Ruthie nervously walked over to the front door, took a deep breath, exhaled, and then opened the door. To say Ruthie was shocked to see Martin standing there holding Aaron would be the understatement of the decade. I thought it was going to be just the two of us tonightRuthie thought.

"Wow, Ruthie, you look amazing." Martin said in awe.

"Thank you." Ruthie stated trying to mask her disappointment. "You look good too. Uhhh Martin... is Aaron's coming with us?" Ruthie asked hesitantly.

"No...no. Your mom is going to watch him for me." Martin answered. She actually thought Aaron was coming? Martin thought and laughed to himself.

As if on cue, Annie came down the stairs. "Hi Martin. Why don't you look very handsome this evening?" Annie said making Martin blush.

"Thank you. I have Aaron's baby bag that contains his diapers, change of clothes, extra bottles, and lots of toys...just in case. Here's the number of the restaurant we are going to. If you need me you can call..." Martin said but was cut off by Annie.

"Martin I raised seven kids. I think I am capable of watching Aaron for a few hours." Annie replied and laughed at Martin.

"I know, it's just I'm protective of him." Martin stated.

"Martin I think we should get going." Ruthie added.

"Yea we should. Thanks again Mrs. Camden for watching him." Martin said and looked over at Ruthie.

God she looks amazing. She takes my breath away every time I see her,Martin thought to himself with a smile.

Ruthie looked over at Martin who was just standing there staring at her. Why is he staring at me? I guess my mom and I picked a good outfit after all. Ruthie wondered to herself.

"Bye Aaron. Be good for Annie...I mean Mrs. Camden." Martin quickly corrected himself. He placed a kiss on Aaron's forehead.

"It's ok Martin. Now you two go out and have a great time, don't worry about anything." Annie told the both of them.

"Bye mom." Ruthie said as she kissed her mom goodbye and kissed Aaron as well.

Martin reached his hand out for Ruthie, who gladly accepted it. They walked hand in hand to Martin's car. Martin opened the passenger's door for Ruthie, who smiled at his gesture.

"Thank you Martin. You know, you are the perfect gentlemen." Ruthie complemented.

Martin blushed at Ruthie's statement. "A gentleman should always get the door for a lady." Martin stated. His face was red from her complement.

Oh God does he look hot. This is going to be the best night ever. Look at that smile, those eyes, I can't help but stareRuthie thought to herself.

Martin noticed Ruthie staring at him and couldn't help but smile. He knew she was nervous because he was nervous as well. Martin knew from past experience that whenever Ruthie got nervous she had a habit of staring at someone or something.

The short ride to the restaurant was silent. Neither one of them knew what to say. The fact that they were going on a date stunned them into silence. But the silence was too much for Martin. He said, "You're going to love this place. It has the best pasta in town."

"Hmmm, I love pasta. I can't wait." Ruthie said looking over at Martin.

"Here we are, Chez Garden Restaurant." Martin stated. He pulled into a spot in the front.

Ruthie looked at the place and smiled. This place is so fancy. Am I dressed right? She wondered.

"Martin, do I look alright. I mean this place is so fancy...and I don't look fancy." Ruthie's voice sounded worried.

Martin turned to face Ruthie and said, "Ruthie you look fine." Martin placed his hand to Ruthie's cheek. "I wouldn't lie to you." Martin soon regretted saying that because he had lied to her about the baby all those months. But that was in the past and this is the future.

"I know you would never lie to me. That's what I love about you." Ruthie acknowledged.

Martin smiled hearing those words. She loves me. Those words replayed over and over in his head.

"Shall we?" Martin replied holding his arm out.

"Yes, we shall." Ruthie answered taking Martin's arm with hers.

Martin and Ruthie walked into the restaurant and went to the host desk. The host was a tall man wearing a fancy suit.

"Welcome to Chez Garden. I'm Andrew, do you have a reservation?" Andrew asked in a snotty voice. He looked at Ruthie and then at Martin.

Great… Martin thought to himself, it's the guy I talked to earlier. Martin remained calm and said, "Brewer party of two." Martin answered.

Oh please God let this night go well,Martin prayed to himself.

Ruthie was just standing close to Martin. While the restaurant was very fancy, she couldn't help but note that the people and the employee's seemed so rude. However, Ruthie was determined to not let this ruin her night. She was with Martin and that's all that really mattered to her.

"Yes, I see, right this way." Andrew said grabbing two menus and leading them to a table.

Martin and Ruthie followed Andrew to a table in the back. The table had a beige table cloth with a candle as the center piece. When they got to their table Martin pulled Ruthie's chair out for her.

"That is so sweet. Thank you." Ruthie thanked him.

"You're welcome." Martin said sweetly.

Andrew just rolled his eyes. He hated when young couples came in and acted like love sick puppies. And the fact that Ruthie came in a skirt bothered him more. Andrew felt when coming to a place like this, a woman should be dressed more elegantly.

"Here are your menus. Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy." Andrew replied with sarcasm and went back to the front desk.

"Could he have been any snottier?" Ruthie inquired.

Martin just laughed at Ruthie's statement. He couldn't believe that both of them were thinking same exact thing.

"Oh, Martin I didn't mean to sound rude." Ruthie replied. Great he probably thinks I'm ungrateful for being here,Ruthie thought.

"No, no it's just I thought the same thing when I called making the reservations. Just forget about him. Tonight is about us, not him, or anyone else." Martin said reassuring Ruthie.

Martin picked up his menu and began looking at it. Ruthie did the same. A few minutes later Andrew came back.

"It seems I am going to be your waiter tonight. May I get you anything?" Andrew asked.

"Yes, I would like a glass of water with lemon." Ruthie answered.

"I'll have water also." Martin ordered the same.

"Two waters coming right up." Andrew walked away.

"So have you decided what you want to get." Martin asked.

Ruthie had no idea what she wanted. Everything on the menu sounded good, but a burger sounded so much better. How can I tell Martin that a burger and fries sounds so much better than chicken? Ruthie wondered.

"No, not yet." Ruthie lied. "Have you decided yet?" She asked.

"I don't know what I want yet. We don't have to order yet, we could talk for a bit. Do you..." Martin was cut off by Andrew.

"Here are your waters. Have you decided what you wanted?" Andrew asked in a shrewd voice.

"No I think we need a few more minutes." Answered Martin, who was getting annoyed by Andrew's attitude.

Andrew simply nodded and left them to look over the menu.

"Ruthie this past month has been amazing. Being with you and Aaron has made me feel so happy. But I need to know, do you want to be more than just friends because I want you in my life and Aaron's life. I love you Ruthie." Expressed Martin.

Ruthie just looked around the room. She didn't know what to say to him. Ruthie thought about everything that happened that month. Spending time with Martin and Aaron was great. It made her feel so alive. The truth was she had forgiven Martin the day he kissed her. That day she knew she could always trust him, but she wanted him to ache for her like she did for him.

"Martin I want to be more than just your friend. I always have. The day you kissed me you chased away all my fears and worries away. I wanted you to feel like I had felt. Wanting something that was standing right in front of you but felt like it was so far away and out of reach." Ruthie paused. Tears were forming in her eyes. "I love you and I want to start dating. Take things slow, that's if you still want to." Ruthie admitted.

"Of course I still want too." Martin confirmed his feelings.

"Martin I have something else to tell you." She paused and noticed the worried look on his face. "Don't worry it's nothing bad. But I could go for a burger and fries." Ruthie admitted biting her bottom lip. I hope he isn't too mad. He's probably too happy to be mad,Ruthie thought.

"Actually, I could go for the same thing. What do you..."Again Martin was cut off by Andrew.

"Have you decided on anything yet?" Andrew asked.

"Actually, yes we did. We decided that we would rather go eat at the pool hall where we can get good service and where they actually know the right way to treat their customers. So can we have our check please?" Ruthie answered Andrew in a shrewd voice like he had done to them.

Martin, who was sitting across from Ruthie, was laughing so hard. He never knew Ruthie to be like this. It was quite amusing seeing Andrew's expression.

Andrew just stood there insulted and said, "There is no bill because you didn't order anything and waters are free, so I guess you may leave."

"Bye bye." Ruthie replied as she took Martin's hand and walked out the door.

Outside, Martin brought Ruthie to the side and said, "That was amazing. Did you see his face…it was priceless!" Martin exclaimed.

Ruthie just laughed. Martin drove to the pool hall where they ordered cheeseburgers and fries. They sat there for an hour talking. After they finished, Martin took Ruthie to get a milkshake from the Dairy Shack.

"Hey Ruthie, do you want to go for a walk in the park with me?" Asked Martin who was now smiling brightly.

"I'd love to." Ruthie answered.

The Park

It was a clear night and the stars were shining brightly. It looked like the sky was filled with millions of fireflies.

Martin and Ruthie strolled through the park with their milkshakes in their hands. The night had started out a little rocky, but in the end, turned out really nice.

"I'm sorry the night didn't go as planned. I wanted this night to be special." Martin apologized.

"Martin I had a great time tonight. I mean the whole restaurant thing didn't go so well, but I still had fun." Ruthie clarified.

"Really? You're not upset?" A shocked Martin asked.

"Why would I be upset? I'm here with you. How could I possibly be upset?" She answered.

Ruthie took a sip of her milkshake and thought, this night was the best night of my life. I went out to dinner, got milkshakes, and am now walking through the park on a beautiful night. This is every girl's fantasy date.Ruthie smiled.

She really had a great time. Thank you God. The stars being out tonight makes everything so much more romantic. And the moonlight hitting Ruthie's eyes are unforgettable,Martin thought as he took Ruthie's beauty in.

"These milkshakes really hit the spot. And the stars are amazing... I mean I've never seen them this bright before." Ruthie stated as she observed the night sky.

"The night sky isn't the only thing that looks amazing and breathe taking tonight." Martin declared as he turned his gaze to Ruthie. "The stars can't compare to you."

Ruthie felt like butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach. The world had suddenly stopped spinning and everything around her was so still. Her gaze fell upon Martin who was three inches from her.

Martin brushed a strand of hair away from her face. Ruthie leaned in closer to him. Their hearts were beating so fast, faster than a humming birds. They're eyes connected. Both Ruthie and Martin began breathing harder as their faces inched closer.

Ruthie saw a glow to Martin's eyes that she had not noticed before; probably because she was never this close to him. The suspense of kissing Ruthie for real was killing Martin. He could imagine how soft her lips were and how sweet they tasted.

Finally, Martin placed one hand to Ruthie's face and drew her towards him until the two were finally kissing. Even with her eyes shut, Ruthie could hear the fireworks go off when Martin's lips embraced hers.

I was right, her lips are soft and sweet,Martin thought.

She leaned in to his kiss, opening her lips just a fraction to give Martin access and in doing so, Ruthie unconsciously placed her hands on his chest. The kiss was filled with passion, love, and lust. Martin wrapped his left arm around Ruthie's waist and pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. A moan escaped from Ruthie's lips as well as Martin's.

When they broke apart from the long awaited kiss, the two looked up at each other. Ruthie's hand was still placed on Martin's chest. Both of them were panting. The kiss was so breath taking. They both leaned in so their foreheads were touching. Ruthie and Martin had their eyes closed.

"Martin that was amazing. I've never felt anything like that before. My heart is beating so fast. I feel weak in the knees." Ruthie whispered.

"Do you want me to carry you to the car?" Martin asked jokingly.

"No it's ok, I'll be fine. So does this mean we're together?" Ruthie needed to know.

"For as long as you'll have me." Martin confirmed. Martin smiled and thought, oh my God that was amazing. Martin's mind was brought back to the kiss.

I kissed Martin,and it was wonderful. It wasn't like how I dreamed it would be.It was better. Martin's a great kisser...no an amazing kisser. As soon as I felt his lips embrace mine I knew that we are meant to be I never want this night to end,Ruthie thought.

"We should be heading back. It's getting late." Martin implied. He didn't want the night to end, but he had to get her back and put Aaron to bed.

"Yea, besides, it's getting cold out." Ruthie stated.

Upon hearing that, Martin removed the jacket he was wearing and placed it over Ruthie's shoulders. He smiled and took her tiny hand with his. Martin loved how her hands fit with his. Actually, he loved how they fit together.

"Thank you." Ruthie thanked him.

Martin smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

On the way back to the Camden's Martin put the radio on. As he was changing the channel, a song came on that reminded him of Ruthie and him.

If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?

If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?

If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?

If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all?

I never know that the future brings

But I know you are here with me now

We'll make it through

And I hope you are the one I share my life with

I don't want to run away but I can't take it I don't understand

If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

If I don't need you then why I am crying on my bed?

If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?

If you're not the one then why does this distance maim my life?

If I don't need you then why do I dream of you as my wife?

I don't know why you're so far away

But I know this much if true

We'll make it through

And I hope you are the one I share my life with

And I wish that you could be the one I die with

And I pray in you're the one I build my home with

I hope I love you all my life

I don't want to run away but I can't take it I don't understand

If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

Cause I miss you, body and soul strong that it takes my breath away

And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today

Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right

And though I can't be with you tonight

And know that my heart is by your side

I don't want to run away but I can't take it I don't understand

If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

As the song finished, Ruthie had tears in her eyes. The song reminded her of the two of them.

Martin noticed Ruthie crying. "Ruthie, are you ok?" He asked worriedly. Martin hadn't meant to make her cry.

"No, it's just this song is so beautiful and it reminds me of us." Ruthie choked out.

"Please stop crying. I hate seeing you cry." Martin whispered and wiped her tears away.

Ruthie looked up at him and smiled. Martin smiled back and continued driving. They reached the Camden's house ten minutes later. Martin pulled into the driveway and parked his car. They went through the back gate and walked up to the backdoor.

Before entering, Martin turned to Ruthie and said, "Tonight has been the best night of my life, and I wanted to say thank you for giving me this chance." Thanking her the only way he could think of, Martin placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"You don't need to thank me Martin." Replied Ruthie who yawned in tiredness. Her night was so fulfilling that all she wanted to do was go to her room and let the events of that night replay in her mind.

Martin opened the door and found both Annie and Aaron in the kitchen. Annie noticed right away the glowing expression on her daughter's face. Something happened tonight. I can see it in both of their faces. They're glowing, smiling and can't stop looking at one another. Thank you God for answering my prayers,Annie thought as she looked at the two kids.

"Did you guys have a nice time?" Asked Annie.

"Tonight was absolutely amazing." Ruthie exclaimed.

Martin, who was standing there next to her, nodded his head and said, "Tonight was perfect. How was Aaron? I hope he didn't give you much trouble."

"Aaron was the best baby I have ever babysat...just don't tell Lucy I said that." This brought a grin to both Ruthie and Martin's faces.

"We played with his toys and we read a book. Yea, we had loads of fun. Yes we did." Annie cooed as she held Aaron up and blew a raspberry on his tummy causing him to laugh.

Martin and Ruthie both laughed at the sight of this. "Well I should be going; it's Aaron's bed time." Martin informed. Martin placed Aaron in his carrier and grabbed his diaper bag.

"I'll walk you out." Offered Ruthie. She opened the door for Martin and walked with him to the back gate.

"I had a wonderful time Martin. I'm glad you asked me out tonight." Ruthie admitted.

"Me to Ruthie. Say goodnight Aaron." Martin said taking Aaron's hand and waving goodbye to Ruthie.

"Goodnight Aaron." Ruthie said as she kissed Aaron's cheek. "He looks more and more like you every day. You know, he's going to be a heartbreaker just like his daddy." Ruthie joked.

"Yup, he gets his good looks from me." Martin couldn't help but agree with her

"Goodnight Martin." Ruthie leaned up and placed a kiss on Martin's lips. Martin looked at her and smiled before going home.

When Ruthie walked into her house, her mother was there waiting.

"I take it somebody had a very nice time tonight." Annie teased.

"Mom you have no idea." Answered Ruthie. She was dazed in happiness.

Annie just laughed. Ruthie smiled and kissed her mother goodnight and walked up to her in bewilderment.

My little girl is growing up. She's in love,Annie thought before making herself tea.

Ruthie went upstairs and got changed into her pajamas. Before drifting off to sleep, Ruthie thought of what Martin said to her, I love you Ruthie. And with those final thoughts, Ruthie drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

Brewer House

Martin put Aaron to bed and changed out of his clothes into his pj's. Martin laid on his bed and sighed. He placed his hands under his head, smiled, and thought about Ruthie's words, I love you Martin. Martin felt like everything in his life was coming together, like a puzzle, and he and Ruthie were the two pieces that that made the puzzle whole.

Martin closed his eyes and fell asleep.

AN: this is the end of my story. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. I'm in the process of doing a sequel. So if you would like there to be a sequel be sure to review. Remember, the more reviews the sooner the sequel will come out.