"I still can't believe it," Naveen laughed.

"You doubted me?" Tiana crossed her arms and gave him a challenging smirk.

"No, never, but you don't know my parents like I do," Naveen continued, still laughing.

It was a few days after their night together and Tiana had been hard at work on Naveen's parents. The process had been… interesting to say the least.

Naveen hadn't been far off Tiana's idea when he suggested she teach them how to mince mushrooms. She wanted to get to know them in more casual settings, and also show off a little of her fun side. So when she found out Ravi's sixth birthday was coming up, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have Sunil bake the birthday cake with his young son.

"Do what now?" Sunil had asked, sounding so much like Naveen that it almost made Tiana laugh.

"Bake a cake," Tiana repeated. "I'm thinking chocolate." She turned to Ravi and smiled. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? If you help us, you can even lick the spoon."

Ravi beamed. "Please Baba! Please please!" He started pulling on Sunil's shirt and falling on his knees exaggeratedly as he begged. It was impossible to say no to him.

Sunil shared a tentative glance with Tiana while he helped Ravi tie an apron on. "It might not surprise you that I have never baked a cake before," he admitted.

Tiana hadn't known him very long, but even she could see how difficult it was for such a powerful man to admit he didn't know how to do something. "That's alright," Tiana said. "I'll teach you."

Between father and son, Tiana couldn't tell who enjoyed making the cake more, and also who made the bigger mess. She had never seen her kitchen look like such a disaster, but in the end it was worth it when Ravi got to blow out his birthday candles and they all ate the delicious cake they had made.

Ravi said he had never eaten anything better, and Sunil had to agree. The king even went so far as to suggest making this an annual tradition, which made Tiana's heart jump for joy. She tried not to get ahead of herself, and wondered if this meant he wanted Tiana to be included in this as well, or if this was just something between father and son, but still, this seemed like a very good sign.

"First you have my father and brother to make a cake," Naveen said, still laughing. "Which was delicious by the way."

"Of course it was," Tiana said. "You should have more faith in your family."

"It's not that," Naveen replied. "It's just…. My father has never set foot in a kitchen in his entire life! How did you do it?"

Now it was Tiana's turn to laugh. "I think it was more Ravi than me. He really wanted that cake."

"Of course he did." Naveen sat back in his chair, watching Tiana fiddle with the seasonings of the lunch they were making. She really was incredible. He had tasted the red beans and rice and thought it was wonderful, but Tiana kept finding ways to make it better.

"Alright, fine. You can give Ravi partial credit for the cake, but you deserve the full credit for my mother," Naveen said. "Never in a million years would I have thought to see her covered in mud with a smile on her face."

The idea had been to simply introduce Idhal to Tiana's vegetable garden. Well, really it was Eudora's garden, as Tiana's plants usually ended up dying, but Idhal didn't need to know that.

The garden was nothing compared to what Idhal was used to in Maldonia, of course. Naveen had told Tiana just how large and majestic the gardens were around the royal castle, so small one in their backyard had to be mediocre at best. Still, Idhal was knowledgeable about plants, and had many compliments on their small garden, especially their tomatoes and okra.

Tiana spotted a small weed, and casually asked if Idhal would mind pulling it. The next thing she knew, both women were kneeling in the dirt happily pulling up weeds and laughing like they had known each other for years.

This good rapport she was developing with Naveen's family was exactly what Tiana had been hoping for. Now if only his parents would approve of their marriage and change the law everything would be perfect.

Naveen, for his part, had immediately written to their lawyer asking about abdicating, and was expecting a response any day now.

"I hardly did anything," Tiana said, but she had a small smile on her face. "Your mother really seemed to enjoy herself."

"I'll say."

"But I think the important thing to think about is if it's working or not," Tiana said. She turned to Naveen and gave him a worried look. "What do you think?"

"You are certainly having an impact on them." Naveen stood from his chair and took Tiana's hands in his. "And they enjoy your company very much."

"You think so?"

"I know so." He gave her a quick kiss, and then another. And, well, why not one more? Tiana giggled into his kisses and wrapped her arms around his neck. It was so nice to be alone like this, especially since they hardly got any of it anymore.

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Tiana asked, smoothing down his tie. She had to work the night shift so Naveen was on his own for the evening.

"I thought I'd take my family around town more," he said, swaying her gently in his arms. "I think Louis is going to play tonight, so we definitely don't want to miss that."

"I should think not."

Introducing Louis to Naveen's family was something he would never forget. Ammi's wide frightened eyes, Baba's fierce determined look, ready to jump in and rescue his family if need be. And of course Ravi's delighted face, for he had immediately fallen in love with the gator, and the feeling was adorably mutual.

Louis did remarkably well with children.

Watching them get along so well, inevitably led Naveen to imagine his own children playing with the gator. Immediately a warm pleasant feeling filled his heart, something he'd never really felt before meeting Tiana. Maybe it was that their future seemed easier to picture than it had ever been, but Naveen had been thinking a lot about children lately. It excited him as much as it terrified him, and he knew he needed to talk about it with Tiana.

Naveen cleared his throat. No time like the present, as they say. "Tiana, could I talk to you about something?"

"Of course."

"It is only that we haven't talked about this yet, and it's important that we do," Naveen said. He could feel his nerves start to bubble up. This wasn't good. He tried to stop himself from rambling, but the words just kept pouring out.

"It's nothing bad, but just important, as I said, and I think we should be on the same page, especially before we get married, and I know my parents haven't approved of anything yet but I still think we should talk about it and-"

"Naveen? Tiana? Are you in here?" Sunil's voice carried out from the front door.

They both shared a sigh, wishing their time alone could have been a little longer. Tiana pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "We'll talk later, okay?"

"Alright." Naveen smiled softly. "In here, Baba," he called out.

"Ah, there you are," Sunil grinned coming in the door.

Ravi rushed in after him. "Naveen, Naveen, look! I found a rock that looks just like Baba!"

"No it doesn't," Sunil fumed. "It really doesn't."

"Yes it does," Idhal said, laughing as she glided into the room at last. She gave Naveen and Tiana each a kiss on the cheek. "Tiana, what do you think?"

Tiana took a look, and to her delight, found it looked exactly like Sunil.

"Sit down, my love. I have something to tell you."

Tiana's stomach dropped and she felt herself start to panic. Naveen sounded uncharacteristically sour. He could only have bad news. "What is it?" she asked. "What happened?"

"Nothing happened, princess," Naveen said in a calm way that immediately irritated her. "I just think you should sit down."

"Did your parents decide against our marriage?" Tiana asked, trying not to become hysterical. "I thought everything was going so well!"

She started to pace around the kitchen, easily avoiding Naveen's attempts to corner her and force her to sit. "They didn't even give me a chance! It's only been a few weeks! I can do better, I know I can. I can prove myself to them."

"Tiana."

"Now you'll have to back to Maldonia." She stopped her pacing and looked Naveen in the eyes. "I can't go through that again."

"You don't have to, mi sitara lu'seinn." Naveen was finally able to place his hands on her shoulders, and he gave them a gentle squeeze. "It's nothing to do with us, or my parents or any of that."

"What is it then?"

Naveen could feel the tension in her shoulders as he held her. This was the first time they had to themselves in awhile and Naveen had wanted to bring up the discussion of children again, but this was more pressing. Not that it made it any easier to share with her. At least she would be able to hear it from him, instead of someone else. At least he could try to tell her gently.

"It's about the sugar mill."

"The sugar mill?" Tiana felt herself go numb even as her anxiety started to grow again. All these months she'd tried to push aside thoughts of the sugar mill, but it was hard to pretend that the perfect building for her restaurant had never existed. The thought that someone else owned that building still didn't sit right with her. No one else could ever EVER appreciate it in the way that she could.

She blindly let Naveen guide her to a seat, and he scooted his chair next to hers. Their knees touched and he took her hands gently in his.

"The other day, I took my family around the city, yes?" Naveen began. "I thought… I thought that even though someone else bought the sugar mill, that perhaps seeing it would help them understand your dream better. That maybe they could see just how much you've lost and how much we have to gain by pursuing it together."

Tiana took a shaky breath. "So you saw it?"

"Yes."

"Oh god." She covered her face with her hands and braced herself. "What did they do to it?"

Naveen paused. Licked his lips. Wondering how best to break the news, but maybe straightforward was the best way. "Nothing," he said at last.

Tiana lowered her hands and raised an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean, nothing?"

"I mean, that it's still for sale," he said, taking her hands again. "The Fenner brothers…. They lied to you."

Tiana stood so abruptly, the chair she had been sitting in scooted across the room. She turned to face the window, not saying anything. Naveen had expected anger, frustration, tears, all of them equally heartbreaking, but this silence was worse than anything he had imagined.

He waited, painful as it was to do so. More than anything he wanted to sweep her up in his arms and whisper comforting words in her ear. But that wasn't what she needed now, Naveen knew that. Besides, what comforting words could he offer when she had been deliberately lied to, and they had both believed that lie for months. Nothing he could say would make it better, but Naveen still watched and waited for the moment she would let him in again, where he could remind her that she wasn't in this situation alone.

But she still wasn't saying anything. Her fists clenched and she was starting to shake. Naveen couldn't stand it any more. "Tiana?" he asked tentatively.

This seemed to ignite her fuse. "Those lying bastards!" she screamed. "How could they do this to me? After all that hard work I did!"

"I know." He'd never seen her so angry before, and Naveen hated that he had brought this news to her. When he had seen the for sale sign at the sugar mill, Naveen had wanted to march straight to the Fenner brother's office and punch them both right in the noses. He didn't though. He would leave that for Tiana. Though maybe she would let him have second crack at them once she was finished.

"I had everything they asked for," Tiana continued, fuming. "I had the down payment. I made sure they knew that I would pay the rest on time. Do you know how many beignets I made them to soften them up to me? To make sure that they liked me and trusted me?"

She didn't wait for Naveen to answer. "A lot that's how many! And they gobbled them up each time, those sons of bitches!" Tiana paced again around the kitchen, each step emphasizing her anger.

"And even after all that they still lied to me! They don't even have the guts to tell me the truth!" Tiana stomped. "Oh, they tried to soften the blow. Telling me a 'little woman of my background would have had my hands full running a big business like that'." Her voice changed to an unflattering imitation of Mr. Fenner's accent.

"Bull. Shit," she continued. "My background? My background?"

Tiana was practically shrieking now. "If they'd rather lose money on an empty building, they should have the nerve to say to my face that they don't want to sell to someone like me." Angry tears were building up in her eyes.

"They should have said that they didn't want to sell to a woman, or to someone who is poor, or black, or…." She sniffed and covered her face with her hands. "Christ."

All the anger seemed to flow out of her, and was replaced by the unfamiliar appearance of defeat. Naveen couldn't take it anymore. He stood from his seat and gathered Tiana up in his arms. "Darling, I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault," Tiana whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.

"It still shouldn't have happened to you." More than anything, Tiana deserved to have her dream come true. "Shall I beat them up for you?" With one arm still holding her close, Naveen punched an imaginary figure, showing off more than was probably necessary.

She huffed out a small laugh, rewarding him with a sad smile. It wasn't much but he would take it. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't think that will help them change their minds about selling me the building."

"You still want to buy it from them?"

"Lord help me, but I do." Tiana sighed and melted back into Naveen's embrace. "It's the perfect place for a restaurant, the building is just the right size, and," she sighed again. "It's what Daddy wanted too."

Naveen kissed her forehead softly as the pieces fell into place. He should have guessed that James had a hand in picking this place if Tiana was fighting so hard for it.

"All our hopes and dreams were centered around the sugar mill for our restaurant," Tiana explained. "I've got notebooks full of detailed plans that Daddy worked out for how to fix it up and turn it into a gourmet restaurant." She sighed again. "Not that it makes any difference now."

"What do you mean?"

"Even though the building is still for sale, I'm still in the same situation I was when I first tried to buy it," Tiana said. "Sure I've managed to save a little more than the down payment, but that won't make much of a difference to the Fenner brothers. If there's any hope for me to buy it, I'll have to offer as close to a full payment as possible."

Naveen kissed her again, thinking forlornly of his inheritance. It would have paid for the sugar mill ten times over, but there was no hope of getting it back if he abdicated. And if he didn't abdicate and stayed a prince, Tiana couldn't have her restaurant.

A very fine mess they were in.

But then an idea popped into Naveen's head. "Oh!" he exclaimed, making Tiana jump slightly. "Let's get married!"

She had to laugh. "Isn't that what we've been trying to do this whole time?"

"No, no, I mean…" Naveen pursed his lips in thought as he worked out how to explain his idea. "When we get married," he started, encouraged by the smile she gave him as he said 'when', not 'if', "we can have a big ceremony, yes? Invite all our family and friends?"

"That sounds lovely," Tiana said, cupping his cheek. "But what does that have to do with the restaurant?"

"When a couple gets married, they usually are given gifts, yes?" Naveen asked, grinning.

"I suppose so."

"So…." Naveen motioned with his hands, but Tiana only shook her head. She still wasn't following.

"So, when we get married, we ask that people give us money for the restaurant instead of gifts," he finally explained.

"We can't do that," Tiana replied immediately.

"Why not?"

"Because we can't just ask people for money!" Accepting money from Naveen when he wanted to give it to her was one thing, but this was much different. This really was taking the easy way.

"People are going to want to give us gifts for the wedding," Naveen countered. "What is so wrong in asking for something that we can actually use and will make our lives better?"

Tiana bit her lip. It was hard to argue with his logic. She thought of all the people she would invite to the wedding, and knew that they would give gifts despite any protests Tiana made.

She wasn't ready to agree to it yet though, and decided to try and distract him instead.

"Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?" she asked in a teasing way. Tiana wrapped her arms around his neck and began twirling his curls around her finger. "We still don't have your parents blessing yet, and they haven't said anything about changing that law either."

"We'll get their blessing soon," Naveen said, pulling her close. "I can feel it."

She could feel something alright, but this was a little more solid. Ever since their night together, Tiana seemed to notice that part of him more often. Or maybe he was doing it to her on purpose. Either way it was difficult to ignore as their bodies pressed against each other.

Tiana found herself giggling when Naveen kissed her sweetly on the lips. As the kiss lingered, she sighed into it, and once more melted into his touch. This distraction seemed to turn out well for both of them.

Naveen kissed along her chin and down her neck. "Can I come see you again tonight?"

Tiana shivered at his touch and at the memories that flooded her mind. "Are you sure?" she asked, wondering just who it was that had said that. Because of course the answer would be yes. She desperately wanted him back in her bed.

"Mhmm," he murmured against her skin. "I can't stop thinking about that night."

"Me either," Tiana whispered.

He drew his tongue up her neck and gently nibbled on her ear. "I want to taste you again. Please?"

Tiana gasped. At his touch or at his words, she didn't know. But how could she deny him that request, especially when he asked so nicely? "Yes. Okay. Tonight," she whispered.

"Tonight," he whispered back, before kissing her again.

The hours seemed to go by even slower than last time, and Naveen almost screamed in frustration. How could his parents still be awake? Where they always such night owls?

It's quite possible that they were and he just never noticed. The castle back in Maldonia was so large and had so many corridors it was very easy for Naveen to sneak out for a midnight rendezvous or two.

But now when it actually mattered they were all crammed into this hotel and he couldn't escape! Well, crammed wasn't the right word. They did have the largest suite in the entire hotel, which took up practically the entire top floor. Still, though, all the separate rooms lead into the main room which lead to the door.

If someone was still awake, it was impossible to leave without them knowing. This was what had taken Naveen so long to get to Tiana last time, and it's what was taking him so long now. Naveen hadn't heard anything in a long time though, so he thought he might be safe.

Carefully, he eased open his door and tiptoed into the hallway and then into the main room. Only to find Idhal casually sitting on the couch.

"Oh, hello Naveen," she said.

"Ammi!" Naveen startled. "What are you still doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd sit out here and read awhile." Idhal carefully placed a bookmark in her book and closed it, setting it aside. "I'm glad you're here though. I'd like to talk to you, if that's alright."

Naveen groaned inwardly, his thoughts going out to Tiana who was waiting for him to come to her. But there was no escaping his mother. It wasn't like he could tell her he was just on his way out.

"Of course," Naveen said and took a seat next to her on the couch. "What is it you'd like to talk about?" Perhaps if he went along with this conversation he could be on his way sooner rather than later.

"Would you like some tea, first?" Idhal asked, and gestured toward the tea set laid out on the table.

It was then that Naveen smelled the spicy aroma of his mother's favorite kind of tea. There was a small kitchen in their suite and it had become a common occurrence for Idhal to have some tea periodically throughout the day.

"Are the servants still awake?" Naveen asked, expecting her to call them to serve the tea.

"Heavens no," Idhal replied. "I made this myself."

Naveen must have gawked at her because she laughed and poured him a cup of tea herself.

"Tiana taught me," she explained. "That girl is quite a wonder."

"That she is," Naveen agreed, taking a sip. The tea was quite delicious if he said so himself.

"She seems to be changing the entire Maldonian royal family for the better," Idhal said with a smile. "Never in a million years did I think I would be making my own tea, and enjoying it too."

"I'm glad, Ammi."

"Yes me too." Idhal took a sip as well, then said, "I really am proud of you, you know."

This caught Naveen off guard. "Oh? For what?"

"For how much you've grown over these past few months," she said. "And for… well, for fighting so hard to be with the person you love."

He hadn't been expecting that. Tiana was the light of his life, she was his Evangeline, of course he would fight to be with her. "I love her," Naveen said. "We belong together. It is as simple as that."

Idhal gave him a half smile. "Sometimes it isn't always so simple." She paused, and fiddled with her teacup. "Did you know that I was arranged to be married?"

"You and Baba? No, I didn't know that."

"Well, no. Not exactly. You see," Idhal replied, "I was arranged to be married to someone else."

Naveen gaped. How had he not known this? "So what happened?"

"I met your father, of course," Idhal replied with a smirk. "We fell in love very quickly, but because of my betrothal we felt it best to keep everything a secret."

Naveen raised his eyebrows in shock. "A secret love affair?" he asked, not quite believing it all. His parents? Really? "How romantic."

Idhal poured herself some more tea. "Well, it didn't seem like it at the time." Her eyes were twinkling though. "I was so afraid we would get caught, but was too much in love to break it off. And still, we were both frightened to have it all out in the open, knowing we would get into a lot of trouble."

"It obviously worked out alright in the end," Idhal continued, "but we kept our romance a secret for many many years. I've been thinking of that a lot lately." She put her tea down and caught Naveen's eye. "And it makes me wish that we had fought for each other like you and Tiana are doing. If we had, we probably would have gotten married much sooner, and had more happy years together."

"Is this…." Naveen paused for a moment. "Are you giving me your blessing for Tiana and I to be married then?"

"In matters like this, I think it's best that your Baba and I are on a united front," she said, but she was smiling as she did so. "But I will talk to him on your behalf."

"Really?" Naveen beamed. "Thank you, Ammi."

"Of course, darling." Idhal glanced at the clock, and Naveen followed her gaze.

Damn it. It was well past his deadline for meeting with Tiana, and it would be at least another thirty minutes before Ammi went to bed. Then another thirty minutes to wait and make sure she was actually asleep, and then all the additional time it would take for him to make it across town… there was no way he would make it there tonight.

Naveen could only hope that Tiana was asleep by now, and he wouldn't be too angry or disappointed in him tomorrow. Though, when he told her about this conversation with his mother, he expected she would forgive him.

"I think it's time for bed, hmm?" Idhal said. She kissed Naveen on the cheek and wished him goodnight, then she began to gather the tea set up.

"Would you like some help cleaning up?"

"No, it's alright," Idhal said, another smile on her face. Tiana really was changing the entire royal family. "I'll see you in the morning, beta."

"Goodnight, Ammi."

"So all you have to do is sign this document in front of your parents and then you've abdicated the throne?" Tiana asked, still not quite believing it herself.

The lawyer Naveen had written to replied with all the necessary information he would need to abdicate, and compared to everything Tiana had learned about Maldonian law, it was remarkably simple. Even the document making it all official was only one page long.

"As long as they are a witness to the signing, it becomes official," Naveen said, taking his usual seat next to her on the porch swing. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "Have you changed your mind about it?"

Tiana leaned into his touch while she went over all the paperwork again. "Have you?"

"No," Naveen replied immediately. In fact, the more he thought about abdicating, the more he knew it was the right thing to do. Even if his parents decided they would change the law so that Tiana could marry him and have her restaurant, Naveen would still want to abdicate.

He kissed her cheek. "Don't think I didn't notice you not answering my question."

She smirked and settled against him further, tucking her legs underneath her as she did so. "No, I haven't changed my mind," Tiana said. "As long as you're fine with it, then I am."

"Oh, I'm very fine with it."

She snickered, and rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying this rare moment where it could just be the two of them. Even now they weren't completely alone. Sunil, Idhal, and Eudora were all inside playing cards. Tiana and Naveen had both managed to escape by offering to keep an eye on Ravi who was playing with some of the neighborhood kids in the street.

It made Naveen think, once more, about the conversation he'd been trying to have with Tiana over the past week. Was now the right time? If not now, then when?

Naveen cleared his throat. "Tiana, I wonder… I wonder if…"

She turned and gave him an encouraging smile. By now she was used to his fumbling words when he was nervous.

He tried again. "A few days ago, I wanted to talk about something?"

"Oh!" Tiana sat up straighter. "So much has happened, I completely forgot. I'm sorry, sweetheart." She placed a warm hand on his arm and gave him a squeeze. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

Now that he had her undivided attention, Naveen felt his nerves really bubble up. He took a deep breath, determined to slow his mind (and his mouth) so he wouldn't say the wrong thing.

"I've been thinking a lot about us, and our future together. Obviously," he started. That's practically all he'd been thinking about since he first fell in love with her. "And we've talked about so much, and it all sounds amazing and wonderful and I can't wait to actually start this life with you."

"But there's something we haven't talked about yet." Naveen took her hand and pressed it to his lips. "And I was wondering…. I wanted to know what your thoughts, and feelings are on… children. What I mean is, do you picture us building a family together?"

Tiana cupped his cheek and gave him a smile that made her dimples show. "You've been thinking about this for awhile, haven't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"When you said you wanted to talk about something, I wondered if it was this," Tiana said warmly.

Naveen took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. "So you have been thinking of it also?"

"I've been thinking about it a lot, actually," Tiana said. "Before we met and fell in love, the idea of children… well, it wasn't ever something I spent much time on, you know?"

Oh he knew. Before meeting Tiana, the thought of children had always terrified him. Naveen always had two fantasies when it came to children. In one he hadn't been careful with one of the woman he had dated, and so he would be forced to marry someone to make the heir legitimate. The other was very much the same, except the marriage came first.

In both of these imaginings, Naveen always felt trapped and miserable. Now though, as with many other things since Tiana came into his life, the idea of children, their children, made him happy and hopeful.

"I always thought of the restaurant first, everything else was on the back burner," Tiana continued. She turned and leaned into Naveen. He settled his arm around her, holding her close, and gently started moving the swing back and forth.

"Sometimes I would picture it, though," Tiana said. "A little boy named James, after my daddy, and teaching him to cook. Having him work alongside me in the restaurant. Maybe even taking over one day."

She covered his hand with her own, and Naveen pressed a kiss to her temple. "And now? Do you still picture it?" he asked.

"Yes, I do," Tiana replied. "Except now, that little boy looks a lot like you."

Naveen squeezed her tight and kissed her cheek. He felt excitement grow just imagining it. Teaching their child to dance, and playing duets together. And then he also thought all of the things he had wished his own parents had done - tucking him in at night, reading bedtime stories. Just being there. Naveen wanted all of that.

"I can picture it too," he said, stroking her cheek. "But I am picturing a little girl who looks just like you."

"Oh gosh, I hope not!" Tiana's dismissive laughter soon turned into squeals as Naveen playfully squeezed her tight and peppered her with more kisses, telling her she was the most beautiful woman in the world so what was she going on about hoping their child shouldn't look like her?

She soon gave up fighting him, and soon they settled back into a comfortable embrace. They sat, silent for awhile, both watching Ravi play with his new friends. It was good to see him running around with kids his own age, playing and having fun.

"You know we have to wait awhile before we can have one, right?" Tiana asked.

"Hmm?"

"We have to wait until the restaurant is up and running," she clarified. "It's going to be a lot of hard work getting that building up to code. And then actually running the restaurant isn't going to be any easier. If we add a baby into that mix, it's going to be chaos. Not to mention the money."

"It might be a long time before we're in a comfortable place to have a baby," Tiana continued. "Is that okay?"

"Darling," Naveen said, "I want to have children with you, but I am not ready to be a father yet." Even just saying the word father and applying it to himself was a little scary. "Besides, after all we've gone through, I want to have you all for myself first."

Tiana giggled as he kissed her cheek again. She wanted that too. She'd wanted it for a long time but ever since their one night together her desire for him had been increasing exponentially. It was even more frustrating and disheartening when they decided to stop sneaking around like that. Each time they tried something happened that would make them almost get caught. It was just too dangerous, and neither of them wanted to jeopardize all that they had done to get to this point.

Maybe because of this, Tiana found that her mind drifted to those private, dirty thoughts much more than usual. Even now she found that her cheeks were heating up, imagining just what would happen when they finally had time to themselves. When they wouldn't have to worry about being interrupted, and they could stay together in bed for hours on end.

She now knew that there was a lot of interesting things that could be done in bed, but there was still something nagging in her mind about it all. Was it possible to do everything they wanted to do and not have a baby?

She wished there was a way for her to find out everything by herself, but it was such a taboo topic, that the only way to really know was to either experience it or ask someone. Since the first option wasn't a possibility at the moment, Tiana knew she would have to pluck up her courage and ask Naveen.

He wouldn't tease her for it, she knew that, and he wanted her to ask questions, but none of that made it any easier.

She took a deep breath. "Naveen, I have a question."

"What is it, princess?"

Tiana glanced around making sure there was no one within hearing range. They seemed safe for now with Ravi and his new friends still occupied, and all of their parents inside. Every once in awhile laughter would spill out, and Tiana wondered if Eudora was finally telling embarrassing stories about her. Well, Tiana was willing to make that sacrifice if this meant that they would all be too captivated to overhear what she had to say.

Even so, Tiana turned and beckoned for Naveen to bend down so she could whisper in his ear.

Her cheeks burned as she whispered , "Will that change anything when we… on our wedding night?"

Maybe it was presumptuous to use the term 'wedding night' when everything was still up in the air, but after everything they had been through, Tiana knew that no one would ever stop her from marrying this man.

Naveen gave her a lopsided smile that at once made her want to kiss him but also melt into the floor of embarrassment. "Been thinking about that, have you?"

Tiana tucked a nonexistent curl behind her ear, and tried to shrug nonchalantly. All she managed to say was "Well..."

That seemed to be enough, as Naveen grinned again and kissed her burning cheeks. "I've been thinking of it, too," he whispered.

She shivered at the feel of his touch, and raised an eyebrow in his direction. "So? Does it change things?"

"No. It doesn't," Naveen said, giving her another lopsided smile. "I know how to make love and not have a baby. Trust me."

As soon as he said it, Tiana felt her mood sour. It had never been a secret that Naveen had been with so many women, but as they spent more time together he brought it up less and less. This was understandable, as Tiana didn't really want to hear about it anyway, but regardless of whether or not they spoke about it, the fact was that it was there, between them.

Maybe subconsciously, that was why Tiana had brought up this topic. Because obviously there was only one reason he knew so much about what to do in bed.

"Yeah, I bet you do," she mumbled, and turned from him, groaning inwardly. It wasn't like her to be so petty but she'd never been in a situation like this before. It was a terrible excuse, but she still clung to it like a lifeline.

Naveen flinched at her response, immediately regretting everything he had said. Stupid, stupid! He knew better than to being up his past conquests with Tiana.

"I shouldn't have said it that way," Naveen apologized. "I'm sorry. What I meant was-"

"I know what you meant," Tiana interrupted him. She scooted over to the other side of the porch swing, and Naveen felt himself sinking fast.

But he didn't know what to say or what to do to make it better. There was no changing what he had done, and he'd been trying ever since he fell in love with her to make up for his past behavior. Evidently he hadn't done enough in this regard.

If only he could know what she was thinking. "Are you angry with me?" he asked.

Tiana shifted in her seat, and she rubbed her arms absently. The sight made Naveen's heart break.

"I understand if you are," he said. He had made so many mistakes in his life, and miraculously Tiana had forgiven him for all of them, even when he felt he didn't deserve it.

"I was a foolish boy who liked the attention," Naveen explained. "That was all. None of them meant anything to me."

It sounded heartless but it was true. Naveen had always craved attention, and when he learned that his good looks and charming personality could win him any woman he wanted, it was almost like a drug. He wanted more and more, but it was void of any real meaning for all parties involved.

Any woman he slept with only wanted the prestige from being associated with him, or the chance to have a good lay. Because word quickly got around that the young prince was good for something, and that's when things got out of control.

At least Naveen had always used protection. He hadn't been that stupid. But he had been foolish enough to let his lower half dictate so many years of his life, and now he was paying the price.

"I wish I had done things differently," Naveen continued. "If I had known I would find you, I would have waited."

"I know."

Well that was something. And she wasn't yelling at him, which Naveen was glad of, but her silence unnerved him. He waited, unsure of what else to say to make things better.

At last she spoke softly. "I'm not angry with you."

"You're not?"

"No," she said, then shrugged. "I can't really be angry at you for things you did before we met."

"You're disappointed, then?"

"No." She tucked another curl behind her ear. "I guess it's more that I feel... well, jealous."

"Jealous?"

Tiana shifted in her seat again and smoothed down her skirt. She couldn't believe they were having this conversation, but maybe it would help her get past some of her anxieties about their wedding night. For as much as it excited her, the whole thing scared her a little. If only it could be Naveen's first time too, then she wouldn't be putting so many expectations on herself to do it perfectly.

"It'll be my first time," she explained in a lowered voice. "And I'm so happy that I get to share that with you." This was the truth. Tiana couldn't imagine being with anyone else in this way.

Naveen took her hand and squeezed it gently. "But?"

"But I'll never get to share your first time because you had it with someone else."

Naveen felt like his heart might break. How many ways had his past self inadvertently hurt the woman he loved more than anything else in the world? And had any of it even been worth it?

Without meaning to, his mind went back to his very first time. He and Ria were both sixteen, and had snuck off with some wine in tow. One thing had led to another and then... All things considered it had been terrible, but that hadn't stopped them from doing it again whenever the temptation arose.

Just the thought of doing it like that with Tiana made him sick. She deserved so much more than that.

He brought her hands up to his lips for a kiss. "Tiana, I..." He paused. "It is true that it won't be my first time. But it will be our first time, my love, and to me that makes all the difference."

"It does?"

"I love you, Tiana," Naveen said. "And whenever we're together, whether it's sitting here talking like this, or upstairs in your bed-"

Tiana shushed him quickly, but luckily there wasn't anyone close enough to hear. Still, Naveen lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Whenever we're together, all I'm thinking about is you, and how I can make you happy."

"I think that, too," she whispered back.

Naveen brought his forehead to hers and nuzzled against her softly. "You're the most important person in the world to me. You know that, yes?"

Tiana nodded, and Naveen leaned down to kiss her.

"Eww gross!" Ravi pipped in.

They sprang apart, and Tiana covered her mouth as she began to giggle. They had completely forgotten the whole reason they were out here was to watch Ravi.

"Hey now," Naveen mock frowned at his brother. "I thought you were playing with your new friends."

"Everyone had to go home," Ravi said. He plopped down on the swing right between Naveen and Tiana.

"I bet you're thirsty, huh?" Tiana asked. "How about a nice glass of iced tea?"

"Yes," Ravi said enthusiastically.

Naveen cleared his throat.

"I mean, yes please," he added quickly and smiled wide at his older brother. He turned to Tiana, and asked, "Can I have a beignet, too? Please?"

"Well, since you asked so nicely." Tiana dimpled at the brothers and held out her hand for Ravi, who took it enthusiastically.

Naveen took his other hand and together they all walked back inside.

"Take a seat, won't you?" Sunil said to Tiana and Naveen. Idhal was busying herself with the tea-set. Normally Tiana would have offered to help or at the very least given a compliment (Idhal seemed to enjoy setting out the tea almost as much as she enjoyed drinking it) but she was too nervous to say anything.

Sunil and Idhal had asked her over to their hotel room to talk, and had even sent Ravi out with his governess, so they had the place to themselves. There could only be one thing that they wanted to talk about.

Tiana sat down next to Naveen and immediately grabbed for his hand. She felt a little better holding onto his strong grip. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, though truthfully he felt as nervous as she did.

It felt strange talking to his parents in so friendly an environment. Usually there was a desk between him and Sunil, and his father would have a very angry look on his face. Now though, Sunil looked happy as they all gathered comfortably around the coffee table. Naveen chose to take that as a good sign.

"Thank you, mia floresca," Sunil said when Idhal handed him a teacup. He took what seemed like a painfully long sip before turning to Tiana and Naveen, who were both too nervous to drink their own cups of tea.

"Well, then," Sunil said. "Have either of you seen any good movies lately?"

Tiana blinked. "Movies?" He really wanted to talk to them about movies? She glanced at Naveen who shared the same incredulous look on his face. He only shrugged at her.

"Um, no," Tiana said. "Not really." She hadn't seen any movies in awhile, it just wasn't in her budget.

"You know we don't have movies in Maldonia so we try to go now that we are here," Sunil continued. "We saw one the other day with that funny comedian-"

"Oh stop it, Sunni," Idhal said, interrupting him. "You know we didn't ask them here to talk about movies."

"Alright, alright." Sunil gave them all an apologetic smile. "Perhaps we should get down to business, yes?"

"We asked you here to talk about your marriage," Idhal said simply.

Both Tiana and Naveen's grip grew harder.

"It's been wonderful getting to know you, Tiana," Idhal said.

"Yes, I agree," Sunil said. "You're quite different from what we always pictured for Naveen."

Tiana wasn't sure if that was an attempt at a compliment or not, but she would take it that way. "Thank you," she said. "It's been nice getting to know you, too." And it had. Even though Naveen and his family had their problems, they were still nice people.

"And so?" Naveen asked. "Have you reached a decision then?"

"We have," Sunil said, and he took his wife's hand, and smiled. "You have our blessing to be married."

Tiana was so happy she burst into tears. Even after everything that had happened, there was still a part of her that wondered if she and Naveen would ever actually be officially married.

She kissed and hugged Naveen who was smiling so wide his cheeks hurt, and then they hugged Idhal and Sunil, and then both of them at once, and she went back to Naveen and the whole cycle started over again.

"Thank you, Ammi. Baba, " Naveen said once things had calmed down a bit. "This means so much to us."

"We're so happy for you both," Idhal said.

Naveen handed Tiana a handkerchief and she blew her nose. "And the law?" she asked, wiping away her tears. "Have you thought about that as well?"

Sunil's beaming face fell a little and he coughed. Tiana felt a pit grow in her stomach.

"That is a bit more difficult, I am afraid," he explained. "I'm sorry, Tiana, but it is impossible for us to change the law."

Idhal came behind Sunil and rested her hands on his shoulders. "We have some alternative solutions for you, though."

"You can help run the Food Financing Comity, or the Department of Agriculture."

"Or we can help you start a foundation to do all sorts of projects."

Tiana tried to imagine herself running a government program instead of a restaurant. While doing these types of things would let her help a lot of people, sitting behind a desk and doing paperwork wasn't the type of life she wanted.

"I'm sorry," Tiana said. "I just can't do it."

"Oh dear," Idhal said. "We thought that you might change your mind once we gave our blessing."

Sunil nodded glumly. "We had hoped... But if this is how you feel, we understand." He sighed and smoothed down his mustache. "Though that does seem to leave us in quite the pickle. I'm not sure what else we can do." He turned to Idhal. "Is there anything we've missed?"

"We've thought of everything," Idhal said, and turned her sad eyes towards Tiana.

"Not everything," Naveen piped in.

His parents looked at him questioningly. "Oh really?" Sunil asked. "You had something in mind?"

Naveen glanced over at Tiana.

"Are you sure?" she asked softly.

He was. "Yes. I'm sure."

Naveen took Tiana's hand again and took a deep breath. "Ammi. Baba. I... I want to abdicate the throne."

Sunil and Idhal stared at him as if they couldn't quite believe what he had said.

"I asked our lawyer for all the information," Naveen added quickly. "He gave me all the information, and it is really quite simple." He reached into his coat pocket and handed the paperwork to Sunil, who began to look it over in silence.

"I know this seems sudden," Naveen said, "but I have been thinking about it for a long time, and I think it is the right thing to do. Not just for Tiana and myself, but for Maldonia as well."

Tiana scooted closer to him and rested a reassuring hand on his arm as he continued.

"I know I've made a lot of mistakes, and that I haven't always made you proud-"

Sunil held up his hand. "Stop."

Naveen stayed silent.

"I have always been proud to call you my son," Sunil said.

How many times had Naveen hoped to hear those exact words from his father? It brought sudden tears to his eyes, and Naveen hastily blinked them away."Thank you, Baba," he whispered.

Sunil handed the paperwork over to Idhal.

"This is a big decision, Naveen," Sunil said. "Are you sure you've thought about it enough?"

"Yes, I am," Naveen replied. "Tiana and I have discussed it at length as well."

Sunil raised an eyebrow and turned to Tiana. "And you agree?"

"It's Naveen's choice to make," Tiana replied. "But I stand by him."

Sunil nodded in approval.

"You understand, darling," Idhal said, "that if you do this, your inheritance will be gone. It's meant for you as a prince."

"You won't be able to ask us for money, either," Sunil added. "You'll be completely on your own."

In the back of his mind, Naveen felt a small pang of loss for all that money, but it quickly went away. He had lived this long without it, and really, he was so much happier now than he ever had been with it.

"Yes, I understand," Naveen said. "It doesn't change my mind."

Sunil shared a glance with Idhal, who nodded. "It sounds like you've made your decision."

"You mean you'll sign the papers?" Naveen asked, shocked. This was probably the most controversial decision he had ever made in his life and his parents weren't even going to argue with him?

"Well, not right now," Sunil countered. "I'd like to confirm with the lawyer as well before we make anything official, but I think right now I think we can make a gentleman's agreement, hmm?"

Sunil held out his hand, and Naveen shook it immediately.

Idhal clasped her hands and gave a soft sigh. "Oh, how romantic. Giving up the throne for someone you love."

"You always did have a flair for the sentimental, son."

Naveen felt his cheeks flush as he smiled at his parents and then at Tiana. She looked so beautiful, he couldn't help but kiss her dimpled cheek. Giving up the throne was the easiest thing he had ever done, and seeing her smile like that made it all worthwhile. They were going to be married! It was really happening! Finally!

"Well then," Idhal said, rubbing her hands together, delighted. "It sounds like we have a wedding to plan."

Tiana and Naveen shared a glance. "We?" Naveen asked. "Didn't you just say that you wouldn't be giving us any money?"

Idhal waved a hand in the air, dismissing him. "Even if you're no longer a prince, you're still my son, and if you think I'm going to let my son have a cheap wedding you have another thing coming."

Sunil just gave them a look that said 'Better let her do what she wants. It's easier that way.'

"Now, let's start planning," Idhal said with a slight giggle. "I already have some ideas for the flowers."

Tiana raised an eyebrow at Naveen, who in turn gave her a sheepish smile. This was going to be interesting.

Naveen had no idea that a wedding required so much planning. It had only been a few days since receiving his parents blessing, but already things were in a whirlwind, and he knew that if he didn't try wrestling control from his mother they would have no say in any part of the ceremony at all.

The first step in that direction had been choosing the date for the wedding.

Idhal argued to wait at least a year, but both Naveen and Tiana were tired of waiting. Besides, the perfect date was coming up soon.

"But that's only in a few months!" Idhal gasped when they all gathered to begin discussions of the wedding. Well, all except Sunil and Ravi who had managed to escape for the afternoon."It's impossible! We won't be able to invite half of the important people in Maldonia!"

He thought of all the people he knew in Maldonia, all the people who had turned their backs on him when he needed them most. They had proven to be nothing but shallow and heartless, and he didn't want them at his wedding.

"Good," Naveen said, bitterly.

"But beta-"

"But nothing, Ammi," Naveen argued. "I will have signed the abdication documents by then so it technically won't be a royal wedding, which means it won't start any hostility if they aren't invited." He crossed his arms firmly. "That is all I have to say on the subject."

Idhal looked like she wasn't finished, but Eudora tactfully cleared her throat. "The date you suggested," she said, bringing the topic back around, "is also on a Tuesday." She gave Tiana and Naveen an exasperated look. "Does it have to be that day? Nobody gets married on a Tuesday."

"I'm sorry, Mama," Tiana said, though she sounded anything but sorry. She looped her arm through Naveen's and gave him a squeeze. "It has to be that day."

No other day would do for them. The date had been edged in Naveen's brain ever since he had first set foot in Tiana's home and had helped carry a fainted Eudora to the couch to rest. When he had helped clear up all the discarded newspapers, Naveen had taken extra care to memorize that date. The date they had said their vows in the bayou and had broken the spell, effectively changing their lives forever.

And now the anniversary of that day was coming up.

In the bayou they hadn't thought about what day of the week it was, or what flowers would look nice in an arrangement. All that had mattered was that they loved each other, and that love had only become stronger as time had gone by. What better way to celebrate that love than by having their wedding on their anniversary?

"It's just not practical, darlings," Idhal said again. "There isn't enough time to have everything finished. Why, Tiana won't even have a dress!"

"I don't really need all of that," Tiana said. "A simple wedding is more than enough." She shared a small smile with Naveen, who was no doubt remembering how simple their last wedding had been.

"I can just wear one of my best Sunday dresses," Tiana offered.

Eudora cleared her throat again. "You won't have to do that."

"Oh?" Tiana asked. Idhal crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, obviously feeling annoyed that they seemed to be going ahead on everything despite her protests.

"I may have already started making you a wedding dress," Eudora said. "A few months ago."

Tiana gasped. "Oh Mama! Really?"

"Well, I didn't want to be caught off guard like last time," Eudora said, laughing. "Looks like I was right to forge ahead."

"What does it look like?"

"I'll show you. It's right upstairs."

Tiana squealed in delight. Idhal had to smile at that. "Let me see it, too."

"Of course. Come on!"

Eudora led the women to the stairs and Naveen tried to follow, but Tiana playfully poked him in the chest, making him stop in his tracks.

"You have to stay here," she said with a smirk. "You can't see the dress until the wedding."

Naveen huffed at that, but then Tiana kissed him so it was alright.

After that he quickly learned that the groom had little to say when it came to wedding planning. Once they had convinced Idhal to go along with their wedding date, everything started moving very fast. It was all a dream come true, and it felt so perfect, except...

Well there was one last thing Naveen wanted to do before things went too far.

By some miracle he had managed to take Tiana out alone. It was the first proper date they had enjoyed since before Naveen had left for Maldonia, and he wanted to do it right. He still had some money saved from his earnings as a street sweeper, and he had also managed to save some from when he sold off his belongings. Most of it he was saving for something special he had in mind, but that didn't mean he couldn't take Tiana out on the town.

Dinner and dancing had proven to be just what they both needed to take their minds off the stress of wedding planning. Even so, Naveen was still a bundle of nerves the whole night.

The ring he had in his pocket seemed to be burning a hole in it. Every step he took he could feel the box bump against his thigh. He had managed to spoil every proposal to Tiana - first on the riverboat when he had gotten tongue tied and hadn't even managed to ask her, and then later he had STILL gotten tongue tied, and to top it all off he hadn't even had a ring.

Now though, he wanted to do it right. But what was the right moment? When they were eating their dessert? But the waiter had given him the check right when he was about to ask. When they were out dancing? The band was too loud, and it was too crowded it get down on one knee.

Every time Naveen thought he had the perfect opportunity something stopped him, and now the evening was almost over! He was walking Tiana home now. There wasn't much of a chance for romance out here on the street, was there?

Maybe he could make it work. He had to do it tonight, who knew when he would be able to get her alone again?

Tiana took his arm as they walked. "Are you okay?" she asked. "You've been kind of quiet and jumpy tonight."

True to form, Naveen jumped at her question. "Oh, have I?" He brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss. "Apologies, princess. I have just been thinking."

"About what?"

Was now the right time? Naveen glanced up and saw Ray and Evangeline twinkling down on both of them and he knew that it was.

. He just had to bring the conversation to a good place.

"About us," he said with a smile. He stopped walking and turned to Tiana. He took one of her hands in his and the other rested comfortably on her waist, then moved slowly in an easy dance. Tiana followed along effortlessly. A marked improvement from the first time he asked her to dance, when she had practically run away from him.

"Are you happy, my darling?" he asked.

"Very happy," Tiana replied. She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. Her arms found their way around his neck and she gave a happy sigh as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I feel like the luckiest person in the world."

"Me too," Naveen said, holding her close.

"It's still almost hard to believe," Tiana said. "After all this time, everyone will know we're married. We won't have to hide it anymore. It's really official!"

"Well, almost official."

Tiana stepped back with a worried look in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"There's one last thing to do."

This was it. With a deep breath and his stomach in knots, Naveen took Tiana's hands and bent down on one knee.

"Tiana."

She gasped even as her eyes glistened with happy tears. "Naveen, you don't have to do this."

"Yes I do." He kissed her hands again and tried to remember the speech he had written down, but now that he was in the moment he couldn't remember a word. Well, what was a proposal if not a chance to speak from the heart?

"If this past year has taught me anything, it's that love can conquer anything," he said. "We have been through so much together, and even through those darkest of times it was love that pulled us through."

Tiana sniffed and hastily wiped away a tear that had escaped.

"When we first met, I had all the wrong ideas about what I needed in my life. Then you changed me for the better, and I've never been happier."

He kissed her hands once more. "I know our fairy tale has been a bit unconventional, and this first year that we have been together hasn't been much of a marriage, but this story of our love is really only the beginning. Now we have a chance to write our own happily ever after. Together."

"What I mean to say is, will you marry me?" Naveen asked. "Again?"

"Oh, Naveen." Tiana was crying steadily now. "Yes, yes. A thousand times yes." She came onto her knees and fell into his arms. "I'd marry you a hundred times if I had to."

"Let's make it just once more, alright?"

"Deal."

They kissed, and it was the sweetest kiss they had ever had.

"Oh!" Naveen jumped back. "I almost forgot. Here." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box and opened it. "For you."

Tiana gasped. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen! It was a pearl ensconced in gold with an elegant floral design etched into the band.

"Where did you get this?" she asked, breathless.

"It's a family heirloom. It belonged to my great grandmother," Naveen explained. "Will you wear it?"

She held out a trembling hand, and Naveen slipped the ring onto her finger.

"I've been wanting to do that for a long while," he said, and kissed her again. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," Tiana replied through her tears. She was crying again. "And I love you."

They kissed once more, and then moved to a nearby bench to kiss some more. At last they settled into a quiet embrace, admiring the ring on Tiana's finger.

"Is this why you were acting funny all night?" Tiana asked.

"I was a little nervous," Naveen admitted.

"Really?" Tiana asked. "Did you really think I'd say no?"

Naveen bristled a little. "You try asking someone to marry you and you'll see how nerve wracking it is. Wait." He paused, thinking about what he just said. "On second thought, don't do that."

She laughed and brought him in for another kiss. "Naveen?" Tiana asked softly against his lips.

"Hmm?"

"Will you marry me?" Tiana had meant it as a joke, but in that small moment, she felt it. Even after this proposal and wearing his ring on her finger, Tiana felt her stomach bubble with nerves.

Naveen smiled and kissed her. "Yes."