Nine: Not Alone Anymore

It wasn't long after that Alex and his guitar moved in.  Having firm notions of her rights and independence, Ana did not exactly ask Jonah for permission for this new arrangement.  She did mention mention her plans to invite Alex to cohabitate to her brother before broaching the subject to Alex himself.  Which would have, in theory, allowed Jonah to raise any objections- but only so Ana could shoot them down.  She was a very strong willed young woman. 

Fact is, this was the beauty of the duplex/townhouse set-up.  Jonah could do what he wanted in his unit and Ana in hers.  Besides Jonah and Alex were friends, of sorts, by now.  Jonah had little choice but to graciously go along with these changes in their lives.

It all worked rather nicely and though the property allowed for necessary privacy, the three did sometimes have meals together.  Of course, all three had varied work schedules; Jonah with his long shifts at the hospital, Ana with duties on base at mission control and occasionally extended trips for an actual space foray and Alex worked nights on the entertainment circuit trying to break into the big time.

One resident was quietly dissatisfied with the arrangements.  Alex was the consummate gentleman despite, or perhaps because of, his rough upbringing.  One sunny weekend afternoon Alex told Ana to put on something nice.  He took her to lunch at a little bistro and afterwards they walked across the road to the park.  They joked and kissed and goofed around; Alex winning a spontaneous tickle fight that broke out while they were sitting on a park bench.

Eventually they stood up.  Alex took both Ana's hands in his and gazed at her with a look, sober and serious. 

"I love you" he began. Ana smiled easily and tried to speak; but Alex held a finger to her lips.

"I love you." he repeated.  "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

He got down one knee and reached into a pocket.

"I adore you and I admire you.  Anastasia Rodgers, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" -pause-  "Marry me?" Alex's voice, strong at first, broke on the last words. 

Rapidly Ana helped him to his feet.  Then just as quickly tipped him back and kissed him soundly.  It didn't matter that they were in a public place -the world fell away and it was just the two of them. She released him and they stood facing each other once more.

"Yes." Ana whispered.

Alex slipped the diamond ring onto Ana's left hand.  Then once more grasping both her hands in his, he bought them to his lips and kissed them. And so were their fates entwined.