Despite their fears, the months after Buffy second return from the dead, seemed to go pretty well. The fall of their junior year started and aside from Buffy touching a weird monkey's paw that caused the day to repeat for awhile, until she figured out what was causing it, since she was the only one who remembered, it was a quiet fall.

Towards the end of October, Xander started haunting jewelry stores, looking for something very special, an engagement ring. He knew Cordelia loved gold and he wanted something special. He finally found it, what the clerk called a hazel diamond. Hazel, like her eyes and rare, like her, set in gold. He bought it and then he did something rather old fashioned. He went to see Charles Chase, Cordelia's father.

He bought a new suit, nothing fancy, no tie. But he wanted Mr. Chase to see him being respectful.

"Xander, is there something I can help you with?" Charles asked him when Xander knocked on his door.

"Can I talk to you, sir? It's important." Curious and noting his attire, Charles Chase gestured him in and to a seat.

"Mr. Chase, I've known Cordelia since I was five years old. She was the first girl I ever had a crush on, way back in kindergarten. I love bickering with her, it's fun. I love how her eyes sparkle when she gets one over on someone. When I look into the future, I see her, still beautiful and snarky. I want you to know, I plan to love her for the rest of my life."

"Are you asking for my permission to marry my daughter, Alexander?"

"No, sir. That's for Cordy to say. I'm telling you I plan to ask her to marry me, to grow old with me, to make a life in between with me. I want you to know my intentions. If you're worried that I might be interested in your money, you don't need to worry about that. I've never cared about it. If you're wondering if I have prospects. I consult for the U.S. Air Force. What I do is Classified, so I can't tell you about it, but you can confirm it. I intend to continue working for the Air Force after graduation. As you know, I'm studying mechanical engineering. I've invented and patented three items so far, including a battery the size of my thumbnail that has the power equivalent to a car engine. The Air Force is currently studying applications for all three of my inventions, the patents can also be confirmed if you want to check. I've been promised a position as an engineer with the Air Force after graduation. Cordelia doesn't want to live in Sunnydale anyway, once we've graduated. I know she's told you that and the two of you have discussed moving Chase Holdings headquarters elsewhere."

"I've known you since you were a child, Alexander. Many father's would be hesitant, given your family background. But you are not your father. I have never seen anything that's made me concerned for my daughter's welfare where you're concerned. You make her very happy. There are not many men who don't find my daughter's strong mindedness off-putting. You enjoy her strength, you encourage it. You bicker like an old married couple. It's very entertaining. You're not asking for my permission, but you have it, along with my blessing."

Xander sagged in relief. Cordelia loved and respect her father, his disapproval would have hurt her deeply. "Thank you, sir."

"It's time you started calling me Charles."

"Charles."

Two weeks later, Cordelia came home to a candle light dinner, ordered from from her favorite restaurant.

"What's the occasion?" She asked, delighted.

"The first time we ever kissed. That time in Buffy's basement. Four years ago now. When you broke up with me that valentine's day, I was shattered. It hurt more then you could imagine. But then you publicly dumped your popularity and chose me. I remember the shock, the awe, the joy and the fear that raced thru me. You chose me! And you did it publicly, which is so like you. Damn the torpedos and full speed ahead. The last four years have been incredible, Cordy. I want them to continue to be incredible. I want us to continue to be incredible." He went down on one knee, just like he'd once said he would and held out the little jewelry box. "Will you marry me, Cordelia Chase?"

Cordelia looked at the little jewelry box and in the back of her mind, automatically accessed the value of the ring. But 99% of her was going. 'Oh my gods, it's beautiful!' For once, she was speechless. She just held out her left hand and nodded her head. Xander pulled the ring out of the case and slid it onto her slim finger. 'Yes! Got the size right!'

Cordelia couldn't stop staring at her ring. "A hazel diamond?"

"I knew you'd recognize it. It reminds me of your eyes. Plus, it's rare and so are you. And you've told me often enough, you definitely like gold."

"So you do pay attention when I talk. You're not just staring at my tits."

"No offense, Cordy, but when a guy does that, it just means his eyes are open. We're glued to the perfection of your gorgeousness."

She giggled. He loved her laugh. It was a delicious dinner and afterwards, Xander started a CD going and the two of them danced around their living room. Xander may not have been very good at fast modern dances, but he could slow dance very well. It was everything each of them had ever imagined this day would be like. Cordelia may have only been two weeks shy of her twenty first birthday, and Xander only a little over a month shy of his, but they were ready to plan their future. They prayed it would be a long one.