A/N: I know I promised more Chelsie scenes and they are coming. I figured so that you all could get your update sooner I'd post this chapter (which is part 1) and then the next (part 2) hopefully by next weekend. Just been busy with work and still settling into our new home, but enough about me. I'm so glad you all are still so invested in this story and enjoying it. The reviews have been great and I am so appreciative of every single one of them. As promised lots of family fluff as John and Anna announce their engagement to everyone.

Chapter 20

John rolled over on the mattress as he awoke from a deep slumber. It was possibly the best sleep he'd ever have. His eyes adjusted to the light and he saw Anna lying beside him, naked as the day she was born. She was cold. Goosebumps had spread across her skin and her nipples hardened in response to the cool air. John wanted to cover her with the blanket, or better yet with his body. But heaven help him; he couldn't turn his eyes away from her. He smiled to himself as he caught sight of the ring on her finger sparkling in the morning sun. It hadn't been a dream. He was tempted to wake her so he could share this moment with her a little longer before they had to pick up Aidan. But he abstained and pulled the sheets over her.

John suddenly had an idea as something came back to him; something Anna had said to him once before they were officially dating. Call it a wish unfulfilled. He placed a kiss on her bare shoulder and quietly slipped out of bed to set to work on his master plan.

"What's all this?" Anna asked as she wrapped her robe around her tightly.

"Hey, good morning sweetheart," John said from behind the stove. He was working on a batch of eggs in the frying pan. John snuck a glance over his shoulder and shot a smirk her way. "I was going to try and surprise you with breakfast in bed, but then I remembered you saying you hadn't had a proper lie in since before Aidan was born. I didn't want to wake you up, but I didn't want to start preparing the food and risk it going cold before you woke up."

Anna could merely smile at him. He looked like he been going back and forth for hours on what to do to make her happy. But the fact that he even remembered what she said all those months ago was more than enough to set her soul alight with love for him.

"What?" he asked.

"You remembered what I said. And you were trying to fulfill my wish. It was such a simple act and I am just so incredibly happy to be with you. To know that soon I'll be your wife and we'll get to spend so many more moments just like this."

John wrapped his hands around her waist and placed kiss after kiss upon her lips before whispering into her ear, "Why don't you go hop back in bed so you can see what other surprises I have in store for you."

"Oh, goodness me, Mr. Bates. I'm ever so looking forward to it," Anna teased as she sauntered back to the bedroom.

A few moments later…

John appeared from behind the door to find Anna snuggled up in bed with her head propped up on the pillows. He had a tray in hand with breakfast on it. "Now I know it's not as nice as the one I made you on our first date, but…"

"John," Anna said with a raised hand, "it's perfect."

He smiled back sheepishly. John set the tray over her legs and took a seat beside her. Anna encouraged him to join her and have some of the food. John did so reluctantly, preferring to watch her enjoy her breakfast and morning to herself. "How did you sleep last night?"

"You mean after I was allowed to go to sleep?" she replied with the inklings of a smirk at the corners of her lips.

"I'm sorry. Did I keep you up?" John teased back as he swiped some of the butter from the side of her plate and put it on his piece of toast.

"You did, but you have nothing to be sorry for," she assured him.

"I didn't hurt you last night did I? I mean...I know...well it's been awhile," John said as he fumbled with his words. He eyed her with concern.

"No. Not at all."

"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried." He said as they sat there in comfortable silence for awhile. "So...did you have any ideas of what kind of a wedding you would want?"

"To be honest I haven't really thought about it," Anna said as she munched on a piece of toast. "Nothing too big, maybe just something small at a church. Me, you, and Aidan of course."

"Of course," John said as he bit back a smile. Thoughts of Anna in a wedding dress were already causing him more excitement than he anticipated.

"My father, Elsie and Gwen," she began listing off. John nodded along with every suggestion. "Your Mum and Robert's family of course. I think that should be more than enough. Maybe after just do a small lunch together. We can even do it at the restaurant if Elsie will let us."

"For you, I'm sure she'd move Heaven and Earth."

"Charmer," Anna said. "And what about you? Do you have any preferences?"

"I've never been one for religion, but if it's a church you want it's a church you shall have," he replied.

She had the most glorious glow about her when he spoke those words. "We don't have to you know. I wouldn't want to put you out."

"I know we don't have to, but I want to. I meant what I said last night about doing everything in my power to make you and Aidan happy. Besides, Mum will be thrilled to have a church wedding," he reasoned with a chuckle. Anna laughed along as she finished up her breakfast and when she was done John removed her tray and set it on the dresser. "Full?"

"Yes, very. You are an excellent chef."

"I can make more if you want."

"Perhaps some other time."

John noticed a bit of jam from the toast had landed on the side of her mouth. John leaned forward to wipe it away and kissed her lips. It started off slowly and began to build up with intensity as their hands found each other and the blankets were removed.

"Besides, I'm rather hungry for something else this morning," Anna replied cheekily with a wide grin.

"Good lord. You'll be the death of me if you keep talking like that," John responded eagerly.

"Oh," she said sounding a little disappointed. "Well if you don't want to…" Anna's voice trailed off as she began to get out of bed.

"Are you kidding me?" John replied as he pulled her back into bed gently.

Their laughter filled the bedroom as they gave in to their desires once more before they had to pick up Aidan.

Aidan zipped past Elsie in his pajamas, running a million miles a minute. Jasper wasn't far behind as he gained on his heels. "This place is turning into a mad house. I don't think the sugar so early in the morning was such a good idea," Elsie teased.

"I didn't even give him any yet," Charles replied.

"You haven't? Well maybe you can use the candy in the cupboard as a bribe to get him dressed."

"Aidan, Mrs. Elsie says it's time to get dressed!" Charles shouted.

"Well I could have done that," she scolded him playfully.

"She's not Mrs. Elsie anymore," Aidan replied as he ran by in a blur.

Charles only caught part of it out of the corner of his eye, but he was fairly certain Aidan ran by with underwear on his head and nothing else on.

"I'm not?" Elsie played along. She was relieved to see he had some of his clothes for the day on. Although she was certain his attire wouldn't do for heading out in public. He was sporting his rain boots, shorts, and a cowboy hat.

"What on earth would Anna think if they sent him home like that?" she thought to herself as she stifled a laugh.

Aidan stopped long enough to correct her, "No. You are Grammie from now on."

"Oh, a new title. I must say it's quite fancy," Elsie gushed sweetly. "Are you going to be ready for when your Mummy arrives to pick you up?"

"I am ready," Aidan insisted.

"I don't think so. It's freezing outside and I won't have you catching pneumonia on my watch," Elsie said with a playful smack on his bottom as she led Aidan back to his room to get him dressed. "Grandpa can take care of packing the rest of our things for our trip," she hinted.

Charlie looked down at the suitcase with dismay. It wasn't so much they he hated packing. But he'd only ever had to pack for himself; which for the past fifty years had been relatively easy with the exception of traveling with Anna. Now he was traveling with a woman again and she seemed hell bent on packing every odd and end around the house. Charlie had reminded her the trip would only be a few days but that seemed to matter not to his fiancé. He attempted to close the suitcase but couldn't manage to get it shut; there simply was far too much stuff in their luggage. Charlie contemplated removing a few items from the bag but wasn't sure if he wanted to risk Elsie's wrath in case she noticed what was missing. Or even worse if she needed the item on the trip.

"Aidan!" Charlie shouted after a couple unsuccessful attempts getting the clasps on the luggage to seal shut.

After a few moments he heard the sound of the dog's nails scuffing the floor as he ran at full speed behind Aidan. When the boy entered the room, Charlie promptly lifted Aidan up and set him on top of the luggage.

"Grandpa, what are you doing?"

"I need you to help me hold this blasted bag shut while I put the clamp in place."

"Grandpa, how long will you be gone?" Aidan asked curiously.

"Only a few days."

"Mummy says you are going to Scotland."

"Your Mummy would be right. We are going to see the sights and visit Grammie Elsie's childhood home."

"Are you going to see the monster?"

"Monster?" Charlie asked.

"John, says it's called Nessie," Aidan said with a hint of speculation.

"Ah, you would be referring to the Loch Ness monster. I'm afraid it's not real."

"Oh," Aidan said with a huff, not attempting to hide his disappointment.

"But I promise if I see it, I will be sure to snap a photo of it for you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Charlie replied with a wink. "Now we best get a move on and pack your bags too. Prepare yourself for lift off." He lifted Aidan into the air above his head to pretend to fly him down the hallway.

"What in heaven's name are you doing?" Elsie asked. "You're supposed to be settling him down, not riling him up."

"Packing his bags for a trip to Kalamazoo," Charles joked in a sing song voice.

"Buy tickets for three, not two," Aidan chimed in equal measure as Charlie began to carry him off down the hallway.

There was a gentle knock at the door followed by a turn of the front door handle. "That will probably be, Anna and John."

"Awww," Aidan sighed as his grandpa set him back on the ground.

"Hello?" Anna called out.

"Well hello there," Elsie greeted them both with a knowing smile. "And did you two enjoy ringing in the New Year."

"We did," Anna said as she attempted to contain her excitement. Though she was sure her father probably already told Elsie about his plan to propose.

"Spend a night on the town, did ya?" Elsie inquired.

"Just a low key night in. It was nice to have the place to ourselves," John said hoping he wasn't blushing with embarrassment.

"Mummy!" Aidan shouted as he came around the corner. Anna had crouched down on her knees to meet him with open arms. "I missed you." Aidan kissed her cheeks and squeezed her tightly.

"Hello, love bug. I missed you as well. Did you have fun?"

"I did. Grandpa let me stay up late to watch the fireworks on the telly last night."

"He did," Anna inquired with a pointed look aimed at her father.

"That was supposed to be a secret, pal," Charles answered back as he returned with Aidan's bag.

"You two must be excited about your trip. Will this be your first time in Scotland?" John asked before shaking Charles hand.

"Yes, actually. Elsie will be showing me around her old stomping grounds," Charles replied.

"We may even look at locations to retire to," Elsie chimed in.

"So far away?" Anna sounded concerned.

"Well, it's not for certain. Just an idea we have been tossing around," Charles quickly soothed her fears. "Especially now that Elsie has offered you the chance to take over managing The Shop Around the Corner."

"You didn't tell me that," John pointed out.

"I hadn't decided what I was going to do just yet," Anna responded.

"Were you at least going to tell me about it?" John asked sounding a bit hurt.

"I would have. But I saw no point in worrying you about something I may not even take on," Anna said in defense.

"Well, sounds like we all have a lot to discuss," Elsie noted.

"We can discuss it later," Anna assured John. "Today is meant to be a day for celebration."

"What are we celebrating?" Aidan asked.

"The New Year of course and all the wonderful things it is going to bring," John answered back as he picked the boy and his bags up. "Say goodbye and thank you to Grandpa and Miss Elsie."

"Goodbye, Grandpa. Goodbye, Grammie," Aidan waved from over John's shoulder.

"Goodbye, little love," Elsie replied back as she placed a kiss on Aidan's cheek.

"Take lots of pictures," Anna instructed as she gave them both a hug and kiss to wish them safe travels. She grabbed Jasper's leash and led him to the car to stay with them while Charles was out of town.

Charles and Elsie waved from the porch as Anna climbed into the car. "You think he asked her?" Elsie inquired.

"I'm sure of it. They are already squabbling like a married couple," Charles joked.

"They certainly make quite the picture as a family," she added. Elsie had never seen them all so happy before. It seemed as though everyone was finally getting the life they wanted and deserved. She gave Charles' bottom a light pat and encouraged him to go inside with her so they could pack the last of their things and head out on their trip.

It was the first day of the New Year and while the weather wasn't exactly idyllic for a day at the beach; it was certainly holding up. There was hardly a cloud in the sky and the sun was out, though it provided little warmth. The water was sure to be freezing, but John thought they could all use a day out and the shore was always a place he had venture to with his Mum when he was a little boy. They didn't have much money and a day at the beach was hours of free entertainment. John had been wanting to share the experience with Anna and Aidan, but much like the child they were toting around, he hardly had the patience to wait around for summer weather to welcome them with open arms.

John let Jasper out of the car and held him on a tight rein as the pup barked at every seagull in the sky. He then helped his mother out of the car and held the door open for her. Anna retrieved Aidan and reminded him to keep his jacket zipped up so he wouldn't catch a cold. John shook his head, remembering all too fondly how his mother once babied him exactly the same way. Sure enough, without missing a beat his mother interrupted his thoughts, "John shouldn't you be wearing more layers. You'll get sick."

"I'll be fine, Mum. I'm a big boy now," he said before kissing her gently on the cheek.

"Yes, I can see that," she replied. "Much as it breaks my heart. But I'm so proud of you, John."

John could only smile in response with tears pricking at his eyes. He handed off the leash to Anna and began grabbing their picnic basket and a blanket to set out along with a chair for his mother.

Their little family, although it was still a secret to Margaret and Aidan, walking along the sand to get as close as they could to the water's edge without getting splashed. Aidan was already tearing ahead of them, eager to build a sand castle. Anna shouted after him to 'be careful' as Jasper fought to break free and join in on Aidan's adventures.

"Hold on, boy," Anna said to the mutt in a soothing voice. "Let's get settled first and then we can see about letting you off leash," she pleaded.

The dog barked back emphatically and whined as Aidan ran further ahead.

Aidan abandoned his bucket and pail and began running through the water's edge.

"Not with your shoes on!" Anna reminded him.

"I won't," Aidan called back as he hurried to sit down and pull his shoes off without untying them.

Anna chuckled softly and turned back to see John helping his mother. It warmed her heart to see him like this. Perhaps Aidan would be like that with her some day in the distant future: patient, devoted, and loving. Anna couldn't imagine a better mother-in-law. Margaret loved her like a daughter and was more than smitten with Aidan. Anna was already picturing future birthdays and holidays spent with all of them situated around a large dining table. "I think this is a good spot. It's close enough for us to see Aidan by the water but not too far of a walk from the car," Anna said, being mindful of Margaret's age.

"I'm sure whatever you pick will be lovely dear," Margaret commented.

"John, hurry up! I want to build a sandcastle!" Aidan shouted excitedly.

"Aidan. Manners," Anna said.

"Please," Aidan added.

"I'll be down in a minute. Let me help your mother first," John said.

"Kay," Aidan replied as he began diligently setting about digging the largest hole he could make.

John settled his mother into a beach chair, "Can I get you anything, Mum?"

"I'll be fine, Johnny. You don't need to fuss over me. I'm not made of glass," she gently scolded him. His concern was endearing, but a bit much at times. "Now go fawn over that pretty girl of yours and leave me be with my book and my knitting," Margaret instructed him.

"Yes, Ma'am."

John looked over at Anna to see her chatting with Aidan as Jasper dug faithfully beside his little companion. He couldn't stop the smile that crept up on him to see her looking so tickled as her head was thrown back with laughter. The breeze swept her hair in every which direction no matter how hard she tried to keep it from blowing into her face. Her eyes met John's and he thought to himself that he had never known such a love existed. His whole life's happiness was wrapped in these three people; two of which he had never knew existed. And now he couldn't understand how he had gone so long without them in his life.

A wave unexpectedly crashed upon the shore and quickly began to flood the hole. Anna let go of the dog's lead to fish Aidan out before he was soaked head to toe. "My hole!" was all Aidan could shout as he watched the water demolish the progress he'd made.

"You can always dig another hole love," Anna cooed. "At least you aren't soaked. You'd be freezing to death."

Jasper hopped out of the hole and shook himself off. The action sent droplets of water firing in all dimensions.

Anna shrieked and Aidan giggled as his mother used him like a shield.

"Oh goodness," Anna sighed.

"Looks like I missed out on all the fun," John joked as he ran up to them with a towel. He wiped some water from Anna's face before kissing her briefly. She returned the sentiment and winked at John as they both cleaned Aidan up. "There. You alright son?" John asked as he brushed some sand off the boy's legs. The momentary slip up was not lost on John or Anna. And judging by the perplexed look on Aidan's face it had not gotten past him either. John couldn't help it, the idea had been rolling around in his head for the past month or so; even before Aidan had first voiced that he wished John was his father.

It wasn't quite the way Anna had wanted to tell Aidan, but she took the opportunity to broach the subject. She just wanted to make sure she did this right. Even though she was sure Aidan would be absolutely thrilled at their announcement, she didn't want Aidan to feel that he would be taking a back seat to John. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go down to the tide pools," Anna suggested so they could have a moment alone.

"Is John coming?" Aidan asked as his eyes looked toward the man standing beside him.

"Maybe later. Mummy wants to show you something," Anna explained. She looked up at John and shared a conversation without words being exchanged. His face lit up as he realized what she was trying to say.

"You spend some time with your Mummy and I'm going to spend time with mine. When you get back we'll see about tearing into that tin of biscuits and digging that hole again," John offered.

Anna and Aidan walked hand in hand as they moved about the tide pools. Every so often he would let go and bend over to pick something up and turn back to show her his latest discovery. As if seeking approval, he'd wait until she said something before placing it in his pail along with the rest of his collection. Other times he'd wait until she told him what it was or some fact about it. It broke her heart a little. He was growing up so fast, absorbing everything like a sponge. Some of the stuff Aidan told her she was sure she had never mentioned to him before and thought he must have picked it up from John or his grandpa. Yet even as he walked she observed how he moved with more confidence and a sense of direction. It wasn't like when he was smaller and she had to worry about him toddling and losing his balance over every little rock. His hair had gotten darker over the winter and she could see subtle changes in his features and stature that favored her side of the family. It was a little victory she was thankful for; of course if things hadn't turned out that way she wouldn't have loved him any less.

His voice broke through her thoughts, "Mummy! Look! Look! What's that?"

Anna moved closer to see Aidan pointing to something in one of the tide pools.

She crouched down next to the water's edge and saw what it was. "That's a sea anemone, darling."

"A sea ema-" he struggled to say the word. "Sea ena- a sea enemy?"

"Anemone," she corrected. "It's like a underwater flower or tree."

"Can I touch it?"

"Better not love. They sting," Anna warned. She saw that discouraged look on his face and immediately began searching for something else that would hold his interest. "Here. How about this?" Anna reached her hand into the water and picked up a little hermit crab for Aidan.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed.

"Can I hold it?" he asked.

"Yes, but be gentle. We need to put it back in it's home," she explained.

As Anna handed over the little crab for him to hold Aidan noticed the shimmer of something more on her hand. Instead of taking the crab Aidan asked, "When did you get that?"

Anna let her gaze follow her son's and settle on the ring. She set the crab back down to where she retrieved it from. "Well, that's what I wanted to show you." Anna wasn't quite sure there was a right way to say this. It wouldn't change the fact that it was going to change both of their lives. "Aidan, you know that no matter what I will always love you."

"Yes," he replied without hesitation and it warmed her heart.

"You always have been and always will be my first love," she professed as she took his little hand in her own. Anna remembered back to the night he had been born, after their visitors had left and it was just the two of them sitting up in the hospital bed. Anna had promised him then that she would do her best to be the mother he deserved and that his happiness would come before anything else in her life. "I want so many good things for you in life."

"I want good things for you too, Mummy," he chimed in.

His words had taken her by surprise and Anna could feel a lump taking shape in her throat that she wouldn't quite be able to suppress. "Of course you do, my sweetheart," Anna replied as she stroked Aidan's cheek. "I think part of the reason we have both been so happy lately is that we have John in our lives. He loves us both very much and last night he asked Mummy if he could join our family. Do you understand what I'm telling you Aidan?"

Aidan stared back at her with wide eyes and a smile that reached his eyes as he nodded up and down.

"Aidan, John wants to marry Mummy and become your Daddy," she said.

"Really?" he asked eagerly. Anna could tell he was trying to keep his excitement in check in case she didn't give him the answer he was waiting for. "So you are married?"

"No. Not yet. We wanted to tell you first. What do you think?"

Aidan suddenly became very serious and muttered to himself, "He's real."

"Who is real?" Anna asked.

"Santa," Aidan replied with enthusiasm. "I asked him for a Daddy for Christmas. I told him I wanted John to be my Daddy. But he said he would try and he did it."

Anna could only chuckle to herself as it all made sense now why he had seemed so glum after visiting with Santa and on Christmas morning despite all the gifts he had gotten.

"So you're happy about this?" she asked for confirmation.

"Yes. When can he be my Daddy?" Aidan inquired.

"I think he's already seeing about having Matthew draw up papers to fill out," she answered back. "Oh Aidan, I love you so much. John loves you so much, and things between you and I are never going to change," Anna said as she drew him in for a hug. I know this is going to be a big change, but I promise we are going to be a happy family.

"I love you too, Mummy," Aidan said as he squeezed her back tightly.

Aidan and Anna returned a little while later.

At first their reactions were unreadable and John was unsure if Anna had even told Aidan what had transpired between them. He lifted his sunglasses to get a better glimpse of them. "Everything alright?" John asked as he rose from his seat beside his mother.

"More than fine," Anna answered back with a twinkle in her eye.

The little boy met John halfway, as he practically screamed his name and knocked him over when they collided. "Oooof!" John let out a grunt and patted Aidan on the back. "Hey kiddo!" He wrapped the boy in a warm embrace and lifted him up in the air to place a kiss on his cheek. "Did you enjoy your walk with Mummy?"

"Yes," Aidan replied. The child lowered his voice and spoke into John's ear, "Mummy told me about your secret."

"Did she now?" John asked as he looked over to Anna. She blushed under his gaze. "I have a small favor to ask of you little man."

"Okay."

"I'm going to need a best man when we get married. You think you can do that for me?"

Anna stared on with tears in her eyes, but they were tears of joy.

"What do I have to do?"

"Are you kidding me? You are next in line to walk away with this girl if I screw this up," John joked. The joke was lost on Aidan. "You get to back me up and you are in charge of holding the ring."

"Even though I drop things sometimes?" Aidan asked as he looked down at his hands. His fingers fiddling with one another.

John used his finger to lift Aidan's chin so he could stare him square in the face. "Hey, I trust you." He saw the inkling of a smirk begin to form on Aidan's face. "You may not understand this now, but I fell in love with you before I even met your mother. And I don't even know that I would have met her had it not been for you. You have always been my best man and soon you are going to be my son." There was so much more that John wanted to say to him, but he was overcome with emotion and he told himself that they had all the time in the world. He'd tell Aidan the rest when he was older and could fully understand how important this day was for all of them. Instead, John just hugged him as hard as he could without squeezing him.

Anna watched as John whispered something into Aidan's ear.

John set the boy down and watched him scamper off towards Margaret.

"What did you tell him?" Anna asked as she let her hand fold into John's. Their fingers aligning and her head leaning on his shoulder as they slowly followed in the direction that Aidan had travelled.

"I gave him his first duty as best man," John responded with a cheeky grin and a hearty laugh.

"And what was that?"

"You'll see," John answered back.

They watched as Aidan made his way said something to Margaret and she burst into a scream that nearly broke the sound barrier. "What? John is it true? Are you and Anna engaged?" Margaret asked as she rose from her chair.

John simply held up Anna's hand to reveal the ring that she had put on when she had taken Aidan to the tide pools.

"Oh my word!" she exclaimed.

"I thought, why not let Aidan be able to announce it atleast once," John stated.

"I'm so happy for your both." Margaret hugged John first and then went over to welcome Anna to the family. "You have been such a blessing to our family. And I finally get a grandson," she cooed. The older woman wasted no time in turning her attentions to the child beside her. "My sweet boy, I'm going to spoil you thoroughly," Margaret said as she held Aidan's cheeks in the palms of her hands.

"Miss Margaret what should I call you now?" Aidan asked.

"Ummm," Margaret looked over to John and Anna for assistance.

"It's up to you, Mum," John encouraged her.

"You've wanted this for some time I'm sure," Anna added. "It's only right you get to pick it."

"How's about, Gran?" Margaret asked.

"Works for us," John said. "Aidan?"

"I like Gran," he agreed.

"Then it's settled," Anna said.

"I got two grandmas and a Daddy all in one day," Aidan noted. "That's more than I asked Santa for."

Anna picked Aidan up and said, "You must have been extra good this year then."