AN: I'm so sorry for the delay in posting this – I've been buried under a mountain of textbooks so I've had barely any time to write #StudentDoctorLife. Thank you for hanging in there though, and as always for your reviews on the last chapter :)

This chapter is based on Ashley's prompt so I hope I've done it justice and that it makes up for the delay :)I'd love to hear your thoughts so please drop me a review and let me know what you think!

Enjoy :)

LIZA

Liza brushed a strand of hair from her face as she studied her appearance in the floor length mirror in her bedroom. She'd gotten used now to thinking of it as 'her' bedroom too and not just 'Charles's room' – she'd been living with Charles for two months and had surprised herself with how quickly she'd settled in and felt at home. It felt so natural to be here - it was kind of like she always had been. She, Charles and the girls had settled into a beautiful domesticity that she hadn't realised she'd been missing all these years, until now. She loved it.

It wasn't just her private life that was going well right now, her career was also going from strength to strength. Tonight she was going to the annual New York Publishing Awards, where she had been nominated in the 'Rising Star' category. And so that was why she was stood there nervously, all dressed up with her hair styled in delicate waves and her make-up done. She'd never received an award for her work before - she doubted she'd win, but it was a huge honour even to be nominated at these awards.

A movement in the corner of the mirror caught her eye and she smiled as she saw Charles, dressed in full tuxedo, grinning at her as he leaned against the door frame with his hands casually in his pockets. He looked like he'd just stepped off the pages of GQ. As she turned and took in the full sight of him, her pulse rate sped up - she'd never met anyone who could pull off a suit quite like he could.

"You look beautiful Liza" he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers as he walked over to her.

Liza beamed at the compliment, "You don't scrub up too badly yourself."

Charles placed his hands gently on her hips, "I like this dress. How come I've never seen it before?"

Liza smiled ironically as she looked down at the white fringe dress she'd chosen. "You almost did" she told him. He gave her a confused look, so she elaborated, "You remember that time I was supposed to meet you at The Carlisle, but I didn't show up?"

Charles smiled sadly, "Yeah, I remember feeling really nervous sitting there waiting for you…and then feeling really stupid for being so disappointed when you didn't show up."

"I'm sorry." Liza felt a wave of guilt that she hadn't explained this to him a long time ago. "But the thing is, I did show up." Charles's eyes widened in surprise and confusion, so she rushed to continue, "I came to The Carlisle, but when I got in the door I saw you with Bob and Julia…so I panicked and left."

A look of realisation came over Charles's face, "So you did actually want to meet me that night?"

Liza smiled warmly at him, "I did. I really did. But my worlds hadn't collided then, so I couldn't." She took a step closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, "You were wearing a grey suit and a black shirt, and I remember thinking how hot you looked."

Charles grinned and slid his hands around to the small of her back and held her to him. "Is that right?" he murmured.

"Mmmhmm, and this is the dress I was wearing that night."

"Well I'm glad I finally got to see it." He stepped back so he could see it fully and took her hand as he looked at her reverently, "and if I had seen in it that night, I would have thought you looked just as beautiful."

"Thank you." Liza's heart swelled at his words. She didn't admit it to him, but that night she'd spent an uncharacteristically long time getting ready to meet him, and had emptied the entire contents of her closet onto her bed in search of a dress she though he would like. Of course, she'd been in denial about her reasoning for doing so back then, but it was nice to know he would have appreciated her efforts. Liza didn't know what would have happened if they had met up that night, but they were together now and that's all that mattered.

"Can you zip me up?" She turned and held her hair out of the way so Charles could get to the back of her dress.

"Of course." Charles torturously slowly pulled the zipper up, and the air was alight with electricity. She felt the heat of his hands all the way down to her bones, and her breath hitched as she caught his eye in the mirror. She knew they were both flashing back to the same moment, and the last time he'd zipped up her dress - the opera. His fingers had barely skimmed her skin then, but it was so unbelievably erotic and sensual. She'd never felt more turned on in her life (before that point), and she felt the memory of his touch all night.

Charles leaned down and tenderly kissed her neck, igniting a fire deep in her belly and causing a flurry of goose bumps to swathe her skin. He ran his hands lightly down her arms as he whispered huskily in her ear, "As much as I enjoyed helping you into this dress, I'm really looking forward to helping you out of it."

Liza opened her mouth to reply but the only sound that came out was an aroused sigh. She loved it when he was like this. He was the most well-mannered, chivalrous, romantic man she'd ever met, but he also had a primal side that only she got to see - and the combination was heady. Who would have thought that the man who's meeting she'd stumbled into all that time ago to deliver Diana her lunch and then proceeded to nerd out over her love of Achebe's trilogy with, would be the man she fell in love with, now lived with, and was having the best sex of her life with! Before her brain could snap out of it's lustful haze and formulate a response, he caught her eye in the mirror and gave her that smile of his – the one he reserved only for her and that made her insides turn to mush, before placing a kiss on the top of her head and telling her that he'd meet her downstairs.

She was half tempted to suggest they skip the awards and just get straight to him helping her out of her dress. As much as he didn't usually take much persuasion to engage in such activities, she knew he'd never let her skip the awards – he'd always believed in her abilities and he hadn't stopped talking about how proud he was of her for being nominated. She smiled fondly as she recalled how happy he'd been when she told him – she was proud of herself, but he was even more excited than she was. She was excited to go, even if she didn't win it was an achievement just to be recognised, and she wanted to share it with Charles. And then afterwards they could come home and have their own private celebration.

When she got downstairs the girls, clad in their pyjamas, were giggling with Charles by the door. They looked up when they heard her and smiled as they ran over to her. "Wow, Liza you look so pretty!" Nicole exclaimed, running her fingers over the fringe on her dress.

Bianca nodded enthusiastically, agreeing with her sister. "I think you should win!"

Liza smiled affectionately at them, "Thank you girls."

"Can you take pictures so we can see too?" Nicole asked.

"Yeah, can you?" Bianca pleaded, showing her missing front teeth as she smiled, which Liza found adorable.

Liza had long since fallen in love with Charles's daughters and found that she couldn't deny them anything – they were too cute. "I'm sure we can manage that."

The girls beamed and hugged her tightly before doing the same to Charles.

Charles smiled at them and ruffled their hair fondly, causing them to giggle. "Be good for the babysitter okay?"

"We will!" the girls replied in tandem.

Liza smiled at Charles as she took his offered arm and walked with him out into the crisp New York evening. He held the car door open for her, and after waving at the girls, who were standing in the bay window of the lounge waving enthusiastically at them, they climbed in together and headed off to the awards ceremony.

Liza had been to awards events before, but as she stepped out of the car and took in the grandeur of the building and the sheer volume of people, her stomach started to do little somersaults. On previous occasions she'd just been a guest, but this time she was actually a nominee and she suddenly felt rather nervous. When a photographer called out to them on the way in and asked for a picture, Charles sensed her nervousness. He wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered soothingly in her ear, "I know you're nervous, but this is your moment. Enjoy it - you've earned it. I'm so proud of you." She beamed at him, forgetting all about the flashbulbs going off around her - he always knew what to say to calm her down.

Inside there was a drinks reception before the awards ceremony, and Liza gratefully took two glasses of champagne from a circling waiter. She spotted Diana and Enzo amongst the crowd and she and Charles made their way over to them.

Diana sighed in relief when she saw them, "Liza, Charles, thank God you're finally here – I'm so sick of having to make inane small talk with these vultures and ass kissers!"

Liza chuckled at Diana's dramatic description, "Well, I'm glad you braved the vultures and ass kissers to be here tonight. You too Enzo."

Diana smiled proudly, "Are you kidding – my protégé is coming of age tonight. I wouldn't have missed it."

Liza felt a lump forming in her throat as Diana squeezed her hand. The irony of the 'coming of age' comment wasn't lost on her – Diana had surprised her with how accepting of her age reveal she'd been, and it was great knowing that she was in her corner supporting her. They'd actually become good friends – Diana confided in her more now and they'd gone for drinks together just last week. "Thank you" Liza replied sincerely, squeezing Diana's hand back.

Charles engaged Enzo in an animated discussion on the Yankees and Liza smiled – she knew Charles was trying to make him feel comfortable as he didn't really know anyone here other than Diana. Diana seemed equally pleased that her two worlds were mixing so well.

"You two seem really happy" Liza commented, seeing the way Diana was looking at Enzo.

Diana smiled and cocked her head towards Charles, "So do you two."

Liza returned her smile, "We are."

"I'm glad. It looks good on you – both of you."

Diana grabbed the last two drinks from the passing waiter's tray and handed one to her "To kicking ass in our forties." Liza laughed as they clinked glasses. Diana looked her up and down curiously, "Have I seen that dress before? It looks familiar."

Liza smirked, recalling the first night she wore this dress for the second time that night. "I was wearing it the night I helped carry you home after you got drunk with Kelsey."

"Ah yes, I woke up in my spanx with the hangover from hell. Fond memories."

Liza laughed, "Where is Kelsey?"

"She's here somewhere – last time I saw her she was having a heated discussion with Zane by the bar. I can't keep track of them."

"I'm not sure they can either – I can't decide if they're really good for each other or really bad."

Her conversation with Diana was interrupted when she heard the words 'nepotism' and 'sleeping her way to the top' from somewhere behind her and she knew they were talking about her. Her happy mood dropped instantly. Charles didn't seem to have heard as he was still caught up in debating the Yankee's performance this season with Enzo, but the murderous look on Diana's face told Liza that she'd definitely heard.

Diana strode over to the two gossiping women and plastered on a fake smile as she interrupted their conversation, "Hi, are you nominated for an award tonight?" Both women replied that they weren't and looked slightly confused about who Diana was and why she was talking to them. "Didn't think so" Diana added bluntly, "Oh, and by the way - jealousy is a really ugly look, especially in women of your…advancing years." The women's jaws dropped in shock but Diana didn't give them chance to reply before continuing, "Nice dress though. Green – it's a very appropriate colour for you."

Diana left them staring after her, mouths agape, as she came back over to Liza. "Ignore them, they're just jealous. The higher you climb, the thicker the skin you have to develop. Mine's like a rhino! Don't let it ruin your night." She squeezed her arm in encouragement and solidarity before heading to the bar to get some more drinks.

Liza appreciated Diana sticking up for her, she really did, but she couldn't deny those women's words stung - even if they were only said through jealousy. She hated the idea that anyone thought that she'd got here through anything other than hard work and talent. And she hated even more the idea that people thought badly of Charles or that he'd taken advantage of her. Nothing could be further from the truth and neither of them had done anything wrong. They'd fallen in love with each other, plain and simple, and it pissed her off so much when anyone tried to cheapen that.

She was lost in her thoughts and jumped when Charles came over and placed his hand on her elbow. He smiled and offered her his arm, "Are you ready to go in?" His expression changed to one of concern when he saw the look on her face. "What's wrong?" he asked, and the care and concern in his voice made her want to cry. He reached for her hand but she took a step back and dropped her gaze. "Liza, what's wrong?" Charles persisted, stepping forward and closing the gap she'd created.

Liza looked up at him and sighed sadly, "Charles, people are talking about us. They think I slept with you to get ahead, and they think you took advantage of a lowly assistant. You stepped down as publisher because people would have perceived it that way - I don't want anyone to think of you like that."

Charles's jaw clenched and he glared at a guy who happened to be looking in their direction. Liza wasn't sure if he was actually talking about them or not, but either way he was the recipient of Charles's wrath and quickly looked away. His expression softened as he turned back to her and he cupped her cheek with his hand, not letting her step away this time. "Liza, let them talk. I don't care what they think about me. I care what you think, and I care what the girls think - everyone else can go to hell" he told her firmly. She gave him a small smile - maybe he'd developed that thick skin Diana was talking about. "This is your night and I am so proud of you. Everyone you care about knows how amazing you are at your job and that you've earned this. Everyone else…they don't matter." He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips, and the warm familiarity of his lips on hers melted her anxiety away. He was right, and so was Diana - these people's opinions don't matter. She and Charles loved each other and she'd earned her place here tonight on merit – and that was all that mattered. "So, are you ready to go in?" he asked again.

This time she didn't hesitate. She smiled warmly at him and took his arm, "Yeah, I am."

Sitting around the table waiting for the awards to begin, with Charles on one side, Diana on the other and Kelsey across from her, Liza smiled that these people who she respected so much and who had shared this journey with her had come out to support her tonight.

Charles placed his hand on her leg and smiled affectionately at her. She could see the pride in his eyes as she linked her fingers with his. She didn't care if the whole room was watching them, and when she glanced at Diana she received a nod of approval. As the awards got underway, Liza found herself having a fantastic time, the drama from earlier in the evening all but forgotten. She clapped for the nominees and laughed with her colleagues, all of whom she now regarded as friends, basking in having the original 'Team Empirical' all together again.

When it came time for her category, Liza felt her stomach start to somersault again. Charles rubbed soothing circles on her knee, which calmed her heart rate somewhat. There were five nominees including her, and each one had achieved some amazing things and seemed more than deserving of the award. So when the host paused for dramatic effect before reading the winner's name, she was ready to applaud a worthy peer and be gracious in defeat.

"…Liza Miller"

Liza blinked, sure she was imagining things - she couldn't possibly have won. But when she glanced around the table, Kelsey, Diana and Enzo were whooping and cheering in celebration and delight. Charles was grinning so widely at her she was sure his face must be hurting. He snapped her out of her stunned stupor when he pulled her into a tight hug and murmured happily in her ear, "Now everyone sees what I saw the first time I met you. You deserve this Liza."

Tears blurred her eyes as she pulled back and saw the happiness shining in his. A thought struck her though - he was clearly overjoyed, but he didn't seem surprised. "You knew, didn't you?"

Charles looked bashful, but not at all apologetic, "I may have had a tipoff." Liza chuckled as he stood up with her. He cupped her face with his hand and looked at her reverently, "Congratulations Liza. I love you. Now go on up there!"

He gently brushed a tear away that had escaped her eye and stepped aside to let her past. She mouthed 'Thank you' to him, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. She heard his cheers mixed with those of her friends as she walked up onto the stage.

Liza accepted the award from the host and shook his hand. When he stood back and left her in front of the microphone, under the bright lights and in front of all these people, she realised in horror that she was expected to make a speech. That really shouldn't have been such a shock to her considering she'd watched all the other winners give speeches, but she was still in shock from actually being stood up here. 'Crap' she thought - she really should have prepared for this, but she never expected to actually win. Public speaking was really not her thing, but she needed to say something as there were hundreds of eyes watching her expectantly. She looked over to her table and saw them all smiling encouragingly at her, and she decided to just speak from the heart.

Taking a deep breath she began, "Erm, wow I was not expecting this – as you can probably tell!" The audience laughed, "But thank you so much – it's such a huge honour to even be nominated, let alone win. And everyone who was nominated with me is more than worthy of standing up here too." Liza looked back over to her table and smiled, "There are however certain people who I'd like to say a special thank you to. Firstly, I'd like to thank Diana Trout - you took a chance on me and gave me my job at Empirical. You mentored me and pushed me, and I wouldn't be here tonight without you." Diana was usually stoic and didn't show her emotions, but Liza could see how much she appreciated her words. "And Kelsey Peters – you've been there since day one, and I'm so lucky to have been able to share this incredible Millennial journey with you." Kelsey grinned and Liza knew she understood the double meaning. Turning her attention to Charles she held his gaze and smiled warmly at him, "And last but definitely not least, I want to thank Charles Brooks. You are quite simply the most amazing man I have ever met. You always believed in me and encouraged me, and for that I will be forever grateful." Charles smiled at her and she could see the emotion glistening in his eyes. "When I started at Empirical I fell in love with publishing all over again, but I also fell in love with you. I never expected to find the man I'd want to spend the rest of my life with at work, but I did." She tore her gaze from Charles's and looked out across the audience, "I know some people might doubt us or our motives for being together, and if you do then you couldn't be more wrong. But…I don't care anymore, because I love him and that's all that matters." She turned back to her table again and saw them all watching her proudly. She raised her award in salute to them, "Thank you."

Walking back to her table she felt like she was floating on air and couldn't keep the smile face.

"Well you told them" Diana smirked, a mixture of pride and amusement in her voice. "I see that thick skin is already coming through." Liza chuckled. "Congratulations Liza" she added seriously.

Liza smiled warmly at her old boss, her mentor and her friend, "Thank you Diana."

Turning to Charles she saw that he hadn't stopped smiling, and it was infectious. "So, you want to spend the rest of your life with me?" he teased, his eyes shining with love.

Liza blushed furiously, remembering that she'd said that out loud - in front of hundreds of people. It was true - she couldn't imagine her life without him in it, but this was the first time she'd actually said it to him. "Erm, well…as long as you do too…I mean-"

Charles chuckled and kissed her quickly, effectively curtailing her rambling. "Liza, there's nothing I'd like more than to spend the rest of my life with you."

A tingle ran down her spine at the sincerity in his eyes and the implication of his words. The small smile he gave her was an unspoken promise between them for what their future could hold. She beamed at him and words weren't needed for her to know that they were imagining the same thing. The need to kiss him was overwhelming, and unable to wait a single second longer she leaned over and did just that.

The rest of the night went by in a flurry of laughter and more than a little alcohol. Liza's nerves and anticipation of the awards had been replaced with the joy of spending time with people who meant the world to her. As she looked around the table at her friends, colleagues and partner, smiling and talking animatedly together, she felt so lucky to be right there where she was. Her life had changed so dramatically over the past three years - for the better, and these people celebrating with her tonight, along with Maggie, had played a big part in that.

Liza clung onto Charles's arm as she precariously climbed into the Uber after they said goodbye to the others, the alcohol causing her balance skills to be somewhat inhibited. She giggled as Charles slid in next to her, still high on the adrenaline rush of the night. He grinned as he linked his fingers with hers and brought her hand up to his lips, kissing it tenderly. "It's been an amazing night. I'm so proud of you Liza."

Liza returned his smile – she'd lost count how many times she'd heard him say that tonight, but she'd never tire of hearing it. A rush of warmth flooded her veins at the way he was looking at her, "The night's not over yet."

Charles's irises darkened to a stormy emerald green as the sexual tension crackled around them in the back of the cab. The journey home was only ten minutes at that time of night, but it felt like an eternity as she impatiently waited to get Charles alone. When the driver finally dropped them off at the brownstone, she was all fingers and thumbs as she fumbled with the key in the lock. She blamed the distracting feeling of Charles kissing her neck and running his hands over her hips. After dropping the keys twice, she eventually managed to get the door open and they stumbled giggling into the hallway. They composed themselves enough to thank the babysitter and see her out, but the moment the door closed Liza found herself sandwiched between it and Charles's strong chest as his hands wound into her hair and his mouth fused with hers. The feeling was intoxicating and if it weren't for Charles holding her up she'd have melted into a puddle on the floor. She gasped as he kissed and nipped his way from her ear down to her collarbone.

"How about we continue this celebration upstairs? I think it's time I helped you out of that dress" Charles murmured huskily.

Liza's eyes were half lidded as he continued his torturous assault on her neck. She wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled as he scooped her into his arms, "Lead the way."