Everyone in here is dressed in red, just like Jen and mum. And when I meant everyone I know is here, I meant those closest to me. Penny, Blaire, Liz, Mary, my dad and Alexander.

They all come to me to wish me a happy birthday and hug me but I can't help but let mt eyes connect with one person who stands out in the crowd, dressed in a white suit.

Leonardo O'Neil.

Just like the day I first met him, his blue eyes captivate me and somehow manage to make it seem like we're the only ones in this room. He has that much lower over me.

Almost sensing that I'm not paying attention, they let me go and move out of my way. Now Leo has a clear view of me from head to toe, and I see his eyes lingering for a while on my stomach before meeting my eyes again.

Without thinking, I slowly move towards him, shocked as day that he's in front of me. When we're about a feet away, we just gaze at each other.

"Hi." He says with his award winning smile.

"Hi," I respond with a grin and teary eyes.

Then, he wraps his arms around me, being careful not to squeeze me. "I missed you to Alison. I missed you so much I couldn't function properly. These past few months have been hell for me and if it wasn't for Alex I don't know what would've happened to me." He lets go of me and holds my face into his large hands, forcing me to look at him.

"I'm sorry for the hurt I've put you through. I'm sorry for letting someone into our home and letting her destroy what we had. I didn't mean to hurt you Sunshine, I was just high on the thought of being a father, something I've always wanted. But I was wrong, I should've waited for you because look at you now, carrying my heir." His eyes now filled with tears too.

He drops his hands and hugs me again, this time letting his head fall on my shoulder. "I'm so so sorry baby, please allow me to fix this. I love you so much. I want to be there for you and our child." He sobs lightly and I rub his back, also sobbing. Damn, we are a mess right now. "I made a mistake, please forgive me."

Without wasting anymore time, I talk before he starts saying something too. He's probably taking the silence in a wrong way. "I love you too. I love you so much Leonardo that I'm willing to let go of what happened. I would be damned if I let that woman win. I forgive, and you need to forgive yourself too." I say exactly what I told my dad.

We continue sobbing while in an embrace until we break apart. Leo now has bloodshot eyes - which I am sure I also have - and tear stains, but wears a smile. "I'm happy my first time crying in front if anyone apart from my family is you Sunshine."

I chuckle and roll my eyes. "Only you would end a heart felt moment like that." I take a deep breath and hold my stomach with both my hands without thinking, immediately drawing Leo's attention.

But he doesn't say anything about it, instead he says, "Let's go join the others outside."

Huh, I didn't even notice that they left and gave as privacy. Either say I'm glad they did because I don't think Leo and I would've had that moment with them looking at us like a TV drama series.

~

The birthday party is now in full swing with majority of the little guests we have now drunk except for Jen, Leo and I. Jen wanted to drink but I forbid her to, so instead she's stuck drinking apple juice. Or so I think it is, because I've been noticing her stumbling around the room.

I guess they'll be staying the night, all of them.

"Hey, I want to take you somewhere." Leo says beside me.

I look at him with a curious look. "Somewhere where?" I ask. He smirks giving me the answer I should've seen coming. "It's a secret, I should've known." I roll my eyes but with a smile regardless.

I stand up from the couch and extend my hand to him. "Well? Unless if the couch is going to fly us there then I'm guessing we should get moving."

Leo chuckles and stands up, taking my hand in the process.

He walks me to his car and once we're inside, he makes sure that the seatbelt is on. He also gets into the car and before we know it, we're off.

Out of nowhere, I decide to bring up the conversation we've been dreading. "I found out I was pregnant the day before I left. It was the day I had to go to the doctor and you refused." As I say this, I notice his grip tightening on the wheel. "So I took Alex instead. That day, I was so afraid of what might actually happen that I began to hyperventilate. Things were already sour between the two of us and I knew after overhearing your conversation with Olivia that I need to leave because it wouldn't end well for me.

I wanted to tell you so badly but I had to think of the child first. I wouldn't have handled losing my very ever first child, so I left and went where you'd least expect. I was going to tell you about the pregnancy eventually after the first trimester but I guess I was too much of a coward, huh?" I finish with tears rolling down my face again.

Ugh, stupid hormones.

Then I feel his hand on my thigh. "I understand completely Alison. If I were you I would've done the same thing. I'm happy you thought of our child first, it makes you a great mother." He says.

I look up at him with a smile. "Yoh really think I'll be a great mother?"

He looks at me for a brief moment and smiles. "I think you'll be an excellent mother." He rubs my thigh. "And Alison, I want to correct my doings which is why I brought you here."

I look out the window and see a sign written "The Love Tree".

I've heard about the love tree but I've never been here and I'm actually surprised that Leo was able to find it as it was pretty much hidden from people. Some believe that it's just a rumour but being here I guess it's true.

We get out of the car and walk inside the yard where the heart shaped tree awaits for us. But that's not all that's here.

There's candle lights on the floor with a picnic basket. One big lay back chair and a diy outdoor movie screen. There's also fairy light covering the tree and suddenly, soft music starts to play.

I turn to Leo, about to ask him what's going on when I see him down on one knee.

"Alison, I know I've wronged you before but I'm willing to start all over again. I know we didn't even meet in the right way and marry in the right way but I want that to change. If anything these past few months has taught me is that my life without you is completely meaningless. When you came into my life you made me enjoy my day to the fullest with you and at the end of the day, made me look forward to tomorrow to come so I can spend it with you. Alison I love you more words could describe, and I really wish I were one with words so I can say a beautiful poem to you but all I have to say to you is this,

Alison,would you please do me the honours of making me the happiest man to live by being my wife, for real this time?" He asks with a nervous smile on his face and a box opened to reveal a nice simple diamond ring, unlike the one he first bought me.

I'm left with an awe struck expression. I was definitely not expecting this and ladies and gentlemen, this finally goes in records of the most time Leo has made me cry in one day, as I cry once again.

"I will make you the happiest man on this planet Leo," I start and a large smile appears on his face. "But, not as your wife."

He frowns and stands up, "I... I don't understand. You said you love me yet you don't want to marry me?" He asks, clearly confused.

"Yes I want to marry you Leonardo, but not now." I take his hands into mine, along with the box, "Leo, I want us to have a fresh start as you said. I don't want us to marry just for the sake of marrying. I want us to start slow, as girlfriend and boyfriend and walk our way up. I want to get to know you more and avoid problems like we had before. Then, then after that, you can ask me the same question and I'll happily answer with a yes." I smile at him, hoping he'd understand.

Silence breaks between us and I'm now standing uncomfortably thinking I broke his heart, as he just stand and looks at the ground. He then looks up and smiles, nodding.

"I understand Sunshine, and you couldn't have been more correct. We need to know more about each other and build what we have. But I can only agree on one condition. Move in with me because I'm not letting my child grow in two separate homes." He states with a stern look.

I grin and wrap my arms around his neck. "Who said anything about me moving out." I plant my lips on his for the first time in months and I let our lips move in motion.

We break apart after minutes of making out, and smile at each other like idiots. Leo kisses my forehead and says, "I think we should start the movie and eat before it gets too late."

When we sit down, he drapes a large blanket over us and starts the movie. And at that moment, I can't help but wonder how I ever got so lucky to have him in my life.

••••••