AN: First and foremost I must apologize for the long wait. My excuses are irreverent and my apology doesn't take away from the fact that you had to wait forever, but I owe you all an apology regardless. Next, I would like to thank those who have reviewed this story thus far, including those who have PMd me about updating. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I hope that there are still people reading. I hope that you all like this chapter. The story is coming to an end, which is hard for me. It's been a few years and this story is not just fiction, it's straight from my own life so letting go of it is something I look at with anxiety! I have tried to ignore that and give you the best that I can. Without further adieu...

Hey mom," I said solemnly, looking at the beautiful headstone before me. I had visited her only once before in my sobriety and never when I used. Tears streamed down my face and I clenched the bouquet in my right hand, a few flower petals fell to the ground from my jostling.

It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the few clouds out were white and puffy, birds were singing, and I could hear some of the many water fountains in the cemetery. It was so nice here, so peaceful. There was no better place for my mom to rest.

I slowly pulled the vase from its place and filled it using a water bottle that I brought with me. Then I carefully took the flowers out of their plastic bindings and placed them in the vase. I tried to make the arrangement look nice since they weren't bound together perfectly anymore but I'm sure it made no difference.

Then I took the empty water bottle and trash to my car so I could dispose of it all later. I walked back to the tall headstone and just stared at it. I was so full of emotion I lost the strength in my legs.

I kneeled down on the grass, placing my hands on the cold stone, tracing my mother's name with my fingers. The metal was hot against my skin from the sun's rays heating it up.

I closed my eyes as the tears flowed even more.

"I'm…" I choked. "I'm so sorry."

My body was wracked by the strangled sobs I was trying to hold in. I was so ashamed of myself, of who I used to be. The guy that I was when she was sick and needed me. Where was I? Numbing myself from the pain of losing her. I should have been there to take advantage of the days we had left, but I wasted them and didn't even realize it. I thought it would hurt less, but it made everything ten times worse.

I sucked the snot back in my nose with a sharp inhale and wiped my face clean with my hands. I didn't care if I looked like a five year old. I just want my mom back.

"I love you so much," I whispered to the wind. "I'm better now."

I slowly opened my eyes; they burned from all the tears. I looked up at the angel resting on top of the stone. My mother was an angel. She loved everyone so much. She loved and raised Sesshomaru when he wasn't her own, and he didn't even like her as a kid. She treated Rin like family since the day Sesshomaru brought her home. She took in Kagome when I got her pregnant and treated her like a daughter. She loved Tomaru and Kaiya so much even though it was for such a short time. I was the one who really was her own child, and I treated her the worst. I took her for granted. I was a shitty son.

"I hope that when you see me you smile. Now I'm working with Sesshomaru, eventually I'll be working right under him. I treat Kagome the way dad treated you, but better; I won't leave her like he left you all the time. I remember how sad you used to get, I got sad too; we missed him. I learned from his mistakes and I've learned from my own too."

I kneeled in silence for quite some time, just breathing. I felt my phone vibrate and slowly pulled it out of my pocket. I didn't answer the call but I sent a text that I was on my way home.

Putting my phone away I sighed and pushed myself off the ground.

I took a few steps backwards and put my hands in my pockets, looking at the elaborate headstone now decorated with pretty flowers.

"I love you mom." I wrinkled my nose, trying not to cry again. "I promise I'll start visiting you more often."

I turned to walk away but quickly looked back and with a sad smile added, "And I keep my promises now."

I got back into the car and tried to pull myself together before hurrying back home. I had the biggest surprise for Kagome.

I walked into my house from the garage door where I found Kagome in the kitchen with Kaiya.

"Hey ladies."

They both turned to look at me. Kaiya stood up and walked over to be picked up. Kagome said hi to me with a smile and continued to prepare dinner.

"Wash your hands Kagome, take a break. I wanted to give you something." I walked out of the room, hoping she'd be done by the time I returned.

I carried Kaiya to my car and put her down.

"Here Kaiya," I handed her an envelope, "hold onto this for me."

"Mine?"

"That's for mommy," I said as I lifted a bouquet of roses out of my car.

"Mommy?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "Now let's get back inside."

I closed the car door and Kaiya ran back into the house, hopefully to Kagome. As I entered I could hear Kagome's voice.

"What's this?"

I walked in the kitchen just in time for her to open the envelope. She didn't notice me standing in the room as she opened the card. She looked confused, this was the first time I'd given her a card so she probably didn't even know where Kaiya got it from.

We didn't celebrate our first anniversary because I was using. I can't honestly say if I even remembered it. If I took a guess, I probably spent the day with a bunch of junkies while Kagome sat at home crying. That's why this one would be special, and every year after it.

I watched her facial expressions change as she read the heartfelt words I had written. She bit her lip and her eyes watered. It might not have been neat handwriting, and I'm definitely not the most romantic and poetic guy, but the words were from the heart; I knew she could tell when she sniffled and wiped at a tear.

She closed the card and looked up, her eyes locking with mine.

"Inuyasha…" she was speechless. I held up the flowers and walked over to her.

"Happy Anniversary." I handed her the roses. "These are for you."

Kagome reached out and took them without saying a word. Her bottom lip was protruding and I could tell she was going to cry. I continued to speak.

"Rin should be here soon to get Kaiya. She'll keep her till tomorrow when you get out of school." I reached forward and cupped her cheek lovingly. "Tonight, you're mine."

Kagome's eyes widened and she her lips pulled into a smile.

"Now you go get Kaiya ready and I'll finish dinner." I was surprised when her response was a laugh.

"Inuyasha," she shook her head while grinning. "Thank you, but… you are a terrible cook."

I pouted as she continued.

"I'll finish dinner, you get Kaiya ready."

"Fine," I said. Only because she was right, I would probably ruin the food if she let me touch it. Unless she wanted ramen, my kitchen skills were no good. So I left to go upstairs.

I sent Rin a text message asking what all I needed to pack for Kaiya to stay overnight. While I waited for a response I started with the basics like some clothes and enough diapers for a couple days. Then after Rin responded I packed everything else she had asked for.

Once everything was set, I took it all downstairs and placed it next to the front door. Just in time to see Rin's car pulling into the driveway. I couldn't see Tomaru in the back; he must have stayed home with Sesshomaru.

"Perfect timing," I announced, waltzing back into the kitchen. "Sorry Kaiya," I reached down to lift her and kissed her little nose. "I love you, but you gotta go."

"Inuyasha," Kagome scolded, playfully. She walked over and took the baby from me. Letting out a deep breath she pulled her face away and gave the baby a good twenty kisses.

"Times up." I said, taking Kaiya back from Kagome. Then I carried to the door, putting her down only to open it. She ran towards Rin, who was walking up with a smile. I took all of the overnight things and closed the door behind me as I met Rin outside.

"So how's everything going?" she asked.

"Great so far." I smiled as I put everything in her passenger seat. "Thanks again. You're the best."

"Yeah, I know." She pulled me in for a hug and kissed my cheek. "You just keep up the good work. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks," I said, rubbing her lipstick off my cheek.

"I wasn't sure which you wanted," Rin started saying as she pulled a champagne bottle from the car. "This is one of my favorites so I think Kagome will like it."

"Thank you." I took the bottle from her. "I really appreciate all your help."

"Sure," she smiled genuinely. "Well say goodbye and get back inside. Kaiya is mine for the next twenty hours."

I buckled up the car seat and kissed my daughter on her forehead, nose, mouth and each cheek.

"I love you," I told her. "Bye."

"Bye." She started waving before I even closed the door. I nodded and waved to Rin as she backed the car out of my driveway and drove off. Then I turned around and walked back inside the house, actually I probably skipped I was so excited.

Kagome was still in the kitchen concentrating on the cooking. I noticed that she had already put the flowers in a vase; they were proudly located on the table.

Without her noticing, I snuck the champagne bottle in the fridge.

"Need any help?" I asked. She tilted her head, thinking of her response.

"Hm," she smirked. "Yeah! You can wash the dishes."

Our dinner was more romantic with the candles I bought; the only concern was not to catch the roses on fire. Kagome was surprised that Rin gifted us a bottle of very expensive champagne as an anniversary present. She loved it, thankfully.

"Now what?" Kagome asked as we cleared the table after our meal.

"Now I want you to go wait for me in your room and close the door. I'll finish cleaning up down here."

She gave me a weird look, obviously confused, but she still did as I instructed. After she was out of sight I went back into the garage to grab the box of rose petals from my car. Taking it in the house, I grabbed our drinks and went straight towards my room.

I started dropping petals everywhere, on the bed, on the floor, and in a trail to my bathroom. I dumped the rest in the bathtub as I turned the water on. As the tub filled, I started lighting candles. I had about fifteen that I placed around the tub and on the countertop. When the bath was full to the perfect height I turned off the water.

I ran out of the room and opened Kagome's door. I had already refilled her empty champagne flute and handed it to her with a grin on my face.

"Now go to my bathroom." I waved her over. Kagome blushed; she was probably really confused as to what all I was going to do. I am pretty sure she underestimated my romantic ideas.

Kagome wearily walked past me and I heard her gasp as she got a glimpse into my room.

"Inuyasha." She hurried in and her hands covered her mouth as she looked at all the petals on everything. Slowly she started to go into the bathroom. The light was off, but all the candles provided more than enough to see clearly, just with a nicer hue.

"Inuyasha… this is lovely."

I was so proud of myself and she was surprised as we silently undressed. No words needed to be spoken as we just enjoyed the moment. I was the first to get in the tub and she leaned her body against mine as she joined me.

The hot water felt great on my body. Kagome's hot body felt great on my body. I leaned my head back and let out a deep breath.

After a little bit of relaxation, my hands started to glide over the woman in front of me.

She moaned loudly, as each hand cupped a perfectly sized breast. I massaged them and gave special attention to her nipples, she loved when I played with them, and I loved to play with them. My hard cock on her lower back let her know I enjoyed it just as much.

I let my right hand wander south when she started squirming from my ministrations. I cupped my large hand over her pussy. The juices leaking out felt different than the water surrounding us, she was wet and ready for me, but we had all night for that. Instead I traced my middle finger around her entrance, teasing her.

Eventually I moved the finger inside of her while my thumb massaged her clit. It didn't take more than a minute of playing with her till she had her first orgasm. It sounded amazing, hearing her moans amplified by the acoustics in the bathroom; music to my ears.

I continued pleasing as her orgasm rode out. She finally calmed down and I slowly drew my hands away from her special place.

"Should I keep going?" I whispered in her ear, biting the shell. "Or do you want to see what else I have waiting for you?"

"Hm," she thought aloud. Her head leaned back against my shoulder as she pondered what to do, a smile on her face the whole time. "…I don't want my skin to prune."

"Alright." I nodded and we both stood up. Kagome reached over to unplug the drain and then turn the shower on.

We had a small make out session as we rinsed off. Kagome's small hands found their way around my dick, and she almost made me forget the whole plan for the night. It took everything in me to calm myself and continue with my plan.

We left the shower and dried each other off, kissing whenever possible. So it took awhile, because we kissed a lot.

After we made it to my bedroom I instructed Kagome to put something sexy on and then come back. I would have bought her some lingerie but I didn't plan on her being clothed for long anyways.

I pulled out some vanilla flavored massage oils as I waited for her. When she came back into my room my jaw dropped.

"Ka- fuck." I breathed. She was wearing my favorite of her underwear. Her red lace thong. That's it. Her long dark hair was parted to cover her nipples but it was still more than enough to get my cock to spring back to life. I felt like I could nut just by looking at her.

She waited for me to say something as a blush rose on her face. I finally found my voice and remembered how to speak. I had her lie on the bed; I was going to give her a massage.

I had to grind my teeth together and think of things that turn me off as my hands touched every spot on her body from her neck to her toes. It hardly worked. I knew that our first round wouldn't be long thanks to me. Well thanks to her, really; for being so damn sexy.

I took a few seconds to reach over and grab something off the nightstand. My hands circled her left wrist and I slid her wedding ring off. It wasn't much to look at; just a simple silver band with a small diamond on it. I didn't pick it out. It was probably just one of my mom's old rings that she gave to Kagome.

"Inuyasha," she chided as she turned to me. "What are you-" Her words stopped as she stared at the new ring in my hand.

"I was gonna put it in the champagne but I didn't want you to choke on it." I explained. "Will you marry me?"

"…" Blue eyes widened. "I am married to you."

"I know, but that doesn't count."

"I'm pretty sure it does." She laughed.

"Yeah," I smirked. "I want to do it again."

"Hm?" she looked curious

"The wedding. Maybe not right now, or anytime too soon," I started, "but in the future. After you finish school. After I have more sobriety time under my belt and I accomplish some goals at work..." And after I pay off the balance on this new ring. I paused to let her soak that information in. "I want to do things the right way. I want to give you the things that you deserve and make you happy."

"I am happy," she countered. "Though, it would be nice to replace those horrible memories from our wedding with good ones."

"I'm sorry." My eyes darkened with guilt, thinking of how bad her memories were. She probably remembered things that I didn't.

A small hand on my cheek turned my attention back to the beauty in front of me. "I know," she whispered, "and I forgive you."

She leaned in for a kiss and I wouldn't refuse her if my life depended on it. I didn't deserve her forgiveness, not so easily for everything I'd put her through. I'm a lucky guy.

The kiss became more heated and I hurried to put the old ring on the nightstand and the new ring on her finger before we lost them in the sheets.

Kagome grinned as she watched the ring glimmer even in the low lights.

She had the rest of her life to look at the ring, though. Tonight was our night. We didn't have to be parents tonight, we would just be us.

I am just a man, the luckiest man with Kagome as my goddess, and I'll worship her body until the sun comes back up.

AN: Review please. One chapter left! :( I swear I'll cry when it's over.