Disclaimer: I don't own them except for the kids!

Warring Hearts, Part 17

Leigh awoke feeling slightly stiff as she raised her head of his shoulder. She blinked her eyes a few times as they adjusted to the bright sunlight as it flooded the beach. She leaned away from him and looked into his sleeping face. He looked older to her this close. Her lips curved into a soft smile as she lay her head back down on his shoulder, snuggling deeper into his arms. They were lying in the bed of his truck. She tugged his jacket that he had laid over her. She curled her toes back up underneath the hem of her dress to keep them warm.

Jonathon peeked an eye open as she cuddled closer. Her hair was a hopeless mess now as it tumbled in loose waves about her face. "Morning," he said softly.

She lifted her eyes to his. She felt his one arm tighten about her waist as she moved closer to him. "Morning," she replied as she smiled at him.

He reached up and brushed her hair away from her face. "I love you."

"I love you too," Leigh said as she kissed him. Her hand curled against the front of his shirt. "It's nice to wake up next to you again."

"That it is. The first time in a long time." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Last time you left me."

"I'm sorry for that."

"It's done now. All that matters is that you're here now. And that you're going to be my wife."

"How do you think our parents will react to that?" Her eyes flickered with uncertainty.

"My parents? Overjoyed no doubt. Your mom? I think she would like it very much," Jonathon replied as he rubbed his hand over her back soothingly, "your father however, is a different story."

"I'll take care of my dad. I'm not going to let him come between us again," she said, some hostility in her voice.

Jonathon shook his head. "I'll talk to him."

A surprised look entered her eyes. "You'll talk to him?"

"I won't marry you without some sort of permission. I mean to have it too. I won't give you up this time Leigh. I love you too much."

"But you know he doesn't think you're good for me? He's the one who started this mess."

"And I'll finish it. My dad is the same way. No guy is going to be good enough for Randy. All of the dads feel that way. I don't blame them. I know he doesn't think I'm good enough for you and sometimes I don't think I'm good enough for you, but you love me, and that's all that matters," he said with his jaw set.

Leigh took note of the look on his face. It was one of total stubbornness and defiance. She toyed with the buttons of his shirt as they lay there. "Do you even have a ring?" she asked finally.

"No. I figure you would want to pick your own since you're not too into jewelry. And I want you to have what you want," he answered as he kissed her lips again.

She kissed him back, laying her hands on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat under her palms. The feeling made her smile against his mouth.

Later on that day…

Wufei glared right back at Duo as they both sat in the living room of the Maxwell's house. "You're getting soft Maxwell," he stated snidely.

Duo's brow furrowed and a cold look entered his eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean Chang?"

"That if it were several years ago, you would have punched me. You're getting soft and it shows."

"You really want me to punch you? I can arrange that!"

Wufei stood at the same time as Duo. Both men eyed each other, the hostility crackling throughout the air. He didn't block the punch that Duo threw, but dodged it by moving his head to the one side. "You're reflexes are getting off too," he smirked.

Duo's nostrils flared at the smirking Chinese man in front of him. "I could say the same about you!"

"Are you implying that I'm getting old Maxwell? I'm in perfect health."

Duo snorted. "Yeah for a backstabbing son of a bitch."

It was Wufei's turn for his nostrils to flare. "You haven't changed one bit."

"Did you expect me to? Get over it Chang! What is it with you that you find my son that bad for your daughter? You were the one who caused this whole mess with your damn meddling!"

"Well if he treated her like she deserved!" Wufei fumed.

"He did!"

"Then tell me why she would come home all those times broken up over him because he managed to hurt her in some way! Like father like son! You put Hilde through the same kind of crap before you married her!"

"I don't need for you to tell me that! I know what I did and I will always feel sorry for doing it! But I loved her just as much as I do now! My son may have a few flaws, but he cares enough about Leigh to come back to her!"

"I would much rather have her with someone who knows how to treat a woman! He's learned it off of you!"

Duo's eyes narrowed even more. "Jonathon knows how to treat a woman! And as for your daughter, don't you give a damn about her happiness or you just doing this to spite me for all the things that I've ever done to you?"

Wufei's face flooded with angry color. "Her happiness is everything to me Maxwell! I love my daughter! I heard every word she said last night I don't need you to remind me of them!"

"Then you should really take them to heart Chang! You either deal with it or lose her forever! And you could stop being a pompous asshole while you're at it!" Duo snapped.

Wufei's mouth snapped shut. He crossed his arms and went back to his seat. "Where's your woman and mine?"

"Still in the kitchen because Hilde and Sally wanted us to have it out," Duo growled as he returned to his own seat. He looked over at the pictures of his family that were spread throughout the room. He picked up the one with all four of his kids, taken only last year. "There is no crime in wanting the best for your daughter Wufei, I don't dispute that at all since I have a daughter of my own. I would do anything to ensure that she's happy. I know you are doing the same in your own twisted fashion."

Wufei eyed the braided American in front of him. He looked over at the pictures scattered throughout the room as well. His eyes fell on a formal portrait of Randy as a little girl and of her graduation from Saint Augustines. She was the only daughter in a houseful of boys. He remembered her as that little girl. She would usually drag Jet into doing things with her and it would more then likely get them into trouble. But he couldn't remember a time that Duo ever raised his voice to her. That had fallen to Hilde. His brow creased when he thought of his own two daughters, both very different from each other. Leigh was more like him and Merin was more like Sally. He didn't like Leigh or Merin dating only because he knew he would hate to see them get hurt. And when Leigh started dating Jonathon, it was all that he tended to see. He had watched the boy grow up. He was his father's son. And knowing what Hilde had gone through with Duo, he didn't want it for her. He tried to discourage it, but Sally always dissuaded him from doing anything. He knew that Jonathon was a good kid, but his reputation left much to be desired. "Your son is another version of you," he said as he returned his eyes back to Duo's.

Duo shrugged his shoulders. "I've heard it said about Chris too."

"Jonathon and Chris are you at that age. I see it. And you're right. I am protecting my daughter. I'm doing it in the only way that I know how. I know you did anything you could to make sure that Randy wouldn't get hurt by some guy. Preventing her from dating was one way."

"I didn't exactly prevent her from dating," Duo said mildly as he looked over at the same picture Wufei had been looking at moments before, "I just managed to scare most guys off. She was free to date, but most guys were too scared to approach her in fear of me. Miles was the only one who dared approach her. He showed guts and probably at that time, he was the best choice for her."

"Maxwell, you threatened to break every bone in Miles' body if he dared to hurt her," Wufei countered as he arched a brow.

"I'm a father, just like you. I say and do things that I don't mean. But I protect her very differently then you do yours. I only threatened physical harm, you on the other hand," he answered, his eyes narrowing again slightly, "play head games. You put my son in a hospital inadvertently because of some comment you made to him causing Jonathon to slam his hand through security glass. Like his mental state for the past couple of months wasn't already screwed up by your interference."

"I was protecting Leigh!"

"At the cost of my son's mental health!"

"Your kids are already crazy just like you, they don't need outside help!"

Duo opened his mouth, but then closed it. "Well I am crazy," he said thoughtfully as he scratched the back of his head, but his eyes locked onto Wufei's again, "but not as underhanded, like you."

"Are you two going to stop with all this male bravado? This house has enough of that," Hilde commented as she and Sally came back into the room.

"We thought the house would fall down with the way you two seemed to be going at it," Sally pointed out as she looked at her husband.

"Quiet onna," Wufei mumbled as he cast her a look. She was still looking at him with disapproval. "I was only stating to the braided baka that I was only protecting my daughter."

"And I was stating that he was doing it at my son's expense!" Duo retorted.

"Well if he hadn't hurt her so many times then maybe I wouldn't have had to resort to protecting her!" Wufei snapped back.

"Enough! No more! You two settle this here and now, or else I will go to the gun case in the other room, take out a gun, and make you two talk like adults at gunpoint! Do I make myself clear!" Hilde yelled as she crossed her arms over her chest and shot a nasty look at her husband and Wufei.

Duo slunk down in his seat. "Yes babe."

Wufei snorted disdainfully, only to be blasted by his wife's icy blue eyes and Hilde's cornflower ones. "Very clear," he muttered petulantly at the two women. "But I don't…" he trailed off when he heard the door open then close. He stood up, as did Duo. His eyes fell on Leigh and Jonathon, who stared right back at them.

Jonathon's brow furrowed as his eyes fell on Wufei. His eyes went to Leigh, whose hand tightened on his. He looked back at Wufei. "I take it you all were expecting us," he said as he walked into the living room with her still holding onto his hand.

"We were wondering, yes," Hilde, said as she watched her son and Leigh walk over to the fireplace and stand in front of it. She noted that their clothing was wrinkled like it had been slept in.

"Where were you?" Wufei asked, his eyes boring into his daughter's.

"At the beach," Leigh replied evenly, her hand gripping onto Jonathon's even more.

Wufei's eyes narrowed slightly at her response.

"We made up. We're back together again," she said as she narrowed her eyes right back.

"Are you…" Wufei began to say, but Jonathon cut him off.

"Before you even start your objections, which I know you have plenty. I have a few words to say. I love your daughter. I'm sorry that I hurt her all those times. But I still love her and no matter what you do or say, she's going to love me," Jonathon said clearly as he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "I've paid for what I've done. I got the scars to prove it," he said as he held up his hand before he continued, "but I'm not sorry for asking her out under your nose. I would do it again, but I don't do it out of disrespect of you. It was never about that at all. I never had to work so hard to get a date before. She made me work for it, you know. She wasn't swayed by my charm. It would have made you proud the way she told me to shove off. All the effort I put into just getting one date with her was like asking you, so that's why I never asked your permission."

"That doesn't excuse what you did to her," Wufei countered stonily.

"And I'm not making one. You want me to ask? I'll ask now, do I have permission to date your daughter, Leigh, Wufei?" Jonathon asked.

Wufei's eyes widened slightly with shock. He could see the seriousness in the younger Maxwell's eyes and hear it in the tone of his voice. He never expected this. He never expected Jonathon to be that honest for one, and even bother asking for two. It wasn't a Maxwell trait to ask for anything. "And if I say no?"

"You'll only drive her further away from you and you know it. I know how much she means to you," Jonathon said solemnly.

Wufei looked back at Leigh, who was looking at him with defiance in her eyes. Those eyes of hers were just like her mother's. He swung his gaze to his wife. She was gazing at him steadily. His eyes went back to Jonathon's cobalt ones. "Why ask now?"

"Because for the first time, I want your permission. I love her and I would like it if you would give your permission," Jonathon replied as he looked into the almost black eyes.

Wufei's brow wrinkled in thought. His eyes went to his daughter again. "Does he love you?"

"Yes, he does. Very much," Leigh answered quietly as she looked up at Jonathon and smiled.

"And do you love him?" Wufei then asked.

"Yes, I love him. More then anything," she replied again as she laced her fingers with Jonathon's even more.

Part of him wanted to say no. He didn't want her to get hurt even more by the same guy over and over again. His heart, however was saying yes. The well being of his children meant everything to him and he didn't want to drive one away because he was being foolish and overly protective. He looked back at Jonathon, who was bracing himself for an answer. "My answer is…"

Duo's hand tightened on top of Hilde's as she rested her hand on his forearm. He looked back at his son and Leigh before returning his eyes to Wufei.

Sally prayed desperately as she gazed at her husband. She sent her daughter a reassuring smile.

"…Yes. You have my permission to date my daughter," Wufei finally said as he nodded his head.

The rigid ness went out of Jonathon's posture as he heard the answer. He let out a breath of relief as he looked down at Leigh and pressed a kiss on her lips.

"But you hurt her again Maxwell…there will be hell to pay," Wufei warned lightly as he smiled at little at his daughter's pleased expression. He went over to her and stood in front of her. "You forgive me daughter?" he asked softly.

Leigh looked at her father for a moment and let go of Jonathon's hands. She turned and faced him. She could see herself mirrored in his obsidian eyes. A gentle smile crossed her lips. "I forgive you dad," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.

He pressed his lips against her jet-black hair as he held her tight. "I'm sorry for being an overprotective father."

"I understand dad. I understand," she said as she pressed her cheek against his chest. She leaned away from him and looked back up at his face. "But that's not all we have to say," she said as she looked over her shoulder at Jonathon, grinning.

"What else do you have to say?" Wufei asked, puzzled.

"Yes, what is it?" Sally asked curiously.

"Well…"Jonathon hedged as he scratched the back of his head. He gave Leigh a silly grin. "Well…"

"Spill it Jonathon. Don't keep us in suspense here," Duo laughed as he watched his son's broadening smile.

"Well," he said as he looked back at Wufei, who had released Leigh, "I now want your permission to marry Leigh."

Wufei's eyes went wide, as did everyone else's in the room.

Leigh held up her left hand and on her ring finger, sparkled a single ruby, embedded in gold. She had picked it out because of its simplicity and because the ruby flashed a burning inner fire, much like her love for Jonathon was. And he said it suited her as well. The price of it still made her lightheaded, but she watched him pay for it in full on his credit card without any thought. "Well, what do you think dad?"

His response. *THUD* Wufei passed out on the floor.

"Dad?" Leigh asked as she looked down at her out cold father.

"Oh dear," Sally exclaimed, but she couldn't help the laughter that bubbled from her lips.

"That was a shocker," Hilde said, as she couldn't stop her own laugher.

"First time I've seen Wufei out cold," Duo chuckled.

Leigh looked up at Jonathon. She arched her brow. "I think we shocked him."

"I'll ask again when he comes to," Jonathon said as he pulled her back to her feet. He looked down at his future father in law again and a slight smile crossed his lips. "Sorry again…dad."

His comment made the entire room burst into more laughter.

******************************************************************************

A week later…

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the minister said as he gestured towards Jonathon.

Jonathon grinned at Leigh as he cupped her cheeks with his hands and planted a tender kiss on Leigh's lips. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Leigh replied as she kissed him back.

The waves crashed in the background.

"I now give you Mister and Missus Jonathon Lawrence Maxwell," the minister said as the two of them faced the small group of people gathered on the beach.

A sounding of applause went up from the guests, which were family and close friends. A small non-traditional wedding was what the both of them wanted. They had chosen the beach because it was one of their favorite places.

As Leigh and Jonathon stepped forwards, their parents immediately greeted them. Jonathon smiled as both mothers were crying. His father was smiling proudly and his father in law was nodding with approval. "You approve?" he asked, grinning.

"Yes, I approve," Wufei, sighed as he gave Jonathon a smile. He turned to his daughter and took her hands in his. He kissed the both of her cheeks. He had woken up that day about a week ago with an ice pack on his head and his wife and daughter standing over him. When he had sat up on the couch in the Maxwell's living room, he had looked back at Jonathon. He was looking at him with a calm expression on his face. He slowly gave his permission and then promptly layback again asking for aspirin. He smiled at her as he leaned away. "You were a beautiful bride Leigh," he said softly as he brushed back a stray curl, "you made me proud."

"Thank you dad," Leigh said in a choked voice as she hugged him again.

Jonathon grinned as he watched her. She was wearing a simple cream-colored slip dress that went down to her ankles. The gauzy material blew gently in the sea breeze, out lining her slender figure. Around her throat were pearls, loaned to her from his mother and small pearl studs dotted her ears. Her hair was pulled back by a simple pearl clasp. She had worn no veil over her silky midnight hair. After being congratulated by his brothers he went over to her and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Leigh," he called softly.

Leigh turned and faced him. She smiled up at him. Her husband. He looked incredibly handsome in his charcoal suit with a white shirt and a white silk tie. She let go of her father and turned towards him. She burrowed against his chest. "Did you want something?"

"No. I just wanted to hold you again," he said as he bent his head over hers.

"I can hardly believe that I'm your wife."

"It is mind boggling. Who would have thought that I, Jonathon Maxwell would settle down at the age of twenty-three," he sighed dramatically. "The girls are going to cry."

"They better be crying," Leigh replied possessively as she leaned up and pressed a kiss on his lips, "Because you're mine now."

Jonathon smirked and linked his arms about her waist. "And you're mine," he said as he kissed her back with intensity.

"Hey come up for air! You two can save that for later when you're alone," Duo teased as he came up and stood next to Wufei, who was rolling his eyes. He passed a look over at Wufei, a trademark Maxwell smirk creasing his lips. "We're related now Wu."

Wufei sighed with resignation. "Don't remind me that I'm related by marriage to you, you baka."

Duo continued to smirk evilly as he turned back towards his son and new daughter in law. "And hopefully, by this time next year we'll be grandparents," he said cheerfully as he clapped a companionable hand on the Chinese man's shoulder.

"WHAT!" *THUNK* Wufei passed out on the sand, sending everyone into peals of laughter.

"DAD!" Jonathon exclaimed, sending his father a reproachful look.

"DUO!" Hilde admonished as she propped her hands on her hips.

Duo grinned unrepentantly. "I couldn't help it."

His response caused everyone to roll his or her eyes.

Jonathon shook his head as he looked back at Leigh. "My dad must have been waiting all day to say that."

Leigh laughed softly. "I'll give your dad credit though, he's the only person that I know who can send my dad into complete shock."

He grinned and rubbed his nose against hers.

She returned the gesture before her smile turned sultry. "So, you want kids by this time next year?"

Jonathon gave her a lazy smile. "Wanna to start tonight?"

"If you ask nicely."

"May I?"

She nodded her head, smiling flirtatiously.

"Man, I love you," he breathed as he caught her lips with his in a sensuous kiss.

"I love you too," Leigh breathed as he lifted his mouth of hers momentarily. She looked into his glowing cobalt eyes that were filled with love. "Never stop loving me the way that you do."

"I'll always love you, no matter what. And thank you for loving me," Jonathon whispered as her eyes welled up with tears at his words.  He knew that she felt the same by the look in her glittering ice blue eyes. He captured her lips with his once again, holding her tight, and this time, never letting go.

A/N: The end! The end! How did you guys like it? Let me know! Stay tuned for other stories coming soon! XOXO!!