With many apologies for the gap that is so long I cannot even remember the last time I posted. But don't let it be said I never finish a story... so here it is the final chapter. Thank you for your patience!

o0o

Piper stood starting at the space Carole had just vacated for several seconds before Tash's voice brought her back to the present.

"Piper? Are you ok?"

Piper blinked, "Err … Yes, sorry." She shook her head as if to clear it." I'm sorry you had to experience that. My mother is not exactly subtle."

"She didn't know about you and Alex? But I thought you had been together a while?"

"We have." Piper frowned. "But, well, my mother as you saw has a very set opinion on how things should be. To her I am letting down the family name because I am not settled down with children and a member of the right social clubs."

Tasha frowned. "I can't imagine you living like that." She smiled shyly, "you seem so independent and you have all this!" she looked round at the unit in awe.

"Yes well mother is not impressed I am working at all really, she thinks I should be married and staying at home raising kids. But enough of her. We have to get this ordered boxed up . You start on that I will go ring Nicky and let her know we will be ready for them to collect tonight."

Moving away to the phone Piper thought about the words she had blurted out to Carole. She had not intended to say them that was certain, but as soon as they had left her mouth she knew she meant them. Her only regret in telling Carole was she hadn't told Alex first, and now she really wanted to say them too her. Picking up the phone she dialled Alex's number

"Hey!"

She smiled as she heard Alex's curt "Vause."

"Pipes," Alex smiled into her phone, "is everything ok?"

"Yes. Well other than my mother visiting the unit, yes."

"What the problem now?"

"She wanted me to move home. She thinks I have moved because I can't afford the rent. So I told her."

"Told her what?" Alex asked surprised.

"I told her I was living with you and that I loved you."

There was silence on the other end of the line as Alex absorbed the words Piper had spoken.

"Al?" Piper asked a little nervously now.

"I'm here Pipes," Alex said. "I think we should meet for lunch don't you so that you can say that again to my face and then I can kiss you properly and say it back."

Piper knew she was grinning as she agreed and said goodbye.

Having left the unit in a state of shock Carole Chapman had driven for a while, unsure of where to go. For a few seconds, she considered going home, telling her husband the news Piper had just dropped on her. But somehow, she knew sharing it with him would not help ease the shock or anger she felt right at this moment.

They had given Piper everything a girl could ask for. The best clothes, the opportunity to meet the right kind of people, to make a life most people would give anything to have; yet she threw it all back in their faces by mixing with people with tattoos, multi coloured hair and now if she was to be believed, had set up home with a lesbian. Carole pulled the car over a took a deep breath. Maybe she should talk to Polly. Maybe she could talk some sense into her.

But on arriving outside Polly's house Carole realised talking to a friend as close as Polly would not give her the answers she sought. No, she needed someone who would be on her side. Picking up her cell phone she made a call.

Piper grinned as she saw Alex leaning casually against the railing outside the restaurant they had arranged to meet at. Watching her for a few seconds' Piper felt the nerves that had fluttered in her tummy all morning disappear.

"Hey!" She smiled as she moved closer to the woman before her. As Alex spun round her face too broke into a smile.

"Hey yourself." she said quietly.

Piper moved to lean in for a kiss but as she got close, millimetres from Alex lips she looked into her eyes and whispered "I love you!"

Alex closed the small gap kissing Piper hard. Hearing those words touched her in a way she hadn't realised was possible. She knew of course the depth of Piper's feelings but to hear her say them, see the look in her eyes as she did so meant so much. Pulling back slowly Alex smiled down.

"I love you too Piper Chapman!"

Taking each other's hands, they walked into the restaurant and were shown to a table.

"This is nice." Piper smiled looking around, grateful for the privacy the table afforded them.

"I called ahead asked for a quiet table. I figured you wanted to talk."

Piper nodded. "I have a small confession." she smiled, not worried by Alex's reaction but now able to see the humour in the situation. "I told you I told mom I loved you and I meant it. But it was not a new discovery Al, I have felt it for a long time."

"I know Pipes," Alex smiled "I know because I feel the same."

Piper nodded. It was ok. Whatever happened now with her parents she knew Alex would be there with her beside her and they would be ok.

"Was your mum angry?" Alex asked, more out of curiosity than concern.

Piper shrugged, "Probably, she didn't comment she just turned and walked away. I mean she was angry when she thought you were some guy I had hooked up with; when I said we were together she looked confused for a second then left."

Alex sighed. "Give her time Pipes. She won't have been expecting it. When she has time to process…"

Piper laughed bitterly "When she has time to process she will be back with a list of reason a Chapman cannot possibly be gay."

Alex shrugged. "So, let her. We are happy. You are doing ok with your business. If she can't be proud and happy for you Piper that really is her problem not yours."

Smiling Piper changed the subject and let the anxiety talking about her mother caused slip away as she enjoyed chatting with Alex before saying a reluctant goodbye to return to work.

What neither woman noticed as they said goodbye was the dark car parked across the road from the restaurant. Alex, her mind still happily replaying Piper's words of love, did not notice the car slowly pull out behind her in the moving traffic or it follow her back to the office. Inside the car, Carole Chapman frowned.

Turning to the driver she said "You are really ok with this. Knowing Piper is with this woman."

Larry Bloom turned to look at the woman who had hijacked his afternoon. Shrugging he said "You saw her, Piper looked happy. She never smiled at me like that even you have to admit that!"

"Then maybe you didn't try hard enough." Carole spat.

"Maybe," Larry sighed "Or maybe Piper was right. We weren't right for each other. I don't want to upset you," Larry said tentatively "but Piper isn't the only one to have moved on. I have met someone else too."

"I bet her family is not of the same social standing as the Chapmans." Carole sneered.

Larry shrugged. "All I know is she wants to be with me. We laugh and have fun and I can see now why maybe Piper wanted to leave. We didn't really have fun towards the end. I was focused on my job and Piper had her own dreams. This now, us following her around town, it won't make her like me anymore or you for that matter. Maybe what you should do is look at this Alex woman. From what I saw of her she was determined and focused and cared a lot for Piper. I mean I am talking months ago, too not recently. The fact Piper has made a commitment to her, well maybe you should try too."

Carole remained silent. Staring out of the window at the door Alex had just walked through. Maybe Larry was right maybe it was time she confronted this woman after all.

o0o

"Alex, there is a woman outside insisting she see you. She won't give her name, says its personal and from the look of her she is not going to budge."

Alex sighed. It had been a long week. She had hoped that she could knock of early and go surprise Piper at the unit, maybe take her for a ride on the bike to blow away the stress of the week. It seemed ages ago, not a few days, since their lunch when Piper had declared aloud her love. When she had got home that evening she had been hoping to continue the talk from lunch but the idea of romance and love were quickly squashed by phone calls from Robin discussion the business ideas she had emailed him that morning. The rest of the week had followed a similar pattern with either herself or Piper so caught up in work they had not had a second for just themselves. And now, this person looked set to put pay to a bike ride and peace.

As the door opened and her visitor entered Alex knew her surprise was written all over her face. Before her dressed in what Alex was sure was the latest designer label stood Carole Chapman glaring at her.

"Mrs Chapman." Alex composed herself quickly and held out her hand. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"I want to know exactly what you have done to my daughter. What lies have you spun to make her turn her back on her family."

Alex sighed and sat down indicating for Carole to do the same. "I have not lied to Piper. I haven't turned her against you and I have no intention of ever doing so."

Carole snorted. "My daughter was perfectly happy until you came along. She was the centre of a thriving social circle, she was in a happy relationship and then suddenly none of that was good enough and she turned her back on it all."

Alex frowned. "Have you asked Piper why? Have you actually listened to the reasons behind her decisions? Because I don't thing you have. I don't think you have thought of anything other than how it is making you look. When I first met Piper, she had no idea how to start a business yet now she is trading internationally. She was in a relationship that was making her unhappy with someone who, from what I could see, wanted nothing more than the right accessory to make him look good. Now Piper is successful, happy and has a business reputation you should be proud of. The Chapman name you put so much stock in, is spoken of highly."

Carole sneered. "If you think riding around on a flash motorbike and pushing a few small business opportunities at Piper will work long term you are kidding yourself. I have been watching you. You think Piper will want to be ferried about on that machine forever? Or sit at home waiting for you to finish work? What about children? Piper always wanted a family, that's hardly likely now is it!" Sneering Carole stood. "You may have a fancy house and a good job but I am warning you Piper is a Chapman and she is used to being treated like a lady not a convenience. It won't last so make the most of your time as her novelty entertainment."

Without a backward glance, Carole swept out of the room leaving a stunned Alex behind her.

O0o

"What do you mean she left hours ago?" Piper asked anxiously.

"Not sure how else to word it blondie. She vacated the premises about 2 hours ago. Just said she was off. I assumed she was collecting you as she had been muttering about wanting a weekend with no interruptions." Nicky shrugged dismissively not sure why Piper was looking so worried.

"Well she is not here and I haven't heard from her."

Seeing Piper biting her lower lip in concern Nicky said "You want me to call her for you?"

Piper shook her head "No. It's ok, if she said she wanted no interruptions I bet she is worried about work and gone off on the bike… I will go home and wait. But Nicky, if you hear from her tell her to call me, please."

"Sure thing blondie." Nicky smiled and watching Piper leave the office waited until she was clear and picked up her cell phone.

Receiving no answer Nicky left a message.

"Hey Al, Piper has just called in looking for you, she seemed worried. If you don't wanna be in the spare room tonight give her a call!" Then more seriously she added. "If there is a problem Al, call me. Please."

Nicky put down her phone and thought about her friend. Surely Piper was worrying over nothing. Alex had been much calmer since the two of them had got together but since Piper had moved in even Nicky marvelled at how happy Alex had seemed. She smirked remembering how she had joked that Piper must really be good in bed to keep Alex this happy. Alex had blushed then punched her, but she had the biggest grin on her face and despite her swearing and threating Nicky she had truly looked very happy. Using her office phone, she called Alex's secretary to confirm the time she had left.

"She didn't say where she was going?"

"She just said she was leaving. She didn't have any appointments so I assumed she was going home. If she isn't at home I can only assume she arranged to meet the woman who called earlier. After she left Alex kept her doors closed told me to hold her calls. I assumed she was preparing for a meeting."

"This woman. Who was it?"

"I don't know. She was miserable. Posh looking."

Nicky frowned. "Blonde shoulder length hair pinched face like she was sucking a lemon."

"Yes!"

"Crap!" Nicky turned and left without another word this time leaving the office and going to her car. As she drove she considered whether she should call Piper. Deciding against it until she had confirmed her suspicions Nicky put her foot down and drove.

o0o

"Thanks Nicky." Piper smiled her thanks as she parked her car and walked towards Nicky who was sat not in her own car but on the seat of Alex's bike.

"I have been here 20 minutes and she hasn't noticed me sat on her pride and joy. I am worried Piper."

Piper patted Nicky's arm and walked to wards the door of the café. Beryl grinned on seeing Piper enter and nodded towards the table Alex was slouched over. Nursing what appeared to be coffee.

"Al? what did she do?"

Alex looked up. Tears filling her eyes as she reached for Piper's hand.

"Al, talk to me what did she do?"

Alex laughed humourlessly. "She just pointed out a few home truths."

"Surely you don't believe anything my mother would say to you. Alex! You know what she is like she will say anything to hurt."

"Well maybe there was more than a little truth in her words Piper." Alex reached for Piper's hand. "I can't give you what you need. I love my bike and my job, its who I am."

Piper looked angry. "Have I complained? Have I ever, even once, said I minded either your job or your bike? No! but instead of thinking about what I have said you let her get in your head. The very thing you tell me not to do. Well listen to me Alex Vause. I love you! I love your passion. Your passion for your job, your bike and for me! I wouldn't care if you rode a push bike or worked in Walmart. All I care about is you. And if you can't see that, if you don't know that by now, then maybe you are not the person I thought you were."

As she moved to pull away Alex tightened the grip on Piper's fingers. "What she said, well maybe she knows it will happen because it is what happened to her Pipes. I don't want you to become bitter."

"Get up." Piper stood pulling Alex with her. She didn't even acknowledge the curious look Beryl threw at them she just walked purposefully towards Nicky.

"Give her the keys." she muttered, waiting for Alex to hand Nicky the keys.

"What about my car?" Nicky spluttered.

"I am sure it will be just fine, Beryl won't mind." Piper dismissed before ushering Alex to her own car.

Once she had established Alex was seated comfortably Piper started the car without a word and drove. She was aware of Alex's gaze in her face until she turned to look out of the window. "Piper, what are you doing?" Alex's voice, normally so confident had a note of insecurity as she focused on the gates of the cemetery before her. "What are we doing here?"

Without answering Piper turned the engine off, climbed out and walked round to Alex's side of the car waiting for her to climb out. Intertwining their fingers Piper began to walk. She could feel the tension coursing through Alex yet she was confident bringing her here would help. Stopping before the unassuming headstone Piper let go of Alex's hands and lowered herself to sit cross legged on the grass. She waited knowing Alex was fighting her inner conflict before finally she lowered herself next to Piper.

Turning to face her, Alex said "Why? Why here Pipes? What are you trying to do to me?"

Piper smiled kindly "I am not doing anything to you Alex other than showing you that in this instance you are wrong." She smiled as she watched Alex open her mouth to automatically argue before she looked at Piper curiously. "So to prove you are right you bring me here?"

"Sure," Piper grinned. "I mean here in front of you mom I know you will be honest. So, I am going to ask you some questions."

Alex rolled her eyes but waited patiently for Pipers questioning to begin.

"When we first met did you expect me to stay in your life?"

Alex snorted "No! I was more interested in getting you out of my house. I thought you were a spoiled rich girl playing at shops."

"When did that change?"

Alex thought for a moment, thinking. "When I realised you were not well. When I saw that your family, including that idiot you had a relationship with, had no interest in your whereabouts or well-being. Then I began to think maybe there was more to you... maybe I had made assumptions."

Piper grinned. "Yeah maybe you did. But you see Al we all do that, make assumptions based on our upbringing or what society tells us is the norm. Now my mother, she looks at a group of people around her and judge's success on possessions and the amount of dollars in the bank or your investment portfolio. But she also worries more about what others think of her than how she actually feels. So when my father had an affair it was not that her heart was breaking that worried her, but what their friends would say at the social club. When he proved discrete enough to keep the gossip out of their social circle she pretended she was ok with it. Is she happy? No of course not but as long as she has the right appearance she will put up with it. Now tell me, what would Diane have done in that situation?"

Alex smiled. "She would never have stood for his indiscretion. She would have put her children's happiness first. She would have kicked him out and probably let all his influential contacts know what a liar he was. She would have then walked away."

"And risk losing the comfortable life?"

"Oh, Diane did not care about possessions, she judged people on how they treated others not what they had."

"So, if Diane had been in your office today and had listened to my mother what would she have said?

Alex looked at Piper and smiled ruefully. "She would have told her she needed to get over herself. She would have told her she was jealous when she should be proud."

"And what did you say to her?"

Alex shrugged "I told her she didn't know you. That you were doing good things in the Chapman name. But Piper it was what she said I can't give you that I can't argue with. I can't give you the traditional home and kids like you have always dreamed of."

"Says who? Her? That's her dream Alex not mine, haven't you been listening. I don't want the life she wants for me. I have already accomplished more than I thought I could and that's because of you. You have shown me not just how to make my dreams a reality, but that I can share that success with someone I love. I don't need a big house or posh cars I need to come home and know you are there. I want to sit down and cook dinner with you. I want to hear about your day and tell you about mine. Do I like your bike? I love it! Your family? I am sad I didn't get to meet her." Piper glances at the headstone with Diane's name proudly etched, "I would thank her for giving her daughter the skills to make me see what life can be. You are so much braver than me Al and that's thanks to her. Do I want kids? I can honestly say that is my mother's dream for me. Right now, all I want is you."

Leaning over to pull Piper into her arms Alex just held her tight as she let her words sink in. Then pulling back she said "We need to go see them."

"Them?" It was now Pipers turn to look confused.

"Your family we need to go see them."

"Err... no."

"Yes Pipes. We don't owe them an explanation but we owe ourselves the chance to do this the right way."

Piper shrugged. "You will be wasting your time."

"Well how about we have a party. A party to celebrate your business. By my calculations next month will be the anniversary of you arriving on my doorstep offering me a free massage." She grinned as she saw Piper blush. "So, let's talk to Polly, we can get Lorna, Nicky and the girls on board too, make it a real celebration. Then you can invite both clients, contacts, friends and family. It won't be so intense but it will let them see that you have succeeded and then it is up to them how they choose to act after that."

Piper grinned "I do like the idea of celebrating the business surviving this long and I know Polly will too."

"Well we can do it at the store or hire the suite at the Plaza your mother was so impressed with!" Alex smirked.

Piper laughed. "No, I think we should do it at the bar."

Alex rolled her eyes. "Hardly the impression I was going for Piper."

"I don't care. And surely that's the point; we are not doing it to impress them but doing it to genuinely celebrate and hoping they enter into the spirit."

"Well talk to Polly see what she thinks." Alex shifted and lay her head on Pipers. "I wish you had met her" she said wistfully smiling at her mothers resting place. "She would have loved you and she would have sorted Carole out!" She smiled.

"Al why did you go to Beryl's today?"

"Because I feel safe there. Because I thought I should do what Carole suggested and I was hoping Beryl would tell me it was the right thing to do. But I walked in; she took one look at me and asked where you were. I told her I was alone and she snorted and said I was an idiot. I didn't even get to explaining about Carole and she had made it quite clear me being there without you was a mistake. She shoved coffee at me, muttered I needed my head testing and left me alone. And I knew she was right, I knew I would only be happy if you were with me but I kept hearing Carole's words."

"Well I am glad you have Beryl to turn too and even more glad she is on our side." Piper smiled. "Now I think we should go home, rescue your bike from Nicky and thank her for being such a good friend."

Alex nodded.

o0o

"We are going to be late." Alex pointed out gently as she stood by the door watching Piper fuss with her hair in the mirror.

"I am ready," Piper rechecked her bag to ensure she had everything she needed. As she followed Alex outside she smiled when she saw Alex had arranged for a car to take them.

"You planning on drinking tonight?" She asked grinning. It seemed like ages since they had had a good night out.

"Well I thought it only right seeing as we were returning to the place I first saw you."

Piper sniggered. "Yeah perhaps we should have invited Larry."

"Well." Alex paused her eyes laughing. "I did! I thought what the heck, if your parents were going we might as well go the whole hog and face him too. But I called him and was expecting a short negative response but he seemed genuinely happy for you and accepted."

"Well if nothing else it will give mother a focus to her taunting." Piper muttered wondering for the fiftieth time that night what had possessed her to agree to this idea. When she had immerged from he bedroom dressed in a dress she hoped was both fun but professional she had been surprised, if not shocked to see Alex dressed in her black jeans vest top and shirt.

"What?" Alex asked her eyes amused as she watched Piper look her over.

"Nothing." Piper muttered, she was sure this was the very outfit Alex had worn on their first date. The tight black jeans hugging her tight and Pipers eyes greedily took in her curves, now wishing they were going out alone not to meet a bar full of people.

"Stop it Pipes or we will shock the driver."

"What?" Piper asked pulled out of her daydream.

"If you keep staring at me with that look in your eye I will forget we have a bar full of people waiting for us and take you right her in the back of the car!"

"Hmmm" Piper moaned. "Maybe on the way home!" she smirked knowing Alex was teasing her but the thought caused her tummy to turn over.

Before she could let her mind wander to far though they were pulling to a stop outside the bar and Piper climbed out, straightening her skirt and lifting her hand to her hair.

"Pipes you look gorgeous now come here." Alex pulled the obviously nervous Piper into her arms and kissed her gently. The kiss, meant as one of reassurance, soon deepened and it was a very reluctant Alex who pulled back. "Damn it Piper Chapman!" Grabbing Pipers hand before she could talk she led her inside the bar.

"Wow!" Piper grinned as she gazed round. Alex had assured her Lorna and Nicki were taking care of arrangements and Piper trusted both women, but to see how they had transformed the noisy bar into a showcase for PoPi products yet still managing to look fun and inviting was amazing.

"Over here blondie!" came Nicky's distinctive call, and Piper grinned as she saw the table she associated with her friends once again filled with their smiling faces as they waved and pushed glasses of champagne towards herself and Alex. "We thought we would go upmarket on the drinks tonight. And we have 20 minutes before guests are due because we wanted to celebrate with you and Polly alone first." Piper grinned at Polly who was looking a little overwhelmed by the attention.

"You really have done an amazing job guys!" Piper grinned feeling Alex hug her tight and knowing she was as impressed as she herself felt.

"Well you have personally changed our lives," Nicki grinned. "I mean before you two came along we had this boss who was all work, no play and so serious she never let us see her fun side. Now we have not only seen her fun side but her soft side too and for this we are grateful." Nikki grinned at the blush in Alex's cheeks but could see she was pleased by the words. "Now let's go celebrate with the people that know how good you are."

As the doors opened Piper was amazed at the stream of people walking in through the doors. People from Barneys, people from the various trades they dealt with, Larry and a woman Piper guessed was his girlfriend and there, near the back of the throng, was her mother and father. Looking around haughtily Carole accept a glass of champagne but did not drink. Her husband drank the glass offered in one gulp, eye brows rising appreciatively as he reached for another. Looking round the room he spotted his daughter and made a beeline for her.

"Piper! This champagne is excellent, I was expecting fizzy cider the way your mother described your factory but this," he looked round, "well I like it. It is nice to go to a function without a formal setting. It may not be the plaza but from the conversation going on outside when we arrived the people here think highly of you and are excited to come here rather than the traditional formal setting, you have a hit kid! Now come say hello to your mother, I am hoping she will have a drink and loosen up a bit. I have no idea what is wrong with her she has been in a foul mood lately."

As Piper watched her father walk towards the woman who was gazing round in disapproval she felt Alex move beside her. "Come on," she whispered "we will do it together."

Guessing her mother had not informed her father of her discovery of hers and Alex relationship, Piper clung tightly to her hand and let herself be led across the room.

"Piper." Carole Chapmans nodded stiffly at her daughter ignoring the tall dark woman beside her completely.

"Mom." Piper acknowledged equally awkward.

Sensing this was going nowhere fast Alex stepped forward. "Mr Chapman. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Alex." She shook his hand before turning to Carole." Mrs chapman." She nodded towards the glass still untouched. "Try it. Piper told me Veuve Clique was your favourite and insisted we serve it tonight." She saw a flicker of reaction on Carole's stony face and was rewarded by her raising the glass to taste. "In fact," Alex continued acknowledging Mr Chapman's earlier comment "we had considered having this event at the plaza but due to memories from the past maybe clouding all of our judgement we thought this setting was favourable. Fresh start for everyone and a nod to where Piper and I first met."

"Why would the plaza not be suitable?" Mr Chapman asked confused that this stranger obviously knew his wife.

"Well Piper and Larry had considered having their wedding there and we didn't want there to be memories of that conflicting with today's celebration. Piper and Polly have achieved so much with PoPi that Barneys wanted to give them the chance to thank their clients and to celebrate with family without any bad memories coming between them. Larry being here shows us he is as happy for Piper as we hope you are. "

"You invited your brothers?" Carole Chapman spoke for the first time changing the subject in the hope of diverting Alex from the direction she sensed her taking it.

"Yes" Piper smiled. "Cal said he would try to make it and Danny said he was working until nine but would call after his rounds."

Carole's eyes once more showed surprise. "I didn't realise you were talking."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Piper challenged.

Carole shrugged.

"You think they would be put off because it was in a bar? Or because making soap is not as prestigious as being a doctor? Or because it is not with the social crowd that they usually mix with? Or mother because I am hosting it with the woman I love!"

"Piper," her dad frowned. "Cal has little to no social standing and lives in a van in the woods. Danny, well we haven't heard from him in the longest time so if you get him here it will be one up on us." Her dad smiled. "I told you this place is great so please stop worrying. And, he looked at Alex assessing, I take it you are the woman who has made my daughter finally find her voice. "

Alex smiled and nodded without comment letting her arm curl around Pipers slim waist in silent acknowledgment of the bond between them.

"Mom?" Piper challenged needing to know if Carole was as willing to move forward as her father appeared to be.

"It's very nice dear," Carole nodded and Piper decided it was the best she was going to get from her.

Squeezing her had Alex said "I am going to check on arrangements for food." And slipped away allowing Piper time alone to circulate.

By the time Alex returned to her side Piper had been hugged and kissed and congratulated by so many people she didn't know who she had seen and not seen. Her brothers had arrived and Cal had immediately found a place next to Nicki and was keeping her entertained with tales of Piper as a child. Danny arrived and skilfully avoided his parents to hug his sister and tell her how proud he was.

Beckoning Alex over Piper introduced them. "You work with Piper?" he asked.

Alex grinned "I used too, kind of. Now I just share my life with her."

She watched the amusement flick across Danny's face. "So you are the reason my mother has been calling me day and night fearing for the safety of her daughter." he laughed.

Turning to Piper he said. "You happy?"

At her smiling face he shrugged. Shaking Alex's hand, he said "Welcome to the madness. Ignore my mother. Dads not so bad. Just look after this one." He hugged Piper once more whispering "be happy" before slipping out once more.

o0o

"It was good wasn't it?" Alex ginned as she climbed into bed that night.

"Yes." Piper smiled. "I can't believe my father told you he gave you his blessing! I think he was impressed you weren't frightened of mom."

"Good job he didn't see me the other week then" Alex acknowledged ruefully. She pulled Piper closer. "Or see what we got up too in the car ride home, not sure that would have got his blessing! I am just glad you enjoyed it. I think that you dancing with Nicki was a bit outrageous!" she laughed.

"Like I had a choice." Piper laughed remembering how Nicki had dragged her onto the dance floor and wouldn't let her leave until he music slowed and Alex rescued her.

Turning to kiss Alex, Piper snuggled close. "You are definitely my first choice of dance partner though."

Alex chuckled "Good." Shifting she moved to kiss Piper again. Pulling back, she smiled, "Danny is nice."

"Yes, Danny is the normal member of the Chapman family."

Alex laughed "Oh I don't know, Cal was trying to sell me the idea of you hiring him as the salesman for PoPi so he can travel the country staying in hotels. I think van life is losing its appeal."

Piper laughed. She looked into Alex's eyes. "Thank you, Al. Thank, you for not running screaming from the room having met my family."

Alex kissed her hard. "I am only interested I you Pipes. I told you I don't care about the rest of them. As long as you are here with me then I am happy."

o0o

2 years later.

"Alex!" Piper giggled "we will be late!"

Pulling Piper onto her lap Alex kissed her neck and whispered "I don't care."

"But we have a table booked."

"Cancelled" Alex shrugged her mouth travelling down the column of Piper's neck until it reached the swell of her breasts, looking into Pipers eyes she saw she was not going to protest again so continued lower kissing her breast gently, her hands tracing down her back until she grabbed her bum pulling her in tight and turning her in one movement onto the bed.

Before long the room was filled only with the sounds of kisses and gasps as Alex used her fingers and mouth to bring Piper to the edge then tipping her over into pleasure again and again. As Piper called out her name Alex smiled.

It was some time later that Piper now laying exhausted looked at Alex and said "I think seeing London with you will forever be my favourite trip. Paris was romantic, and I loved Venice. But coming here with you has completely erased my memories of the past and now I will always remember walking with you by the river, sitting in the park waiting for the sun to set and being here in this room."

Alex hugged her tight. "I can honestly say Piper that the night you walked into the bar the last thing I ever imagined was us eloping and spending a month touring Europe."

"Well" Piper grinned. "It was your idea to run away, so I will be letting you explain to Nicki and Lorna why they weren't invited."

Alex chuckled. "Come here woman I do not want to be thinking of that, I need to kiss you again!"

Soon all thoughts of home were forgotten.

THE END.

A/N: What can I say other than to apologise once more for the very long delay in writing this final chapter, and thanks for sticking with me! I hope the ending doesn't disappoint, I look forward to hearing your views.

I do have an excuse for the delay... I met the love of my life.

I met her because of this story and she has quite simply consumed my thoughts and time for the past year. Yes it's all her fault! 😉 So while I offer my apologise and I will always be grateful for this story for bringing her too me, I am also happy I can write the end so I can go live in the real world with her.

So my final thanks are to my girl, my Michelle, for making me the happiest woman alive. I love you baby!😗