Thank you all so much for all the positive feedback I have gotten on this story. I'm extremely flattered and shocked that so many of you enjoyed it. Sorry it took forever to update…been busy with work and life and haven't had much time to update, but now here it is…hope you enjoy.

It was the next morning when Lexie woke up in the apartment and the bed that has once been all too familiar to her. She slowly opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. When she rolled over, the space next to her was empty. At first she began to wonder, was this a mistake? How could he just up and leave? All her thoughts were soon relieved when she found a note on the bedside table.

Lex-

Had to go in early for a surgery. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. Make yourself at home and I will see you later today.

Xoxo,

Mark

The note made her smile. Maybe she was too neurotic for her own good. She slowly made her way to the kitchen and put a bagel in the toaster before pouring herself a glass of orange juice. It was quiet and Lexie kind of liked it that way. It gave her a chance to think. She could never do that at Meredith's with the constant revolving door of guests. But, of course, she couldn't be bitter. Meredith was there for her when Mark wasn't. After finishing her so-called breakfast, Lexie decided to tidy the place up. She might as well be of some use as long as she wasn't on call.

She cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed the floor, and alphabetized Mark's medical books. She had just finished Mark's laundry and began putting them away neatly in their proper places when she noticed something in Mark's sock drawer. It was small and anyone could have missed it but for Lexie, it couldn't have been bigger. A tiny, black velvet box sat snug in the corner of the drawer. Lexie thought to herself. Should she pick it up? Should she pretend she never saw it? Could she really do either? It felt like hours ticked by before, against her better judgement, Lexie picked up the small box and opened it to find the one thing she both expected and hoped she wouldn't find. It was gorgeous. Flawless. It took her breath away. It was then she realized she couldn't hide this from Mark. He would know. She slowly walked back to the living room and sat on the couch, placing the small box on the coffee table. And she waited.

3 hours later

Mark walked in the apartment and sighed with relief.

"You would not believe the day I had today. I am so exhausted. How was your day?" he said as he walked over to the couch where Lexie sat in silence.

"Lex, what's wrong?"

"I decided to help you out and your laundry since I know you don't really have the time and I found this" she said, picking up the box,"in your sock drawer."

"Oh. That." Mark responded.

"Oh? That's all you have to say is oh?" Lexie asked.

"Well, it's not the end of the world that you found it first. I would have rather have it be a surprise, but this is fine too." he said.

"Lexie I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." he continued as he proceeded to get down on one knee. "I know we have had our rough patches and some people may say that it means we shouldn't be with each other but I think of it as just making us stronger. I have never felt the way I feel when I am with you and I would give anything to have the chance to wake up with you every morning for the rest of my life."

"Mark-" Lexie tried.

"I'm not done yet." he said, cutting her off. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you so, I ask you, Lexie Grey, will you marry me?"

Lexie sighed, at a loss for words. A few moments of silence passed before Mark broke it again.

"Babe, this is the part where you answer." he laughed.

Lexie slowly nodded her head. "Yes. Yes, of course." She said, on the verge of tears.

Mark carefully placed the ring on Lexie's finger before kissing her like he never had before. It was official. They were moving forward and she had agreed to be his forever. They sat together on the couch, Lexie curled up next Mark resting her head on his chest.

"I'm sorry I found it and ruined the whole thing." Lexie said, looking up at him.

"Don't be." he answered. "This was perfect too. As long as I have you, it's perfect."

"Awww…it's like a Hallmark card." Lexie giggled.

"Shut up." Mark responded.

"Is your pride wounded? I promise I won't tell anybody." she teased.

"Better not. You are the only one who sees this side of me Little Grey." he told her.

"Thank you." she said.

"For what?" Mark asked, confused.

"For everything. I'm really happy right now and that is in large part because of you and I just don't think I thank you enough." Lexie said.

"Yeah well that goes both ways." Mark replied.

Mark and Lexie decided on Chinese for dinner and were watching a movie before Lexie fell asleep halfway through. Mark quietly turned the TV off and carefully picked Lexie up, carrying her into the bedroom. He gently placed her on her side of the bed and placed the covers over her before crawling in beside her. He looked over at Lexie, fast asleep and he knew that this was it. This is how he wanted to spend the rest of his nights, with Lexie right beside him. He never felt more safe or secure with any decision he had made, yet somehow he knew, Lexie was the one for him. And this time, it was forever.