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Darcy made his way to Lizzie's office after sending the email and explained the situation about the charity event being on the same day as her birthday.
"It's no big deal. Really! If it were up to me, Char and I would be curled up watching movies and eating Chinese food. We always hated it when our mothers joined forces to throw us a party."
"So you won't attend the function?"
"If you want me to go, then I will. As long as Charlotte can come, too. We were texting each other this morning about what we were gonna do for our birthday. Your event will give us somewhere to be.", Lizzie said smiling.
Darcy was relieved that Lizzie wasn't upset and that she would at least be entertained with Charlotte while he worked at the event. But he still wanted to do something to honor her birthday and he knew just what to do.
The week passed quickly and Friday was the last day of Lizzie's project. She decided to film a video marking the end of her independent study and the start of her new project.
She talked about her plan with Darcy last night before bed and he was very supportive. Darcy had just come from brushing his teeth and he was ready to go to sleep, when he found Lizzie was sitting on the bed indian-style, looking very excited about something.
He shot her a questioning look and sat down on their bed, across from her, mimicking her pose which made Lizzie laugh because his legs were so long. After she had finished laughing at him and had given him a quick apology kiss, he gave her a questioning look again, which prompted her to speak about what was on her mind.
"So remember when I mentioned plans for the future a little while back? Well, since you're a smart, successful businessman, I thought I could use your advice."
Darcy felt all proud and cocky for a few seconds due to Lizzie's praise. He got similar compliments all the time, but he liked that Lizzie thought highly of him.
"Alright. I will advise you on anything you like, my love."
"Uh uh. No 'my love'. Be as objective as you can, okay?"
Darcy nodded. He put his business face on and gestured for Lizzie to continue.
"So you know how my videos have hundreds of thousands of views, right? Well, several people have messaged me offering to back me if I start my own show.
"I've been thinking, and I want to continue making web content. It's so much fun and the interaction with the viewers is amazing. And I'd be putting my mass comm degree to good use. Communicating with the masses via web.
"My idea is to take costume theater to the next level. I'm thinking maybe I start a scripted show where people send me anecdotes and I act out their stories and upload them on a weekly 30-minute show. Scripted web shows are becoming more and more popular and I'd like to get in on it before the web is completely saturated with them.
"I'm already kind of popular on YouTube, ya know? Might as well use my influence for my own benefit. Right?"
Darcy was quiet for a few seconds and then started grilling Lizzie about the possible flaws in her business plan.
She had answers for everything.
"With my backers' money I can rent a location to shoot, hire actors and co-producers, writers, buy props, and cover everything I would need to do the show.
"And I'm thinking if it goes over successfully maybe I can sell DVDs, toys, shirts, apps, and other things fans would like. And if it goes extremely well, I could maybe put together a pilot for television. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!"
Lizzie was really excited. And Darcy thought the idea was innovative. It would be similar to what the Diaries were and her fan-base was growing more and more every day.
Darcy said, "Well, Ms. Bennet, I know it was never your intent to pitch your idea to me so that I should try to become one of these financial backers of which you speak, but how much are they offering you? I'll triple it. At Pemberley Digital we can set up a whole department around your show and-"
"No, William! That's not what I want. And don't get me wrong- I absolutely love Pemberley! Those napping pods? I was sold, ha. But in all seriousness, I would like to try this on my own. I don't want to be that girl who dates the boss. I don't want whatever success may come to me to be attributed to your company. I want to make a name for 'myself'. You understand, right?"
Darcy's face fell a little. He couldn't help it. His imagination ran wild with the possibility of them being a power-couple and having Pemberley be a family business that they would pass down to their kids, should they choose to become involved.
"Will?... Babe?"
He sighed and responded, "You know, I think I know some investors as well...", with a smile.
As Lizzie sat in her office, she acknowledged that this would be the last time she made a video here. She had grown very fond of Pemberley and although this would surely not be her last time visiting, (her baby-daddy owns the company; she's tied to it forever) it was still kind of sad.
"You guys see this room? This background that you've become so accustomed to? Well, say good bye to it 'cause I already have... My name is Lizzie Bennet, and this is the last day of my independent study."
*Cue theme music*
"Yup! That's right, folks! My school project is done and I've turned it in on time, despite earlier setbacks with family issues, which means I can graduate next month! But just because that project is over doesn't mean I won't continue to upload vlogs! I will still post videos whenever I want to share something with you guys. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries will live on! Thank you so much for the support; I don't know what I'd be doing after graduation if it weren't for you. Also, I have a new project in the works that I will be telling you all about soon, so stick around for that."
"And to address the comments on Monday's video: Wow. You guys are very, umm, descriptive in what you think happened between William and I. I just wanted to update you guys on that front really quickly. Yes, I've moved in with him and we get along pretty well. You know how sometimes living with someone can make you hate them? Nope. Not us. Well, not yet, anyway.", she joked.
"Alright, let me wrap this up because I need to edit and upload this myself before five; and I don't wanna keep my ride waiting.", she said with a smile. "Talk to you all soon!"
Caroline watched the video as soon as it was posted and still couldn't believe how far Lizzie had gotten with Darcy.
"The master of seduction. She must have him bewitched.", she thought to herself after watching. But Caroline knew, deep inside, this wasn't true. She knew Darcy had been intrigued by Lizzie since their Netherfield days and she knew Lizzie Bennet had a certain charm about her that made her easy to like. Caroline would have kept her as a friend had she not thought Jane was bad news, and if Darcy's interest in her hadn't been increasing.
She wasn't in love with Darcy. Yes, she found him attractive and would sleep with him at the drop of a hat if he ever gave the slightest hint that he was interested, but she always thought they would eventually end up together. Societal rules of thumb indicated that the rich marry their own kind and Darcy was much too picky to settle.
She had known Darcy since he took over the company almost seven years ago. She was 21 and he was 20, and since her father was an investor in the company, her family was always invited to events and had access to most parts of the company. Her parents moved to upstate California, and left Pemberley, but the Lee siblings stayed in touch with Darcy; especially since Bing and Darcy studied at the same school for a few years.
"Eight days until the charity event. Surely I can talk some sense into him."
The weekend was spent pleasantly with Lizzie and the Darcys. Lizzie and Gigi went to the mall Saturday morning and Gigi took note of all the things Lizzie stared at for more than three seconds. She had no idea what to get Lizzie for her birthday.
Later in the afternoon, Darcy, who had been 'working', joined his two favorite girls for lunch. He had actually been searching for a birthday present for Lizzie. He knew she probably wouldn't want anything expensive like designer shoes or a purse or something, so he decided to find something she would find useful. He went to one store and walked around with one of the personal shoppers until he found the perfect gift. It was now safely hidden at home.
On Monday, week 11 of Lizzie's pregnancy was celebrated by herself, Gigi, Darcy, and Fitz with dinner at some fancy restaurant. But at night, the pair cuddled up and read facts for week 11 together. The rest of the week was busy for the happy couple, however. Lizzie was polishing up her final draft for the pilot episode of her new project so she could send a copy to the investors, and Darcy was busy with preparations with the charity event.
Friday rolled around and Charlotte's plane was scheduled to arrive at 2pm. Lizzie was driven to the airport and awaited her with the driver.
Charlotte came into view and Lizzie made a run for her. She hadn't seen her bestie in-person in months!
"Char!"
"Lizzie!"
The two women hugged each other tightly and then Charlotte broke away and said, "Let me get a good look at you!"
Lizzie backed up and did a slow twirl for Charlotte, which was followed by squealing by the latter.
"Lizzie, pregnancy suits you. You look amazing! You have the pregnant-glow thing going on! I bet your mom is happy with the weight you've put on.", Charlotte said rubbing Lizzie's slightly pudgy belly.
The girls pulled up to the Darcy estate and Charlotte said, "Whoa!". She had been to Mrs. DeBourgh's house and was impressed, but Darcy's house was way more distinguished looking.
"I know, right? You get used to it, though.", Lizzie said as she led Charlotte inside and to the room that used to be hers.
That night, at dinner, Charlotte was formally introduced to Gigi and was reacquainted with Fitz.
"Hello, Ms. Lu. It's a pleasure to have you as a guest in our home.", Darcy said after arriving from work. Everyone was seated except Lizzie, who had begun to feel nauseous.
"Please, Darcy, call me Charlotte.", she said as they shook hands.
"Hey there, handsome.", Lizzie greeted Darcy with a smile, as she walked into the dining room.
He pulled Lizzie into a big hug and then with his hands on her belly, kissed her and her mouth tasted like mouthwash, so he asked, "Are you feeling ill?"
"I just felt nauseous. I'm fine now, don't worry."
And Charlotte felt her heart swell up with joy. She sooo knew Lizzie and Darcy had chemistry, but to see it in person made her want to yell, "I told you so!". You could literally feel the love radiating off of them.
After dinner, Darcy pulled Lizzie aside and gave her his credit card. She was about to protest, but he stopped her.
"I just want you to buy a nice outfit for yourself for tomorrow. That's all. It's for the charity event, which is formal attire, but also because it's your birthday and I want you to feel beautiful. Also, get Charlotte whatever she likes; it is her birthday, too. And do not worry about the cost. If you like something, do not even bother looking for the price tag. It would make me happy if you bought things for yourself."
"Okay. Thank you, Will. But don't expect me to spend like a thousand dollars, because I won't."
"You can spend however much you would like. That card has no limit."
Lizzie told Charlotte about the card and they made plans to go to the mall tomorrow morning. The charity event started at 6pm, so they'd have plenty of time.
Saturday, April 27th, 2013. Lizzie (and Charlotte's) 24th birthdays.
Lizzie awoke to a lovely handwritten birthday card placed on the empty pillow next to her. It was from Darcy and it was beautiful. Lizzie held it close to her chest and after a few seconds she whispered to her belly, "I love your daddy so much!"
Lizzie and Charlotte were driven to the mall and were first looking at clothing stores that they would usually shop at. But then, Charlotte dragged Lizzie to some of the more expensive designer stores.
"Lizzie. Your boyfriend has millions. He wants you to spend his money. Don't disappoint the man! He said I could have whatever I wanted, and I am not the type to turn down such an amazing offer. I'm buying this dress right here. It costs US$1200. And I need some shoes and accessories. So buck up, Lizzie!"
"Fineeee."
Lizzie ended up buying a beautiful black gown (because black is supposed to be slimming, right?) that she would've never even considered purchasing before. It was a flowy dress that was not too tight so it could hide her little bump, but still sexy-ish because it showed off some cleavage.
"That baby has given you awesome boobs, Lizzie. I'm jealous.", Charlotte said after approving of the dress.
Lizzie also purchased a pair of silver high heels (not too high, though. She didn't want to risk falling and hurting the baby), a silver clutch, and a set of diamond earrings with matching bracelet and pendant.
She took Darcy's advice and didn't bother looking at the prices. She knew that combined, she and Charlotte spent over US$6000, but she probably wouldn't use his card again anyway, so she appeased herself with that. Hopefully she spent enough to make him happy.
Everything was going as planned and it was almost 6pm. Darcy quickly showered and dressed in the room he had secured at the hotel where the event was taking place. Before six, he was inside the hall, awaiting the arrival of the guests for the '3rd Annual Pemberley Digital Charity Fundraising Extravaganza'.
One of the first to arrive was his Aunt Catherine so he put on a smile and greeted her. She was still kind of distant, but she had enough decorum to not ignore Darcy. What she wanted was an apology. He really didn't feel like she deserved one, but he decided to set aside his pride.
"You look lovely Aunt Catherine. I wanted to apologize for the way I behaved the last time we spoke...", he went on and on about how sorry he was and how he and Gigi missed her and when she was satisfied she gave him a hug and said she wouldn't interfere with his ideas again. "If you succeed, that's wonderful. If you fail, I will be the first to say 'I told you so'."
Caroline was always 'fashionably late', but this time she arrived a little earlier than usual so she could have a chat with Darcy.
She had just spotted him across the room when she noticed that he was staring at something. When she turned to where he was staring, she saw Lizzie Bennet looking gorgeous and every bit as elegant as any other woman of society.
"What is this? Cinderella?", Caroline thought jealously.
Obviously, Darcy wouldn't pay attention to Caroline with Lizzie looking like that, so she would wait around until he was alone. Until then, she would loosen up a little with some drinks.
Lizzie and Charlotte walked in, looking around at all the people and feeling a little out of place. They made their way to where refreshments were being served and Lizzie ordered a glass of water and stared longingly at Charlotte's glass of bubbly champagne.
"Don't worry, Lizzie", said Charlotte after taking a long sip, "I'll drink for the both of us."
It was then that Lizzie felt a tap on her shoulder and when she turned around, she found a very excited looking Darcy.
He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked amazing and he was glad to see she had put his card to use.
"You look beautiful, my love. Happy Birthday.", he said with a big smile.
She hugged him really tight and tip-toed so she could plant a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, baby. For the lovely birthday card and all this.", she said gesturing to the dress and everything.
Darcy whispered something in Lizzie's ear which made Lizzie gasp then giggle and whisper something back, which caused Charlotte to clear her throat loudly and tell them to get a room.
Darcy was apologizing to Charlotte for ignoring her and wishing her a happy birthday as well, when Aunt Catherine strolled over.
"Ms. Lu?! Is that you?"
Charlotte rolled her eyes and turned around, "Hello, Mrs. DeBourgh! So good to see you again so soon!", and she stole Charlotte away.
Darcy stayed talking for a few more minutes but then saw a very important person he absolutely must speak to, so he was forced to leave Lizzie's side and get back to work.
Now was Caroline's turn to strike. She was going to confront Lizzie about Darcy.
"Well, well, well. Look who cleans up nicely! How many blowjobs did this outfit cost you?", Caroline said as she approached Lizzie. She was in her cups and she had always been a vulgar drunk.
"Excuse me?!"
"You heard me, tramp! You seduced Darcy. I doubt you bought that dress with your own money!"
"I didn't seduce anyone. Look, Caroline. Just leave me alone. I don't have time for your negativity."
"Listen here Lizzie Bennet, you don't belong with Darcy. Kapiche? You're just a gold digger. I had it all wrong. How could I possibly think the lovely Jane Bennet was possible of the type of thing you're doing to Darcy?"
"Are you really that delusional, Caroline? Darcy was not 'seduced'. He's with me because he loves me and I'm with him because I love him, too. It's as simple as that. Do you really think Darcy is seduced? To believe that would be to believe that Darcy is foolish enough to fall for such a scheme. Darcy can make his own choices, he's a sensible man. So which is it? Is Darcy in love with me or do you think he's stupid enough to be fooled?"
Darcy overheard Caroline and was going to step in to defend his girlfriend, but he was very amused with how Lizzie handled her and chose to enter while Caroline was at a loss of words due to Lizzie's argument.
"Caroline Lee, I would advise you to stop spewing such hateful lies before we have you accused of slander.", he said as he made his way to Lizzie's side and put his arm around her waist possessively.
"But Darcy! She's obviously manipulating you! I don't know how you supposedly fell in love with her, but she's not worth it. She's going to take all your money and run. I saw that you visited those detestable people again. How did you survive the mother?!". Whenever Darcy used to mention something favoring Lizzie, she would always remind him of that mother of hers and that always seemed to work.
"Francine is a lovely woman, Caroline, and I will not allow you to speak ill of her in her absence."
"Ha! Don't try and act like a saint now, Darcy! You and I have said worse things that I'm sure you wouldn't want your darling Lizzie to hear."
A waiter dropped by with a tray of wine glasses. Darcy grabbed one and handed it to Caroline. He was being polite.
"None for you, sir, or the beautiful lady?", the young waiter asked, staring at Lizzie a little too much for Darcy's taste.
"No, thank you. She can't drink alcohol and I'm not going to enjoy it while she can't.", he said pulling Lizzie closer to him unconsciously.
"I'm not tying to act saintly.", he continued when the googly-eyed waiter was far enough. "I apologized to Lizzie long ago for the way I felt about her family. Now I've spent time with them and confirmed that they are wonderful people; who will one day be my in-laws."
Lizzie smiled at Darcy's kind words towards her parents. And suddenly, the institution of marriage didn't seem so unappealing. She accepted the fact that she and Darcy would probably get married one day and give the baby that was growing in her womb some little brothers and sisters. The only factor was when. They were going to be busy with a new baby and then Lizzie's new show and like always, Pemberley and its projects, so when would they squeeze in planning a wedding? "Don't get ahead of yourself, Bennet. One day at a time!"
"Darcy alluding to marriage with Lizzie? Has the world gone mad?!", Caroline thought angrily. "Ugh. Whatever. Suit yourself! After she bleeds you dry and you regain your senses, you know my number.", she said throwing back her glass of wine in one gulp. "I need something stronger than that! Waiter!"
Caroline stalked away angrily and then watched as Gigi, who had apparently just arrived, went over to Lizzie and gave her a big squeeze. And then she quickly pulled away and said what looked like "Sorry, little one" while looking at what appeared to be the floor (actually it was Lizzie's stomach. Gigi was apologizing to the baby for hugging too hard). Caroline couldn't be sure; she was too far.
"I wasn't ever able to get close to Georgiana... Why is it that she welcomed Lizzie with open arms even when Lizzie had badmouthed Darcy on the internet?"
She was feeling sad and lonely, and all the alcohol made her want to pee, so she headed for the ladies' room. As she washed her hands, Caroline looked at herself in the mirror and started crying.
"Why doesn't he like me?! I'm hot and I'm rich!", she thought, feeling defeated.
"How is it possible that Lizzie Bennet has conquered Darcy's heart so easily, when I've been trying for years?", she asked aloud.
Catherine DeBourgh stepped out of a stall and went to the sink next to Caroline. Caroline immediately began making herself presentable and was mortified at the fact that Darcy's aunt had witnessed her drunken self-loathing.
"Ms. Lee, is it?", Aunt Catherine asked while drying her hands.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you again, Mrs. DeBourgh."
"Why are you so upset, dear? And I was not eavesdropping, I promise, but I could have sworn I heard the Darcy family name."
"You are right, Mrs. DeBourgh-"
"Please, call me Catherine. Mrs. DeBourgh is my business name."
"Catherine, I did mention Darcy, as in William Darcy, your nephew. It seems that he is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet; you remember her, right? She is Charlotte Lu's friend that visited Collins & Collins last year-"
"Yes, yes. I know of whom you speak. Lovely girl. Anny-kins, my accomplished little doggy, took a liking to her but she never returned for another visit. Shame. So much potential. All she needs is a little training-"
"Well, Lizzie Bennet is not of our social standing. She is middle class whereas Darcy is a wealthy businessman. Girls like her love to get their mitts on rich men. It's all the rage now."
"Hmm. Yes, I've seen many men and women be robbed blind of their fortunes by people claiming to love them. But I didn't get that vibe from that young lady-"
"She's decked out in a thousand dollar dress and has diamonds on. Catherine, don't you see? She convinced him to make her his girlfriend and he moved her in with him; that can only bring trouble!"
"No; I don't believe it. He would've told me something like this."
"I wouldn't be surprised if she told him not to tell you anything. She's a smart one."
"My word!"
"I'm more appropriate for him. I have my own money and I know how to behave in social settings. I should be the one dating him!"
"Hmm. Yes. You would be a good match, I suppose. Let me go have a word with my nephew."
"Wait!"
"No, no! I will not let him throw away my dear sister's fortune. She died asking him to care for Georgiana, and moving women into their home is a bad example! I will not allow it!"
Aunt Catherine stormed out and found Darcy with Lizzie, Charlotte, Gigi, Brandon, and Fitz. They were all laughing at something Fitz said, when Catherine walked right up to Darcy and started scolding him in a hushed tone. She was a short woman who didn't even reach his chest, so she was looking up at Darcy and he was looking down at her confused as to why she was behaving like this.
"I apologized to her, did I not? What could she possibly find wrong with me now?", he thought annoyed.
"Slow down Aunt Catherine! What is the matter?"
"Her! I didn't even recognize her earlier when I came across Ms. Lu. She's the new matriarch of my beloved sister's home? Why wasn't I told you had begun a relationship with her? I knew you to be reckless and impulsive with your little Domino project, but I will not have you desecrate my sister's home with a gold digger!"
She was getting loud and he didn't want to cause a scene, so he grabbed his Aunt roughly by the wrist, in his anger, and escorted her somewhere more private.
Everyone in the group was left shocked. Gigi moved to comfort Lizzie, who after a minute began to cry. Gigi and Charlotte led Lizzie to the ladies' room to avoid causing a scene.
On the way out, they passed Caroline, who felt kind of guilty about seeing Lizzie cry. She always saw Lizzie as this strong, opinionated woman and here she was, crying like a regular human being with feelings. Caroline was sobering up and she was starting to realize she was in the wrong. She should've never put Catherine against Lizzie and she shouldn't have insulted them the way she did earlier.
"I'm always screwing up, aren't I? First with Bing and Jane and now with Darcy and Lizzie.", she thought ashamed.
Lizzie could put up with Caroline's accusations because she knew Caroline was just speaking out of jealousy, but when Darcy's only other relative is outraged with their relationship, Lizzie couldn't handle it. She didn't want to be the cause of a rift in his family.
Maybe it was the hormones that made her so emotional, because before, she would've stood up for herself and for her and Darcy's relationship. Or maybe it was because it was a family thing.
"Don't cry Lizzie!", Charlotte pleaded as she patted Lizzie's back.
Gigi added, "Aunt Catherine and Will have been fighting since last year, Lizzie! It's not you! It's your birthday! Please, don't cry!". She was frantic and felt so bad that Lizzie was upset.
"Look, I have your birthday present with me!"
Gigi pulled a little box out of her clutch and handed it to Lizzie.
Sniffling and wiping tears away, Lizzie accepted the box and opened it up. When she saw what was inside, she laughed.
Charlotte and Gigi looked at each other with relief.
Lizzie held up a silver necklace with a little red bowtie in the center. It was a small, thin necklace. Very simple and the bowtie held lots of sentimental value for Lizzie.
"Thank you so much Gigi! It's great!", Lizzie said smiling.
"My brother is wearing a red bowtie tonight, so you guys are matching! I need a picture of you two!", Gigi said excited.
"Here, let me take off this necklace and put on your new one.", suggested Charlotte.
With her little red bowtie necklace, Lizzie felt at peace again. She and Darcy have been through so much to get to where they are today. This was just another hurdle they would have to get over.
Meanwhile, Darcy had taken his aunt to his hotel room. She was still shouting and complaining all on the way there.
He was furious. He was not about to let his aunt intervene in his love life, too. He took a few deep breaths before addressing her.
"Aunt Catherine, Lizzie is my girlfriend and I intend to make her my wife someday. I will not let you speak about her disrespectfully. She is a part of my family now and I won't stand for this!"
He was pacing around the room to release some of his pent up rage.
"But how can you be involved with her, William? Think about your future! What prospects has she to bring to the table? None. She might be a lovely girl, but she isn't right for you! I'm only trying to warn you. Things like this happen all the time."
"Aunt, she is perfect for me. I see the future every morning when I wake up because Lizzie is right next to me. Aunt, I am in love with her and it took a long time to get her to feel the same way about me. I'm going to stay with her whether you like it or not."
"What is she going to do for a job, then? Surely she isn't going to be mooching off of you forever."
Darcy reminded his Aunt of Lizzie's internet success and told her of Lizzie's plans.
"And even if she did want to stay home doing nothing, I would not mind. As long as she is happy, I am happy."
"This is preposterous thinking! She is not your future. You should get her out of your life while you still can."
Darcy scoffed at her and said, "Lizzie and I are bonded by more than just our love now, Aunt Catherine. It is impossible for me to erase her from my life, even if I wanted to. For she is carrying my son or daughter."
Aunt Catherine gasped and would have surely fallen and hit her head had she not been standing in front of the bed.
"She is WHAT?! Are you sure it's yours?"
"100% positive. Not a doubt in my mind."
"Surely this was her plan all along?! To trap you with child support!"
"No. She would never do something like that. Aunt, why are you so set against her now? You thought she was alright when you invited her for dinner that one time. She is not a gold digger and I am sure you hurt her feelings. So you have to choose: either you accept Lizzie as a part of the Darcy family or I won't see you anymore. And you won't be involved in the life of my child; my mother-your sister's- grandchild. "
Aunt Catherine never did like ultimatums, but this one was easy. She never had any kids of her own, what with her husband's death in an airplane crash. And she loved children. It was settled.
"Fine. I will go apologize to Ms. Bennet. I am sorry, William.", she said reluctantly.
"Apology accepted.", he said curtly and held the door for her.
The pair made their way back to the hall and Catherine made a formal apology to Lizzie in front of the whole gang. Whether it was sincere or not, Lizzie did not care. She learned not to hold grudges, what with the whole Lydia incident, so she accepted Catherine's apology.
"Please, call me Aunt Catherine if we're family now. And I heard about the bun in the oven. I wouldn't have suspected a thing. How far along are you?"
Lizzie smiled and said, "12 weeks on Monday.", and Aunt Catherine proceeded to put her hand on Lizzie's belly.
Caroline was still watching them from across the room, and although she couldn't hear what they said, rubbing a woman's belly is a universal sign for pregnancy. Since Caroline was sobering up, she put that together with the fact that she can't drink, Gigi's mention of a 'little one', and she had originally attributed it to a really good push-up bra, but Lizzie's boobs were bigger.
"Don't tell me she's pregnant?!", Caroline's jealousy and rage was reignited and she went for a couple shots of whiskey.
The fundraiser ended, and although Darcy was too distracted by Lizzie to schmooze and encourage the guests to donate, they were able to top last year's grand total.
"Thank you all for this successful fundraiser. You've all helped make a really big difference tonight. Before we go, though, I'd like to felicitate my beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth, on her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Lizzie." Most people were shocked because Darcy was never seen with a woman. A number of them probably thought he was gay until now.
People stared at her and congratulations were expressed, but she only had eyes for Darcy. This night had been an emotional whirlwind, but she had her baby and she had him, so she considered this her happiest birthday yet.
When the couple was reunited, Lizzie gave Darcy a huge kiss to express her happiness at that present moment.
"I am really sorry about Caroline and my aunt and-", he admitted.
"Sshhh! Let's forget about it! I just wanna go home."
Home. Darcy remembered the days where he had dreamed that Lizzie would call his home hers as well, and he still hadn't gotten over the fact that his wish had come true.
"Wait, before you leave, I have to get a picture of you two! You guys look awesome! And you're matching! Super cute!", said Gigi pointing to Lizzie's necklace, causing Darcy to laugh.
Gigi snapped a picture and immediately posted it on twitter for the fans.
The rest of the crew went out to a night club to celebrate Charlotte's birthday, while Lizzie and Darcy went home.
They helped each other strip from their formal attire, Lizzie took off everything but her little bowtie necklace and asked Darcy to the same so that they could stay matching.
Lizzie got some amazing birthday sex, which was desperately need after the day's events. While cuddling afterwards, Lizzie said, "This day couldn't possibly get any better.", and sighed contentedly.
"Actually, I have one more present..."
"Will! You didn't have to do that."
"But I wanted to. And don't worry, this gift is for the both of us, really. Now close your eyes."
He went in the closet, fumbled around for a minute, and came back with Lizzie's present.
"Now this is going to be cold. Don't worry, and keep you eyes closed, okay?"
"Mmhmm...", Lizzie said with a hint of suspicion. "What is this man up to?"
Within a few seconds, Lizzie did feel something cold on her belly. It felt like a gel. Then she felt something running across the gel.
"Is he giving me some kind of massage?", she thought and then she heard a really rapid heart beat getting louder and louder.
"Can I open my eyes?"
"Yes, you may open them. Happy Birthday, Lizzie. From baby and me."
Lizzie gasped and then started crying happy tears. Darcy had bought Lizzie a little machine that detects the baby's heart beat. They spent the next half hour just listening.
"Thank you so much, William. Seriously. This has been the best birthday ever.", she sniffled. Her face was all pink and under her eyes were puffy from tears, but she couldn't have been more beautiful to him, lying there naked with her little bowtie necklace and ultrasound gel on her pudgy belly.
