Andy was startled out of her thoughts as a muscular arm circled her waist and pulled her from the hallway into the dimly lit office. "Robert, what are you doing?" She said leaning into his embrace to steady herself.

"I missed you," he said, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. They had only officially been together a few weeks and it felt like a whirlwind, it also felt so right. He finally felt like he could breathe.

"You've seen me all day today," Andy replied back with a small smile. She would give him a hard time because they liked to tease each other, but she got it. This thing with them was something she'd never felt before and they'd quickly began spending every free moment together.

"True, but we're at work and we're still keeping this a secret." Robert's hands massaged her low back as he spoke. "Who knew pretending would be so hard?" he questioned rhetorically.

"Robert Sullivan, who knew you were such a softie." Andy teased a little as her hands coasted up his arms softly and she smiled up at him.

"You can't tease me or else you won't get your surprise." Robert said with a look of mischief on his face.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Andy whispered, holding his gaze.

"I know, I know... you hate surprises." Robert answered before she could say anything. "I promise this one will be good." He leaned in to kiss her. Just as they were pulling away they both heard the alarm "Engine 19, Ladder 19".

"Duty calls," Andy said quickly before giving him one last chaste kiss and heading out of the Battalion Chief's office.

Robert took a seat at his desk and opened the right drawer. He pulled out the small red box with gold embroidery. Opening it, his finger grazed the large emerald cut diamond set in a halo of pave diamonds. As soon as he'd seen it, he'd known it was the one. It was perfectly cut and sparkled brilliantly. To him it said everything he wanted it to.

They'd talked after lunch with Pruitt and again a few nights ago in bed about marriage and both agreed to do it small with just them and her dad. Things were bound to get complicated soon enough, for now they just wanted to enjoy being them. They had an appointment with the Justice of the Peace, but he was a traditional guy. He also loved Andy and even though she wasn't the woman who was dreaming up her perfect wedding as a young girl, she deserved something special and memorable.

A FEW DAYS LATER…

"Hey," Robert said into his cell, faking a little frustration. "My meeting at city hall is running late, I'll meet you at the restaurant."

"Okay," Andy replied happily and took a sip of wine. She'd poured herself a glass to drink as she got ready for dinner. Having just gotten out of the shower at his place, she was doing her hair and make-up when he called. "I'll leave my car here and hop in an uber." At this point, she hadn't spent a night at home in weeks and getting dolled up at home didn't seem smart since their relationship was still on the DL. She didn't need Jack and his watchful eye poking around.

"That sounds good," Robert replied in a tone that Andy couldn't quite place.

"You good? You sound stressed." Andy inquired a bit concerned.

"Yeah," I'm good. Looking forward to tonight." Robert replied with a smile she couldn't see.

"Me too." Andy leaned against the bathroom counter and out into the master suite. A black, sleeveless deep v dress laid on the bed and strappy sandals sat on the floor close by. "I should get going if I'm going to be ready on time." Something about tonight felt special, though she couldn't put her finger on it and she wanted to knock Robert's socks off. They exchanged goodbyes and both hung up.

Dressed in a black suit and black button down, Robert paced around the dimly lit rooftop of Maximilien French Bistro on the top of Pike Place Market. It was a warm spring day and the heated lamps would cut the chill as the time got later. It had taken some convincing but the Manager had agreed to give him the outdoor patio for 2 hours on a non-peak night so the rooftop was theirs. Looking out at the stunning views of Elliot Bay, the lights of the ferris wheel and marina he felt strangely calm.

It wasn't because his ask was pretty much a sure thing, but because he knew what it felt like to be all in. He knew what it was to love someone so much it scared you and for someone to be your whole world. He'd felt it before and never thought he would again. Andy was a gift. Their love was a gift. He'd never expected to find himself this excited about the future again. After Claire he was convinced he'd be alone forever and somehow fate had orchestrated his return to Seattle and brought him face to face with the woman who would steal his heart.

"Sir," the waiter said, pulling him from his thoughts. "She's here."

"Thank you," Robert nodded. Moving away from the ledge he patted his pants pocket and turned towards the door. When he did his breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of her. Walking through the door, Andy was a vision. Her long bronze locks hung in loose touchable curls, she'd done something to her make up that made her eyes sparkle even more than usual and that dress. Black, with a deep plunging neckline and a cut that hugged her curves just right, she was classy and sexy all at the same time.

"What is all this?" Andy said in an excited voice that she barely recognized as her own. Her eyes went wide in delight as she looked around the empty rooftop that should have been full of other patrons, the lights and the single table set in front of the most beautiful Elliot Bay view with Robert looking as handsome as ever in a black suit. "I'm getting the feeling I've been set up."

"I confess, my meeting didn't exactly run late," Robert grinned in that way he did when he was trying to get away with something. It was sexy and charming and he knew it. Holding her gaze, his thumb skated across her chin softly. "You are absolutely gorgeous."

"You look pretty handsome yourself." Andy replied before zeroing in on Robert's lips and pulling him down for a kiss. Cupping his cheeks, she captured his lips in a slow tender kiss. Letting all the love she felt inside bubble up. Andy knew she was head over heels crazy in love with this man. There would never be another. When they finally pulled away, she whispered, "You gonna tell me what all this is for?"

"Well...I was going to wait till after dessert, but this seems like a good time." Robert looked in Andy's eyes and saw a bit of confusion. He smiled lightly knowing she'd figure things out soon enough. Taking a deep breath and stepping back just slightly he dropped to one knee.

"Oh my God," Andy exclaimed and clapped a hand over her mouth watching Robert's actions unfold.

Holding the small ring in his large fingers, he began. "Andrea Herrera, I was sleepwalking through my life before you. I'd spent years not letting anyone get close because I never wanted to risk the pain of losing someone I loved again. But by some twist of fate, I ended up back here in Seattle and you came barreling into my life like a 5 alarm fire." Andy's eyes pricked with tears as she listened to him pour his heart out. "You saw me for me, understood me, challenged me, made me laugh and I don't know when exactly or how, but I fell for you...hard and I know this is fast and kind of crazy, but I'm sure. I have absolutely no doubt that I will love you forever. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Before he could even get out the question fully, Andy said, "Yes, of course, I will." She felt Robert slip the ring on her finger, but could barely see with tears clouding her eyes. Andy squealed in excitement as Robert picked her up into a tight hug and twirled her around.

When her feet finally landed on the ground, Robert's lips found hers. Andy's hands rested lightly on Robert's chest as they pulled apart and that's when she really got her first look at her ring. "Holy shit, Robert."

"You don't like it?" He asked, concern furrowed in his brow. He was a bit caught off guard because he thought it was perfect, but quickly his mind started moving a mile a minute thinking of options.

Without looking up, Andy said, "Like it? I love it. It…" Her voice faltered a bit.

"What?" Robert questioned gently.

She didn't know why she suddenly felt so exposed, but she did and finding her words was proving difficult. "It almost seems like too much." When she looked up she saw confusion on Robert's face and began to ramble a bit. "I just mean...I wasn't the girl dreaming of wedding rings, white dresses and flower arrangements. I don't really need something so… extravagant."

Robert cupped Andy's cheeks and stared deeply into her eyes. "You are deserving of everything good in this world and I intend to spend the rest of my life surprising, delighting and spoiling you." He placed a soft lingering kiss on her lips. "Get used to it."

When they finally sat down for dinner, they enjoyed delicious french cuisine and watched the sunset over the harbor. Conversation was light and easy, both just relishing in being together. They both knew between Pruitt's illness, how their marriage could impact things for both of their careers and even just telling people they were together...added stress and pressure was on its way. Tonight, though, they could just be them. Two people in love.

LATER THAT NIGHT…

The master bedroom was warm and bathed in low light from a single lamp. A trail of the clothing they'd both worn to dinner littered the floor. It had been a perfect night and now, in this moment it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Robert hovered over his soon to be wife. Her cheeks were flush, lips swollen and rosy from their kisses. She was beyond stunning and she was his. He felt like the luckiest man in the world.

Andy ran her hands up Robert's smooth muscular back and pulled him into a searing kiss. Eyes closed, her senses on high alert, she was intoxicated by the feel and taste of him. With just his kiss and the caress of her skin he ignited feelings in her that she couldn't name. Andy moaned as she leaned into the kiss, opening and letting him take control. Her strong legs cradled him against her saying exactly what she wanted without words.

Finally giving her what she wanted, Robert slid through Andy's wetness and they began to move. There was never a shortage of passion, adventure and heat between them, but tonight they both needed something different. Their pace was glacial. Slow. Deliberate. Each savoring every touch, every sigh, every kiss. "It will always be you." He murmured against her lips, each word between his sweet kisses.

Hearing Robert's words, Andy's chest ached. She loved him more than she thought it was possible to love someone else and it was both terrifying and amazing. "It will always be you," she whispered back.

It wasn't long before they were a mess of sweaty limbs, heavy breaths and overwhelming desire. Feeling her muscles contracting around him, Robert picked up the pace. "Let go, babe," he whispered into her ear.

Andy felt herself falling, "Come with me," she said breathlessly. Every muscle in her body clenched and pulsed. Robert kissed her deeply and sent her into an all-consuming orgasm. Scant seconds, his own release exploded through him.

They were silent as their heartbeats slowed and their bodies came down from their orgasmic high. Robert rolled to his back and Andy rested her head on his chest, her body sated and content in a way she'd only experienced with the man at her side.

"You know for someone not great at speeches, you kind of nailed the whole proposal thing." she said with a lazy smile, staring at the stunning diamond ring on her left hand.

"Well, I only had an audience of one so that made it a little easier...besides, I figured you were a pretty sure thing," Robert joked lightly.

"You do realize you're stuck with me now," Andy replied casually. "No take backs."

Sensing a hint of vulnerability in her voice, Robert caressed Andy's cheek and found her gaze. "I'm not going anywhere. We're forever, remember." Robert leaned in and his lips found her forehead in one of those kisses that pure love. He pulled her closer to him and was reminded at that moment that they both had scars. They both had reasons to be terrified, but they were taking the risk and choosing each other anyway.

"Forever," Andy repeated quietly as she nestled into the crook of Robert's neck and leaned into the safety of his arms. She'd never dreamed of moments like this, but she knew she could never go back. Robert was right, they had a forever kind of love.