A/N: Sorry for the delay again folks. But hopefully this will tide you all over for a bit. Again I appreciate every single one of your reviews. They all mean the world to me.

Chapter 21

John strolled into the office a little later than usual but it was only because Aidan had some trouble getting back on schedule after the long holiday break. John and Anna practically had to pry him out of bed, everything was a long arduous task, and the traffic getting in had been dreadful. But at the end of it all, as John went to drop Aidan off at class the little boy stopped to give John a long hug and said, "I love you, Daddy." The boy's words hung in the air for a moment as he processed what his soon-to-be son had just said. "It's okay if I call you that now, right?" Aidan asked him. To which John could only reply, "Of course it is, son. Be a good boy and listen to Miss Sybil." Aidan had slung his backpack over his shoulder as he went over to his cubby and put his things away. John stood in the doorway for a moment longer to observe the boy and make sure he wasn't having anymore problems with the other kids. Before he left, Aidan caught sight of him and waved to him. It had made the morning worth it and so as John trudged over to his desk he could only smile.

"Good mornin', Mr. Bates," Daisy greeted him sweetly as he passed her desk.

"Morning, Daisy," John answered back in kind.

"Mint tea like usual, sir?" she asked before he opened the door to his office.

"That'd be lovely. Thank you."

"Robert's been looking for you," she filled him in.

"Of course he is. The one morning I'm not here early he decides to show up on time and be productive," John joked. The two of them shared a laugh as she passed a stack of mail to John and began to pull out a tea cup to serve him his tea. "That's a lovely new sweater. I don't believe I've seen that one on you," John commented as he tossed the stack of mail on his desk and began unpacking his brief case.

"It's new. My boyfriend got it for me over the holidays," she added.

"That was nice of him. The color suits you," he said.

"Thanks. And pass on my thanks to Anna and Aidan for the scarf," she replied.

"Hey, I helped pick it out too," John responded.

"I'm sure you did. Well that's everything," Daisy said as she set out some biscuits to go with the tea. "Should I start letting people in if they come by, or did you want me to give you a half hour undisturbed to catch up?"

"You can start letting them in."

"Very well then," Daisy responded with a slight bow of the head before making herself scarce.

John began to get his stuff prepared for the day and felt his mobile vibrate in his pocket. He quickly retrieved it and smiled when he saw the image pop up on his phone. A photo of Anna blowing him a kiss the morning after she had accepted his proposal. John swiped the screen to unlock it and saw it was a text from Anna.

Just thought I'd check to make sure Aidan got off to school alright. I know he was being a bit of a handful this morning. Thanks so much for offering to drop him off. I'll have to do something special for you later. I love you and hope you have a good day. - A

John smiled and glanced over his morning schedule. He typed out a text to Anna with a grin on his face.

The morning got better. I've officially been bestowed the title of 'Daddy'. And our little man seems to have gotten past his differences with the classmates he got into a fight with. I love you too. -J

"There he is," Robert said as he poked his head into John's office. "I thought we were going to see you and Anna at our place to ring in the new year."

"It was something we had considered but Anna's father offered to take Aidan for the night and we didn't want to pass up the chance at an opportunity to spend the evening by ourselves," John said.

"Well, can't say I blame you there," Robert said as he fixed his tie. "It looks like the holiday did you well. You seem well rested and look like you are in a good mood."

John paused for a moment, "Well...we were going to tell you all at once." He dragged out the words and could see the anticipation building in Robert's eyes.

"Going to tell us what?"

"Anna and I are engaged," John said with a proud smirk. His eyes came to life as they so often did whenever he spoke of Anna. But knowing that she was to become his wife soon only made them sparkle all the more.

"Congratulations! That's wonderful news!" Robert exclaimed as he came forward to give John a hug.

"Thanks, Rob. We like to think so," John replied as he patted his best friend on the back.

"Does your Mum know?"

"We just told her this past weekend," John answered back.

"She must be thrilled."

"She is. I think she's actually proud of me for settling down with someone like Anna," John replied. "I know it sounds weird, but even after Vera and I went our separate ways, I felt like I had let her down somehow."

"Vera certainly didn't bring out the best qualities in you. We didn't see much of you either. I think Anna and Aidan are a good fit for you. I can't wait to see you two walk down the aisle."

"Yeah," John cleared his throat, "...listen Rob...about the wedding…"

"No need to ask, I'll be your best man," Robert quickly volunteered.

John had to put a hand on Robert's forearm to force him to pause for a moment. "Actually, I asked Aidan. You can still be my groomsman. But, I wanted to make sure Aidan felt like he was a part of our day."

Robert feigned heartache for a second, "It's quite alright. I completely understand. He's a lucky boy, having a stepfather like you."

"Robert, I need you to promise me something."

"Anything."

"Don't let me screw this up."

Robert pat the tops of his friends hand as he smiled proudly at him. "I don't think you'll have to worry about that. But, I'll help in any way I can," Robert offered.

"Good. The first thing you can help me with. Talk to that future son-in-law of yours and ask him if he can draw up some adoption papers for me. I want to have everything settled so that there is no doubt in anyone's heart or mind how I feel about Aidan by the time we say 'I do'," John instructed.

"What with Anna?"

"No. Of course not. She knows how I feel about him," John was sure about that.

"Then why the rush?"

"Partly for Aidan, I want him to be able to change his name if he wants to when Anna does."

"And the other part?"

John sighed reluctantly as he considered saying anything more on the matter. "I know it probably sounds odd, but Anna still hasn't told me much about Aidan's father. And maybe it's for the best."

Robert's eyes widened with surprise.

John let his hands rest on his hips as he widened his stance. He looked as though he were putting his foot down with his mere presence alone. "The little she has told me has not exactly put him in the running for father of the year." John looked as though he were getting upset just thinking about it. "I mean where has he been all this time?" he asked aloud as he threw his hands up in frustration. John seemed like he were pausing to let Robert answer, but eventually moved on without waiting for him to jump in and speak. "The fact of the matter is, he's still out there. Anna has left me with the impression that she doesn't feel safe with him still walking around out there in the world. I want to be able to give her and Aidan that security. I can't do that if Aidan isn't my son on paper."

"Well, I can't say you haven't piqued my interest. But I wont press any further on the matter," Robert responded. "If there's anything I can do, just say the word."

"I do have one more thing I need from Matthew. I want to add Anna and Aidan to my life insurance policy. Just in case anything were to happen to me. I want her to be well taken care of," John said.

"Blimey! You aren't dying on me are you mate?"

"No. Just doing the responsible thing," John said.

"I'll let Matthew know, he may have to get in touch with you to get some information about Anna and Aidan to fill out the necessary paperwork, but it shouldn't be too painful."

"I don't care how painful it is. As long as it gets settled," John added.

Just then the conversation between John and Robert was brought to a halt as they heard Daisy giggling from around the corner. Both men stopped to poke their heads into the hallway and see what all the fuss was about. They found Mr. Green leaning over Daisy's desk, flirting shamelessly with her. The young girl blushed as their client continued his seemingly harmless advances. John cleared his throat and Daisy sat at attention. "I'm sorry, Mr. Bates. I didn't hear you call from the other room," she apologized with a tinge of embarrassment even though she did nothing wrong.

John couldn't help but notice Mr. Green made no motion to straighten himself up. "I was just telling Daisy here about how much fun I had over the holiday partying with some friends at a club in London. Was trying to convince her to join me next time."

"Well aren't you a lucky tyke," Robert replied enthusiastically.

John could only roll his eyes as he clenched a fist. Something about this man made him want to just clock him across the jaw and he couldn't quite place the reason why.

"I am a lucky tyke," Mr. Green emphasized.

There it was. He spoke as if he was untouchable-God's gift to man.

"I'll get right on copying those files you left on my desk last night Mr. Bates," Daisy interrupted.

"It's quite alright. I just don't want others getting the idea we aren't doing any work here," John snipped at him. Mr. Green may be their client, but John was going to be damned if that suddenly made Mr. Green the ring leader and the rest of them were just here for his entertainment.

Without batting an eyelash, Mr. Green merely chuckled softly. Still leaning lazily against the countertop as if he owned the place and said, "Well you know what they say, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." The younger man presented them all with a smile that looked as if it had been rehearsed and almost painful to put on.

"Dull, may not be something you are used to but it pays the bills around here," John reminded him before turning on his heel and heading back into his office.

Robert winced painfully at the exchange. While he wanted to keep their client happy, he had to admit that John had a point. "He's all business sometimes," Robert tried to excuse the attitude that John seemed to be putting into the atmosphere. "Perhaps you can tell me about your holiday over drinks as we discuss ideas for promoting your book."

Mr. Green's eyes fixated on the door to John's office as he answered back, "Sounds lovely. Can't wait."

"Honey, I'm home," John announced as he walked in through the door of Anna's place. He smiled to himself, rather enchanted at the thought of calling any place home; especially one he shared with Anna and Aidan. And while he had always been coming to Anna's place in the past the novelty hadn't quite worn off just yet that in the near future they would be husband and wife and whether they chose to stay here or move elsewhere eventually they would be settling into their home.

"I'm in the kitchen," she called back sweetly.

John removed his tie and discarded his shoes at the door. He set his briefcase down beside Aidan's backpack and quickly came to the realization that it was awfully quiet. He sauntered into the kitchen and came up behind Anna, allowing his arms to settle around her middle as he showered her neck and cheek with kisses. "It is mighty quiet in this house, my dear," John mumbled into her ear. He allowed his lips to graze the sensitive spot of her neck, just south of her ear lobe. The soft burr of his voice made her want to melt like butter in his arms.

Anna laughed softly as she finished rinsing off some dishes. "Yes, it is. Let's not ruin it," she teased.

"Am I to take that to mean we are alone?" John asked before nipping at her collar bone.

"Not quite," Anna replied as she set down the last pot in the drying rack and turned in his arms to face John. She kissed the tip of his nose before letting her lips experience the taste of his mouth fully.

John let out a restrained groan, knowing that meant they wouldn't be getting much further than kisses at the moment. "And where is the boy wonder and his trusty steed?" he inquired.

"They are gallivanting in the garden," she reported cheerfully.

"Shall I order us something for dinner?" he offered.

"You know...I could go for some Chinese."

"As you wish," John said before whipping out his mobile.

He placed the order, all the while admiring Anna and seeking her approval on each item he called out over the phone. Anna set to work on making something for Aidan. Picky eater that he was, she knew he wouldn't find much to munch on from a plate full of Chinese food.

"I heard from my dad today," Anna said as she assembled a tuna sandwich for Aidan.

"Really? How are they enjoying their time together?" John asked as he grabbed them both something to drink.

"Dad reports that they made it there safely. They just spent the day relaxing and walking around Elsie's family home. Her sister, Becky, keeps it now. In all the years I've known her, Elsie has only gone back home to visit it three times."

"That's all?" John asked.

"Well, it's not exactly a trip across town. And she runs the shop, so she hasn't had much time to leave on her own," Anna reasoned.

"Speaking of which...," John said as he considered how to broach the subject, "have you given any thought to what Elsie said?"

"What Elsie said?"

"Yes, about the shop. If you were to take over, you would be in a similar predicament," John pointed out.

"I know. I don't deceive myself of that. Part of me feels like if I don't I'd be letting her down. Like everything she worked for will go to waste if someone else that cares just as much for it doesn't take over," Anna explained.

"I can understand that."

"The other part is I feel as though I've earned this and to turn it down would be a disservice to myself," she added. "I realize it's not what I went to school for and certainly not what I pictured myself doing the rest of my life but it gave me the flexibility to be the mother I needed to be and still provide for us. And of course there's Elsie. She's been like a mother to me, working with her has been great."

"But, all the things you just said that were the perks to working there are going to change when she leaves. You wont be able to always leave on a whim or work with Elsie anymore. Is that really what you want to do for the rest of your life?"

"What else would I do?"

"I don't know. Would it be so hard to consider going into a line of work you got your education in? Or maybe something totally different?"

Anna stared at him blankly, as if she had never even given consideration before to the idea that such an opportunity were going to be possible again.

"You could go back to school if you needed to," he added.

"I could do that?" she asked more for herself than to him.

"Of course you could," he said with absolute certainty. His faith in her unending. "I hope you don't think my surprise about the offer means I didn't want you to do it. I'll support you no matter what you choose to do."

"I can't tell you how much it does my heart good to know you truly mean that," she replied.

John pursed his lips before they quirked into a smile. "It seems like you have a big decision to make. And I won't sway you either way. But I feel I should remind you to do what will make you happy, because you have that option now my darling."

"I know. I just need to mull it over some more. I know I could do it but I know it would be a big commitment. And my first priority will have to be my commitment to being a mother to Aidan. I just don't feel I could do a proper job of that while trying to head up the restaurant."

"If you like I could talk to Robert and see if he has any positions that will be opening up at Grantham PR," John suggested.

"As much as I would love to see you during the day, I'm not sure that's a jump I'm ready to make just yet."

"That's understandable. There are a lot of perks to working with the Crawley family, but there are cons too. Sometimes it's impossible to get anything done there because you have to run the decision between every single one of the family members."

"If you were me what would you do?" she asked.

"If you want to take a risk, I'd say do some soul searching and find something you love. And go with that. We'll find a way to make it happen."

"And if I didn't want to take a risk?"

John sat in one of the kitchen chairs and crossed his arms as he leaned back. "I think you know the answer to that question. And I can't make this decision for you."

Anna let out an exasperated huff. This would not be a decision she would arrive to easily. But deep down she felt she already knew the restaurant would not be in her future. And that scared her more than anything. Because while she was sure of where she didn't want to be, the future was still a mystery and the next direction she took was still too overwhelming to contemplate. At least, she knew she could rely on John not to put pressure on her.

"Can I get you anything?" Elsie asked Charles as she walked into the sitting room. They had spent the day walking around the countryside and taking a picnic beside the creek that bordered her home. It had been a nice change of pace from working at the restaurant, always hustling around. And yet Charles seemed so far away most of the day.

"No. Thank you," Charles replied with a half smile. He seemed to be lost in thought as he stared out the window.

"What are you thinking about?" Elsie asked.

"Just missing home. Wondering what Aidan is doing right now."

"I'm sure he's having a grand ole time with his mother and John, like usual," she tried to reassure him. "We can go back early if you want," she offered.

"That wont be necessary. I don't want to ruin the trip," he replied. "Don't mind me. It's just been a long time since I've been so far from my usual surroundings. I'm not quite sure what to do with all this free time."

Elsie smiled as she came to sit beside him on the couch. "I can think of a few things," she said flirtatiously, but Charles was still lost in thought. She took his hand in her own and looked at him with sympathetic eyes. "I guess I should have waited until after we left to broach the subject of considering retiring here."

"It's not your fault." Charles nursed his tea as he gave some more thought to starting a life here in Scotland. The scenery was perfect, the atmosphere was quaint, and they would be close to Elsie's sister, Becky. The latter, being a major selling point for Elsie who had spent little time with her family in all the years she'd been running the restaurant.

"But you don't like the idea do you?"

"I'd hate for you to think it has anything to do with you. I love you of course and I would love to make you happy, and this place has something about it that is quite tempting to settle into."

"But?"

"But, it's too far from Anna and Aidan. I've always loved being able to just hop in my car and drive over whenever I want to. I love having our weekly family dinners and I'll lose all that if we were to move here," he explained.

She knew this would be hard on him. Elsie wasn't without a heart, but she knew they had to be realistic about things. And while it pained her to say it, their relationship had always been based on honesty. It may hurt him to hear it but someone had to be the voice of reason here. "That's true. But Anna and Aidan are about to embark on a new life with John. I'm not saying they won't make time for you or us...but if the roles were reversed do you think Anna would hold off on moving just because of us?"

"I'd like to think so."

Of course he would. Sweet man that he was. Elsie liked to think Anna would be kind enough to offer him the same courtesy. Then it dawned on her that with all the travel John had been doing lately and the way he seemed to be steering his public relations firm, there was a chance they could branch out. "What if John got offered a job in America and it was the opportunity of a lifetime?"

The idea of Anna being in England while he was in Scotland was already daunting enough, having to picture Anna and Aidan being separated from him by an ocean was even less comforting.

"I know they are your whole world and I would never want to do anything to ruin that. But I'm becoming part of that world now too," she pointed out sweetly. "We don't have to make our home here. We don't even have to make a decision tonight. I just thought it might be nice for us to have a fresh start in a home that you didn't share with Alice."

The name of his former wife didn't seem to sting as much when she said it.

"I loved her just as much as you, but it does seem unfair to start our lives in a place that you once shared with her."

Charles hated the idea of leaving the home he'd been in for nearly thirty years, but he also knew he couldn't be reluctant to every suggestion Elsie put forward. He had to give on some things or he'd risk losing her for being so set in his ways. "Maybe...maybe we could move to a new house in London. One that isn't so far, but where we can have a fresh start," he suggested. "Maybe we can find a place with a spare room so we can still have Aidan over on occasion or even your sister."

"I'd like that," she agreed with a smile. "But not in the city. I still am in love with the countryside and I think Aidan will be too when he comes to visit."

Charles nodded, silently giving his assent to the new idea. "I'm sorry if I seemed distant today," he said apologetically.

"It's alright. You'll make it up to me somehow," she replied with a smirk.

Johns eyes seemed to smile over the brim of his glasses when Anna slid into their bed, between the sheets. John gave her a moment to get comfortable as he pretended to take a little longer to read over the page he'd been skimming for the past few minutes. She had been quiet throughout dinner and rather than bring it up while Aidan was in their presence, he had held off until they were alone. The two of them had enjoyed putting Aidan to sleep with a bedtime story; John had taken over the duties of telling them and Anna would lay beside him as she combed his hair and dressed him in his pajamas. John gave in to Aidan's pleas to let Jasper lay in his bed for the night.

Now with the boy fast asleep down the hall and Anna snuggling up beside him John put his bookmark in place, removed his glasses, and turned out the lights. He pressed his front to her back and placed a kiss on her cheek before wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Talk about what?" she replied.

"Whatever it is that's bothering you," he answered simply.

Anna sighed heavily. "I guess it is just that I would be more inclined to take the job at the restaurant if I knew Elsie was going to be close by. It would be kind of like I was carrying the torch for her. But if she's just going to move away…"

"...then what's the point," he finished her sentence.

"Exactly."

"I think the idea of your father moving is really at the center of all of this," he concluded. "Anna, I'm sure they wouldn't just up and leave."

"I know they wouldn't. And if that's what they wanted to do I would find a way to be happy for them. They've both just been so important to me and a big part of Aidan's life. It would be hard to imagine what it would be like to have them living in another country."

"Well, if they did we could make it a priority to visit them once a month and they could do the same," John reminded her.

"And what about the house? That's the only home I've ever known," she countered.

John was quiet for a few seconds as he tried to find a solution to her troubles. "I tell you what…" John leaned on his elbow as he propped his head up with the palm of his hand.

Anna turned to face him and listened intently.

"If your father and Elsie move, I could buy the house," John said.

"You could?"

"Well, I mean I'd have to make some financial arrangements. But I was hoping to get us a bigger house when we got married."

"You were? And why was that?" she asked with curious eyes.

"Call me crazy, but I'm already imagining a time when we'll be surrounded by a rather large brood of Bates children," John said with a chuckle.

Even in the dark, John was sure Anna was blushing at his statement.

"Hmmm, I'm not so sure I want such a large brood," Anna said as she bit down on her lip with eager anticipation. "If we had that many children I don't think we'd be able to find a moment alone with one another."

"We'd make it work," John countered.

"And just how many children did you have in mind?"

"I don't know. We already have a boy. At least one girl would be nice," he replied.

Anna's eyes lit up and she kissed him with fervor.

He sighed contently and added, "But I wouldn't be opposed to two or three more."

"That's enough of that," Anna said before hooking her leg over John's hips and bringing him closer to her.

"Did I make you feel better then?" John asked.

"Let's say you've temporarily distracted me," she said before giggling softly in the darkness. Their kisses began to turn into something more and thoughts of her father's pending move were miles away as they lost themselves in one another.