For notes and disclaimer, please see part one.

Here's a few things you might need to know or maybe you just forgot-Alex is the unfortunate witness to Ellie's kidnapping because of their association with Carmichael Industries.

Movie Night

Beer, popcorn, and Downton Abbey was, by far, one of the best ways to spend a night with her father. After all the insanity of, well, everything of the past several months, having a quiet evening was a blessing. Even Downy was enjoying the peaceful event, curled in her father's lap, her golden eyes drifting sleepily closed.

"So, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," Casey said suddenly.

Alex glanced over at him, noting that his blue eyes were still focused on the TV screen. "Oh?"

"Something that would qualify as a major change..."

Mentally, she ticked through a list of what that could be. Would he go back to working for the NSA? Could he get his commission back with the Marines? Would an assignment be taking him away from Echo Park? "I see," she said quietly, hoping that she convincingly kept the concern out of her voice.

Clearly, she hadn't been able to.

Casey looked over at her. "Nothing bad," he assured her. "At least, I don't think you would consider it catastrophic or anything..."

"Change can be good. Just... what kind of changes are you planning on making?"

"Something of a personal nature." He eased Downy from his lap, and the cat clearly was not fond of the movement as she tried to dig her claws in to stay exactly where she was. "At ease, cat," he murmured, setting her on the floor for a moment.

Alex watched as he paused the movie, moving toward one of his many hidden gun cabinets in the living room. After entering a quick security code, the door hissed and slid open, revealing, as expected, a selection of massive firearms and ammunition. He selected something small from the shelf, hesitating for a moment. "Dad?"

He tightened his grip on the item before turning to look back at her.

She'd only seen him appear concerned once or twice. He seemed genuinely frightened. Suddenly losing her appetite, she set the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and eased her beer onto the coaster beside it.

Downy, spotting an opportunity, leapt into her lap.

Casey crossed back to his seat. "I've given this a lot of thought... Probably too much thought."

"Whatever it is, you can tell me," she said, nodding.

He held his hand out to her, his palm flat, revealing what he'd been hiding.

Alex's eyes grew wide when she saw the flocked ring box. All of her worst-case scenarios melted away when she realized what major personal life change he was talking about. She grinned broadly. "Dad! It's about time!"

He looked startled, taken aback. "What?"

Downy, again, was unhappy at her sudden appearance on the floor but Alex had to wrap her father in a hug. "You and Ellie?"

"Hopefully," he said quietly, an edge of uncertainty to his voice.

"Dad, c'mon! There's no hopefully about it. Of course she'll say yes!" As she pulled back, she grinned. "May I see it?"

Casey nodded.

She took the box from him, easing onto the arm of her chair, so she could face him as she opened it. Inside was an elegant, tasteful ring, nothing too fancy. The clear emerald-cut diamond was flanked by small garnets-clearly a nod to his Marine Corps heritage.

He watched the subtle movements in Alex's expression, the tiny smile that formed, the glistening of her eyes. "It's not too late; I can take it back..."

"Now, why on earth, Dad, would you want to do that? It's perfect."

He sounded uncertain. "Yeah?"

"She's going to love it," she said, closing the box and returning it to him. "When are you going to ask?"

"Still tweaking the details of that particular op," he told her as he returned the box to the safe.

"You aren't going to wait long, are you?"

He shook his head, listening as the door hissed closed and the tumblers clanked in the lock. "Everything's almost ready."

"Does anyone else know?"

He sighed as he returned to his chair again. "Walker is a very persuasive interrogator."

Alex grinned widely.

"You'll be the first to know the outcome, when I ask."

"When she says yes."

He glanced at her, wincing a little. "Don't jinx it." In what he hoped would end the conversation, he started the movie again, settling into his chair. Downy took her spot in his lap again as Alex slid back to sit properly.

Stay tuned...