Thank you for the reviews! This picks up after episode 5.8. Hope you enjoy.

They all sat around the table, Christmas dinner half eaten, Jean sitting to Lucien's right. They shared loving glances as they chatted with the others. Lucien looked around the table, incredibly thankful for his friends. Although they felt more like family. He was so grateful for Jean, for her loyalty and undying love. He vowed to spend the rest of his life showing her just how grateful he was. He had come so close to losing all of this, not only due to his poor decision making, but if it weren't for the selfless actions of William Munro, he would not be here at this table right now. Then, Norman Baker. Not only could Baker have taken Lucien's life but he came close to losing Jean as well. The thought sending chills down his spine. He closed his eyes for a moment. Jean was watching him, as if she could read his thoughts, she put her hand in his, giving him a comforting squeeze. He opened his eyes connecting with hers, lips curving upwards, squeezing her hand in return.

The moment there was a lull in conversation, they knew it was the right time. They had matching grins from ear to ear. Lucien asked while maintaining eye contact with Jean. "So, what are you all doing on the 25th of March?" A soft smile graced Matthew's face while everyone else looked to each other wondering what brought on such a random question. Lucien continued. "Jean and I set a date for the wedding and we'd love for you all to be there." They erupted with cheers, laughter and smiles. Yes, this was his family. He didn't think he had ever been so content and happy before. The love of his life on his right and his dearest friends sharing in their joy.

After the others had trickled out, Lucien asked Matthew to have a drink with him. They sat in the parlor as Jean cleaned up in the kitchen. "Matthew, we haven't really had a chance to talk since my dismissal." Matthew tried to interrupt him but Lucien insisted. "No, I need to say this. I'm sorry for the embarrassment and irritation I've caused you and the police. It was never my intention."

Matthew shook his head and let out a deep sigh. "Lucien, it never is. You just…you're a complicated bloke." He put his drink down and leaned toward him, his elbows on his knees. "I told you if you went through with the drunk admission in your divorce, I would have to fire you and you went and did it anyway."

"I know, I know. Our options were limited though, Matthew. Each time I looked at it, there was no telling how long it would take, certainly longer than I was willing to wait. This was the quickest way I could see to getting a divorce. I didn't want to wait any longer to be Jean's husband." Taking a deep breath and letting it out, he mimicked Matthew's position, setting his drink down, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. His voice softened with a trace of regret. "I just didn't consider my admission possibly costing me losing her…or you. I also didn't consider the mess you both would have to clean up and endure. For that, I am greatly sorry, Matthew."

Matthew gave him a sad smile and nodded. God help him, he could somewhat understand Lucien's thinking. Somewhat. His eyes twinkled as he spoke, trying to lighten the mood. "So…March 25th, huh?"

Lucien looked down at his hands and smiled, looking back up at Matthew. "Yes, March 25th. Are you free by chance?"

"I might be. I'll have to check my calendar."

"Right. Well, I hope you are because I'll need you to stand with me." Beaming at Matthew, he continued, "Will you be my best man, Matthew?"

He groaned, feigning irritation. "Oh, if I must." He smiled as he slapped him on the upper arm. "Lucien, I'd be honored to stand with you."

Smiling down at his hands, with his voice breaking he said, "Thank you, Matthew."

"You didn't really think I would say 'no', did you?"

"Honestly, Matthew, I wouldn't blame you in the least after the right mess I caused."

"Lucien, I wouldn't miss this for anything. You're aggravating as hell, but you're a good man. You and Jean are good for each other. And you're my best mate. I'd do anything for you."

Jean overheard their conversation, pretending to be tidying up. Her eyes were watering as Matthew made eye contact with her. She quickly moved to the other side of the kitchen, silently scolding herself for getting caught.

Matthew chuckled a bit as he stood. "I better get to bed. I'm going in early tomorrow."

Lucien stood as well. "Merry Christmas, Matthew. Thanks again."

"Merry Christmas, Lucien." As he started to walk toward his room, he yelled back with a smirk, "Good night, Jean."

She sighed. "Night, Matthew."

Lucien walked into the kitchen, giving her a look of bewilderment. "What was that all about?"

Jean rolled her eyes and turned to wipe at a mess on the counter that didn't exist. "Matthew may have caught me eavesdropping on your conversation."

Amused, he chuckled and walked over to her, putting his hands on her hips and his chin on her shoulder, he watched her hands. "I think that's clean already, Jean."

In a huff, she tossed the towel to the side and smiled, turning in his arms. "I love you, Lucien."

His eyes twinkling, he lowered his lips to hers. Breaking the kiss, he smiled at her. "I have one more present for you in my room."

She rolled her eyes again, yet the corners of her lips rose as they walked hand in hand to his room.

A month later, Lucien and Jean were sitting on the bench by the lake as the sun was going down. He had his arm around her shoulders and she had a hand resting on his thigh. He pulled some folded papers out of his jacket pocket which contained their travel plans for their honeymoon. He handed them to her.

"What's this?"

"Take a look. I have our honeymoon all planned out." His eyes lit up, quite proud of himself.

"Lucien!" She looked up at him, eyes wide. "Four months?! Europe?!" She looked back at the itinerary, shaking her head. "What about your patients? Can we really afford this?"

"Jean, I put you through so much. You stood by me, through the humility and whispers. I know it wasn't easy. I know I can be…a handful. And I'm ever so grateful, darling." He put his hand on her cheek, looking her in the eye. "I want to give you the world, Jean." Tears were spilling from her eyes faster than he could wipe them away.

Just before their lips met, she told him, "Thank you, Lucien."