TC Stark: So, here it is folks. The last chapter. It's a little shorter than the others, but it really was meant to serve as more of a wrap up. You guys really pushed me through this story. In the first few chapters, I had begun to think that I didn't have any potential in it. That maybe I had made a character that wasn't fit for that time or for Forrest. But, with you I kept moving forward and now I must say they are close to one of my favorite couples to write. I'm not sure if there is going to be a sequel. I have a few ideas, but I would like to take some time to flesh things completely out. Thank you all for your continued support. Much love!

Disclaimer: I only own Frankie, her parents, her sisters, and my ideas.

Chapter Eighteen

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."- Guillaume Apollinaire

Some time had gone by since Charlie Rakes was permanently removed from the Bondurants' lives. No questions were asked and no lies were told. And certainly no one missed the special deputy. All Forrest and Howard said, was that everyone could rest easy knowing that their lives would never be affected by the man from Chicago again.

And after that, his name was never mentioned again. Everyone went on with their lives. Bertha Minnix continued to live with her father, but because of Jack's involvement in her safe return, the pastor actually approved of the relationship. There was no more running around. No more secrets. No more lies. They could be happy and in love out in the open, with the father's blessings.

Howard still lived at Blackwater Station, but from what Frankie had heard, he was making frequent visits to his wife's house. It seemed like perhaps they were making strides to improve their relationship. And while it was not perfect, at least they were talking. His daughter lived longer than any other child they had before and that fact seemed to really brighten up his personality. He was still drinking heavily, but she saw the difference.

Maggie still lived at Blackwater. She was a part of the family and she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. She really was just enjoying the simple life she had there. There was no need for the flashy lifestyle of Chicago. She had done all that before and had left it behind. There was currently no love interest in her life, but she was okay with that. She had had plenty of men drooling over her while she was a dancer, it was nice to just be.

"Frankie?"

While pulling on her cigarette, Frankie turned around to see Forrest stepping out onto the porch. The older man was doing just fine. Running his moon-shining business and running Blackwater Station. Nothing of note had really happened in between that time. There were no threats to him, his brothers, or his business. No one had tried to harm him and frankly it had been a miracle that he hadn't visited the hospital.

Because of that, Frankie felt like Forrest was becoming stronger. The time without any bodily harm had allowed him to rest and grow his muscles. He seemed to be walking easier. Speaking without hurt behind his voice. And each time he went to get out of a chair, she could hear him straining less than he had before. He had finally been able to recover from all the injuries he had sustained in the past.

And their relationship had really seemed to grow. Without any threat, they were free to enjoy each other. Frankie had really never been happier. Every morning she woke up, it was next to Forrest. She'd spend her days working next to Maggie, out on the porch with him, or in town with Jack. Everything seemed so carefree and she never felt better.

Normally Forrest pulled up next to Frankie. A coffee in one place and a cigar in the other. But, this time he stayed stood up. He looked almost...not nervous...unsure? Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "What's wrong, Forrest?"

Letting out a small grunt, Forrest's eyes shifted over to the shed. As if asking if she could join him in there. He must have wanted to speak to her about something important, if he wanted to do it away from the bar. Nodding, Frankie took a final pull of her cigarette before standing and following him to the shed that Howard luckily wasn't butchering in.

Forrest was silent. She wasn't entirely sure why they were in the shed, but whatever the reason was, it seemed to have left him at a lose for words. Even though he had remained a quiet creature, they had communicated more. In the privacy of their own bedroom, she found them connecting with each other on a basis that she was sure no one thought he could. Frankie found solace in him. With him she felt like she was really in a relationship that could last. Not just a passing affair.

"What's wrong, Forrest?" Frankie asked again, almost becoming worried by his silence.

With a heavy sigh, Forrest reached up and took his hat off his head. Holding it to his chest, he began to speak, "Frankie, I have realized over the years that my life is not a stable one. I don't know what is going to happen in this life. How long I'm gonna be around. I look at Jack and Bertha and well, I...I never minded much about my instability. But...well...life is uncertain. While I accept that, I'd like to know that you are the one certain thing in my life."

Giving a bright smile, Frankie gently spoke, "I'm not going anywhere, Forrest."

"Well, see I would like to marry you if it's alright. It would be proper and something I would very much like. Life can be uncertain, as long as you're my life." Forrest's words came out as a gentle hum, barely spoken above mumble.

But, she heard him just fine. Frankie's eyes went wide, having never expected him to ask for her hand in marriage. She wasn't sure if that was the direction that their relationship was going. They had never spoken about a future together, only had enjoyed each day as it was. She honestly didn't think that would ever happen.

Frankie wasn't sure anyone would want to marry her. Back when she had been feeling low about herself, she thought she'd never find true happiness. As long as her condition was around, no man would want her as their wife. And if she had truly fell in love with a woman, well; marriage wouldn't even be an option.

But, she was happy. Frankie realized that as she picked up her head and looked over at Forrest. His hat was still held close to his chest and his head was still hung low. Such a gentleman. But, was he offering her that option because it was proper or because he truly wanted to be with her? She suddenly felt her heart sink.

"Do you love me, Forrest?"

Her question caused his dark eyes to spring upwards, looking at her in a perplexed manner, "Of course I do, Frankie. You doubt me?"

Weakly smiling, Frankie explained, "I just wanted to make sure. I didn't want you doing something you didn't want to, just because it would be right."

There was a sadness upon the Bondurant's face as he slowly stepped forward. Every second felt like a lifetime, before he finally stood above her. Breath hitched in the back of her throat. With their eyes locked, he spoke, "I ain't ever going to lie to you. You can rest assure I am sincere when I say I love you. I only ask for your hand, because there ain't no reason not to. I don't want to wait."

Overcome with joy, her eyes began to tear up, "I really love you, Forrest, thank you for showing me how to love myself. Nothing would make me happier than to become your bride."

And then something happened that she had never seen before. It was hardly noticeable, but she saw it. Under the proper lighting, Frankie saw Forrest's lips slowly curve upwards. He was smiling. It was the first time she had ever seen him do so. And it was because of her answer. It showed her how sincere he truly was and it brought tears to her eyes.

Bowing his head down, he took in a deep breath and nodded, "Thank you."

And then she began to cry. Overjoyed. Was this really happening? Had she really been asked to be someone's wife? To spend the rest of her life with someone? To perhaps even start a family one day? Frankie felt her heart stop, as she felt herself having a shortness of breath. Suddenly everything felt as if it weren't real. She had to be dreaming.

Noticing how watery her eyes were becoming, Forrest asked, "What's wrong, Frankie?"

Both eyebrows tilted up, she looked up at him and sniffled, "I'm sorry. It's just...I feel...I feel alive for the first time in my life. Like...I'm not just going through the motions. That I'm not just watching everything go by. I finally feel like the dog days are over."

"We never know what the future has for us."

"As long as I'm with you, it's fine."

Nervously shifting his feet, Forrest admitted, "I ain't got no ring. I'll get one, if you'd like."

Frankie shook her head, "I don't need no ring."

The two of them gave each other warm smiles, as Frankie hopped off the small stool she had been sitting on. They had started off as the most unlikely of people to have a relationship with each other. In the beginning, she was pretty sure that both Bondurants would have ended up not liking her. That her and Jack would be the ones having to hide their friendship from the troublesome boys.

There were so many differences between them. She was from New York City. He was from Franklin County. He was a good amount of years older than her. He was a traditional gentleman, who she wasn't sure how many women he had been intimate with. She had been sexually involved with a fair amount of partners, most of them women. He was a quiet and reserved man. And she often said inappropriate things. Who would have ever thought the two of them would have been together?

Forrest's large hands gently took a hold of her shoulders, as he murmured, "I always thought...if I loved...if I opened up that part of me...then I would die. But, I feel strong with you by my side."

Reaching up, Frankie placed the palm of her hand against his rough stubble and gave him a smile, "We no longer will be tormented on the inside."

Giving a small nod, the larger man gently pulled her closer to his body. Closing her eyes, Frankie took a deep inhale and took a moment to enjoy his scent. It was while in darkness that she felt Forrest's lips press against hers. That was all she needed. Just his soul with hers. The two of them. Whatever would happen, would happen. As long as there was a life with each other.

Slowly pulling away from his kiss, Frankie's bright Hazel eyes looked up at him. In that moment, she thought about how they would be the eyes she would be gazing upon for the rest of her life. Smiling warmly, she touched her hands against his chest, "I...I need...I think I need to write my parents."

Maggie had been refilling a customer's cup of coffee, when Frankie walked back into the bar. Out of the corner of her eyes, she had seen Forrest leading her away from the porch. She hadn't a clue what they had done, but some time had gone by and by the time she had returned, she certainly looked different.

But, the redhead couldn't put her finger on what exactly was different. Not her hair. Her clothes. What was it then? Placing her hand on her hip, coffee in the other; Maggie asked, "Frankie, you alright?"

Stopping in front of the other woman, Frankie turned and smiled, "I'm absolutely fine. Do you know where we keep paper and pencils?"

"Ugh, sure." Maggie nodded, while pointing to behind the bar counter.

Of course Frankie would tell her friend the reason for her peculiar behavior. It would come out eventually and she knew if it were up to Forrest, he wouldn't tell anyone and most likely get married in secret. While she had no plans of making a big deal or having an insanely extravagant wedding, she wanted at least her friends to know. It would only be the Blackwater family. The way it was supposed to be. Nothing overly romantic or corny. Just a ceremony to marry each other.

Pulling paper and a pencil from under the bar counter, she sat down at the far corner away from the rest of the customers. Maggie looked at Frankie strangely, as Forrest entered the bar. He looked just as menacing and legendary as usual, but there was something different about him as well. Although his face was still stuck in a threatening manner, to let those around him not to try to test him; she saw something in his eyes. Like...a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Like he was breathing easier and finally...happy.

And with looking back at the New Yorker, she smiled and knew what had happened. There was finally peace at Blackwater Station. Love had made its way into Forrest's heart.

After stealing glances with her now fiance, who was heading to his office; Frankie went back to her letter. Staring at the blank canvas before her, she gripped onto the pencil and began to write:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I feel like I am finally comfortable to write the both of you. I have to apologize for any worry I have caused you. The last time we spoke and saw each other, it wasn't the most pleasant experience. I felt I needed to get away, so that one day we could have a relationship. I know it's been close to a year since we've seen one another and I want you to know I'm okay. It was a bit immature to just pack up and leave and I understand now how heartbreaking that must have been. It was hard at first for me to be on my own.

I want you to know that I have found a new home in Franklin County, Virginia. It's a lot different than New York City. It was a bit hard for me to adjust in the country, having lived in the city all my life. Things are a lot quieter here. People are a lot simpler here. I'm sure you're thinking that it probably wasn't safe for someone like me to be here. It was a rocky start, but I have found something here that I was never able to have in New York. And that's acceptance. This is my home. Where I feel most comfortable. Accepted. Loved. I live with a family, who has become my own and I feel more than content living my life here. It's like this is how I was supposed to live all along.

I have a job where I live. Well, I used to work at a nightclub as a waitress, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, I don't work there anymore. I work somewhere called Blackwater Station. I'm here, helping with one of the members of my new family. It's simple and sometimes it can be boring, but I feel more secure. To be honest, I've had enough craziness in my life.

I also have other great news. I have found someone. Someone absolutely spectacular. Someone who makes me the happiest I have ever been in years. I finally feel like...like I belong. Like there's nothing wrong with me. I know that there isn't now. That is what I have learned in this relationship. I want you to know how happy I am and that I am in love. We're going to get married. Can you believe someone asked for my hand in marriage? I couldn't either. I feel refreshed...alive...like I'm a person.

Maybe one day you can meet my fiance? That'd be really nice, though; I understand if you are still mad at me. Just know that I love you and am so sorry for leaving you. I just didn't want to go back to the asylum...but, that's in the past now. I love you. Please tell Alana and Kerry that I love them and miss them. Well, I'm going to go now. Goodbye.

Love,

Francesca 'Frankie' Giller