A/N I still don't own any part of it. Thanks to LoErneBraska and aria1210 for their reviews. I do appreciate them and enjoy reading them.

Sorry has been a while, this chapter got a little long but couldn't find a spot to stop. Also, there is a little profanity. I apologize, but seemed to fit the situation.

When Archer had been told about the project from Admiral Gardner, he had been honest about liking the idea, but inwardly wondered if it could be done. But thanks to his friendship with Shran, things were going remarkably well. Shran had embraced the idea and Archer wondered if it was because it would give him a chance to visit Earth and perhaps be recognized for his actions in behalf of Starfleet.

Shran had announced he and Jhamel had decided to get married. She would be accompanying him to the fair and Archer realized they would probably be the star attractions.

The only problem is that Shran was a little overzealous and appeared to want to bring half the people of Andoria to Earth. They had finally decided on a maximum of twenty-five. Another possible problem arose when Shran's planned documentary of Andoria sounded like it would be as long as 'Gone with the Wind'. They finally agreed on a maximum of a half hour for that.

Once that was behind them, though, Shran was a great help in contacting Gral, and with Archer's help, getting the Tellerites on board. Apparently, they didn't want the Andorians showing them up.

After getting those two in agreement, it was relatively easy to get the Vulcans with Soval's help, as he was a strong advocate of an alliance. However, possible future problems were hinted at when Soval said T'Pau had grudgingly given her okay. Apparently, she was interested in putting the aggressive actions of the Vulcans behind her. She was even greatly reducing the size of the Vulcan military fleet.

Trip reached his room and got ready for bed. After climbing into bed, he laid there, thinking over what had just happened. He suddenly got up and dug through his Duffel bag. He pulled out a photograph in a frame, laid back on the bed, and looked at it. It was a picture of him and Natalie at the beach, he was in a swim suit and she in a bikini. Their shoulder and hips were touching and their arms were around each other's waists. Both were smiling broadly into the camera. Finally, he sat it on the table next to the bed. He stared at the ceiling for a while and then sighed as he rolled over and closed his eyes.

Trip was outside his hotel a few minutes before the designated time, but really didn't expect Natalie to be on time. In all the years he had known her, he had spent much of his time waiting for her. Thus, he couldn't help looking stunned when she arrived right on time. Seeing the look on his face, she smiled, "Just think of it as another part of the new Natalie."

He got in and they sat silently as she drove through town and then out on to the highway. She broke the silence by saying, "Dad was as excited as I thought he would be. You know, I always figured he thought of you as part of the family. I think my breaking up with you hurt him almost as much as the way I was acting."

Seeing Trip getting uncomfortable, she quickly added, "Don't worry, I told him we weren't getting back together, but that didn't stop him at all from looking forward to this visit."

Trip answered, "It will be great to see him again, too. He and your Mom were always fantastic to me whenever I came back to Florida on leave."

Then seeing her sadness at his mentioning her mother, "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking."

"Don't be sorry, Trip, you can't be expected to never mention her."

They drove in silence for a while, when Natalie spoke again. "You won't recognize the plant when we get there. A lot of buildings have been added." Then she said, "This isn't common knowledge yet, but we have won a bid to start building the Starships themselves. He wants to build a fleet for Earth as fast as possible."

"Do you think Earth is ready to embrace a fleet? Seems like a lot of people wonder if we are moving too fast."

Natalie smiled sadly, "I don't think you realize what an affect the Xindi attack had on Earth. You experienced the one reaction in the creation of Terra Prime." She noticed the anger that crossed Trip's face and hurried on, "But the great majority of people have decided we will never get caught with our guard down again. It's the same drive that is behind the wanting to form an alliance."

Then she added, "I'm sorry about your and T'Pol's baby. I wanted to say something sooner but wasn't sure I should."

Trip smiled, "Thank you Natalie. I appreciate that."

They were silent the rest of the way. Finally, she pulled off the main highway on to a side paved road. A little further down there was a large stone sign simply saying 'Warren Enterprises'.

As they neared the main grounds ahead, Trip saw what Natalie had meant. New modern buildings stretched out ahead of them.

Natalie stopped at a guard shack that stood beside the road. A steel barrier barred the road ahead.

The guard in the shack snickered at her. "A little late this morning, aren't we? Not taking advantage of being the boss's daughter, are you?"

She gave a half smile and said, "Harry, you know very well I am bringing a guest today. Now check us in and let us get on our way. Dad's waiting for us."

The guard quickly got serious, "Sure, Miss Warren. Looking through the window, he said, "I assume this is Charles Tucker."

Natalie quickly said, "That's Commander Charles Tucker the Third."

A little nonplussed now, the guard said, 'Of course. An honor to see you, Commander."

Trip nodded and the guard quickly lowered the barrier.

"As they drove on, she said sadly with a trace of anger, "As you would probably guess, my past actions are pretty well know. It's getting better, but some people still think they need to treat me with a little less respect."

Not knowing what to say, Trip kept silent as they drove through the parking lot.

She drove until she stopped next to a state of the art shuttle, with the logo of a W with a circle around it on the door.

As they exited, Natalie said, "That's Dad's shuttle."

As they approached the main building, Trip saw there was a bank of scanners inside with Armed Guards standing around them.

"You certainly have the security."

"Well, the whole complex is top secret." After a hesitation, she added, "We also beefed it up after what happened with Terra Prime. Dad's life has been threatened on several occasions."

Trip found another reason to add to his hatred for Terra Prime. Although they had chopped off its head, everyone knew it was still a force to be reckoned with.

When they passed through security, Trip had to show his Starfleet ID and Natalie had a retina scan. They also were scanned for any weapons.

As they walked through the area, Trip looked around in not a little awe at the size of the entry area and the complete professionalism of everyone they encountered. They finally stopped at a guard sitting behind a desk in front of an elevator and stairs. Natalie explained the elevator ran directly to the tenth floor where the executive offices were and the stairs and the elevator were the only access to the floor.

Although this guard greeted her cordially, Trip could still sense a hint of condescension, which he realized angered him.

"Good morning, Nat. Hobnobbing with the big boys this morning?"

Natalie was polite, but Trip could sense that same sadness and anger in her. "Yep, but just to deliver Commander Tucker to my Dad."

Again, the Guard changed completely, "It's an honor to meet you, Commander. You two go right ahead."

As they rode the elevator up, Natalie sighed, "I hate to admit this, but he is one of the men I slept with during my… whatever. It's probably for the best we aren't getting back together because this would unfortunately happen more often than you would think."

Trip turned to her. He had been trying to think how to say something and decided this was the time. "Natalie, that stuff that happened. It has nothing to do with whether or not we get back together. As far as I am concerned, that's in the past and I do not think less of you for it."

Natalie looked at him and said, "You really mean that, don't you?"

Trip nodded, and Natalie said, tearing up a little, "You can't imagine how much that means to me." Then she gave him a quick hug which he returned.

They rode the elevator to the tenth floor which was the only stop available. Stepping out on to the floor, Trip could see there were apparently three offices with a receptionist sitting in the space in front of them.

As they approached her, she looked up and smiled, "Hi Nat, it's good to see you."

"Nice to see you too, haven't been up here for a while." Gesturing to Trip, she went on, "Mildred, this is Commander Charles Tucker. Trip, this is Mildred, the person really in charge of Warren Enterprises."

Trip smiled and said, "Hi, pleasure to meet you."

Mildred smiled and answered, "Everyone has been looking forward to seeing you." Then she whispered conspiringly, "Don't mention to Mr. Warren about me being in charge, he likes to think he is."

Trip smiled broadly, and whispered back, "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

She then pushed a key on her computer and said, "Mr. Warren, Commander Tucker and Nat are here."

The door to one of the offices opened and a distinguished man in his fifties with graying hair came out. He was dressed in business casual clothes. He came up to Trip and held out his hand. As Trip shook it, he also put his hand on Trip's shoulder. He then smiled and said, "Trip, it's great to see you. Could hardly believe it when Nat said you were coming by. We are all mighty proud of what you did."

"Thank you, Mr. Warren, it's good to see you."

'None of that Mr. Warren crap, just call me Lester. Hell, with what you've accomplished, I should be calling you Commander Tucker." Turning to Nat, he said, 'Thanks for delivering him, I will let you know when we are done."

Natalie smiled, "Okay, Dad, I might as well got get some work done. See you later, Trip."

Trip answered, "Okay, Natalie."

Then Lester put his arm around Trip and brought him toward his office, "Well, come on in, I have a lot a want to talk to you about."

When they entered the office, Lester directed him toward a chair. Then he pulled up another chair and sat across from him. "Knowing you as I do, I am sure you are not overly comfortable with us all making a big deal of what you have done. But I am afraid you will have to indulge us all a little. It isn't often a group of people save a planet."

Then he got serious and said, "I just want you to know how sad we all were about your sister. I know you two were close. I was sorry to see your parents move away, but I guess they felt it was the best thing to do."

"Thanks, Mr.…Lester. It has been hard on all of us. But I got to spend some time with them before I came back here."

"That's good." Then he hesitated before going on, "Nat said she told you about everything that happened. I have to admit I was about as angry as I have ever been, but I think we are in a good place now. I hope you can somehow forgive her too."

"I am so sorry about Rose. I told Natalie how good you two were to me. As for Natalie, I don't think there is anything to forgive. That's all in the past. A lot has happened since then. I told her I didn't think less of her for it."

"I am glad to hear you feel that way." Then Lester got up, "Enough of that. I know you came to see what we are doing with Warp Drives. We can go out this way and I'll give you the grand tour."

Three hours later, they returned to the office. After asking if he needed anything and having Mildred bring them some water, Lester took a drink and asked, "Well, Trip, what do you think?"

Trip took a long drink, "It was mighty impressive. I could spend days looking at what you are doing in working to get to Warp 8. I also can't wait until we have a Warp 7 drive installed on Enterprise."

Lester took another drink, "Yes, we are pretty excited." Then he sat back. "But you know, Trip, you were pretty impressive yourself. I can still see the look on those engineer's faces when you discussed the drives with them. You gave them a better education in the last couple hours about how warp engines really work than all their schooling and experience put together. I've always admired you, but I never fully realized what a genius you are."

Seeing Trip blush a little and that he was about to say something, Lester continued, "And I don't want any false modesty. Beside the fact you probably are more knowledgeable about Warp drives than any one on Earth, you have by far the most experience actually seeing them in action. We all heard about your Cold Start. I know no one else on Earth could have done it, and wonder if even a Vulcan could have done it any better."

Trip, still looking a little embarrassed, "Well, that is high praise indeed coming from you." Trip knew that Lester Warren had been a good engineer in his own right. Henry Archer was the creative force behind the Warp 5 engines, but Lester Warren was the one who set up the means to produce them. He went on, "And you're right, no one has more experience in seeing how they work in the field, or had to do more improvisation to make them work. It certainly is nothing you can learn in a lab."

Lester sat back and seemed to be making a decision. Then he leaned forward, "Trip, I am going to make you a proposition. I know you will not be interested now, but I want you to consider it for the future. I want you to be my right-hand man. I want you to be completely in charge of our Warp projects for now and in the future. I know money isn't of great importance to you, but you could write your own ticket." Again, a small hesitation, "And I want you to be the one to succeed me at Warren Enterprises."

Trip was completely floored. He was speechless. Finally, he got out, "I don't know what to say. There must be someone here who could do that job for you. And don't you want leave the business to Natalie?"

"There is no one that is better qualified to take over than you. Everyone is not aware of this but I am a strong backer of President's Samuels' drive to create an Alliance. I am a strong believer that Earth has a major part to play in the future of the Galaxy. For that it will need the finest ships ever built and I want Warren Enterprises to be a part of that. I believe you are the man to get us started on that path."

Then Trip looked embarrassed again, 'I'm sorry, but I have to ask this, this doesn't have anything to do with Natalie and me, does it?"

Lester smiled at him and then said seriously, "You know, Trip, that nothing would make me happier than for you and Natalie to get together. I would be honored to have you as a son-in-law. But, no, this has nothing to do with the two of you. I am offering you this because you are the one man I believe can provide what is needed."

Trip sat back. "As you said, for now I plan to stay with Starfleet. But, who knows what the future holds. If the time comes, and you still want me, I would be willing to give it a shot. But I think there's got to be someone who would be better suited. You may be overestimating me."

Lester smiled, "The job is here when you want it. And you are the right man."

An hour later, Natalie and Trip were back on the highway, heading back to the city. Natalie asked, "Well?"

Trip, still a little stunned from what Lester had said, "Well, What?"

Looking a little exasperated, "What did you think? Pretty impressive huh?"

"Yeah, it was all pretty amazing."

"Are you all right Trip, you seem kind of out of it."

"Your father offered me a job as the one in charge of the entire warp project. Then he said he would like to have me succeed him as head of Warren Enterprises."

Natalie just stared at him, "Wow."

Trip smiled, "Yeah, wow."

"Are you going to take him up on his offer?"

"I have no plans to leave Starfleet, but I told him I would take a shot at it if things change."

They both were silent as they drove back to the city. Each lost in their own thoughts. As they neared his hotel, Trip realized he wasn't ready to just walk away from Natalie. A little hesitantly, he asked, "When I told the guys I wasn't going on the boat today, they said there was going to be a party on the beach tonight." Another pause, "Would you like to come down?"

Natalie was surprised and tried to hide how happy it made her, "Sure, sounds like fun. Hope they have something nonalcoholic."

"I'll be sure there is something for you. Sounds like was going to start about eight o'clock. Do you want to pick me up?"

"Yeah, no problem."

A night of swimming, partying, and walking along the beach, made Trip remember how much he enjoyed being with Natalie and how much he loved her laugh and smile. He couldn't help thinking of T'Pol and wondering whether she would have ever done either with him. At the end of the night, he asked Natalie if she would like to keep getting together. She quickly assured him that would suit her just fine. She also told him she was taking some time off from work and would be willing to spend whatever time with him he wanted.

For the next few weeks, they were practically inseparable. It was apparent though that Trip wasn't quite ready to become seriously involved. They grew to hand holding and goodnight kisses, but nothing remotely intimate. Natalie was disappointed, but then realized how lucky she was to spend this time with him.

As for Trip, he wasn't sure what was holding him back. Maybe he had just gotten afraid. So much had happened to both of them since they were last together. He knew he had changed in the Expanse. Then he wasn't sure what was going to happen. There were so many scenarios that could play out. He didn't want to make Natalie a Starfleet widow. He also felt he needed to consider the possibility this was just in response to what happened with T'Pol.

Then one night, they were walking back to Natalie's car from attending a movie, when a large, heavy set man walking toward them, stopped, looked at Natalie, then stepped in front of them. It is apparent he had been drinking. He insolently said to Natalie, "Hi, Honey, how have you been?"

Natalie, trying to move around him, "Do I know you?"

Laughing nastily, the man answered, "Yeah, I guess you could say you KNOW me." Then leering at her, "If knowing me is the same as screwing me."

Then, Trip stepped between the two, "I think you have had a little too much to drink. Why don't you just keep going wherever you were headed?"

Looking down at him, the man sneered, "Settle down, pretty boy, I was just saying hello to one of the best lays I ever had. Don't let the night go by without one of her patented…"

Trip punched him hard in the stomach. As he doubled over in pain, Trip whispered in his ear, "You don't look so good, maybe you should sit down." He took him to a bench on the sidewalk and placed him on it. Then he took Natalie's arm and they walked off.

Natalie, embarrassed, "God, Trip, I'm sorry about that. But, I'm afraid that won't be the last time. I know you once said it was okay, but…maybe you should reconsider about us seeing each other."

Trip suddenly made a decision, "You know, I was thinking I've never seen your apartment. Why don't we go over there so you can give me a tour?"

Natalie, stammering, "My… apartment?"

Squeezing her arm, "Yes, I would really like to see it."

Natalie, gratefully, put her hands on his arm, "Sure, Trip, it may be a little messy though."

The next morning, Natalie awoke to find herself naked under a sheet and Trip sitting on the side of the bed fully dressed.

Natalie smiled at him, "Good morning, what time is it?"

"It's eight o'clock."

"How long have you been up? You should have woke me."

"Since about five." As Natalie looked incredulously at him, he added, "I've gotten used to getting by on little sleep."

Natalie stretched languidly as the sheet fell away, smiling to herself as she caught Trip watching her moving parts.

She smiled warmly at him said, "It has been a long time since I have made love." She leans over and gives him a soft kiss on his mouth, and with her face still close to his, whispers, "Thank you."

As she pulled her head back, Trip answered, "For what?"

"For being so gentle and making me feel beautiful and loved."

"Your welcome." Then he smiled, "Although it wasn't exactly torture for me."

Natalie gave a bawdy laugh, "You did seem to be enjoying yourself."

Then Trip rose and said, "Now get out of bed and get dressed. I'm taking you to breakfast and then Ta Ta to Bradley Park."

"To ride the Roller Coaster?"

"The very same."

"Say, they have a new exhibit and I thought of you when I heard about it, we have to be sure to see it." She got up naked and headed for the bathroom.

Trip admiringly watched her go, "What is it?"

"No, that would ruin the surprise."

Calling after her as she went into the bathroom, "I took a shower, I hope you don't mind."

"My shower is your shower, I just hope you left some hot water!"

Later, Trip and Natalie were exiting through a gate with a sign behind them declaring, 'World's Largest Roller Coaster'.

Trip grimaced a little, "Think I'm getting too old for this."

Natalie laughed and grabbed his arm, "You're not too old, you're just a wimp. You couldn't handle it four years ago. You'd think a man who flies in a Spaceship could stand a little vertigo."

"Leave me alone, woman, I'd like to see how you would fare in No-G training."

Natalie leaned in to whisper to him, "I've heard that sex can be very interesting floating in space."

Trip leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, "I may have to check into that."

Giggling, Natalie stepped away from him, "Are you sure you're not too old for that too."

Trip chased after her and caught her, "We'll see who's too old. Wait until I get you back in bed."

"Promises, Promises."

"All right, now where is this new exhibit you were so hot to show me."

Natalie grabbed his hand and took off, "I think it's this way."

They walked through the park holding hands. Natalie suddenly pointed and moved faster, pulling him along."

She exclaimed, "There it is!"

She had led him to an exhibit consisting of a large game booth that looked like Enterprise. There was a line of kids waiting to go inside. There were life size cutouts of Archer, T'Pol, and Tucker. There were signs that said, 'FIGHT THE XINDI', 'SAVE THE EARTH', 'FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION'. There were pictures of Reptilian Xindi holding Earth women and a picture of the Earth exploding.

Natalie smiled at him, "Isn't it just too wild?"

Then she realized Trip was standing back, a look of horror on his face. Suddenly he turned, tore his hand from hers and walked quickly away. She hurried after him, "Trip, what's wrong? Wait up."

She caught up to him, but he kept walking, forcing her to speed up to stay with him. "Trip, talk to me, what the Hell is going on?"

Trip turned to face her, his face pale and strained, "Just get me out of here!" He then moved faster.

Natalie grabbed his hand to stop him. "OK, OK, the car's this way."

He allowed her to lead him. Setting a fast pace, they reached the parking lot and got into the car. Looking at him and seeing he was not ready to talk, she started the car and drove out of the park. After they had drove for a time, she turned to him, "Are you ready to tell me what that was all about?"

Trip looked up at her briefly, then lowered his head back down and spoke softly, "When we get to your apartment." They drove on.

They entered Natalie's apartment and Trip sank into a chair. Natalie asked, "Do you want water or something?"

"Yeah, you got a coke?"

She went to the refrigerator and got him one. Handing it to him, she sat down on the couch across from him. Trip took a long drink. "Why the Hell did you take me to that? Don't you know that is the last thing I want to think about?"

Natalie looked surprised, "It's just a game, I thought you'd get a kick out of it."

"It wasn't no damn game! We had no business being out there! We had no idea what we were getting into. He looked up at her and spoke softer, "Can you imagine the pressure we were under? All we had was the future of the whole damn human race in our hands."

Taking another drink, he sat back. "We were beaten, Hell, another few minutes of the attack and we'd all been dead. We'd failed! We'd let Earth down! We thought Jon was dead and we were soon going to be. Do you know who saved us? Do you know who our White Knight was? The same guy who built the weapon, the man who killed Lizzy! How damn weird is that?"

He took another drink and wearily wiped his hand across his forehead, then ran it through his hair. "Jon brought him aboard. There he was right in front of me. I knew he was our only hope, Jon had made that clear."

He looked up, into her eyes, "Do you want to know what good old Trip did? I yelled at him, told him he killed my sister." Smiling ruefully, "Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Jon and T'Pol had to tell me to take it easy."

Natalie, stunned at Trip's outburst, asked, "How did…he react?"

"That was what was weird, he seemed embarrassed, remorseful, and later he apologized."

"You shouldn't feel bad about that, maybe you helped, putting a face to what he'd done."

Trip contemplated that, "Maybe you're right."

Then he lowered his head and added quietly, "Natalie, Jon…we did some things…"

Natalie reached over and lifted his head to look into his eyes, "Trip Tucker, I know you and I know Jonathan Archer. If you did anything, it's because you had to, and I know as a member of the planet you saved; whatever you did, I'm damn glad you did it!"

Then, as she continued to look into his eyes, she said, "I've wanted to tell you this, but I know how you feel about being treated as a hero. Trip, you saved us, you saved Mankind. Don't you have any idea what that means? Not just the billions that live here now, but the unknown gazillions to be born. Not only their lives, but what they will accomplish. You're a good man, Trip, and whether you like it or not, you're a God damned hero!" She then sat back.

Trip smiled tenderly at her, By God, woman. All right, I'm a God damned hero."

He finished the Coke, put the bottle down and avoided her eyes. "She saved me, Natalie. I was a mess. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't accept Lizzy was dead. I knew we were doomed. I knew we never get home. We helped each other. She was there for me when nobody else was."

Natalie reached out and touched his hand, "I'm glad Trip, I'm glad someone was there for you."

Trip put his hand on hers and looked up at her, "We made love, Natalie. I…loved her. Then, when Elizabeth…the baby died, it was like we lost a daughter…"

"It's all right, I understand, she's very beautiful. I can't say that I wish it had worked out because then I wouldn't be here with you now. But I am glad that you had someone to love, that you had someone to be with. I'm pleased you were able to help each other."

Trip straightened up, removed his hands and placed them on her face, "I'm glad I'm here with you." He stretched over and kissed her softly on the lips, "I love you, Natalie."

As she felt herself tearing up, she got up and gave him a big hug, "I love you, too."

After a long hug, Trip stepped back and ran his fingers through his hair, "I feel tired, I think I'd like to rest for a bit."

Natalie pulled him with her, leading him into the bedroom. The bed was still unmade. She pulled the covers back and lowered him to the bed. She lifted his feet up and took off his shoes and socks. She then undid his belt and pulled his pants off. She then took off her shoes and crawled in next to him, spooning around his waist and pulled the covers over them.

As the next weeks passed, Trip and Natalie grew even more closely together. But the specter of the end of Trip's leave loomed over Natalie. She felt blessed, she had more that she had ever hoped for when she had sought him out, but she wondered what would happen when he returned to his world. To the life that had not included her. Then there was the fact that who knew what he would be doing when Enterprise was rebuilt, how long he would be gone.

Trip was amazed at how easy it had been to get back with Natalie. He realized he had never really quit loving her. He loved the times he spent with her. He knew he didn't want history to repeat itself, he didn't want to lose her again.

There were only four days left until Trip needed to be back to San Francisco when he and Natalie went shopping for a present for her Dad's birthday. It ended up Trip accompanying her as she shopped for herself. Finally, Trip suggested they go to the diner for lunch. He wanted to let Greta buy him the lunch she had offered.

Natalie was a little surprised, but quickly agreed. As they entered the Diner, they saw Greta talking to customers at one of the tables. When she looked up and saw them, she excused herself and headed over to meet them. "Well, look who's here, about time you decided to visit again. Just sit down, the same booth is open."

Natalie grimaced a little, "If you don't mind, we'll try a new one today." Gesturing to one by the window, "This will do fine."

Greta smiled, "Okay, just sit down and I'll be with you in a second."

They sat down across from each other, Natalie putting her packages under the table. They each picked up a menu as Greta returned and said, "Well, what have you been up to today?"

Natalie answered, "Just doing a little shopping."

"Okay, what will you have, and remember, it's on the house."

Trip spoke first, "I'll have the House Special and one of your Strawberry Shakes."

Natalie added, "Just get me a Hamburger and a Chocolate Shake."

Greta left, saying, "Okay, be back with the Shakes."

Natalie, looking out the window, "Hard to believe Dad's going to be sixty. Seems like we were just kidding him on being fifty."

Trip answered, "I know what you mean. Dad's almost sixty-five."

Greta returned with the shakes. They both took a sip from their straws.

Trip smiled to himself, 'Well here we go.' Taking a breath, he said, "Well, have you thought of anything yet you can get your Dad for his birthday"

Natalie sighed, "No, and as you can imagine, there's nothing he doesn't have. He doesn't really have any hobbies or play any sports. All he does is work."

"Well, I was thinking, how about if we told him that his favorite future son-in-law and his beautiful daughter were getting married?" As he said that, he reached in his pocket and handed Natalie a ring box.

Natalie was stunned. She took the box and opened it, seeing the diamond ring inside. "Trip, you mean…"

Trip put his hand on her arm, "If you'll have me."

Excited, Natalie jumped up and embraced him as he rose to return the embrace. "Oh God, YES, Trip, YES."

They exchanged a long kiss. They sat back down and Trip took out the ring and put it on her finger.

Greta came over with a huge smile on her face, "Hey, what's going on? You can't carry on like that in here!"

Natalie held up her hand, showing the ring, "We're engaged!"

Greta smiled even more broadly, "Congratulations, Nat, I have hoped I would see this for a long time." She turned to Trip, "Congratulations to you too, this is really wonderful."

She looked around at the other three occupied tables in the diner, "What the Hell, lunch is on me for everybody." As the other patrons clapped and cheered, Greta reached down and gave Natalie a hug.