Notes: Sorry it took so long; I was really busy this weekend. And this is the end! I really hope you enjoyed! Thank you SO much for those of you that reviewed. Here you go!

Dedication: To all the wonderful people that reviewed. I don't have time to name them all, because my internet is about to be shut off, and I want to post this tonight, but you know who you are. You rock! (You also qualify for this thanks if you review this chapter. hint, hint!)

--Personal Stuff Chapter Six--

Gil had been sitting in the same position since he came back inside after watching her drive away. He heard the turn of the doorknob; the slight creak of the door as it was opened and shut. He had stayed, knowing she would come bcak after a while. After she had sorted out her feelings. At least, he had hoped she would, and he had been right.

She didn't look mad anymore.

That was the first thought that entered his head as she stepped into the living room.

In fact, she looked upset, yet somehow...at peace, like she had made a decision that had been plaguing her for a long time. There were tear stains on her cheeks and Gil suspected that it wouldn't be long before more tears would be flowing. Although he would never do anything to make her cry, there were things that had to be said. There was too much confusion and too many questions to be answered for him to just snap his fingers, and say everything would be alright.

It just didn't work like that.

"Catherine."

"Gil."

They were now standing in the middle of the living room, just a few paces from each other.

"Listen. We have to talk." She spoke the words that he had been about to utter.

"I know."

"I'll go first." She took a deep breath. "I love you, Gil. And I want to know...do you love me too? It's okay if you say no. I'm not pretending that I won't be hurt. Because I will. But I just want an honest answer. That's all I'm asking for."

She made the entire speech looking him in the eye, and standing proud and tall. Gil felt his heart swell with love for this woman who was so strong. He didn't think he knew any other woman that could have made that statement so proudly, yet humbly; so without reserve, so honestly.

She was standing in front of him, scared behind the facade she was wearing. But if things went the way they should, she should never have to wear that mask again.

Here was his chance. The chance he had avoided for years. He had no clue what to say, but he had to try.

But the moment he opened his mouth, the words just seemed to flow out.

"Listen to me, Catherine Willows. And listen good. I love you. I love you so much that the word 'love' hardly begins to describe it. We have been friends for twenty years, but what I feel for you is much more than friendship. And I have felt it for a long time, Catherine. I was scared. Deep down, I was afraid that you would reject me. But you didn't, and I made a horrible mistake. Will you forgive me?"

Gil wondered how on earth saying those words could heve seemed so simple. But it had. He had simply been telling the truth. Nothing less, and nothing more. He already knew that she loved him. And that had made it so much easier than he had ever expected, that it almost made him wish he had done it before. In fact, he wished he had; it would have saved much pain and heartache for both of them.

"Yes, I forgive you Gil. And this is the last time I will ever bring it up, but..."

"Heather?"

"Yes. Please"

"I know. I expected it." He took a deep breath.

"Heather was...my first love, for lack of a better phrase. You know that. You were there with me; you saw how broken up I was after she rejected me. But, the last several years, when I wanted to feel bad for myself about Heather, it wouldn't work. Because anything I had felt for her once was gone; erased and completely replaced by a much stronger feeling I felt for someone else. You."

Tears streamed down her face as she answered.

"I love you, Gil. I just wish we could have done this earlier. But I was just so scared..."

He pulled her into his arms.

"God, Gil. You have no idea what I've gone through!" She was sobbing now. "The sleepless nights, the longing, the wishing, the-"

"Catherine." Gil interrupted her. He placed his hands on either side of her face and lifted her head, so her tear-filled eyes met his. His hands still gently framed her face as he spoke.

"Yes, I do. I would be willing to bet that I at least have an idea."

She moved her head away from where it had been resting on his shoulder to look into his eyes, smiled a weak, watery smile.

"Yeah, I guess you do, don't you? Sorry, I got a little carried away there."

"That's okay."

She once again, leaned into his arms, and they just stood there, him holding her, for several minutes.

"One other thing, Catherine."

"Hmm?"

"We have been friends for twenty years. We have been through alot; both good and bad. I love your daughter like she was my own, and I hope that we will be a family some day. I don't expect an answer right now; in fact, I don't want one. I just want to let you know my intentions from the very beginning."

Once again, she lifted her eyes to his. They were filled with happiness. Nothing was spoken, but her gratitude and love was as clear as if she had said it aloud.

He leaned down and kissed her gently, a salve for what had been, a reassurance of what was, and a promise of what would be.

THE END