that you have already shown me." He said as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. "You have, Laszlo. You have done so much more than you realize." I replied as he slowly broke the embrace so I could turn to face him. I reached up and brushed my fingers through his luscious mane of a beard, which caused a smile to spread across his handsome face. A sparkle ignited in his beautiful brown eyes as well. He rested his forehead against mine before nuzzling his adorable nose against my own. "I love you Laszlo. I love you so much." I said as I fell under the sweet spell his big eyes have over me. "I love you too Aurora. I love you too." He replied before he kissed me again. Our tender moment was interrupted when I suddenly got the feeling that we were being watched./p
p dir="ltr"I looked over to see both Stevie and Cyrus peeking through the kitchen door with huge goofy grins on their faces. I giggle and blushed as I buried my face into Laszlo's chest. Laszlo chuckled lightly. I knew he was smiling even though I couldn't see it at the moment. "Come on in you two. Aurora is making us a very late breakfast." Laszlo said. We broke the hug and our friends entered the kitchen. Both of them were still smiling though. My inside felt so warm. It was like our lives were back on track after a long and interesting detour. But I'd be kidding myself if I said a part of me didn't miss being a part of a dangerous investigation. However, I figured I'd give the detective lifestyle a break considering the fact that I could have been killed just a few hours or so ago. When the food was ready the four of us just ate there in the kitchen instead of going into the dining room. After we finished eating Stevie helped with the dishes. Then we went into the sitting room to enjoy some of Cyrus's piano playing./p
p dir="ltr"He and Laszlo even played a song together even though the doctor could only use one of his hands. The song was beautiful regardless, just as I expected it to be. For the rest of the day we just stayed together and relished in each other's company. Eventually we all changed into our fancy clothing so we could attend the opera. I hadn't expected such a lovely outing, but I knew that it was well deserved. When we reached the opera house we met up with my brother, Jeremy, Sara, John, and the Isaacson brothers. I gave each of them a hug. Each of them accepted it with smiles and open arms. But it did cause Lucius to get a little flustered. He has always been the nervous type, except for when he was talking about something he was very familiar with like science. Our group made our way inside after we greeted each other. "Wow! I never thought I'd be sitting in a private box at opera." Jeremy said and Henry agreed. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show; even John behaved despite his dislike for the opera./p
p dir="ltr"But John really came alive as soon as we walked into Delmonico's. Laszlo got a private room so Cyrus and Stevie could join us. It made me a little upset that they couldn't dine with us in the open, but I knew society would have never allowed it. We talked and laughed as we ate the delicious food that was prepared for us all. I felt like I did the first time I had dinner with all of them when I first started working for Laszlo, but this time it was a little different. This time they were officially meeting my brother and my childhood friend. It was like all of the threads of my life were finally being sewn together. Of course they would never get to meet my parents, but that didn't mean they couldn't get to know them through the stories I had to tell./p
p dir="ltr"After that night everything went back to normal. Everyone went back to their respective jobs and whatnot. Henry and I gave our parents old bakery to Jeremy so he could open a restaurant of his own. Apparently he knew a lot of good friends he went to culinary school with that he eventually hired. I ended up moving in with Dr. Kreizler since it was no longer a secret that he and I were romantically involved. So that let the apartment in my brother and Jeremy's hands. Everything really worked out for everyone. December finally arrived with cold weather and thick snowflakes. I was sitting next to the fireplace reading a really good book with a hot cup of tea next to me. I should have been cooking Christmas dinner, but Laszlo insisted for me to relax since I cook every meal unless we get food from restaurants./p
p dir="ltr"That left Jeremy in charge of the food today. Everyone seemed to me helping him while everyone else made sure I was staying right were I was seated. Deep down I had a feeling they were up to something, but I knew it was useless to ask. Although I'm sure I could have coaxed it out of John somehow; I guess that's why they made sure he stayed in the kitchen. But I had a little surprise of my own. I figured I'd tell everyone over dinner since everyone was here. Stevie was the first one to emerge so he could set the table and I helped him. He had no objections, which I was thankful for. Then the others came up with large dishes with food on them. Cyrus and John both had to carry the turkey into the room. Marcus and Lucius were present also even though they don't celebrate Christmas due to the fact that they're Jewish. It was more of just an excuse to come and spend time with friends than a holiday to them. Once everyone was seated everyone elected John to cut the turkey. We filled our plates and started enjoying the wonderful meal Jeremy had cooked./p
p dir="ltr""Henry, I have some good news for you." Laszlo said, starting the conversation. "You do?" My brother managed to swallow a mouthful of mashed potatoes before he spoke. "I talked to your professors and I think they'll be willing to give you an internship." He replied. "An internship? Where?" My brother asked, brightening up a bit. "At The Kreizler Institute." Laszlo said with a smile. From the look on Henry's face I think he could have kissed him. But I warned my brother that Laszlo is my boyfriend and I wouldn't allow him to do so, which caused everyone to laugh. I wanted to tell them what I had to say, but I decided to let them absorb that information first. I didn't want to overwhelm them with more news just yet./p
p dir="ltr"The conversation shifted to my friend's work lives. Everyone was a little too curious if Sara had gotten any new interesting cases lately. To most of our disappointment she said no. Apparently she was back to the usual mundane cases that didn't take her long to solve. It didn't surprise me that the simple cases didn't take long for her, especially since she's a very intelligent woman. As the dinner started to come to an end I was going to speak up, but Laszlo beat me to it. "I have something else I'd like to say, if you all will indulge me for a few moments." He said, which caught everyone's attention. "Over the past couple of years I've faced heart ache and hardships. Most of which you all have been around to witness." He started and the others nodded. "But this year it seems as if my life has changed for the better. I got to meet three wonderful and kind people." He said as he looked from me to Henry and then to Jeremy./p
p dir="ltr""So... this might be a little sudden and some might even say crazy. But... I can't deny that I've found someone who has made me happier than I could have ever imagined." He looked back to me before he pushed his chair put to stand up. I heard Sara gasp softly and I looked over to see everyone else smiling like idiots. When I looked back towards Laszlo my heart skipped a beat when I saw him kneeling on one knee next to me. "So... Aurora Perish... Will you marry me?" He asked and I was absolutely speechless. I couldn't believe that the man I love was actually proposing to me right here and right now. "Yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you." I said as happy tears filled my eyes. He slipped a beautiful engagement ring on my finger, one I hadn't even realized he had until then. It wasn't extremely fancy, but then he knew I wouldn't have wanted anything fancy. Everyone congratulated us as they clapped and cheered. As soon as everyone had settled down and Laszlo was back in seat, I decided to tell them what I had been wanting to tell. br /"Laszlo, I... I'm sure you've probably caught on to a certain morning routine over the past couple of weeks." I started, and a knowing look filled his eyes. "Yes, I have. But that's not why I decided to marry you, Aurora." He replied. "I know." I said with a small smile. "What are you talking about?" John asked with a dumbfounded look on his face. Sara gasped once more and the Isaacson brothers grinning, apparently understand what was being said. "Guys... Laszlo is going to be a father." I said. John smiled like a goofball just as Stevie and Cyrus did. But my brother and Jeremy had their mouths open in shock. Their surprised expressions soon faded as their minds processed the information that they just received. "I'm going to be an uncle? I'm going to be an uncle!" Henry said happily. Jeremy voiced his congratulations with a smile on his face. Marcus said he couldn't wait to meet the little boy or girl and the others agreed./p
p dir="ltr""I never thought I'd have children of my own, but... I guess I was wrong. In this particular situation... I glad I was." Laszlo said as he moved closer to me and placed one of his large hands on my stomach. That sweet gesture made me blush and gave me butterflies. Especially when he kissed my lips. The whole room was full of love. In that moment I was glad that I had decided to take that housekeeping interview, because if I hadn't then none of this would have happened. I wouldn't have found my new family. Everyone helped clean up before we started opening presents. Laszlo and I sat next to each other holding hands and blushing when our friends mentioned how cute we are together. Life couldn't have been any sweeter./p
p dir="ltr"strong++++++++++++++++/strongbr /strongThanks for reading! I really hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!/strong/p