AN: Well, I realized something a little while ago... Apparently I've got this "Twilight" theme going on with some of my characters: Baby Edward... Robert... I guess subconciously when I was naming them I had "Twilight" on the brain... or maybe I'm just excited for "Eclipse" coming out tomorrow night (yes, I will be at the midnight premiere, will you?)


"I think you should take this as well," Susan said, holding up a blue shirt. "And also maybe an extra jacket. It could get cold. Do you think you'll need more than four ties? Maybe another one…" Susan turned to the closet and began going through the clothes, the blue shirt she had held up now draped over her arm.

"Susan, I'll only be gone a couple weeks and most of that time I'll be traveling. I don't need to take my entire wardrobe," Robert laughed. Susan turned her head towards him and gave him a scrutinizing look before turning back to the closet.

"Do you have a heavier coat in here? Maybe you should take one just in case," she said, looking further into the closet.

"Susan!" Robert said loudly, continuing to laugh at her. He walked up behind her and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her away from the closet and turning her towards him. "You insane wonderful woman, I will only be gone two weeks!" He moved his hands from her shoulders to cup her face, kissing her gently. When he pulled back Susan smoothed the front of his shirt, keeping her eyes on the top button of it.

"I know, but I just want to make sure that you have enough. I want to make sure you're taken care of," she said bashfully. Robert nudged Susan's chin up and smiled down at her.

"And while I love that you want to take care of me, I would love it even more if you would just sit down and let me pack so I'm not sent off with enough clothing for all of America!" he teased. Susan wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest.

"I'm going to miss you," she said softly. Robert hugged her closely and dropped a kiss on top of her head.

"I'll miss you, too," he replied. The couple stood still for several long moments, their arms wrapped around each other, before Robert pulled away and gently pushed Susan towards his bed. "Now, sit yourself down and no more mothering! I have a mother downstairs for that and you have a son of your own to fuss over," he teased.


Susan awoke later in the middle of the night from a low creak in her room, her heart racing as she sat up in bed. Across the room was a blonde headed man standing over her son's crib. A glint from the knife he carried shone from the moonlight coming through the window. Susan suddenly felt heavier, the weight of her clothing pressing on her. She looked down and saw she was no longer wearing her normal nightgown but instead one that looked older, as though from a different time.

Like the one I wore that night at Anvard, she thought. Looking around the room she saw that she was no longer in her bedroom but was instead back in that very room where one of Lord Brin's henchmen had attempted to kill her.

"This is a dream," she whispered. The man turned to look at her, his face still twisted in an evil smile, and said, "No, it isn't, foolish queen."

Her eyes widened in fear before narrowing in anger. Glancing briefly at the door, she half expected Georgiana to burst in and throw another book at the man. Susan saw her bow and quiver of arrows lying next to her bed, the same place it had laid all those years ago. Looking back at the man angrily, she climbed out of bed, grabbed the bow and knocked an arrow. Pointing it at the man, she said in a low, steady voice, "I suggest you step away from there."

The man snorted and turned back to the crib, raising his knife in preparation to strike. Susan released the string of the bow, the arrow zooming through the room and striking the man in the throat. As the man fell to the ground, dead, Susan felt a wave of exhaustion overtake her. The bow clattered to the floor as she clasped the high poster of the bed, struggling not to fall over. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in hopes to right herself. When she opened her eyes, her room was back to normal as was she. The feeling of exhaustion was gone as suddenly as it had come over her. Straightening herself up, she crossed the room to where her son slept. The man she had shot was no longer there, the blood from his wound disappeared. She looked into the crib and saw Edward, sleeping soundly as though nothing had happened.

"I'm not going mad," Susan whispered to herself. Stepping closer to the crib, she felt something under her foot. She looked down and saw the stuffed lion on the floor. Susan bent and picked up the toy, her brow furrowing as she stared at it. Warmth began to fill the room, a familiar feeling Susan knew she had felt before. Glancing around the room, she saw that it was still, as it had been when she went to sleep.

"Aslan?" she whispered to the room.


The next morning Susan was in a daze, confused by the events from the night before. When she answered the door to see Robert, he frowned at her appearance, noting the dark circles under her eyes from a lack of sleep.

"What's wrong?" he asked as soon as he saw her.

"Nothing. I just didn't sleep well," Susan said softly. Robert stepped in the house and shut the door behind him. Taking Susan into his arms, he said, "Neither did I. I tossed and turned all night thinking of how I would love nothing more than to cancel my trip and stay here with you."

"You have to go," Susan said, giving him a small smile.

"Oh?" Robert asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"We already packed," Susan said sweetly. Robert chuckled and kissed her quickly.

"I can always unpack," he whispered as he pulled her closer, pressing his lips against hers again, this time kissing her deeper and slower. Susan pulled back and smiled.

"Come tell Edward goodbye," she said. Taking Robert's hand in hers she led him into the living room where Edward was lying on a blanket. Robert dropped Susan's hand and walked to the blanket, crouching to pick up the baby.

"Now, young man. I want you to be a good boy for your mother and take extra good care of her for me while I'm gone," he said to the baby. Edward looked at him, his blue eyes wide, and put his hand on Robert's mouth. Chuckling, Robert took the tiny hand and gave it a small kiss. Susan smiled wide as she stared at the perfect scene in front of her, the man she loved holding her son, both whom she loved more than life itself. Robert glanced towards her, laughing softly over the silly smile Susan wore. "Shall we be going?" he asked as he walked closer to her.

"It's getting to be that time," she replied, taking her son from him. "Let me go give him to Aunt Alberta and we'll be off."


"Did you want to drive?" Robert asked teasingly, peering at Susan from the corner of his eye.

"What? Oh, no," Susan said, coming out of her daze. They drove in the drizzly rain to the airport where Robert would catch his flight to America. Susan had agreed to see him off and drive his car back home while he was gone.

"Why are you so gloomy then?" he asked. Susan had been quiet the entire ride and sat still, staring at her hands in her lap.

"It's nothing," she whispered.

"Susan, you know I don't believe you," Robert said warningly. Susan's head jerked up, irritated from his tone.

"Well, that's really too bad, isn't it?" she spat, turning her head to stare out the window. Robert turned to her and glared. He pulled the car over and stopped. Susan pulled her gaze from the window to look at Robert and was met with an angry stare.

"What's wrong with you, Susan? Are you mad at me for leaving? Is this really how you want us to part for two weeks?" he asked angrily. Susan's face fell and she shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just have a lot on my mind," she said quietly, staring at her hands again. Robert reached over and placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"Then tell me what it is. Let me take some of your burdens," he said softly. Susan shook her head quickly.

"I can't tell you because I don't know what's really bothering me. It's just a feeling I have that something bad is going to happen."

"Susan, nothing bad is going to happen to you. Not if I can help it," Robert said firmly. Susan gave him a small smile.

"You're going to miss your flight," she said.

"Hang the flight. We're not going until you tell me you're alright," he said sternly.

"I'm alright, I promise. Let's go," she laughed. Giving her a final stare, Robert sighed and pulled away from the curb.

When they had reached the airport and Robert had parked the car in a large parking lot, the two stepped out of the car, hurrying to grab his bag and rush under a large umbrella inside. Once under the safety of the entryway, Robert lowered the umbrella and took Susan's hand, leading her inside. As Robert checked in for his flight at the main desk, Susan looked around at the busy airport. Travelers rushed to and fro from one terminal to the next while smartly dressed stewardesses and pilots wove in between the crowds, pulling small suitcases behind them. When Robert had finished checking in, he put his ticket in his coat pocket and grabbed Susan's hand again. He pulled her along with him, hurrying to his terminal, as she continued to observe others in the airport.

"Susan, will you come on?" he said impatiently as she slowed to let a man running pass her. Susan gave him a strange look as she hurried with him, forcing herself not to be distracted. When they reached Robert's terminal they entered and checked the flight time. "Ten minutes early! How about that?" Robert said, smiling down at Susan.

"Yes, so there really was no need to nearly pull my arm out of its socket, was there?" Susan grumbled as she rubbed her sore shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said, giving her a wide smile. They sat on the leather seats near the gate's door as they waited for the announcement to begin loading the airplane. Robert wrapped his arm around Susan's shoulders, rubbing her sore one, as they sat quietly. Several minutes later a stewardess wearing a navy suit stepped next to a desk near the gate and announced that the plane would be loading its passengers. Robert stood and grabbed his bag. Susan stood as well, a lump appearing in her throat.

"You don't have to go stand outside if you want, with it raining and all," Robert said. Susan looked beyond him out the window; the rain seemed to have stopped momentarily, though the sky remained a dull gray.

"It's not raining now. And I have my umbrella," she said, motioning to the large black umbrella she held.

"Well don't leave it behind again. I'm not running back in the rain to get it for you," he sternly teased. Susan laughed lightly and said, "Oh, yes you would. If I asked you." Robert chuckled.

"You're right. I probably would. I'd do just about anything if you asked," he said, pushing a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"This is the final boarding call," the stewardess announced behind them.

"Alright, I need to go," Robert said softly. Susan took his hand as they walked through the gate. She stopped on the wooden deck which overlooked the tarmac where the large silver plane sat. Robert turned to her and set his suitcase on the ground before drawing her close, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist.

"Stop looking so sad. I'll be back before you know it," he said, giving her a small smile.

"I know. And the sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be back," she replied. Robert laughed softly and leaned down to kiss her. When Susan felt his lips press against hers, a spark shot through her body, up and down her spine. She dropped her umbrella she still held and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him tighter against her and kissing him deeper. Around them sounded a few uncomfortable coughs but the noises were lost on their ears. When Susan finally pulled back, both were breathless, their hearts racing.

"Kiss me like that again and I'll never make a plane in my life," Robert muttered as he tried to control his breathing. Susan snickered and ran her hand up his chest.

"Well, then maybe I should kiss you like that more often," she said coyly. Robert's eyes smoldered, making them look like a stormy sea. He grabbed her wrist and pulled it away from him.

"Careful," he warned low as he smiled.

"Be safe over there," Susan said as she pulled away from his arms.

"I will. I'll miss you," he said.

"I'll miss you," she replied, the lump in her throat returning.

"Okay, I have to go," he said finally after a second of wistful staring. He leaned closer and gave her another quick kiss, this time on her forehead, before picking up his suitcase and turning to leave through the gate. As he handed his ticket to the attendant, he turned back to her and said loudly, "Don't forget that umbrella. I'm not buying you a new one if you do!"

Susan smiled as she bent down and picked up her forgotten umbrella. She walked to the railing of the deck and leaned against it, watching as Robert walked to his plane. When he had reached the stairs, he turned before climbing them and waved. Susan lifted her arm as well and waved back. She continued to stand on the deck as the plane's door closed and it began its takeoff. As the propellers began to turn, the rain started again, this time harder than it had been raining earlier. Susan quickly opened her umbrella as the other people who were on the deck began to run inside to avoid getting soaked from the rain. She watched as the plane drove down the tarmac, accelerating before taking flight. As it lifted to the sky, she gave a small wave to it, watching the plane until it was a tiny dot.

He'll be home soon. He'll be home soon. He'll be home soon, she repeated to herself as she turned to walk back to the gate's door.

The first week of Robert's trip crawled by slowly for Susan. She tried to stay busy, hoping that if her mind was focused on something she wouldn't miss him so badly. But as the week progressed she found herself missing him more and more, everything she did somehow not as fulfilling without him. Uncle Harold had offered her a position several months ago in his office, working a couple days a week; she filed paperwork, sent out his correspondences, and ran a few office errands for him. On those days she worked harder than usual; so much, in fact, that Uncle Harold stated that his office had never been tidier or well-run than it was that week.

The rain had continued non-stop, making the outside world dreary and miserable. That Friday, however, it finally let up, the sun breaking through the clouds mid-day. Susan decided to take Edward to the park for a walk since they had both been cooped up inside for days. As she pushed him through the park in his pram, she smiled at the dozens of others who had similar ideas; the park had more people in it today than Susan had ever seen. She walked to a bench and sat, pulling the pram close to her.

Edward was sitting, propped up with a pillow and a blanket that was tucked around him. He had only recently learned to sit on his own, but still needed some support most days. His lion, a constant companion, was in front of him, nestled in the blanket. Susan pulled a small bag from her purse and opened it, revealing several small biscuits Aunt Alberta had sent with her. She pulled one out of the bag and broke a small piece off and gave it to Edward, holding it to him as he gummed it. Popping the other half in her mouth, she grimaced as she chewed. Looking at her son, she noticed he was making a similar face. She pulled the biscuit away and laughed.

"These things taste like grass," she said cheerfully, wiping Edward's mouth with the corner of the blanket.

"Susan?" a woman called from behind her. Susan turned towards the familiar voice, her eyes widening when she saw who had called her name.

"Charity!" she said surprised.

"Oh, Susan! I thought it was you!" Charity said cheerfully as she sat next to Susan on the bench. "How are you?" Charity pulled Susan in a hug. Susan remained motionless for a second before returning the hug, feeling awkward as she patted her old friend's back.

"I'm doing well. How are you?" Susan asked politely.

"Oh, I'm alright. Is this the baby? Oh, Susan! He's beautiful! I was so sad when I heard you had him; I had wanted to come visit, but Mother insisted I didn't," Charity chattered. Susan inwardly rolled her eyes. I see nothing has changed, she thought sarcastically.

"Yes, your mother," Susan said. "How is she?"

"Mother's fine. She feels simply dreadful about what happened last summer," Charity said quickly.

"Well, you'll tell her I hold no ill will towards her, right?" Susan said kindly. As much reason as Susan had to dislike Mrs. Clayworth and Charity, she found that she really couldn't hold a grudge against them.

"Of course," Charity said softly, smiling timidly at Susan. "I, also, am very sorry. You were my best friend and you needed me and I turned my back on you. I'm so ashamed of that," she said.

"It's okay, Charity. All's forgiven," Susan smiled back.

"Thank you," Charity said, her smile widening. "Now, tell me all about your beautiful son!"

Susan spent the next week catching up with her old friend and was happy to find that, contrary to her initial belief, Charity had changed. After Susan's pregnancy was announced to their society and she was shunned by her former friends, Aunt Bernice had come to England and berated Charity for treating her best friend so dreadfully. Charity, true to her word, was ashamed of how she had behaved and decided that she wanted to change. She broken up with her fiancé Marcus, moved out of her parents' house and in with Aunt Bernice (who had, incidentally, moved back to London for a year) and attempted going to school at a local teachers' college. Susan also visited Aunt Bernice, who was thrilled to see her and her son and fawned over both of them. She was happy to reunite with her old friends and even happier that their reunion helped to make the week fly by.

Robert's flight was set to arrive at the end of the week on a Friday afternoon. The morning of his arrival, Susan anxiously moved through the house, unable to sit for longer than a few minutes at a time. Wanting to make sure she was perfect, she primped and styled for hours, changing her outfit several times before deciding on one. During the car ride with Mr. and Mrs. St. James, Susan found it hard to sit still, silently willing Mr. St. James to drive faster. While they waited at the airport for Robert's plane to arrive, Susan bounced on her feet, hoping her anxious movements would make the plane land and its passengers depart quicker. Her quick movements began to jostle Edward, whom she carried in her arms, so much that he began to fuss. Realizing her mistake, she forced herself to calm as she shushed him.

A stewardess stepped up to the desk in the terminal and announced that the plane had landed and the passengers would be departing soon. Susan and the St. Jameses hurried to the front so they could see when Robert walked in from the gate. Passengers began filing through the doors, some running to and hugging their loved ones. Susan's heart leapt when she saw Robert walk through the doors and quickly passed Edward to Mrs. St. James before running to him, ignoring a few grunts of displeasure from around her. When she reached him she threw herself into his arms, taking his head between her hands and kissing him deeply. Robert dropped his suitcase and buried his hands in her hair, kissing her back passionately.

When their kiss broke, Susan wrapped her arms around his neck as he moved his hands to her waist, pulling her tightly to him. "I love you," Susan whispered in his ear. Robert pulled back and looked down at her, his eyes mirroring her shining ones.

"Thank A- I love you, too," he said, leaning down to kiss her again, this time more gently but no less passionately. When they broke, Susan leaned her head against his chest, oblivious to the world around her.

"Kiss me like that again and I'll never let you near an airport," she said softly. Robert chuckled as he leaned down to pick up his dropped suitcase. Keeping his arm wrapped around her waist, he led her back to where his parents were standing with wide smiles on both their faces.

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm never letting you out of my sight again," he whispered.


Susan carried a sleeping Edward up the stairs to her room, her heart continuing to race as she thought of the kiss she and Robert had shared at the airport and the second one they had shared when he had dropped her off moments ago. She tried to slow her heart rate, worrying it would leap out of her chest if it went any faster, but their kiss continued to play over and over in her head, causing her heart to speed every time she thought of it. When she entered her room, she saw a large white box wrapped in a silver ribbon sitting on her bed. After placing Edward in his crib and covering him with a light blanket, she walked to her bed and inspected the box.

Placed on top of it was a small silver envelope, the same color as the ribbon. She picked it up and opened it, the contents revealing a small white card. In a familiar scratched handwriting she read:

My dear Susan,

Dinner reservations and a surprise tonight. Be ready by 8:00. Here is a little something so you'll know how to dress, since you've had so much difficulty in the past.

I love you,

Robert.

Susan smiled widely as she put the card back in its envelope and turning her attention to the box. She slid the ribbon off and tossed it aside before pulling the lid off the box. Under a layer of white tissue was a silver-blue fabric that made Susan ache to touch it. She lifted the fabric, which turned out to be a silk dress, the light causing it to shimmer. At the neck was gossamer fabric lined with tiny glittering crystals. Pulling the entire dress out of the box, she gasped as she inspected it further. It was full-length and slim, cut in the latest fashion, and as she held it to her, the dress flowed into a pool of silk. Walking to the full-length mirror that sat across the room, she stood in front of it, giddiness overtaking her as she continued to inspect the beautiful dress.

At promptly eight o'clock Robert knocked on the door. Uncle Harold opened it and welcomed Robert, shaking his hand as he ushered him inside. Aunt Alberta walked into the entryway as well carrying Edward.

"May I?" Robert asked, holding his arms out towards the baby.

"Of course! Just don't let him mess up your nice clothes," Aunt Alberta warned as she passed the baby to Robert.

"He'll be fine, won't you little man?" Robert asked the baby, letting him grasp his finger. "Now, where is that mother of yours? Is she still getting dressed? Have you let her become one of those silly women who don't understand the meaning of time?" Robert continued to tease, Uncle Harold and Aunt Alberta chuckling along with him, when Aunt Alberta suddenly gasped. Robert turned to where she was staring, his breath catching in his throat as Susan walked down the stairs.

The dress he had given her fit her frame perfectly, the folds of it falling in just the right places. Her dark hair had been swept up on top of her head, making her even taller. She wore no jewelry, the tiny crystals on the top of her dress adding sparkle to her, except a pair of tiny crystal earrings.

"I'll have you know that I'm most assuredly not one of those silly women who don't understand the meaning of time. It's not my fault you're early," Susan said. Robert smiled warmly at her and held out his hand as she came to the bottom of the stairs. Susan placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her down.

"You're right. I should have been more wary of the time," he agreed quietly.

"Hello, little prince," Susan cooed to her son, running her hand over his head lightly.

"Are you ready to go?" Robert asked, smiling at the sight of Susan and her son.

"I am," she replied. Susan placed a small kiss on her son's head before Robert handed him back to Aunt Alberta. "Don't wait up," Susan said to them as they walked to the door. Uncle Harold guffawed, causing Robert to blush over Susan's words.

"I won't have her out too late, she meant to say," Robert corrected, earning him a confused look from Susan. Aunt Alberta laughed merrily as she ushered them out the door.

"Go, have a good time," she called as the two walked down the walkway to the curb where Robert's car was parked.

They had been driving for a while when Susan looked out the window and realized the area they were in looked familiar.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To dinner," Robert said simply.

"I know that. But where?" she asked again.

"To this place I know," he answered, his voice giving away no hints.

"You aren't going to tell me?"

"I would rather show you. It's kind of a surprise," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting into a grin. They turned a corner and he said, "Okay, close your eyes."

"What? I'm not going to close my eyes. That's ridiculous," she argued.

"Susan, just do it," he sighed. Sighing as well and not wanting to ruin his fun, Susan did as he said. Robert slowed the car and parked.

"Okay, don't open them until I say so. I'm going to come open your door for you and help you out. No peeking!" he ordered firmly.

"Fine, fine. I'm not going to peek," she muttered. She heard his door open and close; a few seconds later her door opened and he grabbed her hand.

"Okay, step out. There's the curb. Careful, there's a bump," he directed her as they walked on the cobblestone path. "Alright, stop," he said suddenly, holding her shoulders.

"Why are we stopping?" she asked.

"Open your eyes," he said softly. Susan did as he said, gasping loudly when she saw where they were. They were standing in front of a house, a large white bow hanging on the door. It was the same door that Susan had walked through every day since she was four, the door that her mother had first carried Lucy through with Susan and her brothers bounding at her heels wanting to take a peek at their new baby sister, the door that she had last seen her brothers and sister walk through the night before the accident, and the door she thought had been closed to her forever almost a year ago.

"My house. What is this?" she whispered, her voice unable to talk any louder.

"Just that," Robert replied. "Your house."

"What?" Susan gasped, spinning around to look at him. He held up a small brass key, smiling widely at her.

"Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her up the walk. When they reached the door, he handed her the key. "Would you like to do the honors?" he asked. With a shaky hand, Susan unlocked the door and pushed it open. She stepped inside her home, her whole body trembling with happiness. Her eyes roamed the room, noting very little had changed, before they settled on Robert who was leaning against the door.

"How did you-" she began, her eyes filling with tears. Robert smiled and reached into his pocket, producing a handkerchief. He closed the distance between them and dabbed her eyes with the fabric.

"Oh, stop your mothering," she laughed tearfully, swatting his hand away. "How did you do this? I thought someone had bought it," she said as she wiped the rest of her tears away.

"Someone did. I did," he explained as he wrapped his arms around her.

"But how? Why?" she stuttered.

"I saw how much this house meant to you. I saw how much it pained you when you realized you couldn't afford to keep it and I knew what you felt about selling it, how you thought it would destroy the little bit of your family you had left. I knew you didn't love me then, but I had to do this for you, regardless of everything," he explained.

"But how could you afford it?" she asked. Robert laughed loudly before leaning down to her ear.

"I'll let you in on a little secret, love: I'm a very wealthy man," he whispered in her ear, his voice rich and rough. He kissed her behind her ear, making her knees go weak. She closed her eyes and allowed him to kiss down her neck to her collarbone before working his way up. He kissed her along her jaw line, slowly making his way to her lips. Just as his lips were brushing hers, she whispered, "I thought we were going to dinner."

Robert groaned and leaned his forehead against hers, his arms dropping from her waist. "You really know how to tease a man," he muttered before standing up straight. "We are going to dinner." He took her hand and pulled her gently towards the living room.

Susan breathed in awe of what she saw in the room. A roaring fire was going in the fireplace, making the room toasty warm, and set in front of it was a picnic of gleaming china and crystal.

"When did you have time to do all this?" Susan asked wondrously as they walked into the room.

"I have my ways," Robert said mysteriously. Susan rolled her eyes as she sat on the blanket spread on the ground. Robert knelt down next to her and unfolded a large white napkin, laying it in her lap. "Just in case, for the dress," he said. "And by the way, if I haven't already told you tonight, you look stunning," he added, kissing her on the forehead.

She smiled back at him and replied, "Thank you, and no, you haven't told me that tonight. You look wonderful, too." Robert smiled and turned to open a bottle of champagne that was chilled in a bucket, the pop of the cork making them both jump and then giggle. When he had poured them both a glass, he clinked his to hers and said, "Here's to us and wherever we go."

"To wherever we go," she replied, taking a sip of the fizzy drink.

An hour later the two sat leaning against an ottoman, Susan curled against Robert's side, his arm draped around her. The food and champagne, along with the warmth of the fire, had made them drowsy and comfortable. Susan smoothed her dress, the feeling of silk wonderful under her hand.

"This dress is unbelievable. I don't think I've loved a piece of clothing more," she said. Robert chuckled and said, "I'm glad to hear that because I have a trunk load of pieces of clothing just as nice as this. All in your size." Susan sat up eagerly, her eyes sparkling in excitement.

"Really? Are they for me?" she asked.

"I thought you could use some new things," he said as he ran his hand up and down her arm. "We signed a new designer while I was in America. He's new, but growing very popular. He gave me several pieces to bring back over here after I told him my girlfriend was interested in fashion and clothing," he explained.

"How exciting! I love new clothes!" Susan exclaimed, moving back into her spot against him.

"I have something else for you," Robert said, his voice sounding nervous.

"Robert, you're going to spoil me with all your gifts," Susan giggled. She sat up, her smile fading when she saw that Robert's face had paled in the firelight. "What is it?" she asked.

"Do you remember a while ago when you were at the cemetery? And I left you because I had dropped something?" he asked. Susan nodded. "Well, I lied. I didn't drop anything. I felt foolish at the time, but I had wanted to talk to your siblings," he admitted.

"But why?" Susan asked curiously.

"I know how much they meant to you, how much they still mean to you. I know that if they were still alive, they would have been the first people I went to for their blessing to marry you," Robert said.

"Marry-" Susan started, but stopped when Robert moved away from her. Her eyes widened as he brought a knee up so that he was kneeling in front of her. Reaching in the pocket of his tuxedo jacket, he pulled out a small box. Susan's heart began to race as she stared at the box, unable to tear her eyes away from it.

"Susan," Robert said softly. Susan tore her eyes away from the box and stared at him, her breath catching when she saw the look he was giving her. "I told your brothers and sister that day that as soon as you realized you loved me, I was going to ask you to marry me. If this is too soon, I understand. But I don't want to wait; I can't wait. We can have a long engagement if you want, however long you want. I just know that if I don't ask you soon I'll go crazy. When you told me earlier that you loved me, I knew that I had to ask you. I wanted tonight-" he stopped suddenly when Susan placed her hand over his mouth.

"Will you just ask me already?" she said irritably, smiling widely at him. Robert chuckled and pulled her hand away from his mouth.

"Susan Pevensie, will you marry me?" he asked quietly, opening the box.

Susan drew a shaky breath as she stared at the ring. It was a large stone, the largest she had ever seen, nearly clear except for a tinge of blue to it. It was set in gold, the filigree setting lifting the stone high off the band. The ring, beautiful as it was, was one she had seen before, many, many years ago. "That's my…" Susan trailed off, her eyes shooting to Robert's confused face. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile.

"That's my favorite stone," she said quietly. Robert's face visibly relaxed as Susan touched the ring, her memories of the first time she wore the ring flooding back to her.

"Susan," Robert whispered. "You still haven't given me an answer."

"Oh! Yes! Of course it's yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. When she moved back, Robert took the ring out of the box and excitedly slipped it onto her finger. She held the ring up, smiling as it caught in the firelight. This must be a strange coincidence, she thought, knowing there was no way this ring was the one she had remembered. Inspecting it closely she saw the tiniest dent in the band. Her eyes widened, knowing how that dent had gotten there. It was a year after they had first been crowned in Narnia and Susan had squashed her hand in a trunk, denting the ring. Too embarrassed to admit to anyone what had happened, she had just ignored the imperfection of her ring.

"Where did you get this ring? It's so beautiful," she asked, hoping her voice didn't betray her thoughts. Robert shrugged and smiled.

"Family heirloom," he said. Susan's brow furrowed, confused by his explanation, but her thoughts were soon forgotten as Robert began kissing her again behind her ear. Soon she didn't remember anything about the ring or its telltale dent as he moved to the hollow of her neck. Soon she didn't remember her worries about how he had gotten the ring when it should have been safely hidden away in Narnia as he ran his hand up her side. And as he moved to her mouth, working magic as he kissed her, soon she didn't even remember her own name.

"No, Lucy! For the last time we are not going to have performing Peacocks at your wedding!" Susan cried in frustration.

"But it's my wedding!" Lucy cried back.

"Lucy, you are a queen of Narnia. Can't you for once remember that when planning your parties? Tradition dictates certain things and we're going to follow those certain things. You can't have performing Animals, you can't have dancing satyrs lead you up the aisle and you can't get married in the middle of a field!" Susan said firmly.

"Fine! But I'm wearing flowers in my hair and you can't stop me!" Lucy yelled at her sister, storming out the door and slamming it behind her. The queen of Terebinthia laughed softly.

"My poor son is going to have a hard time handling your handful of a sister," she said. Susan smiled tightly; planning Lucy's wedding with her sister was hard enough. Planning it with Lucy's future mother-in-law was proving to be even harder.

"She's not so bad. She's just a woman who knows what she wants. Your son will never want for excitement with her," Susan said diplomatically. Planning Lucy's wedding had started Susan remembering her own plans for her own wedding. She had wanted a lavish affair, fitting for a queen of Narnia, with a beautiful gown and hundreds of guests watching her as she walked down the aisle of Cair Paravel's sparkling Great Hall. She was finding it difficult to plan a wedding for someone who was content to wear a simple dress and have a few close friends attend a small wedding beneath the trees.

Susan sighed happily as she leaned against Robert's shoulder, her lips rosy from his kisses. She stared at her ring, which cheerily sparkled at her. Sighing again, she lowered her hand and snuggled against him.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I was just thinking about our wedding," she answered.

"Let me guess: you want to start planning it? I'm thinking you've already got a wedding planned that will have all of London talking for months," he teased. Susan sat up and shook her head, a mischievous smile growing on her face.

"Actually..." she said slowly, looking down at her ring again.

"Susan?" Robert asked cautiously. Susan looked back up, staring him in the eyes.

"I was thinking we could go to Gretna Green," she said. Robert raised his eyebrows at her in surprise.

"Now?" he asked confused.

"Well, we're already dressed," she said casually. Robert stared at her in amazement for several moments before grabbing her head between his hands and kissing her lips. When he pulled away he whispered, "I'll put out the fire. You go grab our coats."


AN Part 2: Okay... So I'm hoping no one goes and researches Scottish Marriage Law... Gretna Green is a city in Scotland and is basically like the British version of Las Vegas (for those of you in the US or for those who may not know this). I had planned on this whole scene and was all excited about it because yay! They're eloping and it's sweet and yada yada yada... Only to find out AFTER I had written it that you can't really elope there like you can in Las Vegas (you know, on the spur of the moment, completely drunk out of your mind and saying your vows to an Elvis impersonator); well, maybe now you can, but in the 1950s you had to live in Scotland for like 21 or 15 days (this was a little hazy in my research). So, for literary purposes, I'm pretending this law doesn't exist. Don't tell on me!