Fic: Maybe It Could

[stillxmyxheart]

Title: Maybe It Could
Author: Mary (stillxmyxheart)
Beta: Lindsay (rowofstars)
Rating: R (sex)
Genre: Romance, Fluff
Word Count: 6,115
Characters/Pairings: Chris, Kari, Thomas, Eli, Hannah, Grace (Chris/Kari)


"Chris," Kari whispers, gently shaking Chris's shoulder. "Baby, wake up."

Chris groans, his brow creasing as he turns his head away slightly, and grumbles, "What?"

"I want to go down to the beach and watch the sunrise."

"You can't actually see the sun rise over the Pacific, Kari."

Kari huffs. "I know that, doofus, I just want to see the colors. It's been so long. You can go back to sleep after, I'll wake you up so you can get ready for Disney."

Chris is looking at her now, still a little bleary-eyed, and her brow knits together as her bottom lip pokes out in a slight pout.

"Please?"

A small smile curves his lips as he brings his hand up to cover hers where it rests on his chest, and then he sighs. "Okay, okay. Good thing I love you."

Kari grins and leans down to kiss him. "I love you too."

A few minutes later they're sitting on the beach, wrapped together in a blanket against the cool predawn air. Kari is settled comfortably between Chris's legs, her back to his chest and his arms around her, his chin resting on her shoulder.

The sky stays dark for a few more minutes and then gradually begins to lighten, bands of blue and orange appearing along the horizon.

Chris smiles as he holds Kari a little tighter. As much as he hates getting up early when he doesn't have to, he has to admit he's glad she woke him up for this.

As the sky grows steadily brighter, Chris finds himself thinking back over the past several months. The time he's spent with Kari has been the happiest he's ever been in a relationship, including the two months before they even started dating. He loved Claudia, but it's clearer now more than ever how one-sided their relationship was.

Kari is so open and honest, and in the time they've been together, they've rarely fought, because there hasn't been anything that they haven't discussed right away, rather than letting something stew. Among other things, he's gotten better about not leaving his dirty clothes on the floor, and she's remembered to lock the front door more often when she's home alone, simply because they discussed it.

Above everything is how much he loves her, and with so much more depth and intensity than he loved Claudia. Nothing makes him happier than coming home and seeing Kari there, or making dinner for her if she's working. Even the nights where she doesn't get home until after he's gone to bed are okay, because he loves waking up with her in his arms, or just seeing her asleep next to him.

She always has music playing when she cooks or does the dishes, and he loves walking into the kitchen and seeing her dancing around; more often than not he joins her. Sometimes it's fast and sometimes it's slow, and occasionally the slow leads to making love on the kitchen counter, and he loves that too, that she's not afraid to be impulsive and spontaneous.

He loves her hair and how proud of it she is, he loves the little crinkle in her nose when she laughs really hard, and he loves her accent, how she hasn't let go of the influence of her parents and heritage, despite having lived in the US her whole life. He loves how caring and compassionate she is, and how dedicated she is to her job. She says she admires him for working for the FBI, but he admires her just as much for being a nurse, and doesn't know if he could think of a more perfect thing for her to do.

He really loves everything about her, even the things he doesn't really like, because none of them are deal breakers, just the things that make her special.

As he lifts his gaze to the sky, watching it slowly become bluer and bluer, his mind drifts to the small black box in his suitcase and he finds himself whispering, "Marry me."

She laughs softly, tipping her head against his. "Sure."

He smiles and kisses her shoulder. He can tell she doesn't think he's serious, and that's okay. He hadn't planned to propose now anyway, and he'll get the real answer from her when he does. He's not too worried about if she'll say no, because he knows it won't be the end of their relationship if she does; they'll just talk about it, like they do everything else, and figure it out together.

Several more minutes pass in comfortable silence and then Kari sighs. "Okay, let's go back inside and back to bed."

"Mmm, sleep," Chris hums happily and Kari giggles as they stand.

"Thank you for waking up to watch the sunrise with me," Kari says softly when they're settled in bed once more.

Chris smiles in response and kisses her before pulling her to him and closing his eyes.

They get another three hours of sleep before waking up for the day, and join the others in the kitchen for coffee and breakfast. When they're all finished, they pile into Thomas and Grace's van to head for Disneyland.

The day is long, but incredibly fun, and as if by some kind of mutual unspoken agreement, everybody heads to bed not long after they get back to the house.

Early the next morning Thomas takes Chris to pick up the rental car he and Kari will be using to drive up to San Francisco, and when they return, Chris helps Kari pack up their things.

"Where are you guys stopping for the night again?" Thomas asks as he helps Chris shift things around in the trunk.

"Carmel."

"That's a bit of a drive for one day."

"I know, but it's one of Kari's favorite places, and that's where she wanted to stop." Chris shrugs. "We're not on a schedule or anything, and I've never really seen much of California, so I think it'll be fun."

Thomas nods and smiles. "Yeah, it'll be a nice drive. You've got the directions I put together for you, right?"

"Yeah, Kari should have them in her bag. We've got the GPS too, just in case, but hopefully we'll be able to stick to what you gave us."

Kari emerges from the house with Hannah, Eli, David, Juliet, Grace, and Jamie in tow, purse draped over one shoulder and her small tote bag dangling from her fingers. Eli has both Chris and Kari's overnight bags in his hands, and comes to a stop by the trunk to hand them to Chris.

"So you'll be gone another week?" Eli asks after Chris closes the trunk.

"Yeah," Chris says with a nod. "Two days to drive up, five days with Kari's parents, and then a day to fly back. When do you guys leave?"

"Tomorrow. We were gonna hit up LA today, get our obnoxious tourist on, and then fly back tomorrow."

Chris laughs. "Have fun, then. And let us know when you're back home."

"Yeah, you too, let us know when you get to San Francisco."

"And take lots of pictures," Hannah adds, raising her eyebrows at Kari before pulling her into a quick hug.

"I will," Kari promises, giving Hannah a squeeze.

"Call us too, please," Grace says, hugging first Chris and then Kari. "So we know you made it okay, and also if you run into any trouble on the road."

Chris and Kari nod, and after a couple more hugs, they move to get in the car, Chris sliding behind the wheel as Kari settles in the passenger seat.

"It was so nice meeting you both," Kari says after rolling her window down. "And thank you again for the hospitality; we had a really great time."

Thomas and Grace smile and nod.

"If you're ever out this way again, just give us a call," Thomas says. "We'd be more than happy to let you stay with us."

Kari nods, and everybody moves back as Chris shifts into reverse and starts down the driveway.

They both wave when they're on the street, smiling when everybody waves back, and then Chris starts for the highway.

The drive is relaxed and easy, and they talk as they go, commenting on the scenery, reliving memories from the few days spent at Thomas and Grace's, and just sharing general idle conversation.

When they stop for gas the first time, Kari heads inside to use the bathroom and get a few snacks, and Chris can't help smiling broadly when she returns to the car with a Coke and a Snickers bar for him. It may be a small thing, but the fact that she knew what he wanted without even having to ask is one more reason he loves her, and one more reason he's certain that asking her to marry him is the right thing to do.

They continue up to Carmel, stopping to rest and check things out when they want to, trading off driving responsibilities as they go. Their only major stop is to have lunch, and it's late afternoon by the time they reach Carmel.

They check in to their hotel, a quaint little bed and breakfast called the Lamp Lighter Inn, and then spend a couple of hours wandering around, checking out the shops, where they both end up buying a few things, and deciding where to have dinner.

When they've had their fill of shopping, they head back to their room to rest a little bit before changing for dinner.

While Kari's in the bathroom getting ready, Chris takes the small black box from inside his overnight bag and opens it to look again at the ring inside. At Eli's recommendation, Chris went to the same jewelry store that Hannah's engagement ring came from, and wasn't disappointed.

Kari's ring is basically covered with diamonds, the center stone surrounded by a ring of smaller ones. Two diamonds sit on either side of the stone, and then on each side of the band are two small rows of even more diamonds. Underneath the center stone are still more diamonds, and the detailing on the ring itself is unique and beautiful, just like Kari. It'll take him forever to pay it off, but he doesn't care; the moment he saw it, he knew it was perfect for her.

Chris pulls the ring from the box to carefully slip it into his pocket, and is just tucking the box back into his bag when the bathroom door opens and Kari steps out.

"How do I look?"

"Incredible," Chris answers simply, looking her up and down. She's in a short green lace dress that hugs her body, emphasizing her curves and showcasing her legs, which end in a pair of shining black heels. "I think green is my favorite color on you."

"That's because it's your favorite color in general."

"Maybe," he concedes, grinning as she walks towards him. Her hair is pulled back on the sides, and he lifts his hand to push a few loose tendrils behind her ear as he bends to kiss her.

She smiles when it breaks, and reaches for his hand. "Ready to go?"

They spend a couple of hours at dinner, taking their time and just enjoying being together, and then afterward head to the beach just behind their hotel.

Kari's shoes dangle from her fingers, her other hand tight around Chris's as they walk along the beach, and she sighs happily when they come to a stop, staring at the sunset over the water.

"I've gotten to watch both a sunrise and a sunset on this trip with you," she murmurs, wrapping her arms around one of his and resting her head against his shoulder. "I don't know if this could be any more perfect."

"Maybe it could," Chris replies softly, dipping his hand into his pocket.

"How can you top -"

The sentence dies in her throat when she sees the ring in his fingers and she turns fully towards him, her gaze rising to his face.

"Will you marry me?" he asks, his eyebrows rising hopefully.

For a moment she doesn't say anything, and then: "Wait, you were serious that morning on the beach?"

"Yeah," Chris says, laughing a little breathlessly. "I mean, that hadn't been my plan, this was my plan, but yeah. I know we've only been together for eight months, but I just - I love you so much, and I really think -"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes!" Kari exclaims gleefully, tears suddenly shining in her eyes as she throws her arms around Chris's neck, her shoes falling to the sand with two muffled thumps. He hugs her back tightly, lifting her into the air as he buries his face in her hair, swallowing hard against the ache in his throat.

When he sets her down, he takes her face in his hands to kiss her, whispering, "I love you so much," against her mouth when it breaks.

"I love you too," she whispers back, her lips curving before she kisses him again.

The ring is still clutched in his hand, and they finally pull apart so he can slide it on her finger, both of them watching as it glitters brilliantly in the light from the setting sun.

They kiss once more and then stand to watch the sun set completely, his arms wrapped around her from behind, her hands resting on top of his.

When the beach is dark, she bends to pick up her shoes and they head back to the hotel, climbing the stairs to their room.

Waiting for them on the small table is a bucket containing a bottle of champagne, and a large bouquet of flowers, and Kari giggles softly as she drops her shoes to the floor.

"Beach elves?"

"Something like that."

Chris pops the champagne and pours them each a glass, and they carry them out to the small deck to enjoy more of the view.

After just a few sips, Kari looks at him, the corner of her mouth rising as she moves back inside. "Why don't we save the champagne for later?"

Chris grins as he steps inside too, closing the door behind him. "That sounds good to me."

He steps up behind Kari to set his glass next to hers on the table and then presses against her back as he wraps his arms around her, bending his head to kiss her neck. She tilts her head to the side to give him easier access, and he splays one hand over her stomach, holding her firmly to him as he sucks on the curve of her neck.

A quiet moan slips from her as her hand comes back to grip his hip, holding him close.

He continues his ministrations on her neck a moment longer, and then his hands slide around her body to her back. He pulls back slightly as his hands move up her back to grip the zipper pull of her dress and he drags it down slowly, pushing her hair to the side so he can lean forward and kiss every inch of skin revealed.

Once the zipper is all the way down, he reaches up again to push the dress from her shoulders, tugging it down her body until he's kneeling on the floor behind her and taking care to drape it over the chair when she steps out of it.

She starts to turn around, but he stops her with a quiet, "No," as he moves around in front of her, still kneeling on the floor as he grips her hips and leans forward to press a kiss to her through her panties.

Her hands brace against the table when he starts to tug her panties down, and she blows out a slow breath when he wraps one arm around her thigh to pull her legs apart.

"Chris," she whimpers, one hand moving to thread her fingers in his hair as the other remains pressed against the table.

His lips curve just slightly before he touches another kiss to her, this time flicking his tongue over warm, wet, bare skin, his fingers tightening on her thigh as he tastes her fully.

The noises she makes as he laps at her, running his tongue over every bit of her that he can, are music to his ears, and something he thinks he'll never get tired of.

A few more minutes pass, and then suddenly she's coming hard, so hard her knees buckle and she almost falls. Chris wraps his arms around her waist to hold her up, keeping his mouth on her, his tongue still moving through her orgasm. He's not sure if she's more sensitive than the other women he's done this to or if he's just gotten that much better at it, but it's like this every time and he can't get enough of it.

Another beat passes and then he pushes to his feet, his arms still around her waist as he kisses her deeply. His grip on her tightens and he lifts her to carry her to the bed, setting her down and watching as she scoots back to sit against the pillows. Her left hand drifts between her legs, pressing against her clit and dipping between her folds, savoring the lingering remnants of her orgasm.

Chris swallows hard as he stares at her, the glittering of her engagement ring as she touches herself both surreal and so sexy, and quickly sheds his clothes, climbing onto the bed to join her.

His hips settle between her thighs and his hand drops to join hers as he bends to kiss her, his tongue sliding against hers as he pushes one finger inside of her. Her hand moves to wrap around him, stroking him as he strokes her, and after a few moments, he withdraws his hand to brace it against the bed as he shifts. Her hand is still around him, helping to guide him inside of her, and then it drifts to his hip as he begins to move.

"So good, baby," she whispers against his mouth, her other hand in his hair. "Always so good."

A brief smile curves his lips as he kisses her again, one hand rising to push her hair back as he jerks his hips, pressing deep and making her gasp.

"Turn over," she murmurs after a few minutes and he obliges, rolling onto his back and smiling as she settles on top of him, his hands sliding over her thighs as she guides him inside of her again.

Her hands brace on his chest as she starts to move, and his hands slide to her hips, feeling her rolling movements as she takes him deeply, her mouth falling open at the sensation.

She leans forward more, resting her hands on either side of his head as she bends to kiss him, her long black hair falling around his face. His hands rise to push it back as he lifts his hips and thrusts up into her, savoring her sudden gasp.

Her head falls into his neck, breath hot on his shoulder, and then she pushes up again, hands on his stomach now as she moves faster, her breath coming in little whimpered bursts.

"God," she gasps, her eyes closing as her head tips back. "Chris."

She leans back slightly and he takes advantage of it to press his fingers to her clit, gripping her hip tightly with his other hand as he thrusts up into her. She comes a beat later with a loud, "Oh!" and suddenly falls to the side. Chris goes with her, rolling onto his side and sliding one arm around her to keep her close, the fingers of his other hand still pressing against her clit as his hips keep moving until he comes too, spilling inside of her with a strained shout.

He rolls onto his back, breathing hard as he stares up at the ceiling, and she drags herself up to lie beside him, resting her head on his chest as he wraps his arm around her shoulders.

"I know that sex isn't really the most important thing in a relationship," she says through panting breaths, "but fuck, I got lucky with you."

Chris laughs, raising his hand to swipe at the sheen of sweat on his forehead before turning his head to kiss the top of hers.

After a few minutes he stands to open the windows, allowing the faint sounds of the ocean and the cool breeze to fill the room, and then climbs back into bed, accepting the fresh glass of champagne Kari hands him.

"Do you think we've made up for the time lost while we were at Thomas and Grace's house?" she asks, raising her eyebrows.

He gives a short laugh. "Maybe, though we're gonna lose more while we're at your parents'."

"Mmm, true. Maybe a couple more times before we leave."

Chris grins and nods, sipping at his champagne, and then frowns as he lowers his glass.

"Is it weird that I'm hungry again?"

"You? Hungry again?" Kari repeats in mock surprise.

"Shut up," Chris laughs, nudging her leg with his foot as she giggles.

"I'm kind of hungry too," she admits, glancing at the clock on his bedside table. "It's a little late, but I think we could still find something, if you wanted to go out again."

"Why not?" Chris says with a shrug. "May as well make the most of our time here."

They finish their champagne and stand to get dressed, both in jeans and t-shirts this time, and then leave the room. They come across the owner as they walk through the courtyard and he raises his eyebrows at Chris, who grins and nods.

"She said yes."

The owner beams. "Congratulations, then, and enjoy the rest of your evening."

He walks off, and Kari looks quizzically up at Chris. "He knew?"

"I ordered the champagne and flowers, but said I wanted them in our room for when we got back from dinner because I was planning to propose."

"What if I had said no?" Kari asks, her mouth twisting.

Chris shrugs. "I wasn't worried. Even if you had, I don't think it would've ruined the evening or the trip."

Kari smiles and reaches for Chris's hand, weaving her fingers through his as they continue towards the street.

They find a burger place still open and enjoy a late second dinner before heading back to their room, where they make love once again.

"What do you think about coming back here for our honeymoon?" Chris asks after, combing his fingers through Kari's hair. "This town is so beautiful, the whole area is, I'd love to have time to actually explore a bit and really enjoy it, and I know it's one of your favorite places."

"I would seriously love that," Kari murmurs. She pauses and then sits up to look at him, pressing her lips together a moment. "You're gonna think this is crazy and that I'm a big liar."

"I will not, what is it?"

"The first time I came here wasn't long after my parents and I moved to San Francisco, we spent a weekend here, and that was when I fell in love with it. I came here a lot with them and with my friends, and it's always been my dream that one day, my future husband would propose to me here."

"You big liar," Chris says, grinning as she ducks her head and laughs. "I'm really glad I could make that dream come true."

"I am too," she murmurs, looking up at him again. "Proposal aside, this has been the best, most romantic trip I've ever been on, and I'm so glad it's with you. I've never loved anybody as much as I love you, and doing all of the things we've done together on this trip, especially being here with you, is just perfect. I don't think I've ever been happier."

Chris smiles and reaches up to rest his palm on her cheek. "Same goes for me. I'm happy being with you, I'm happy that you're happy, I'm happy that we're getting married. Everything's just perfect."

Kari smiles too and turns her head to kiss his palm before bending to kiss his lips.

"I love you," she says softly, staring into his eyes when the kiss breaks.

"I love you too," he replies, smiling as he kisses her again.

They sleep late the next morning, leaving their room just in time to check out and promising the owner they'll return.

They linger around Carmel a little while longer, doing a bit more shopping and grabbing lunch at the same burger place they went to the previous night before finally getting on the road again for San Francisco.

"We'll come back, baby," Chris murmurs when he sees the wistful look on Kari's face, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips.

"Honeymoon?" she asks, looking over at him.

"Absolutely," he replies with a smile and a nod as he sweeps his thumb over her engagement ring. "At the very least."

By late afternoon they're in San Francisco and Chris is happy to see Kari perk up again. She may not have been born here, but it's where she lived for several years and where her parents still live, and he knows it feels like home to her.

It's not long until they're pulling into the driveway of Kari's parents' house and they walk up the front path to the door, leaving their luggage in the car to deal with later.

The door flies open as soon as Kari rings the doorbell and a woman Chris assumes is Kari's mother pulls her instantly into a hug.

"Hey, Mom," Kari says with a soft laugh as she hugs her mother.

The hug lingers a moment and then Kari's mom turns her attention to Chris.

"And you're Chris, of course," she says as she pulls him into a hug as well. "I'm so happy to finally meet you."

"Me too," Chris murmurs, smiling as he hugs her back.

"I'm Indira," she says when they break apart, smiling up at him. "Call me Indira; don't worry about any 'Mrs. Chandekar' nonsense."

Chris laughs and nods. "Got it."

Indira steps back to usher them into the house and closes the door behind them as she calls to her husband.

Chris takes a moment to stare around, loving how bright and open the house is, with an incredible view of the bay from the kitchen.

"It's not much," Indira says, catching him looking, "but it's home."

"It's beautiful," Chris replies sincerely. "And the view is stunning."

Indira smiles just as Kari's father steps in from the deck out back.

"Hello, sweetheart," he says, smiling broadly as he moves to hug Kari.

"Hi, Daddy," Kari murmurs as she squeezes him.

They pull apart and he turns to look at Chris.

"Chris, I presume," he says, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes, sir," Chris replies with a nod.

"Navin," Kari's father says as he shakes Chris's hand. "Kari's told us a lot about you, it's really nice to finally meet you."

Chris smiles, relaxing a little. "You too."

"Kari, sweetheart, what is this?" Indira asks suddenly, and Chris and Navin look over as Indira lifts Kari's left hand.

"Oh," Kari murmurs with a slightly nervous laugh as she glances at Chris. "Well, um - Chris and I are engaged."

"When did that happen?" Indira asks, surprised.

"On the way up here, when we stopped in Carmel."

Silence falls that Chris isn't quite sure how to interpret and then Navin looks up at him.

"I'd like to speak to you in private, Chris."

Chris's heart plummets to the bottom of his stomach as he glances at Kari, and she shrugs as if to say she's not sure what it means either.

Taking a breath, Chris follows Navin as he walks from the kitchen and into what Chris realizes is an office.

"I'm sorry, sir," Chris begins as soon as Navin closes the door. "I know this probably seems really sudden, and I know I should've asked your permission -"

"Do you love her?" Navin asks, cutting off Chris's rambling.

"Yes," Chris replies immediately. "Very much."

"Was it special?"

Chris frowns slightly, confused. "I'm sorry?"

"The proposal. Was it special, meaningful?"

Chris nods, his lips curving in a small smile at the memory. "Yes. I wanted to do it in Carmel because she told me how much she loved it there, and it was very -" He pauses, taking a breath as those feelings swell within him again, and then finishes. "It was very special."

Navin smiles finally. "Then that's what matters."

Chris relaxes, and Navin laughs.

"I didn't mean to worry you. I know she loves you, and from what she's told us about you, I know you didn't make this decision arbitrarily, nor did she say yes without being absolutely sure. It's just my duty as a father to be certain."

Chris laughs too and nods. "I'm sorry I didn't ask you first."

Navin looks at him thoughtfully a moment and then takes a breath. "I'm sure Kari told you how Indira and I came to this country." Chris nods and Navin continues. "I don't hold too much with tradition anymore, since tradition is what tried to keep me from marrying the woman I loved, and what would have probably taken my baby girl away from me. While I do appreciate the sentiment and respect behind you asking my permission to marry my daughter, it wouldn't matter what I said either way, because it's up to Kari. Though Indira and I swore to never tell the girls who they could or could not marry, I will admit that there was a part of me that hoped Kari might find an Indian man, like Asha did, but ultimately I wanted her to find someone who loved and appreciated and respected her."

"I do," Chris says softly. "Very much."

"I know you do. You wouldn't still be together if you didn't."

"True," Chris says with a short laugh.

Navin smiles faintly. "Kari's always been very sure of what she wanted and has never been afraid to do away with... toxic people in her life. There was one boy she dated, they were together a month when he tried to hit her during an argument, and she left him right then and there. She doesn't put up with any bullshit, if I can be blunt, and I trust her judgment, and the fact that she loves you this much is enough to tell me that you're a good man with a good heart."

"Thank you," Chris murmurs, feeling more and more relieved.

"And as for it being too soon, I think I fell in love with Indira about two weeks after I met her, and would've married her much sooner than I did, if it had been possible. You and Kari are both intelligent, rational people and like I said, I know neither of you made this decision lightly. I am confident that you will be very happy together, and that you'll treat her well, just as she will do the same to you. I look forward to getting to know you, Chris, and I think I can say the same for Indira. In short, welcome to the family."

"Thank you," Chris says again, a wide smile curving his lips as Navin pulls him into a tight hug.

They step from the office to return to the kitchen, and a flicker of apprehension crosses Kari's face before Navin smiles.

"Congratulations, sweetheart," he says, pressing a kiss to her cheek before hugging her again.

"Thanks, Dad," she replies with a relieved laugh.

Indira hugs Chris, congratulating and welcoming him to the family as well, and her eyes are shining when she pulls away.

"I think this visit just became a lot more special," she says, making them all laugh. "Why don't you two go and get your things so you can get settled? You're upstairs in the bay bedroom."

Chris and Kari nod and head out to the car to grab their suitcases from the trunk, managing to get everything in one trip. Kari leads the way up the stairs and to the left, into a bedroom with light blue painted walls and a large window that offers an even better view of the bay.

"This is seriously incredible," Chris says as he walks over to peer outside, noticing the boats on the water. "Do your parents have a boat?"

"No," Kari replies as she comes to stand next to him, "but we could rent one if you wanted to go out on the water."

Chris nods. "Yeah, maybe."

They spend a few minutes unpacking and texting various people to let them know they've arrived safely and then head back downstairs to join Indira and Navin again.

The next few days are spent exploring the city, letting Kari take him to all the places she used to go to with her friends. They visit the hospital where she used to work and manage to find a few of her former coworkers still there.
They all seem happy to see her, and Chris notices how much joy it gives her to introduce him as, "My fiancé, Chris."

One of her friends has a boat on the bay and invites them to his Fourth of July party, so she and Chris get to spend the holiday on the water.

"See, I think pink is my other favorite color on you," Chris comments that day, referring to her bright pink bikini.

"Is it the color or the bathing suit?" she asks, arching one eyebrow at him.

"Hard to tell," he replies, crinkling his nose. "Could be either."

She giggles and he grins as he leans over to kiss her.

Their date night is that night, and though they swore they wouldn't, they end up making love when they get back to the house later.

"At least my parents don't suffer under any delusions that I'm still a virgin," Kari says afterward, running a hand through her hair before resting her head against Chris's shoulder.

"If they did, they don't anymore," he mutters, and then laughs when she swats at his chest.

The next night is their last in the city and her parents take them to dinner.

"I know it's early still," Indira says as she sips her wine, "but do keep us in the loop on what you decide in regards to your wedding. The date, how you want to do the ceremony, that sort of thing."

"Of course, Mom," Kari says, frowning lightly. "We haven't really had a chance to talk about anything yet, except we know that we want to go to Carmel again for our honeymoon. But as soon as we figure each thing out, we'll let you know, I promise."

"You're free to have your ceremony however you like," Navin adds, "but if your mother and I can have a say, we would like to see some Indian influence. We don't expect you to go all out like your sister did, but just a few things here and there might be nice."

Kari smiles and nods, murmuring, "I think that'd be okay," as she glances over at Chris, who nods as well.

"It's up to you two, of course," Indira says, holding up her hand. "Just let us know what you decide."

"We will," Kari promises again.

They return to Arlington the next day and take a cab home, since it's the middle of the afternoon on a Tuesday, and when they're finally inside their apartment, they collapse in a heap on the couch, their luggage in the middle of the living room.

"We both took tomorrow off too, right?" Chris mumbles.

"Mmhmm," Kari hums.

"Good. I need a day to recover from our vacation."

Kari giggles as she nods, and they're quiet for a minute until she says, "Hey, Chris."

"Hmm?"

She tips her head up to look at him, smirking at his closed eyes. "We're getting married."

A smile curves his lips as he opens his eyes to look at her. "Yep."

"Do you have any ideas for a date yet?"

Chris groans. "The only idea in my head right now is us going into the bedroom and taking a nap. We'll talk about wedding stuff soon, though."

Kari nods and pushes to stand, reaching for Chris's hand and leading him into the bedroom where they climb into bed, still fully dressed, and are sound asleep mere minutes later.