A/N: I'm finally updating! Yay! :) I'm really sorry for the wait.

Some people have been reviewing and have been getting pretty bitchy with me because I haven't updated in like, over a month. I know it sucks waiting and I don't blame you for getting a little frustrated, but you don't need to tell me to quit making stories if I'm not going to update.

I'm a 16 year old girl who's a junior/Grade 11 student in high school. I have a part time job, a social life, I'm taking Biology, Chemistry, History, and Applied Math this semester which is a very heavy workload, I have two extra credit courses I'm taking at the same time, and I volunteer in my community. I don't have time to sit on my computer 24/7 to write new chapters, unfortunately. You guys that are under the age of twelve will NOT understand when I say that I'm extremely busy because you are not in high school yet. It sucks and you have to work your ASS off if you have any desire to graduate, and trust me when I say, that you cannot get a job without a high school diploma these days. At least where I'm from, you can't. I don't appreciate the rude comments coming my way, I'm really trying my best and if you can't accept that I sometimes take a long time to update and if you can't respect my life, then stop reading my stories. It's as simple as that.

I'm not trying to be rude, I've just had enough of the negativity. I try so hard, and thank you to those of you who support me and continue to stick with me.

But nonetheless, please enjoy :)

Disclaimer: don't own A&A.

Ally POV

I was trying to make myself a smoothie while I entertained Maci with my foot. Yes, my foot; I would move it around occasionally and she would try and grab it. Kind of like a cat with a laser. I don't know why she found it fun, but she was always entertained when I did it.

"Ally!" I heard Austin yell from the basement.

"What?" I yelled back.

"I turned your white shirt pink by accident."

"Austin!" I screeched. "The one with the jewels around the neckline?"

"Uh…yeah…yeah, that's the one."

"How did you turn it pink?"

"There was a red sock in the white load!"

"Austin, how long have you been doing laundry? It's not rocket science!"

"I'll buy you a new one," he called. "Sorry, babe!"

I grumbled and turned the blender on. He came up a few minutes later with a basket of white laundry. And my now pink shirt was sitting on top.

I grabbed it from the top with my good arm. "I'm mad at you now."

"Awe, come on, it was an accident," he pouted. He set the laundry basket down on the dining room table and came over to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. "How can I ever make you forgive me, my lady?" He started kissing my neck.

"Oh, go fold laundry," I grinned, ducking out of his reach.

He smiled and bent to scoop up Maci from the ground. "Hey, pretty lady. Come help daddy with the clothes."

"So what time are we leaving for dinner tonight?" I asked my boyfriend.

"Our reservations are for eight," he replied. He handed a shirt to Maci to "fold", but she just threw it on the table. "Right on, Mace."

"My mom said it was okay that she watches Maci for us," I told him. "So that gives us a couple of hours before she gets here." My mom and I had been getting along better, ever since Jesse and I somewhat forgave her for keeping it a secret so long that we were siblings. Jesse was still a little bit hesitant, and I didn't blame him. But still, even though she was a mother to both of us, she had raised me for eighteen years; I couldn't stay mad at her.

"Sweet," Austin said.

While he finished folding laundry with Maci, I went upstairs to use the washroom and then clean our room. My clothes were strung all over the place. Just as I was picking up a shirt from the ground, I heard Austin shout and then let out a string of expletives.

"Austin?" I called worriedly, hurrying out the door. "What's wrong?"

I ran into the kitchen to find Austin leaning against the counter, clutching his wrist. Maci was standing by the stool, clutching it and looking up at him.

I went over to him. "What the heck happened to you?"

"Maci threw a shirt on the ground, and I slipped on it and landed on my wrist," He said. He was clenching his teeth.

"Jesus, Austin," I said. "Here, let me see it."

He slowly let go of it and since one of my arms was in a sling, he helped me hold it steady. I peered closely at it. "It doesn't look swollen."

"Yet," he said. "I don't think it's broken though; it's probably just sprained."

"I'll get you some ice," I said, opening the freezer door. I handed an ice pack wrapped in a towel to him. "Here. Keep it on there for a while to prevent most of the swelling."

"Thanks, Als," he said. He leaned over and planted a kiss on my forehead. "What would I do without you?"

"Crash and burn," I teased.

"Yeah, probably," he smiled back.

"Okay, Mace, looks like you have two gimps for parents. So you're walking for a while," I told her.

"Okay!" she said happily. "I like walking!"

"Good, because that's what you're going to be doing," Austin said.

"Maybe we should take you to the hospital," I suggested. "I mean, it doesn't look bad, but you never know."

"Nah, I'm tough. It doesn't hurt enough to be a break," he said.

"But you made me go to the hospital with my ankle!"

"That's because that was a break, Als," he said. "I'm seriously okay."

We glared at each other for a moment before I cracked. "Ugh, fine. But I'll be keeping an eye on that."

"Deal."

I took Maci's hand and walked with her into the living room to watch a movie so she would hopefully fall asleep before my mom got to our place. "Are you coming?" I called to Austin.

"Right behind you," he said, following us. He sat down with Maci while I put her favourite movie, Barbie: Fairytopia, in the DVD player.

"Alright, Mace, if this doesn't put you to sleep eventually, I don't know what will," I said as I walked back to my favourite goofballs. I sat down and cuddled into the crook of Austin's arm. Maci was bundled up in a blanket on his lap.

"One big happy family," Austin mumbled into my hair, and I grinned.

"Happy, yet crippled," I added.

"Barbie!" Maci said cheerfully from Austin's lap. She started clapping her little pudgy hands.

Austin kissed her little head. "Barbie is the best, isn't she, Maci?"

"Right, daddy," Maci replied.

Maci ended up falling asleep half way through the movie, so I was about to get up and stop it before Austin grabbed my arm. I yelped. "Ouch!"

He quickly let go. "Oh my god, sorry, sorry, sorry! Wrong arm. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I said, rolling my shoulder a bit. "What's wrong?"

"Don't stop the movie; I want to finish it."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. But you have to take Maci to bed first; I can't carry her upstairs."

"Neither can I."

I sighed and looked around. "Well, I guess she'll have to sleep on the couch until my mom gets here."

Austin slowly slid out from under Maci and laid her properly on the couch before bundling her up again with her blanket. "Sweet dreams, princess."

Shortly after, my mom arrived. I went to answer the door. "Hey, mom."

"Hi, honey," she replied. "How are you?"

"I'm okay. Arm's a bit sore, but other than that, I'm good."

"Good," she smiled.

Austin came into the kitchen area, and my mom put her hands on her hips. "Now what the hell happened to you?"

"I slipped on a shirt," he replied.

My mom shook her head. "I never know with you two. So I'm assuming Maci is sleeping but neither of you can take her upstairs?"

"Damn, you're good," Austin said. "She's on the couch."

"I'll go take her up. You guys go get ready." My mom patted my boyfriend's shoulder before leaving the room.

I turned to Austin. "You heard the woman. Let's go."

It turned out to be quite the task trying to find an outfit to wear. I was sitting in our walk-in closet, holding a couple different outfits. "What should I wear? A dress? Or a skirt? Nice jeans and a top?"

"Ally, I really don't care. You look fine in anything. Just pick something," Austin said from our bedroom.

I sighed and poked my head out of the closet. "You're no help at all."

He looked up from his phone. "I'm trying. Seriously, pick whatever you want." He was dressed in jeans, a black dress shirt with the top buttons undone so his chains showed better, and purple high tops. He even managed to do his hair nice with a gimp wrist.

I finally decided on my nicest black skinny jeans, a silver sequined tank top, and black high heels.

I took my sling off. It wasn't hard to change by myself, but I had to do it slowly. Ten minutes later, I was dressed, so I walked out into the room.

Austin looked up again. "See? You look beautiful."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"Here, I'll put your sling back on," he said, setting his phone aside on the bed.

"You know what?" I threw it down on the bedside table. "I don't need it."

"Are you sure?" Austin hesitated.

"Yeah. I need to start moving it around again," I replied. "But can you zip the back of my shirt up?"

"Gladly," he smirked seductively as I turned around. Just because it was Austin, he ran his good hand up my bare back as he zipped the shirt up, making me shudder.

"I hate you," I told him, which only made him laugh.

I curled my hair loosely since I couldn't move my arm around too much and did my makeup simple.

"I like your hair like that," Austin said.

"Thanks," I smiled.

He checked his watch. "Come on, we've got to be there soon." He grabbed my good hand with his good hand (that sounded funny just saying that), and we went downstairs to where my mom was reading the paper at the table.

"Maci still asleep?" I asked.

She looked up. "Wow, you two cleaned up nice. Yes, she's out like a light."

"We shouldn't be gone too long," Austin said, grabbing his jacket. My mom helped him put it on, almost like a little kid needing his mommy's help. Except he wasn't exactly little; my mom was only slightly taller than me, so he towered over her, too.

"Thanks, Penny," he said gratefully.

She smiled and pat his arm. "No problem, dear. Now come on, Ally, your turn."

When we were all ready to go, she gave us both careful hugs. "Have fun and drive safe. Oh, and don't call," she added, looking at me especially. "Maci will be just fine."

"I won't," I sighed.

She pulled back from hugging me and took us both in with her finger on her chin. "Hmm. Maybe I should take Maci for a couple of days," she said. "You guys can't function."

"It's okay, Mom," I told her. "We'll manage."

"I'll be fine in a couple of days, it's just a sprain," Austin told her.

"Alright, if you say so. But you two better go."

"We'll see you later," I said.

In the SUV, Austin spoke. "Man, I'm so looking forward to having lobster."

"Stop, you're making my mouth water just thinking about it."

He grinned. "Lobster, lobster, lobster, lobster-"

"Austin, stop!" I giggled.

"Sorry," he said. "Okay, let's go."

The restaurant was packed when we got there, so I was happy we had made reservations. If you didn't make reservations there, you were basically screwed.

"My lady," Austin said, holding his good hand out to me to help me out.

"Why thank you, good sir," I smiled. "Lead the way."

"Name?" the guy at the front desk said without looking up from his computer. He looked pretty bored, which meant he was probably one of those people whose parents made them get a job to get them out of the house. He looked to be about eighteen. He glanced up and his eyes widened a bit. "Oh, Austin Moon, and Ally Dawson. Your table is ready; Rachel will show you to it."

A girl that was grinning bigger than ever came up beside us with two menus and said, "Follow me!" she piped.

I spoke quietly to Austin. "Why can't we ever catch a break with super bubbly waitresses?"

"You're super bubbly," he pointed out.

"Good point. Wow, do I sound like that a lot?"

"Uh, yeah."

"I am so sorry."

"It's okay; I've had to deal with it for six years, so I'm used to it."

I lightly hit his arm. "Shut up."

He grinned and took my hand as Rachel led us outside to a secluded table. It was looking over the beach, and we were in complete privacy.

"We figured you both would want privacy," she said cheerfully as we sat down. "Hope this is okay."

"It's perfect, thanks," Austin told her.

She grinned. "Can I get you guys anything to drink to start?"

"I'm good with a water," I said.

"Same," Austin said. "Thanks."

"You're most welcome! I'll be back soon to take your order!"

When she was gone, Austin spoke up as we went through out menus. "Finally we're alone."

"At least it's nice out tonight," I spoke.

"We live in Miami. It's always nice."

"It's December."

"Speaking of December, what do you want for Christmas? It's only a few weeks away," Austin said.

I shrugged. "I don't know, actually. What do you want?"

"I have no idea," he admitted.

"It's kind of weird. Now that we're older, it's hard to think of what we want."

"We already have a lot," he said. "As selfish as that sounded."

Rachel came back and took our orders before skipping off again. While we waited, we made small talk and I tried to think of the last time we did anything together just by ourselves. It was a really nice getaway from everything.

"That lobster was amazing," Austin said for the fourth time. We were lying on a hill that overlooked the beach after we had paid for our meal. I had my head on his chest so we were lying in the same of a T.

I smiled. "I got that."

"You need to learn how to make lobster like that," he told me.

I scoffed. "You can learn yourself!"

"But I can't," he whined. "I'm not that good of a cook."

"You liar, you are so. You're better than me."

"I know, it didn't sound right saying it either."

I just smiled and shook my head.

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I felt Austin shift under me. "So, I kind of have something to tell you."

"Is it bad?" I asked.

"That depends."

That got my attention. I sat up and looked at him properly. "What's wrong, Austin?"

He stood up and held out his hand to me. I took it without even thinking, and didn't realize until I was already standing. "Wait a minute. You just used your bad hand to help me up." I paused. "You dirty little liar. Your wrist is fine!"

"I had to think of some excuse to make it look like we actually did need to come out for dinner tonight because neither of us could make anything," he told me. "It was just a little white lie."

"Why would you lie to me?"

He looked at me for a few seconds before he took a deep breath and took my hands. "Because I have to tell you this: Ally, you're the most important person in my life and we've been through everything together. We survived jealousy, and we survived being teen parents, and I can't even describe how much you mean to me because it wouldn't be enough." His voice cracked with emotion but he pushed on. "The day I walked into your dad's store six years ago was the best day of my life and you've literally made me who I am today. I couldn't have done any of it without you and I still can't."

"Austin," I said, tearing up.

He placed his hands on either side of my face, and I could tell he was on the verge of crying. I mean, I was, too. He continued. "You're the mother of my baby, and you're the best damn mother to our little girl. I knew from the moment we first kissed behind stage at your mom's book signing that I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life. And I still do."

Oh. My. Freaking. God.

He got down on one knee and popped open a ring case and I threw my hand over my mouth as I looked down at him. "Allyson Dawson, will you make me the happiest guy alive and marry me?"

I started crying happy tears and nodded my head. "Yes, yes, yes, a million times yes. Of course I'll marry you, you idiot!"

Austin smiled so wide and slid the ring on my finger before he stood up and kissed me hard. God, I loved this boy so much, it hurt.

"I love you," he smiled when we broke apart.

"I love you, too, Austin," I giggled. "You know what this means now, don't you?"

"What?"

"Our friends are going to start planning our wedding as soon as possible."

He burst out laughing. "Tell me about it."

"At least I've got my boyfriend to help me deal with it," I said. "Whoops. I mean fiancé."

"Fiancé; it's got a nice ring to it," Austin smiled before bending to kiss me again.

"I can't believe I didn't figure out what you were planning," I said. "And my mom?"

"She was in on it the whole time," Austin told me. "And that day I went shopping with Dez and Jace? I went for the ring."

"Damn, I didn't know you could be so sly," I said, shaking my head. I admired the ring on my finger, and wiggled my hand in front of him. "Come on, fiancé, let's go tell everyone."

A/N: There's the long awaited proposal! I hope it wasn't too cheesy, but I like cheesy :)

Joelle xx

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