Part 7

"Now, the plan is that Counselor Troi will stay in my quarters and watch her at night. But, I do appreciate you helping Counselor Troi babysit Adele when you're not in class or training."

Shrugging, Wesley follows Picard to the Crusher's cabin door. "Sure. How long will you be gone?"

"It'll take us a day to fly there in the shuttle and a day to rendezvous with the Enterprise, and we're there three days," replies Picard, shifting the case in his hands.

"Mom will be surprised,"predicts Wes, chortling lightly.

Grinning, Picard raises a brow. "That is the plan. Your mother deserves a vacation, a little rest and relaxation."

Smiling, Wes bobs his head in agreement. "Yes, sir. Have fun."

Picard hadn't just came to the Crusher's quarters to pack a travel case for Beverly, although that had been a priority. He is about to launch them off in the captain's yacht to a small vacation planetoid with beautiful towering mountain ranges and clear rivers. He had wanted to surprise her, so he had to make all the arrangements, including trying to pack a case for her for the three day stay and two days of travel. Truthfully, Picard isn't going to all the effort for a little shore leave; he really needs to have Beverly alone for an extended period so he can have a serious conversation about their future together. He's ready to move forward with their relationship, and he believes she is, as well. However, he needs to ensure that her teenage son is ready to see his mother and Picard's relationship evolve, too.

"Wesley…"Picard inhales sharply, running his hand over his mouth. "I know there's been a lot of change over the past few months, things have been moving quite quickly."

Raising a brow, Wesley is bemused. "Sir?"

"Your mother and I…."Clearing his throat, Picard looks at Wesley, looking for help. "Well, it's quite serious."

Almost smirking, Wes bobs his head, folding his arms over his chest. "Ahh….yes, sir." Wes bites his tongue, not pointing out to the captain that his mother practically lives with the captain, basically cares for his six month-old daughter as if she's her own child. Of course his mother still stays at their quarters and includes Wes in everything, but Wes knows that she's essentially their family, and it's only a matter of time before things drastically change.

"Well…"Pursing his lips, Picard isn't confident in how to phrase his words. "Wesley, I love her very much. I want to marry her. I'd like for us all to be…a family."

Absorbing his words, Wesley is silent a moment, nodding. "Yes. I know."

Letting out a long breath, Picard smiles lightly. "I know this is probably all happening quickly. And, I don't want you to think I'm trying to replace your father in anyway. I know I could never…"

Shaking his head, Wesley interjects. "No, it's okay. I understand. Mom's waited…forever for this. She's happy. You make her happy. You and Adele. I want you guys to be happy."

Grinning, Jean-Luc exhales in relief. "Thank you, Wesley. I appreciate that."

Picard feels a massive weight evaporate from his shoulders. Knowing that Wesley would accept he and Beverly getting married, Jean-Luc feels confident going into their little shore-leave.

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Shivering, Beverly leans her head back against Jean-Luc's shoulder, staring ahead at the brightly-illuminated night sky over the river.

On the wide wooden bench seat in the little rowboat, Jean-Luc tightens his hold around Beverly's waist as she sits in his lap with her back against his chest. The two of them are out in the little rowboat, only a few meters from shore where they have a small log cabin. They had rowed out on the river to watch the triplet moons dance across the night sky, lighting up the river.

Kissing her crown, Jean-Luc rubs her arms over her light white knit sweater. "You're cold. Shall we head in? I'll start a fire."

Shaking her head, Beverly smiles. "I don't want to move. This is beautiful."

Pecking her cheek, Jean-Luc holds her waist, swivelling her gently in his lap to face him. "You're beautiful."

Grinning, Beverly slips her legs around his waist, straddling his lap over the wooden bench seat. "This is wonderful, Jean-Luc. Thank you. I'm glad we're here."

Cupping her cheek, Jean-Luc kisses her tenderly. "As am I. Thank you for joining me."

Slipping her hands around his neck, Beverly kisses him back. "Always."

"Will you join me on a journey together?" Caressing her cheek, Jean-Luc grazes her lips with his thumb.

Puzzled, Beverly smiles questioningly. "What journey?"

"Marry me," pleas Jean-Luc softly, gazing longingly into her eyes in the bright moonlight over the river.

Eyes widening, Beverly's lips part in an astonished grin. "Jean-Luc?"

Leaning in, Jean-Luc rests his forehead against hers, feathering a kiss to her lips. "I know it may be a little…soon. I just…Beverly, I cannot imagine my life without you. I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning, and go to bed with you in my arms every night. I was a fool. For ten years I waited. I should have told you how I felt much sooner. We've waited so long, and I just can't wait any longer. Please, Beverly. I want you. I need you. Marry me."

Beaming, joyful tears cascade down Beverly's cheeks. Nodding, Beverly stutters, trying to find her voice. "Yes. Of course. Yes, Jean-Luc!"

Cradling her face, Jean-Luc sighs in relief, peppering kisses to her lips. "I love you."

"I love you," echoes Beverly, sobbing softly.

Smiling, Jean-Luc swipes at her tear tracks with his thumb. "Beverly, you've been there for me since the beginning. I'd truly be lost without you. It means so much to me that you've taken on such a maternal role in caring for Adele. It would mean the world to me if Adele could consider you her mother. There's nothing I'd like more than for the four of us to be a family."

Choking back a sob, Beverly covers her lips, becoming slightly overwhelmed by the sentiment. "I'd like that, too."

Smiling, Jean-Luc takes her hand and covers her lips with his. "I love you."

Taking a calming breath, Beverly trails a hand down his chest, sniffling and shivering slightly. "Take us back to shore, Captain."

"New orders, Doctor?" teases Jean-Luc, running a hand through her hair.

Laughing lightly, Beverly bobs her head, rubbing his chest over his thin tunic. "Yes. I've got my heart set on curling up under a roaring fire with a glass of champagne in the cabin. What do you think, Captain?"

Smirking, Jean-Luc drops a hand to her waist. "Aye! Course laid in."

Giggling, Beverly leans in, brushing their noses. "Engage!"