The bar was alive with music, and decorated with hundreds of balloons and brightly lit candles. Ally and Larry were surrounded. Everyone was hugging, kissing, and crying.

Ally couldn't believe how Richard, Elaine, and John had managed to put this all together in such a short time. There was a beautiful cake, topped with a picture of her and Larry. She looked around and was surprised to see so many people, clients and colleagues, that had come into her life during the past five years. Missing were Ling, Mark and Jackson (but they were all off doing their own thing.) Melanie had sent a telegram of congratulations. It was just all too wonderful.

Larry came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. "You doin' okay?" he whispered. She turned and smiled at him, "Oh my GOD!" she exclaimed, " We're married!!"

Renee came over to join them. To Larry she said, "Did you decide yet on the honeymoon destination?"

Everything had happened so fast that Ally hadn't even thought about that. She looked questioningly at Larry, "We .. um .. I .. get a honeymoon?"

"Honey," Larry said, "you can have the moon, the stars and the world if I can get them for you. But, for now would you be willing to settle for three days in the Bahamas?"

Ally beamed and hugging him, said, "Deal." Then she added, "You were a busy boy during those two hours, weren't you?"

"Yep," he replied grinning from ear to ear. "Hope these festivities don't last all night. We have a plane to catch at 7:00. That should put us in bed .. ah .. in the Bahamas .. by 11:00 at the latest."

They locked foreheads and Ally whispered, "I don't know if I can wait that long."

Larry said under his breath, "Me, either. Maybe we can find a closet somewhere."

"What about Sam?" Ally asked, suddenly remembering him.

"Oh, Renee's letting him sleep at her place tonight and then she's gonna take him to the airport in the morning."

"You've thought of everything, haven't you." Ally said.

Larry half grinned. He looked down and then glanced up at her, "I guess when something's meant to be, everything just falls into place." He whispered hoarsely in her ear, "I want to make love to you, right now!"

Ally turned and kissed him, "I, too, you," she said breathlessly.

Elaine started to sing:

"Let's make love all night long..."

Ally beamed as she looked at the undeniably sexy man she had just married.

Matt came over to join Renee and was introduced to Ally and Larry and offered them his best wishes. Ally thought he was very handsome. "So," she said, "Matt, um..ah.. how.. how are things..um..you know?"

He smiled at her, "If you're wondering whether my intentions are honorable, they are. Renee's the sweetest, most loving girl I've ever met. She doesn't know it yet, but I love her."

Ally's breath caught. She was so happy for her closest friend. She looked upward again and whispered, "God, when you do it, you really do it right."

Clay came over to kiss Ally on the cheek. "I'm really happy for you, you know. Elaine told me all about you and Larry. If I'd known you two had such a history, I would've backed off a long time ago, you know."

"I really like you, Clay," Ally said. "You're very sweet and some girl's gonna be very blessed to get you."

"Thanks. Anyway," Clay said, "congratulations. Larry's a lucky guy, but I have a feeling he already knows that."

Suddenly the lights dimmed and Vonda spoke into the microphone, "Hey, everyone, gather round, it's time for the bride and groom's first dance."

Larry found Ally and led her to the center of the dance floor. As he took her in his arms, their song began to play.

"For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
For once unafraid I can go where life leads me
And somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew someone warm like you
Would make my dreams come true

Larry motioned with his eyes for Ally to put her head on his shoulder. She nestled against his neck. He smiled secretly and tenderly kissed her cheek.

"You know," she said, "not too long ago I didn't know whether I would ever be able to listen to this song again."

"I know," Larry whispered, "me, too."

"Larry?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you," she said and felt a gentle tear fall on her shoulder.

For once in life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before
For once I have something that I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore.

She looked up to see Larry crying. "Baby, what's wrong."

Larry tightened his arms around her, "I was just thinking how close I came to losing you forever."

"But you didn't," she said softly, "and, you never will. You promised to love me for all your tomorrows, remember?"

For once I can say this is mine you can't take it
As long as I know I have love I can make it
For once in my life I have someone
Who needs me."

"And the day after that," he declared.

Renee began to sing "This I Promise You," and everyone started to dance.

Larry was dancing with Ally's mother and Ally was gliding around the dance floor with her dad. "You know, sweetheart," her dad said, "this was my wish for you. Not just that you would find someone to love, but that that someone would love you and make you happy." "I know, daddy," she said, laying her head on his shoulder, "I know. "

"Larry," Ally's mom said, "you better promise that you'll take good care of her." "That will be an easy promise to keep," he vowed.

Nelle and her husband were smooching on the dance floor. John was dancing with Coretta. Elaine had brought her producer friend and they were dancing so close together that Ally was afraid he couldn't breathe. Michael and Jeanette were together. And ... Richard and Jane were clearly oblivious to everyone else in the room

Ally looked over at them and smiled. (Richard, the guy who always wanted you to think he didn't have a heart because he was so afraid of having it broken. Well, Tin Man, she thought, it just took that 'someone' didn't it?)

The song ended and Vonda started singing:

"I won't be happy until I'm home again, alone again
with you..."

Ally felt a tug on her arm and looked down at Sam. "May I have this dance?" he asked. Ally glowed, "I've been wondering when you were going to ask me."

Larry, who was then dancing with Coretta, looked over at his son and bride and his heart swelled with love.

"Ally," Sam ventured, "now that you and dad are married...what do I call you?"

"Well," she said, "just about anything but Ms. McBeal, Mrs. Paul, or 'Aunt' Ally, will do. Of course, if you call me Alice or something like that, I might not answer." Then she looked at Sam thoughtfully, "What do you want to call me?"

"Would it be all right .. if I called you .. mom?" he asked.

Ally caught her breath. "Sam, that would make me prouder than anything I can think of. But, what about your mother, I mean, she's your mom."

"I know," he said, "but I talked to her about it and it's okay. You and dad are gonna have babies, aren't you, or is it too late for you?"

"Um .. um .. no .. Sam," she began, "it's not too late for me, thank you very much, and I .. I .. yes .. I would really like for your dad and I to have children."

"Well, then," he said, "if I'm going to have brothers or sisters calling you mom, that's what I want to call you too."

Ally bent down and, taking his face in her hands, kissed him sweetly on the cheek. "If you're gonna call me mom, does that mean I get to call you son?"

Sam furrowed his brow, just like Larry, and, rolling his eyes, said very matter-of-fact, "Well, I guess you'd have to, wouldn't you?"

Ally laughed. "Sam, I love you."

Larry came over and said, "All right, what's going on here. Looks like family secrets to me." Sam grinned up at Ally and, said, "Oh nothing, dad, 'mom' and I were just dancing."

Larry's mouth dropped open. Overcome with emotion, he staggered back, while both of them laughed and nodded at him. He said, "Boy, talk about wedding presents. Nobody could've given me a better one than this. But ... Sammy .."

"It's all right, dad, I'm way ahead of you. I already cleared it with mom."

Ally gave Larry a look that said, "what did you expect, he's your son."

More people had stopped by to give Ally their best wishes, and she looked around wondering where Larry had gone. Suddenly the room went dark. "Okay," Ally said, "what the hell's going on now?"

A spotlight came on and beamed down on Larry at the piano. Into the microphone he said, "I wrote this song for the woman I love .. my wife. And he began to sing:

On this day, to be standing here with you
There's no doubt, I know this love is true
See my tears, only you could understand
A state of grace, I feel blessed to hold your hand
There's a room in my heart and you've unlocked the
door, that no one's ever opened before.

Everyone was looking at Ally, who could only gaze lovingly at the man seated at the piano.

With your love, I'm not alone.
In your world, I'm never far away from home.
A life I thought I'd never find.
In your arms... I see all that I am with your love

On my own, I'm sad for something more
In your arms, the kiss I've waited for
This loss for words, say what's in my heart
Just to be close to the beauty that you are

If someone could see to the end of our lives
I know they'd find me there by your side

Larry had been seeing no one but Ally, and he never strayed from her gaze. His eyes penetrated into her soul and he motioned for her to come and sit beside him. She walked slowly over and sat down and he turned and lovingly kissed her hair.

With your love, I'm not alone
In your world, I'm never far away from home.
A life I thought I'd never find.
In your arms... I see all that I am with your love

To have walked among the lonely
Watching lovers come and go
Fate finds us here as one.
You're salvation to my soul

With your love, I'm not alone
In your world, I'm never far away from home.
A life I thought I'd never find.
See in your arms... I see all that I am with your love.

Tears were flowing freely down Ally's face as she put her arms around Larry and he turned to kiss her. They were the only two people in the room.

While Ally and Larry were dancing, locked in each others arms, Richard's voice came over the microphone, "Everyone, attention. Attention, please. I want to make a toast to our couple.

Ally, you've been a member of the Cage & Fish family
for five years .. we all love you. But, hey, Larry,
she's been driving us crazy each and every one of those
years by her desire to have a baby - so for God's sake,
could you help her out? Go forth and breed (Fishism) -
PLEASE - make this girl happy!!"

Everyone laughed, especially Larry. He kissed Ally and said with quiet meaning, "I plan to work on that tonight!" Ally shivered with anticipation.

John joined Richard and said,

"Ally, Larry, here's to destiny, which allowed you two,
out of all the people in the world, to find each
other."

A resounding cheer was heard throughout the bar. Ally's dad got up next and said,

"Sweetheart, your mom and I both held our breath when
you took your first step. And, now you've taken the
biggest step possible ...."

Larry held Ally to him tightly...

"... Ally, marriage is just the beginning of the
wonderful adventure that awaits you. We've been
blessed to have you as a daughter and now you've graced
us with a son. Welcome to our family, Larry."

Ally's eyes brimmed with happiness and tears as her lips formed the words "I love you" to her father across the room. Larry kissed her tenderly.

"Okay," Richard said, "Ally, Larry, get up here. You gotta appease this hungry crowd."

Ally and Larry grimaced at each other.

"No ... no .. no more speeches. Enough already," Ally said.

But, Richard insisted and she and Larry grudgingly made their way to the stage.

"Okay," Ally began, "I'm gonna make this short and sweet. If any of you didn't know yet, this is the happiest day of my life. And, you've all made it even more special for me, for Larry .. thank you .. all.. so much. I'll take a small piece of each of you with me."

Larry took over the microphone, "I also want to say thanks to each of you for sharing in the most important day of my life - and a special thanks to those of you who loved Ally and took care of her until I could take over. But, now, it's my turn and I'm gonna love her forever and .. um .. what do you say we cut the cake so I can get started!"

Ally laughed and she and Larry shared another kiss. Up against his lips she said, "I'm gonna hold you to that." He managed to mumble, "Anytime."

"Okay, everyone," Elaine announced, "It's time to cut the cake."

"Don't even think of smearing it all over my face," Ally warned Larry. He gave her an impish look of pure innocence.

Although he made a threatening gesture, at the last minute Larry placed a very dainty bite of cake in Ally's mouth. She thought about not returning the favor, then changed her mind. She didn't want to be without him for as long as it would take him to shower.

Everyone toasted the bride and groom and all the single girls rallied round for the bouquet toss. Ally aimed it perfectly - at Renee. Renee was pleased, and embarrassed. Matt gave Ally a knowing look.

"We have to leave, Ally," Larry whispered, "It's 5:00 and we still have to swing by your place and pick up the bag that Renee helped me pack for you and get to the airport by 6:00." She put up absolutely no argument. She was anxious to be alone with her husband. (My husband!! Wonder if anyone can hear my heart screaming for joy, she thought.)

They made a swift round of goodbyes and there was an abundance of kisses and tears. Ally finally turned to Larry and said under her breath, "Okay, get me out of here." Everyone's best wishes followed Ally and Larry as they made their exit.

After a quick stop at Ally's apartment, they made it to the airport just as their plane was starting to board. They settled into their seats and glancing down at her ticket, Ally stared in wonder.

"Ouch," she uttered loudly.

"What?" Larry asked.

"Nothin', I just had to pinch myself .. I can't believe it .. look, Larry, look .. at .. my name .. it says .. Alison Paul," she gushed, "my name .. Ally Paul."

He grinned, "Hope that's okay. I mean, I didn't ask whether you wanted to keep your name or take mine, I just assumed ...."

"It's okay," she smiled, "in fact, it's terrific. Alison Paul suits me just fine, thank you very much!"

It was 11:15 when they got to their hotel. Ally didn't know how he'd done it, but Larry had managed to get them a cabana right on the beach. In fact, their terrace (which was surrounded by lush, tropical foliage, making it absolutely secluded and private) was so close to the water, they seemed to be right over it. The setting was like every exotic dream Ally had ever had. There was romantic mosquito netting over the bed and a ceiling fan humming seductively. And, waiting for them, compliments of the hotel, were chilled champagne and fresh strawberries.

"I'll be right back," Ally said.

Larry grabbed her and refused to let go, humming and dancing her around the terrace. Kissing her passionately on her neck and shoulder, he asked huskily, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm just gonna go change," she cooed.

"Already?" Larry said with exaggerated disappointment, "But, we just got married. I kinda like you the way you are."

"You're a nut," she replied, hitting him across the arm, then she disappeared into the bathroom.

When she came out, Larry was standing on the terrace in just his boxers. "You're beautiful," he said, his eyes shining with love.

He motioned her to join him and they stood with their arms wrapped around each other looking at the magnificence around them. They moved together to the soft throbbing sounds of a calypso band that reached them from a distance. The moon made an endless silvery path across the water and Ally thought, if she tried, she could follow it into forever.

Larry turned to her with a look of pure desire. He reached out and lowered the straps of her gown down over her shoulders and watched as it slowly slid to the floor. He touched her face, caressed her breast, and pulled her to him.

"Do you love me?" he asked.

"With all my heart," she answered, seeing a glint in his eye.

"Promise to love me no matter what?"

"Yes, no matter what," she said cautiously.

"You better remember that," he said as he picked her up and threw her over the railing into the water and jumped in after her.

Ally was giggling, coughing and sputtering. "I can't believe you did that!" she laughed.

"Me either," Larry grinned, "but now that we're here ....." He led her onto the sand and while the surf pounded around them, they made passionate love - on the beach - under the moonlight.

They made love all night long, seductively, playfully, and tenderly, finally falling asleep at daybreak, their bodies completely entangled.

The next three days were the most wonderful and romantic that Ally could imagine. They lazed in the sun drinking Pina Coladas, and made love. They teased each other mercilessly dancing a very slow, provocative Marengue, and made love. They swam naked off their private terrace, and made love. They hired a catamaran to take them to a tiny deserted isle where they explored, and made love. They walked along the beach in the moonlight, and made love.

"Ally, we're going to miss the airport shuttle. Where are you?" Larry asked.

"Out here." He found her on the terrace gazing out across the water.

Larry walked up behind her. "Oh, now that's really blue," he said looking at the ocean (remembering saying something similar as they'd said goodbye to each other once beforfe).

"Tell me about it," she answered (also remembering).

"You okay?"

"Yeah .. um .. no," she answered, "I don't wanna leave."

He put his arms around her waist and they swayed together to a distant marimba band. "We'll come back," he vowed.

"Larry, thank you."

"You're welcome. For what?"

"For giving me the most incredible three days of my life. If I die tomorrow, I'll have had in just a few days what most women don't find in a lifetime."

"Ally, the best is yet to come, I promise," he said. He gently turned her face toward his, "So, can we go home now and get started with the rest of our lives?"

"Done."

When they arrived back in Boston at Ally and Renee's apartment, they found Matt helping Renee move. "Hey," Ally said, "you don't have to do this. We were going to look for our own place this week."

"It's okay, Ally, really," Renee sweetly confided. "Matt and I are moving in together." She smiled brightly, "This is now yours and Larry's for as long as you want."

"Oh, Renee, I'm so happy for you. Things are working out everywhere, huh?"

"Yeah, they are. You're married, Ally! And, I'm in love with a wonderful guy who loves me. I always knew your dream would come true, but I never thought mine would. Funny, how things happen, you know?"

"I know," Ally admitted, "especially when you're not looking."

Larry offered to help Matt and together they had Renee's things transferred to his place and set up in a matter of hours.

When he arrived back home, soft music was playing, candles were lit, and Ally was waiting for him on the floor in front of a blazing fire. She motioned invitingly with her finger for him to join her. He wasted no time, leaving a trail of clothing behind him.

"Our place," Ally said wistfully. "Yours and mine."

"Yep. I think we need to christen it don't you?" Larry said playfully.

"I couldn't agree more," she stated. And they did. In the following days, they also christened the bathtub, the shower, the kitchen counter, the couch, each chair around the kitchen table, and just about everywhere else that took their fancy.

They'd been back from their honeymoon for about six weeks. Ally was glad that Coretta hadn't minded the firm name being changed to Paul & Paul. In fact, she was surprised by how much she'd liked Coretta right from the beginning and they'd become close friends almost immediately.

"Where's Ally?" Larry asked upon his return from court.

Glancing at the bathroom, Coretta said, "In there." They could both hear Ally retching.

"Again?" Larry asked sympathetically.

"Yep."

Ally emerged looking green. "You okay?" Larry said.

She glared at him, "Do I look okay to you?"

"Honey ...."

"Don't honey, me! This is all your fault."

He nodded, not bothering to point out that she'd been more than a willing participant.

That night at home, Larry was entrenched in notes preparing for a closing the following day. Ally asked, "Larry, when I'm fat, will you still love me?"

Distractedly, he answered, "Yeah, of course. You'll still be tall."

A book grazed his head. He looked up surprised, "Is this the kind of behavior you're gonna teach our son?"

"Our daughter, you mean?" she countered.

He smiled and crossed over to where she was sitting. On his knees, he leaned over and kissed Ally's stomach. "Hi, baby, this is your daddy talking. Even though your mommy's demented, don't be afraid, I'll always be here to protect you." He wrinkled his nose and grinned up at Ally. She reached out and ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him to her.

"I love hearing those words. Mommy and daddy. Mr. Larry, I love you. I want our baby to look just like you."

"Uh .. my brains, maybe, but .. his .. or her .. mother's eyes. I love your eyes." Larry kissed her and asked, "Can I go back to work now so I can afford to feed my family?"

She looked at him with a sexy sparkle in her eyes, "Could you take a little break?"

"Whatever did you have in mind, Mrs. Paul?"

Ally was definitely in the mood, and said huskily, "I'll give you three guesses, and the first two don't count."

"I love it when you talk dirty to me." Larry whispered.

During the next seven and a half months, Larry had approximately 12 trials against Cage & Fish (who had opted to remain in Boston) and his winning record was still intact. John confided once to Ally that every time he found out he was going up against Larry in court he was tempted to just mail in his representation.

Ally had cut down her work load considerably and spent about 2-3 days a week shopping or at home fixing up the nursery and, in general, just enjoying being pregnant. Coretta had been a godsend. She was an excellent litigator and Larry adored her. Together, they made a very good team. Therefore, it didn't bother Ally at all that she planned to take a couple of years off after the baby was born to concentrate on just being a mommy.

Renee and Matt had gotten married two months previously, and the wedding was beautiful, just like Renee. Ally had been her slightly fat Matron of Honor and Matt had asked Larry to be his best man. She missed Renee because a month after they were married, Matt received a great job offer from a New York law firm. Although Renee and Ally talked on the phone frequently, they'd only been able to get together a few times.

Melanie had come back from California and was working on her children's books with a Boston publisher. She and John were engaged, and John was happier than Ally had ever seen him.

Richard and Jane were still going strong and Ally suspected that it was just a matter of time before he would also be joining that club of unsingle men.

Word was that Nelle and her husband were doing well in New York and expecting their first child.

Ling had never returned and no one really knew where she was.

Clay had moved on to another firm, and Michael and Jeanette had discovered each other and were involved in a heated office romance.

Elaine had quit Cage and Fish about four months before and had a starring role on Broadway. She stayed in contact with Ally almost on a daily basis and they had become very close.

Larry was in the middle of cross examination when Coretta came rushing into the courtroom. He looked at her curiously and she shook her head up and down.

"Approach, your Honor?" Larry asked.

"Come ahead, Mr. Paul," Judge Walsh said.

"Your Honor, I would like to request a recess. Uh...my wife just went into labor with our first child and I really need to get to the hospital."

"Mr. Paul, if this is your first child, trust me, it will take hours, maybe days. But, because your wife just happens to be one of my favorite people, I want you to be there with her, too. So, I'm not only going to grant a recess, but a two week continuance to allow both of you time to get acquainted with your new arrival."

"Thank you, your Honor." Larry said relieved.

The judge announced his ruling to counsel and all participants and instructed the jury that they were not to discuss the case with each other or anyone else during the two week hiatus.

Larry and Coretta hurried out of the courtroom together.

They arrived at the hospital to find everyone already there, including Renee. "Is anything wrong," Larry asked, panicking, "how did you all get here so fast."

"Elaine called all of us after she talked to Coretta." Renee said.

Looking at their faces, Larry feared the worst and repeated his question, "Is everything all right? What's going on?"

"Larry, they detected an irregular heartbeat," Renee said, "but there's nothing to worry about. They have Ally hooked up to a monitor so that they can track the baby constantly."

Larry ran his fingers through his hair, desperately praying that everything would be all right. His first thoughts were of Ally. "It will kill her if anything happens to our baby," he said to no one in particular. He asked the nurse which room she was in.

"She really needs to rest right now," the nurse said.

"I WANT TO SEE MY WIFE," Larry demanded, "she CAN'T rest unless I'm with her!"

The nurse relented and pointed the way to Ally's room.

She looked so pale and small lying there and when she saw Larry, she broke into tears. "Shhh, honey, I'm here," he said. He smoothed her hair and lifted her chin with his fingers, "It's gonna be all right, I promise." The equipment hooked up to Ally looked menacing and cold. There was a weak blip on the screen and he wanted to cry knowing that that faint sound was their child's lifeline.

"Larry, the baby's in trouble." Ally sobbed.

He kissed her gently and held her hand tightly. "It's gonna be okay, sweetheart, it has to be."

Just then the monitor went flat. Larry jumped up and ran into the hallway yelling frantically, "Hey, we need help in here!! NOW!!"

Ally's doctor, Cullen Haase, appeared out of nowhere and was soon surrounded by a flurry of green gowns. Cullen was not only Ally's doctor, but also a personal friend of theirs, and he'd been with them through the whole thing. "Larry, we're going to have to go in And take the baby."

Ally was crying and yelling, "Please make them save our baby, Larry."

"I'm coming with you." Larry said to Cullen.

"Larry it's not going to be pretty, and she'll be asleep."

"I don't give a damn whether she's asleep or wake!" Larry yelled, "I'm gonna be there!!"

Cullen didn't argue.

Ally was rushed into surgery where Larry sat to the side watching with fearful eyes.

It seemed like an eternity before Cullen announced that it was a baby girl. Slowly, Larry looked up at his daughter and was unable to control the strangled guttural sound that erupted from deep inside him. She was so tiny, so blue, and so still.

Cullen held her by her feet and slapped her hard on the behind.

Larry held his breath. The doctor slapped the baby several more times. Nothing. Larry buried his face in his hands and began to cry. He didn't realize that the almost inhuman groans he heard were coming from him.

A shrill cry suddenly pierced the operating room. Cullen smiled over at Larry. "She's fine," he said, "she's gonna be just fine. You have a beautiful daughter."

Larry rushed to the side of the operating table and stared in wonder at this precious gift from God. His heart was so full of thankfulness and love that he began to cry even harder. "She is beautiful, isn't she?" he said to Cullen.

Cullen nodded, "Why don't you go join your friends and let them in on the good news. Ally should be awake in about 45 minutes. We'll have her back in her room by then.

Before he left, Larry bent to kiss Ally and took hold of his daughter's tiny hand. I will protect you and keep you safe forever, he silently vowed to both of them.

Everyone was overjoyed at the good news. Larry promised that he would let them all know when Ally was able to have visitors and they all hugged and kissed before leaving him alone. Larry rushed off to telephone Sam.

He was waiting in Ally's room when they wheeled her in. His fingers gently brushed the hair back from her face and he said softly, "Hey, sweetheart, you okay?"

She was still a little groggy from the anesthesia and slurred, "Larry, you have a halo. Are you my angel?"

Smiling tenderly, he took her hand in both of his, bringing it to his lips. "I'm whatever you want me to be," he told her lovingly. "Thank you. Thank you for our little angel," he said, as Ally fell asleep.

The nurse wheeled the baby in and placed the basinet next to the bed. "Congratulations," she said, "your daughter's beautiful. Have you thought of a name yet?"

"Her mother already named her Annabel." His face glowed.

Larry grinned as he picked up his feather light little bundle of joy. He said, "Hi, princess, I'm your daddy." Her little face was all scrunched up and she was fast asleep. He kissed her softly and caressed her hand with his finger. Even in her sleep, his daughter's little hand clamped onto his finger like a vice. In less than a second, she captured his heart completely. He held her to his cheek and gently rocked her.

I watch you sleeping
My weary heart rises up on wings
I hear your laughter
And something deep down inside me sings

Way down here in the land of cotton
You were born on a rainy day
Since then sweet things long forgotten
Ages keep flooding back my way

Oh, child, I cannot tell you
How the time just flies
But I have had my days of glory
Under sunny skies

But these days
Your bright dreams are all I want to see
Sleep tight, Annabel
You can always count on me

Larry heard Ally stirring. "Hey, little one, let's go meet mommy." Ally's eyes were glistening with tears and love. Larry laid their daughter in her arms and kissed them both. They both explored her from head to foot, marveling at the miracle their love had produced.

In this cold world folks will judge you
Though they don't know you at all
And I may not be there to catch you
Anytime that you might fall

But you've got my hard head
and your mother's grace
All the likeness of the loved ones
Right there in your face

I know in the end
You'll be who you will be
So sleep tight Annabel
You can always count on me

"She's got your hair," Ally said, "and your beautiful long fingers." She looked at Larry. No words were necessary, but she said anyway, "I love you."

"Have you got everything you need?" Coretta asked him.

"What do I need besides the car and my car keys?" Larry questioned. "Everything else is at the hospital with Ally.

"Does Ally know about the surprise yet?"

"No, Coretta, she doesn't ... that's why it's still a surprise." Larry answered.

"Cute, Larry, cute. Is everything in place? You need me to do anything?" she asked.

"Hm. Yeah. You can make sure that - uh .. you did remember to have the electricity hooked up - and the phone? And, we need flowers. Is the nursery all set up?"

"Well, in order? Yes, yes, I'm on my way, and yes," Coretta said. "I'll make sure all the last minute details are taken care for a perfect homecoming and be out of there before you arrive."

I had a good life before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow and emptiness
till you made me glad
Oh, in this love I found strength
I never knew I had

It was a beautiful, hot, July afternoon driving back from the hospital and, at each stop light, Larry kept leaning over the seat to look at his beautiful daughter who was securely fastened in the back. She was so little and pink and enchanting. Her eyes were open and she was looking all around. "Look at that," he said, "she's already taking in the world and filing it away for future reference. Our kid's a genius."

Ally laughed, "Something tells me we're extremely biased," she said. "Um .. Larry, where are you going? This isn't the way home."

And, this love is like nothing I've ever known
Take my hand love, I'm taking you home

There were days, lonely days
when the world wouldn't throw me a crumb
But I kept on believing that this day would come
And this love is like nothing I've ever known
Take my hand love, I'm taking you home

"Just a little detour," he said.

I'm taking you home
where we can be with the ones who really care
Home, where we can grow together
keep you in my heart forever

Oh, and this love is like nothing I've ever known
Take my hand my love
I'm taking you home
This love is like nothing I've ever known
Take my hand, I'm taking you home.

Larry pulled up shortly into the driveway of the most beautiful home Ally had ever seen. "Wh .. wh .. what's going on?" she was truly confused.

"You're the one who said she wanted a home of her own. Remember all the house plans we looked at after we got married. And, this is the one you fell in love with and kept going back to time after time?" Larry asked. "Well, I wanted to surprise you."

"Oh, my god, Larry!! You didn't!!" Ally was laughing deliriously. "And, the yard, the flowers!"

"I had the landscapers plant all your favorite flowers. C'mon, let's go inside," he urged. He couldn't wait for her to see what he'd done. He opened the door and placed the suitcases inside.

As Ally started through the door, Larry stopped her. "No, no ... we have to do this right."

"You nut," she said, her eyes telling him how much she loved him.

"Is that still a good thing?" Larry asked.

"That's a good thing." Ally assured him.

He picked Ally up who was holding Annabel in her arms and carried them both across the threshold. Still a little sore from her stitches, Ally stifled her groans, not wanting to deprive Larry of this moment.

Although she wanted to run through the house, recent surgery demanded that Ally proceed a little more gingerly, especially up and down the stairs. Larry had furnished it exactly to her taste. He knew her by heart. She gasped when she arrived at the door of the nursery. He'd found a picture of the nursery she'd planned when they finally had their own home and he'd duplicated it exactly. "Oh, my gosh, Annabel, look. Look what your daddy did for you. Isn't it beautiful?"

There were fresh flowers everywhere and the french doors leading out onto the patio were open, letting in the fresh summer breeze.

She began bawling like a baby.

"You okay?" Larry asked.

"It's just so .. so .. perfect." She looked at him through tears of happiness. She placed Annabel in her basinet and grabbed Larry by the hair. They shared a kiss that was passionate, tender, and forever.

Forehead to forehead, Larry asked, "You happy?"

"Mmm," she nodded. "But, I guess from now on I'm gonna have to keep you under lock and key."

"Hmmm?"

Up against his mouth, Ally said in a hushed tone, "When this gets out, every woman in the world is gonna want to clone you."

"But, you'll always have the original," he grinned and kissed her.

"Mmmm," she purred, then whispered, "Mr. Larry, I have to pee."

He laughed, "Welcome home, Mrs. Paul."