A/N- Nothing much to say...um...just this is the first time I put two chapters up in one day. LoL, I dont know why, I usually only limit myself to one chapter a day, but I guess since I have nothing else to do and the fact that I'm in a writing mood had something to do with it!

Chapter 16

"We're getting married," Marissa said again, looking from her dad's face to her mom's to her sisters. "Come on, say something."

"Congratulations!" Caitlin said finally. "I'm so happy for both of you." Marissa gripped Ryan's hand underneath the table. Nobody was saying anything about the news of they're engagement.

"Sorry about us not saying anything, kiddo, just came to us as a shock though," Jimmy explained.

"So, you're happy then?" Marissa asked hopefully.

"Of course kiddo! Anything to make you happy," Jimmy said, smiling warmly. He turned to Ryan. "Welcome to the family."

"Thanks. I can assure you that I will take care of Marissa. Don't worry," Ryan said sincerely. Marissa felt her grip lighten from Ryan's hand. Two down, one more to go. Her mom still hadn't said anything of the news.

"Mom? Did you hear what I said?" Marissa asked. Julie finally snapped out of her daydream. She took a sip of her white wine.

"Yeah, I heard what you said sweetie. As your father said, anything to make you happy," Julie said, smiling. "Welcome to the family Ryan." Although it seemed Julie was trying to make a good impression and was happy that Marissa was happy, Marissa felt that her mother wasn't happy with the idea.

In the car ride home from the Arches, Marissa and Ryan were barely talking to each other. Marissa couldn't help but think what her mother really thought about her engagement to Ryan.

"You okay, Rissa?" Ryan asked politely.

"Do you think she was happy for us?" Marissa asked him.

"It seemed like she was," Ryan said.

"I just…I know it's weird…I mean, we basically spent like a whole 2 years having this on-going war, but I don't know. I just want her to be happy for me. For us," Marissa explained.

"I know. Don't worry. If she really wants you to get along again, then she'll appreciate the thought that your happy," Ryan assured her. Marissa turned back to the road. After a while she felt Ryan's eyes looking at her.

"You're staring at me," she stated.

"So sue me! You're wearing the shortest dress I've ever seen on you, it's impossible NOT to stare," Ryan exclaimed.

"That was the intention," Marissa giggled.

"It was basically impossible to keep my hands away from you," Ryan said, his voice getting husky.

"You did a pretty good job though. Just think, when we're married you won't have to worry," Marissa said seductively. Ryan smiled a sexy grin.

Back at the Arches, Jimmy, Julie and Caitlin were walking out of the restaurant to their car. Julie hadn't said anything since Marissa and Ryan had left.

"Jules, I think that you should have said something about Marissa and Ryan's engagement," Jimmy said once they were on the road back to their house.

"Jimmy, what do you expect me to say? I don't understand why she chose to marry that guy!" Julie burst out.

"I won't let you ruin this for her," Jimmy said, trying to keep his voice level. "Ryan has been there for her in all of her times of need. More so than you have."

"Jimmy…" Julie warned. "Don't even go there. It was his fault she shot his brother. If Sandy hadn't have brought him to Newport at the beginning, Marissa would still be together with Luke and you and I wouldn't have had that stupid divorce."

"You want Marissa to still be with Luke?" Jimmy argued back. "Jules, please. I know you don't like Ryan as much, but give him a chance. I don't get it! You're nice to him at dinner, then when your eldest daughter tells you she's getting married, you take at least 10 minutes to reply. I've talked to Marissa. She was really happy that you guys were finally getting along again. She wants you to be HAPPY for her. She doesn't want you to hate Ryan."

"Ryan isn't that bad, Mom," Caitlin said, speaking up from the back seat. "I know I used to hate his guts, but you should see Rissa's face when she's with him. It's like she's a totally different person."

"Cate's right," Jimmy nodded in agreement. "Jules, please. For Marissa's sake, be happy for her." Julie didn't have to confirm Jimmy's request. She knew that she should be happy for Marissa. And she was. She just didn't want Ryan to hurt her.

Marissa and Ryan arrived back at the Cohen house to find everyone in the living room watching a movie.

"Whatcha watching?" Ryan asked, plopping down on a chair. Marissa sat down on his lap and made himself comfortable.

"Spiderman 2," Seth answered.

"Typical Cohen movie," Summer said. "Although, I can't say that I mind Tobey Maguire. I mean, he is pretty hott." Seth nudged her.

"Hey, I thought I was the hott one?" he joked.

"So, how was dinner with the Coopers?" Sandy asked.

"Uh, pretty good, I think," Ryan replied.

"How did they take the news of your engagement?" Kirsten wondered.

"My dad was happy…so was Cate. My mom…not so sure about her," Marissa said.

"Don't worry. Julie's probably just having some time grasping everything. She'll come around," Kirsten promised. Marissa smiled. Marissa wasn't in the mood for watching Tobey swing from spider webs and saving damels in distress, so she motioned for Ryan to follow her to the pool house.

"So, what time are we leaving tomorrow?" Marissa asked.

"Uh, not too early since we have the day off. Hm, probably noon-ish?" Ryan guessed.

"That's okay by me," Marissa nodded. She collapsed onto the bed and sighed. "I'm bored."

"Well, we can change that," Ryan said, take off his dress shirt, exposing his prefect six pack abs. He walked towards Marissa and lay down on the bed beside her. "How did I get so lucky?"

"I have no idea," Marissa replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"Sometimes, I think that I'm dreaming when I'm with you. I want you to know that I love you more than words can explain. I love you so much. I've never loved anybody so much as I love you," Ryan said in a husky voice.

"Whoa…I didn't know you could be so sappy," Marissa said, laughing.

"I'm just letting you know…I will never hurt you," Ryan whispered. He leaned in and kissed her lips. Marissa felt the sensations run through her body. She began to kiss Ryan back with more passion. She helped him out of his shirt and through it across the room. She ran her hands along his abs. He helped her out of her dress and they continued to kiss each other. This time around, they would both know what to expect.

Try number 2 on the sex scene problem. I hope that was a little better...lol. Btw, your friend the button says hi! Drop a note telling me what you thought about this chapter please