Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I am adjusting my life around that fact.

This is the final chapter of this story. Somehow this ended up 16 chapters. Not my intention, however maybe the shorter chapters played into that. I have enjoyed every review.

Chapter 16

Three months later.

Beth looked at the suitcases sitting by the door in the foyer. How did six days and seven nights go so fast? She had eagerly looked forward to the trip to New York. And now, what took forever to arrive was gone in a blink.

She sat down on the bench in the entry way and looked around. It was so different from the last time she was here. So quiet, no machines hissing and blipping in their effort to keep the sleeping beauty existing as long they could. Now the double doors stood closed, keeping the room and its memories safe from the outside world.

Josef had the caretakers make the rest of the house welcoming and freshly stocked with other necessities. Beth had watched in puzzlement as Mick packed one of the plush towels into his suitcase. It brought laughter as he explained about Josef's stolen towel warning. Josef would appreciate the joke she was sure.

Looking back, Beth had thought the time with Mick in Quebec had been magical. But it couldn't compare to this week in New York. They had done as much as they could in the late afternoons, evenings and nights. Mick had taken her shopping and they had done the usual tourist stops. Together they stood looking over the city lights from the Empire State building and caught the last ferry tour to the Statue of Liberty.

"Do you think Lady Liberty knew she was welcoming vampires as well as humans?" Beth asked Mick as they stood arm in arm, high above the island.

"I don't think it mattered to her. I believe that vampires fit the outcast category," Mick said with a smile. He kissed her, reflecting on how Beth had taken him in and made him whole.

They had window shopped after midnight and visited several jazz clubs. Through Mick's enthusiasm, Beth saw the music with new eyes. Her appreciation of the beauty in the music caught her up and imprinted on her soul. They even went to Tavern on the Green for drinks, just to say they had been there.

Two nights ago they had dressed up and attended the play, whose tickets Mick had given her for her birthday. She loved the cobalt blue dress that Mick had talked her into. He was so handsome in his usual black with eggplant shirt and black tie. Holding hands in the dark theater, they laughed at the romantic comedy. The sound of Mick's unguarded, genuine laughter was music to Beth's ears. When 

they returned to the townhouse they had a wonderful, fun romp in bed. Josef's double wide freezer had given them somewhere to sleep the day away in each other's arms.

Beth rested her head against the wall behind her and then thought about last night. Mick had saved the best for last. After visiting a club that Josef had recommended for fresh feeding, they had walked a few blocks to Central Park. There, waiting for them, was a horse and carriage. Josef had given Mick the number of a vamp who would be available for the late night ride.

Mick assisted her up into the carriage and they set out for a long, slow ride through the park. They cuddled together under the throw even though they weren't cold. Their driver indicated a cooler where there were glasses and a bottle of blood. A note from Josef said "Enjoy".

Mick poured them each o glass and they toasted each other under a star scattered sky. Finishing the blood the put the glasses away and Mick pulled Beth close and kissed her. His fingers tangled in her hair, his lips insistent. Beth growled deep inside as she clung to him. They parted before they let their desire carry them away.

Beth had then settled in against his side. She rested her head on his shoulder. They rode in silence for awhile, then Mick squeezed her hand lightly and she looked up at him.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

"I'm thinking what it will be like when we shop for our flying car," she said with a small smile.

Mick chuckled and gave her a quick hug.

"Will we end up fighting over the color?" he asked. "I happen to favor black."

"Mick, I'm serious," Beth protested.

"You are?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I'm trying to tell you that I'm looking forward to the future with you," Beth groaned. She scrunched her nose as she looked at him.

"You are so beautiful when you're annoyed," he laughed as they returned to where the ride started. He kissed both her cheeks and then got out of the carriage. He lifted her out and held her off the ground.

"I am looking forward to a future with you," he said.

Beth had her hands resting on Mick's shoulder as he held her. She leaned her head down and kissed him.

"Let's go back to Waverly Place," she said huskily. "Why wait for the future?"

And now it was time to return to LA. Home. Beth liked the sound of that.

Mick came downstairs. He had done a final check of the town house to see that everything was secured.

"The cab should be here shortly. Are you okay Beth?" he asked in concern. He had wanted so much for her to have enjoyed this time in New York. He did not like the pensive look he saw on her face.

"I'm fine Mick. I'm just sorry the time went so fast," Beth answered. She smiled and reached out her hand.

"We have time," Mick said taking her hand and sitting next to her. He put an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. "There is so much for us to see and do together. We can visit Philippe and Cynthia in France. We have time to build memories together."

Beth stared at the double doors.

"Mick is Josef happy?" she asked. "He had so much time to watch Sara just lie in that room."

"I think he may never completely forgive himself for Sara. However, I do think that Rayna brings lightness to his existence that he really needs. He's been alone a long time."

"Mick, we did New York right this time," Beth said, her eyes shining up at him. "You made me feel so special."

"Josef told me the last time we were here that he felt the universe wasn't in his and Sara's favor. He asked if I was going to try and make it work with you. Beth, I believe the universe is on our side." The sound of a car horn sounded outside. "Come on, let's go home."

End story.

So I now have finished another story. I couldn't do this without your support. I am not finished writing for Moonlight. There are too many stories to tell. But for now I will send out my heartfelt thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Please give this story the final reviews so I know if you liked where this one went. I thank you so much.