THWAP!!!

Ally brought her hand down on the alarm clock so hard, causing it to almost fall off her nightstand. She then threw her head underneath the pillow and moaned, "Oh no.... it's not my birthday already, is it?!"

"I'm afraid it is," someone replied.

It was Larry.

Ally's head emerged from underneath the pillow and she turned to look at her lover laying next to her in bed.

He was grinning.

"I don't know why you're smiling like that, Larry Paul. You're not the one who's a year away from death."

"What?!" he said. "I'm older than you!"

"But it's different with men!" Ally cried. "Men don't obsess about their age like women do. It's just different. Ugh! Don't talk to me!" She threw her head under her pillow again.

Larry couldn't do anything but smile. Ally was paranoid about everything, but especially about getting older. If he remembered correctly, there should be about 887 more days until Ally's first face lift. She had it marked down on her calendar.

"Okay, Ally," he said. "Hide from me. Hide from the world. But that just means that you won't be able to see the present I got for you."

Ally's head immediately re-emerged, her eyes looking hopeful.

Larry laughed. "Well, that did the trick!"

"Did I hear something about a present?!" she said with glee. She sat up. "Let me have it!"

"Oh! Suddenly you're glad it's your birthday, huh?" he asked.

"When there are presents involved, I am," Ally grinned. "Come on! Where is it?"

"Right here," Larry said. He leaned his head towards Ally's and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.

"Mmmm," Ally sighed. She wrapped her arms around Larry, as he ran his fingers up and down her arm.

When they finally broke away, Ally smiled.

"That was nice," she said. "Now where's the real present?" She got out of bed, down onto her knees, and looked under the bed.

"Ally, that was it," Larry said.

"What was it?" she asked. "The kiss? That was my present?"

Larry nodded his head, his eyes twinkling.

"Mr. Larry, you've got to be kidding me."

"What," he said. "You didn't like my kiss?"

"No, no, no," Ally said, shaking her head. She smiled. "I liked it, sweetie. But you kiss me every day. Today's my birthday....."

She raised her eyebrows at Larry, trying to give him a hint that she wanted more.

Larry started laughing. "Ally, the look on your face......"

"MY FACE!!!" Ally screamed, interrupting him. She ran out of the bedroom, into the bathroom, and slammed the door shut.

Inside the bathroom, Ally took a deep breath before looking at her reflection in the mirror. When she finally found the courage to go through with it, she lifted up her eyes to see her face staring back at her.

Ally leaned in closer to get a better look.

"OH NO!!!!!" she yelled. "I SEE A WRINKLE!!!!"

:::Knock::: :::Knock::: :::Knock:::

"Go away," Ally cried, her hands covering her face.

"Ally, sweetie. It's me," Larry said. "Can I please come in?"

"No," moaned Ally. "I have a wrinkle. It's on my forehead. My life is over!!"

"Ally, please let me in?" Larry said, turning the doorknob but finding it to be locked. "I have to pee."

"Oh, gee, Larry! You have the nerve to have to pee when I'm going through a crisis???" Ally finally unlocked the door and let Larry in.

When he saw Ally with a pout on her face, he just had to smile. She looked so cute just standing there, worrying about something so silly. He didn't know what Ally was so worried about. She looked beautiful. He told her so.

"You're just saying that," said Ally. "But the truth is that my first face lift is in my very near future."

"Ally," began Larry. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. They both looked into the mirror, staring at each other. Ally smiled. Larry was so handsome, even early in the morning. He didn't need a face lift.

"Where did all these insecurities come from, Ally?" he asked her gently.

This caught Ally by surprise. She didn't know what to say. Luckily, she didn't have to say anything because Renee poked her head in.

"What's going on?" she asked, smiling. But Renee knew exactly what was going on. She knew it was Ally's birthday...... a day that Ally was never good at dealing with. It meant talks about wrinkles, face lifts, and her life.

"Look at me, Renee," Ally said, pointing to the mirror. Larry stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. It was really a pretty silly thing, but he knew that Ally was completely serious about it.

"Look, Renee," Ally said again. "Admit it. I'm old."

Renee smiled. "Don't be silly, Ally. You don't look a day over 40."

Ally's mouth dropped open. She tried to reach over and strangle Renee, but Larry managed to hold her back.

"Woah!" he said, holding onto Ally. "Come on, sweetie. Let's get ready for work."

"I'm not going to work," Ally replied, sulking. "I'm going to stay home today."

Larry sighed. For Ally, the words BIRTHDAY and HAPPINESS did not go in the same sentence.

"I'll see you at lunch, right?" Ally asked Larry, as she helped straighten his tie.

He was all ready for a day at work. Ally, however, was still in her pajamas. She was planning to "call in older" today. She was sure Richard Fish would understand. All her friends knew how depressed she could get on her birthday.

"Absolutely," Larry answered, smiling. "Honey, are you sure you don't want to go to work today? I can't stand the thought of you staying home and moping around."

"Yeah, I'm sure," sighed Ally. "Don't worry about me, sweetie. My birthday always brings me down every year. It's just a part of me, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Okay, then," said Larry. He picked up his briefcase and started heading out the door. Ally followed him. Before opening the front door, he turned to face Ally. "Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I'll see you at lunch." He kissed Ally goodbye and headed out the door.

Ally just stood there, feeling a little hopeless.

Ally turned around and saw Renee coming out of her bedroom, all dressed for work.

"Ally, what's wrong?" asked Renee.

"He didn't get me anything!" cried Ally. "No flowers, no card, nothing! All I got was an annoying alarm clock and a kiss."

"Aww, don't worry, Ally. The day's still young!"

Ally sighed.

"I hate birthdays," she said.

And with that, she ran back into her bedroom and closed the door shut. She climbed back into bed, stared at the ceiling, and tried to figure out why she was feeling so sad.

It must just be the Birthday Blues, she thought.

But she couldn't help feeling that it was something more.

A few hours later.... and little progress made.

Ally was still in her bedroom. Now she was standing by the window, looking outside at the light rain that was falling.

Great, she thought. It has to rain on my birthday, doesn't it? Well, I guess it fits the mood.

Watching the rain fall, hearing the pitter-patter of raindrops hit against the window...... it gave Ally the perfect opportunity to reflect on the last few months of her life. It was something that her birthday always caused her to do. Her birthday forced her to look at her life..... to see how much of a difference her life was today than from a year ago.

Well, let's see..... Ally thought.

Last year, her birthday was pretty miserable. Billy had just died. Yeah, that's why it was so depressing. Her first birthday without Billy. Her friends had thrown her a party at the bar, just like they do every year, but her heart just wasn't in it. She didn't have a special man in her life. She was alone.

But this year...... well, she has it all. She has a great job, great friends, great clothes...... and a wonderful man. Larry...... ah, Larry.......

Ally smiled as she flashed back to the first time she met Larry Paul. She had gone in desperation to see her therapist. She was right in the middle of a crisis with her then-boyfriend Brian. But instead of finding her therapist in the office, she found a handsome man there. He was wearing a blue shirt, tie, and cute little glasses. Yup, it was Larry.

It wasn't exactly love at first sight for Ally. She was overwhelmed enough with her own problems. And anyway, Larry got on her nerves bigtime when they first met. She hated the way he seemed to be able to see right through her.

Ally began remembering one of her first conversations with Larry. Brian had asked her to move in with him, and she was seeking Larry's advice.

She tried to remember what Larry said.

That's right, Ally said, remembering. Larry told her that since Brian wanted to move in with her, he obviously didn't want...... didn't want....... didn't want........

......to marry her.

Ally froze.

She looked over to her opened closet and saw Larry's suits hanging there. Then she held up her left hand and looked at her ringless finger.

Oh my god. Larry doesn't want to marry me.

She slumped down onto the floor. Her knees were so weak at that point that she had no choice.

But then she had to get up. The way she was feeling, she had no choice.

She stood up, ran into the bathroom, and threw up.

RING RING RING

Ally picked up the phone and answered weakly.

"Hello?"

"Hi sweetie."

Ally smiled when she heard Larry's voice on the other end. But then she remembered the realization she had just come to and her smile disappeared.

"Hi, Larry."

"Ally, are you okay? You don't sound too well."

"I'm fine, Larry," she lied. She looked over at her clock and saw that it was 12:05. Their lunch date was at 12:30 and she realized that she had to rush to get ready.

"Oh, wow. Larry, I lost track of the time!" cried Ally. "I have to get ready so I can meet you for lunch."

"Um, Ally?" said Larry, his voice sounding disappointed.

"Yeah?" Ally didn't like the sound of this.

"I'm really sorry, Ally. I got assigned to this big case and I.... I won't be able to have lunch with you today."

Ally's face fell. I can't believe this. He's abandoning me on my birthday.

"Oh," she finally forced out. "That's okay, Larry. I -- I understand." She nodded her head, trying to sound convincing.

"Ally, I'm so sorry. I just can't get out of it."

"Larry, it's okay! Really. It's no big deal."

"I'll make it up to you tonight. I promise."

"No!" Ally said, forcing out a laugh. "You don't have to make anything up. It's just my birthday. It's okay!"

"You'll be at the bar tonight, right?" he asked, hopefully.

"The bar?" she asked. "Oh, the bar. I don't know....."

"Ally! You told me that the gang is throwing you a party there."

"Yeah, they are. But it's just an excuse for Elaine to sing. It doesn't really have anything to do with me."

"Ally, promise me you'll be there."

"Why?" she asked.

"Just promise me."

Ally sighed. "Okay, I promise. When will I see you?"

"Once I get this case over and done with, I'll meet you at the bar. Tonight."

"Okay. That's fine. Bye Larry." She quickly hung up the phone, not in the mood to talk anymore.

"I love you, Ally," Larry said to the dial tone.

It was 12:45 when Renee came home. She was greeted by the sound of banging. She walked into Ally's room and found Ally banging her head against the wall.

"Ally!"

"Oh," Ally said, stopping. "Hi Renee." Then she continued banging her head.

"Ally, stop that!" Renee went over to her and pulled her away from the wall. "Gosh, girl, you're gonna hurt yourself!"

"Oh, who cares!" cried Ally. "My life is ruined!"

"Ally, you're being dramatic again. But that's okay! It's your birthday," said Renee, smiling.

Ally was going to snap back, but before she could, she slapped her hand across her mouth and ran into the bathroom. Renee was left there, completely confused.

"Ally?" she called out. "Are you okay?"

Ally came back into the bedroom and nodded her head. "I'm fine, Renee. I'm just not feeling that well today."

Ally sat down on her bed next to Renee. Neither said anything for a few seconds. Finally, Ally broke the ice.

"He doesn't want to marry me," she said.

"What?" asked Renee, surprised.

"Larry. He doesn't want to marry me. Not now. Not ever."

"Ally, you're being silly."

"No, I'm not! Renee, you don't understand. When I first met Larry, I told him about Brian asking me to move in with him. I wanted Larry's advice on what I should do."

Renee nodded, listening intently.

"You know what Larry said? He said that because Brian wanted to move in with me, it meant that he didn't want to marry me."

Oh, Ally...." said Renee. "And you think that....."

"Larry moved in, Renee! He moved in. And using his logic, that can only mean that he doesn't want to marry me."

"Ally, I think you're just being paranoid. The situation is different. Come on, it's probably just the Birthday Blues that's got you so down."

Ally shook her head. "No, Renee. It's Larry and his inability to make a committment that's got me so down." She didn't know what else to say. She just wanted to cry.

"Ally," said Renee, putting her arm around her. "Please don't be sad like this. It's your birthday. You've got it all! A job, friends, and a man who loves you.... this is your dream. It's coming true. So be happy."

Ally tried to listen to her friend, but she just couldn't shake the sad feeling she had.

"Do you hear that noise, Renee?"

"What noise?"

"Listen closely!"

"Ally, I don't hear anything except your stomach growling. What happened? I thought you were going to have lunch with Larry."

"Oh, he got assigned to some big case that he can't get out of. Listen, Renee!! Do you hear that noise?"

Renee sighed. "Ally, no. I don't."

"It's the noise of a clock," replied Ally. "Tick.... tick.... tick..... That's the sound of my biological clock!!! I'm 31 years old, for crying out loud!!! When I was a little girl, I had it all planned out. By this stage in my life, I would be married. I would have a baby. I would be living in my own house with my husband, our baby, a dog, a white picket fence.... all that stuff!! But look at me! I have none of that! THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN!!!"

"Ally..."

Before Renee could say anything more, Ally ran back into the bathroom. Renee followed her and pressed her ear against the door to hear what was going on in there. She could swear that she heard Ally throwing up.

When Ally came out, she looked a little faint.

"Ally, what's wrong?" asked Renee, truly concerned.

"I'm -- I'm feeling a little dizzy."

"Did you just throw up in there?"

"Yeah, I've been feeling nauseous lately."

Renee paused. "Ally, how long has this been going on?"

"I don't know. A few days, I guess."

Renee nodded her head. "Okay. Get dressed. You're coming with me."

"Where?!"

"To the drug store."

"The drug store? Why are we going there?" asked Ally, confused.

"To get a pregnancy test."

"This is ridiculous, Renee!" Ally cried. "I'm not pregnant!"

Ally and Renee were back at home. Renee had managed to drag Ally to the drug store with her. They quickly purchased a pregnancy test and came back home. They were now in the bathroom and Renee was reading the instructions.

"This isn't ridiculous, Ally. This is serious. You could be pregnant."

"Why? Because I've been throwing up a lot? I'm probably just coming down with the flu or something."

"Ally, suck it up and take the pregnancy test. It won't kill you."

Ally sighed. She couldn't believe this was happening. The last thing she ever expected to be was pregnant. Of course, she wasn't sure about that yet. And she knew the only way to find out was to take the test.

"Okay, Renee. You're right. Let's do this and get it over with."

And with that, Ally and Renee huddled over the instructions, knowing that the next few minutes could change Ally's life forever.

Ally and Renee were sitting on the couch in the living room. In between them was the result of the pregnancy test. Neither had the courage to look at it.

"What did the instructions say again?" asked Ally nervously.

"Two pink lines means you're pregnant. One line means you're not," answered Renee, her knee shaking. She was almost as nervous as Ally. "Are you ready to look?"

"No."

"Then I'll look," said Renee, reaching for the results.

Ally stopped her immediately. "Don't you dare! Renee, this is my test. I'll look."

Ally took a deep breath and then finally reached for the test to see the results.

Renee watched Ally's face carefully, trying to read her mind.

Ally just stared at the results, with no expression on her face. She stayed like that for a few moments. Finally, Ally looked up. A small smile began forming on her lips.

"Renee?"

"What?" asked Renee, anxious.

"I'm pregnant."

"Ally, calm down!" Renee cried.

"Don't tell me to calm down, Renee. I'm pregnant!" Ally cried back.

After the initial shock of happiness, Ally began freaking out. This news truly surprised her. It came out of nowhere. She genuinely didn't see it coming.

"Renee!!! I'm gonna get fat!!!"

Renee laughed. "That's okay, Ally! You could stand to pack on a few pounds anyway!"

"Oh, funny!" Ally sat back down on the couch and tried to catch her breath.

"Breathe.... breathe...." coached Renee.

"Renee, stop it! Geez, I'm not in labor yet!!" Ally yelled. She put her face in her hands. "Okay, okay..... I have to calm down and collect my thoughts."

"Ally, you're pregnant," smiled Renee. She couldn't believe it. Her best friend was going to have a baby.

"Wait, Renee," said Ally. She picked up the pregnancy box and looked at it. "These things aren't always 100% accurate, are they?"

"No, you're right," Renee answered. "But between this positive test, you feeling nauseous, and you feeling dizzy.... I'd say it's a safe bet that you're preggers, girl!"

"Why do you seem so happy about this, Renee?"

"Aren't you happy, Ally? This is what you always wanted!"

"No! I mean, yes! But... but...."

"But what?" asked Renee.

Ally paused. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this, Renee," whispered Ally. "I was supposed to have a husband first."

"Oh, I see," nodded Renee, sympathetically. "But you know what, Ally? Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect it to. And Larry will be thrilled to hear that you're carrying his baby!"

"Now why do you say that?" asked Ally. "Larry is the reason I'm not exactly jumping for joy!"

"I don't follow...."

"Renee! I.... I honestly don't know how he'll react to this news. We didn't plan this. I don't want him to feel trapped in this relationship just because I'm going to have his baby."

"Ally, he's going to be overjoyed."

"How do you know that?!!" cried Ally.

"Because he loves you," said Renee, matter-of-factly.

Ally shook her head. "I don't know...."

"What. You don't think he loves you?" asked Renee.

"No! I know he loves me. But I don't know if he wants to spend the rest of his life with me."

"And this goes back to you wondering why Larry hasn't committed himself to you, right?"

Ally nodded, miserably.

Renee hugged Ally. "I understand, honey." She looked at her watch. "Come on. It's getting late. Let's stop by the doctor's office first so we can get official word on whether or not you're pregnant for sure. Then we're off to the bar to celebrate your birthday! Of course, no drinks for you."

"Oh, Renee. If it does turn out that I am pregnant, please don't tell anybody. I want to tell Larry first."

Renee nodded. "I promise, Ally. Come on. Let's go."

Renee kissed Ally on the forehead and the two left the apartment together. When they got outside, Ally was surprised to see that the sky was now clear. It had been raining earlier that day, but there was nothing but sunny skies ahead of them.

"Doesn't that make you jealous?" Ally asked Ling. They were all at the bar and were watching Elaine and Jackson sing a steamy duet up on stage.

Ling answered Ally, but Ally was hardly paying attention. She was lost in her own thoughts. She and Renee had gone to the doctor, who confirmed to her that.... she was pregnant. It still felt very unreal, and Ally still hadn't had a chance to soak the news in.

She looked around the bar, hoping for any sign of Larry. But he was nowhere to be seen. Ally was getting depressed. She hadn't seen him since early that morning. She missed him. And she wondered what kind of case could be so important that it kept him from being with her on her birthday.

"I'm bored!" Ling said, interrupting Ally's thoughts.

"Ally, hey!" Richard arrived at the table and gave Ally a kiss on the cheek. "Happy Birthday!" He began to finger her wattle.

Ally slapped Richard on his hand. "Richard! Stop!"

"How about a glass of champagne for the birthday girl!"

"No!!" Ally and Renee both cried. Everyone looked at them.

"Um... I'll just have some water, thanks," muttered Ally.

"Water?!" Richard said. "Ally, come on! It's your birthday! Celebrate! Live a little!"

"Back off, Richard," said Renee. "Just let her have water. It's her birthday. Let her do what she wants."

"Whatever. Bygones," he said.

Ally smiled at Renee gratefully. She felt lucky to have such a great friend like Renee. Then she looked at her watch. It was almost 9:00. Where the hell was Larry?

It was almost 10:30 and Ally was just about ready to give up on Larry.

"He's not coming," Ally said.

"Ally, I'm sure he'll be here," John said to her.

"No, you know what? It's getting late. I think I'm gonna go." Ally stood up.

"No, wait!" cried Renee. "You can't leave yet!"

"I'm tired, Renee," said Ally.

"He'll be here! It's only 10:30. He'll be here," said Renee.

Ally sighed and sat back down. She was annoyed. She was sad. She was pregnant. Oh my gosh, Ally thought to herself. I'm pregnant. It still felt so strange to say it. And for whatever reason, she was not looking forward to breaking the news to Larry.

After a few minutes had passed and there was still no sign of Larry, Ally stood up again.

"Thanks, you guys. Thanks for the little party. It was a great birthday, but I'm leaving."

"No!" cried Elaine. "Stay for a little while longer, please! I'll sing another song!"

"No," said Ally. "I -- I just want to go! Can you all just please let me go??"

Just then, the lights went off and music began to play.

"Oh! What the hell is this? It's getting dark?" Ally said.

Ally looked to the stage and saw the shadow of somebody standing in front of the microphone. She looked a little closer at the person, and her heart skipped a beat.

It was Larry.

The lights came on and Larry began singing to Ally. The song was Every Breath You Take and it was one of Ally's favorites. The way Larry was looking at Ally almost gave her chills -- his eyes were full of love and passion..... his eyes didn't leave Ally for a second. It was intense.

Ally slowly sat back down in her chair.

"Happy Birthday," said Renee. "All right now."

Ally barely heard a word she said, though. Her focus was completely on Larry. And his focus was completely on her. It was like they were the only two people in the world.

Every breath you take,
Every move you make,
Every bond you break,
Every step you take,
I'll be watching you

Every single day,
Every word you say,
Every game you play,
Every night you stay,
I'll be watching you

When Larry finished the first section of the song, a tiny smile formed on his lips, and he quickly moved away from the microphone. Ally watched him leave, confused. Then she saw another shadowy figure take the microphone.

Oh my God!!!

It was Sting!!!

Ally's smile widened when she realized that Sting himself was up there singing. How in the world...? she thought. The whole crowd at the bar went wild. The atmosphere was almost electric.

Larry made his way back onto the stage. He and Sting began singing together. Ally's smile remained on her face as she watched Larry. Even though Sting was there, her eyes could only remain focused on Larry. His voice was absolutely gorgeous. She loved it when he sang to her.

Ally watched as Sting pushed Larry away from the stage. She saw Larry making his way over to her. She remembered how he hadn't been there for her the entire day, and a little anger came back.

She felt Larry come up behind her.

"Hey, Birthday Girl. You wanna..." he sweetly kissed her on the cheek, "...dance?"

"I don't know," she replied. "It makes me feel easy."

"Oh. Well, I did bring Sting!"

Ally smiled. She could never stay mad at Larry for long. And she wanted to make the most of this wonderful moment. So she took him up on his offer. He helped her out of her chair, and his face broke into the biggest smile. How could I ever doubt him? Ally wondered to himself. He looks truly and genuinely happy to be with me.

They made their way out onto the dance floor. Larry pulled her close to him. Sting was still up there on stage singing. But Ally felt like she and Larry were the only two people in the room.

"I love you, Ally McBeal," Larry whispered in her ear.

Ally pulled away a little so she could look into his eyes. They were full of love and warmth. She smiled and gave him a kiss.

"I'm sorry that I --" began Larry, but Ally put her finger to his lips to shush him. She layed her head down on his shoulder. She just wanted to cherish this moment.

They held onto each other tight as they swayed to the music. They laughed, kissed, and hugged each other. Ally wanted this dance to last forever.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ally saw Sting motioning for Larry to join him again on stage.

"I think Sting wants you back up there with him," she told Larry.

"Well, that's too bad. I want to stay here with you," replied Larry.

Ally smiled. Then she nodded her head towards the stage. "Go up there, sweetie. Stuff like this doesn't happen every day."

She started pushing Larry onto the stage. Before he let go of her, he gave her another sweet kiss on the lips. "Don't go anywhere," he said.

Larry ran back onto the stage and finished the song with Sting. Larry directed all of his lyrics right to Ally, making it obvious to everyone in the room who the love of his life was. Ally smiled, tears beginning to form in her eyes. What would I ever do without him? she thought. She placed a hand on her tummy, remembering what was growing inside. She smiled again. She couldn't wait to tell Larry the news.

"So Sting just walked into your office and asked you to represent him?" Ally asked Larry, bewildered.

The couple was walking home from the bar. The night air was a little cool and crisp, but it felt great. Larry was holding onto Ally's arm as they were walking.

"Yeah," laughed Larry. "Took me by surprise, too. But Ally, I'm sorry I missed most of your birthday."

"It's okay," said Ally, meaning it. Learning about the high-profile case Larry was working on made her understand a little more. After all, it was Sting!

"No, it's not okay," said Larry. "I felt absolutely horrible today. Having to cancel lunch on you..... but...."

"But?" asked Ally. "But what?"

Larry smiled. "Well, I knew that tonight would make up for it."

"Ah, yes," smiled Ally. "The song you sang to me. Larry, that was really sweet. Thank you."

She pulled Larry to her and kissed him gently. It just felt so right to be in his arms.

"Did Renee know you were going to sing to me?" she asked, pulling away. She remembered her friends begging her to stay at the bar. They must have all been in on it.

"Yeah," Larry confessed. "I called her after I called you. I told her to make sure you were at the bar tonight. But I didn't tell her about Sting. So you were all surprised about that."

They made it to the front of their apartment building.

"Here we are," said Ally.

"Yes," said Larry, looking a little nervous.

"You know, it's funny," Ally said. "Usually at this point, I would give the guy a kiss goodbye and then send him on his way. But we live together! So you'll be following me up no matter what."

Ally was stalling. She was trying to figure out how to tell Larry that she was pregnant with his baby. He seemed so happy right now. The news would surely surprise him.

"Ally? Tell me what you're thinking."

"Huh?" asked Ally. "Oh, nothing really. I mean...."

"What?" asked Larry, gently.

"Well, I....." Ally began. "I don't want to lose you!"

She blurted it out so fast that it caught both of them off-guard. A startled expression formed on Larry's face.

"Lose me? Why would you say that, Ally?"

"Well, because..... because....."

Larry raised his eyebrows, patiently waiting for her to continue. When she didn't, he took her into his arms.

"You're not going to lose me, Ally."

They held onto each other for awhile. Finally, Larry pulled away. Again, he looked a little nervous. He began shifting uncomfortably.

"Larry? Why are you so nervous?"

"Uh... I, uh..." he stammered out. "God, I'm just not good at things like this. So please just bare with me."

Ally looked at him, totally confused.

Larry smiled.

He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black velvet box. Ally's heart skipped a beat when she saw it.

Is that what I think it is? she thought.

Larry slowly opened up the box. When Ally saw what was inside, she gasped.

It was a diamond ring.

She covered her mouth with her hands. She couldn't believe it.

Larry smiled at her reaction. He then got down on one knee.

Ally could feel her entire body start to shake. This was it. This was her dream. It was finally coming true.

Larry took Ally's hand in his.

"Ally McBeal?"

"Y-yes?" she said.

"I love you. I've never loved anybody as much as I love you."

Ally's tears were already beginning to fall.

"Ally, will you marry me?"

All Ally could do was nod her head yes. She didn't trust herself to speak. A wave of relief washed over Larry. He wanted nothing more than to marry Ally McBeal. To spend the rest of his life with her.

Larry smiled as he slipped the diamond ring onto Ally's finger. It was a perfect fit.

He stood up and she thew her arms around him, sobbing. She hugged him really tight, not wanting to let go.

"Larry, I love you! I -- I can't believe it!"

"Ally, you're choking me," said Larry.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" she said, loosening her grip.

Larry laughed. "It's okay. And I love you too." He kissed her passionately and she returned it with every ounce of love she had to offer.

"Thank you for saying yes," he whispered to her.

"What else would I say?" Ally asked.

"Well, you could have said no," said Larry.

Ally shook her head. "I would never say no, Larry. I love you so much."

Larry hugged her again. "Happy Birthday," he whispered.

"Oh!" laughed Ally. "It's my birthday, isn't it?"

Larry looked at his watch. "11:15. Yup, it's still your birthday!"

"You know what? This is the best birthday I've ever had!"

Ally looked down at her finger. Larry had chosen the most beautiful ring for her. "Larry, it's beautiful. I always knew you had good taste."

Larry smiled.

"Hey, wait a minute! How long have you been planning this proposal, Mr. Larry?"

"Oh, a few weeks."

"A few weeks??" screeched Ally.

"Yeah. Is that bad?"

"No!" She started laughing, remembering how paranoid she had been earlier that day obsessing about whether or not Larry would ever committ to her. "I guess I can just be a nutcase sometimes."

"Oh, well, I already knew that," smiled Larry.

Ally playfully punched him on the arm. "Funny."

"But that's what I love about you."

Ally smiled, feeling like she was the luckiest woman on the planet.

"So what do you think, Ms. McBeal? You and me against the world? Are you ready for it all? The wedding, the house, the kids --"

The kids!! Ally thought. She still hadn't told Larry about the baby!

"Um, Larry?"

"Yes, Ms. McBeal?" said Larry, kissing her neck.

"There's something I have to tell you."

He looked at her. "Oh my god. You didn't change your mind, did you?" He was half-joking, half-serious.

"No, no!" said Ally, throwing her arms around him. "Never."

Larry sighed with relief. "So what do you have to tell me?"

"Well, um...." began Ally, nervously. "About us having kids..."

"Ally, I thought you always wanted to have kids of your own!"

"No, I do! Please.... let me finish."

"Okay," said Larry. He stroked her arm and nodded his head, prompting her to go on.

"Well..." Ally began again. "We -- we won't have to wait too long to have our first baby."

Larry looked confused.

Ally took his hand and gently placed it on her stomach. She didn't have to say anything else.

It finally dawned on Larry.

"Ally!" he gasped. "You're -- you're pregnant?"

Ally nodded slowly, keeping an intense eye on Larry's reaction. Shock was the only word to describe it.

Then his face broke into a wide grin.

"You're carrying my baby?" he asked.

"Um, well...." smiled Ally. "Let me think.... you're the only man I've been with for the last several months..... so yeah! I'm carrying your baby."

Larry still didn't say anything, but the smile on his face was enough to make Ally happy. His hand was still placed on her stomach.

He gently pulled Ally closer to him and began rubbing her tummy. "Baby McBeal?" he asked.

"Baby Paul," she answered.

Larry paused. "That's right," he finally answered, smiling.

"Thank you," he said to Ally. He pulled her into his arms for the hundredth time that night and gave her the first kiss of the rest of their lives.

"Larry, please," whispered Ally. "Make love to me now."

Ally and Larry were in bed together, showing each other just how much they loved one another. Ally pulled Larry on top of her and ran her hands up and down his back. She didn't think she could feel any happier than she did at that very moment.

Earlier that day, Ally had been so miserable. But now.... everything was perfect.

She had a man who she loved with all her heart.... a ring on her finger.... a baby on the way.....

This was all she ever really wanted out of life. And she was finally going to have it all.

After making love to each other, Ally and Larry fell asleep in each other's arms. Together. Forever. Just the way it should be.

Happiness had finally arrived for Ally McBeal.