Title: The Rose

Author: Aimee

Beta: Dev

Rating: PG

Spoilers: A spoiler-free zone.

Pairing: Angel/Cordelia

Summary: Love in a crazy life.

Disclaimer: If you recognize them, they belong to Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt. Otherwise, they're mine.

Author's Note: Written for mini_nanowrimo.

Cordelia closed the door of her and Angel's room and made her way downstairs. She looked around the empty lobby. Where was everybody? She shrugged and poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat down at her desk, fully prepared to get some work done when she noticed it.

One single red rose. She opened the attached card. "Dear Cordy," she read. "You are the reason I wake up each morning and the reason everything makes sense in this crazy life we lead. I love you. Angel."

One single tear fell.

"Don't cry, Baby," a very masculine voice pleaded.

Cordy looked up to see Angel, love shining in his dark eyes. "It's beautiful."

"And so are you," he told her before claiming her lips with his own.

"I love you, Angel."

"I love you, too, Cordy," he whispered before pulling her into his arms. There was nothing he loved more than holding this woman in his arms. He smiled. Life was good.