Greetings all. TGIF! It was an incredibly long week - crisscrossing the country AGAIN. But it gave me a lot of time to write...

He slid the ring on her finger and then lifted her hand to kiss the spot where he had just placed it. It fit perfectly.

Looking down at her hand, she gasped. The ring was so beautiful and more than that, it made the gigantic leap to which they'd each committed themselves, very real. No, they weren't standing up in front of a priest or judge. But she knew that in these last few moments, they'd set themselves on a course from which it would be difficult to depart.

They sat in silence simply looking at one another when they heard the sound of a throat clearing. "May we come back in?" Edward called out.

"Of course," Lizzy blushed.

Maddy looked at Lizzy's hand and rushed over to embrace her in a big hug. "It's a good decision Lizzy," she whispered to her as they were hugging.

"Congratulations you two," Edward offered. "William will you help me with something in the kitchen?" Edward led him out for a few minutes hoping to give Maddy a chance to check in on Lizzy..

Pulling back and looking closely at Lizzy, Maddy asked, "Are you truly ok?"

"Yes. Yes, I really am," Lizzy assured her. Looking down at the ring on her finger and contemplating the man who had just placed it there she looked back at Maddy. "He's a very good man and I like him and trust him. I still have some questions but I'm not worried about them. We'll work them out."

The men returned, Edward carrying a tray containing four flutes of Champaign. Maddy handed a glass out to each of them. "To William and Elizabeth, may these bubbles remind you to take the day-to-day issues that will come with a touch of lightness and sweetness. We wish you much happiness." Enjoying the bubbles, Maddy asked them if they had settled on anything in their few moments alone.

"To be honest, I was so relieved she said yes that I couldn't even think about anything else." William answered beaming from ear to ear.

"I think we have quite a few details to work out." Lizzy said. "We should head out and return your home to its relatively normal state. We can complete our conversation and our prior plan to do some grocery shopping."

"You need not run out," Maddy tried to reassure them.

"No, we should go. Thank you both so much for everything you have done. I'll call you tomorrow Maddy. Enjoy a few moments alone with your husband," Lizzy added with a wink.

"Ok, I look forward to hearing from you." Maddy answered, ignoring the suggestion.

"William, will you stop by my office at University Hall tomorrow to chat about the document you left with me? Maybe sometime after 2pm? I have class in the morning and then office hours but will be free after 1:30 to chat."

"Perfect. And thank you. I feel better knowing that you'll look things over." William said.

"Lizzy do you think we can meet up tomorrow as well? After I meet up with William?" the Professor asked.

"Um, sure. I'd be happy to stop by. I have class that goes until 3:30. Can I swing by then?"

"That would work well. I'll see you then." he answered.

After hugging the Gardiners good-bye, Lizzy and William walked towards his car. William opened the door for Lizzy and helped her into his SUV. Coming around to his side of the car he wondered what her other questions might be.

William started up the car realizing that he had absolutely no idea what to say. He had been so focused on getting her to say yes, that he wasn't sure of what to do now. Pondering this question, they must have sat in the car for several minutes before Lizzy finally asked, "Um William, are we heading to the store or did you want to sit and talk more now?"

"Sorry. I, um, I guess we should go to the store now and then we can talk later over dinner. Is that ok?"

Sighing with relief Lizzy smiled. "Yea. I think the store is a good idea. So, what are your favorite radio stations?"

"Actually, I usually listen to one of these playlists or a podcast on my phone. Do you want to scroll through them to find something you like?" William asked and handed over his phone.

Scrolling through she was surprised at the wide range of music contained on the phone. She found some Coldplay - the older stuff. She really didn't like their latest album but had been a fan in the past, and put it on. William reached over and grabbed her left hand, holding it in his. It only took about fifteen minutes to drive over to Cambridgeport once they started moving. Pulling in to the parking lot, William released her hand. Lizzy reached for her notebook and quickly laid it flat on her lap, her cheeks burning. She'd forgotten about her late night doodles when making the shopping list. Carefully opening the notebook, she tore out the page with the list and then slid it back in her backpack, hopeful that William hadn't noticed her scribbles. Fortunately he seemed more focused on grabbing the reusable bags he'd brought along. She thought it was pretty cute that he was so responsible.

At the top of the escalator Lizzy headed for the fruits and vegetables while William got a cart. "So name your top five favorite fruits." she asked.

"Five? I don't know if I have five favorites." William laughed.

"Just wait until we get to the veggies," she warned.

Raising an eyebrow he saw that even grocery shopping with Lizzy was going to be a challenge. "Alright, green apples are my favorite." Scanning the selection he spied some clementines and raspberries. "I'll take some of these as well."

"How about bananas?" She asked.

Wrinkling his nose William made quite the face.

"Seriously? What's a banana ever done to you?" she asked.

"My mom and Mrs. Reynolds always made me eat them when I had an upset stomach. Bad memories."

"I guess that's fair, yes to clementines and no to bananas."

Lizzy saw some cantaloupe and honeydew melon and grabbed one of each.

"When am I going to eat all this food?" William asked.

"The apples and clementines you can throw in your backpack for a snack during the day. The melons are perfect with raspberry syrup that we'll make today for an afternoon or late night snack. Actually before we proceed I should probably run the menu by you."

"A menu? I'm really looking forward to this," he grinned.

"For meals I was thinking about making you a pot of turkey chili, some chicken and rice, and meatballs to go with spaghetti. We can also marinate and broil some chicken breasts to slice and have over salad. That should give you a lot of variety. As long as you eat a salad along with the other meals, you won't have to worry about cooking vegetables."

"Sounds delicious. Ok then, lead on."

They walked over the vegetables and Lizzy began picking up vegetables and holding them up. William would nod yes or make a face, determining what they would buy. Occasionally, she would overrule him on an item that was 'essential' to a recipe. She also insisted on two bags of dark green baby lettuces, and put back the iceberg lettuce, much to William's chagrin. Lizzy thought his pout was pretty cute and decided he deserved a kiss to reward him. It just might have been that kiss that prompted William to give Lizzy free reign over the shopping. She seemed to know what she was doing and he loved the fact that she was taking care of him. Since Georgie had gone back to school, his refrigerator had largely consisted of leftovers, milk for his morning cereal and deli meats for sandwiches. Life with Lizzy was going to be different. He was lost in thought when he realized that he hadn't asked her what foods she liked. He wanted to kick himself for being so thoughtless. He should at least know something about her preferences as she was learning his.

"Um, Lizzy, I hope you are picking out things you like to. I mean, you'll be spending more time at the condo and you should make sure there are things you like too."

"Oh, well, I didn't want to be presumptuous." Lizzy said shyly.

William walked over and lifted her face to look at him. "Lizzy, what are your favorite fruits?"

She looked up into his eyes, reached up onto her tiptoes and gave him a kiss. Laughing she said, "Well I usually eat an apple or a banana every morning, but I don't anticipate sleeping at your place this week so I don't think we need to worry about that on this shopping trip. We'll have to figure out away to store bananas without making you think of being ill every morning once we're married however."

Grinning at her William laughed too, kissed her back and said, "Georgie likes bananas too. I can handle looking at them just not eating or smelling them. I should be safe." Wending their way down the aisles William made a point to take note of what she liked. Apparently chili for her had chick peas and black beans and never kidney beans. Cans of refried beans and chopped tomatoes along with chipotles in adobo sauce were household staples as well. And Lizzy picked out the largest bag of rice he had ever seen. Yes, life was going to be different.

They got to the baked goods and Lizzy picked up a bag of ginger molasses cookies, "Do you mind? They're a weakness of mine."

"Only if we get those mini chocolate chip muffins too." William smirked placing them in the cart with the cookies.

"Ok, one last question. Do you have storage containers to store leftovers? We're going to make a bunch of food and I want to make sure we can freeze some of it."

"I'm pretty sure I do. We can run out to Bloomingdales if we find I don't have what's needed." Lizzy raised her eyebrows at that statement but decided to let it slide.

William took point on unloading the cart while Lizzy went to the end of the register counter to place the food in the bags. Apparently she was a bit neurotic about how the bags were organized. She instructed him that if they were packed right it would speed up unpacking and keep the cold foods colder. It was a good thing he had absolutely no opinion about this because it seemed that Lizzy could be quite particular about groceries. She wouldn't even allow the store's staff assist her in packing the bags. He wondered what else she was this specific about and when they would butt heads about it. Time would tell.

Once back at the condo, Lizzy began directing William as to which groceries he should put away and which he should leave out while she began cooking. First on her list was to start marinating the chicken. She quickly moved to preparing the chili as that needed some time to cook. William put some background music on and chopped, diced and sliced as he was directed. They fell into a comfortable rhythm as they worked.

"I'm so impressed with the kitchens that you and Charlie have. As bachelors you'd think you'd have the bare minimum but you guys have equipment and spices on par with my father's restaurant. Although, having seen the prior contents of your refrigerator it might be considered a crime to have this kitchen wasted on you," Lizzy teased.

"Given your plans to regularly use this very kitchen I guess we can avoid any formal charges," William teased back. Turning a bit more serious William paused then asked, "Speaking of which, you mentioned some additional questions. Should we discuss those?"

"I guess now's a good time. We've made good progress on all of your food so I think we've earned a break."

The young couple entered the living room and Lizzy looked around the room with fresh eyes, realizing that sometime soon this room would be as familiar to her as her dorm had been. They settled down on the couch, Lizzy nestling into a corner and William sitting near her. He'd prefer it if Lizzy was nestling into him but realized that she might need a little space for her questions.

"Last night I couldn't sleep very well so I wrote down all of the questions I could think of. Some of them you answered already, about my tuition and about money although I am still a little uncertain by the prenup. I'm not surprised we would need one, especially considering the circumstances, I'm just curious as to what it contains." Lizzy began as she unfolded a piece of notebook paper on her lap. She was glad she had thought to remove this page also from her notebook as she couldn't imagine retrieving that particular notebook in front of William.

"I'm more than happy to show you a draft of the agreement if it's weighing on your mind. I'd given a copy to Professor Gardiner today in the hopes he could look it over with a fresh perspective and with your interests in mind. I believe that's what he wants to discuss with me tomorrow." William said. "I hope it wasn't presumptuous of me to ask him to do so but he seems to really care for you and I know he would not be afraid to raise issues or concerns about the document."

"No, I'm glad he's willing to take a look at it. I trust you both and don't really have anyone else to ask anyway. Thanks for thinking of it." Looking back down at her creased paper Lizzy scanned her list of questions, "I guess I should get the really embarrassing questions over with first."

"Ask me anything Lizzy. Truly, we can't afford to be shy with one another."

"Alright then, I presume this is where we will live, after we're married right?" He nodded so she continued. "So where will I sleep?"

Darcy blushed bright red and quickly looked away hoping his expression didn't reveal his thoughts. He couldn't deny he was physically attracted to her and ultimately wanted her to share his room and his bed. But he knew they weren't ready for that. Taking her hand, he placed a kiss on her fingers and guided her down the hallway to the right of the living room. "This first room is Mrs. Reynolds when she stays here with Georgie. The next room is Georgie's but can be yours if you like. Turning back down the hall he crossed the living room and dining room and went down another hall. This room has traditionally been a guest room. The room two doors down is mine and there's a bathroom in-between. I had thought we could move your things in here. Although, before you decide I should let you know that these rooms share the bathroom. If you want complete privacy Georgie's room also has it's own separate bathroom. It is entirely your call and you should pick the room in which you'll be the most comfortable."

Lizzy thought about the light pink room decorated carefully for the young teen who had made this condo her home four-and-a-half years ago. "I don't think I could eject your sister from her bedroom and I don't think I'd like to be all the way on the other side of the condo by myself anyway. I'm used to living with a lot of people. I think I'd be quite lonely all the way on the opposite side of the condo. Are you going to be disturbed seeing all of my girly things in your bathroom?" She asked as she peeked into the adjoining bathroom.

"To be honest, it can be quite lonely here and I look forward to having your girly things take over. Please I want this to be your home too so you should think about whatever changes you want to make in order to make this place comfortable. You'll be living here for the next year and a half and I want it to feel like home." William said turning her to face him.

"Thank you. For now, I can't imagine making changes but I'll keep that in mind. Speaking of the next year and a half, what happens this summer, once you graduate and I begin my internship?"

"I have a home in New York and I thought we'd move there for the summer. My family's company is headquartered there. I'll need to spend a fair amount of time in New York next year although I'll also be traveling to various company locations as well. I thought I'd try to come to Boston as often as possible on the weekends or maybe you'd want to join me in New York or Maine when you could. We don't need to decide right away though and we might want to simply take things one day or week at a time. I don't want to put any pressure on you when you should be simply enjoying your final year in college." William said quietly. He had all kinds of plans of what he wanted to do with Lizzy and show her in New York. He hoped she'd be willing.

"I'd love to spend time in New York with you. I've never been and so I'm excited to explore it. I think you're right. Lets take one thing at at time." Taking his hand she led him back into the kitchen to check on the chicken and rice and stirred the chili to ensure it wasn't burning. Both were cooking nicely so she decided they should proceed with making the meatballs and putting the rest of the food together. She instructed William on the proper rolling technique for meatballs while she readied the hot oil. She liked her meatballs with a crispier outer edge and so always fried them quickly and then further cooked them in the sauce when she was actually ready to eat them. Once the meatballs were underway, she started the rice and quickly pulled together the salad and asked William to set the table. It was comfortable but her worries about meeting his family and the date of their wedding were still weighing on her mind.

With the meatballs cooling, she turned off the heat on the chili and began to prepare the chicken breasts for broiling. William it seemed, had only the best. No tupperware or other plastic containers to be found in his home. Only glass containers could be found, which she began to fill with the chili they'd likely not eat tonight as well as the meatballs for later in the week. Sealing the unused veggies in plastic bags for later use, she found herself still trying to imagine coming home to this condo every day after class. How long would it take for her to adjust? Would she be happy? What would it be like to live with him?

"Everything is set on the table. Are the salad, chili and rice ready to be brought out?" William said as he entered the kitchen. He was happy. Even a week ago he couldn't have imagined such domestic bliss. He was ready to enter this phase of life.

Startled from her thoughts Lizzy reached over to the stove to check on the chicken and rice and put the edge of her right hand down on the burner that had been cooking the chili. "Ow!" pulling her hand to her mouth she realized her distraction had now resulted in a painful burn. Quickly, William came to her side and carefully took her hand in his. He could see the red, angry blister already begin to form and reached into the freezer to get her some ice for her hand. "Are you ok?" He asked worriedly.

"I'll be fine. Just my clumsy nature re-emerging. So much for convincing you of my grace and poise! Friday I lock us in a wine cellar, yesterday I trip in the sand and fall down and tonight I burn my hand. I have a bit of a reputation for clumsiness and it looks to be following me." Lizzy said with a laugh.

"I guess I'm glad it's not only having me around you that is the cause of these mishaps." William answered. He was continually impressed with her ability to laugh at herself and at difficult situations.

"No, no it is a reputation well earned and long established. If you wouldn't mind, could you remove the chicken and rice from the oven and place it on the counter to cool and then place the other chicken in the broiler? We should be able to sit down to eat in ten minutes. I'll put the salad on the table."

"I don't think so. You should go rest and enjoy a glass of wine while I take care of everything. Your hand needs icing and you've done more than enough. I can't believe all we've accomplished this afternoon." William handed her a glass of wine and pushed her out of the kitchen.

He found her ten minutes later looking out into the darkness that had come with the evening hours. Walking up behind her he placed his arms around her and pulled her close. They stood there for another minute when he asked, "How's your hand? Is it feeling any better?"

Removing the ice she turned and held it up to their faces. "I think I'll live."

"Allow me to kiss it and make it feel a bit better." Taking her hand in his he began to shower her fingers and hand with small kisses. He continued down her wrist and then looked over to see her watching him. Lowering her hand he pulled her close again and reached down to place a slow gentle kiss on her lips. Lizzy leaned in closer and, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, opened her lips to him. Deepening the kiss, his hands began to roam over her back and without really thinking about it over to the front of her blouse. Slipping one button open, her shirt fell open a bit and he took a moment to stroke the outside of her bra. Lizzy pressed herself into him and he began to massage her breast and nipple through the covering enjoying the passion she was pouring into their kiss. His hand started to move under her bra when she pulled away.

"I'm, I'm sorry if I pushed it too far." William said as soon as he regained his senses.

"It's nothing to be sorry for. My hand certainly feels much better," she grinned

Stopping her, before the moment passed, William offered, "Lizzy, I am very attracted to you. Probably a bit too much and you should never feel bad about stopping me."

"I know and I'm attracted to you too. You should know I'm not very experienced. I haven't dated much as I was always so focused on my studies and my responsibilities. Let's just say no guy has ever made it past second base...yet."

William was floored by her admission and followed her into the dining room. This did change many things. He'd never dated a virgin before, at least not since he was one too. This would be interesting.

The turkey chili was fantastic, flavorful and filled with veggies. That said, Lizzy insisted he eat the salad as well. They ate quickly and Lizzy reached for the fruit and raspberry sauce she'd prepared to finish it off. "We haven't spoken about your family yet. When will you tell your sister about me? When will I meet her and the rest of your family?"

"Well, I had worked out a bit of a plan, but only if you agree. If not, we can come up with alternatives." He could see Lizzy was listening and took this as permission to proceed.

"I was hoping that you'd join me up in Maine next weekend. My sister, cousin Richard and Mrs. Reynolds will all be there."

"Alright, that should work for me."

"Given they will be there, I was also hoping we could get married, in Maine, this weekend."

A/N: I promise the next chapter is better. I really struggled with this one, and had high hopes but couldn't quite get it right. At any rate, I love to hear from you. I hope you can see the influence the comments have had on the chapters and so I really appreciate them. I won't leave you hanging for long! I promise.