Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Part 7

St. Louis, the next day

"So, what's going on with you and William Darcy?" Charlotte asked one morning on the elevator before work, just as Elizabeth had taken a swallow of her tea.

"Excuse me?" Elizabeth sputtered, nearly spitting the hot drink in her friend's face. She was thankful there was no one else on the elevator.

"All right. You can't hide it from me any longer. I know that he's staying at your house."

"But how did you...? I'm going to kill Jane!"

"No, no, it wasn't her. It was actually Bernie Miller."

"Bernie? From sports?"

"Yep. Apparently Will made an appearance at a game a couple weeks ago."

"Oh, crap. Just what I need. Who else did Bernie deem fit to tell? If the whole newsroom knows this, I'm toast."

Charlotte grinned. "I just like making you sweat, Lizzy. Actually I was at that game with my father and saw him. Of course I'm going to recognize him...man, is he a looker." She paused and looked pointedly at Elizabeth, waiting for her to agree. The agreement was quite absent.

"I approached Bernie about it and that's why he told me." Charlotte paused again to switch her bag from one shoulder to the other. "So..."

Elizabeth shrugged. "So...what?"

"He's living at your apartment, isn't he? Don't lie, Elizabeth, you're terrible at it."

The elevator doors slowly opened to her floor and before anyone could get on, she quickly pushed another floor.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! I have to talk to you! I just got these pictures developed and I think they would look really great on your front page!"

"Right, with people's heads cut off and your thumbs in the picture," Elizabeth muttered underneath her breath. "Sorry, Bill, but I can't talk now."

"But...but you're supposed to be in now and-"

Mercifully, the doors shut, cutting off Bill Collins mid-sentence.

"At least I have five minutes of freedom from him." Elizabeth turned to Charlotte and barely controlled her urge to groan as she saw Charlotte's Cheshire cat grin.

"Spill it."

"What?"

"Spill it, Elizabeth."

"There's nothing to spill, Char, truthfully."

"Right...that's why there's an honest to God millionaire-completely gorgeous, might I add- living in your apartment right now. I can't believe this!"

"If it's this bad telling you, I hope I never have to tell my mother."

"Just be honest: like why is the 'Business Man of the Year' four years running staying in your apartment?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "It's not a big deal. He wants to help me keep Leah away from George. When he came, he needed a place to stay. It seemed logical to let him sleep on my couch."

"And how long ago was that?"

Elizabeth shrugged again and tried to act nonchalant. "A few weeks or so."

"Mm-hmm. Mr. Millionaire himself could not find a hotel room?"

"Well, he came late at night and he hadn't had time to make reservations."

"And how long ago was that again?" Elizabeth absolutely hated the cocky lift to Charlotte's left eyebrow.

"Oh, just stop! There is nothing happening between us romantically. Half the time I can't even stand the man's presence and the other half I'm barely tolerating it! He's arrogant and just a little too full of himself for my liking. He wants to have control over everything- in fact, he's a control freak! He's a clean freak as well! The slightest speck of dust sends him into a fit of rage. He has a heart attack if I leave the dishes in the sink overnight! You wouldn't believe...."

The ding of the elevator door as it opened stopped Elizabeth from her charade. Blessedly, it was Charlotte's floor. She knew she would not be able to take this interrogation for much longer.

"All right, Lizzy, I get the picture! I'll leave it alone...but, just for the record, I don't think you're telling me the whole story." The door closed on Charlotte's knowing look.

As soon as her friend was out of sight and she had the whole elevator blissfully to herself, Elizabeth sunk into the wall, clutching her mug in her hands with all her might. She reviewed her description of Darcy. It was true he was a little arrogant and full of himself, but it also gave him an aura of self-confidence and domination she found slightly pleasant. He was a control freak, but she had actually enjoyed him making decisions and taking some responsibility off her the last few weeks. They still did not get along and she had resigned herself to the fact that they never might, but a tentative friendship had begun.

Checking her watch, Elizabeth realized that Will was on a plane to Chicago by now. He had dropped Leah off at the Day Care and then headed straight to Lambert. He would be gone all weekend. The thought daunted her. Suddenly she shook her head and stood up straight. What in the world? She double-checked her thoughts. Sure, it might prove to be a more difficult weekend with him gone- in terms of taking care of Leah- but in no other way. Leah would take it very hard. Yes...yes- that's all her mind had meant. It would be daunting to keep Leah occupied from tears when she realized her precious Will was gone. Elizabeth, on the other hand, would have no problem what so ever. In fact, she would relish the freedom.

Will sighed with contentment as he pulled his BMW into Elizabeth's apartment lot. Turning off the ignition, he sat for a moment. He had had a productive weekend, that was certain. The deal with Hung Technologies was in the bag and soon the GD Company would own one more business empire. He had to admit that it had been good to get back to his office and Mrs. Reynolds. He had been working consistently from his computer, but it was nice to feel fully in charge of things. His aide, Mrs. Reynolds, was more than capable of making sure his dictations went from the computer to the people who needed to get them. However, being able to visit employees when they were experiencing problems made him feel more in control--and control was something he craved.

As constructive as his weekend was, Will had never gotten Leah or Elizabeth out of his mind. Several times during the day he found himself expecting to hear Leah cry or Elizabeth singing off key while typing something up on her computer. Even surrounded by hundreds of employees, some his good friends, he had felt lonely. Will was man enough to admit that he had missed Leah and Elizabeth-- both. He missed taking care of Leah, the baby's hilarious antics, Elizabeth's smile, and even their fights. It only made him more determined to get her to marry him. He loved Leah. Anyone would really, she was so easy to love.

With a smile on his face, he opened up his car door and took out his traveling luggage. Making the trek up to Elizabeth's apartment was not easy with his luggage and for once he was actually happy her door would be unlocked. He was surprised, then, when the doorknob wouldn't turn. Cursing mildly under his breath, he dug in his pockets for the spare key Elizabeth had reluctantly given him. After opening the door and stepping into the hall, Will looked around quizzically.

"Elizabeth?" the apartment seemed strangely quiet for seven at night. Elizabeth needed sound- whether it was the television, the radio, her stereo, or her own singing. Mac did not come running to pounce on him, either, which also did not make sense. The darned dog had greeted him every time he entered the apartment by running full force at him, practically knocking him clear off his feet, and then trying to lick him to death. The absence of his feet padding down the hallway was a little confusing.

Elizabeth was there, that he knew. Every single light in the whole apartment was on. She was a great conservationist and was constantly turning lights and faucets off. Setting his luggage on the floor, he moved into the kitchen. Will was even more confused after entering that room. Elizabeth was not the most cleanly person, but she never had left the kitchen looking like that. Two grocery bags sat on the kitchen counter, half emptied. He picked up a carton of sour cream, felt that it was warm, grimaced and threw it in the garbage. Where was Elizabeth?

A scattering of letters on the table caught his eye. Not a nosy person by nature, Will only looked because he noticed the name George Wickham. Picking the papers up, he sat down on the edge of the table to read them. By the time he had finished, the paper was clutched in his hands and he was visibly shaking. Will had some anger management problems when it came to Wickham. He now understood that Elizabeth must be sharing his same anger; he also knew she must be feeling scared and vulnerable.

As he began to walk to her room, he heard a noise from the laundry room. Standing outside the door, with his ear pressed close, he heard her moving around. He raised his fist to rap quietly on the door, but changed his mind and entered without preamble. Elizabeth was sitting on top of the dryer, vainly trying to fold some of his shirts. She did not look up when he entered, though she had to know who it was. Will had the feeling she had either been crying or was on the verge. Will didn't know what to say, so he just stood there, waiting for her to take the initiative. He waited a long time. Finally she sniffed and looked up.

"How was your trip?"

She was trying to be so strong, Will almost felt his reserve break as well. The pain in her dark tear-filled eyes was evident and he knew she had stopped trying to hide it. She was biting her lower lip so hard it looked painful. She was also making a mess out of his shirt.

Will walked the few steps to breach the distance between them and took the shirt away. He tried to smile in what he thought might be a comforting way.

"I know."

She didn't question how he knew or of what he was talking about, she simply nodded.

"I won't let anything happen, Elizabeth. George is-"

"I want to marry you."

Will lost his whole train of thought. "Excuse me?"

He watched in amazement as Elizabeth blushed. "If the offer still stands, that is. I know that I have turned you down and I've been mean and rude and..." She trailed off as Will gently cupped her shoulders in his hands, forcing her to look straight in his eyes. He was still taller than her, even though she was sitting on the appliance.

"Of course I will still marry you. That's a mute point. What we need to talk about is why you're jumping into this."

Her eyes darted everywhere except at him. "You read the order didn't you? George is challenging me for guardianship!"

"Yes, but you knew that was going to happen. Why this sudden need to marry me when you felt it wasn't necessary before?"
Elizabeth shrugged but Will was not going to be deterred.

"Elizabeth, please, don't pretend I'm this dumb."

With a sigh and a nod, she hopped off the dryer, and walked out of the room, beckoning Will to follow her. She led him back into the living room and straight to the answering machine. With a sinking premonition, he pushed the play button.

Wickham's recognizable voice filled the air. He listened with anger to the entire message filled with promises, threats, and undoubtedly lies. The concluding lines made his blood boil.

"Don't think you can keep away from me, Lizzy. I will be coming for the both of you. Leah will be mine and you could never hope to stop me. And unless you want everyone knowing that we-"

"What are you doing?" Will cried as Elizabeth suddenly deleted the message before it could finish. He immediately felt contrite as he saw how pale she had become. The tears in her eyes were becoming more prominent now and he knew that she had her pride--she would never want to cry in front of him.

"Where is Leah, Elizabeth?" He was proud of how soft and calm he had asked the question.

"She stayed with my parents. With you gone, I didn't know what to do. At least I know my father can keep her safe; he does not trust George."

Will nodded and then before her emotions could crack, he swept her into his arms and hugged her tight. Elizabeth was too busy trying to get a hold of herself to resist.

"I will consider myself a lucky man to have you for a wife, Elizabeth."

Part 8

St. Louis, two days later

The first item on Elizabeth's agenda for her marriage was to do it quickly--and as soon as possible. Will tried to reassure her that there was no need to rush. The hearing wouldn't be for another three months and he wanted them to approach it casually.

"Are you crazy? I don't do anything casual when it comes to my niece!"

Will suppressed a smile. Elizabeth had gotten even more high strung within the past two days, though he had not thought it could occur.

"Don't you think it would look a little suspicious to a judge if we got married a week after you received the missive from George?"

Elizabeth shrugged.

"And I don't know about you, but I would like to fly my sister in for the ceremony. I'm sure your dad will want to know who his daughter is marrying. We have to find a church and a reception hall and--"

"No."

"No?"

"No."

Elizabeth was watching him with a defiant look on her face. Her lips were pressed together into a thin line and her arms were crossed at her chest. Elizabeth was ready for battle. Scary enough, Will had begun to enjoy those battles.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want a big production, Will. My family, your family, a few close friends and that's it. No reception."

"Are you sure about this? Isn't it every woman's dream to have a fantasy wedding? It'd be no problem. I have the resources to get it done right away."

Elizabeth would rather shoot herself in the foot than admit to Will that she had been planning her wedding since she was five years old. Jane was to be her maid of honor, Charlotte her bridesmaid, and two Gardiner children as flower girl and ring bearer. She had wanted a string quartet playing Bach, Mozart, and Pachelbel. Jane had always teased that her bridesmaid dresses would be made from a Cardinal print, but Elizabeth had always known she wanted a beautiful lavender. She was going to have daisy bouquets and her dress would have a long train and veil. All her friends would be there--along with all players who constantly teased her about marriage. Finally, after the ceremony, they would move off to the reception hall where she would dance with her father. Elizabeth knew she would be crying by then. After that came the dance with her husband, the music some song that was special to them. The cutting of the cake would come and then the night would dissolve into more dancing. It didn't matter now. Leah was more important than any foolish dream she had thought of as a young child. It wasn't practical anymore.

"Elizabeth?" Will was waving his hand in front of her daydreaming face.

"No, Will. It's fine. I want Leah protected as soon as possible." She was going to be adamant about this.

"I know you do, Elizabeth. I do, as well. I refuse to get married without my sister here, though. If it weren't for her, I would never have met either of you. She would absolutely kill me if she wasn't there."

"You know, that's like the second or third time you've mentioned your sister killing you."

Will shrugged. "I say we hold off until next month. That gives us time to accustom ourselves and our families to the ideas. It'll give us time to get the house ready. It'll--"

"Wait a minute here! Who says I'm moving anywhere?"

"I did."

"Excuse me? When did you get to make all the decisions? I rather like this apartment and could be quite happy here for a long time. I refuse to live in a mansion."

Will chuckled. "It's not a mansion, it's just big. You will be moving. My sister stays with me during the summer, after all, and will be needing a room. Clients come to visit and they will need rooms as well."

"Oh, so now I'm expected to entertain your clients as well? Any other job descriptions you want to reveal?"

William took a closer look at Elizabeth and realized she was nanoseconds from a serious mental freak out. He grinned at her, took her hand, and led her to the sofa.

"All right. What is the matter?" He tried looking straight into her eyes, but she wouldn't focus on him.

Elizabeth sighed. "I was just thinking...Well, last night I couldn't sleep because I started thinking about..."

"What were you thinking about?" Will prodded, trying to hide his grin.

"This marriage is in name only, right?" She finally asked, then rushed on, "I mean, are we going to have to act like a married couple and all that in public and stuff?"

Will stopped trying to hide his grin, then, and started laughing.

"Elizabeth, we want a judge to give us guardianship of a baby. Of course we're going to have to act like a married couple in public. We might even have to act like we love each other."

Elizabeth's disgusted face was so comical, Will had to laugh again. He really should have been offended that the thought of loving him was so appalling to her, but somehow he just found it humorous. Sometimes it would be hard to pretend he loved Elizabeth--like when she was shooting her mouth off at him, for example--but at other times he imagined they would get along very well.

"I'm just suddenly not sure we both know what we're getting into. I mean, aren't you going a little out of your way? After I get Leah and we both move out you are--"

"I don't think you quite understand the arrangement, Elizabeth. I frown on divorce. When we get married, it's going to be for real--forever."

Elizabeth's open-mouthed stare should have again amused him, but this time it did not. He was actually a little incensed that she believed he would just let her leave after gaining custody. What type of man did she think he was?

"Are you a Christian?" Elizabeth's question cut into his thoughts.

"Sorry?"

"Are you a Christian?" Apparently Elizabeth had found another point to have a fit over. "I completely forgot to ask until now and, you know, I can't marry someone who's not a Christian. You never went to church with me once while you were here! I'm sorry, Will, but--"

"Deep breaths, Lizzy, deep breaths." He winked at her when she seemed startled by his use of her nickname. "I do happen to be a Christian, quite a devout one, if I'd have to classify. I never went to church with you because, if you'll remember, you didn't want your pastor meeting me."

"Oh, yeah." Elizabeth had the grace to blush, then proceeded on. "Republican or Democrat?"

Will sighed. "I don't vote straight party, though my leanings tend to fall on the conservative side."

She nodded and he assumed she agreed with his answer. She opened her mouth again, but before she could ask another stupid question, Will quickly stated, "Is this really necessary, Elizabeth? I have a feeling you're going to marry me no matter what other little problems you think up. Why don't we worry about planning our ceremony instead of worrying about every little problem that might come up in our marriage."

She shrugged. "You'll have to meet my parents."

"I was assuming that was a pre-requisite in marrying you, Elizabeth."

"You aren't going to enjoy it."

"Perhaps I'll surprise you."

Elizabeth's broad smile rather disconcerted him.

"Are you ready?" Elizabeth asked sweetly the next Friday night as Will pulled the car in front of the Bennet house.

He shrugged. "I really don't know why you're making this big of a deal. I meet and introduce myself to people all the time. It's part of my job." He turned off the ignition, pulled off his seatbelt, and opened the door.

"You didn't make such a great impression on me the first time we met."

Will paused halfway out of his seat and shot her a dark look. "I believe the feeling was mutual, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth grinned at him, grabbed the potato salad, and started jogging up the walk. Will smiled ruefully at her retreating figure before taking Leah's pumpkin seat and diaper bag and trudging along after her. He met her on the front porch where the door was swung open before either one could knock. Sue Bennet made a good first impression. She was a little taller than her daughter, had dark hair that was graying gracefully, and was undeniably still a beautiful woman.

"Elizabeth!" Will instantly cringed as the woman before him hit amazing sound decibels he didn't even know were humanly possible.

"Hi, mother," Elizabeth stated, kissing her mother on the cheek.

"Is THIS the gentleman you've brought with you, Elizabeth? Why, my dear! I did not know you could snag such a catch on your own!"

Elizabeth tried to contain her rolling eyes, but it did not seem possible. She grinned as she noticed Will's seemingly catatonic stare. Obviously, her mother wasn't quite what he had expected. Appearances can be deceiving, William.

"Really, dear, your people skills are amazing even me," Elizabeth told him, batting her eyelashes a few times. It seemed to wake Will up.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm Will D--"

"He's Will," Elizabeth interrupted, cautioning Will with her eyes not to challenge her. Will knew that look well and wasn't about to broach it tonight.

"I thought I heard my little girl here," a voice boomed from the hallway.

"Daddy!"

Will found that he was now laden with the potato salad, as well, while Elizabeth raced at her father. Thomas Bennet was a larger man, and though getting along in years, still seemed fit and healthy. He kissed his daughter on the forehead and then glanced at him with appraising eyes-- Elizabeth's eyes, he noted.

"Are you going to introduce me, Ace?"

"Daddy, this is Will," Elizabeth stated as she led her father over to where Will was standing.

"Just Will, huh?" Thomas grinned.

"Apparently so, sir," Will smiled back, glancing down and wondering how he was supposed to shake his hand.

"Here, Will. Let me take that from you. Such a dear to carry this all for my Elizabeth. You must be very sweet. I'm just so happy that she's found such a nice young man! And quite handsome as well, but then I'm sure you get told that all the time. I can already tell that your children--"

Seeing Will's frightened look at the direction of his wife's mind, he stepped in. "Sue, why don't you let them get situated. I'll take them to the living room. If you need help, just call one of us in." He smiled lovingly at his wife. "Okay?"

Sue smiled back. "That's fine, dear. Dinner will be served soon."

As she disappeared into the kitchen, Will followed Thomas and Elizabeth into a comfortable room. It was situated with two older, but classy looking sofas, two coffee tables, and an easy chair, which was obviously Thomas Bennet's domain. The centerpiece was the large mantle and fireplace on the left wall. Thomas sat in his chair and Elizabeth sat down in the sofa across from him, leaving ample room for Will and Leah to join. Sitting down, he placed the sleeping baby, snuggled in her pumpkin seat, on the floor between their legs.

"How's my favorite granddaughter?" Thomas asked with a smile.

"Wonderful! She laid on her stomach for forty-five minutes today and tried pushing up onto all fours. She's going to be crawling in no time."

"That's when the fun begins. One day she'll be content to lie on a blanket, happy as a clam. The next day she'll be crawling all over the room and needing your constant attention."

"Considering all that has happened to her, Daddy, I can't wait for that day to come."

"We can't wait," Will added, before Elizabeth subtlety elbowed him.

Before Thomas called on Elizabeth for an explanation, her mother came in with two glasses of wine, stating she needed Elizabeth's help. He gratefully took the glass of line and then smiled as Elizabeth began to leave.

"Come back soon, sweetheart," he called out.

She stopped halfway to the kitchen, paused, and then continued. If she had turned around she would have noticed Will's cheeky grin. He watched until she had disappeared into the adjacent room.

"So, Will....now that I have you to myself...why didn't you ever make a return back into the NFL?"

"He's very handsome, Elizabeth. I must compliment you on that," Sue told her daughter as she carefully diced tomatoes for the salad.

"Well, I'll accept, mother, although I really don't think I had anything to do with it," Elizabeth commented dryly, ripping apart lettuce leaves and dropping them into the large salad bowl.

"He seems to be of good breeding and his car is very nice! What does Will do for a living?"

Elizabeth thought on her feet. "Trash man."

"Oh, Elizabeth, do be serious," her mother reprimanded her.

"I am. Perfectly." It wasn't a complete falsehood. From what she understood of Will's business, he got quite a thrill in researching floundering companies, buying them, and completely revamping them. He was a trash man, of sorts.

"Yearly income?" Sue was working on peeling carrots now.

"I don't know, mother! Why should it matter in any case?"

"You know that I have always bemoaned your profession. You simply don't make enough, darling, and you need a man to step in and take care of some of your basic needs."

"Mother! We are not starting this debate again!" Sue happened to glance up and decided to drop the topic, considering the ferocity with which her daughter was ripping apart the lettuce leaves.

"So who is that delightful young man Jane is seeing?"

"Aaaahhh!"

"Excuse me, sir?"

Thomas chuckled. "You did not plan on getting recognized so soon. I suppose it's just tough luck that I graduated from Florida State. Now, I played baseball, not football, while I was there, but I still greatly follow their teams." He stopped to grin in secret with Will. "You were always my favorite quarterback, Darcy. Even after the year in the Sugar Bowl when you threw that interception to Michigan with thirty seconds left and they ran it all the way for the winning touchdown, I was pulling for you. After all, you were only a freshman and people liked to throw your whole record breaking season away over that one bad play."

"Thank you, sir, for bringing that moment back in all it's glory," Will sighed, but grinned.

"Hey, it's all right. You never threw another touchdown after that in your college career. I'd say that's pretty darn good. I had no doubt in my mind that you were going to lead your team to victory in the Rose Bowl your senior year."

Will smiled. "That's funny. I certainly had some doubts."

"I was sad to see you leave the NFL, even if you were playing for the Bears. You didn't even finish your rookie season, did you?" Thomas finished.

"I was sad to go as well, but I didn't have much choice," Will stated quietly.

"Did you know that Elizabeth interviewed you when you were still in college?"

Will grinned. "I realized that about the second or third day I was around her. I don't think she has a clue, though. She was just interning then and I remember was under a lot of pressure."

He didn't tell her father that as a college senior he had been very attracted to her. He couldn't quite say he wasn't now, either, but she had knocked him away that first time.

"Your secret is safe with me, son, as alumni of the same fine institution."

Dinner did not go badly. After his first impression, Elizabeth's mother seemed to settle down and they all carried on quite well. The only problem was that Sue Bennet thought he was a trash man. For some reason, Elizabeth wanted her mother to think that. He shrugged. He had too many bruises on his shin to begin to correct her. When they were all finished eating, Elizabeth, as always, collected the dishes and took them into the kitchen sink, planning to grab the desert on the way out. She almost screamed then when she felt a hot breath on her neck and warm, strong arms wrap around to hug her tightly to him. She certainly stiffened and jumped.

"What are you doing?!" she whispered frantically, trying to pretend that the nuzzling on her neck wasn't distracting and purely enjoyable.

"If we want your parents to believe we're getting married in a month, we've got to put on a show," he explained methodically, continuing to do--something--to her earlobe.

"Well, cut it out!" She made the mistake of turning in his arms. Now she was pressed against the sink, with his intense gaze staring her down, and his arms trapping her in between them.

"Oh, sweetheart, there's no reason to get embarrassed," Will started until a sharp pain on the top of his foot rendered him from talking.

Elizabeth slipped out of his grasp, taking the ice cream but leaving him with the bowls and spoons. She was red in the face, sweaty, and breathing heavy. Oh, how would she face her mother now?

Part Nine

St. Louis, a few days later

"I called my sister today and she already booked herself a flight. I called your church and reserved a Saturday afternoon. However, your pastor was adamant about some kind of seminars we had to go through before he would even perform the ceremonies."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elizabeth smile. It was so engaging, he almost took his eyes off the road. Downtown traffic after a baseball game was certainly something he did not appreciate dealing with. However, Elizabeth's car had refused to start this morning and so he volunteered to drop off and pick up- something she had agreed to rather reluctantly.

"I called the florist and the caterer as well and-"

"After I told you not to?" The bite in her voice was not hard to recognize. He had thought she would be in a better mood. It was the beginning of July and the Cardinals had begun to play like a real team. They were starting to make a real bid for the play-offs.

"Yes."

She obviously expected more of a response, and when she didn't get it, she huffed, crossed her arms across her chest, and sunk even lower into the seat.

"I don't think we want to even begin this. Do you want another argument like this morning?"

"Speaking of that, I still think you blew my words way out of proportion. I was offering you a gift, not charity."

"Just because my car is having some troubles today and just because you are a billionaire- or whatever the heck you are- does not mean that you can just go out and buy me a car."

"Actually, I can," Will started, as he passed a slow mini-van and flew past it on the left, "and I did."

He almost chuckled at her low growl of outrage. "Well, then you're just going to have to return it, mister!"

Will turned to look at Elizabeth. She was practically red in the face. "It's a nice SUV- and in red, your favorite color."

Her eyes narrowed at him and then flicked to the road as he pulled into the fast lane and blew another car in the dust.

"Don't you know what a directional light is?"

"Sure I do," he stated, winking at her.

"You really are going to have to return that car, you know."

"No, I'm really not, you know."

"Oh, just shut up and drive!" Elizabeth turned forward, to burn holes into the dashboard with her glare.

"No problem, Elizabeth. Can you just be on your best behavior tonight, please?"

He grinned and accelerated before she could answer. They arrived at Jane's apartment in a record eleven minutes. Elizabeth quickly unhooked her seatbelt and stepped out of the car as if it would bite her. In those eleven minutes, she had seen her life pass before her eyes too many times to count.

"What's your hurry?" Will asked. She was already halfway to the door by the time he got out of the car.

"I want to get as far away from that car as possible!" She opened the door to the hall.

"What's wrong with it?" he asked, jogging slightly to catch up.

"Nothing is wrong with the car- just you when you're driving it!"

"Oh, come on! I am an experienced and capable driver," he stated adamantly as he followed Elizabeth up a flight of stairs.

"Ha! Do you know how many times you almost killed me tonight? You are a crazy, crazy driver."

The door opened and both turned to see Charles' beaming face.

"I can see you're both getting along well."

Will rolled his eyes and pushed Charles out of the doorway. An array of aromas hit him full force as soon as he set foot into the small, yet elegant apartment. He sniffed the air appreciatively and gave a smile to the cook, as she entered from the kitchen.

"Jane! This smells wonderful. It's nice to see a woman who takes the time to cook every now and then," Will stated, choosing his words specifically to incense Elizabeth.

"Yeah, just call her Betty Crocker," she muttered behind him, shoving him out of the way to give her sister a hug.

Dinner was a pleasant affair with Jane and Charles there to referee Will and Elizabeth's discussions. On the other side, Elizabeth was quite pleased at the comfort of Jane and Charles' relationship. Several times during the meal she had to check a cheshire cat grin after seeing their interactions. Elizabeth had already deemed Jane permission to start seeing the amiable Chicagoan attorney. In fact, she found that they made quite the perfect match. Will was also watching them, although he got quite a different view. Charles and Jane obviously got along well enough as colleagues, he was wary of his friend getting hurt again.

Charles was one to jump headfirst into a relationship without thinking of any repercussions. It wasn't that he didn't have good intentions, but Charles was always in a hurry to do everything and falling in love went along with the rest. Will had witnessed his falling in and out of love so many times it had gotten to the point where he could predict the exact time of his break-ups-- down to the hour. Charles was a little naive in his view of everyone having a good side and too many women had taken advantage of it before. Will did not think Jane Bennet was a fortune hunter and he did generally like her-- but her serene smiles and lowered eyes made him think she didn't like him as much as Charles liked her.

As soon as Elizabeth and Will were finished taking care of the dishes, their two hosts came at them full force.

"It's time to get down to business, you two," Charles said, in his obvious courtroom voice.

Jane flashed Elizabeth a smile and a veiled look of warning as she led them into the living room. Although her younger sister had agreed to marry Will under the circumstances, she knew that Lizzy was not going to make it easy for either one of them. Her sister had quite the stubborn nature.

Elizabeth and Will were surprised when both Jane and Charles pulled out legal pads and pens. They sat as two opposing teams and for just an instant, Will felt that he was going to be put through an interrogation.

"Let's first go over some basic details of the wedding--just to make sure we know what is going on," Jane mentioned first, looking at both of them expectantly.

"Well, the wedding is during the All-Star break because I don't have to work," Elizabeth started out.

Jane lifted an eyebrow. "And in layman's terms, Lizzy?"

"The twenty-fifth," Will stated, giving Elizabeth an impatient look. "My sister is flying in the week before and we will begin moving Elizabeth into the house starting this week." He pretended not to hear her snort or see her roll of the eyes. "The church is reserved, the florist and photographer have been arranged. I'm still waiting on Elizabeth to budge on the reception deal, but otherwise my end of the wedding has been covered."

Jane turned to look at her sister. "And how is your end going?"

Elizabeth's cheeks started to tint pink. "Uh...it's going?" Her rueful smile did not help her case much.

"Elizabeth! This isn't something you can just put off. It's our wedding for goodness sakes! Don't you think the judge is going to look at this, especially since we are getting married so quickly?"

"Don't yell at me, Fitzwilliam Darcy! I don't have personal assistants to fulfill my beck and call so that I have time to plan a stupid wedding now, do I? No, I have deadlines and traveling and articles to write!"

"Then perhaps it's time to prioritize, Elizabeth."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know, it just seems that perhaps your job is more important to you right now then our future with Leah."

Elizabeth was so angry she could not even speak; she just sat there shooting daggers at him with her eyes. To her irritation, he didn't even so much as blink. She was a bit impressed-- stressing the bit--as most people who met her "pitcher's" glare could not continue to look her in the eyes. In high school, college, and beyond it had helped her enormously on the mound. Although known as the nice girl when not between the lines, once she stepped into the diamond she stared her opponents to the ground.

"Look, you two, this is the kind of thing you cannot be doing in public," Charles stated, breaking the staring contest of sorts. "You are going to have to prove to people that you have the environment to raise a child and I guarantee you, they are not going to give two people who are at each other's throats custody."

Elizabeth and Will looked at him with what Charles thought was guilt. He sighed. The tension between the two was so strong...yes, he would use the cliche--he could cut it with a knife. If they could just harness the tension and turn it around, make it positive, he knew Will and Elizabeth would get along splendidly.

"Lizzy, I know that you two can get along. What was it you told me a few days ago?" At her sister's confused look, Jane continued, her sly smiled hidden on the inside. "I believe you told me that Will made you feel safe. Or was protected the word you used?"

Elizabeth was too busy staring at the rug to answer her sister. She felt her face burning and knew--she just knew--that if she looked up, Will would be smirking at her. She hated that awful smirk!

"That's a step in the right direction, isn't it, you two? Especially after what you told me yesterday on the phone, Will."

This time, at Charles words, Will was the one who looked uncomfortable. He looked at his friend, willing him to silence, while Elizabeth dared to glance slowly up.

"You said that Elizabeth made you laugh. Or was it happy?" Charles turned toward her. "Will's had enough sadness in his life, he could use a little cheering up."

Both Will and Elizabeth were now blushing and looking to the floor. However, both Charles and Jane noticed them sneaking looks at one another under their eyelashes. Neither one was as immune to the other as they pretended.

"Would either of you like to expound on your thoughts?" Jane gently prodded, feeling more like a high school counselor than a counselor of law.

Both looked at each other and then away. Charles shot Jane a look that clearly stated what he thought about the situation: What are they? In sixth grade? Jane shot him back a look of agreement.

To both of their surprises, Elizabeth was the first one to begin. She spoke to her hands, but she spoke all the same.

"I am independent and...and I know that I am stubborn. It's going to be hard for me to accept sharing some things in my life with you, Will. I know that I am not always easy to get along with but--" she looked up at him then, her eyes in earnest, "I really do feel safe with you around. I know that thought is totally against all my independent feelings, but it's true," Elizabeth shrugged, "Maybe I'm not explaining myself very well."

"No," Will told her firmly, "you are making perfect sense. I won't deny that I am a serious person. After my parents died...Well, let's just say that it changed me. I didn't feel like laughing anymore. Being happy became a chore. But Elizabeth, somehow you can get more of the old me out. I have never laughed so much since that time. Sometimes I find myself smiling for absolutely no reason."

Their gazes locked and held. Elizabeth felt herself get lost in the intensity of his stare, while Will lost himself in the depths of her dark eyes. She really did have beautiful eyes. Jane and Charles were hesitant to break this one moment of understanding, but they did have an agenda and so far they had only accomplished one thing--to spend five minutes without Will and Elizabeth fighting.

"Jane and I got together and generally came to certain conclusions on how to make your marriage more believable," Charles told them.

Both sets of eyes switched to look at him. He gauged them. They were both skeptical and questioning, but didn't seem totally opposed to hearing him out. He was thankful for that, at least.

"First would be to show affection wherever you are." Ignoring Elizabeth's snort and Will's rolled eyes, Charles continued, "Face it. You two are getting married in three weeks and you will be expected to act like newlyweds."

Will and Elizabeth both were staring at him with identical and horrified looks on their faces. Charles really would have thought it comical if he didn't have to base his entire case on a phony marriage. He was going to need their help.

"He's not talking about making out in the middle of the street, guys. Smile at each other, go out to places where people will see you, just hold hands in public for goodness sakes!"

Elizabeth began to smile as she pictured herself on Fitzwilliam Darcy's arm--the perfect little wife. It was an impossible feat! Okay, she could concede to holding his hand in public. It wasn't as if he was a leper, after all. Quite the opposite, actually. She had steeled herself from Will's attractiveness, but it was going to prove near difficult if she had to keep up this charade. He's better than Bill Collins in any case, she noted dryly to herself.

Will's thoughts were a little more pleasantly occupied, however. Elizabeth was a beautiful woman. He had thought so as a senior in college during their interview and he wasn't going to deny it now. Through all their fighting, what he thought he might be fighting more than anything else was his attraction to her. Showing her affection in public was not going to be hard for him to do--what would be hard was keeping her from noticing how much he was enjoying it.

"Perhaps you two could think of nicknames to call each other? I know that's the first sign of a couple to me," Jane suggested.

At the same exact moment, Will and Elizabeth bursted into laughter. Elizabeth immediately felt contrite when she saw her sister's red face. She smacked Will on the arm and somehow he got himself under control.

"Yes, sugar?" he asked, and both immediately broke into laughter again.

Jane was exasperated and embarrassed and that combination left her a little angry. Yes, her anger might be mild to most, especially her younger sister, but Jane could get mad in her own way.

"Look, you two. We are not counseling you for our enjoyment. I would appreciate it if you would try to cooperate."

Elizabeth knew her sister well and therefore knew Jane could not be pushed anymore. She gave Will a silencing look and he miraculously shut up. Then they both turned expectantly to Jane.

"Perhaps you each already have a nickname you could use?" Jane suggested again.

They both drew a blank. "People call me either Will or Darcy," Will shrugged. "Take your pick."

"You can call me Elizabeth," she suggested.

"Jane calls you Lizzy!" Will protested.

"But Jane and I used to take baths together. She can get away with that."

Will sulked for a few moments before he remembered something else. "When we went to your house for dinner, your dad called you something..." He was at a loss to what it was.

"Ace. Daddy calls her Ace," Jane filled in for him.

Elizabeth stood up to face Will. "You can't call me that! It's my dad's personal nickname for me."

He held up his hands in front of him. "Fine! I was just commenting," he muttered.

"Well, this isn't working," Charles noted. "You're just going to have to think of more romantic names."

Will was silent for a moment before he turned towards Elizabeth. "Does that sound good, babe?" He grinned.

"Oh no, you are not calling me that! I will not have the same name as a talking pig!" Elizabeth warned.

"How about honey bun?" Will could not even begin to contain his smile now.

"How about you-can-take-your-foot-and---"

"Elizabeth Grace Bennet!" Jane warned.

"...shove it in your mouth," she mumbled.

"How about darling, dear, doll, honey, love of my life, sweetheart..." Will rattled off.

Elizabeth broke into a grin. "Sweetheart might work. I think I like it. It makes me think of the candy."

All three turned to stare at her. Finally, Jane spoke. "Lizzy, those are Sweettarts, not Sweethearts."

Will rolled his eyes. He had already noticed Elizabeth had quite the sweet tooth. There was no doubt in his mind why he thought she would get confused. She had just bought seven bags of Sweetarts just a few days ago. He decided to continue.

"What about baby?"

Elizabeth and Jane both stilled. Elizabeth looked absolutely paralyzed and Jane was watching her sister carefully.

"Please do not ever call me that," Elizabeth whispered with an intensity that surprised Will and made him quickly nod in assent.

"I'll just keep it as sweetheart," he told her, noticing with confusion how hard Elizabeth was gripping Jane's hand.

There was silence for about a minute and then Elizabeth let out a deep breath and dropped her sister's hand. Will felt relief wash over him as she smiled at him. He was still confused but was not willing to push it. After Wickham, Will had become familiar with episodes like this with Ana. Once Elizabeth felt she could tell him, she would.

"I'm going to call you Fitz," she told him with finality.

Will didn't exactly appreciate the name, in fact hated it almost as much as his full name, but wasn't willing to put up a fight now that she was smiling again. With this accomplished, Jane and Charles quickly moved the evening on. By the time Will was ready to take Elizabeth back to her apartment, they had agreed to go out to eat in public at least once a weekend, be seen at Elizabeth's work quite often, and have a family dinner--with every member of the Bennet family-- to officially announce their engagement.

As Will was opening the door for Elizabeth, Charles called his attention. His friend already looked incredibly penitent and Will groaned inwardly. Only one reason could make Charles get that look on his face.

"I wanted to warn you that Caroline has gotten very curious about my work here and has decided to make a visit. I...I..." Charles pulled at the collar of his shirt uncomfortably, "told her about your engagement. She didn't take it well. I have a feeling you won't be able to hide from her these next few weeks."

Will groaned outwardly this time. Elizabeth looked from one man to the other. Charles looked so guilty it seemed he was almost crying and Will looked so distraught she would have thought his stocks had taken an incredible plunge downward.

"Who is this Caroline person?" she asked Will before he escorted her out the door.

Leaning down to her eye level, Will stated simply, "Trust me, you'll find out soon enough."

Part Ten

St. Louis, a few days later

Elizabeth tucked a few stray hairs behind her ears and wiped the sweat off her forehead. Even with the AC cranked to high, the saturated St. Louis heat still pervaded the house. It was just another woe to add to her list. She had almost been permanently moved out of her apartment earlier that morning. Every thing of import to her now resided at 77 Pemberley Lane, including Mac and Leah.

Although she did not want to admit it to Will, Elizabeth absolutely loved the house. Who in their right mind wouldn't? It was absolutely gorgeous--two and a half full storied Victorian style home, complete with the wrap around verandah she had always wanted. It was like a house from her dreams...but it symbolized so much!

She and Will had come to an understanding; she knew that, at least. By agreeing to marry him of her own free will, she would have to make some concessions. She supposed he was making enough for the both of them: marrying her simply for his sister (and Leah, she couldn't deny that), moving to St. Louis (she still wasn't sure she believed his whole story about always wanting to make dual headquarters), and finally just putting up with her. Elizabeth knew her opinionated-and-willing-to-share-those-opinions-with-anyone-and-everyone-anywhere attitude was not always the easiest to get along with. Probably the only two people who had ever been able to handle Elizabeth for long periods of time were Jane, simply because she was so willing to accept everyone, and her father, because she had inherited her attitude from him.

Elizabeth knew she was being selfish. What was moving her belongings across town when it completely benefited Leah? Not to mention her pocketbook, she smiled. She opened a box and began putting her books on the book shelve in the living room. Leah was the most important aspect of her life. Elizabeth was determined to go to any lengths necessary to ensure her a happy and healthy childhood. In Elizabeth's mind, if she could help it, that included a father. Will had already proved himself to be good daddy material. Glancing at the box she had to pack of things only he had given the baby, she smiled again. He would certainly be a doting father.

As if knowing her aunt was thinking of her, Leah let out a laugh from her bouncy seat. Elizabeth grinned at her and then turned to a massive stereo system on the shelving unit. She was a little scared to touch it, considering how much technology hated her, but then she remembered that a stereo like this was pocket change to her fiancée. She considered the endless children's CD's she had been advised on buying for Leah, but just could not bring herself to putting one in. Instead, she flipped to her favorite Oldies station and went back to unpacking.

Will and the movers had hauled the boxes out of the rented truck while Elizabeth and Leah had gone exploring. She didn't know exactly when, but Will's belongings had already been moved in. He had nice taste, she would admit. He had gone to pick Charles up to help with some of the heavier boxes, so Elizabeth was stuck with simply emptying and sorting until they were back. After about twenty minutes she noticed Leah was half-asleep in the bouncy seat. She picked her up and took her into the new nursery. Will had spared no expense in this room and she grinned at the teddy bear border around the powder blue room. Will had found the print in a catalogue and immediately bought it, forgetting to share counsel with Elizabeth until it had been sent. Thankfully, he really did have good taste.

Within minutes, Leah was fast asleep. After those first few trying months, Elizabeth had been happy to notice that Leah could just be put in bed with her favorite bear, given a kiss on the forehead, and fall asleep. She went back down to the living room and began unpacking her CD's. Singing along to the music and unpacking her boxes, she lost track of the time. Now that Leah's bedroom was upstairs, Elizabeth could sing to her heart's content-and as loud as she wanted, of course.

One of her favorite songs began playing on the radio, perking Elizabeth up even more. Mac looked up from his newly found territory in front of the wood-burning fireplace and gave her, or at least what she thought was, a pleading look. From experience, he knew what was coming next. His master, his usually wonderful and brilliant master, was going to start producing sounds that hurt even his ears.

"Lookin' out on the morning rain-wahoo-used to make me feel so uninspired," she began, serenading him.

There was no escape for the German Shepherd, only the chance for a quiet whimper as she continued through the verse, building up to the climatic refrain, grabbing the banana she had planned on saving for a snack as a microphone.

"Cause you make me feel...You make me feel...You make me feel like a natural woman, woman...."

Muffled laughter and the clearing of a throat broke Elizabeth out of her reverie. She whipped around to see Will, Charles, Jane, and a woman Elizabeth had never seen before in her life with smiles on their faces. Correction: the strange woman wearing a hideous contraption in orange was looking at her with heavy disdain.

"Well, William, at least you know she can feel some kind of regard, albeit for her mutt," the woman spit out.

Will was angry at her words, but knew he would leave her up to Elizabeth. His fiancée did look rather taken aback at first by the venomous words of a woman she had never spoken with, but the eventual tug at the corners of her mouth convinced Will she was nothing but amused. She certainly was not embarrassed at the four finding her serenading the monster, as Will had dubbed Mac. Then again, Elizabeth was not one to be embarrassed about much that she did.

The next thing he knew, completely interrupting his thought process, Elizabeth was pressed up against his side, looking up at him with an almost idolized smile on her face.

"Oh, Fitz is very assured in my regard for him, aren't you?"

If Will was surprised at Elizabeth's antics, he did not show it. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then tweaked her nose.

"Of course I am, sweetheart...but maybe you should demonstrate for me again," he said, using all of his self-control not to burst out into laughter.

"Fitz! Not in front of all these people," Elizabeth stated with a shocked voice, "We'll save that for later, when we're by ourselves."

She pressed a quick and chaste kiss to his lips and then turned to their crowd.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, Charles?"

Charles could barely contain his laughter enough to say, "Elizabeth, this is my sister Caroline."

Elizabeth's eyes were sparkling with recognition as she turned towards Will. "That explains a lot, doesn't it?" She winked and returned to the box she had been unpacking.

As Jane and Charles went to quietly look at the nursery, Caroline did not quite know what to do with her self. Usually, she would have been suctioned to Will, flirting endlessly with him. That would pose a problem now. It wasn't that she was above flirting with an engaged man, but if the fiancée was present at the time, it did make things a little sticky.

However, as she took in the girl's cut-off shorts, t-shirt promoting some sort of sport, and hat thrown over a messy brown ponytail, Caroline began to smirk. This girl, this Elizabeth Bennet, was chump compared to Caroline Bingley. Eliza Bennet did not stand a chance. Suddenly, Caroline felt something cold and wet press against her hand. Before she could stop herself, she had shrieked, and then, seeing quite an opportunity, she ran over and flung herself on Will.

"What the heck is the matter with you?" he all but yelled, trying to pry Caroline's steel talons out of his biceps.

"I...I felt something on my hand! It was cold and wet and...Oh, Will! It was horrible!" She tried to get tears to form at her eyes, but was a little bit rusty.

Elizabeth smirked and had to disguise her laugh by a cough. As Mac ambled lazily over to Caroline, she shrieked again and buried her face in Will's chest.

"Oh please, Caroline! It's a dog for goodness sakes! Could you get off me?"

After hearing his tone, Caroline sniffed and removed herself from him with dignity and grace. At least, that's what she thought. Elizabeth thought it looked more like she was a five year old who had just been told "No." This did not help in her crusade not to laugh. Caroline stood stock still as Mac finished his inspection of her, complete with a hand lick at the end.

"Couldn't you have called your mutt off me?" Caroline asked tersely, never taking her eyes off the easy-going Mac and looking at the hand he had licked like it had sprouted another finger.

"I didn't see much of a reason. The more used to your scent, the less he'll bother you," Elizabeth told her, turning around quickly to hide her grin. "Anyway, Mac is not dangerous. He's quite a gentle one, actually."

As the words were coming out of her mouth, Mac stuck his head in the air, took a sniff, and then suddenly raced towards the corridor, barking like crazy.

"Gentle, huh?" Caroline sneered, as Elizabeth took off after her dog. Her comment was lost, however, as Will took off after Elizabeth. Rolling her eyes, she followed him.

Will had an idea of what Mac might be tracking and he wanted to get there before Elizabeth. He had an advantage of longer legs, but she did have the head start. Not to mention the fact that Caroline had grabbed his forearm and seemed to be panting from exertion, slowing him down considerably. At Elizabeth's cry of outrage, he knew she had found him and slowed down.

"Why is there a cat in this house?"

By the time Will reached her side, Elizabeth's face had already turned red. She was fuming.

"His name is Sammy," Will volunteered cautiously.

Elizabeth's irate dark eyes turned on him. "And just what possessed you to get a cat?"

Will shrugged. "It's actually Ana's. When she's at college, I take care of him for her."

"Do you really expect that a cat and a German Shepherd are going to get along all fine and dandy, Will?"

Elizabeth had spoken too soon and without a glance to the two mentioned animals. Will, on the other hand, was watching them with a careful eye. Although Sammy was still in his carrying case, Mac was simply looking at him, sniffing every once in awhile. That was all. He didn't bark and Sammy didn't hiss.

Will pointed toward the display and Elizabeth closed her mouth. After glancing at them for a few seconds, she turned on him again.

"You expect me to live in a house with a cat named Sammy? Wait, you expect me to marry someone with a cat named Sammy?"

Will grinned. "That shouldn't be a problem. Like I said, he's my sister's."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I can't believe this! We have two animals named Mac and Sammy. How pathetic can we get?"

"I'm sure if we put our minds to it, we could be worse," Will laughed, slinging his arm around her shoulders as they walked back into the living room. Elizabeth seemed willing to let Sammy go for now.

Caroline followed them, confusion etched on her face. They had completely lost her and now, somehow, this Eliza had her-Caroline's-Will draped all over her. All this talk of Sammy and Mac-who in the world were they? Somehow they had come between Caroline's plan. Life just wasn't fair! Charles and Jane came down the stairs and Caroline groaned inwardly to see them holding hands. What was with the name Bennet? Couldn't they just leave her territory alone?

Will pulled in the last spot in the Bennet driveway promptly at six, as Elizabeth had instructed him. After turning the car off, he turned towards Elizabeth and noticed that she turning a slightly greenish color. With alarm, he studied her. She had seemed fine when they left, if only in a little hurry. She was definitely green now.

"What in the world is the matter? Are you sick?" Perhaps he could have sounded a little more compassionate, but this was Elizabeth. One could never guess what was troubling her.

"I can't do this," Elizabeth whispered. If Will wasn't pretty good at reading lips, he would have had no idea what she had just uttered.

"Do what?"

After only one glance, Elizabeth noted the confusion on his face. She was probably over-reacting. Still, the thought of walking into that house-where every member of her family was, even Mary and Kitty-and telling them that she was engaged and getting married in just a short time made her sick. Her mother was going to smother her with happiness.

"You will understand soon. Trust me."

Will looked at her like he didn't know what she was talking about and was seriously considering taking her home. Although Elizabeth would have liked that very much, she was not going to take the coward's way out. She was going to have to face her family sooner or later and maybe if Will was there, they wouldn't go so crazy.

Her thought was proved wrong. Will decided that in the middle of dinner, without giving Elizabeth any warning, he was going to announce the news without preamble.

"I just want you all to know that Elizabeth has consented to be my wife and we're getting married the 25th of July."

Pandemonium ensued as Elizabeth stared dumbly around her. Kitty had screamed with happiness, her longtime boyfriend, Henry, looking at her with amazement. Mary, her most docile sister, even broke into a huge grin and ran over to the other side of the table to give her a hug.

"I'm so happy for you," she said, pushing her glasses up her nose. "I was hoping you'd find happiness again after..." She stopped and lifted her eyebrows pointedly.

"Thank you, Mary," Elizabeth said breathlessly.

Next to her, Jane smiled and squeezed Elizabeth's hand reassuringly. Charles reached over and patted her shoulder in encouragement. Both of them did not say a word.

To her amazement, both her mother and father were also surprisingly silent. In fact, as she looked closer at her dad, she noticed he did not look startled at all. It was almost as if he had known all this time.

"You don't look very surprised, daddy."

"Elizabeth, you don't think that I would get engaged to a woman without asking her father first, do you?" Will asked with a smile.

She shot him a dark look that only made him laugh. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw her mother wipe her eyes.

"Are you crying, mom?" Elizabeth was incredulous.

"Nooo," she wailed, the tears pouring down her face.

Everyone at the table stared at Sue Bennet like she was a leper. Elizabeth would have figured her mom would jump up and down with excitement or scream about her "poor nerves," but not cry like a baby.

"What is it, dear?" Thomas asked his wife.

"It's just so happy! She's finally found someone...and he's so nice and wealthy, too!" She sniffed.

Will looked taken aback with that last comment, but then smiled when he looked at Elizabeth. "I think I'll focus on the nice part," he winked at her.

Elizabeth, however, was not in the mood for his teasing. Her mother was crying! She had made her mother cry! All right, if she was honest with herself, it wasn't the first time. She had cried when Elizabeth turned down Bill Collins. She had cried when Elizabeth had turned down Steve Harvey senior year. And she had cried for another reason, too, which wasn't quite Elizabeth's fault; though it had taken her a long time to finally accept that conclusion.

"You must be quite a man, Mr. Darcy," Kitty started as she sat back down at her spot at the table.

"He only thinks so," Elizabeth laughed before Will could answer.

"Why would you say that, Kitty?" Charles asked, quite curious.

"You might not think it, Charles, but my sister is quite the romantic. At least, in all her notions about love she is. She once told me that only the deepest love would induce her to marry. Plus, you wouldn't believe the plans she has made. I think she had her wedding planned by her senior year of high school. Liz is the poster child for the princess locked in the tower waiting for her one true love."

Elizabeth had turned red with the announcements and was carefully looking at her folded hands on the table. She did not dare turn and look at Will. He was staring at her, a sudden feeling churning his stomach.

Mary decided to add in. "Honestly, it really is amazing she's getting married at all. She used to make a list of every quality she wanted in a man and vowed never to marry if she couldn't find a man who possessed all of them. Lydia used to laugh at her for that."

"Yes, Mary, but Lydia also countered that any man with money and a handsome face was worth marrying," Kitty pointed out, laughing.

"Stop it. She was young then. She made mistakes," Elizabeth said, her voice terse with anger.

Kitty and Mary immediately looked apologetic. They had over-stepped Elizabeth's imaginary line. The table was quiet for a few moments. Will was still staring at Elizabeth. They were both thankful when Leah began to cry from her playpen in the living room.

Will stood up at the same time Elizabeth did. For the first time since Kitty's revealing remarks, he looked her straight in the eyes. There was a hurt in her dark eyes, a deep hurt. However, he wasn't sure which comments had caused it.

"Please, Elizabeth. Let me get her."

He thanked God all the way into the living room that Leah had taken that opportunity to cry. Will suddenly saw his actions in another light. What had he done? He had burst into Elizabeth's life, demanding that she marry him for the betterment of both of them. He hadn't taken anything into consideration but the fact of helping Ana and then of helping Leah. Helping Elizabeth really hadn't fit into the equation.

He swallowed slowly. He knew that there was no way he could live up to her expectations. He had proved it already. There was still time. Elizabeth could change her mind. This time, he would give her the chance.

Continued In Next Section