A/N - Apologies for the delay in posting this — I have been struggling a little over the past few weeks and just couldn't get my head in the correct writing space. The ups and downs of mental illness are a true joy — But I managed to get back in the game so here you go xx

Cardboard boxes filled every last ounce of space in Elizabeth's apartment. They still had a little over a month until they completed on their new home but she wanted to make a start on packing up her stuff while she could still manage it. Henry had been in Charlottesville for the past few days sorting out his own apartment and she was missing him terribly — But the sooner they packed up their separate lives, the sooner they could build a new one together.

Elizabeth always thought she lived a fairly minimalistic existence but the sheer volume of crap that she couldn't possibly part with had surprised her and infuriated Henry. He couldn't for the life of him understand why she needed three copies of the same book, a wardrobe full of clothes that hadn't seen the light of day for at least five years - Her words, not his - And kitchenware that had never been used and still had the wrappers on. Elizabeth knew she needed to cut down on the amount of stuff she would be taking to the new apartment. Henry still had all of his belongings and they hadn't even started getting everything they needed for the baby. But trying to pack up a whole life into boxes and get rid of half of it was proving to be a very difficult and emotional undertaking.

As she started taking things off the dresser, Elizabeth paused as her hands found a silver frame holding a beautiful family photograph. Her eyes skimmed over it and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. They all looked so happy and just a few short months after it was taken - Their family was torn apart and nothing had ever been the same since.

From the moment a police officer showed up at her front door and broke the news — Elizabeth had drifted! She didn't feel like she belonged anywhere and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't fill the gaping void created by grief.

Over the years, she had tried so many ways to block out that gnawing pain. At college she immersed herself in study and when that didn't really work, she tried drinking and partying in an attempt to just block it all out. As soon as Conrad recruited her for the company, she straightened herself out and focussed on her career which worked pretty well until she met Simon. Then things took a turn for the worse and she was not only consumed by grief but crippling self doubt and feelings of inadequacy latched on too and she felt as if her whole world was beginning to crumble around her - Just as it did when she was fifteen.

Elizabeth had been lucky enough to have found good friends which was truly her saviour. If it hadn't been for Isabelle, Juliette, Andrew and Greg - She would have found herself in a place too dark and too deep to climb out of. But they had all played their parts in putting her back together.

It always took Elizabeth a little while to reach those emotional light bulb moments that others got to so much quicker. She didn't fall in love easily and when her friends at college were swooning over guys and giving their hearts away freely - Elizabeth always remained nonchalant. Sure, she liked the guys she dated and there were feelings involved - But those feelings were never strong enough to constitute love. When she met Simon - the feelings were definitely stronger and she figured with that being the case - It must have been love! And when she caught him cheating, it tore her apart! But on reflection - She wasn't sure if it was losing him that broke her heart or if it was losing her sense of acceptance.

And then came Henry! At first, he was the last thing she wanted or needed for that matter and she kept him at arm's length just enough so that if things went wrong, she wouldn't fall apart again. But he managed to get through to her in a way nobody but her mother ever had and she couldn't stop herself from falling. He made her feel like she finally had a place in the world and that meant more to her than anything ever had. What she felt for him was true, crazy, passionate love and he was definitely the one.

She was right on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted — A home, a man she loved and who loved her in return and a baby on the way. It was a fairytale - But that was the problem, fairytales weren't real. Elizabeth was waiting for something to go wrong because it always did! Nothing in her life had ever been smooth sailing and she couldn't believe that this would be any different. She wanted to embrace it and let herself be happy - But in doing that she opened herself up to all that hurt again and it was terrifying.

The rest of her photographs were placed safely in the box and she realised she didn't have one of her and Henry! They were about to move in together and start a family, yet — They didn't even have a picture of them together! They hadn't really had any of the 'couple' milestones that constituted as normal and the more Elizabeth thought about it, the more she began to spiral.

Did Henry really love her or was he just doing this because she was pregnant. If they had been a normal couple and their relationship had progressed in the usual manner, would they ever have gotten to a stage where they bought a home together and did he even want children because before Elizabeth discovered she was pregnant, she wasn't even sure she wanted them. And now they had been thrust together - Would it last?

There were so many questions flying around in her head, it made her feel dizzy! Were they making a huge mistake doing this? Shouldn't they be taking things slower and seeing if they could make it work before they jumped head first into buying a home together.

Elizabeth could feel the anxiety rising. Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest and all the moisture had disappeared from her mouth. Nausea was overtaking her and as she looked around her apartment, all the boxes stacked up and her whole life packed away - She began to cry - The soft sniffles rapidly became deep sobs!

The phone rang and she was far too busy having an emotional meltdown to answer so she let the machine pick it up.

"Elizabeth? Are you ok? Call me back as soon as you can." Henry's voice echoed through the apartment and it instantly soothed her. He sounded worried which brought her comfort - Maybe he did really care about her after all.

The phone rang again almost instantly and she picked up this time.

"Henry?"

"Hey sweetheart - Are you alright? I was worried when you didn't answer." He could hear her shuddered breaths and started to panic himself "Why are you crying? What happened — Are you and the baby ok?"

Her tears started to fall again as his concern for her well-being was evident.

"I'm scared Henry! What if we're making a huge mistake and this doesn't work out! I'm not strong enough to cope with that if it happens."

"Elizabeth Adams! You listen to me - You are one of the strongest people I know. Talk to me - Tell me why you're having doubts."

"Is this really what you want or have you been forced into this because I got pregnant? I don't want to ruin your life."

"Oh sweetheart - We've talked about this and you still don't seem to understand just how much I love you, do you? Clearly I'm not conveying my feelings well enough."

"Maybe it's not love Henry! Maybe it's just a strong sense of duty on your part."

"Elizabeth, come on! You know that's not the case. You are now, and have always been everything I've ever wanted. I fell in love within hours of meeting you and that love just grows with every day that passes."

"But you didn't ask for any of this and what if you grow to hate me because of it?"

"How do you know I never asked for any of this?"

"What do you mean?"

"When we were in Iraq and I thought I'd lost you - I prayed to every last god, saint and celestial being I could think of because YOU are all I've ever wanted. I prayed that you'd be safe. I prayed that you would open your heart up to me and love me back. I even prayed that it would last forever. So let me be very clear, Elizabeth — I asked for all of this."

Elizabeth giggled "Are you just making shit up again to calm me down?"

"Nope — I'm telling you the truth! You and our beautiful little girl are my whole world. So please start looking forward to the life we're going to live — Together."

"I want to Henry - I really want to. I just know how quickly everything can be taken away and it terrifies me."

"It's hardly surprising you feel that way after everything you've been through - But I'm not going anywhere."

"You don't know that."

"Oh I do — A force far stronger than us made sure we found each other and I trust it! I have faith enough for both of us and we are going to be just fine."

"You promise?"

"I promise! Are you going to be okay or do you want me to come back tonight? I'm almost done here."

"I'm fine Henry, honestly! I'm just going to finish up these last few boxes and go to bed. I miss you babe."

"I miss you too gorgeous! And our little peanut."

"Henry! Please stop calling her that." Elizabeth's little chuckle made Henry smile. "This is quite some adventure we're going on, hey?"

"It sure is! And the very best part of it — we get to do it together! I love you Elizabeth, and don't you ever forget it."

"I kinda like you okay too."

"I'll see you tomorrow — But if you need me, call me."

"See you tomorrow babe — We'll be waiting for you."

The envelope sat in the middle of the table, propped up against the sugar shaker, Elizabeth's cursive handwriting adorning the front and the postage stamps already attached in the corner. It had been two weeks since she had written the letter held inside - And yet it was still in her possession and the more she stared at it, the harder it was to make a decision.

It seemed that whenever she struggled to make a life choice or she just needed somewhere quiet to sit and contemplate - Elizabeth ended up at the cafe. It was somewhere she felt welcome and no matter what was going on in her life or how messy her thoughts were, sitting at her table with the world passing by outside was comforting.

Andrew slid a fresh cup of decaffeinated coffee across the table and retrieved the cold one which hadn't been touched. "Try and drink this one missy."

Elizabeth looked up and frowned "I don't like it!"

"It's healthy for you and the little munchkin and it doesn't taste any different to regular coffee."

"Oh I beg to differ. It tastes completely different and it just doesn't make any sense to me."

"It's coffee Bess — It's not supposed to make sense. It's basically flavoured hot water." Andrew couldn't help but laugh at her.

"You should put that on your sign outside — That will really draw the customers in. Come in and taste the world's best flavoured hot water." Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Andrew who just shook his head and smiled.

"Just drink it and stop complaining."

" I refuse to drink that crap. It's like having sex with no orgasm - Completely pointless." She smirked and looked at Andrew sweetly "I like what I like! You should ask Henry how much I like it when he touches —-."

"Nope! You stop right there — I don't want to hear it! Keep that shit to yourself missy." Andrew was blushing like a beacon.

Elizabeth's deep, throaty laugh pulled Greg from the other side of the cafe. "What's going on over here?"

"Tell her to stop referencing her sex life - She'll give me nightmares." Andrew was flustered which amused them both immensely.

"Oh leave her alone, Andrew! She's a girl in love and with all those raging pregnancy hormones, we're lucky she's not doing it right here on the table."

"Would the pair of you please stop it!"

Elizabeth grinned "Hey Greg — You owe me $20! I got him to blush without even really trying. If you give me an extra $10 I'll make him go crimson."

"Oh that's worth ten bucks - Go on."

Elizabeth looked around the crowded cafe and pushed herself up to whisper in Andrew's ear. As soon as she did, his face flushed from his neck to the tips of his ears.

"Pay up." Elizabeth held her hand out and Greg placed $30 in her palm.

"It was worth every cent."

"You two are so childish! I'll be in the kitchen if I'm needed! And just drink the bloody coffee Bess." Andrew took himself away while the other two sniggered.

Elizabeth sat herself back down and went back to staring at the letter.

"Aren't you going to open that? You've been staring at it all morning."

"I wrote it! I'm just trying to decide whether I should send it or not."

"Oh no - It's not another breakup letter for Henry is it? Because honestly Bess - I'll have to stage an intervention if it is."

"It's not for Henry."

"Where is lover boy anyway?"

"He's been in Charlottesville for a couple of days packing up his apartment. He's coming back today as far as i know so he should be here soon."

"Oh good - Your man is very easy on the eyes."

"I happen to think so too."

"So who's the letter for?" Greg sat himself down, ignoring the rest of his customers.

"It's something I feel I need to do - I just have to find the courage to do it."

"That sounds intriguing! Care to elaborate?"

"Nope! Is there any chance at all of a decent cup of coffee?" Elizabeth fluttered her eyelashes in an attempt to get what she wanted.

"Oh hell no! I am under strict instructions from both Andrew and Henry not to give you real coffee - I value my life too much to go against their wishes."

"You all suck!"

"No - We all love you and want to keep you and the baby safe."

"Well, that's very sweet but you still suck."

"Who sucks?" Henry appeared pulling her up and planting a kiss on her lips.

"You all do! I am craving a decent cup of coffee and nobody will give me one."

"That's because we're all far more sensible than you. I do have something that might cheer you up though."

Elizabeth looked at Henry and smiled "What is it?"

Henry took hold of her hand, turned it over and dropped a key into her palm "It's all ready when we are."

Elizabeth's smile rapidly turned into a beautiful grin and she squealed "It wasn't supposed to be ready for another three weeks. How did you do this?'

"I was quite persuasive. I want us to be in and settled before Christmas. We have a lot going on and I don't want you getting all stressed out about moving. You have far more important things to focus on right now."

"So, we're really doing this?"

"Yep! It's all gone through and we are now the proud owners of our first family home.'

"And we can move in whenever we like?"

"We can be in there as soon as we're ready."

Elizabeth moved as close to Henry as her bump would allow and pressed her lips against his, holding his face gently in her hands. As his tongue flicked against the roof of her mouth, Elizabeth let out a soft moan and her hands moved to his neck to pull him closer.

Greg was watching them in awe and the romantic in him couldn't help but feel all teary eyed. Elizabeth had been through more than most people would be able to cope with in a whole lifetime and yet she had always been so kind and caring towards everyone she knew, especially himself and Andrew. They both wanted nothing more than for her to be happy and she was finally getting everything she so deeply deserved.

Greg smiled to himself and then shouted through to the kitchen "Annnddrewwww — Bess and Henry are about to do it on the table! You'd better get out here and stop them before we have to close the cafe for health and safety reasons."

Andrew trudged over and rolled his eyes "For god sake Bess — Are you honestly trying to kill me here? People are eating."

"I'm sorry - I'm just excited."

"I can see that but maybe you could take it somewhere private?"

"She's excited because she's leaving us again - But for good this time." Greg couldn't hide his sadness.

"Oh - Really?" Andrew looked just as melancholy.

"Awww guys I'm not leaving forever! We'll be a couple of hours away and I promise I'll come back to see you as often as I can."

"You say that now but you'll find yourself a nice little cafe near your new home and you'll forget all about us." Greg was starting to sulk "We've only just got you back."

Elizabeth smiled and gave Greg a squeeze "I could never forget you guys! You are my family and this little girl will need you both in her life."

"We're going to miss you Bess - So much."

It was Andrew's turn to get a hug "And I'll miss you both too like you wouldn't believe. You can't get rid of me that easily - I will always be back."

Greg frowned at Henry "You had better look after our girl because if you don't I will hunt you down —."

"And do what exactly Gregory? Sit on him?"

"Well — I wouldn't say no."

Elizabeth chuckled "Only I get to do that I'm afraid."

Henry gripped Elizabeth's hand "I promise I will take good care of her. You are Elizabeth's family and that means you are mine too. You will always be welcome in our home."

"We want to know when little lady is on her way so make sure you call us." Andrew gave Elizabeth one more big hug and then turned to Henry "And keep her away from the coffee - She drinks way too much of it." He shook Henry's hand "She's precious Henry - Make sure she always knows it."

"She is as rare as a purple diamond and just as beautiful — But always hide the chocolate from her - She cannot be trusted." Greg kissed Elizabeth's cheek and wiped a tear away "Now go and be blissfully happy - We love you Bess."

"I love you both too! I'll see you soon okay?!"

Henry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and smiled "Let's go and start this incredible adventure."

To be continued…