Chapter 25:

After everyone had left, save Liz and Lucky, the room seemed strangely quiet. They sat on the couch, Audrey's letters unopened yet in their hands.

"I can't believe yuor parents," Lucky said in disbelief, "I never imagined any parent could act lke taht towards their child."

"Yeah well, welcome to my world," Liz said bitterly.

"Are you okay with all that's happened? I can't begin to imagine how you're feeling," Lucky asked, concerned still.

"It's strange, but I feel fine. Yes, I miss my parents a little, but it doesn't hurt like it did before. I think today's little performance helped me to give them up."

"They were somehting weren't they?" Lucky said.

"That doesn't begin to describe it. I still can't believe Gram's will myself thought," Liz replied.

"I know what you mean, why would she leave something to me when I was dying?"

"I have an idea," Liz said laughing, looking at the letters that sat forgotten in their hands,"Why don't we read those letters she left us?"

Lucky said,"Yeah, taht would be a good idea wouldn't it?"

Liz slit open the letter carefully, not wanting to damage the envelope. THis was the last words of her grandmother to her.

Her name jumped out at her in Audrey's elegant handwriting.

Dearest Elizabeth,
Well, if you're reading this I guess I'm gone. I hope my death was a peaceful one. You are probably rather surprised over my will, and who could blame you. I changed it after I learned something about you. Now, don't be too mad, but I knew you'd need the money. You see, when you came to visit me one day after you went shopping, I saw the pregnancy test in your bag. I cahnged the will immediately following that. I hope by the time you read this, I knew the results, but right now i don't. Besides, even if you aren't pregnant, with me gone you'll need a place to live and money. I know I've assumed a lot in regards to Lucky. You see me dear, I know how stubborn you are and you wouldn't let him die. I know even that doesn't garauntee anyhting but it's just a gut instinct I have. Now, I'm not going to lecture you how you shouldn't have pre-marital sex, but now's not the time of I'm dead. Besides, I know Lucky will take good care of you. You're parents, and maybe Sarah, probably reacted badly at teh reading of the will and I apologize for doing taht to you. just to be on the safe side, I made arrangments so you'll be okay of they contest the will. I'm going to miss you dear, I wish I didn't ahev to die but my time is coming. After the first rough while, I came to love having you live with me. I'm still sorry for my initial reaction to yuor rape, I hope you can forgive me for that. I love you, as I love my whole family, but you were the one who became closest to me. I was lucky to have a granddaughter like you.
Your grandmother,
Audrey Hardy.

Liz blinked back tears. She wished her grandmother wasn't dead, but it was nice to have a goodbye letter from her. At least she knew her granmother had loved her despite all her faults.

Lucky had opened his letter with a little less finess than Elizabeth had. THe envelope lay in shreds beside him.

Dear Lucky,

I know we haven't always been on the best of terms, but I know you make Elizabeth happy and she deserves that and more. You probably have some questions, but, as I explained in Liz's letter as well, this was all gut feeling on my part. I just had this felling you'd live, and, if you're reading this you did. The money left to you is to look after you, Elizabeth adn my future great-grandchild {a little more assuming on my part here}. I want you to look after my Elizabeth always, and let ehr look after you. I know yuo'd make a great grand-son in-law, but I probably won't be around to see that day. You make my grand-daughter happy, you hear? Give her teh family she's never REALLY known.
Audrey Hardy.

"Well I'll be damned," he whispered.

Liz looked at him, tears glistening in her eyes, "She knew. SHe saw the pregnancy test in my bag."

"I can't believe she knew." Lucky said, still shocked.

"I can't either, but I'm glad she knew. It's just too bad she won't see her great-grandchild be born."

Lucky took her hand, "She loved you Liz, it was apparent in my letter."

"I know," Liz said softly,"And I loved her too, more than she knew.

Lucky took her in his arms. Liz didn't cry but took comfort in his strength, feeling his heart beat, knowing he was alive and with her.

"Liz," he said quietly after a moment of silence,"If it's a girl, let's name it Audrey."

Liz looked at him, tears filling her eyes again,"I think that's a great idea."

She pulled his head down to her and kissed him softly. It wasn't a kiss of passion. It was tender and sweet and full of promises.

She leaned back against his chest,"We should get back."

Lucky shook his head,"Nah let's sit for awhile."

Liz was content to lay against him. Although they had just received their bequests from Audrey there was something she wanted to ask him.

"Lucky?" she began, almost nervously, "Where do we go from here?"

She felt him kiss the top of her head, but he said nothing right away. She felt more nervous with each moment that passed in silence.

He lift her head up from his chest and got off the couch.

"Lucky, did I say something wrong?" she asked.

"Far from it Liz," he said, kneeling before her.

"Now in answer to your question, I have a simple idea." he pulled a jewlery box from his suit pocket and opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond.

"I've been meaning to do this ever since I got out fo the hospital. i should have asked you sooner. You're grandmother asked me to look after you and that's one responsibility I take happily, but seriously. I know we are 16 Liz, but I'm going to love you till the day I die. I want you to be not only the mother of my child, but my life-partner as well. Elizabeth Webber, will you be my wife?"

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