February 2nd, 2004

Lilah's blue eyes sparkled as Derek picked her up. God, this little girl already had him wrapped around her little finger. She was going to be an utter heartbreaker when she was a teenager. He was sure it would be his heart she would be breaking.

"Come on, Pumpkin. We're going to pick mommy up from her first day back and we're going to have lunch." Derek started to bundle her up. Lilah stuck out her tongue and began to blow raspberries. That was her new trick lately. He zipped up her jacket and took her out to the car, "Need to strap you in."

"Ppppfffffttttttt!!!!" Lilah blew another raspberry.

"You're going to sweep some man off of his feet." Derek chuckled. As soon as Lilah was in the car seat, Derek got in the car and drove to the fire station. He began to sing. "I have a little daughter and her name is Lilah Bean. She looks like daddy but smells like mommy. She likes bunnies and little fluffy cats. She's mmmmyyyy Lilah Bean." He glanced in the rear view mirror.

"Ppppfffffttttttt!!!" Lilah blew another raspberry. Derek chuckled.

"You don't like daddy's song? You break my heart, Lilah Bean." He smiled as he neared the fire station. Derek could see Alex dancing outside from the cold. He chuckled and pulled up, "How much for one hour?" Alex chuckled getting in.

"Um...Lunch and something hot to drink." She said. She glanced in the back seat and smiled at Lilah, "Hello, Lilah bean. Were you good for daddy?" Derek nodded with a smile.

"She only threw one fit when I tried giving her a bath." He said, "She was really good besides that though. She missed mommy."

"Awww...Well, I missed my bean too." She said. "Where are we going to eat?"

"I was thinking Applebee's." Derek said with a smile.

"Santa Fe wraps and boneless Buffalo wings." She purred.

"Exactly my thinking." Derek chuckled. "I know what my woman likes to eat." Alex smiled as they drove. He really did know her well. It was nice being with Derek. If she had known they would have so much fun together she would have started something sooner with him. "Here we are." Alex looked around.
"All ready?" She asked. Derek chuckled.

"You were in a daze. Come on." He got out and went into the back to get Lilah. Alex smiled. he had the routine down pat. Soon, the family of three were seated and already ordered.

"Are you happy?" Alex asked Derek. he smirked and nodded.

"Very." He said, "Why wouldn't I be? Gorgeous daughter and gorgeous fiancé." Alex chuckled.

"Did you ever think we'd be here?" She asked.

"No. I thought I would be an old and grey firefighter pining after the one that got away." Derek winked. She smiled sipping her soda looking at Lilah.

"I'm glad you stopped by my car to help me out." She said.

"Me too." He said. He thanked his lucky stars every day that Alex had a shitty car. He probably would have wound up with picking up another skank from Hagerty's and she probably would have wound up being an old spinster, but now...Now they were with each other for always.

February 16th, 2004

Their first valentine's day was wonderful. Derek gave Alex a beautiful bracelet with Lilah's birthstone in it and Alex gave Derek season tickets to see the Yankees. They of course loved their gifts.

"Maybe we can go home early." Alex said sitting down on Derek's lap. he chuckled and shook his head.

"I don't think we can." He said, "Plus. we don't have a screaming baby at work."

"Just whining Jimmy and crying Lombardo." She chuckled.

"Hey. I heard that." Jimmy said.

"I said it loud enough for you to hear it." Alex smiled kissing Derek's cheek. Jimmy groaned loudly.

"That's disgusting." He said.

"You're just jealous." Derek said. Jimmy shook his head.

"When are you guys getting married?" He asked. Alex shrugged.

"We haven't set a date yet." She said. "next year maybe."

"You guys need to get a date set quickly." Jimmy said, "it'll sneak up upon you." Alex gave Derek a worried look.

"he's right." She said, "We need to pick a date."

"Okay. June 22nd." Derek said. Alex giggled.

"June 22nd? Why that date?" She asked. Derek shrugged.

"Why not?" He asked, "it's far away but not too far away."

"True." Alex glanced at Jimmy, who's attention was back on the television. She nodded, "June 22nd. I think that's a fine day."

"Good." Derek said. "So it's final?" Alex nodded with a soft smile upon her face.

"It's final." She said.

* * *

Alex walked into the house almost in a run. She missed Lilah. She walked into the living room and saw Beth cuddling her granddaughter with a bottle. Alex smiled.

"What are you doing June 22nd?" Alex asked. Beth looked up at her.

"I have a feeling you're going to tell me what I'm going to do." She said. Alex giggled and sat next to her mother.

"Well, Derek and I decided that's when I'm going to get married." She said. Beth's face brightened up.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yes. Is that okay with you?" Alex asked.

"Of course." Beth chuckled, "Who is giving you away?"

"I was hoping Adam and you would." Alex said, "Do you think Adam would do that?" Beth nodded.

"I think he would be honoured." She said handing the baby over. Alex put her on her chest. She rubbed Lilah's back.

"I wish Dad was here to see all of this." She said. Beth nodded.

"Me too, Sweetheart, but he is looking over you and your family." She said, "Angus was a stubborn man. You know he probably wouldn't even let death stand in the way of seeing your wedding." Alex's eyes filled up with tears as she chuckled.
"I think you're right." She said looking down at Lilah. "I miss him so much, Mom." The tears finally started to trickle down her cheeks. Beth wrapped her arms around her daughter and grandchild.

"I know, Baby. So do I." Beth whispered as Alex began to cry freely. Her father's death was still so very fresh in Alex's heart. Now that she was a parent is made it more real to her.

* * *

If you would like an update on my fics or just general discussion, then join my e-mail list. Just e-mail me to join.