Chapter 13-A Future?

June 1, 2002

Today was Alex's check-up appointment. Her ribs really never bothered her. She hoped that was a sign that she would be cleared for work today. Ty wanted to go to the appointment so badly, but Alex told him to stay home. He had done so much for her in the last three weeks, he needed some relax time. Alex's appointment was at 4:00; she left about 3:15. She planned on being home about 6:00. Ty decided that he would make the best of his time. He grabbed his coat and did a little shopping.

~*~*~ "Alexandra Taylor," the nurse called. The nurse brought her to an exam room and prepped her for x-rays. The doctor would use them to see if everything was healed.

"Miss Taylor, your ribs look very good on your x-rays," the doctor said coming back into her room.

"Am I cleared for work?"

"I will clear you for a week of dispatch duty then you are clear for full paramedic shifts. I want you to hold off on riding with the fire department for a couple weeks. Riding paramedic shifts will help you to learn your limits. You should be 100% by the end of the month."

"Thank you doctor."

Alex left the hospital and headed back to her apartment. She couldn't wait to tell Ty the good news. She was earlier than 6, so she would be surprising Ty.

"Ty, what is all of this?" She asked when she walked in and saw the dining room table all done up.

"You're early," Ty said a little disappointed. "It's a celebratory dinner hopefully."

"Yup, I'm pretty much good as new. A week of dispatch and then I can go back to paramedic shifts."

"That's great."

"So what's for dinner?" Alex was curious.

"You'll just have to wait and find out when it's done."

"I hate when you do that. What do you want me to do?"

"There are matches in the pocket of my bag, you can light the candles."

"Will do."

Alex found the matches and lit the candles.

"Dinner is served," Ty announced as he carried two plates to the table.

"Oh wow Ty. That looks great."

"It's my mom's recipe for chicken parm. I always loved it when she made it."

"It smells delicious."

They both ate the chicken. Alex was impressed by Ty's abilities in the kitchen. She had never thought him to be handy in the kitchen. When they finished, Ty wanted to clean up a little to make room for dessert.

"Let me clean up and then I have dessert," Ty said.

"Let me help."

"No, it's ok. I got it," Ty said taking the dishes to the sink. He washed the plates and silverware.

"Did I ever mention that I like a man who is good in the kitchen?" Alex said standing in the doorway watching Ty.

"No I don't believe you have," Ty laughed.

"It's a big turn on."

"Just wait until you see dessert."

"Hopefully it's standing right in front of me," Alex joked referring to Ty.

"That's the late night snack. Now go sit down so I can get dessert ready."

"I'll be waiting."

Alex went back into the dining room and sat down. Ty took the cheesecake from the refrigerator. He had remembered that Alex said that was one of her favorites. He cut two pieces and brought them to the table.

"I knew cheesecake is your favorite."

"You remembered?"

"Yeah, I remember little things like that."

"I'm glad."

They both sat in silence eating the cheesecake. Ty was getting restless. He wanted Alex to finish her piece. Finally she did.

"I'll be right back," Ty said getting up heading to the kitchen.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be right back, I promise."

Ty went into the kitchen and opened one of the drawers. He took out a box and put it into his pocket.

"I want you to close your eyes," he said walking out of the kitchen.

"Ty."Alex said almost pleading with him.

"Come on, just close your eyes. I swear I won't do anything."

She finally gave in and closed her eyes. Ty took the box from his pocket, opened it and knelt down on one knee in front of Alex.

"You can open your eyes," he said.

Alex saw Ty holding the box, "Ty?"

"Alex you are the most amazing person I have ever met. You have been there with me through thick and thin. Our dedication to each other has been tested so many times already and each time we have grown closer. I don't ever want to think of my life without you. Alex, will you marry me?"

Alex had tears streaming down her cheek, "of course Ty. I will marry you."

Ty stood as did Alex and he kissed her. Their relationship was almost too perfect.

"I love you Alex."

"I love you too Ty."

They both finished cleaning up the dishes from dessert. Then they went and sat on the couch and talked about their new engagement.

"I think we should wait and see who notices the ring first," Alex suggested.

"It'll probably be Kim. She is your partner."

"Yeah, but I still want to see. And if she is the first one, I'll let her in on the little game."

"If that's what you want," Ty said with a chuckle.

"I think it'll be fun."

"Yeah, especially after Kim figures it out and is in on it."

"Maybe I should just tell her and have her in on it from the beginning."

Ty couldn't help but laugh. He thought it was cute how she was obsessing over telling people.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing.however you want to do it is fine with me."

"I think I am going to tell her."

"Sounds good to me. Come back and sit on the couch with me," Ty said. Alex had gotten up and was walking around the living room thinking about her plan. She sat down and Ty put his arm around her shoulders.

"This feels so right," she said.

"Yeah it does," Ty said kissing the top of her head. She sat up and kissed him. It still hadn't completely sunk in that they were going to be husband and wife.

"Can I have my late night snack now?" Alex asked giving Ty a puppy-eyed look.

"You sure you haven't had too much?" Ty asked keeping a straight face.

"I could never have too much."

"Well in that case-" Alex didn't even let him finish his sentence before she was pulling him toward the bedroom.