Eli looked into Grace's soulful eyes- their hands entwined, and their body's close- while they danced before their friends and family- dancing as husband and wife.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams.

Grace smiled, while Eli's autumn eyes stared into hers- "penny for you're thoughts?" she asked.

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Eli smiled, tightening his grip around her curvaceous waist.

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch everyplace in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spent the whole night in your eyes

"I'm thinking- you are the best thing that has ever happened to me" Eli smiled, slowly arching Grace's back so that she could dip.

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you..

When she came back up, the smile on her face was wider - "flattery will get you everywhere!" she smirked, squeezing his hand.

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you.

He twirled her around his body one last time; before the song ended; and the rest of the guests joined the dance floor.

"I have to show you something" Grace encased her hand around his, and they walked off the dance floor- towards a table to sit down.

"What?" Eli asked, a little confused.

"I got this in the mail yesterday-" Grace reached into her small, petite purse- pulling out a folded envelope.

"What-?" Eli began, but Grace merely handed it to him; urging him to read it.

Eli tentatively unfolded the letter-, which Grace had clearly read and re-read during the night- judging by its already worn state.

He almost choked once he recognised the handwriting- Carla.

Dear Grace and Eli,

Thankyou for writing to me and telling me of you're plans. I didn't think either of you would bother with me ever again, to be honest.
But thankyou, this means a lot to me.
Grace- I'm not mad, honestly. It's a shame that we can only speak through letters- not that I've received too many of those from you lately (but I haven't written you either, so we're both to blame!) –if we were talking face to face right now, you would hear all the sincerity in my voice, when I say- I am truly happy for both of you.
I think I knew before either of you, that things would end this way………
Eli- I guess I really hurt you? I'm sorry for that- I really am. But I'm not going to lie to you- I don't know if I ever loved you the way you loved me………please don't be hurt by that. I've been through so much in my life, things you could never understand- partly because I could never let you in- and, I don't think I could ever allow anyone to love me.
But Eli, we both know we couldn't work- luckily I realized that before dragging you away with me………to god knows where!
God, this letter is really hard to write! Well………that's a lie, it's not really! Cause I am so damn happy for both of you………promise me something, ok?

Take care of each other- never fight over money- and raise you're kids in a loving home………ok? Just do that for me!

I guess your both wondering where I am?
Well, I don't think I can tell you. Just know I'm safe, and mildly happy.

I'm never coming home- not even to congratulate you guys- it's not because I'm bitter or anything……it's just, that place isn't home anymore.
I think I'll end the letter here- I love you both, and wish you all the best!
You'll notice that there's no return address- Grace, I'm not living in California anymore, I've moved on.
So why don't we do one of those 'don't mail me, I'll mail you, deals?' ok?

Love you both forever,
Carla.

Eli folded the letter and handed it back to Grace- "you wrote to her?" he asked, tentatively.

Grace nodded, "I had to- partly to get her blessing……and to know that she was safe," Grace explained in a small voice.

Eli nodded, and brushed a hand against her cheek; "you're a good friend," he said, quietly.

Grace leaned into the warmth of his hand; "I'm sorry I didn't tell you……….or show you the letter sooner" she explained, in a small voice.

Eli brushed her comment aside; "I did love Carla………." He began, cupping Grace's hands; "But I love you now……….." he bent down slowly, kissing her soft hands; "………and forever" he added.

Grace looked into his eyes, smiling faintly; "thankyou" she whispered.

Eli leaned forward, pressing his lips hard against Grace's.

When they pulled away, Grace's smile was still small; "Eli?" she asked.

"Hmmm?" he replied.

"Do you think we'll end up like our parents……….divorced?" she asked, in the smallest of whispers.

Eli looked into her eyes for a long time; "I'm sorry Grace- but I'm afraid I can't let you go" he smiled.

Grace nodded; and watched as Eli rose from his chair, urging Grace to do the same.

"Dance with me Mrs. Sammler," he urged- holding out his hand.

Grace smiled at him "of course Mr. Sammler" she beamed- taking his hand, he pulled her out of the chair.

They both walked back onto the dance floor- everyone's eyes still on them.

Rick and Lily, who were exchanging a hug, looked across the dance floor- at their children, who couldn't look happier.

Karen watched as her son bought the love of his life across the dance floor, and smiled- wondering how her son had turned out to be such a gentleman………

Jake and Tiffany pecked each other on the cheek, and Jake cooed at his little daughter- while his other one was being pulled onto the dance floor by the new man in her life………..he smiled, and wrapped an arm around Tiffany.

Zoe dug her fork into the cake on her plate, and glanced up- the corners of her mouth turning into a smile as she watched her big sister and big brother share a dance……….

Judy smiled, possible titles for books racing through her mind yet again, while she watched the radiant Grace, and handsome Eli, step onto the dance floor.

Jessie squeezed Katie's hand- and, watching her brother and sister walk hand in hand in front of everybody- she turned to Katie, cupping her face in her hand- she kissed her lovingly on the lips.

"I love you" Jessie whispered, squeezing her hand tighter.

"I love you too," Katie giggled.

Jessie released her grip, and walked towards the band, motioning to the head conductor; he smiled at her, and a song started up………….

Eli and Grace entwined hands and body's……..staring into each other's eyes-

We lead two different lives
just like two lines that never cross
And here we are together
standing closer than we are
but we're still standing here untouched
too scared to make a move
We want so much to touch
and we can't wait forever
we know it's dangerous
for us to be together

"Oh- I think I need to congratulate you" Grace smiled, interrupting Eli's thoughts

How do we ever keep this secret
how do we keep it in the dark
and if we dare to taste our weakness
how could we tear ourselves apart
why do we keep this love together
didn't we know right from the start
that we would have to keep this secret
or forever stay apart

"For what?" he asked, quizzically, twirling Grace once in front of him.

I watch you coming to me
walking in the pouring rain
I can't help looking at you
wishing I could stay away
So many times I've tried in vain
to close my eyes and pray it goes away
but I can't stop myself from feeling
to let you go would be too much
for me to take

When she pressed her body back against his, she smiled; "you're going to be a father," she giggled………….

I can't help thinking
when I look into your eyes
how much I need you
it's so hard to hide

THE END

AUTHORS NOTE:
Bon Voyage!

Thank you for reading and reviewing………you have given me a big head with all you're delightful comments……….and it's because of all those reviews that I continued to write this!

It has been so much fun to write!

And while I could go on, and write another 'god knows how many chapters' ………I wont………. I prefer to leave a little mystery in the air, and finish this story off on a happy note.

GOODBYE!

Please check-up on other stories I am writing- - -you never know, I might just write another 'once and again' fic.

THANKYOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!

YOU RULE!

P.s- first song Eli and Grace danced to was 'Amazed' by 'Lonestar'.

And you all know 'their' song, Heart by 'secrets'.

C'mon………I had to include some songs in the very last chapter!