"Hi, mom," Max said to the computer screen. Sheldon had finished talking with Amy and left the room to give Max a chance to talk to Amy alone for a few minutes.

Smiling back at her son, Amy replied, "I've missed you so much. Did you get bigger since I saw you three days ago? You look bigger."

"No," giggled the nine-year-old. "But dad did have to take me to get new shoes last week because my old ones were pinching my toes. I'm excited to come to New Jersey. We're gonna go to Texas to see Meemaw and Grandma Mary on the way."

"That's exciting. I got us tickets for the Harry Potter play when you're here. I haven't told your dad yet. I was thinking about surprising him. Do you think you can keep it a secret for me?" Amy's question was met with a nod. "Hey, can you let your dad know I want to talk to him again before we hang up?"

Max scurried down the hallway and Amy stared at the empty living room until Sheldon appeared in view of the camera. "Hello. Max said you wanted to talk to me again?"

Nodding, Amy answered, "Max mentioned the two of you are going to Texas before coming to see me?"

"I told you about us stopping there on the way to see you last month. My mom has been bugging me about coming home because I haven't been home since we went for Christmas. Meemaw's been asking to see Max again, so I thought we could see her and mom for a few days before coming to New Jersey. Is that okay?" Sheldon couldn't tell how Amy was feeling about the stop in Texas.

"Of course, it's alright. I've had a lot going on since I've been here," apologized Amy. "I probably just forgot you told me about it. I'm sure Max is excited about the trip."

Sheldon nodded and smiled, "You have no idea. It's all he's been talking about. He asked me to get him a guidebook for New York City. He's been making a list of all the things he wants to do. I keep reminding him that we're only spending two days in the city, so we won't have time to do everything he wants to do. I just noticed what time it is for you. I should let you go; it's getting late."

"Good night, Sheldon. I love you."

A few days later, Max and Sheldon were at the airport, waiting for their flight to begin boarding. "I've never been on an airplane before. What's it like?" Max asked while playing on his tablet.

"I was about your age the first time I was on an airplane. My dad and I flew from Texas to go to Cal Tech to see Stephen Hawking talk. That trip was the reason I ended up moving to California," Sheldon reminisced. "Flying can be a little scary, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still scared sometimes, but I'll be right next to you the entire time. You can hold my hand whenever you need to." Max looked at his father before reaching for his hand. This caused Sheldon to speak again. "There's something I want to talk to you about before we see your mom, but I need you to promise me you'll keep it a secret."

Max grinned, "I can do that. I'm better at keeping secrets than you."

"Remember all those times you'd ask your mom if she and I were going to get married and she'd say we'd talk with you before we decide to get married?"

"Yeah."

Smiling, Sheldon continued, "I know you and your mom have talked about it, not so much recently, but you used to ask her almost weekly. You and I have never discussed it without your mom there. There's a reason I wanted to stop in Texas on the way to New Jersey. My mom has had a ring for me to give your mom for years that I want to pick up before we see your mom again." Max jumped up from his seat and hugged Sheldon. "Does this mean I have your permission to ask your mom to marry me?"

"Yes! My mom and dad are finally getting married."

"I have to ask her first. Just remember, you can't say anything to anyone about this."

Settling back into the chair next to Sheldon, Max glanced at him, "Dad? Am I going to have the same last name as you after you and mom get married?"

"I hadn't thought about that," Sheldon paused for a moment. "We can talk to your mom about it after I ask her to marry me."

"I know you've got something going on in that head of yours, Shelly. What's going on?" Mary questioned her son on his last night in Texas. Sheldon avoided the question and began to prepare tea for both of them. "You're not going to get out of this by handing me a cup of tea. Now talk."

"Do you remember what you told me after dinner the first time you met Max? We had just gotten to the apartment and you stopped me from getting out of the car?"

Mary smiled, "I may not have a fancy memory like you, but I do remember telling you that I've been saving the family ring for you. Is it safe to assume that's why you decided to visit on your way to see Amy? Are you going to ask her to marry you?"

"Yes, mother," replied Sheldon. "I asked Max if it would be alright and he agreed, so I would like the ring if you still have it? I haven't decided how or when I'm going to do it, but I know I'm going to ask her before we return to California."

Sheldon watched as Mary left the kitchen, only to return a few minutes later with a black velvet box in her hand. "I had it cleaned after you told me Max is your son, so it's perfect. I knew it was only a matter of time before you asked for it. Please let me know as soon as you ask her. Meemaw will be thrilled that you're getting married."

"I have to ask her and she has to say yes, so don't go telling Meemaw and everyone until I do."

"In what universe would Amy not say yes to you asking for her hand in marriage?" Mary quipped.

The evening before flying back to California, Sheldon, Amy, and Max were on their way back to Amy's temporary apartment after having spent the past two days in Manhattan. Max was sitting next to Sheldon on the train when he leaned over to whisper to his dad. "When are you going to ask her? I thought you wanted to before we go home and we go home tomorrow."

"I will," Sheldon glanced over the boy's head to find Amy wasn't paying attention to them. "I just need to find the perfect moment."

Walking across the Princeton campus from the train station, Amy slipped her hand into Sheldon's and let out a small smile watching Max walk a few feet in front of them. "What were the two of you whispering about on the train?"

"I can't tell you, but I can show you. Hey, Max. Your mom just asked what we were whispering about on the train. Do you think I should do it now?" Sheldon called ahead, causing Max to turn around and take a few steps closer to his parents.

"Yes!" the boy exclaimed. "I've been waiting all week for you to do it."

Sheldon let go of Amy's hand while turning to face her. "Amy, while you were away from us all summer, Max and I talked about a lot of things. One of the things we talked about was if you and I were ever going to get married. He has given me his permission for what I'm about to do." Sheldon stated as he got down on his knee. "Will you marry me?"

Sheldon was cut off by Amy's lips on his as he slid the ring onto her finger. Amy took a moment to gaze at her engagement ring. "I can't wait to marry you. It's perfect, Sheldon. Did Max help you pick this out?"

"No, Grandma Mary had it. That's why we had to go to Texas so dad could get it from her. She said it's really old," chimed in the boy who just watched his parents get engaged.

"It goes back five generations, well six now that you have it," shared Sheldon. "We should call everyone and let them know. I promised my mother she would be the first one to know when I asked."

Max interrupted his parents while smiling. "Can my last name be Cooper now?"

Smiling at her son, Amy nodded in response, "If that's what you want, we can make that happen. I'm going to keep my last name, but it's okay with me if you want to change yours."

Thanks again for the reviews! There were a few of you that guessed Sheldon would be proposing after the last chapter and you were right. There are only 2 chapters left, I should be able to post those on Wednesday & Saturday. I'm starting to work on some one shots in the Max universe, so if you have ideas of things that weren't included, feel free to suggest them & I just might write something.