#william macpherson

"Boys! Dinner!" Pumpkin called from the back porch, ringing the bell a few times.

It had been over five years since the MacPherson's had been married, and they were now well established in the ranching community in New Hope.

Will appeared out of the barn first, smiling as his eyes landed on his wife, her bump somehow more round than yesterday. It made his heart burst with pride.

A year and a half into their marriage, they had learned of her pregnancy - one that would result in fraternal twin boys. Will had practically been speechless at the first ultrasound.

"I didn't think I'd be nervous going in to see our baby. Maybe it's just because it's the first time." Pumpkin's fingers intertwined with Will's on her small bump as they waited to be called back.

"It's definitely a new experience. I don't envy you having to keep a full bladder though, that sounds uncomfortable."

"Oh, don't remind me. If I don't think about it too hard, I don't need to go as bad. But we've been waiting a while, and dang."

"MacPherson?" A tech appeared, and Pumpkin sighed in relief, standing from her chair gingerly.

"Sorry there was such a delay, we were running a bit behind." The young woman smiled, leading them down the hall.

"No worries, we don't mind waiting. Well, my bladder does, but the rest of me doesn't." She chuckled.

"That will make it so much easier to see everything! You are the best - that's part of the reason we were running behind, the last patient didn't have a full bladder and we had to do an alternate ultrasound route. Here we are." The tech opened the door for them to the ultrasound room.

It was dimly lit, but had a calm atmosphere about it.

"Well, my bladder is most definitely full." Pumpkin chuckled as she laid down on the table, lifting her shirt as the tech instructed.

"I'll make it as quick as I can - and it should go by fast, considering you followed the instructions. We should be able to find your baby in no time." The tech applied the gel, beginning to press down on Pumpkin's abdomen.

Will took his wife's hand in his, noticing her discomfort.

"When did you find out you were pregnant?" The tech asked.

"It's been four weeks since the positive test, and we're guessing she was about four weeks when she tested positive." Will responded.

The young woman nodded, moving her wand around. When she found what she was looking for, she smiled.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson, looks like you have two healthy babies."

"There's two?" Will's eyes widened.

"Yeah! Let me get some measurements while I'm in the right spot and then I'll show you the screen."

After a couple minutes, the nurse turned her screen to show the couple what she was talking about.

"We have twin A on the left, and twin B on the right. Both looking to be about the same size, which is a great sign in these early stages. We'll definitely want to keep a close eye on them as they develop though, so I'll add to your notes for your doctor that you'll want to come in for an ultrasound every other week, at least until we can see more. Twins can be high risk, so you'll just want to make sure you're taking extra good care of yourself to make sure they continue to grow."

After Pumpkin had wiped the gel off and the tech had handed them their pictures, the couple walked out into the hall in silence, taking in all the information they had just been given. Pumpkin went into the bathroom, and even their walk to the car once she was done was pretty quiet. Spooky finally seemed to wrap his mind around the fact that he not only had one baby on the way, but two, and turned to his wife with the widest smile.

"We're having twins. Two babies." He laughed, picking her up into his arms and spinning her, making her giggle. "We're having twins!!"

Despite their initial shock, they were elated that their family was growing by two. Nothing about those next seven months had been easy, and they'd had a couple scares - but even with everything they had to deal with, two healthy baby boys were delivered ten minutes apart and only had a NICU stay of twenty two days before they went home.

Raising their boys had been their pride and joy for the last four years, and Will was so proud of who they were becoming under their parent's guidance, even if they did get into mischief sometimes. They were his boys, he could expect nothing less.

"Wesley Miguel! Don't threaten the goat with the shovel. I know she head butted you, but you were chasing her. C'mere." Pumpkin chided, though somehow her tone was still filled with love - something Will adored about her parenting style.

"Theo!" She called, but as her second boy continued to giggle and chase one of the chickens, she chuckled. "Theodore William MacPherson, come here. It's time to get all the dirt off your hands and eat dinner."

"Come, boys. Let's get washed up." Will laughed, and both boys came running past them into the house, but not before taking their little work boots off at the door - just as their Mama had taught them.

"And as for you..." Pumpkin turned to Will, chuckling softly as he embraced her.

"Hey, beautiful." He whispered.

"Hey, handsome." She smiled as his thumb rubbed comforting circles on her belly. "How was working with the boys?"

"They've got a lot to learn, but they seem to understand most of it. Not that collecting eggs and shoveling dirt is very hard to understand." He nudged her nose with his. "How are my girls?"

"Good. She's been kicking away today, just letting me know she's there."

Just six months ago, they had discovered their third child was on the way.

Since the twins had turned two years old, Pumpkin had wanted another baby. The boys had come so easily, she was fairly confident that it wouldn't be too hard to have their third child. Will had plans for a house full of kids - and they weren't exactly getting any younger.

But time passed. Baby number three didn't come. Pumpkin miscarried twice, within the first few weeks each time. It broke Will's heart - not only to lose their babies, but that his sweet love had to endure such heartache each time she learned she had lost one.

After the second miscarriage, they had decided to take a break from actively trying, to take some time to focus on the boys. Their dream of the house full of children was still there, but Wesley and Theo kept them busy enough that they began to heal. Pumpkin made an extra effort to get her hormones balanced, to make sure she was doing everything she could to be able to have another baby.

One evening, after a long day teaching the boys how to manage their field crops, the dinner bell rang. He herded his tired twins towards the house, kissing Pumpkin softly before going into the kitchen to wash up. Spooky's smile grew as he caught the smell of her ravioli casserole - one of the family's favorites.

"How was your day, honey?" His tone was soft, carrying across the room to her as she set the table.

"It was good."

"Errands in town go well?"

"They did! I finally was able to get a hold of those melon seeds we've been waiting for. I want to see if we can get them planted within the next week or so, they'll be a little late but I think we'll be able to get some good profit off of them. The boys loved the melon jerky we freeze dried last year, maybe we could make some of that at the end of the season too."

After the last plate had been set, Will's arms came around her from behind, breathing in her scent.

"You're chipper today."

"Just have a lot of reasons to be happy, I guess." She chuckled. "And I picked up a surprise for you and the boys on my way out of town this afternoon."

"Oh?"

"Mhmm. Wrapped it and everything."

As if on cue, Wesley and Theo discovered the wrapped box on their way out of their bathroom.

"Mama! Is this a present for us?" Theo asked.

"It isn't even anyone's birthday!" Wesley giggled.

"Come here, my little loves, and open it with Daddy. It's for the three of you." Pumpkin smiled, and the boys sat on either side of Will on the couch.

"Yeah, boys only!" Wesley chuckled.

"Won't you help us, Mama? I don't think it should be boys only." Theo said softly.

"Of course. we can each grab a corner and pull. Ready, set, pull." She said softly, and the wrapping paper came clean off the box, in several pieces. Will opened the box, pulling out two folded t-shirts, evidently for the boys because of their size.

It all happened so quick after that. Will reached the bottom of the box, eyes widening at the two items that were left for him. The boys opened their shirts, a little confused.

"It says 'Big Brother'?" Wesley's little brow furrowed.

"That's what mine says too." Theo asks.

Will discarded the box, standing as he held the little printed picture and the stick in his hands.

"You... are you serious?" Spooky's voice shook, full of emotion.

"Found out today." Her lips met his nose, tears already on her cheeks.

"We're gonna have a baby?"

"We're gonna have a baby. Twelve weeks, and looking completely healthy. Sweetest little heartbeat."

"Is Mama having a baby?" Theo asked.

"A baby! Oh goodness! Mama's going to have a baby!" Wesley giggled, hugging his parent's legs tightly, Theo following suit.

"My little Dot." Will smiled.

"Dot Erin MacPherson. I love her name already. And she seems to as well, she's been kicking when I've mentioned it..."

Since the baby had begun to grow, Will had hoped for a girl. His heart wanted nothing more than a little copy of Pumpkin running around, as both of his boys seemed to take after him in most of their features.

"Mama, when do we get to see the baby?"

"Is the baby a boy or a girl?"

"Boys, come here." Will scooped his sons into his arms. "We've just got to wait. We'll get to see baby soon."

"MacPherson?" The tech came through the door.

Will stood with the boys on his hips, and smiled at Pumpkin as she went into the room first. She was radiant, even though she was only halfway through her pregnancy.

"What do you boys think your little sibling is?" The tech asked as the boys stood next to her to watch what she was doing.

"I think it's going to be a girl." Theo responded.

"Me too. But it could also be a boy." Wesley stated.

"If they're bugging you, let us know and we can wrangle them." Pumpkin chuckled, the gel cool on her bump.

"They're alright, it's fun to have older siblings want to be involved."

"Will we get to see the baby on that screen up there?" Theo pointed at the blank monitor.

"Is that the camera you use?" Wesley asked as the tech moved the wand.

"Boys, come here. Let the technician do her job." Will held his arms out, and the boy's little feet soon had them cuddled into his sides.

The technician chuckled, looking on the screen to begin her search.

"I can't quite see gender yet, but looking at measurements so far, baby is looking great."

"Is the baby shy?" Wesley's little voice was soft.

"Yeah, baby is being a little shy. Can you cheer them on a little bit to see if they'll turn for us?"

Will's boys clapped their hands, giggling as they cheered on for their baby sibling. The technician moved the wand a bit, trying to get a different angle and move the baby a little bit.

For a split second, the baby turned and stretched their legs wide, and the technician caught a glimpse before the baby's legs scrunched back up.

"You did such a good job cheering, friends! Your little sister moved just enough so I could see!"

Everyone went quiet, the twin's eyes went wide.

"A little sister?"

"Yeah! Baby MacPherson is a girl." The technician smiled. "Congratulations."

Will's smile grew wide, his gaze moving to his wife. "I'm so proud. We've been needing another girl in the house."

"Where did she go... come on, Dot, say hello to daddy." Pumpkin took his hand, placing it at the bottom of her belly, where the baby began to kick. "There she is."

"Three months, and the boys will have a little sister." Spooky kissed his wife's forehead.

"Sister! Sisterrr!" Wesley bounded into the room, Theo right on his heels.

"Is she kicking, Mama? Did she miss us?" Theo asked, and both sets of the boy's hands landed gently on her stomach, pleased to feel her moving around.

"I am certain Dot missed you both, very much. Did you get your hands all washed?" Pumpkin asked, and the boys showed her their hands. "Perfect. Thank you so much. Now, can you please set the table for us?"

"Yes, Mama!" Theo led his brother into the kitchen, pulling plates from the lower cupboard and silverware from the drawer. If there was one thing the MacPherson boys loved, it was being helpful.

"Oh, and one last thing for you, Daddy. Because you're the only one who will really understand it." She smiled, waddling back into their bedroom to retrieve something. It was not long before her feet padded into the living room once more. "I had this made for you. For us."

Will took the item from her hands, shaking his head with a smile as tears pored over his cheeks once more.

It was a little sunflower frame made from wood, the latest picture they'd had taken of their family in the middle. The top read "Our world is in color when we're together" and the bottom line was "MacPhersons, est 2009".

"Pumpkin..." Spooky chuckled, her fingers soft on his cheeks as she wiped his tears. "It's beautiful. We'll have to get another picture when Dot is born."

"Most definitely."

"Mama! Does Dot like the casserole like we do?" Wesley asked.

"Does she like ice cream too? Because we could make her ice cream after dinner!" Theo chimed in.

"I'm sure she does, boys. And if you eat all your dinner and help with dishes, we can have ice cream later." Will answered his boys before kissing Pumpkin.

"I hope they'll let us have the raspberry sauce from our raspberry bushes again. That was the best part." Theo whispered as he went to the table.

"Me too." Wesley sighed softly, following his brother.

Will carefully set the sunflower frame on the fridge, making sure the magnet was strong enough, before his hand came to rest on his wife's lower back as she brought the hot casserole dish to the table.

Things would come, and things would go. Seasons would change. The house would fill with children, and they'd grow up and move away. But one thing was certain.

As long as they were together, Spooky and Pumpkin's world would always be in color.

♡ ♡ ♡

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"Erin?"

"Will!" Her arms were stronger than the last embrace he had shared with her. "It's so good to see you!"

"But you're... how are you..."

"I'm no longer in pain, Will. I'm free. I only have a minute to visit, I have things to do."

"I miss you, Erin."

"I know. But it's your time now. Get hitched. I'd spent long enough waiting for you to propose, go and marry the girl!"

"I wish you could be there."

"I will be." She hugged him again. "Take care of her, Will."

♡ ♡ ♡

2:32. He startled awake, but after catching his breath, rolled over to drape his arm across Pumpkin like he always did. But his arm met cold sheets, an empty space she usually occupied.

His mind wandered to yesterday's events, heart sinking deeper into his chest.

A soft cadence floated down the hall as light slivered under the door.

She was awake.

Padding down the hall, familiar creaks avoided, Will did find her planted on the couch under the quilt she was working on for their wedding, watching "The Wizard of Oz".

"Hey." Will's hand rubbed his eyes from sleep.

"Hey." Her voice was quiet, almost tight - as if she held her feelings in her throat.

"What are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep." She replied, moving the hoop to another section of the quilt as Will sat down beside her. "She loved this movie. We watched it together quite a few times."

"I remember." He took one of her hands into his, pausing her movement. "I'm sorry. I know you're grieving too, and the way I handled mine wasn't right."

"I've been thinking about Erin a lot." Pumpkin paused, setting her quilting hoop next to her. It was in the way she wouldn't look at him that he knew her emotions were simmering at the surface. "I think she held on long enough to watch us get engaged." Those soft eyes met those of her fiancé, full of tears. "I'm sorry that I've brought such a tragedy on your family. It's my fault; if we hadn't gotten engaged, maybe she..."

The only thing that stopped her from speaking further was the immediate press of his lips to hers. It seemed to finally break through her wall of emotion she had been bottling to spare him for the last few days.

"No, no, Pumpkin. Don't think that way." He whispered as his forehead came to rest against hers and he affectionately nudged her nose. "Erin passed when she was supposed to. Our engagement had nothing to do with how she went. She may have waited, but that doesn't mean that it was the cause of her leaving."

After a few moments, his fiancee scooted a little closer on the couch. "I love you." Her soft tone hushed his fearful heart.

"I love you too. And I'm sorry I snapped at you yesterday."

"I forgive you." Pumpkin's arms wrapped around Spooky tightly, as if she was afraid he'd slip through her grasp. Her voice cracked with emotion. "She's home. She's finally out of pain, and she's home. I'm just gonna miss her." She sniffled as his hand held her to him.

"She is. Erin is home." His cheeks were salty only moments after hers. "And we'll get through this together."

♡ ♡ ♡

It took a few weeks to get back to what felt like something normal. Erin left a hole that - for a while - didn't feel like would ever be filled.

But buyers did finally approach and signed papers on Pumpkin's house, and the moving process really began to take shape. Everything, save the couch in the front room and the television, was packed the night before they were due to drive to Arizona.

"It was nice being with our nieces and nephews for a few hours tonight." Will whispered, kissing her softly and running his hand along her back.

"Mhmmm. Oh, how I love them so. I'll miss their sweet faces, since we won't see them until the wedding." She hummed. "You know what my favorite thing in the world is?"

"What's that, love?"

Pumpkin nuzzled his nose, the cool metal of her engagement ring meeting the side of his neck. "Being your fiancée."

"That's my favorite thing too." His lips met hers again. "Feel ready to move tomorrow?"

"I think so. It's..."

The doorbell rang, and they paused.

"Maybe if we ignore it, they will go away." Will chuckled, capturing her lips once more. But the doorbell rang a second time. He groaned. "I'll get it, love."

Upon opening the door, Will found a young man, probably at least a few years younger than himself, looking very pompous with a bouquet of roses.

"Who are you? Her brother?" The man asked, clearly not impressed with Will.

"I could ask you the same, Mr...?" Spooky replied, gaze hard and unmoving.

"David."

Will paused. David... David... oh - David.

"Can we step outside for a moment?" Will asked.

David nodded, and Will closed the door behind him, something he was sure Pumpkin would question and look out her window. It was what he wanted.

Wanted her to watch him protect her and dispel other interested parties.

"Listen, kid." Will began. "That woman in there is my fiancee. She tells me you've been calling her for months despite her refusal of your advances..."

David's eyes widened. "You... you're the soldier..."

"I was. Now, I'm about to be her husband. So, if you don't mind, I never want to see you around again. Don't try calling either."

Watching the fear increase in this stranger's eyes brought Will a certain satisfaction. Not only had the words seemed to sink in, but he also appeared to take note of how much taller and larger Will was compared to him.

Within moments, the man had dropped the roses and darted down the steps and down the street to where his car was parked. While these details would have originally been cause of concern, the fact that Pumpkin had the ring on her finger and that they were moving to Arizona in the morning lightened Will's mood significantly, instead procuring a chuckle. The front door opened, and Pumpkin's tone was amused in a nervous sort of laugh.

"Hey, honey. What's going on out here?"

"David. David happened out here, my sweet." Will put the roses off to the side of the porch, ushering her back inside as her eyes widened.

"David? You mean gingerbread house psycho David?" She began to shake a little as her hands gripped Will's shirt. "He's never shown up to my house before. He must've... he must've figured out where I lived and hunted me down and now..."

"Shhh, Pumpkin. It's alright. I'm here now." Will's arms were tight around her, calming her anxious demeanor. "I'm here now. And we're moving across the country tomorrow. He won't be able to find you."

"Promise?" Those gentle eyes searched his as their foreheads met.

"Promise."

♡ ♡ ♡

June 3, 2009

Will rolled over and snuggled closer to Pumpkin as the sun sparkled through the dew on the motel window like stained glass, pushing light in every direction.

"Today's the day, hun."

"It is indeed, my love. It's our day." She hummed as his thumb padded over the ring on her finger. "You feel ready?"

"Ready for you to be officially mine? Yes. I have never wanted anything more than what we'll be doing today. Well, that and the future we're going to build together."

"I feel the same way."

The door of the motel room shook softly with a knock. Joanna's voice asked to take Pumpkin for her part of the wedding preparations.

"Be right there!" Pumpkin called.

"I don't want you to leave." Will held her a little tighter.

"I know, love. But think of it - the next time you'll see me, I'll be walking down the aisle to become your wife. Isn't that worth the separation?" She turned to face him as her arms propped her up on the bed. Soft fingers trailed his cheek. "I'm going to miss you too."

"See you soon, hun." He captured her lips.

"I love you." She nuzzled his nose before grabbing her bag and heading towards the door after donning the fancy robe Erin had insisted on purchasing for her before she had passed.

"I love you too." Will called back, watching her leave with Joanna.

♡ ♡ ♡

Standing in front of a room full of people with his brother in law behind him, Will was certain he had never been more nervous in his life.

Six years. Six years of waiting, Six years of knowing. Six years of her.

How long had he been stationed here? When would he finally get to see her again? It had felt like an eternity since they had parted this morning and Joanna had taken her away from him.

Will's mind wandered to the future. Their future. Today would be their first night in their new home, recently completed by their friends as a wedding gift. Tomorrow, plane tickets to Alaska. After that, anything was possible.

Suddenly, the music changed. The small crowd stood, turning towards the doors at the end of the aisle.

Will's niece appeared, diligent in her spreading of flower petals across the aisle.

Her brothers followed, each carrying little ring boxes.

As cute as they were, all he wanted was...

Her.

There she was.

If there was a moment in time that Will wished he could frame, it would be this one. The way her dress flowed around her with each step, the flowers in her hand, the way her hair sat so perfectly on her head, the way her eyes glistened as she caught his gaze.

Everything seemed to stop, nobody else mattered anymore as he looked at Pumpkin coming down the aisle. She was so perfect, so ready to be his. Nothing else made him happier. She took steps forward, and one by one, they brought her closer to him.

Before Will could comprehend it, she was next to him, and they turned to the priest together. The ceremony was spoken over them, but all Will could focus on was her. She was stunning, catching every ray of light that made it through the stained glass. In what felt like moments, they had exchanged rings and were at the end.

"You may kiss the bride." The priest smiled.

There was no hesitation - Will pulled her closer and captured her lips with his. The pews creaked slightly as their friends and Erin's family all rose to their feet and cheered.

"Everyone, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson." The priest happily announced as they descended from their spot.

Finally, she was his.

♡ ♡ ♡

"I'm glad we decided to do the reception here, instead of at our house. The house that you still haven't let me see." Pumpkin chuckled softly as they walked towards the table with their cake.

"I promise you'll get to see it, sweetheart. I just..." Will pulled her close as some friends took pictures. "I have a surprise that I didn't want spoiled until today when I take you home."

"Oh? I’m excited - that sounds wonderful. I wasn’t actually offended, I hope you know." She teased, kissing his cheek softly before she took the little knife to cut the cake. Spooky's hand enveloped hers, and their cake was sliced, and put on a little plate.

She took a dab of the frosting and put it on his nose, and he did the same, giggling all the way through as more pictures were taken. This was everything he had hoped for and more.

But the cherry on top of it all was their first dance.

Erin's husband had asked if he could show them something beforehand. So, on a small television screen, he hooked up a video camera and Erin popped up on screen. It was evidently just a few hours after they were engaged, as her outfit was the one they had last seen her in. Tears were immediately in their eyes, and the video began to play.

"To my favorite couple in the world. I just watched you get engaged a few hours ago, and my heart is full. You are so special and dear to my heart - after all, I'm the one that pushed you together in the beginning! But you took that initial nudge and created a love that I could have only dreamed of for the both of you. I am so proud, and so happy that you made this decision to be together.

I know I'm not going to be able to make it to your wedding. I've known this for a while, I've felt it coming down the pipeline and I just can't ignore it anymore. But after seeing you finally take the first step towards tying the knot, my soul is at peace. So, I've asked my husband to play you this video before your first dance.

Marriage is special. A bond that you both will begin to discover goes so much deeper than just surface-level romance. This is a tie that will pull you through the good and the bad - together. You both love each other so much - don't let anyone or anything get in the way of that.

Take care of each other. I'll be around."

Pumpkin embraced Erin's children, and Will gave Erin's husband a hug.

"She made sure I knew exactly where it was so I could show you. She said it was important." Erin's husband choked.

"Thank you. This means the world and more to us." Spooky responded, his own tears falling as he hugged his nieces and nephews after they approached him.

"I knew something was missing. This was exactly what we needed. Thank you so much." Pumpkin hugged her brother-in-law.

Erin's family stepped back, wiping tears as they started John Denver's "Annie's Song" over the speakers.

Will turned, holding his hands out to his new wife. Pumpkin smiled and took his hands as he led them to the empty space in the middle of all of their friends.

Spooky and Pumpkin had danced before, but Will held her closer than ever as the music played. It was special - slow and delicate as he whispered in her ear and made her smile. Joanna was making sure to get all sorts of pictures, ones that Will knew he would want forever.

This was it. Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson.

♡ ♡ ♡

The drive home took about forty minutes. Will insisted on driving, which impressed his wife an incredible amount. He had struggled for years driving with his prosthetic, and had let Pumpkin drive whenever they had to go anywhere. But, under her supervision and help from Joanna, he had been practicing driving and was quite pleased with how easy it had been to transition.

"I'm proud of you, love." She smiled, the fabric on his suit pants now warm as her hand came to rest on his thigh.

"Been practicing just for you, Pumpkin. Thought you'd like riding in the passenger seat for once." He chuckled.

"I am enjoying it. Mostly because I get to watch you without having to worry about the road."

"That is a clear advantage you have over me. Perhaps someday they'll have technology so cars can drive themselves and I can look at you just as much."

"Oh, I'm not sure about that. We'll just have to see... oh my gosh, is that it?"

Spooky's smile widened as the car came around the bend of the newly paved road. The rambler was finally in sight, in all its Tuscan-inspired glory.

"That's home, Pumpkin." He pulled into the driveway, and laughed as her mouth remained wide open as she stared at the house. "Would you like to get out of the car and see it?"

"Oh, yes. I'm just... This is stunning. You hadn't told me about all the plants! I love them!" She chuckled, moving to open her door. Will reached over and locked it, just as he had so many years ago.

"Let me get that for you." He pressed his lips to hers, eliciting a smile as she remembered their first date.

The car paused its soft rumble as the key clicked out of the ignition, all the doors unlocking afterwards. Will climbed out of the driver's seat, sauntering around the car to the passenger side. The door was opened, but before she could step out, he took her into his arms and kicked the door shut after her.

"You romantic, you." She giggled, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Only for you, Pumpkin." He smirked, strolling up the front walkway to the rounded door. A simple wreath, made from fake flowers identical to the bouquet she had at the reception was on the door. 'MacPhersons, est. 2009' was laser cut on some wood in the middle. His wife looked at it with surprise, and he took the opportunity to kiss her cheek.

"Welcome home, Mrs. MacPherson." She was soft in his arms, and the way she looked at him sent his heart soaring. "Here's to our world in color."

♡ ♡ ♡

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"Will, baby, did you buy celery at the grocery store?"

"I did, my love. It's probably buried in the right hand drawer underneath all the sticks of butter you pulled out of the freezer for rolls and pie crust."

Dinner preparation was in full swing at Pumpkin's house. Pots and pans were used, washed, then used again.

"I really hope I didn't burden Erin too much, the turkey and mashed potatoes are a big de-AL!" She squeaked as Will spun her around and lifted her to sit on the counter. "William! We don't have..."

His lips met hers softly, hands resting on her thighs before he responded. "You worry too much."

"She has stage four cancer. I'm worried."

"Erin is strong. She'll..." Will went quiet. Erin was strong, that much was true. But she had been declining so rapidly since she called that hot August afternoon that he couldn't deny the future possibilities.

Pumpkin held his face in her hands.

"She is strong. And we'll help her enjoy today as much as we can." Her kiss was light on his lips, and he moved to cut the celery for her stuffing mix as she slid off the counter, wiping it down.

Noticing his demeanor had dampened, she leaned against him.

"Hey."

Will turned to look at her, taking her hands in his and rubbing his thumbs along the backs of her fingers, she gave him a soft smile.

"It's gonna be a good day. She said she was feeling a little better today."

He leaned into the kiss she pressed on his cheek, turning back to the celery.

"Oh, and another thing..."

This time, as Will turned, his nose was covered in flour. Her giggles brought a smile to his face.

"Oh, you're going to get it." She barely missed his arms trying to sweep her up, running out of the kitchen.

"Don't try and run from me, you little trouble maker!" He laughed, trying to figure out how to corner her. She seemed to be able to read his every move, even while her eyes were practically shut from laughing so hard.

"You can't catch me, Spooky." She bit her lip.

Will smirked, and he noticed her expression shift slightly.

"What's that look?"

"It means..." He lunged forward, tackling her to her couch, beginning to tickle her sides. She squirmed underneath him, giggling uncontrollably. "...that I've got you."

"No! Please! Stop! You can't... do this to meeeee!" Her giggles only continued.

Will did pause, leaning in to kiss her neck. After she had caught her breath, she leaned into his touch.

"Feel any better?"

"A little." He smirked against her warm skin. "I think you're right - today is going to be a good day."

♡ ♡ ♡

"Just a minute, hun, doing a last minute check to make sure I got everything!"

It was almost deja vu. Almost six years ago now, he had been looking at a similar ring box before his deployment that early morning in March. He had taken the ring out and put it into his pocket.

This time, the ring would stay in the box. It would travel with them to Erin's house. He'd have to be as discreet as he could, since Pumpkin recognized the smallest of details that were subject to change. But that didn't matter. She'd be his soon - they would finally be official. This had been waiting long enough.

The next time the ring came out of it's box, it would be on her finger.

"Got everything?" Her soft voice came from the doorway, and he jumped slightly, thankful that the box was already in the bottom pocket of his cargo pants.

"Goodness, love. Didn't think I'd scare you." She chuckled.

"It's alright. I have everything." His lips met her forehead, warm as usual even with the cool air blowing outside in the early spring sunshine. "I had promised I'd bring something from my time as a Marine to show the kids, since they've been asking so much about military life."

"You feel okay about that? I know you don't love reminiscing on your time in the military."

"I think so. I'm not a Marine anymore, Pumpkin. I'm..." His brain short circuited. In just a slip of the tongue, he had almost called himself her husband. But he caught it early enough that instead, he continued, "... just an Arizona rancher."

Her eyes flickered with curiosity, studying his facial features in the same manner that she did when she'd question his tone. Will wasn't certain if he could hide the surprise if she asked, even knowing that Erin was waiting and wanted to be there, he couldn't keep this from Pumpkin if she asked.

But, she just chuckled, putting him at ease. "That is true. Well, you will be. Got to get someone to buy this house first."

"You are correct there, my darling." His lips met her temple. "We got all the dishes into the back of your car?"

♡ ♡ ♡

"Isn't it my favorite couple in all the world! Hello!" Erin smiled from her armchair in the living room.

"Erin, you're looking lively today. How are you feeling?" Pumpkin sat next to her, taking her outstretched hand as Will directed his nephews to put the food he had brought in onto the counter.

"Lively. Today is a good day. Thank you for doing so much, I feel like my husband needed more to be doing, he seemed to get bored." At her husband giving her a teasingly annoyed look, Erin chuckled. "But really, thank you. It helped a lot."

"Of course."

"I think we'll just serve everything buffet style, you can get your plate and come right through... boys! Stop fighting and get ready to say Grace. It's Easter, heaven forbid." Erin chuckled. She had been in the middle of some intense treatment and an extended hospital stay during Thanksgiving, so she had requested they do that traditional dinner on Easter instead.

Since her rediagnosis in July, Will and Pumpkin had flown up to Wisconsin a few times, for Christmas mainly, and had watched her decline. This trip would be different, their time would be extended by a few weeks, and as dinner began, they realized how beneficial their stay would be.

♡ ♡ ♡

Will was pleased with how well Pumpkin continued to mesh with his sister's family. She loved the kids, she was considerate of Erin and her every need, and made sure everyone had eaten and was taken care of.

The evening began to slow, and the kids set a movie onto the television softly as Pumpkin moved to the sink to begin doing dishes, even at Erin's insistence that her family could take care of it.

"Hey Pumpkin." Spooky kissed her cheek, beginning to rinse and dry the dishes.

"Hey, love." Her voice was soft and affectionate as she smiled at him.

A few minutes later, Will had turned around to put something away, and Erin nodded softly.

The dishes were almost done. He was running out of time.

But as the silverware came through, it all became clear. His hand 'slipped' and dropped a fork, and it made her chuckle.

This was it. This was his moment as his knee hit the floor. He took her hand in his after he had pulled the box out of his pocket.

It was only a matter of moments before she noticed he didn't need her hand for balance.

The gasp that escaped her throat as her eyes darted between his stance and the box in his hands was everything Will could have wanted and more.

"Pumpkin, sweetheart, I have been waiting an eternity for you. You have painted my world in color and I cannot imagine life without you by my side." He opened the ring box, provoking her tears. "Will you do the honor of marrying me?"

"I will." She smiled, watching as Will put the ring on her finger. Her forehead met his the moment he stood to take her into his arms, and as their lips met, Erin and her family clapped from the living room.

"I knew waiting for you was worth a million heartaches." Pumpkin whispered.

"We'll never be parted again." Will whispered back.

After another few moments to themselves, Erin's children were insistent on seeing their new aunt's ring, asking if they could help with wedding planning, asking if they could come and stay in Arizona. It made Will's heart soar with pride as he watched her interact with his nieces and nephews.

Mrs. MacPherson. It was written in the way she moved, the flicker of light in her eyes every time they landed on him, the sparkle of the ring on her finger that looked so at home there. It was in way she held him like there was no other thing on the earth more precious to her. Yes, this was the right decision.

Pumpkin moved to hug Erin, wiping her tears.

"I've been waiting so long." Erin chuckled, trying to blink away the emotion spilling from her eyes. "William has always looked for someone he could feel safe with. I'm just lucky it ended up being someone who I consider a sister. I can see how much he loves you - and how well you take care of him and treat him with the respect and tenderness he's needed since we were kids."

"He's my everything. And you have been there for me since the beginning, Erin. I don't know what I would have done without you." Pumpkin squeezed her hand.

"We have waited a long time. But now, I get to call you my sister. And that brings a peace to me I don't think I've ever known before. I know you'll take such good care of him." Erin chuckled, her knuckle running along her bottom eyelids again. "Feels like I'm finally able to give him away to someone who knows how to handle his heart."

"I promise, Erin, I'll take care of him. And we'll come and see you often, even after we're married."

Erin gave her a soft smile, fingers tightening softly around hers. "I know you will. I trust you. And I love you."

♡ ♡ ♡

Three days. Three days of peace, tentative wedding planning, and packing up more of Pumpkin's house into a moving truck.

That's all it had taken.

"I wish it wasn't snowing, it's the beginning of April, and we don't even get to enjoy the sunshine!" Pumpkin's fingers were soft on Spooky’s cheek as he swayed them to some music from her record player.

"It does feel unfair. But..." He chuckled, humming the tune of a Christmas song.

"No, don't you dare. It'll make the snow want to stay!" She giggled.

Will's phone began to ring on the counter, and after pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, released her from his arms to answer.

Erin's husband's voice immediately wiped the smile from his face.

He had never expected his life to be completely changed within a sentence.

The words coming over the telephone made his ears ring. Made him numb, tired, confused.

No. No she wasn't. She couldn't be.

"Will, what's happening?" Pumpkin asked again, concern filling her gaze.

Spooky shook his head, setting the phone onto the counter and turning away. When she picked up the phone with her usual ginger touch, he waited. Waited for the moment she'd know too.

The gasp that left her throat was enough to pull the pooling tears from his eyes, and his shoulders shook with the effort of expelling them.

"Thank you. We'll be right over." Her constricted throat barely let out a tone as she hung up the phone.

Wrapping her arms around him from behind, she nuzzled into his back and sobbed.

A symphony of sadness, their cries reached what felt like a sky of cold stone - no astronomical amount of grief could bring Erin back.

She was gone.

♡ ♡ ♡

The following Saturday was a blur, gloomy and devoid of any light that hope could bring. No, nothing could change things now. The cold was only amplified with the snow falling on top of everyone who had gathered at the cemetery.

After the service, Will went and knelt in front of the stone Erin had apparently already prepared for several months. The carved stone served as yet another twist in his stomach that she had known this was coming for such a long time, and hadn't said a word.

And, perhaps, it was his engagement to Pumpkin that she had been holding on for, as the state of her illness could have taken her much earlier than an early morning in April. Maybe the reason she had lived so long was because she had wanted Will to be taken care of.

Maybe if he hadn't proposed to Pumpkin, she would still be around.

His fiancée came and put a hand on his shoulder, her words not registering in his ears as emotions flooded his mind.

"Please, just..." Will shrugged her hand from his shoulder. "...let me be."

Pumpkin stood there for just another moment, her own tears of grief still falling, before standing and taking a few steps away from Will. "I'll be in the car."

The rest of the crowd had dispersed, leaving Will alone, crouched in the snow. He cried for what felt like a forever.

"You weren't supposed to go, Erin. You were supposed to stay... why didn't you stay?" He whispered, his hand touching the cold stone that held her name - the only physical thing in the cemetery that would lead him to her.

"I love you, Erin. Thank you." His forehead touched the stone, wishing he could have instead wrapped his arms around her one more time, instead of talking to carved rock.

Will was there for a long time. He had almost expected to have to take a bus home when he had decided he was finished - but there Pumpkin was, faithful as she had ever been, the exhaust steaming out the back of the running car. It would be warm, and that sounded lovely after freezing in the snow.

But Will would freeze in the snow any day for much longer, if he could just have his sister back.

The door unlocked as he drew closer, and he opened it to find a blanket draped over the heaters.

"I thought it might warm you up. Get in, let's go home." Pumpkin said carefully. Will noticed her tone was even more gentle than usual.

He sat in the passenger seat without a word, and she tried to move the blanket.

"I've got it." Will's tone came as more of a snap than he intended, and he noticed how fast her hand moved back to her half of the cab. Before he could apologize, she was speaking again.

"Buckle up. It's icy." The car slowly maneuvered out of the cemetery, and after his last glance at Erin's spot on the hill, his gaze watched Pumpkin as she drove them home.

He knew she was hurting - it was in the way her shoulders tensed, the way her eyes hadn't been anything but red since the early morning they had found out about Erin's passing. Her usual tapping of the steering wheel had stopped, and she didn't turn the radio on for the full half an hour drive home.

The blanket did help Will warm up, although even with her consideration of his temperature, the air in the cab of the car was heavy. Tangibly melancholy.

Will didn't try to talk to her as they pulled into her driveway. His eyes wandered to the for sale sign out front, but even the thought of their future together wasn't enough to help him feel better.

Pumpkin made him tea, warmed up a quilt or two in the dryer, and had set a sandwich on the nightstand of his preferred side of the bed while he showered. But the moment he came out, finally feeling like he could maybe have a conversation, she closed the door to the bedroom and went out into the main living area.

Healing wasn't going to be linear.

♡ ♡ ♡

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Be careful what you wish for.

It wasn't a phrase Will had ever associated with something good - he had always looked at it in a negative light - to be cautious about things that could have a negative impact.

He hadn't expected it to apply to romance.

March 20th, Will was woken up by his phone ringing. It was one of the few nights he hadn't spent at Pumpkin's, but given six hours to get his affairs in order, he had almost wished he had.

Almost.

What was he supposed to do? While there was an undoubtedly strong connection with Pumpkin, he could not imagine putting her through a long deployment - much less put her through war.

It was early enough in the morning that Will knew he had time. He could drive to her house, kiss her senseless, and apologize for the remaining five hours he had left.

And yet...

Will packed his bag, pulling the uniforms out of the wardrobe Erin had been lending him. It did not take him long to get them all, but as the last uniform went in, there was a soft thud at the bottom of the wardrobe. His gaze softened.

No, no - this wasn't a possibility either. He wasn't going to give this to her and have some severe accident befall him, leaving her alone and tied to someone that wouldn't be around anymore.

Instead, he tucked that little velvet box into his bag too. He'd give it to her when he got home.

If she was still around when he got home.

If he even made it home.

Spooky's mind swirled violently with the endless array of possibilities. It all boiled down to two options - would he break it off, or would he just let her be and decide for herself?

Instead of deciding, he put pen to paper and began to write.

As the ink adhered to the lines, he was whisked away in a daydream.

The way life was supposed to be.

The world, calm. The future, bright.

It all would have started tonight. The ring would have fit her finger perfectly - he had checked, compared it to some of the rings she wore regularly.

A wedding, some time later, but not too much later, as he needed her to have his last name as soon as possible. It was meant to be. He knew it was - right down to his core.

They'd build a quiet little house with a wrap around porch on a moderately sized piece of land, not too far from Erin, where they'd raise a family. Four or five kids, Will had mused. If he let his mind wander, he could hear their little voices - perfectly theirs, a mix of him and Pumpkin, who was already baking the next addition, gently beckoning to their kids to come and sit at the dinner table that Will would have made them their first year of marriage, from a tree that they would pick together.

As the fantasy wore on, it lost the swirls of color he had so often associated with his love.

Will was coming back to the grey reality that he was leaving. This daydream, while not completely unfounded, was being surrounded by the ravenous wolves that closed in with the beginning of the war in Iraq. He couldn't ask Pumpkin to wait - he just couldn't ask that of her.

But he longed to hold her one last time - his arms ached for her steady heart to beat against his chest, for her to look up at him the way she always did, for them to be whole. Together. Their final semblance of peace before he'd be forced out of her loving embrace and into vicious territories of fear.

No, he couldn't do that to her either.

Spooky glanced at the clock. Two hours left. He'd need to get on the bus in a half an hour to make it to base on time.

He folded up the letter, writing her name on the front. He held it to his chest, hoping his heart would beat healing into the envelope.

Last check of the duffel bag. The velvet box mocked him, screaming injustice and hurt into his eardrums. He opened it, looking at the singular object that would have changed his life forever. The object that would have made her officially his. He set the box aside, and put the cool piece of metal into the pocket by his heart. This way, she would be with him. Always.

The trek up from the basement stairs was longer than Will remembered. Each step felt heavier, weighed down by what he knew he was doing, and where he was going to.

Erin was waiting in the front room. In his years in the service, he had never been sure as to how Erin always just... knew.

She stared at him, then at the envelope in his hands.

"You really should just call. Or have her come over."

Will shook his head. "I can't do that to her."

"William, it's only fair. She's given everything to you - everything, body and soul - and you're just going to give her a slip of lined paper to hold onto for however long you're gone?" Erin whispered, not wanting to wake her children, but trying to get her point across with her tone of granite.

Will couldn't find the words to respond. His expression bled with hurt, trying to hold back tears as his hand stretched towards her with the envelope.

"Erin, please..."

Erin shook her head, sighing defeatedly as she took the envelope from his hands. "I don't know what I'm going to tell her."

Will went quiet again. He had so much to tell Pumpkin - so much, of the future he wanted so badly to have with her, the future that was so rightfully theirs, together. He just... couldn't find the words.

Erin pulled him in for a hug.

"Congratulations on your remission. Say bye to the kids for me." Will whispered.

Erin simply nodded in response, unable to find exactly what she wanted to say.

Spooky pulled away, grabbing his duffle bag. Erin stared from across the room.

"You get out there, you stop them, and you come back home and marry that girl that loves you so much." She said, arms crossed in her usual older sister way.

Any words Will could have said were choked in the bottom of his throat, thick with emotion. He just nodded, and walked out the door.

♡ ♡ ♡

Erin watched her front window carefully all day, anxious about Pumpkin's arrival. They were close friends now, and while she regarded her as a sister and felt that they could confide in each other, Erin knew this would not be an easy conversation.

Seeing those familiar headlights bounce up the road brought the tears she had been expecting.

This was supposed to be a happy occasion.

Pumpkin was supposed to come over, and the family would celebrate Erin's cancer going into remission. Pumpkin had made cupcakes - funfetti, Erin's favorite kind.

Then, Will had arranged with Erin that he'd go into the kitchen to help Pumpkin clean up, and get down on one knee and pop the question everyone had been waiting for. The dishes would be finished and they'd emerge from the kitchen an engaged couple.

But instead, Pumpkin's smile disappeared the moment she found Erin in the entryway. She set down the cupcakes, hugging her tightly.

"He-he's... he's gone..." Erin sobbed.

Pumpkin began to shake. "What? Erin, no..."

"He was deployed this morning. I am so sorry..."

Pumpkin staved off tears longer than Erin had guessed.

"Something had felt off this morning when I woke up... I suppose this was it." She sat down on the piano bench, staring at the envelope with her name on it.

"He left that for you." Erin crossed her arms, biting her nails, nervous about what the letter could contain.

This was it. This would either put Pumpkin at ease, or break her heart into little pieces.

It didn't take Pumpkin thirty seconds before her tears began. Erin sat down and put her arm around her.

"I-I..." Pumpkin sobbed, handing the tear stained paper to Erin. She took it from her softly, reading the contents addressed to her brother's love.

By the time you read this, I will have already left for Fort McCoy, to get ready to be shipped out with my special ops unit tomorrow. As you probably already know, the U.S. has just declared war, and since I'm in the Marines, we're the first boots on the ground.

I couldn't bring myself to come and see you before I shipped out.

It's better this way.

Take care,

William MacPherson

Erin couldn't find the words for what she wanted to say. It was trapped, unable to move from her throat. How could he leave Pumpkin like this? She had thought there was really something there - and now, it was falling apart right before her eyes. Erin's heart hurt for Pumpkin, and she pulled her into a hug, dropping the tear stained paper to the ground.

Pumpkin spoke up first, a couple minutes later.

"I guess... Will must not love me anymore."

"No, no... that's not true." Erin sobbed.

"Erin, if he did, he would have come to say goodbye. Or he would have at least promised to come home to me in his letter, give me some string of hope to hold onto. But he didn't. Something is wrong with me - he just... doesn't love me anymore." Pumpkin whimpered.

Erin hugged Pumpkin tighter, rocking her softly back and forth on the bench.

It was all she could do for someone whose life was shattering in her arms.

Erin's youngest wandered up the basement stairs with tears in his eyes.

"Mama, where's Uncle Will?"

♡ ♡ ♡

"Corporal Silva! You'll be bunking with Sergeant MacPherson." The superior officer barked, leaving the barracks.

"Hey, man, how's it going? My name's Miguel." He stretched out his hand to Will, who took his hand and shook it before getting onto their respective levels of the bunk.

"Will."

"Nice to meet you, Will. I bet you...." The words Miguel was saying from the top bunk were blurring.

The way Miguel talked and talked and talked gave Will some white noise as he stared up at the metal above his head. His hand wandered to his pocket, pulling the ring out and twisting it in his fingers.

Gosh, he missed her.

He closed his eyes, thinking of her soft hair, the way her body swayed with his when they danced in the kitchen, her smile that never ceased to bring him to his knees. He could smell her baking, the way her movement became magic the moment her mixer began. If Spooky focused further, he could feel her soft nose brushing affectionately against his jaw, her soft body against his in a cuddle. Her voice, so damn soft and devoted to him.

Pumpkin had always worn her heart on her sleeve - it was one of Will's favorite things about her. She was so in tune with her emotions, even if it caused her some initial embarrassment at the beginning of their relationship.

They had blossomed into something Erin had called "the perfect couple". And, as Will reflected, she had been right. Their lives had intertwined in the way saltwater taffy is pulled - in the way the planets revolve around the sun - they complimented each other, and yet, were somehow the same in the end.

Spooky and Pumpkin's lives were a concerto - their souls danced in a perfect euphony, harmonizing with each movement they made together in the future's direction.

Will came back to reality enough to recognize his face was wet. He was crying, but he wouldn't wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks.

No, these were for Pumpkin. And he'd let them be - he would let these tears fall for his sweet love as long as they needed to, soak through his tan camouflage uniform to his skin, maybe allowing them to paint his scarred skin with stars. The stars Pumpkin had lit in his soul - the very same stars he knew he had dimmed in her by the way he had departed.

No. These tears would stay.

And maybe, just maybe, feeling practically a world away from each other, Pumpkin would feel him.

"I'm sorry." Will whispered to the now quiet bunk. Miguel had fallen asleep quite some time ago, but Will had been so zoned out he hadn't noticed the soft snoring until now.

"Your Spooky loves you, Pumpkin. So much." He choked quietly.

"And I am so sorry."

♡ ♡ ♡

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