A/N: I feel like it took forever to finish this up. I would like to thank all of those that reviewed the story. I really took on a life of its own; I honestly had no idea where it was going when I started it. Apparently I secretly have something against botanists…meh. I present to you here the final chapter. It is so very very flufftastics, caution it may give you diabetes.

"How about today?" Nathaniel asked Wash as they ambled through the gathering crowd preparing for the Harvest Festival. He had expected the same answer he received every day since Dr Cope was put under house arrest. Taylor asked him if she would be willing to go public with their relationship. Every day for four months he accepted the same disappointing answer 'Not today, Nathaniel.' He had promised his love that he would ask her each day until she said yes. Today was the 122nd consecutive day he asked.

122 days ago Audrey Cope was placed under house arrest, a monitoring bracelet affixed permanently to her wrist. She would live out the rest of her days with limited freedom in the colony. Nathaniel couldn't bear the thought of banishing Dr Cope and leaving a child without a mother. The child, when born, will reside with the biological father, a very meek research botanist named Eddie Willis. Although surprised by the sudden fatherhood, he received support and child rearing lessons from many of the women in the colony.

Patiently, for the 122nd time, Taylor waited for an answer only to be pulled away by Maddy Shannon. This year Maddy was in charge of wrangling vendors, and assigning the foods and goods they would sell at the Harvest Festival. Due to her inexperience, two vendors were currently near fisticuffs over both being assigned the same food. Vendors made 15% of their annual income at the Harvest Festival. These two were currently in a shoving match over the most coveted Festival item, the beloved chocolate covered acai berries, known as Nova Berries. Always the best seller, colonists buy them by the pound.

Maddy sputtered out an explanation as she guided the commander to the skirmish. "I didn't think it would be a problem, both asked me if they could sell the Nova Berries, I said yes. I'm so sorry Commander, but I found you before I could find a soldier to break up the fight."

"Maddy, it's alright, just lead the way, I'll handle it." Taylor gave her a reassuring smile. He had dealt with similar situations every year. Taylor was ushered towards the pair just in time to see one draw a fist back. Catching the vendor's hand, Taylor exclaimed "Whoa, Jeremiah, stand down." The vendor's face went pale when he realized who held him at bay.

"Commander Taylor?" Jeremiah squeaked out.

Saving both vendors from explanation in the spirit of harmony, Taylor launched into his planned statement. "I understand you were both promised the Nova Berry booth?" Both nodded in agreement. "Tell me, Jeremiah," he turned his attention to the aggressor. "When you sold Nova Berries last year, how quickly did you sell out?"

Jeremiah shyly responded "one hour, sir."

"Don't you think that there may be room for a second vendor this year?" Taylor asked remaining ever the diplomat.

"Commander" Jeremiah began to argue "I prepped three times as many this year, I won't run out again."

Taylor held up a hand, it was all that was needed to end further argument. "Three times as much?" Taylor seemed to contemplate this for a moment. "You sold out in one hour last year? You've made three times as many? Correct me if I'm wrong, but that does not seem quite adequate for the seven hours of the festival. I would say that the people of Terra Nova should be thankful to Ms Shannon for having the foresight to allow two vendors. This is, after all, Terra Nova's favorite treat." Flashing his patented smile, he turned to the other vendor, a scrawny man named Timothy. Taylor couldn't retrieve the man's surname from his memory. "Timothy, you will service the south side of the festival, while Jeremiah sets up on the north side. I feel that this year we may finally have enough berries to keep the colonists happy."

Each with a hesitant smile and a nod of agreement simply said "Yes, Commander" and went off their separate ways. Maddy had been hiding behind the Commander; unconsciously she had been gripping the back of his chest holster, to insure that the big man stayed between herself and the angry vendors.

"Maddy it's safe to come out." He turned around, but comically Maddy stayed at his back waiting to be sure that the coast was clear.

"Maddy?" Jim Shannon approached from around the tent behind which they stood. "Why are you clinging to Commander Taylor?" Taylor shot Jim an amused smile while his daughter sheepishly stepped out from behind their benevolent leader.

"Thank you Commander Taylor, I guess I have a lot to learn and a lot more to work to attend to before the festival starts." She turned and fled rapidly, her face deep crimson with embarrassment.

Shannon had a bright smile on his face. "What was that all about?" Taylor simply shook his head and made his way to the Command Center.

Hours later the festival was in full swing. The revelers gathered near the stage awaiting Taylor's annual speech. Before bounding up the stairs he turned to his second. "You never answered my question this morning." He smiled at Wash before taking the stage to a colony full of cheers. Taylor waved at the gracious crowd.

He began smiling at the crowd. "Terra Novans, friends, family, loved ones…" The colonists came to a hush as their commander spoke. Wash stood at the edge of the stage, swelling with pride. She loved this man and everything he represented. Wash could not help but be drawn in by his words. She had heard him rehearse parts of the speech for almost two weeks, but today it seemed poignant and new. "Today we celebrate our new world, each of us pioneers, each bringing something beautiful to this new world. We are the building blocks of humanity's future. I could not be more proud." Each citizen was rapt with his words, Wash was no exception. Before she knew it, he wished everyone a merry Harvest Festival.

Wash's feet drew her towards her man; she stopped him before he made his exit from the stage. One hand on his chest, halting his progression, she said only four words. "Today is the day." The Lieutenant grasped the front of his shirt pulling him in for a passionate kiss. The stunned colonists were silent for a long moment before bursting into deafening applause. Cat calls and whistles came from the masses. Jim Shannon stood at the base of the stage, mouth agape. His wife elbowed him in the ribs and shouted over the crowd. "I KNEW IT!"

With an uncharacteristic blush Wash pulled at her Commander's hand to leave the stage. He could not be moved. Instead he pulled her towards center stage, reaching into his pocket. With curiosity and confusion, Wash watched him drop to one knee. Her hands instinctively covered her mouth as she realized Nathaniel's intent. Proffering a simple platinum ring, Taylor said "marry me."

Having her own sneak attack turned on her, Wash nodded dumbly. Taylor hopped to his feed, scooping his fiancé up and spinning her around. Capturing her lips again, the masses seemed to dissolve around them. The timed fireworks burst overhead, yet Wash was only aware of the man that held her tightly. "How did you know?" Wash asked, a dreamy yet quizzical look on her face.

Taylor grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I didn't. This ring has been burning a hole in my pocket for almost four months. Long ago I decided when you answered my question 'Is today the day?'; that day would be the day I asked you to be my wife.

Together they watched the fireworks overhead, completely unaware that every other eye rested on the two of them.