Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Ugly Betty.
A/N: Hope you're ready for all the DettyLove in this chapter...I didn't realize how long it was until I put all the segments together...sorry this one was delayed a bit...I was making some edits. Please enjoy!
February 5, 2011
Daniel glanced back at his watch impatiently. He knew Betty was running late, but she wasn't ever this late. He glanced back into the restaurant, knowing if she didn't come soon they'd lose their lunch reservation. Daniel pulled out his phone, hitting her speed dial. He was halfway through her voice message when he spotted her walking toward him. He ended the call, smiling at her, then immediately realizing something was wrong when her smile failed to reach her eyes.
"Hey," Betty greeted him with a hug, making an attempt to avoid his eyes. Daniel leaned down to kiss her, but met her cheek instead. Had he done something wrong?
"Hey. What took you so long? I was getting worried," he rested his hand on the small of her back, leading her inside.
"Oh. I just umm...got caught up with something at work last minute," she hastily explained, sitting down at the table. Daniel eyed her carefully, sitting across from her. Had she been crying?
"Okay, I can tell something's bothering you...what is it?" he reached for her hands. Betty released a sigh, shaking her head slightly. She reached into her large purse, pulling out a magazine. On the cover in the left corner, a picture of Daniel following a tall brunette out of a restaurant with the caption,'Daniel Meade slips back into playboy habits'.
He picked the magazine up and frowned. "Betty, this is a picture of me and Gloria Borjon. The new EOC of Elle France...I told you about the dinner with her, remember?"
"I know who it is... everyone just makes such a big deal out of everything," she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, "Who cares what the stupid magazines say? You never read that garbage before, why start now?"
Betty shrugged, "I don't...I saw it on one of my coworkers' desks. I didn't know we'd become a topic of discussion at the office." It was Daniel's turn to sigh. He hadn't thought about how it might be affecting her. He'd been dealing with it his whole adult life...he barely paid attention anymore.
"Betty, I'm sorry. I'll make some phone calls and-"
"No. You don't have to do that," she shook her head, eyes focused on her hands.
"Why not?"
"I think...maybe it would be better if- if we weren't a couple anymore," tears had filled her brown depths.
"What?" his eyes searched hers. "I thought we were...I thought things were going good..." Daniel struggled to get his thoughts together.
"They are..." Betty wiped a lone tear away.
"Okay...so what's the problem?"
"Why do you want to be with me, Daniel? You can have anyone you want..." she motioned toward the cover of the magazine.
"Why would I want anyone else?" he questioned.
"Don't say things like that, Daniel..."
Confusion fell upon his features. "Don't say things like what? How I feel?" Her teary eyes found his across the table. He moved to the chair nearest her, putting an arm around her.
"If you really want to end things, just tell me. But... I'd like to know why."
"It's not anything you did, and it's not that I don't want to be with you, because I do. I just don't know if I'm cut out for this," she told him honestly. "All the attention, and the rumors...it's a lot to deal with."
He rested a hand on his chin, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know things are a little crazy right now, but please don't run away from this...from us."
Betty wiped away a tear before it had a chance to fall down her cheek. "That's the last thing I want..." she said softly.
"Betty, I think..." he paused, letting out a deep breath. "I know that I'm falling in love with you...and that scares the hell out of me. But not as much as the thought of being without you does," Daniel swallowed hard, feeling his pulse race. Where he'd found the courage to tell her that he'd never know. Maybe it was one of his better moments, because seconds later Betty said something that made his heart skip a beat.
"I'm scared too. And I don't wanna lose you, because..." her brown eyes left his momentarily, as did the flicker of uncertainty in them. "I love you, Daniel."
Daniel felt his mouth twisting upward in a smirk, as a feeling of happiness overwhelmed him. He didn't want to say much else, as the moment felt surreal to him. Betty clasped her hand tightly around his, and in a millisecond he realized he never wanted her to let go.
May 12, 2011
Betty slowly walked down the tastefully decorated hall of the swanky hotel, finally arriving at the room. Daniel had something up his sleeve, that was for sure.
She'd arrived from London a couple of hours ago, a Meade company car and a special note waiting for her when she arrived at JFK. He was being quite mysterious, and while she would normally try to guess what the surprise was, a long flight and ensuing jet-lag was preventing her from doing much thinking. She pulled out the small key, unlocking the door to a very large suite.
The door clicked behind her as she sat her purse down. Red rose petals began at the entryway, her eyes following them until they disappeared into an adjoining room. Betty smirked to herself, walking into the other room.
"Good evening." Daniel greeted her, grinning widely.
"Evening," she replied as she strode toward him, his intense blue eyes never leaving hers. His arms surrounded her small frame as he kissed her tenderly. They slightly pulled apart, a light blush evident on her cheeks. She smiled at the table set for two, the smell of freshly prepared salmon filling her senses.
"Daniel, this is absolutely amazing...it's so romantic. You've really outdone yourself this time. What's the occasion?" Betty's fingers lightly grazed the cotton of his new polo shirt.
Daniel grinned, "we're celebrating you. And your homecoming." She giggled, watching him pour her favorite rose wine into glasses sitting on the small table.
"Homecoming? Daniel, I was only gone for a few weeks. I wasn't on a mission or anything."
"I know," he turned back to her, handing her the flute. "But I can't remember the last time, if any, that we spent so much time apart. Twenty-three days is a long time without seeing you. Felt like I was six and waiting for Christmas to come again." Betty smiled, sitting her drink down and lacing her arms around his neck.
"Aww...well when you put it like that, it does seem a bit unbearable. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon," she promised.
"Good...don't think I could handle it otherwise," he leaned his forehead against hers, admiring her eyes in the dimly lit room. "I missed you so much," he says in a breathy voice as his hands glide down her curves.
"I missed you too," she tells him as she feels his lips graze her neck. Her eyes close involuntarily, relishing the nearness of him. She'd missed his lips...he was a master at the craft of using them. She wrapped her arms completely around him, pulling him as close as possible. Their lips enjoy a brief but passionate reunion, interrupted by Daniel pulling away.
"You're so beautiful," she heard him say, but was becoming more and more distracted by his soft kisses. Fresh goosebumps covered her skin as she tiptoed to taste his lips again. Betty moaned slightly as his hands found their way under her shirt.
"Make love to me..." she whispered her request in his ear, leaving soft trails down the nape of his neck.
Daniel cupped his hands around her face, noticing a hint of seductiveness in her gaze. His thumb touched her lips before he hungrily covered them with his own.
Dinner could wait.
October 4th 2011
Betty stood on the balcony adjacent to Daniel's office, the light breeze sending a shiver up her spine. She heard someone behind her, the familiar pattern of his footsteps eased her immediately.
"There you are," she heard Daniel say. She turned, grinning as he strode toward her. He took his light jacket off, placing it over her shoulders and rubbing them. Daniel grinned at how small she looked wearing it.
"What are you doing out here? It's almost time to go," he told her.
"I know. I just wanted to step outside for a bit," she replied, the faint smell of his cologne surrounding her as she snuggled into the jacket.
"What were you thinking about? You looked deep in thought," he wondered, gazing into her eyes. That had become one of his favorite pastimes.
"Everything. Us...how far we've come...the journey that's about to begin," Betty wrapped her arms around his neck, the modest-size diamond on her left ring finger catching the city lights ever so slightly.
"We have come a long way, haven't we?" he started feeling nostalgic. She nodded, absently adjusting his tie.
"Yep...and we're going to make each other ridiculously happy," she smirked up at him, making him chuckle.
"I agree. Now let's get out of here...the car's waiting. We don't wanna be late for our own engagement party," Daniel released her, taking her hand in his.
"I'm sure they'd understand..." Betty gave his hand a tug, pulling him back to her without much effort. He smiled down at her, their lips uniting in a series of passionate kisses. She pulled away reluctantly, wiping a trace of lipstick off his mouth.
"Such a naughty girl," he admonished playfully, taking her hand again and leading her off the balcony.
"I'm just gonna have to teach you a lesson later..." he mockingly warned her, the blush on her cheeks and huge grin saying more than words ever could.
January 28, 2012
He turned around, letting out a ragged breath. There she was, the woman of his dreams. She stood at the end of many rows of white chairs, all decorated with colorful bows.
She looked angelic, the light ocean breeze blowing through her long dark locks, making the silk chiffon dress and veil float seamlessly through the air. With Ignacio on her arm, she glided toward him wearing a radiant smile.
In the back of his mind he registered that a song was playing. 'You and I' by Stevie Wonder...she had donned it their song. It was now more than ever.
The angelic figure finally made it to him after what felt like an eternity. Daniel took Betty's hand after Ignacio gave her away.
The breeze blew again, and Betty put a hand to his cheek. It was only then did he sense the moisture of fresh tears on his face. She was crying too.
"God, you look amazing," he told her, and they both smiled through their happy tears."I love you," Betty whispered.
"I love you too, Betty," he told her, his heart swelling with the undeniable feeling of contentment. They held on to the others hand, turning toward the minister.
"We are gathered here today to join Daniel Bradford Meade and Beatriz Rosalyn Suarez in holy matrimony..."
June 9, 2012
Betty paced the wooden floor of their loft, periodically glancing at the timer on the bathroom sink. It felt like the longest three minutes of her life.
"You know doing that won't make time move any faster," Daniel told her, sitting on the edge of the couch.
"I know, I know," she sighed, unclasping her hands, "I just want to find out already," her brown eyes looked at him impatiently. He grinned, pulling her over to him.
"Me too." Daniel wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck. DING! Betty jumped out of his embrace, biting her lip.
"Do you want me to do it?" he glanced down at his small wife, an uncertain look on her face. She swallowed hard and nodded, watching him walk into the bathroom. He picked up the two small sticks they had used, just in case one didn't work. His back was to her, so she couldn't decipher any emotions on his face.
"What does it say?" she walked closer, trying to glance around him. He turned around calmly, placing them back on the sink.
"I hope you're ready to paint the guest room," a smile broke his cool demeanor.
"What?" she let out a gasp, clinging to his dress shirt.
"We're pregnant, Mrs. Meade," he let out a chuckle at the look of disbelief in her eyes, then absolute happiness.
"Oh my gosh!" Betty squealed in delight, jumping into his arms. He picked her up, kissing her gently. "I can't believe it! We're gonna be parents," her eyes had filled with tears.
"I can believe it," Daniel said with a mischievous glint in his eye. He brought her feet to the ground as she lightly swatted his arm.
"What? I'm surprised I didn't get you pregnant on the honeymoon," they both laughed at this, enclosing their arms around each other. His expression turned serious. They gazed into each others eyes for a few moments, both imagining what the baby would look like.
"If it's a girl, I think she'll have your eyes," he leaned his forehead against hers. She giggled, "and if it's a boy, I'm sure he'll inherit the classic Meade grin. And charm of course."
"Oh of course," he replied. "This means no more running around at your office," Daniel told her, getting an eye roll in response. "Don't give me that look, you need to take it easy. In fact, why don't you take maternity leave now?"
Betty smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine, honey. I promise I won't do as much, okay?"
"Okay. Good," he seemed satisfied with her answer, hearing her let out a sigh.
"I'm so happy, Daniel," she tiptoed to meet his lips. "Me too," he grinned, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
February 20, 2013
Betty held the small being close to her chest, the tight reflex grip of her tiny fingers around one of Betty's unwavering. The baby let out a big yawn, eyes still tightly closed. Betty rocked gingerly in the corner of the modest room, wondering what she was dreaming about.
Daniel leaned against the doorway of the room, watching the two with a small smile on his face. Betty glanced up when he took a step toward them.
"Why aren't you in bed? You have work in a few hours," she wondered.
He shrugged, "I felt you get up. Couldn't sleep. She's out again, huh?" Daniel asked, standing beside his wife and admiring the tiny creature in her arms.
"Here, I'll lay her down," Daniel bent down, as Betty securely placed her in his arms. She shifted slightly in her peaceful sleep and he smiled. He still couldn't believe he was a father, that he had a part in making something so beautiful. He heard Betty yawn and carefully placed the baby in the bassinet.
"She's so amazing. Little Isabella Rose..." Daniel began, letting out a deep sigh, "you know...it's crazy how much the heart is capable of loving. When I finally realized how I felt about you, I didn't think it was possible to love someone that much...because I love you with everything I have, with all that's inside me. But I was wrong...Isabella makes my heart feel even more full of love. I can't describe it," he looked back over at his tired wife, fresh tears rimming his blue eyes.
She'd stood up, standing beside him and placing a hand on his back. "Trust me. I know exactly how you feel," Betty reassured him.
He turned completely toward her then, kissing her forehead gently and pulling her close. "I'm so exhausted, but I wouldn't trade places with anyone else in the world right now," he heard Betty mumble into his shirt, eliciting a soft chuckle from the man holding her.
Daniel closed his eyes, resting his head on hers. "I know exactly how you feel."
December 25, 2014
Daniel woke with a start, glancing at the alarm clock. 6:34. He rolled his eyes and collapsed back onto the Egyptian cotton, feeling Betty shift beside him.
Then he heard the noise again, a strange cackling noise coming from the baby monitor perched beside the alarm clock. He glanced to his right, noting Betty had become really great at faking sleep or she really was that tired. His money was on the latter.
He sat upright, sliding his feet into the bare slippers by the bed and taking the monitor with him down the hall. He peeked in on Isabella, sleeping soundly with her favorite stuffed animal under her arm, light brown tendrils a mess on the pillow.
Daniel then wondered across the hall to see what was eliciting the noise. He glanced down into the crib, laughing quietly to himself. It seemed as if his four month old twin boys had nothing better to do than giggle at each other.
Daniel turned on the mobile, hoping the soft melody would lull them back to sleep for at least 45 minutes.
"You guys are a trip," he told them, eliciting smiles from both. "Please go back to sleep," Daniel whispered, tiptoeing out of their room. He climbed back into bed, resting his arms around Betty's sleeping form.
"You know Brendan and Dillon are still awake right?" he heard her mumble.
"I knew you weren't sleep," he gazed down at her, his eyes adjusting to the dark.
"I almost was," she turned her body so she was facing him.
"Almost doesn't count, sweetheart," he grinned.
"This just means we get to start Christmas off right," she told him mischievously.
"I'm all yours, Mrs. Meade," he kissed her, hearing her giggle.
March 2, 2015
"So what is this big news, Daniel? Exactly what are we toasting to tonight? You sounded like you could barely contain yourself on the phone," Betty grinned, watching the bubbly liquid climb to the top of her glass.
"Your husband is officially the CEO of Meade Publications. The board voted on it today," he smiled down at her. She clasped her hands together, letting out a big squeal and wrapping her arms around him.
"Oh honey, I'm so happy. You've worked so hard for this..." she pulled away, admiring him. "I'm so proud of you."
Daniel leaned into her, kissing her gently. "I couldn't have done it without you, Betty," he looked down at his wife adoringly. She rewarded him with a radiant smile and kissed him once more.
November 30, 2016
Betty tapped lightly on Daniel's office door, his head turning away from the computer. He smiled at her, standing from his desk.
"Hey sweetie...I was just finishing some stuff up," Daniel got closer to her, placing his hands on her shoulders when he noticed something was up.
"What's the matter, baby?" he asked Betty, tilting her chin upward to meet his eyes. She looked at him briefly, then averted her eyes back to his desk. She let out a sigh, stuffing her hands in her coat pockets.
"I think I'm pregnant," Betty told him quietly. Daniel raised both eyebrows uncertainly.
"You think you're...but you're on the-" he stammered, struggling to find his thoughts.
"I know. I took a pregnancy test yesterday...I didn't want you to worry. It was positive..."
Daniel nodded in understanding, the surprised look still etched on his features. "Wow..." the only words he could muster.
"My sentiments exactly. This couldn't have come at a better time," the sarcasm laced her voice perfectly. Betty had just been promoted senior editor a few months ago, and a baby wasn't in the equation. She still had two year old twin boys running around, and that already kept her on her toes.
A smile played at the corner of Daniel's lips. He stepped closer to the woman in front of him, touching her belly. "It's not the best time, but...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited," he grinned.
Betty rolled her eyes and smirked at him. "That's easy for you to say. You won't be carrying him or her," she placed her hands on her hips.
"I know. We'll work something out. Whatever we need to do...even if it means getting a live-in nanny for a few months after the baby is born," he suggested, getting a skeptical look in return.
"I don't want you to be stressed with work and the baby. And I'm not exactly a stay-at-home dad, so we do need to at least consider it."
"Okay. I'll think about it," she promised with a small smile. "Okay," he replied, letting out a light laugh. She looked at him puzzled, "what's so funny?"
"The fact that I thought it was mom's pot pie making you feel sick on Thanksgiving."
"Well..." she cringed mockingly, eliciting a laugh from him. He tickled her side, finally holding her in a tight embrace.
"So no more deep sighing and worried faces about the baby, alright? If this one is half as great as the others we made together, I'll still be the luckiest man on earth."
Betty smiled at this, allowing her lips to be encased by his in a warm kiss.
January 8, 2018
"Hey...you about ready to go?" Daniel called up to his wife. He glanced at his watch impatiently. The charity dinner started in thirty minutes...they really needed to get a move on.
"I guess," he heard her voice call. He knew that voice all too well. He ascended the steps, reaching their bedroom and finding her in front of her turned around once she saw him in the reflection, giving him a smile.
"That's the worst fake smile I've ever seen you give. What is it?" he wondered, seeing all the dresses she must've tried on splayed on the bed.
"Nothing...I just...I look so fat. I feel so fat. I couldn't even fit into the dress I wanted to," her hands glided down the sides of the navy blue form-fitting dress.
"Baby, you're not fat. You know that cute little thing that cries and poops and crawls around? Well that's our baby...you know the one you had in July?" Daniel wrapped his arms around her from behind. Betty shook her head, unable to stop from grinning. He could be so silly sometimes.
"Yeah, but that was six months ago...I should be back to my normal size by now," she pouted, turning sideways and studying herself some more.
"Betty, you know I think you're the most beautiful woman in this world. And I'm definitely not saying this because you're my wife, but that dress is hugging some of my favorite spots right now," he kissed her neck and she giggled.
"Okay. You know you're gonna make us late if you keep doing that," she smiled, moaning softly when his lips grazed the back of her neck.
"I know..." Daniel replied, looking at her seductively in the mirror.
"Come on, Meade," she faced him, giving his face a little tap. "We'll finish this later tonight," she promised, tugging on his belt with a sly grin. He groaned, reluctantly following her out of the room. "We'd better."
Hope there weren't too many corny moments in there, but I feel like Daniel and Betty would be one of those lovey-dovey couples, that's what made parts of this chapter so easy to write (I'm a romantic). Let me know what you think...next chapter coming soon!