By Elise & Rose

Abby & Alex

Alex watched Abby walk through the living room, peek into the bathroom, and glance inside the bedrooms. When Abby barely looked around the kitchen and didn’t even open the cabinets, Alex knew this wasn’t the right house either. It was only the third one they’d looked at today. Trouble was there was only one more house that was open. If it wasn’t that one, he and Abby would be looking for places in Coff’s.

He grinned as Abby walked towards him. Alex smiled and kissed her cheek. "Not the one, huh?"

Sliding an arm around his waist as she looked around again Abby shook her head. He was being so patient with her as they looked at homes but this just didn't feel right. "I'm sorry honey, I feel like I'm being picky but It's just off. Not much light either."

Taking one last glance as they walked out to the car she grinned. "At least you won't have to mow this big yard it goes on forever."

He grinned and nodded as he held the door for her. "Yeah, how about we find an apartment? No yard at all." Alex smiled at the look she gave him. He kissed her then went around to the driver's side. He started up the car and watched as she took out the listings. "What's the next address, sweetie?"

Shaking her head as she pulled out the paper. "2422 Rendell Drive. And we have to have a small yard at least. I want a flower bed. I haven't planted a garden since I was a teen." Smiles as they drive. The Glenn was a beautiful place, quiet, everyone was friendly. No matter how she got the job she was looking forward to helping the Center grow.

Spotting the street sign she smiled. "Up there on the right is Rendell, hon. Should be the last house on the left."

Alex made the turn then watched the signs until he found the address. Looking out the window as he parked the car in the drive, he already liked the house. Now he wondered if Abby would too.

She smiled softly as Alex opened her door. The house was like an old Florida home with the open porch and the large windows. Abby wasn't fond of yellow but the exterior was soft comforting. The yard full of trees and the perfect place for a flower bed. Taking his hand she started up the walk getting excited. "Let's see inside."

Alex squeezed her hand and led her inside. He was still surprised the realtor had left the door unlocked for them. He hadn't yet gotten used to the trust in a small town.

He felt Abby pull away from his hand as her curiosity for the house took over. He could tell by her eagerness that this house was a definite possibility.

Moving though the living room she walked to the fireplace and could picture the painting she wanted to hang there. In the corner near one of the rooms was a curio shelf. The light shone though the whole house as the moved looking at the rooms. The kitchen was large lots of cupboards and new appliances.

Taking Alex's hand she opened the fridge and smiled. It had four bedrooms and two and half baths. A touch big for two people but a feeling of comfort came from the place. Like they had come home. Kissing his cheek she looked up at him. "What do you think?

He smiled. "I think this is our place." Alex looked around the house. It was nice...and big. "What do you plan to do with three extra rooms?"

Smiling she hugged him. "Well one room will be for guests. Your mom may want to visit sometime. Another, a studio slash office space. Of course we get that nice big bright one as our bedroom. And the last we'll figure that out we can use it to house our boxes as we unpack for now." She laughed, she had started to say maybe a nursery or such but Alex had never mentioned a family. Abby wanted a long future with him, to live here till they are old and gray. "This is the one, our place." Kissing him softly she smiled. "And the yard isn't all that big, you can get a riding mower."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the realtor's office signing paperwork. It was a bit of an odd feeling for Alex. He and Abby were settling into a house.

Abby watched him as they signed and made sure all the i's were dotted and the t's were crossed. By the time they settled down to dinner at Millie's she felt like they had signed every sheet of paper in the county. Alex had gotten quieter; reaching across the table she laced their fingers. Pulling a coin from her pocket she set it on the table with a soft smile. "Ten cent's for your thoughts."

He laughed and shook his head as he picked up the coin. His Abby was very quirky. "A dime huh? Used to be just a penny."

She smiled, his laughter always warmed her. "Well they don't have pennies in Australian money. Besides you know your thoughts are worth more than that to me."

Alex spun the coin on the table. "I just have a lot on my mind. Moving to a different country, opening the new office, and buying a house. They're big steps, Abby. Aren't they big to you?"

Taking a sip of her drink she thought about all the events that lead up to this. "Very big steps. It's a bit daunting at times."

Looking around the room at the people and the sound of the kitchen softly echoing into the room her mind moves to thoughts of Laseter and Eddie. "I know my past hasn't made it any easier on you. I feel like I belong here though, we belong here. I can do anything with you beside me, Alex."

He smiled softly as he caressed her hand. She had such a cheerful outlook. She seemed to be relying on him for a lot. It's the way a couple was supposed to be, Alex just hoped he could keep up.

He picked up her hand and kissed it. "I love you."

Caressing his cheek she smiled, Alex made her feel loved. "I love you, Alex. I'm excited about our house. I could picture you sitting in the living room by the fireplace. We're going to be happy there, I know it."

Alex grinned softly and nodded. He could feel that she was expecting more. He was too, but with the last few months being shaky, Alex wasn't sure he could promise her everything she wanted.

After dinner, he paid the check then slipped his arm around Abby as they walked back upstairs to their rented room.

It was getting late and he watched Abby getting ready for bed. It was something he always wanted to do for some reason. Watch Abby clean the make-up from her face then pull on one of her satiny nightgowns. She sat on the edge of the bed smoothing lotion over her legs.

He walked over to her and inhaled her sweet scent as he kissed her hair. "I'm gonna go for a walk. I won't be gone long, okay sweetheart?"

Feeling a warmth from his kiss she nuzzled his cheek and nodded. "Alright handsome. I love you."

With a soft smile as he brushed back her hair, Abby watched him go out into the hall. Settling into bed with her book to wait for him she did more thinking than reading. The last months had been hard on them. Abby knew he didn't have to stay with her at all much less follow her to another country. Rubbing between her eyes she took some aspirin and grabbed her sketch book. It felt good to do something with her hands for a bit. Sketching the home they just purchased Abby added the flower bed and Alex standing on the porch against one of the posts. She wanted more with Alex but she would take what he could give her. No matter what that was she was just happy to have his love and to love him back in return.

Alex came in later than he expected. Without taking off his jacket, he walked through the small apartment and back to the bedroom. The chill of the night air was on his clothes when he leaned over the bed to kiss her. "Hi sweetheart."

"Hi there handsome." She caressed his cool cheeks. "You better get in here and warm up. For a minute I thought you might have run off to join the circus." Giving him a soft smile as she unfastened his tie, Abby kissed him taking in his scent and that of the Australian night.

He stilled her hand. "Get dressed honey, there's something at the house I need you to look at."

Looking at him curiously she set her sketch pad on the table and got out of bed. Pulling a dress out of the closet she slipped it over her head as she stepped into her flats. At first she wondered if there was something wrong but he would had said so if that were the case.

Walking over Alex helped her into her sweater then they went out in to the night air. Abby paused for a moment standing by the car looking up. "You never see this many stars in New York." Kissing his cheek she got in and watched him walk around in the mirrors searching for what was on his mind.

Alex drove quietly to the house then pulled up in the drive. He helped Abby out of the car then led her up to the door as he fished in his pocket for the key.

He eased the door open. It was spontaneous, to a point. Something Alex had planned to do, but he didn't know when...or how. While out walking, he found the thoughts he'd been looking for. He'd went to the store in town. Good thing they had what Alex was looking for. He'd gone back to the house and carefully arranged a row of candles leading from the foyer, down the hall and into the family room. He'd spread out new pillows and blankets in the center of the carpeted floor. A bottle of champagne and two glasses sat nearby.

He watched Abby looking around at the candles. She had to know what it meant. He grinned softly and waited for the tears.

Abby stood amazed that he'd done all this was he going to do what she thought? Her mind raced with her heart as her eyes shimmered at the romantic sight. Kissing him passionately she looked into his eyes. "That time I said you weren't a romantic. I take it all back. This is beautiful, Alex."

Alex wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. He smoothed back her hair and smiled. "Good thing you took that back..." He pulled the velvet box and set it in her hand. "...Now I can give you this."

A soft gasp slipped from her lips as the shimmering tears began to fall. "Oh Alex." Looking up at him she smiled and jumped in his arms hugging and crying. "Oh honey, I love you so much."

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "I love you, Abby. Will you marry me?"

Pulling him into a long passion filled kiss Abby looked into his eyes. Letting him see everything in her heart. "You are the most wonderful man I have ever known Alex Ross. I love you more than words can say. Yes I'll marry you."

Alex kissed her deeply as he scooped her up and carried her past the candlelit floor and into the other room. He set her down in the middle of the blankets, kissing and caressing every part of her body as he peeled off her clothes.

She unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders pulling off his tee and working on his belt as she kissed him and over him. Happy tears still falling as she finally could run her hands over his wonderful muscular body.

Seeing her beautiful naked body beneath him, feeling her in his arms. Alex knew he wanted no one else but Abby. His fingers dipped inside her body and slid out and back in, touching every part of her he knew brought pleasure. His body grew harder for hers as she kissed her soft flesh. His kissed lingered over each spot where so many times he'd seen her smooth lotion.

Abby looked into his eyes as he touched her moaning softly her breath panting. Every kiss sent a line of heat though her body to pool in her belly. No matter how many times he's made love to her every time is more wonderful. She feels so much for this man.

Reaching between them she gripped his cock stroking him firmly feeling him responding to her attentions. His fingers brushed a sweet place inside her body that took her breath and made her squeeze him harder. "Alex!"

He moaned and pressed harder into her body. Kissed down her neck and over each of her breasts, pulling her nipples against his tongue.

An ache drove through him when he felt her falling apart in his arms, trembling and shuddering for him.

His fingers slipped from her body and his hands moved under her hips to bring her to him as he thrust himself deep inside her body. Dipping his head, he seized her mouth in a hungry and passionate kiss. His Abby would soon be his wife.

Wrapping her legs high around his waist she cried out. The feel of him pushing so deep as her body still pulsed from release was more than her senses could handle. Calling his name as he moved she hiked her legs higher rolling her hips taking him further into her body.

Everything about him was perfect how he touched her, how his body filled hers. The feel of his weight on her body was heaven. Soon she would be feeling him as her husband. The thought that he loves her so much gives her a shiver as he strokes her body bumping her end. Kissing up his shoulder to nibble his ear she whispers. "Yes, Alex give me all of you. You feel so good."

Alex wrapped his arms around her body and gathered her close to him. He moved harder and faster, giving in to the need he felt burning though his body. He panted against her neck. Kissed her soft skin and whispered to her how much she meant to him, how much he loved her.

He held back his need for as long as he could. He waited for the movement of her body. The sounds she made as her release built then surged through her. Her hands pressed into his flesh, Alex growled a moved harder into her. His own release joining hers.

Crying out as he filled her Abby arched and shuddered in his arms. Everything fell away but him, nothing else seemed real to her but Alex. The sound of his growl against her throat brought her harder; her body gripping his greedily. When she came back to herself she felt him beginning to slow. Pressing kisses over his face and neck she hugged him to her feeling his heart pounding against hers.

Still panting for breath, Alex kissed her softly. He moved to her side and pulled her close to him. He brushed her hair from her beautiful face. Flushed pink from their lovemaking. He smiled and kissed her. "I love you, my future Mrs. Ross."

Snuggling close to him she kissed him back with a smile and happy tears. "I love you, my future husband." Looking at the ring on her finger Abby felt a feeling of completeness fall over her. "Mrs. Abagail Ross, has a nice ring to it don't you think?"

Alex smiled and kissed her hand then kissed down her neck until she giggled. "Yeah, I think it does. Abagail Ross."