A/N: NEXT CHAPTER UP, ANOTHER SHORTIE. ONLY TWO MORE AND THEN THE ENDING. I HOPE YOU'RE STILL ENJOYING. EVEN AFTER ALL THESE CHAPTERS, I STILL DON'T OWN THEM.

CHAPTER 38: SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

The next few weeks kept everyone very busy. Max had returned from Ireland and Woody had moved into his new apartment. In therapy Woody had made great strides, he was now able to stand up for a few minutes at a time. He was also able to move across the bars by swinging/dragging his legs; it wasn't exactly walking, but is was something Woody was very proud of. He had decided that Valentine's day would be the perfect day to give Jordan her surprise. Jordan on the other hand, had decided to also give Woody his surprise party on Valentine's day. Nigel, Bug, Garret and Lily decided to give Woody an apartment warming party, and what better day than Valentine's day. The two would never guess that they both had surprises coming.

That Sunday, Jordan had to work so Max went to mass with Woody, it seemed that the miracles of the last nine months had renewed Max's faith. After church, the two went back to Max's house for lunch. "Alright kid, spit it out.", Max ordered, taking the deli sandwiches out of the bag. "What?", Woody asked, caught off guard. "You've wanted to talk to me in private since I got back, but Jordan was always around. Well she's at work, so what's up?", Max asked handing Woody a can of pop. Woody took a deep breath and a sip of his drink. "Okay Max, here goes. You know how much I love your daughter. I don't need to tell you what a wonderful person she is. And you know I would never do anything to hurt her. And I………". he rambled. "Woody slow down. What do you want to ask me?", Max coaxed, torturing Woody. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Max I'm asking you for Jordan's hand in marriage. There I said it.", Woody sighed. "Well it's about damn time.", Max laughed, patting Woody on the back.

It was finally Valentine's day, Jordan had put Lily in charge of the birthday preparations, and Woody put Max in charge of the proposal preparations. Neither Cal nor the morgue staff knew Woody was going to ask Jordan to marry him. Jordan and Woody went out for a romantic early dinner, while the others went to work on the parties. Woody hadn't been this nervous since the day he was shot. As they drove home Woody absentmindedly asked Jordan to put the friendship ring on her right hand. "No Woody, I like it on this hand.", she stated looking at the ring. "Please Jordan.", Woody pleaded. "No! Why?", she asked, suspiciously. Woody tried to cover his tracks. "It's just a little friendship ring, it belongs on your right hand.", he insisted. "Here, since it's just a little friendship ring, you can have it back then. Happy Valentine's day.", she yelled sarcastically, taking off the ring and tossing it in Woody's lap. "C'mon Jordan…..", he pleaded, trying to keep his eyes on the road. "No it's fine, let's just get this housewarming thing over with.", she added, looking out the window, completely forgetting about the surprise birthday party.

When they got to Woody's apartment building, Jordan was fuming, but silent. Woody had stopped trying to apologize halfway home, it wasn't working any way. They got out of the elevator, Woody unlocked his door, as they entered the apartment, the lights went on and everybody yelled "Surprise!". Jordan immediately saw the banner that said Happy Valentine's Day, Jordan. Woody looked up at the sign that had Happy Birthday, Woody. Then they looked at each other. "You did this for me?", Jordan asked, bending down to kiss him. "I could ask you the same thing. Thank you Jordan.", Woody replied, kissing her back.