A/N: I apologize to those inconvenienced by my removal of the original posting. I had an indecisive writer's moment, but rest assured it won't happen again (this chapter will not be deleted lol). As always, thanks so much to those still reading and sticking with me on this journey. :)

The Dinner—Part I

"Mr. Adkins called again for the third time," said Courtney, struggling to keep up with Alicia's brisk pace as they rounded the corner, headed towards her office. "He's afraid his wife will file for divorce and go after his vintage car collection if he's convicted, and is adamant he speaks with you."

Alicia rolled her eyes and frowned.

"Diane also wants to meet with you…"

She glanced her way for a second to acknowledge that she was trying to actively listen to her updates when it was all going in one ear and out the other. After spending most of the morning in court, the last thing she wanted to do was inadvertently devote the rest of the afternoon to dealing with an infamously exhausting, but high profile client.

In that instant, her phone vibrated in her hand—a text message with an attachment from Peter. Her lips curled into a slow smile as she quickly opened the notification, luring her partial attention from Courtney recapping messages clients left while she was out.

Black or gold?

The question captioned the image of two large picture frames.

Her smile grew wider as she bit her bottom lip and took a serious minute to consider. He was adding more decor to his office per her suggestion and had engaged in running ideas past her within the last few days. It all started when she dropped by his office unannounced earlier in the week. She was in the neighborhood and figured what the hell. Why not stop by? Or so she convinced herself. In truth, she wanted to see him…wanted to spend impromptu time with him. Almost two weeks had passed since their last therapy session and she was still on an indefinable euphoria. This new feeling lingered, and days later, it kept intensifying. Fanning the rekindled fire that burned between them. Everything about them now felt new…but enticingly familiar.

Balancing her briefcase in one arm, Alicia briefly looked up to confirm her direction before speedily sending a reply: gold, with a smiley face.

"I'm sorry…what about Diane again?"

Courtney flashed her a patient smile. "She would like to meet with you before you leave for the day. And you need to call Mr. Adkins as soon as you get settled. He's worried about his car collection if he's found guilty."

Alicia chuckled as she pocketed her phone. "The irony of his concern. He's potentially facing the rest of his life in prison for vehicular manslaughter and he's worried about his prized car collection."

Her pace slowed when she rounded the corner that led to her office and peered through the windows. She was rendered momentarily speechless at the copious floral arrangement perched within the center of her desk, and then to her brother nestled in an accent chair against the wall, obliviously sipping a drink.

"I'll call Mr. Adkins back in a moment…"

Courtney grinned upon seeing her stunned reaction. Owen met her gaze and gave an appreciative wink that she was able to keep his visit a surprise.

He rose from the seat, arms outstretched. "Hi, sis."

"Owen!" Alicia practically threw down her belongings and enveloped him in a hug. "What are you doing here?" she asked once they broke apart.

"I figured nearly six months was long enough to be away and you'd miss me." She folded her arms across her chest, chuckling. "I just got back in town and decided to check up on my big sis. Although," he said slowly, looking towards the vase filled with a six dozen bouquet of perfectly red hued long-stemmed roses, "from the size of this arrangement, it seems like someone is making you very happy."

He wiggled his brows, earning a slap to his shoulder from her.

Tucking her hair behind her ears, Alicia ran a finger along the curled brim of one of the velvet smooth petals. Speckled droplets of water coated the tear shape flower from its axis and outward, further wooing her captivation at their beauty.

"They were delivered while you were out," noted Courtney.

"Who are they from?" Alicia asked distractedly, fiddling through the arrangement for a card.

Courtney noticed her oversight and reached for the small, blank satin gold envelope strategically placed atop the keyboard. She handed it to her, positively giddy.

"I don't know," she said in a singsong voice. "But when you find out, let me in on your secret admirer."

"Me, too," said Owen, peering over her shoulder.

Alicia watched her with a scrutiny of suspicion as she practically skipped out the door.

"Just so you know, I used my inner super human strength to not open that envelope. Mostly because Courtney gave me a vanilla latte for complying," he said, taking a long sip from his cup. "You need to make sure she stays around. I like her."

Alicia rolled her eyes and plopped within her chair. "How was Miami?" Her gazed raked over his sun-kissed skin. "I see you worked on your tan."

"Yeah, yeah, we can talk about my time away in a minute." He scooted towards the edge of his seat, his gaze honed in on the delicate envelope resting in her lap. "Hurry and pop that baby open. I want to know who's the reason behind that glow."

She sucked her teeth and laughed off his suggestion. "I am not glowing."

"So you say. You've let your hair down, there's a rosy tint to your cheeks…" He shimmied his shoulders playfully. "I bet it's Will. You gave in while I was away, huh?"

Shaking her head, she ignored his teasing and looked up at the arrangement again before shakily opening the envelope, having a hunch of its undisclosed sender. Lifting the white insert with plain typing, her heart skipped a beat as she read the simple message:

Just because I love you. Peter.

She felt herself grinning like an idiot after she finished reading. When she looked up and locked eyes with her brother, an equally mischievous grin plastered on his face, she knew she was grinning like an idiot, and couldn't hide it if she tried.

Ten days and counting and she felt on a high she never wanted to descend. For once, her personal and professional lives were in a harmonious balance. She won cases she'd been working on for months, and she and Peter were simply better than ever. Their communication was fluid, being in each other's presence was a comfort and the natural intimacy she had missed for so long, returned. As if it never left. The conscious act of simply choosing to let go was proving to be more powerful than she predicted. At times, she refrained from pinching herself because it still felt surreal. It was like a bad storm had passed, and the sun finally shone again.

"So is it?" asked Owen, breaking her train of thought. "Those beauties are from Will?"

Sighing, she placed the insert back into the envelope and set it aside. "No. These are not from him, and so you know, there is no more," she surveyed the common area before whispering, "Will."

He fell back against the cushion and clutched his chest, releasing a dramatic gasp. She laughed at his antics.

"Then who?!"

She braced her elbows along the wings of her chair and straightened her posture. "They're from Peter." When the shocked expression on his face grew, she grinned. "Yes, Peter. We're back together."

"Why? You and Will…I thought that was a sure thing."

"No. It was never a thing."

"It was. You were on the cusp but wouldn't let yourself grab it."

"On the cusp of what?" She tilted her head to the side, eyes squinting. "What does that even mean?"

He heavily sighed and sat upright. "I leave for a few months and you're already back with Peter. How did this happen?"

"It doesn't matter how it happened. What matters is that we're back together."

"But you mentioned during one of our calls that you and Peter were going through a rough patch and he moved out a week after I left for Miami…"

"Yes, that's true. And we're over the rough patch and now back together," she said nonchalantly.

"Uh huh." He eyed her in doubt. "Back together for how long?"

She glared at him, choosing to let his dig slide. "For…ever. For-f-for good…whatever. That's besides the point." She looked him square in his eyes. "We're back together, and I would like the two of you to try and get along better."

"Whoa, I have been gone a long time."

Laughing, she leaned forward. "Seriously, Owen. It's different this time around. We've talked about a lot of things we ignored in the past. The relationship between the two of you was one of them. It would mean a lot to me if you two at least tried to have a better relationship." He stared at her, not moving a muscle. "For me?" she asked with a smile.

He broke their gaze and brought his drink back to his lips. "I'll consider it," he mumbled.

"Where were you anyway? Your 'checking in' calls turned into vague emails. I thought you were only going to Miami for a weekend and then you leave town for months."

He bashfully smiled. "I met up with Kevin. Sorry, I kept that secret from you." Her eyebrows rose in intrigue. "I pulled a page out of your book. We tried to do the adult thing and work it out one last time."

"And?"

"It's a possibility. No definitive decisions were made."

"But you were there for months…together?"

He shook his head. "Only two weeks. Then he went off to Costa Rica for some mission trip. Apparently he's a good Samaritan these days." He ran a finger around the aperture of the cup. "So, I stayed behind and did a little soul searching."

"I see," she said with a smirk. "Well, I am glad that you're back."

"Yeah, about that. I'll need to sleep on your couch for a few days while I readjust. The lease on my apartment ends tomorrow. I'll be gone by next week. That is, if Peter doesn't mind?"

"He hasn't moved back in. He still lives in his apartment. We haven't discussed those details yet…" She propped her chin on her fisted knuckles as she looked up at the flowers once more. "Actually, I need to call him. Do you mind giving me a little privacy in my office?"

He grinned widely, beginning to rise from the chair, latte in tow. "Fine. I could use more sugar. But remember, while you engage in afternoon phone sex, the terms of my stay on the couch is non-negotiable."

Her mouth fell open as the second she found something non-damaging to throw at him he was out the door. Shaking her head, she reached over for the phone and dialed the office number she'd now memorized within the past week.

He answered on the second ring. "Peter Florrick."

She crossed her legs and practically beamed upon hearing his voice. It was amazing what half-a-year of therapy could do. Just the sound of his baritone voice sent jitters down her spine.

"Hi," she said softly, biting her lower lip. "It's me."

"What do I owe this pleasure?

"The flowers you sent." She glanced back at the floral bouquet. "Thank you. They're beautiful."

"Second to you."

Glancing out into the common area a second time, she checked to see if anyone else was watching her because without a doubt they would witness her blushing.

"I'm surprised to hear from you," he said. "I thought you'd still be holed up in court."

"I got out about an hour ago. I take it you haven't seen my response to the frames."

"No. I guess that means I should check…" She smiled as she waited for his anticipated reaction. "Gold. How did I know you'd go with gold?"

"Because you secretly liked that one better." The sound of his deep chuckle broadened her grin. She was positive once she hung up, her cheeks would be sore. "How's your day going?"

"Eh…it could be better. Actually, it is better now that you called. How about you?"

"Good so far. I won a case this morning and came back to the office, greeted by your thoughtul bouquet. Oh, and guess who came by to visit?! Owen. He's back!"

"So soon?"

She sighed at his sarcasm. "Be nice, please? He'll be staying at the apartment for a few days until he finds another place. "

"Well, as much as I'd love to hear about his latest adventure, I want to hear more about you…"

She began to toy with a button on her blazer. "I have nothing more to add except…I don't think this day could get any better right now."

"I'll take that as a challenge." She laughed. "Being that it's Thursday and it is my weekend, to further celebrate your courtroom win, how about I get the kids a day early and we make dinner for you tonight, counselor?"

She twirled her heeled foot in circles, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "I like this idea. What's on the menu?"

"Whatever you like. As long as I can have you for dessert."

The smile slowly faded from her face as she gulped.

Peter had always been a flirt with impeccable charm. It was one of the reasons why she accepted his offer of a first date all those years ago and didn't think twice since. Although he had not acted on his advances, he certainly wasn't being discreet about them anymore. Of course, ever the gentleman, he respectfully remained in the wings and waited for her to accept him when ready.

"It's been awhile, hasn't it?" she said, her voice dropping to a teasing octave.

"That's an understatement."

Releasing a throaty laugh, she spun the phone cord around her index finger, fully immersed in their change of conversation.

"Hmm…well, the dessert is subjective."

"To what?"

"The main course."

He laughed heartily. "I do object to the implication."

Opening her mouth to counter argue, she heard what sounded like him covering the mouthpiece along with muffled voices in the background.

"Uh, unfortunately duty calls. I need to get to a meeting. Do you mind if we table this discussion for tonight?"

"I have no further objections."

"Alright. I'll pick up the kids and see you tonight at my place at seven?"

She could hear the smile in his voice and it caused butterflies to dance in her stomach.

"Seven is perfect. I'll bring wine."

"Sounds good. See you later, honey."

"Bye."

Resting the phone back on its hook, she exhaled a deep breath and admired his thoughtful gift, the succulent aroma filling the room, and her heart.

Although a few weeks had passed since their last session, she found herself reflecting on that life-altering hour often. And what has happened after. What continues to happen after. Dr. Lewis' words of wisdom still echoed in the recesses of her mind: "Let today marinate. Enjoy looking at each other without blinders or barriers, act upon innate feelings and trust this new foundation of your relationship."

After he gave his parting modicum of advice, he also suggested they thoroughly enjoy their renewed commitment for three weeks. Twenty-one full days. Initially, she was fearful at the assigned duration. Unable to hide behind the curtain of acting and not being able to dissect any possible developments of their relationship in the safety of his corner office suite was plainly put, scary. He'd gifted them the stage of infinite freedom, and days later, they were acting like studious puppets, perfect results of his skilled work.

Time dispelled her fear. And as each day passed, she grew not to mind their allotted time one bit. She liked being with her husband again with her guard down. It felt like they were dating. Falling in love in a new way. Phone calls, lunches, him unintentionally sleeping over one night, and simply talking provided a new lens for her to see and accept the changed man he's worked hard to become. Each moment they had together continuously groomed her love of this new and improved version of him. More than anticipated.

Resting her head against the back of the chair, she got lost in the flowers for the umpteenth time as she relished in thoughts of her husband, their conversation just now, and their growth since they entered therapy. Communication never used to be an issue between them. In the past, when they had disagreements, she always preached that everything would be okay as long as they kept talking. One day, she forgot that motto, no longer believed in it. Then years later, after it felt like they've endured hell and every one of her greatest nightmares, their effortless ability to talk without boundaries sprouted like a seed replanted under the meticulous watch of Dr. Adam Lewis; proving to be the glue that kept their marriage bound.

Purposely putting off calling her clients to savor this moment, she entertained the tail end of their conversation and what tonight as well as their future would bring.