"All right everybody into the Tardis. The President wants his office back." They all filed in and the door shut. The President starred with amazement as it disappeared.

Chapter 74 Going to Fix It

"So, back to New Phoenix?" "No dad, I need to see mom. Can we go home first?" The Time Lord had a puzzled look, but agreed. The trip lasted only a few seconds. David took Lori's hand and led her out of the Tardis as the others walked behind. Rose was there to meet them with hugs and kisses. "I take it things worked out. The planet's out of danger, the Presidents grateful and you are all very happy it's over. Sounds like a great adventure, next time invite me!"

David hugged his mother again and whispered in her ear. "You were so right mom. I've been a fool and now I want to fix it. Can we go upstairs for a moment?" He looked behind him at the others. "Hey, everybody can you wait for me here? Dad does the Tardis have anything bubbly we can celebrate with?" "Don't be absurd son, It will be chilled to perfection already."

David and Rose went upstairs, while the Time Lord went in the Tardis to get the wine. "What's this about David?" "Mom, I told her I loved her." He smiled softly, "She loves me too." Rose was so happy for her son, "David that's wonderful!" "Yeah,…" he turned serious with the memory. "I almost lost her today mom. I felt.., Well, I don't ever want to feel that way again. I'm going to ask her to marry me, tonight." Rose was excited and proud. "Mom, I need an engagement ring. It's a lot to ask. Do you have something I can give to her?" Rose's face frowned in concentration, and then a thought came to her. "I have just the thing. Now if she doesn't like it or wants something else, that's fine. Here. How about this?" David took the ring and looked up at Rose. "Are you sure mom? Grandma's ring? It's all you have of her." "No, David. She's in here." Rose touched her heart. "And I think she would be so happy that your wife will have it." There were tears in her eyes, "Now let's get downstairs before they open the wine without us."

Chris and Lori were left to make themselves at home. Lori loved this house. She was wandering in the living room, gazing at the beautiful stained-glass ceiling when the Time Lord returned. "I guess David has a real celebration in mind. It was a job well done and we all had fun." He sat the tray with the wine and glasses on the table.

"Fun John? You weren't pushed out the Tardis doors into cold space. I've never been so frightened in my life." "Yes, I suppose that's true. Trouble with dating a Time Lord, is that sort of thing happens a lot." Lori grimaced. "Don't worry. David will never let anything happen to you Lori." He winked at her. She smiled shyly. "I wanted to tell you how proud I am of the way you handled the Chapman thing. What you did for David and I, it means a lot." He pulled her into a hug, "Thank you."

"Hey, hey. Hands off my girl." David and Rose were coming downstairs. The Time Lord was defiant and gave Lori a kiss on the cheek. "When I'm good and ready. You have a good woman here. I hope she's appreciated." Lori laughed as he released her, "Here, here. Well said." Lori could tell something was up with David by the way he looked at her. He was nervous and unsure.

He came to Lori and hugged her. She hugged back and then pulled away as if to ask what was wrong, but he held her close. "I could have lost you to that lunatic on the Tardis. My hearts stopped for a full ten seconds until I had you safe in my arms. I never want to feel like that again. I never want you to be more than a hug away. He gazed into her eyes looking for the answer to his question.

"Lori I love you. Will you marry me?"

The look of shock on Lori's face was quickly covered by delight.

Rose's tears streamed silently down her face. It seemed to her that he had just been born yesterday. The Time Lord heard her thoughts and held her close, feeling the same way.

"Yes, David. I'll marry you." She was laughing with joy as he picked her up and twirled her in a circle. Rose whispered, "In your pocket, in your pocket." David heard his mother, but was too happy to comprehend her words at first. "Oh, right!" David pulled a gold ring with a green stone from his pocket and presented it to her. He placed it on her finger with a kiss. "Oh David, It's beautiful, I love it." She kissed him gently.

Chris wanted to join in. "I think this calls for a toast." As he opened the bottle with a pop, pouring a glass for everyone. "To the bride and groom." He said cheerfully as everyone raised their glass. David drank his down and held out the glass for more. "Chris, I want you to be my best man. If it hadn't been for you our world would be very different now. I would never have gotten that wake-up call. I would never have come here to get some really good advice." He smiled at Rose, "and I would never have the happiness I feel now. Thank you buddy." Chris stood with his head down, wondering how such bad news could have ever led to such a happy couple. He lifted his head and said, "It would be my honor David. Thank you."

David drank his second glass down and reached for another. "Hey, save some for the rest of us son!" David grinned, "Dad can I borrow the Tardis to impress a girl?" The Time Lord remembering the first time David had said that. Having a hard time fitting in at college. "You may. Because this time I approve of the girl." Rose elbowed her husband, "Shush about that, and go hug your new daughter in law."

They both descended on Lori with hugs and smiles and words of congratulations. David and Chris were hugging, Rose and David were hugging, the Time Lord and David were hugging, Chris and Lori were hugging. More wine and a platter of food mysteriously appeared. The celebration would go on until late.

When it finally settled down David took Lori outside for a little alone time. "Do you like the ring? If not, I can get another, maybe with a diamond instead?" Lori shook her head, "No, I love it." David smiled, "I'm glad. It belonged to my grandmother." Lori had tears in her eyes. "I will wear it always."

David sat them on the bench in the front yard. "You don't mind me springing it on you like that do you?" Lori kissed him and gazed into his eyes. "No, I think it was sweet you wanted your folks there." "GOOD! I was worried you'd said yes just to save my face in there. Can I ask again?"

Lori nodded and smiled. "Lori Grey. Will you marry this impossible man? And put up with his temper and forgetfulness and his fool hearts?" Lori smiled at him dreamily, "Yes David, I will marry you. Accepting you for who and what you are with all my heart. Will you accept me and all my faults and self-doubt and stubbornness?" "Yes I will. Gladly, with all my soul." Lori raised her eyebrows. "Well don't over do it. It won't get you a raise, I don't have the budget." David smiled, "Yes boss."