Okay back here... Hope you enjoy it Sabby. I love you to pieces and love you more and more what would i do without my Sabby in my life?... and same goes for the rest of all my readers... my wonderful girls I hope you like it!

Also Thank you to Ilona who send me to listen to Tina Turner to give me energy...

Also a HUGE thank you to Moni, Mary and Steffi that each in their waymade this chapter so much better...

I don't own the good wife! Or the song What Are Words

Confess to me, every secret moment
Every stolen promise you believed

April- Confess to me, every secret moment

She had always been beautiful in red, he couldn't come up with another color that suited her better. Red and Alicia were like two weights equaling each other. Two puzzle pieces fitting together. He had a few days earlier asked her what she would wear for the gala, and she had looked puzzled first, making him wonder if she had truly forgotten about it. But then asked why he had wanted to know and if he didn't prefer the surprise. But he had insisted she at least gave him the color, and she finally told him it was red, he didn't have to worry, she hadn't forgotten. He was relieved and had gotten himself a red bow tie to match her gown. Though it was a white tie event he left the white tie at home and went with the red one. Not the least because he knew Alicia would like it and he preferred to stand out. The day after he had invited her to the gala had been the two year anniversary of the day she broke his heart at a very similar event. However, now, two years and a month later he was allowed to be the man on her arm, or maybe rather with her on his arm. Though he would never think of her like that. Like only a lady on his arm. He would never ask her to walk behind him, or stand behind him but offer to walk side by side with her.

He was proud to be the one with her this night, to be the one that picked her up and took her out. To be the one she had chosen that scandalous, sexy, gorgeous dress for. The one she smiled at, the one that made her eyes sparkle and Alicia seem 10 or more years younger, and not the mother of three, two of whom were practically grown-ups like she really was.

The dress she had on was a strapless red one with laces in the back, and a slit in the side. He had stared at her speechless as he took in the sight of her before asking her if she wasn't wearing more. She had laughed and said if he really thought she could fit more into the dress. He and groaned and mumbled her breasts were practically spilling out, how could she decide to wear that in public. She had teased him and said she had to take advantage of her bigger assets thanks to her baby daughter. He hadn't agreed, growling that others shouldn't get to stare at those assets, only him. Something that had her laugh and admit she was glad he found her that attractive he got jealous over only the thought of others looking at her. He had pulled her close, kissing her deeply as he told her she could wear a potato sack and she would still be the most gorgeous woman at the ball, but he still would prefer other men not staring at her breasts or legs. She had kissed him sweetly and whispered that he would be the only one that got to untie the laces at the end of the evening.

"Yes, but I'm still the only one who's supposed to be seeing, since I'm the only one who's allowed to be getting." He had told her as a response, making her laugh even more as he asked if she didn't have a jacket, or better yet a coat she could wear over the dress. That made her roll her eyes and drag him out of the apartment, she had rushed him, mentioning they were already late. In the elevator on the way down he had actually tried to pull her dress up, only to get a cheeky remark of how he should behave or he would be exposing her crotch instead. He hadn't found it funny when he saw how indeed men did stare at her, even her own doorman. It had helped though a lot that she was oblivious to their gazes and only looked at him. As they had arrived at the party and he had once more had to deal with more sending glances at Alicia, she had leaned into him and whispered.

"I wore the dress because I knew you would like it, they don't matter... I am here with you, I wanted to look this way for you." She kissed his cheek in a light peck, making him blush especially knowing how he knew she wasn't a fan of public displays of affections. Even more knowing there might be press-members there, that was the risk in having the governor himself and Alicia's ex-husband as an invited guest. Will hadn't checked if he had accepted or not, and he wasn't the one to point out it would look good to invite both him and Eli, David Lee and Diane were. He actually didn't care one way or another, even less when Alicia leaned more into him. He wrapped his arm around her back instead of leading her on the arm. He liked having her close this way. They entered the room together, and he smiled when he saw the decorations - it was completely like he had wanted. The gasp he heard her make told him he had chosen correctly. He couldn't help himself from leaning in to ask if she liked it. She had smiled nodded and he had stolen another kiss from her. He loved kissing her and being allowed the freedom to kiss her, even when she disliked affection showed in public. He had spotted Diane in the middle of the room along with Kurt, and he guided Alicia over there.

"You are late..." His partner remarked, making a light blush spread on Alicia's cheeks, one he immediately noticed. He knew she now feared Diane thought it was due to other reasons, much more pleasurable reasons than the real ones.

"Yes, I am sorry, I was already running late, picking up Alicia. Kurt, good to see you, glad you joined Diane tonight." Will offered.

"You too, and Mrs. Flor... I mean Ms. Cavanaugh, right?" He broke off, clearly unsure what name Alicia actually used nowadays. She smiled though, leaning her head light against Will's shoulder, something he liked immensely.

"Alicia is fine, Mr. McVeigh... easier to remember..."

"Alicia, then I guess you should call me Kurt then instead as well. Diane and I were just discussing getting something to drink, would you like me to bring something back for you two as well?" Kurt offered them.

"Yes, that would be great, let me help you..." Will answered.

"Leaving me alone that fast? You are very sure of yourself aren't you Mr. Gardner?" Alicia teased him as she pulled back a little.

"I seem to remember someone assuring me of that just earlier?" He winked at her, as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Well go get me something to drink, sparkling grape-juice please. Then we will see if I am still here when you get back." She teased him, her eyes sparkling and telling him he shouldn't worry, she wouldn't leave him.

"What would you like? Champagne?" Kurt asked Diane who nodded, before he followed Will.

Alicia kept looking after Will as he moved away from where they stood.

"He really likes you..." Diane's voice made her turn her attention back to the other woman. She was confused first of what Diane meant.

"Huh?"

"Will... I don't think I have ever seen him like this before..." Diane raised an eyebrow at Alicia, who blushed and looked down.

"Yeah..." She wasn't sure what to say to the other woman about it. It had already been awkward when they talked about a month ago, after Will had told Diane about them. She wasn't sure how much she should say. She had never been one who was open about her feelings or shared them with many. And her feelings for Will especially were something sacred and private. No one else would be able to understand the strong bond and what they felt. At least that was how she felt. Why it was so hard to defend or argue her feelings to her other boss, no matter how much it would make it easier. After all she knew Diane was skeptical because of the past and because she cared about Will a lot.

"Don't hurt him." She now advised her, making Alicia look up again, taken a little aback. It was a warning Diane hadn't even given her a month ago. There it had been more kept on a professional level regarding work, mostly though there had been a few unvoiced warnings as well. This one was clear.

"He is happy with you, more than I have ever seen him. I hope it will work out better this time..." Alicia felt herself blush a little, and looked down, feeling slightly awkward over the unspoken past.

"Thank you... I.. We are happy now..." She looked at Diane, hoping she could see the truth in her eyes.

"You have the power to hurt him and you have done so in the past." Diane told her, now more straightforward, and Alicia couldn't blame her she was Will's best friend and she wasn't wrong. They were happy, Will was happy now, but they had been before and she had ended them. She had made him feel like he wasn't more than her own vision of Amber Madison, a revenge, a release for her frustrations, a way to make herself feel better. Something that couldn't have been further from the truth. Yes he made her feel better, but that was because when she was him she was finally happy, free and relaxed. She felt loved and adored, more loved than she had in years. Talking with him, laying in his arms when things were hard at work had been the best. And it still was again now. Back then she had also loved being the healing balm to his own worries at work, the one that gave him strength to go on. Their time back then had been more precious to her than most would ever know.

"I don't want to hurt him, there is nothing I want to do less than that" Alicia whispered softly, remembering the pain in his eyes as she broke up with him, the pain of doing it. How she had hurt them both right there, and it wasn't the only time, she had caused them both a lot of grief and tears. It was something that went all the way back to Georgetown.

"You love him." Alicia stared at Diane in shock. She hadn't imagined her saying that. It was so direct, leaving her no room to run. She gulped, very unsure what to answer to that one.

"I... yes... I do... I spent a lot of time pretending and wishing I didn't but I do." She finally whispered as she also felt herself blush a little. Diane nodded thoughtfully and then sighed.

"It is hard to feel like that... I can only assume it was even more complicated with the other people in the picture, making it harder for you." Alicia listened to the words told, she squinted at her mentor, considering if she spoke from own experience because it sounded like.

"Yes it is... and it did make it harder. Did you ever...?" Alicia quickly caught herself, she wasn't sure if she could ask that sort of thing, but Diane nodded, giving her a half nostalgic smile.

"Kurt sort of proposed to me two years before we did agree to get married. I said no. Not because I didn't love him, but because it didn't fit into the life I had. He wanted to run away, I needed to stay..." She offered, shocking Alicia. She hadn't known a lot about Diane or her relationship with Kurt, just that there was one. One that had also lead to chose love over career, the supreme court judgeship not going to her because there was too much mess.

"I had no idea... I am..." Alicia wasn't sure what to really say, as she looked for the right words.

"It is alright... we are here now aren't we? Happier than in the past, more at ease. I don't know all that has been going on with you and Will. I have a feeling you haven't even told me everything of what has been going on with your illness and such. I can accept that, as long as you are not using him. He is a strong man but even strong men have their weaknesses and you are Will's." She pointed out, and Alicia nodded, also catching the experience she was sharing of how she was her own husband's weakness as well and how much it meant, and what responsibility it gave.

"I wouldn't do that... I know the way I handled things in the past was wrong, but I regret it. I am not using him." She whispered, never having said anything truer. She had regretted so much how she had kept pushing him away since she was 22, denying herself the man her heart belonged to.

"Okay then I am happy for you, you both seem happier than I think I have ever witnessed in the past." Diane observed, making Alicia smile serenely.

"I won't hurt him. I... love him..." She let slip just as a warm arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close.

"I hope you didn't try to scare Alicia away. Or discuss work..." Will teased Diane, though Alicia also caught the warning in his tone. However her talk with his partner had given her a bit of insight so she made sure to calm him down.

"No she didn't, don't worry... we were discussing the event tonight, and how well it seems to be going so far." She offered as she winked at Diane, who smiled in return, and added:

"Yes. I have been telling Alicia of all the hospital contacts you had to bribe to help out. All the nurses... I might also have mentioned how you were such a softie even wishing to influence what some of the money will be used for. As well as the auction you arranged, what was it you put up? Did you sell your car? Or was it just..." She teased him, and Alicia could feel Will's chest move as he laughed.

"I see, so you are destroying my image of a strong man and turning me into a total sap in her eyes instead." His words had both Alicia and Diane laugh.

"Don't worry she didn't tell me anything I didn't already know about you, that includes you being a sap, I mean it was so easy to convince you to watch Titanic with me on the weekend. Or how about you always letting me watch Pretty Woman, the Bodyguard and Ghost back at our video nights at Georgetown. Just because they were my three favorite movies. And I remember this strong man who might have had a few tears in his eyes watching Ghost... I seem to recall a pair of brown eyes that were a bit misty, don't you Mr. Georgetown?" She teased him, making Diane laugh even more. Alicia pulled a little away so she could look at Will.

"Ouch now you are the one to destroy my image." He shook his head and placed a hand on his heart like he was hurt.

"Aww big guy want me to kiss it better?" She teased, making him shake his head at her.

"Where did you leave Kurt? " Diane asked Will, reminding Alicia they were not alone, something she had forgotten for a few seconds. Will's eyes seemed to have that effect on her.

"He offered to wait while they made our drinks, there he is. I just came back faster because I didn't want to risk you two teaming up on me... how could I defend myself then... though I already seem to have lost there..." He answered just as Kurt returned with the drinks.

"Here, champagne for you Will, and one for you." He smiled at Diane and handed her a similar glass. "And sparkling grape-juice for you, Alicia. Was it correct that you only wanted juice?" He asked, as he handed her the glass.

"Yes, it is perfect. thank you." Alicia answered as she took the glass. She couldn't drink wine, yet as she still nursed Cat a few times through the day.

"Let's make a toast." Will hurried to offer, and she knew he had done it partly also to guide the talk away in case Kurt or Diane mentioned her lack of alcohol.

"To what do we toast?" Diane asked, and Alicia considered it for a few seconds.

"To Lockhart/Gardner." She finally offered.

"To a wonderful night among friends and loved ones." Kurt added and raised his glass.

"To the future." Diane added herself with a smile at Alicia, letting her know it might also be in relation to a little of what they had talked about.

"To love!" Will finally concluded, and they all nodded.

"To love, cheers." They raised their glasses and nodded before taking a sip, just as the toastmaster announced it was time to find their seats for the dinner. Will offered Alicia his arm and guided her over to their table, followed closely by Diane and Kurt.

Dinner was a pleasant affair. They were seated at the same table as Diane and Kurt, thankfully as Diane seemed like a calming presences at the table unlike David Lee who was also seated there. And he seemed far less acceptable over Alicia's and Will's relationship, something he made jabs at through dinner. The chief of the neonatal ward and his wife were also seated with them, as well as Neil Gross, not making it easier. But he was one of their top clients, and one that would be able to donate to the cause. So Diane's presences at the table, as well as the Doctor and his wife's, a business woman herself, and Alicia did what they could to secure the peace. Alicia was only glad it was Neil Gross and not Sweeney who would have made sexual references all the way through dinner, and what a mess that would have been. It was already bad enough that he was at the party. Him and many more, including Peter, who she was glad was also seated away from her, and same with Eli. That would only have made it even more awkward. Her and Will now took the chance of holding hands as much as possible through the meal, which meant every time they were not eating.

After dessert the auction was hosted through which Alicia pressed herself closer to Will once again, resting as close to him as the formal context allowed her to. Will let his arm slide across her shoulder so she could get closer without things being uncomfortable for any of them.

"You are more in to PDA that I would have thought?" He whispered softly in her ear, she turned around and smiled at him.

"Well through dinner and before dinner I noticed more than one single or married woman was checking you out, I am just making sure they know you are taken." She locked her eyes with him, trying to figure out if he had noticed any of what she had just told him. His eyes softened the moment she said those things.

"They can stare all they want, I am not interested in anyone beside you. You are all I have ever wanted or needed." He touched her cheek lightly, caressing her skin and making sure she knew he was telling the truth. She leaned into his touch and softly kissed the palm of his hand.

"Thank you." she whispered, before turning back to focus on the auction. Just in time for her to catch Sweeney buying a luxury spa weekend for two. She almost laughed at the image that came to her mind of Sweeney at a spa, and Will's raised eyebrow at her told her he had caught her, but she shook her head at him lightly. She would tell him about it later in private.

The last item was announced and Alicia turned to stare at Will, when Diane had said it earlier she had really assumed it was merely a joke, and one glance at Diane's face told her it had been. That Diane had no idea he had done that. He really had put up his convertible for the auction.

"Are you crazy? What were you thinking?" She whispered as she leaned into him, and he shook his head.

"It is just a car Alicia. They need the money that car can bring in. They need it more than I need the car. I can afford to buy another one. But this hospital and their doctors and shipment saved yours and Cat's life. I could never afford losing one of you... If putting my car up for the sale can get them more equipment to save other mothers and babies if is well given out." He whispered and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Alicia felt tears gathering in her eyes. She couldn't cry now. People would notice. It would ruin her makeup, but his gesture and his words. She couldn't let him do this. She just couldn't, it was too much. She stared into his eyes, he couldn't mean that, he couldn't love her that much, could he? But the look in his eyes told her he did. That he really wanted to do this. That the gala was one thing but he did this because these people had saved her and her daughter's life.

"You shouldn't have... you already arranged the gala, and the auction..." She whispered. "Will I don't need you to do all of this for me... I just need you... I ..." She wasn't sure how even to start explaining all of what she felt right now, and he shook his head and placed a finger on her lips.

"I wanted to, it would also seem wrong I arranged it but didn't put up anything myself, wouldn't it? Alicia, I wanted to do this... and you don't dare pull anything stupid right now..." He told her like he had read her mind, that she was considering paying for the car herself so she could give it back to him. But his hands holding hers made sure she couldn't. He held her gaze and hands until the word "sold" was announced. Diane stared over at them. And Alicia was pretty sure her mentor knew this was related to her somehow, she just hoped it hadn't blown the goodwill she had received from Diane earlier. But looking over and meeting her gaze she saw Diane's eyes soften as she nodded thoughtfully, almost knowingly. But she did give Alicia a gentle, encouraging smile. One she returned with one of her own.

They had coffee after that, before the music started and the doctor and his wife left to dance, and Neil and his wife followed that example. Diane and Kurt left to circulate among the others, and Alicia and Will got up to do the same. They needed to give a good example, as well as speaking with potential donors like needed. More than one of the guys they talked to eyed Alicia up and down with a hungry stare. Eyes lingering on the slit showing her thigh or on her cleavage. Will was the one now pulling her closer, something she felt amusing.

"Well Alicia, you are not the only one with a right to mark your territory." He whispered in her ear when he guided her away from another staring guy. She smiled at him and offered to go and get him a drink.

She was waiting for her drinks when she had the meeting she had hoped to avoid all night.

"Red always suited you..." His voice made her stiffen for a second before turning around. She hadn't seen him in forever. Last she saw him her pregnancy was able to be hidden, and it had been brief. Now here she was post giving birth to his child he would never know about, and in a relationship with the man he always hated. She actually had no idea what to say to him, yet she turned around and faced him.

"Peter..." She nodded and smiled at him. She briefly wondered what was the proper etiquette for greeting your ex-husband that you had two grown up children with, and one baby he didn't know about, and you made one of the last times you saw each other. Not to mention you now practically lived with the man he can't stand, who is also the one your baby daughter knows as the man in her life. The one to calm her down when she cries, and first one to see her. What did you say in situations like these?

"Alicia... long time..." he answered as he nodded. She was relieved he made no motion to hug her or give her a kiss on the cheek. It would only make it more awkward, plus if Will saw them, she didn't want him to even start to speculate what was up with it. As he couldn't be further from the truth. She would much rather be back by his side than standing here not knowing what to say to the man she had spend close to two decades with.

"Yes... how have you been? Still loving the governor's office?" She asked, it was the best she could do, and from the puzzled look on his face she could see her professional question had surprised him a little and probably not in an all good way.

"Yes I do... you seem to be doing well, too..." He left the words "with Will" unspoken, but she knew they were hinted, she wasn't in the mood to take the bait though, as it would mean this would be dragged out longer, plus she spotted a blond woman with breasts almost spilling out of her dress approaching Will. And she preferred dealing with bimbos rather than conversations where she didn't know what to say to Peter.

"Yes I am... I am sorry Peter, I need to get back... I am glad to see you are well." She offered with a polite and gentle smile, one he returned with a nod.

"Of course, the gala, the cause it is a good idea..." He offered, and she nodded.

"Yes it is. I am glad Will came up with that one, and Diane agreed." She offered, not even thinking of what she was saying until she saw the surprised look on his face by the mentioning of Will.

"I... am... sorry I had assumed it might have been yours... the idea..." He mumbled, almost stumbling on the words.

"Oh... um no... it was all Will's... I didn't even know about it until it was already planned..." She explained, not sure if it was the right thing to do or not, but anything else would be a lie. Peter nodded.

"I see... well, still a good one..." He offered, and she could see he might very well be forcing himself to say those words. She nodded slowly.

"I better get back..." She said again, and with a nod and another smile, she moved away. As she went she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. First meeting with Peter post Cat was over, and she had managed to do it perfectly. She walked over to where Will was, the blond woman still trying to chat him up. Will was looking very uncomfortable. She also knew the only reason he hadn't left the woman was that she was a potential donor. But as she might just have screwed their chances of Peter donating she should also save Will form his own troubles. Alicia smiled at Will as she came over to his side.

"Here honey I got your drink." She told him smilingly as she pressed up closely to him. Her smile was an adoring one and the way she spoke was the way she used to speak to Peter while they were married and guests at similar events. Will looked like he almost choked on his tongue in surprise over how she suddenly acted. Alicia ignored it, and instead turned to the woman who looked at bit surprised and slightly pissed off.

"Hi, I am Alicia, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for entertaining Will while I was gone, it was soooo kind of you." She drew the so out just long enough to make a point, while still having her best fake smile in place. The woman looked even more pissed off by Alicia's explanation though, not that it was a surprise.

"Hi, am Kirsten, like the actress Kirsten Dunst you know?" She added with a fake smile of her own, while Alicia acknowledged that one as one of the most useless pieces of information of the night.

"He did not mention anything about being here with anyone." The woman tried instead. Alicia had to fight the desire to roll her eyes, while she heard Will mumble "Well maybe I would have if you ever gave me the time to say something." However instead of commenting on what he had mumbled Alicia focused again on the woman, while slipping her arm around Will's waist and pressing closer to him than the formal context actually allowed, but she did not really care. If it would make the woman leave them alone it would be worth it.

"Well he is, as you can see. I had just offered to get a drink for him, after all every man needs a woman to take care of him from time to time." The comment was a warning laced in sugar. She glanced up at Will who looked like he was close to choking in laughter. She really was playing the role of his obedient wife, something she and he both knew he would never ask of her, unlike Peter, where it had been expected for events like this.

Difference was there it had been an obligation, but she didn't mind as much doing it for Will. It actually felt nice, though it was just a show to scare Blondie or whatever her name was off.

The woman did not look pleased at all though, even less as Alicia reached up and gave Will a light peck on the cheek.

"Now will you excuse us, Will promised me a dance before." She said while pouting lightly and batting her eyelashes at him, leaning in close so she blond couldn't hear her next words. "Or would you rather I took you to the bathroom, and blew your mind?" those words made him choke on his drink for real his time. He coughed lightly, after he'd caught himself he turned towards her.

"Let's go dance..." Will told the women in a rush, and Alicia felt him quickly guide her away. She noticed how he placed his drink on a table as he guided her to the dance floor where he pulled her into his arms.

"So, I think you made you point to her." Will told Alicia while pulling her a bit closer against his warm chest.

"Good. Or do you want me to go back and apologize and say it was a mistake and you were very much interested in her?" She offered, looking up smilingly. She knew fully well it wasn't the case, but it still felt nice to tease him a little, and more as she knew he could take her jokes.

"You know just as well as I do that, if you did that it would be a lie. As I already told you tonight I don't care for anyone else beside you." He told her as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She smiled at him and nodded.

"I know Will and it kind of made me happy how little interest you showed in her and how you looked at me the moment I came over." She admitted and smiled at him. God, she wish she could kiss him now. Especially when he looked at her like this with those eyes so full of love.

"I am never going to cheat on you, Alicia, if that is what you fear. I would be a fool if I did that, and I don't want to lose you. I have already waited far too long to have you." He told her and she felt her heart skip a beat and her breath catch. His never ceasing ability to make her like that with a few words kept surprising her.

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
Anytime you whisper my name, you'll see

Will drew her closer as he started to guide her over the floor. She looked up at him a bit surprised at first, she had imagined they would be going for dancing cheek to cheek like most did, like Diane and Kurt were already doing. She hadn't imagined he would start to lead her like this. She tried to remember which of the ballroom dances it was he was guiding her into. She had learned some of them long ago, dancing with her dad as a little girl, mostly standing on his toes. With her father telling her about Three Step, turns and feathers and weaves. She had been a terrible student back then, and it had mostly been fun to stand on her father's toes. She had done better when Jackie had insisted she took up ballroom dancing in later years, because it would be embarrassing if she didn't know to dance correctly at balls. She had refused, but Peter had mentioned it might be smart as well, so in the end after one of many fights she had given in. It was years ago now though, and she still had an easy time mixing up the different dances. Foxtrot - the name came to her. It only made her wonder where Will had learned to dance like this.

Where every single promise I'll keep
Cause what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most
What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they're done

The song was a romantic ballad, and the words actually made her eyes a little misty. Not the least because they fitted completely on Will. On how he was with her and had always been. He hadn't left her when she had needed him the most. He never would do that to her. He had stayed by her side even when she was pregnant with another man's child, he hadn't pushed, just been the friend and support she needed.

When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

She knew those words he told her of his feelings for her were true, that they came from his heart. And the same was the case for her. She loved him, at this point she wasn't even sure there had ever been a time when she wasn't just a little bit in love with Will Gardner, maybe years ago in her marriage to Peter. However it could just as well be that she had buried and forgotten the feelings and fire Will had burning in her heart. She often wondered how things would have looked like if she back when she was 22 and naïve had been more brave, more sure of how to read the language of Will Gardner's eyes. Because if she had, she would back then have known he loved her. That her feelings for him weren't as one sided or unrequited as she imagined. As she tricked herself into thinking. And if she had known that it would maybe have been very different. It maybe wouldn't only have lasted a week like she once told him, it wouldn't just have been life. It would been everything but that. Just like they weren't just life now. She felt like she was floating on cloud nine every day she spend with him. Just like he made her float across the floor now in the complicated dance.

And I know an angel was sent just for me
And I know I'm meant to be where I am
And I'm gonna be

Will led her in the dance. He was glad he had sisters, and his dad had been the type to insist his daughters learned ballroom dancing, and since it was harder finding boys for dance partners Will had been signed up as Sarah's so they only needed to find one for Aubrey. Will had after that been forced to train all the dances with Sarah and attend those classes as well as his other sports, he had made sure to beat one of the other boys up so much in basketball the one time he was teased with it that it was never mentioned at school again. However now he was sort of thankful, at 23 baseball had been enough to impress Alicia with. But now, now was another time and setting, one where his knowledge of the differences between quick step, tango and foxtrot came in handy. He guided Alicia over the floor in perfection, with the ease of a king.

Standing right beside her tonight
And I'm gonna be by your side
I would never leave when she needs me most
What are words
If you really don't mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they're only for good times
Then they're done

He couldn't remember a moment he hadn't wished for this. To for once be the one holding her hand floating across the floor with her. Two years ago it had broken his heart further seeing her dance with Peter after they came back from the police station. Like she hadn't done that enough already with her words only before. He knew he wasn't allowed to think like that. That she was allowed to dance with her husband as she pleased but it still hadn't made it any easier. Just like he was pretty sure Peter was anything but pleased now, with the glance he sent their way in the same moment. One of sadness, hurt and frustration but also understanding. Will felt himself straighten up a bit, showing he wasn't scared, not even of the governor's death-stare. How could be when he had Alicia in his arms and the other man would have to go back to his hotel or to Springfield alone. He couldn't blame him, Will had felt like that many times himself over the years having seen her with Peter at these kinds of events. After all running into her at galas and fundraisers had been the main reason he had for years tried to skip many of them, work was better than seeing her dance with Peter. But tonight he finally got to be the one leading her and dancing with her. And he was glad he knew the moves so he could make her proud there as well.

He could not remember if he had ever really danced with her like this before, but he was pretty sure he hadn't. He knew they had done some kind of dancing together while at Georgetown, but it was the dancing that was more considered grinding against each other than anything else. He tried to remember the last person he danced with like this but he wasn't sure. It might have been at Theresa's wedding a few years back. Sure, he had danced with Diane sometimes to celebrate and just for the fun of it. However leading Alicia across the floor was different, having her trust him completely to lead her correctly, that was different, but in a good way. He had always hated the dancing until this moment, probably from being forced to learn so he could dance with his sisters. However dancing with Alicia could very well become a new favorite activity of his. Actually everything that had to do with Alicia became a favorite of his, dancing, kissing, holding hands, even diaper changing were one of those as long as it was with Alicia and Cat.

When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

The words of the song rang through the air, describing just how he felt with Alicia. It was love he felt with her. He had been in love with her since the moment he saw her at that pool party where he acted like a fool, and she looked at him with distaste clearly under the impression that no such drunken cannonball making jerk was worth her time. He wasn't anyone special like the rest at the party, they were not worth her time and energy. And she had probably been right back then, maybe even now. She was smart, confident, sensual, warm, gentle. She was perfect. And he often wondered if she was an angel send to him rather than a woman. However he loved her, he loved her dearly and always had. He wanted her happy and shining. And he was happy when he was the one making her feel like that. The gala tonight really was one he had arranged as a thank you for his prayers having been heard, that the hospital and God had saved her and her baby-girl's life. Because a world where Alicia didn't breath any longer was nothing to him. He would gladly give up everything for her to be happy and live, dance and smile. His words of love when he told them to her were the most true emotions he had ever felt, and they lived on and on.

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
And I'm gonna be here forever more
Every single promise I'll keep
Cause what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

He had stayed by her side when she had told him she was expecting her little Cat, how could he have done anything else. She might not have been his girlfriend back then but she was still the woman he loved. And the one he cared about the most of anyone. He wouldn't turn his back on her in such a moment where she needed a friend and confident. Someone to depend on. She was his oldest friend and you helped friends. What person would he be if he hadn't been there for her like that.

I'm forever keeping my angel close

He lifted her up and swirled around with her as the last line sounded. It had her gasp in surprise. But she did hug him close as the song ended and he gently lowered her onto the floor again, starting to move slowly with her to the next song. This time dancing with her cheek to cheek. Her hand resting on his chest and he covered it with his lifting it to his lips and placing a kiss on the tips before holding it to his chest again. He swayed softly with her now. Just enjoying the feeling of holding her close like this. None of them noticed how the songs changed they just swayed together softly. Once in a while he led her in a waltz, or another foxtrot. By the end of the night he finished off with guiding her in a tango where he dipped her down at the end, something that had her laughing a lot.

The party was winding down at that point and he got her clutch bag and they started to leave together. They were almost out of the hallway when Sweeney caught up with them.

"Alicia... Wow you look, amazing... like a real little sex kitten. Rawww.." He made an animal face and claws at them. And Will pulled Alicia closer to his side as he felt Alicia stiffen up.

"Hello Mr. Sweeney." Will told him.

"Mr. Sweeney..." Alicia added. Sweeney looked from her to Will. And Will didn't like the smile forming on his face at all.

"I just wanted to give you this Alicia... I am sure Mr. Gardner here would enjoy it a lot..." Will stared at what he handed Alicia. It looked like the gift certificate on the spa weekend he had bought.

"Mr. Sweeney I can't accept this..." Alicia started to object.

"Of course you can. As I will have much greater pleasure imagine your naked body in the mud bath. And after getting a Brazilian wax. Leaving your skin glowing and your folds glistening. Raww so delicious. So much better than going there myself. And I am sure Mr. Gardner will agree..." he looked like a kitten with cream as he hurried away before Alicia could object more. Will looked after Sweeney as he walked away. A part of him was tempted to beat up Sweeney for the comments but he also knew he couldn't do that.

"Come on let's get home, before he decides he wants to gift you with anything else..." Will told her and guided her out.

They went back to her place. And only as they entered her bedroom he remembered her words earlier of untying her laces later. He suddenly felt a lot less tired and instead excited. She had looked amazing in the dress no matter how much he didn't like the other men looking at her greedily and hungrily it didn't matter that much when he got to be the one to bring her home now and the one to take this dress off her again.

"I guess we will be going away for an overnighter then..." She told him as she took off her jewelry and he felt confused.

"Huh? What? Why?" He asked not sure what she was talking about, even less when he had to watch her back as she unclasped her necklace.

"The spa weekend. It is for two persons. I don't like leaving Cat alone for that many hours but maybe in a few months we can do it..." She offered as she looked over her shoulder at him.

He found himself nodding. It sounded amazing. A long weekend with Alicia at a spa, just relaxing. That sounded like paradise. Even if it wouldn't be for a few months.

"I like that idea... us going away for a weekend..." He smiled at the thought as she came back over. He opened his arms and pulled her close so he could kiss her. And he did, a kiss that soon turned heated. He fumbled with her laces, but in the end made her turn her back to him. He untied her slowly as he kissed down her back and neck, the dress slowly falling away. With the dress off she undressed him, and soon after he was making slow love to her on her bed, while whispering how he loved her over and over while she came apart. This was everything to him. She was his everything.

So I know it was a few days late but I hope this very long chapter made up for it... also if anyone has ideas for future chapters please let me know... ;-) And i really hope you liked this Sabby :D