Sunset at Paradise Cove

Chapter 48

Epilogue

Author's Note: Hi everyone well this is it the final last chapter which is an epilogue which gives them the happy ending everyone has been looking for, and I hope you all enjoy. Also, for all my readers who are following along with some of my other stories. For Ties That Bind I will be putting up the first chapter of the 2nd book soon and also, I did a bit of a rewrite on the first story because after rereading it I thought that the first few chapters were a bit lacking and could use more character development which has been added and I will be reuploading that story again multiple chapters at a time with the new additions to the earlier chapters. Also, I have a few new ideas for some fresh and new story ideas which I would like to start adding soon too. Big Thanks to all my readers for reading and following along and sending in all their reviews and I hope you all enjoy the final chapter. Please send in reviews with you thoughts and thanks for all the support. Mars Light

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will thank you!

Serena placed the first-place trophy she held back gentle into the box as she stood up hearing the familiar sound of an engine's purr, she looked up at the clock on the wall seeing it was a little after 4 and walked over towards the window curiously as she pushed the curtain aside and looked out with a small smile to see her husbands red convertible pulling up in front of their house as she walked over and opened up the front door wide for him as she leaned up against the door frame with a small grin stating "your home early"

Darien reached into the passenger seat of his car and pulled out a bouquet of fresh wild flowers as he shut the door and quickly rushed up the few steps to the front door of their new home as he handed the flowers over to the woman he loved and gave her a small kiss on the cheek replying back "for you my love"

Serena began to blush from the kind gesture as she lifted the flowers up to her nose and took a strong scent of their sweet aroma as she smiled telling him back "Thank you there lovely" then turned around and walked inside their home towards the kitchen to find a vase to put the flowers in as Darien followed in behind her as he looked around the living room, seeing less boxes then were there this morning as he shook his head stating "I thought you were supposed to be taking it easy"

Serena gave him a slight shrug of her shoulder knowing they had this discussion many times since they moved in to their new home three weeks ago, where he preferred her to just sit and take it easy, but she had no intentions of just sitting around and letting him do all the work for her and decided a change of topic would be something she hoped would be easier as she questioned back innocently "weren't you planning on meeting Andy and the others for practice today?"

Darien shook his head as he walked up to her and placed both of his hands up on his wife's shoulders, hearing the way she tried to quickly change the conversation to something more to her liking, but he could play this game just as well as he replied back with a smooth grin "it is a beautiful day outside after all the rain we have had lately, and you my lovely wife are positively glowing. I couldn't possibly stay away, but that doesn't mean you can go and change the subject just like that, when you know that you are supposed to be taking it easy for you and this little one" as he placed his hand down onto her extended stomach.

Serena let out a small giggle hearing the protective way that he spoke of their child and knowing as usual her husband would be loving and caring for both of them, but also at times a bit firm and overly cautious of herself and their baby too as she placed her hand down on top of his own with a simple nod of her head telling him "yes well I haven't been able to get much done today anyhow with the way this little one has been kicking up a storm all day inside of me"

Darien let out a small chuckle knowing over the past two weeks as it came closer to Serena's due date the baby was beginning to move around much more as he took her hand in his and gave a small kiss to the back of it telling her "Well I think maybe the baby was trying to tell mommy something that she needs to not worry so much about all these boxes and rest a little more"

Serena let out a long sigh as she looked over towards the boxes that were still stacked high in the corner, feeling as though there were no end in sight to finally having their home put all together as she walked over and picked up one of his many surfing trophies questioning with a shake of her head " I don't know where to put all of this where it will be high enough out of reach and the baby won't get hurt" as she let out a deep breath telling him insecurely "I just want everything to be perfect and all set by the time the baby gets here"

Darien walked over as he put his arm around his wife comfortingly and took the trophy from her hands and placed it onto a nearby shelf as he led her back over towards there couch where they sat down together as he wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him stating softly "I know and I promise it will be done, I promise you nothing bad will ever happen to this child, and before this baby arrives everything will be put away and this whole place will be baby proofed, because before we know it we will have our own little one tearing up this place, which I might add I am almost down with the nursery we just have to choose the paint color which would be much easier if we already knew what the sex of the baby would be"

Serena let out a small sigh knowing they had this discussion before where he preferred to know what they were having, but she would rather wait and experience the surprise as she shook her head and lied back against the couch feeling an ache in her back almost all day and put her tired feet up on her husband's lap replying tenderly "I know you want to find out whether it is a boy or girl, but I thought it would be more special to wait until the baby gets here, and well it won't be much longer now until we get to meet our baby and hold him or her" as she placed her hand lovingly over her baby bump.

Darien looked at her charming smile and nodded his head knowing there was almost nothing that he wouldn't do to please her and if that meant waiting a few more weeks to find out what they were having to keep that radiant smile on her face, then he would gladly do so while telling her back with a small grin "I know and if there is one thing that I have learned from you it is that some surprises can be well worth the wait" as he placed both of her feet up onto his lap and began to message her aching feet as she let out a content sigh telling him "You really are perfect"

Darien let out a small laugh hearing himself being described in her eyes as perfect as he shook his head telling her back "hardly, but I do love my wife very much and our unborn child as well, which grows stronger everyday inside of her" as he placed his hand down on her stomach telling her with a warm smile "you and this baby are the single most important things in my life"

Serena looked to her husband knowing that they were not just words, but a true statement that he showed her each and every day with simple gestures as she nodded her head replying back "I know and we love you too" as they felt there son or daughter respond also with a slight kick to where Darien's hand lied as he let out a small chuckle from the unexpected movement and reached down and placed a kiss onto her stomach, then looked up to his wife questioning "are you and this little one maybe feeling a bit hungry?"

Serena adjusted herself to sit up on the couch as she nodded her head and placed her hand to her stomach knowing that her appetite had picked up a great deal lately after the horrible morning sickness she had experienced, which lasted longer than the expected first three months telling him pleased "yes Annabelle or Angelo and I could go for something so what did you have in mind?"

Darien shook his head as he let out a small chuckle hearing the seventh change of baby names which they had discussed for the baby so far as he carefully stood up from the couch and placed her legs back down so she could relax back while he made dinner for them and walked towards the open kitchen responding back "Annabelle is it today what happed to Annalise?"

Serena placed her hand down onto her stomach, knowing she was still very much undecided on what the right name should be as she thought about it stating "I do like Annalise too it is beautiful, but so is Annabelle I am having such a hard time deciding, which do you think is better?"

Darien walked over to the fridge which was now covered with many pictures of them together on the beach some of them alone and others surrounded by close friends as he opened the refrigerator door and grabbed a few items out to make a tossed salad and some defrosting meat to make hamburgers as he commented back "I think they are both good names, but so were Anna, Annastasia, Annamaria, Annabeth and Annalyn"

Serena nodded her head knowing that she had been a bit undecisive when it came to what this child's name should be as she watched her husband making them dinner, she let out a content sigh as she thought over some of the other name choices again stating "Annabeth and Annalyn do have a nice ring to it, but so do Annastasia and Annamaria" as she let out a small chuckle telling him "I guess I have been a bit undecided, I just want to figure out what the right name for our daughter should be"

Darien nodded his head knowing that she had went over all the baby names nearly a dozen times and had a large stack of baby name books sitting on the dresser by their bed as he reached down to take out a large frying pan out of one of the cabinets telling her back "if this child is a girl she will be perfect no matter what and I am sure whatever name we choose will fit her perfectly, although I am not so sure about the boys name why would you choose Angelo?"

Serena sat up on the couch alarmed that he didn't seem to like the name choice for their son as she looked to him with a warm smile as she shrugged her shoulders back as though the answer should be obvious telling him "Because he is the person that first introduced us"

Darien looked to her with a small shake of his head knowing his wife was a true romantic as he placed the hamburger meat down on the counter and walked back over to the couch to where she sat with her head lowered down and placed one hand down on her knee and put his other hand under Serena's chin to lift her head up to look at him as he placed a soft kiss to her lips telling her with a slight grin "that maybe so and I am grateful every day that I first laid eyes on you, but I am not sure I want to be naming my son after the man that I work for"

Serena let out a small chuckle as she thought of the man that she had come to know well who ran the tiki bar and always wore a big bright Hawaiian shirt everyday as she nodded her head in agreement telling him "Oh right, I guess that makes sense"

Darien gave her a small smirk as he reached in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek telling her kindly "we will figure something out" and then stood up to walk back towards the kitchen commenting shortly "we can always call him Morgan after the man who married us?"

Serena looked to him with her eyes wide open at the thought of naming their child after the drunken sea captain questioning back "you aren't actually serious, are you?" Darien let out a small laugh seeing the startled look that came over her face and knew that was a definite no as he replied back telling her with a slight grin "We always said it was a night neither one of us would ever forget"

Serena nodded her head knowing that much was true that there first wedding was something that she would never ever forget, although there second when they were remarried in a short ceremony on the beach surrounded by all their closest friends was a magical time also as she raised up her hand and looked down at the gold band she had on one finger and the bottle ring she still wore on the other replying back "that's true, but I do not want to name our son after an old drunken sea captain"

Darien nodded his head expecting that she was right and maybe it was not the best of ideas to name their son after someone who couldn't remember his wife's name and still referred to her as Susan as he let out a small chuckle and walked back over to the stove to finish preparing their meal telling her quickly "I am sure we will figure out something"

Serena let out a deep breath glad that much was settled, but still did not feel as confident as he seemed to be with the weeks drawing closer to this baby's arrival as she placed her hand down onto her stomach where a child grew inside of her that still was yet to have a name as she let out a deep breath trying to get her mind onto others things telling him "I spoke with Anna today too"

Darien nodded his head well aware that she had spoken with Anna seeing how it was a day-to-day occurrence that she would call to check in on how her girl and grandbaby were doing as he reached up to the cabinet that held plates just yesterday, but today seemed to have glasses in it instead as he let out a small chuckle knowing his wife was busy rearranging again and commented back "oh is she still arriving this Saturday?"

Serena nodded her head as she watched the way her husband moved swiftly around their kitchen, while she never really caught on all that much to cooking herself, bringing all her cooking knowledge to that of boiling water or heating up something in the microwave as she replied back "yes she is just tying up a few loose ends in New York and then will be arriving Saturday afternoon" as she looked towards her husband knowing that he went out of his way each day to take good care of them and make sure she had everything they need while nervously questioning "you don't have a problem that she comes and stays with us for a while, I mean I know she is not technically family, but she is the closest thing that I ever had to having a real mother and well I know that you are here to help me too, but I am really kind of nervous about bringing this baby into the world, after everything that happened before and the first few weeks of this baby's life are so important and I don't want to mess anything up and…"

Darien could hear the quiet desperation in her voice as he turned around and saw the worried expression on her face as he walked over towards the living room and kneeled down in front of her taking her hands in his own telling her assuredly "Serena this won't be like the last time, everything is going to be fine, the doctor told us the baby is growing perfectly, you have nothing to fear or worry about, this baby will be born big and strong and you are going to be a great mother and I will be here to help you in every way I can" as he reached in and kissed her on the forehead telling her with a gentle smile "and as I have said before and will again, of course I am okay with Anna coming to stay with us, she can stay for as long as pleases, after all I could really use all the help I can get with my stubborn wife"

Serena wiped a tear from her eyes as she playfully hit his arm and smiled in response knowing he always seemed to know just what to say to make her feel better as she leaned back on the couch telling him willfully "stubborn am I? well I know you to and your unrelenting and just as stubborn as I can be and you wouldn't have me any other way"

Darien reached out and took her hand in his own as he entwined his fingers along with her own and placed a small kiss on their matching gold bands telling her with a little wink "your right I wouldn't" as he brushed her hair to the side and reached in to place a kiss to his beautiful wife's lips, when he turned around distracted hearing the door was quickly opened and saw Andy step inside commenting innocently "hope I'm not disturbing anything?"

Darien turned his head to look at his unexpected friend who made it a habit of dropping by often, which his wife didn't seem to mind, although his timing in doing so was not always the best as he let out a deep sigh telling him sarcastically "perfect timing as usual, you know there is such a thing as knocking before you enter someone's home"

Serena shook her head as she heard her husband's jeering comment and knew this was all part of their happy life style here on the island, with having good friends always stopping by unannounced and she welcomed it after feeling sheltered in her old life and never being allowed to just have her friends stop by without it being scheduled weeks in advance first to fit into her perfectly planned day as she turned to Andy with whom she started to consider more as family replying back pleased "don't listen to him Andy you know you are always welcome any time here, and we were just about to have some dinner, would you care to join us?"

Darien looked to her with a small chuckle knowing it was rare that they would sit down for a meal just the two of them without someone stopping in as he replied back "why else do you think he is here?" as he reached in and gave her a quick peck on the lips knowing that she was both understanding and accepting of their large circle of friends which she had found herself a large part of and then walked back towards the kitchen to add in one more for dinner

Andy closed the door behind him as he walked further into the room, seeing Darien standing in the kitchen never expecting in all his days that his friend would become so domesticated while he shook his head responding back "well I resent that, maybe I do have another reason for coming by, but since your lovely wife asked me so politely, I would love to stay for dinner thank you Serena"

Darien shook his head as he began putting another hamburger patty on the pan on the stove as he looked over with a small smirk seeing his best friend sitting on the couch talking with his wife about the daily news that happened on the island as they would often most days, which over the passing several months was becoming more of a day to day occurrence as Serena found her place here with him and was no longer seen or spoken of as an outcast as he spoke up telling them "well I know that you're not here about practice today, because I already told you I couldn't make it tonight, that I have other important things going on that I need to take care of, but since you did stop by, you can make yourself useful seeing how I could use an extra hand putting the baby's crib together"

Andy looked to Serena with a shake of his head as he let out a loud teasing laugh commenting back "he still does not have that thing put together yet, what is this the third try?" Serena smiled knowing that her husband had used a few choice words when trying to put together some of the furniture that they had purchased for the nursery, which the words ready to assemble was not something that was allowed any longer as she let out a small giggle to his comment replying back "it's the fourth actually"

Darien shook his head thinking of the many late nights he had stayed up trying to figure out how to put the thing together properly and which pieces go where as he grabbed another plate from the cabinet replying back gruffly "well it is hard to tell what goes where, when all they give you to go on are those stinking diagrams"

Andy stifled a small laugh picturing his friend trying to put the crib all together with pieces left everywhere as he stood up from the couch and walked over by the kitchen and leaned up against the counter telling him proudly "well I am this child's godfather after all, so I guess I have the responsibility to uphold, and see this is actually built properly, can't have my godchild sleeping in something that isn't safe, now can I? so bring it on"

Darien shook his head as he watched his friend's outlandish antics acting like he was all knowing and super powerful then looked to his wife questioning in a mocking tone "are we really sure about this choice for him as godfather?"

Serena let out a small chuckle being used to hearing the light hearted teasing that goes on between the two close buddies on a daily basis as she smiled telling him assuredly "of course Andy will be a great godfather and I know that Mina can't wait to meet her godchild either"

Darien nodded his head expectantly as he looked over to the corner where there were boxes stacked up high one on top of the other, mostly of gifts for the baby all sent by her friends back home as he nodded his head telling her back "yes I am well aware, with all the packages that are arriving daily from all your other friends. I know they all mean well, but we may have to end up buying a bigger house for all this stuff"

Serena let out a small laugh as she thought back to a few months ago and the happy squeals of joy that she had gotten from all her friends when they had done a face time together and she had told them that she was expecting again, and then shortly after all the packages started to arrive one by one as she commented back "I know they are going a little overboard, but they are all just really excited and happy for us"

Darien nodded his head knowing that Serena was very close with those girls and valued there friendship and opinions a great deal and over the course of their marriage, he had grown to know them as well and was pleased to see that they had finally come around to see he was not such a bad guy for their friend after all as he walked over to the hallway off the kitchen replying back "yes I know they are, but can they be happy for us with maybe some smaller things" as he reached down and picked up a 5 foot tall brown teddy bear and held it up in front of him.

Serena held in a small laugh thinking back to the surprised look that came over Darien's face when he walked in the house holding the gigantic box that held the bear inside arrived as she nodded her head acceding back "alright, I will tell them nothing else over four foot"

Darien nodded his head in agreement pleased to hear that much was settled and placed the bear back down and walked back towards the kitchen as he saw the doll that his wife cherished sitting on a small bookshelf telling her with a slight grin "although I am sure this baby will have a great time playing with it along with all his or her other toys"

Serena smiled hearing his own way of telling her that this child would have an upbringing unlike her own, that their child would have the best of everything, but the most precious of all would be that he or she would feel everlasting love from them, as well as everyone else involved in their life as she responded back confidently "yes I am sure he or she will"

Andy looked to them both still hearing the baby referred to as a he or she as he let out a small laugh and shook his head commenting back "he or she so you two still have not come up with a name yet? The clock is ticking you guys"

Darien shook his head seeing the worried expression that crossed over his wife's face knowing they had been discussing the same thing earlier before he arrived as he replied back calmly "not yet, but we still have time and a few ideas we are considering over, I am sure we will figure it out before the baby comes"

Andy nodded his head taking the cue from Darien and seeing the worried expression that came over Serena's face at the mention of the baby's name that had been yet to be chosen as he tried to lighten the mood and let out a small laugh telling them "Well you know Andrew is always a good name or Andrewlina if it's a girl and I almost forgot the most important thing, which was the real reason I came over in the first place I have a little something for the baby too"

Darien rolled his eyes back to hear of yet more things he had to find a place for in this house that seemed big enough for just the three of them when they bought it, but was quickly becoming crowded as he turned around to turn the burner on for the oven range to cook the hamburgers so they would actually be eating tonight as he shook his head telling him "you know the baby isn't even here yet and already has more clothes and toys then we will ever know what to do with, we can change this kid ten times a day and still not get through half the clothes it has already"

Andy nodded his head hearing a bit of frustration rising up as he reached over and patted his friend on the back seeing that Darien was starting to become a bit overwhelmed by all of this attention and it was only just the beginning of what is to come as he commented back "that's true, but I doubt the baby will have one of these at least not yet anyway" as he turned around and walked towards the door, then stepped outside for a moment and came walking back inside carrying a small miniature green surf board under his arm.

Serena looked to the small surf board he held with a giant smile as she carefully took her time standing up from the couch which used to be easier when she wasn't all belly as she walked over to where Andy stood and gave him a giant hug telling him happily "oh my gosh this is so great" as she reached down and touched the board lovingly while stating to her husband with a little chuckle "this is so cute"

Andy looked to Darien with a small grin, knowing even though he had found a certain contentment with being a husband and soon to be father that he would have never expected from him with married life, in the end he was still the same Darien and took any chance he could to go out there and hit those open waves as he replied back "I had it especially made just for junior, never too early to teach the little one, especially if he or she will be taking after their dad someday"

Serena turned to look at her husband with a huge smile on her face thinking of the many days they spent out on the beach together creating happy memories from dawn until dusk as she commented back "well I am certain that this child will probably have there first surfing lesson even before he or she learns to walk" as she gave her husband a sly wink telling him playfully "I still remember my first lesson very clearly"

Darien looked to his wife with a small grin, knowing of exactly what she spoke of, which had only been a start of what had followed on later as he gave her a small wink telling her back "me too"

Andy looked to them both seeing that he was clearly missing a private moment or something between them, but just shrugged it off his shoulders as he shook his head commenting back "well speaking of surfing the big competition is coming up again in a few more weeks, going to be some tough competition this year I hear, do you feel ready for it?"

Darien nodded his head expecting what Andy referred to was the one expectation which he carried with him, that everyone expected of him that he would win it all, but after his loss from two years past, which others considered to be his greatest down fall only he did not consider it to be that much of a loss, seeing how in the end he got the girl and regained the title back the following year, but there were those who still held their doubts about his ability, left unknowing of how things really had played out that day while telling him confidently "of course I do, I have a title to uphold don't I, and with my island goddess always there to cheer me on, how could I possibly lose"

Serena smiled as she walked across to room towards him after hearing him use the familiar nickname he had for her and knew how much it truly meant to him for her to be there and in doing so she made sure she was at every one of his surfing competitions standing in the front cheering loudly as she can as she reached her arms up and placed them around her husband's neck holding him in closer stating proudly "I know you will do amazing just like you always do my handsome surfer boy, but in truth I can't wait until all the craziness of the competition dies back down and it will be just us again, to be out there with you alone on the open water feeling the water moving with us"

Darien placed his hands down at her waist with a gentle caress knowing the thrill of the win was nothing in comparison to having his arms wrapped around her with the wind blowing through their hair as they connected as one while he replied telling her softly "I miss that too, but Serena know you always are with me no matter where I am or what I do, and soon my love we will be out there again together exploring the open waters, but for now you have something much more valuable to protect"

Serena placed her hand down on her extended stomach, knowing he was right and that the one thing they had always agreed upon was keeping this child safe as she tried to stay optimistic and follow all her doctors orders, but as the weeks went on found it to be more exasperating as she smiled gently telling him "I know and I will do whatever I need to do for this baby, but I am getting a little tired of the swollen ankles and feeling overly tired all the time, and I also have to use the bathroom every ten minutes, not to mention that I can eat a whole big meal and then feel hungry again five minutes later"

Andy let out a small laugh hearing Serena's disgruntled remarks as he shook his head responding back "hey enjoy it while you can, and get as much rest as you can now because soon you won't have time for much else with having the little one running around this place tearing everything apart"

Darien smiled at the thought of seeing their son or daughter and being able to chase after him or her down the sandy beach while watching their baby grow up here in their home, where they would create a lifetime of happy memories together as a family as he nodded his head telling his wife with a huge grin "he's right you know we should be enjoying the rest while we still can get it, because once the baby comes I am sure there will be many sleepless nights for both of us?"

Serena looked to her husband lovingly knowing whenever he brought something up about the baby, he always mentioned it as a 'we' and not something that she was left to handle on her own and in doing so she never felt alone anymore or that she didn't have someone she could always come and talk to or depend on when times would get tough.

She let out a content sigh and thought of the amazing life she had built here with him, which at one time was something she could only dream about having, but had actually found it here for herself, thousands of miles away from her parents as she smiled telling him back "well they do say it takes a whole village to raise a child and well, we have an entire island here to help us do so"

Darien wrapped his arm tightly around his wife, the woman with whom he chose to share his life and dreams with who found new ways to surprise him each day as he nodded his head telling her pleasantly "that we do" as he leaned into give her a kiss, while Andy cleared his throat as he pointed across the room stating intrudingly "hey lover boy, do you think you may want to check those burgers out, unless you want another house fire on your hands"

Darien removed his arm from around Serena as he quickly turned around forgetting for a second that he had food cooking on the hot stove to see the pan was starting to smoke up and what was left inside of it was badly burnt as he quickly turned off the burner and moved the hot pan off the stove as Serena stood at a safe distance back watching with a shake of her head stating "not again" while Darien simply shrugged his shoulders as he opened a window nearby to let some of the steam air out asking "so who's for pizza?"

Serena let out a small chuckle as she took a step in closer and looked down to see the rounded pieces of charcoal and nodded her head commenting back "sounds like a good idea and maybe while we are out, we can stop by the office for a minute so I can drop off the new plans I had drawn up for Grace"

Darien looked to her with a shake of his head expecting that she would usually have some sort of plans that she was working on lying around the house somewhere while telling her concerned "you are still doing too much Serena, Grace is supposed to be helping to take off some of the pressure from your work load, but yet you still"

Serena reached up to touch her husband's cheek to try to lesson his concerns knowing he worried that she was putting too much pressure on herself, which was why she had an assistant hired for her six months ago which turned out to be a great benefit seeing as how they work well together as she nodded her head telling him firmly "I know and she is, Grace has been helping me a great deal and is getting ready to take over while I am out on maternity leave, but I just have this proposal that I had written up for your father before I take my leave, that can be started to take place which will cut the overall manufacturing costs in half and bring up the production level, while still being better for the environment too. You see I had found that if we switch to more natural material's they would break down easier and then cut the overall cost of" as she stopped speaking and looked to her husband starring her way with a blank look on his face as she shook of her head commenting back "you really don't want to hear all about this work stuff, do you?"

Darien shook his head slightly knowing that she had the wrong idea, which he had every intention of setting straight as he walked up to her and placed both of his hands up onto her shoulders commenting back knowingly "no, actually I was just amazed listening to you speak of some of your ideas. You truly are brilliant and have bright ideas that can revolutionize this company and my father made one bright idea for once to have put you in charge of it all, with the new greener more efficient run of his company"

Serena blushed slightly knowing that she had heard close to the same words from his father before that he was pleased with the work she had done so far, but still had a difficult time accepting even the slightest compliment for the hard work she puts in each day which led to an overall feeling of accomplishment and even though Darien did have some problems with his father still, he had put them all aside when she was offered the position and after some discussion with her husband, decided to accept the offer to work for his father's company and found that after starting with the company she felt a sense of direction and purpose working there, that her ideas were actually being heard and used to help the company's growth as she replied back telling him "yes well, your father has been very open to hearing all of my ideas and has generously been paying my full tuition also, so I can take courses online while I still work on some new proposals for the company as well"

Darien nodded his head never expecting he would ever take any interest in the family business again that is until she came along as he put his hand up to her cheeks knowing the enormous sense of gratification she took in doing her job well, and knew of one thing for certain with his father also, that he did take recognition in doing good by his employees that did well for his company stating back pleased "I know and you do a great job finding new ways to not just help the company, but the environment and people as well and I am proud of you for it, just don't overdo it too much on yourself either alright"

Serena looked to her husband knowing how much he really did care and support her in all of her ideas, which became common to discuss and get his feedback over the dinner table as she smiled telling him easily while her stomach let out a loud rumble as she walked over to grab an apple off the counter and replied back offhandedly "I won't, I was actually planning on telling your father this week that I am going to be taking a few weeks off before the baby gets here, which I suppose I could give him the proposal I had written up over dinner on Friday night also"

Darien nodded his head not paying that close attention to what she had said to him while responding back "that is probably a good idea seeing how soon there will be three of us here and I wouldn't mind having you to myself for a little bit longer before the baby" and then stopped as he realized what else she had mentioned as he looked to her puzzled questioning "but what is this all about a Friday night dinner?"

Andy stood to the back with his arms crossed watching on seeing that his two friends who seemed happier than ever before, but also knew it was more common lately for Serena to try to ignite a fire, which would catch a spark between them trying to reunite Darien with his father again as he smiled trying to change the subject to something less lethal telling them "you know what, why don't you two stay here and I'll go and get the pizza and bring it back so you too can finish this conversation your having, this time the pizza is on me"

Darien looked back at his friend with a roll of his eyes as he laughed replying back "you're going to pay, well that would be a first" as he playfully got a hit in the arm by his wife telling him sharply "don't be rude" as she smiled towards Andy telling him kindly "thank you Andy it is very kind of you to offer"

Andy looked to Darien's disgruntled face at the thought of having to sit down to dinner with his father again with a small laugh, knowing he had really met his match and ended up marrying the girl, that didn't back down or take any of his crap as he shook his head and spoke up telling him "How did you ever get lucky enough to end up with her after everything you did wrong, it is a complete mystery to me my friend"

Darien dropped his shoulders down at the mention of some of his past mistakes, which almost led him to losing what is the most precious thing in the world to him as he heard his minx of a wife let out a small giggle as he shook his head telling Andy back "don't you think you should be going to get the pizza" as Andy laughed taking the hint that they needed some time alone and waved his hand behind him stating "you got it one large pie and sorry Serena no crazy pregnancy craving toppings"

Serena shook her head knowing luckily in this pregnancy she had not had too many crazy food cravings as she placed her hand down over her stomach telling him with a little gleam "a regular pie will be fine, only hurry back I am eating for two now you know and this little one is feeling hungry"

Andy nodded his head expecting as much as he walked over to the door and took one more look at his friends standing together and knew even though Darien was aggravated right now for setting this dinner up, that he would eventually go along with it for her sake and hoped that Serena might be just one the one that Darien needed to give him the added push to reconcile with his father after all these years as he stepped out of the house closing the door behind him.

Darien waited until he heard the door shut and then turned to look back at her with a shake of his head not letting the bomb that had been dropped a few seconds ago be left untouched as he looked to his wife and crossed his arms over his chest stating determined "you are not getting off that easy wife, what is this you have planned for Friday dinner?"

Serena shrugged her shoulders as though it were no big deal as she looked to her husband acting as though it was any other dinner with friends, but knew for him it was not, while stating back plainly "I was speaking to your father yesterday and he has invited us over for dinner on Friday night and I already told him yes so there is no backing out and I will be sure your nice shirt is pressed for you to wear"

Darien shook his head hearing more and more about this that he did not like, now with having to get all dressed just to go to his father's house for a dinner to hear his father take criticism in yet another thing which he would consider an under achievement telling her not interested "Friday night is not the best night for us to go to dinner I have other plans that I can't break and I think it would be best if we just cancel"

Serena looked to her husband with a roll of her eyes knowing he had no other plans that were made for Friday and was just trying to make an excuse to miss out on dinner as she replied back telling him plainly "actually those plans that you had on Friday were cancelled, so it turns out you are free after all and whether you want to believe it or not your father does love you and wants what is best for you and is trying to make a real effort to know his son again and eventually meet his grandchild, it is just a dinner"

Darien was taken back startled seeing that she could block his lie even before he finished telling it as he shook his head telling her strongly "when it comes to my father it is never just about dinner you of all people should know a thing or two about that"

Serena took a deep breath in at the reminder of where she had come from before as she nodded her head knowing that she had lost all connection she had with her own parents due to the way they had treated her using her for their own personal growth and not caring what she wanted out of all of this as she replied back telling him "You are right and I wouldn't force you into doing anything that you wouldn't want to do, but"

Darien rolled his eyes back knowing there was always a but to follow as he shook his head telling her adamantly "my father has a way of influencing people to do things that you wouldn't normally see yourself doing, and I have been fine all these years without him. Yes, I am glad that it has worked out for you to be able to work with him, but I think it would be best if we just leave the personal and professional life separate"

Serena nodded her head as she responded back sadly "if that is what you think is best then I won't push this any further" Darien let out a slow breath and turned around to look at her hearing in her words and seeing in her facial expression that she seemed genuinely upset by this as he walked over and put both of his hands up on her shoulders questioning "why is this so important to you?"

Serena placed her hand up to his cheek with a knowing smile, seeing that he was starting to let his guard down as she responded back "because there is something that I think that you need to see that is over his house"

Darien shook his head not expecting there could be anything that he needed to see there that he was not already well aware of as he shook his head telling her "Serena I know my father well enough and there is nothing that you could possibly tell me or show me that would make any bit of a" as he was cut off as she replied telling him "there's a scrap book he didn't intend to show it to me at first, but when I went by his office last week to drop off those documents for the new water main that I was telling you about, but anyway getting off topic he had it out it on his desk, it is as large as an encyclopedia and is all about you Darien, he had paper clippings from every headline of every one of your wins, he told me that day about how proud he is of you"

Darien looked to her amazed never hearing before those words in the same sentence before that his father was proud of anything that he did as he shook his head telling her puzzled "there has to be some other explanation for what you saw and heard" as Serena smiled knowing he was trying to make sense of this as she reached in and gave him a small kiss replying back with an obvious answer "it is because he loves you and just like any father should, he only wants what is best for his child" as she took his hand in her own and placed it down onto her stomach questioning "isn't that what you want for our child too?"

Darien let out a small smirk as he nodded his head conceding while telling her back "alright you win, but one dinner Serena, one" as he let out a small sigh telling her "It is amazing what will end up happening to a man when the right woman comes along"

Serena smiled hearing that he would go along with her request and hopefully talk things out with his father and knew that even though things would never be perfect between them, she hoped that it could eventually mend some broken ties as she placed her hands up onto his shoulders and leaned in closer whispering back "will you tell me what can happen?"

Darien shook his head knowing that things had definitely taken an unexpected turn, and had never been the same since she had first entered into his life and turned his whole world upside down, which he would forever be indebted to this beautiful woman at his side, for sticking by and loving him so as he took her hand in his and placed a small kiss to the back of it telling her "well you see when you first lay eyes on her there is a bit of a magical quality, but you don't know what it is just yet, that is until you start spending time with her and she gets into your head, in the way nothing else will so you can't think of anything else but her, and then from their if she is truly special she moves into your heart and that's where she'll stay for always and before you know it your whole world is turned around because of her and you find yourself doing something that you would never do"

Serena looked to him with a coy smile as she questioned back "what kind of things would that be?" he turned back to her with a small smirk seeing the bright look in her eyes as she awaited his response as he wrapped his arms around her stating back "well you see how truly lucky of a man you are because it turns out she loves you to and then before any more time can go by you ask the girl to marry you and she accepts and then from there well every day is like a new adventure"

Serena smiled hearing his words as she wrapped her arms around her husband's neck, never expecting that she could be this happy telling him joyously "and I know the best is still yet to come" as she placed her hand down onto her stomach where their child still grew.

Darien looked down to where her hand lied as he smiled and nodded his head knowing that she was right that the years ahead would be filled with new family memories and a lifetime of adventures as he responded back "I couldn't agree more"

Serena reached out as she took his hand in her own with a small grin telling him "Follow me" Darien quickly nodded his head unsure where she was leading him too or why, but knew he would follow her anywhere as he commented back quickly "lead the way"

Serena held his hand as she led him out the back door of their house to the outside porch that wrapped around the house which had a perfect view overlooking the water as they stood there for a second holding hands just watching the waves rolling back and forth as she let out a small sigh telling him "Orion"

Darien looked up to the sky seeing it was still too early for there to be any stars shining yet as he turned around to look at her with a shake of his head questioning back "what about it?"

Serena turned around to look at him the strong man with whom stole her heart away in an instant as she placed her hand up to his face telling him with a warm smile "I think if it is a boy, we should name him after his father, and I think the name we should call him is Orion because like you he will be a true shining star, a true huntsman, who is also the son of Poseidon"

Darien looked to her with a small chuckle hearing her explanation behind the name choice as he spoke the name aloud "Orion, Orion, yes I think that I could go along with that" as he took her hand in his and placed a small kiss on it, then led her over to the large porch swing as they sat down and gently swung back and forth together as she snuggled up close next to him telling him "I love it here so much, it is so quiet and perfect"

Darien nodded his head as he held her warm body up close to him and looked out on the setting sun of this day, which would for certain bring them a new adventure with the sunrise tomorrow telling her tranquilly "yes, with you here by my side Serena, my beautiful island goddess, it truly is paradise"

Serena rested her head down against his chest listening to his words as she took a deep breath in and slowly let it out again knowing that he was right, here wrapped up in his arms with their child soon to be on the way, she found peace within her own paradise.

The End

Author's Note: Hi everyone well that is it, I did have an idea nothing set yet, but was thinking of possibly writing a sequel to this story let me know if this would be something you would be interested in reading about and it just might happen Thanks for reading and following along and please send your thoughts and reviews. Mars Light