*Rory is in her mid twenties when the story starts and now closer to her thirties in the later chapters just in case there were any questions, sorry for any confusion*

(walks back into the bathroom, while his girlfriend joins him)

"Steve?"-Rory

"Rory, I am setting up a bubble bath if that is alright just in case that was what you are wondering."-Steve

"That isn't what I was wondering at all actually. Are you okay with not getting married right now?"-Rory

(sighs and start taking off his clothes in order to get into the tub) "A huge part of me is more than okay with that actually. I never thought I would have that desire to walk down the aisle again to be honest with you but the more time I spent with you the more I found myself wanting just that."-Steve

(by the he had finished this little speech they both had stripped from their clothing and gotten into the rather warm water in order to relax)

"Like I said I am flattered to hear you say that, and I desire the same thing at the some point in our relationship. I know it probably feels like we should do it sooner rather then later considering we invested in a house as well as the photo studio, however we have only been back together for about eight months now, we don't have to rush into anything. Do we?"-Rory

(hesitates) "Rory, are you pregnant?"-Steve

(he had noticed a pregnancy test at the Inn after using the restroom there and knew that the only other person who had been in there recently was Rory. She just looks at him shocked, but doesn't say anything so he asks once again)

"Are you pregnant?"-Steve

"No, of course not. I haven't been since well you know the assault almost two years ago now. (then it dawns on her). Steve, that was mom's test she was late and wanted to make sure that she wasn't. Not that her and Luke don't want kids at some point but at the moment they aren't ready for it. I'm sorry if you had gotten your hopes up."-Rory

"I kind of had them, but at the same time I feel like we just started getting things on track again. Anyway, onto a different topic. I think I should talk to Finn tomorrow about the indecisive bride and use your mom's suggestion. She has changed her mind almost half a dozen times now, and we need to be able to book other clients without worrying if her bookings or cancellations will mess with the other appointments."- Steve

"Fair enough point there. He will more than understand, so don't worry about it. I was wondering something as well though."-Rory

"What's up baby?"-Steve

"Well, I was thinking that while even though I greatly enjoy taking photos for the studio, and I love learning from you as well as the rest of the crew, I kind of enjoy modeling a little bit more. So, I was thinking that maybe I could do a bit more of that over the next few months, and then come back to being a photographer. What do you think about that idea?"-Rory

"Well you do have the figure for it, I think that it is a brilliant idea to be honest with you. And I'm sure that Logan, and Finn will be more than okay with it as well. We are starting to slow down a little bit and will even more so in August and early September."-Steve

"That's what I was thinking, hence why I wanted to do it now instead of later."-Rory

"There's something else isn't there?"-Steve

'What do you mean?"-Rory

"There is something else you wanted to tell me isn't there?"-Steve

"It's good thing I promise you."-Rory

(gently starts massaging her back which is something he hadn't had time to do for about two months and he can feel her start to truly relax)

"Omygosh I truly had forgotten how good you are at what you do outside of photography. Thanks for this, baby!"-Rory

"You are most welcome my dear, however you still need to inform me of the good news."-Steve

"Right sorry. I bought a bigger photo studio for you, and the guys earlier this week."-Rory

(he stops mid massage and just looks at the wall ahead of him. She notices after a few minutes that he hadn't said anything so she slowly turned around to see what she could read from his face)

"Steve? Are you alright? Please say something?'-Rory

(he just gets out of the tub grabs a towel, then heads to their bedroom to sit down on their bed, Rory quickly does the same)

"Let me get this straight you went out and bought a new studio for the three technically four of us when you come back, and didn't even discuss this with me first?"-Steve

"Steve, please."-Rory

"How would you feel if I had done something like that to you. This is like you went and bought a bigger apartment for the two of us, you went out and bought a studio."-Steve

(getting a little frustrated) "You kind of did the same with the house."-Rory

"I didn't sign on the dotted line without showing you the place first though."-Steve

(it dawns on her that she forgot to fill him in on a small detail)

"Honey, I haven't signed on the dotted line either. I planned on calling the realtor tomorrow in order to set up an appointment for us to see the place."-Rory

(he stopped about to start venting again, and just hugged her) "I am so sorry, I shouldn't have jumped to that conclusion. I just, I sort of freaked, that is a lot of money to put down on something and not at least see it first to sketch out an idea for the space ya know?"-Steve

(laughs at his display of emotions because sometimes it is rare for him to just say what is on his mind without being pushed a little bit first, but hugs him back instantly enjoying his scent which was a mixture of old spice and a hint of peppermint)

"I can understand how you jumped to that conclusion though, honey! Don't worry about it for one more minute. Why don't we choose a few movies, grab some tea or decaf coffee, and just enjoy the rest of our evening in?"-Rory

(kisses her slowly, in such a way that takes her breath away) "I like the sound of that."-Steve