All night staring at the ceiling
counting for minutes I've been feeling this way
So far away and so alone
Shawn stared at the textured ceiling above his bed. The right side of the bed was cold, as it has been for the past three days. Shawn placed his hand on it, and ran it up and down the entire right side before sighing. Turning onto his side, he grabbed the vacant pillow and pulled it against his cheek. He buried his nose into the soft cotton pillowcase. Taking a sniff, he smiled sadly. It still held a little of her fragrance.
Three days that Juliet's been gone. He sighed again, before flinging himself onto his back. A sad smile etched on his face. It would be okay though. Three days were down, only four more remained until she returned to him. Though, Shawn could say he firmly hated undercover cases. No, wait. He didn't hate all undercover cases, just the ones that didn't involve him.
Shawn picked at a loose thread on the blanket that covered his shirtless torso. He couldn't believe that the chief didn't trust him enough to go undercover with Juliet. She was his girlfriend after all, he would make sure she was safe. Shutting his eyes, Shawn was assaulted with a number of images. All of which revolved around the day that Juliet left. Gus's teary eyes, fearful for his friends that were going undercover, and knowing that he'd single-handily would have to keep Shawn entertained. The chief giving stern orders to Juliet and Lassier, before turning toward Shawn. Her finger pointing at him, as she explained that because he was not a cop he couldn't join them. Finally, the tears in Juliet's eyes as she wrapped her arms around Shawn.
Shawn sighed, and swiped a hand across his eyes. Got, he could still feel her lips against his neck as she promised to stay safe. When she promised that she would be back in seven days. He had fought back the tears, and forced a smile on his lips, as he promised to be waiting at the airport for her. One sad, tear-filled smile, and she promised to run straight into his arms. She had kissed him softly on the lips, and that quickly she had left.
But you know it's alright
I came to my senses
Letting go of my defenses
Gus entered the psych office, and jumped when he saw Shawn sitting in his office chair. A very real smile on his face, as his leg bounced up and down. Something was up. It had to be. Gus hadn't seen Shawn so much as act happy since Juliet left for her undercover case. Now he was grinning like an idiot who just won the lottery.
"Shawn, what did you do?" Gus's eyebrow quirked. He wasn't taking any chances. Shawn was usually unpredictable, and that was enough to have Gus on high alert.
"I haven't done anything, yet." Shawn's eyebrows waggled, as his smile grew to epic portions.
"What do you mean by yet, Shawn?" Gus asked, as he took a step toward his desk. Yanking back the chair, he examined it before sitting down in it.
"I've made a decision my good friend! I'm going to ask Juliet to marry me, and you get to help me pick out a ring!"
Gus's eyes bulged as his mouth dropped open. Shawn was not the settling down type. That just wasn't who he was. Though Gus had always thought that a girl would eventually wrangle him into settling down, but not for a good long while. Then again, Juliet was a special kind of girl. Like the fact that she was one of the only people who could actually get Shawn to stay on topic.
"Gus, if you don't close your mouth soon, then you'll start catching flies. Didn't take you for a frog-"
Gus's mouth snapped shut, but the surprised look on his face didn't seem to leave. Shawn—engaged- the words just did not fit together.
"Honestly, Gus! No congratulations? Not cool, dude!" Shawn pretended to pout, as he twirled his chair around.
Gus snapped back to reality, "Sorry- uh, congrats."
"You don't sound very happy for me, Gus. I'm kinda disappointed. Kinda like that time I ordered a pineapple smoothie but got strawberry-banana instead." He sighed dramatically. "That day still haunts me, Gus! I mean, who in their right mind would choose strawberry-banana over pineapple!"
Gus smiled, and hoped that it fooled Shawn. It wasn't that he wasn't happy for his best friend, of course he was! It was more of the fact that Shawn is like a small child. His attention does not stay on the same thing for long, and Gus was just really hoping that Shawn wouldn't end up hurting Juliet.
"I'm sorry, Shawn. I am happy for you! Of course I am, your my best friend! It's just-"
"Your afraid I'm going to hurt her." Sadness escaped his facade, the glimmer of light that had filled his eyes disappeared for a moment, and Gus saw that Shawn had thought about this as well. "I'm afraid too, Gus! I love her so much, and I would hate myself if I hurt her. I'm not rushing into this at all! I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I just—I couldn't sleep last night because her side of the bed is all cold—I won't hurt her!"
Gus nodded, "Of course you won't, Shawn."
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight,
yeah I'm all in, I'm all in for life
Shawn's knees bounced up and down at a heightened speed, as he sat as patiently as he could in the airport. Juliet's plane was scheduled to touch down in a matter of minutes. His eyes continually scanned the sky, and he could feel his heart rate speed up when a new plane came into view.
His fingers brushed lightly against his jacket pocket, as a smile crossed his lips. They had definitely had some hard times, he would admit that. Their relationship had hit a few speed bumps, and they had their fair share of disagreements. All of that, however, did not mean that they didn't love each other. Because they did. He could feel it in the way that she kissed him. The way that she always snuggles in closer to him as their both drifting off to sleep.
Tonight, he was going to prove his love to her, and nothing is going to stand in his way. Glancing at the clock on the wall, he stood up. She should be walking through that gate any minute now. At which point, he planned on whisking her away to dinner. He had made reservations at her favorite restaurant. After which, he planned on taking her dancing. Shawn had always made it his personal mission to make sure that no woman ever find out that he could actually dance. However, he found that he wanted Juliet to know every single thing about him. So, after he dances her off her feet, he is taking her home, dropping to one knee and hoping she'll make him the happiest man alive.
Shawn swiped a hand against his brow as his eyes locked onto hers. A smile crossed both of their lips simultaneously. Swiftly walking forward, Shawn met her instantly. He pulled her against his chest, and inhaled her scent. It was absolutely intoxicating, and Shawn didn't want to break apart from her. Sighing heavily, Shawn reluctantly pulled away. Snaking one of his arms around her back, and pulling her into his side.
"I missed you so much." Shawn mumbled, his head leaning against hers, as they walked slowly forward.
He could feel Juliet smile at his words, and his heart swelled. "I missed you too, Shawn." Juliet sounded exhausted, as they made their way to the baggage claim.
"Oh yeah, just keep on walking lovebirds. Don't worry!" A deep voice rang from behind them.
Shawn grinned, his good mood rising into a great one. Dropping his arm for a moment, he spun around to stare at Lassiter. "Lassie-Face! Oh it is so good to see you! How dare you think I forgot about you!"
Shawn moved toward Lassiter, his arms outstretched. "Spencer, if you so much as touch me-"
"Carlton!" Juliet's voice barked around a laugh.
"But Lassie, I missed you! I gave Jules a hug. It's only fair that I give you one too! Come on Lassie, hug me!"
Lassiter side-stepped Shawn's advancement, and made a move toward baggage claim.
"I am hurt. My heart is breaking as I speak. Lassie! Don't run away. Lassie come back!"
Juliet swatted playfully at Shawn's hand. "Most people runaway from Carlton, except you. You make him runaway." Her eyes danced playfully.
"What can I say. It's the Shawn Spencer charm." He smiled at her, before kissing her lips. Moaning, he slipped an arm around her back and pulled her against his side again.
"Well, you definitely have enough of that." Juliet said, as they made their way back over to the baggage claim.
Shawn smiled firmly, as Juliet said a final goodbye to Lassiter who kept edging himself closer and closer to his car. Shawn fought the urge to beat him to the driver's side, and engage him in a giant bear hug. The only thing stopping him, except for the fear of losing his life, was being late to his dinner reservation. Checking his watch, he knew that if Juliet didn't hurry up, that they'd never make it in time. The restaurant has a strict policy that includes, if you're late then your reservation goes to someone else.
"Hey, Jules, are you hungry?" Shawn asked, trying to keep the pleading tone from his voice.
She turned toward him, an annoyed look on her face. Fabulous! "Actually-" Her face scrunched up. "I am!" She smiled as she waved to Lassiter before walking toward the car. Shawn had already put her luggage into the trunk, all he was waiting for was Juliet. So as she stood in front of Shawn, he merely pushed himself off the car, and opened the door for her.
"After you, milady." Juliet giggled, as she entered the car.
Shawn jogged around to the other side, and slipped inside. Putting the key in the ignition, Shawn threw the green VW Bug into gear, and took off toward Santa Barbara's most famous Italian restaurant.
"So, where are we going?" Her eyebrow cocked. Shawn's Adam apple bobbed uncomfortably in his throat. He was sure that she was onto him.
"Aldo's-"
Shawn smiled at the look on Juliet's face. "Aldo's is my favorite! Oh god, how much I've been wanting some good Italian!"
"I figured as much. That's why I made reservations. You know, to make sure that we get a table. I mean, it is Sunday night, Jules. You know that place is crazy busy on Sunday's."
She chuckled. "Thank you, Shawn. I appreciate this!"
Shawn smiled around a big bite of spaghetti. "How's your Alfredo?" It was what they usually did when they went to Aldo's. Shawn would be adventurous, try something new every time, and Juliet would get the chicken Alfredo. It was the only thing that she knew for sure that she liked, and she hated the thought of getting something, and not eating it.
"It's absolutely wonderful! How is your pizza spaghetti?" Juliet's nose wrinkled up at the sound of that.
"It fabulous, Jules! Here try a bite." He grabbed a little bit of everything that was in his plate, and placed it on the edge of a piece of garlic bread. Shawn's theory was that any Italian food tasted ten times better sitting atop garlic bread.
Juliet took the bread from Shawn, and eyed the food atop it. Her nose wrinkled slightly. Who in their right mind would put pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, sausage, ham, and pineapple (as per Shawn's complaint!) in spaghetti? Pulling the bread to her lips, Juliet took a generous bite. Her eyes closed as the flavors mixed together in her mouth.
"Wow! That is really good." She smiled around her food.
"See, told you!" Shawn said, as he shoved a generous amount of pizza spaghetti covered bread in his mouth. "So, Jules. Are you tired." His eyebrow cocked.
"Depends on what your implying, Mr. Spencer." Her eyebrow wagged.
"Well, I figured since we went to a nice restaurant. We could make this a date night. We could go dancing, bowling-" Shawn prayed she got his hint.
"Shawn! I love dancing." She smiled at him.
He huffed, trying to pull of irritation. "I figured. Okay, I know a nice little place we can go. After that, we can go home and relax. Maybe watch a movie."
Juliet smiled, as she continued to pick at her food.
Shawn swung Juliet around the dance floor, as she chuckled loudly. As the music drew to a close, a shocked laugh escaped her mouth, as Shawn dipped her down and kissed her lips. When he pulled her back up, she smiled softly at him. Her hand placed firmly on his chest.
"Shawn, I didn't know you could dance like that!" A giggle escaped her lips. Juliet was slightly unsure why she felt as giddy as a school girl dancing with the football captain.
He smiled shyly. "Well, it isn't exactly a skill I brag about. What with how I rag on my dad about his cooking—and well bathing habits-" Shawn shuddered outwardly, before shaking his head. "He wouldn't let me hear the end of it. Plus, you put 'extravagant dancer' on your dating profile, and it causes girls to make you go dancing all the time-"
Juliet's nose wrinkled slightly. "So, why did you show me your talent?" Eyebrow cocked, Juliet could tell by Shawn's current fidgeting status, that something was up.
Shawn sighed when he saw the mischievous glint in Juliet's eyes. She knew something was up. He had said to much! He should have just left it alone with the dad explanation. Well, now was as good a time as any right? Why hide something as wonderful as asking the woman of your dreams to marry you? I mean, sure they were currently surrounded by strangers, but who cares!
"Well, Juliet. I wanted you to know all I had to offer you. I mean, you know—aside from the natural rugged good looks, chiseled jaw line, and hair that most would kill for." An easy smile crossed his lips, as the mischievous glint left his eyes. It was time to get serious. Shawn took her hand carefully. "I want you to know me, Jules. I want you to know that no matter what happens. No matter what we go through in life, that I'm here. I am all in. Because I love you, and I honestly can't picture my life without you in it. I can't picture my life without you in my arms, Juliet. So-" Shawn coughed lightly, trying to hide the tears that were currently filling his eyes, as he knelt down on one knee. "Juliet Margaret O'Hara, will you do me the greatest honor, and agree to be my wife?"
A hand flew to Juliet's mouth, as a tear streaked down her cheek. She couldn't speak. She was frozen, and she watched as his eyes grew wide as he waited for her answer. Choking back a sob, she smiled through the tears. "Yes, Shawn. Oh, god, yes!"
He rose up, and placed the ring on her finger, before enveloping her in a hug. Today would go down as one of the happiest days of his life.
There's no taking back
what we've got's too strong,
we've had each other's back for too long
Shawn laughed loudly, a proud smile on his face. His nine month old daughter used her tiny hands to pull herself to a standing position. His finger jostled the ring that sat on his left hand. The day he had asked Juliet to marry him, had been one of his happiest moments, and those moments kept growing in size. Like the day they finally walked up that beach, hand in hand, for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Spencer. However, the single happiest day was when Juliet told him she was pregnant. It had only been three months into their marriage, and they had both been afraid. Juliet was terrified that Shawn would run, and Shawn was terrified that he would ruin a perfectly good child.
However, the day that Elizabeth Carly Spencer was born, every single doubt that both of them had went away. In it's place was an undying happiness that brought them even closer together.
Right now, Lizzie was currently using her robustly tiny fingers to hold her chubby body in an upward position.
"Jules! The camera. If we miss this again, my dad is going to kill me—actually I think Lassie will too. He did sort of threaten it." Shawn smirked.
Juliet rounded the corner, camcorder in hand and a smile on her face, as she video taped her tiny daughter weebly pull herself across the room. Her fingers locked tightly on the table as she did a sort of sideways walk.
Elizabeth's tiny blond curls bobbed against the side of her chubby cheeks, as her green eyes locked onto Juliet's. Her face split into a huge grin, as she let go of the table, and wobbled toward Juliet.
"Jules, are you getting this?" Shawn asked, as he went from a kneeling position on the floor, to a standing position. He walked carefully behind Elizabeth as she weaved around the house like someone who had too much to drink. His hands out in front of him ready to caught her.
"Yes, honey. That is the point of the camcorder." Juliet smiled, as she glanced up toward her husband. With the camcorder pointed directly at Elizabeth, she hadn't been able to see Shawn fully. Just that he was doing what he considered 'The Penguin Walk'. She chuckled lightly, as his movements mimicked Elizabeth's. His arms out in front of him as he did a slow side-step walk that made him seem slightly off balanced. "Shawn, you're going to fall-"
Her words didn't come quickly enough, as the toe of his shoe hit the leg of the coffee table. His body flew forward. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elizabeth start to topple over. Reacting quickly, Shawn turned his body slightly, reaching his arms out to snag Elizabeth as she started to fall. Twisting further, Shawn landed back first on the coffee table. The legs of the table gave out, causing the remainder of the table, and Shawn to fall to the floor. Groaning, his eyes squeezed shut, Shawn felt as Juliet snagged Elizabeth from his hands.
"That table is so not made as well as the salesman let on!" Shawn mumbled.
Shawn grumbled, his legs dangling off the side of the bed. Juliet looked at him sternly, her hands placed on her hips. Frowning, Shawn laid back carefully, hissing lightly.
"Shawn, are you alright?" The stern look on her face disappeared, and was replaced with one of concern.
"Yeah, pineappley fine!" Slowing moving himself into a more comfortable position.
"I think it's peachy fine, Shawn." Juliet smiled, as her hand snaking out to grab hold of his.
"I've heard it both ways." He grinned widely. Pain or not, Juliet could always make him feel better with a smile.
"Ah, Mr. Spencer?" A voice interrupted them from behind.
"Yes." He looked up at the interruption, the smile never leaving his face.
"I'm Dr. Mahoney. You're scans came back clean. There was no damage to your back. I firmly believe that you simply pulled some muscles. You will probably have a pretty nasty bruise as well. Here is a prescription for pain pills. Here are some stretches that I recommend you do daily for a few weeks. Also, alternate heat and ice for a few days."
Shawn shook his head, as Juliet accepted the papers from the doctor. He moved to get up, when the doctor held up a hand.
"The nurse will be with you in a moment. She has some papers you need to sign. Until then, take it easy."
With that he exited the room, and shut the door behind him. Shawn looked over at Juliet. Her head leaning against her hand. A content smile on her face. He sighed contently, reaching out for her hand.
"Juliet, will you do me a giant favor?" His eyes lit up instantly when she nodded her head. "Will you remarry me?" He smiled widely, as she looked at him with confusion.
"Remarry you?" Her eyebrows shot up. "What exactly do you mean?"
He laughed lightly, sitting up, trying to hide the pain it caused his abused back muscles. "I mean, will you renew your vows with me? I just thought it sounded cooler to ask you to remarry me."
Juliet chuckled lightly, her hand reaching out and rubbing his stubble filled cheek. "Of course I'll remarry you!"
And I'm all in, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I'm all in, I'm all in for life
Shawn smiled broadly, his hands interlocked in front of him. His eyes forward, watching as Elizabeth teetered down the aisle, his mother holding her hand all the way down. Once she was standing just a few feet from Shawn, she wobbled faster, the tiny basket that was clutched tightly in her little fist forgotten. Her arms outstretched, Shawn jumped down in front of her, scooping her up before she had a chance to fall.
Shawn's mom stepped in front of him, her arms outstretched as Shawn passed Elizabeth off to Madeline. She smiled, and patted Shawn's cheek, before taking a seat beside Carlton Lassiter.
Reclaiming his spot next to Gus, Shawn waited with bated breath, as Karen Vick sauntered softly down the aisle. A proud smile on her face, causing Shawn to wink at her. The first time Juliet and himself had gotten married, Karen had explained how proud she was of the man he had grown into. She had told him, with pride shining in her eyes, that it was a little at a time, but that Juliet O'Hara had turned him into the man that he was born to become.
Karen stood opposite of Shawn and Gus, all eyes turning toward the front. Juliet came into view, as Henry Spencer guided her carefully down the aisle. The rewedding was nowhere as extravagant as their real wedding. It wasn't a black tie event. Shawn worn an iron pressed button down shirt, white in color, with black slacks. Gus mirrored Shawn's look, almost to a tee. Karen wore a knee length purple dress, and Juliet wore a knee length black dress. Even still, she was the most beautiful woman Shawn had ever saw.
He met Juliet, as Henry let go of her arm. Her hand clasped in his, they both returned to their assigned positions. Shawn heard the preacher begin his speech, but found himself unable to concentrate. Not unlike the first time they did this. His eyes probed around their surroundings. The water crashing onto shore, the light breeze that was blowing through Juliet's hair. His eyes probed the audience. Carlton sat, his hands on either side of his legs, as Elizabeth perched herself onto his lap. Henry sat beside Madeline, and if Shawn wasn't mistaken, they were holding hands. Buzz sat in the row behind his family. His wife sat beside him, with their two year old son perched in her lap. Today was a fantastic day. Just as it had been merely a year and a half earlier.
Shawn's attention went back to his wife, her blond curls bouncing freely in the wind. The smile on her face, lit up her eyes in such a beautiful way. Taking a deep breath, Shawn listened carefully as Juliet received the vows she had written for him. It was almost his turn, and for once in his life he was going all out. He was going to be mushy, and lovely and he didn't care what anyone thought about it.
"Shawn, would you now like to read the vows you wrote for Juliet?"
Shawn simply nodded his head. He didn't need a piece of paper. Everything he wanted to say was vivid in his mind. Taking a deep breath, he smiled. "Juliet. Most people say that after the first year of marriage that the intense love that you feel at the beginning starts to die down. It starts to be taken over by contentment, by the knowledge that you have that one person that makes your heart skip a beat. However, after a year and a half of marriage, Juliet, I am still just as madly in love with you as I always have been. When I look at Elizabeth, I see your blond hair and brilliant smile, and my heart swells with so much love that I feel like it might explode from pure happiness."
Shawn paused, and noticed the tears in Juliet's eyes. Swiping a hand against the wetness on his cheeks, he continued. "No matter what life might throw our way. No matter what happens, I am here no matter what. From this day on, Juliet Spencer, I am all in."
Shawn's focus on Juliet didn't let up until he heard the preacher announce he could kiss his wife. Oh, yes, today was absolutely perfect.