NOTE from the PHOENIX: Once again I want to thank all my readers for coming along with me on this crazy ride! Without you guys these stories would never be written, you all make me strive to do my best. HUGS! I never meant for this story to get as long or as complicated as it did, but I had a lot of fun. Don't worry all you loyal watchers, I've got another story whirring around in my head as well speak....

Epilogue

Ella fussed around the house with a duster while a rain storm lashed at the windows. She picked up an old photo in a silver frame and absentmindedly dusted it off. When she went to put it down the photo the young man in the image smiled up at her. Staring into the photo she sighed heavily.

Taking the photo with her she wandered over to the couch and sat down with it. Closing her eyes against the sting of tears she put the photo down on the coffee table. It had been more than twenty years, and yet on some days the pain was as fresh as the day it happened. Giving up on dusting Ella wandered off into the kitchen for a glass of water.

Half way to the kitchen the front door bell rang. Turning around she went to answer it. Opening the door she found a man soaked to the skin standing in her door way. He kept his gaze fixed to the floor, making her nervous.

"Ca...can I help you?" Ella asked.

Still standing in the rain he looked up at her, at a lose for words. Ella knit her brow together as she studied his face. When he didn't say anything she tensed and began wondering if she could close and lock the door faster than he could stop her. When she glanced over at the phone in the hallway the stranger took a step back.

"I...I'm sorry." He apologized. "I shouldn't have bothered you."

Ella's breath hissed across her teeth at hearing his voice. He flashed her a sad smile before turning around to leave. Shaking heavily she watched him go, unable to believe what her heart was telling her.

"A...Adrien?" Ella whispered. "Adrien, is that you?"

Adrien turned around and smiled sheepishly. Having seen his smile Ella knew she couldn't be wrong. Rushing out into the rain she threw her arms around him in a powerful embrace. Returning the hug gently Adrien closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her body against his. He held her closer as she began crying.

"I never believed it," Ella sobbed "I never truly believed you were gone."

"I'm so sorry."

"What happened? Where have you been?"

"It's a long story."

"Come inside, I want to know, tell me everything."

"No, I should go." Adrien pulled away. "You have a new life now, I shouldn't have come here..."

"Perhaps not, but you are here."

"Ella..."

"Besides, I'm babysitting someone who would very much like to meet you."

Adrien's face light up at the prospect of meeting his grandson. Ella smiled brightly and took his hand as she guided him inside the house. On their way to the bedroom she grabbed a pair of towels for them to dry off with. Stepping into the bedroom Adrien waked over to the crib that had been set up in the corner.

The young boy was sleeping on his side peacefully. At just over a year old he kicked in his sleep at some unknown dream. Not wanting to wake him Adrien simply reached down and brushed his cheek. Young Adrien instantly settled down and slipped into a deeper sleep.

Ella stepped up and put her arms around Adrien's waist. He smiled brightly and brushed away the tears that had slipped down his face. He looked at Ella and found that she was staring at him. He wanted more than anything to kiss her, but he knew that she had someone else in her life now. Ella didn't seem to have the same reservations as he did and she pushed herself up on her tiptoes to kiss him.

Taken by surprise at first Adrien didn't know how to respond. However after the initial shock he returned the kiss with the passion for her that he'd been carrying for twenty years. Breaking free Ella rested her head against his chest and sighed contently.

"This must be a dream."

"No," Adrien shook his head "it's the end of a nightmare."

"As long as it's real, that's all I care."

"I wish I could assure that it is, but I'm a little uncertain myself." Adrien looked back down on his sleeping grandson. "He's as beautiful as his mother."

"Our daughter is pregnant again, with another boy."

"Does she have a name in mind yet?"

"No."

"I wonder if she'd be open to a suggestion."

"Do you have one?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do..."