Authors Note: The last chapter. I didn't expect this story to be more than one conversation, but I couldn't seem to leave it alone. It has been nice escaping in this Alternative Universe.

The first time they had made love it felt so natural, they had explored each other bodies for hours, he was thankful they had the house to themselves. He had never felt so in tune with anyone, never felt so complete. The following day they had picked up Lily and the three of them had gone to the science centre. He couldn't help but love that they looked like every other family that day.

There had been no big declaration of love, no discussion about whether they should give their relationship a chance, he just didn't move out and after a few weeks she moved him into her bedroom. Lily had taken to the relationship instantly, like she knew they were kindred spirits. She seemed to like having him around, he would do the school run when Jackie had a case and he didn't mind making craft things or doing science experiments with her. He hadn't found a new job but with 20 years of backpay for his undercover services he didn't need to, and he quite enjoyed being a family man, everything had fallen so naturally into place.

It had been six months since he had returned to Glasgow. Jackie was in the garden, the sun was low in the sky but there was still a warmth in the air. She was sitting with her feet up and a glass of wine next to her, he sat next to her she softly snoring. "hey, sorry must have dozed off!" she woke with a start.

"listen… I em….. we need to talk!" his tone was serious.

"ok, everything ok?" she asked concerned.

"well no actually!" she was really concerned now. Her heart started to race.

"I have been thinking, and there something missing!" he paused. She started to squirm in the chair no knowing what was going on. He got up again as if to walk away but before she could get up to follow him, he slid down onto one knee.

"Michael..?"

"Jacqueline Reid! You are the love of my life." He pulled out a ring box "I know it's only been six months, but for me it's been 30 years and six months. I know it's taking me a long time to get here. But I am head over heels in love with you. I want this life with you …forever!" she sat forward as he open the box which as a simple elegant ring, something she would have picked for herself.

"What did I tell you about asking before you get the ring?" she teased.

"and as I said then and mean more now, it's more romantic this way" He smirked. "besides, I already asked the most important person" he pointed to the window where Lily was peeking out. "and yes, she helped choose it!" Tears rolled down her cheek. "well, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" he could not hide his excitement.

She took a deep breath. "I thought you would never ask! Of course, I will" they got up and she wrapped her arms around him. She waved for Lily to come down. "I love you Michael, I always have!" he slipped the ring on her finger. Lily ran into them both and they hugged Jackie leaned down she kissed her head.

"I don't know if I like you two keeping secrets from me!" she said sternly before beaming into a smile.

"just one more secret!" he pointed to the dining room. Robbie, Roz, Stuart, Mark and Matt were all there cheering. "that was risky, what if I had said no?" He laughed. She waved them out too they brought our champagne.

"again, it's more romantic this way!" She kissed him, the cheers coming from the house! Roz and Stuart came over to look at the ring. Matt and Robbie went to shake Michaels hand. They were drinking and laughing enjoying the evening sky.

"Does this mean I will be Lily Stewart?" Lily piped up.

"No" Michael said, and Lily frowned. "I was actually thinking, I could be Michael Reid, if you will have me that is?" he asked sheepishly.

"really, that's awesome!" She skipped off. She was having the night of her life; Michael has bought her a new necklace when they were ring shopping and which she couldn't help but show off.

"Michael Reid?" Jackie smirked.

"well I have changed my name a lot over the past 20 years, it would be nice to change it for the right reasons. I don't want Lily to have to change her name and I mean it I want to have this life with you. Our family! was even thinking we could look into adoption again?" She kissed him hard. She couldn't believe how happy she was. How their life together was just starting, he really had been worth the wait.

Robbie having overheard this started hitting his glass with a spoon. "everyone if can have your attention please, we are here today to celebrate the longest courtship in history!" they laughed. "I for one am happy that you both have finally got your acts together!" He raised his glass!

"let's raise our glasses to toast … the Reid family!" They all cheered.

"to the Reid family!" Michael looked to Jackie and Lily, he was finally home.

The end.