Author's Note: Thanks for your patience with this one. It's been a lot of fun to write! I don't know if epilogues are supposed to be smutty or not, but this one is a little bit. Note that there is a bit of a flashback or backstory in this. I don't usually do that, but felt I needed to here. You'll be able to tell because that bit is in itallics. Enjoy.

Charlie stands at the large bay window in their bedroom, looking out at the city before her. She watches the bustle below and is in awe of the changes that have transpired since the New Monroe Republic was born. A milder, gentler version than the first; the New Monroe Republic is flourishing. Schools, hospitals and churches are opening. New construction dots the landscape. Those few Patriots who had survived the battles, are now either in prison or in hiding.

Shortly after the decisive battle of Omaha, wherein the Patriots had been soundly (and finally) defeated; a treaty was signed that brought to life the New Monroe Republic. Connor, Bass and the council had discussed for weeks where the budding country's new capital should be located. Eventually they settled on the city formerly known as Des Moines. It was centrally located, and had been largely unaffected by the Patriot War. The new administration had made a deal with the local Amish community. Since they had flourished without the benefit of electricity for generations before the blackout, they had remained largely unfazed. Connor agreed to partner with them. The Amish were not warriors. They didn't believe in fighting. Connor exchanged protection under the New Monroe Republic for their help. Soon the locals were learning long lost skills, improving their daily lives and slowly rebuilding civilization.

The move from Texas to the middle of the Plains Nation (or what had once been known as such) had taken weeks for the combined Matheson & Monroe clan. Along the way, there had been a surprise attack from a group of left-over Patriot rebels. During the skirmish, a bullet had torn through Bass' left leg – dangerously damaging an artery. Gene and Rachel had been able to stitch him up, but an awful infection had followed. Bass had been near death's door for two long weeks, feverish and delusional. Finally some antibiotics had been located, and Bass began to heal.

Charlie had been beside herself with worry during the ordeal. To make matters worse, it was while her beloved Bass was in and out of consciousness that she discovered she was pregnant with their first child. Torn between the ultimate grief and the ultimate joy; Charlie had managed to stay strong. When Gene told her that the worst was behind them and that Bass was going to make it, she almost didn't believe him. In her life, she had become so used to people she loved dying; she'd assumed the worst was in store.

When she went to see him, he looked pale and drawn; but oh so happy to see her. "Charlie" he croaked out, his voice raspy with misuse. His eyes were tired, but still held their sparkle.

"Bass, You can never leave me. You can never leave us." With those words she had laid his hand against her just barely swollen belly, waiting for him to understand.

His eyes filled with tears and he pulled her down so that he could wrap his arms around her. "A baby?" he asked reverently. "We're going to have a baby?" She nodded, tears of happiness running down her cheeks. Even through he was beyond exhausted, Bass Monroe could not hide his happiness. He grinned at his wife – pride and hope shining through tired eyes.

She remembers these things as she looks down on the city once known as Des Moines. Renamed "Sebastian" by Connor, it has become the hub of the New Republic's government. Because of Bass' injury and subsequent recovery time, he has had a smaller role in the new administration than he had anticipated. Charlie had been worried that it would bother him, but instead he has surprised her with a calm acceptance of the change in his overall role. "I had my turn Charlie. It's time for Connor to take the reins."

Connor has indeed flourished in his role as ruler. His council supports and advises him. He is a strong leader, but also fair and kind. Some call him "The Gentle Monroe". He doesn't mind. Duncan has become his right hand, as well as his lover. They don't speak in terms of future plans, but both are happy where they are. The Republic is most certainly back, though it's a kinder, gentler version than when his Dad had run things.

Miles is in charge of the New Republic's military academy. He thrives there, teaching and advising. Rachel is also an advisor, but as peace has prevailed she finds her input less necessary. In her free time, she and Aaron have begun a small lab where they lead a team of scientists who are trying to discover ways to make life easier, healthier, better.

Gene is running a small medical school. He is not as spry as he once was, but still insists on taking care of his family. He had delivered the baby – a beautiful little girl, and everything had worked out well in spite of Bass' panic and worry that something/anything might go wrong.

One of Charlie's most cherished memories is of when Bass held the baby for the first time. The look on his face had been so loving, so open and sweet – it made Charlie's heart hurt. She could simply not imagine life without him.

As if conjured by her daydream, she hears the door open behind her and Bass enters their room. Her heart skips a beat – even after all this time, seeing Bass does things to her. She grins in his direction and begins walking toward him. The injury has taken a toll, but Bass is still a striking sight. His leg will never be the same, and he has taken to using a cane to help him get around. His limp is less pronounced now but he's never going to be running any marathons. Maybe more striking than the limp is his hair. Bass' curls are now streaked with silver, as is his beard. Like only men can, Bass has aged beautifully. Somehow he's hotter now than he had been before. Charlie sighs happily, her belly full of butterflies – her eyes locked with his. They walk toward each other, smiling.

When they meet in the middle of the room, she falls into his arms. Charlie leans up and touches her lips to his in a soft and tender kiss. He responds in kind, and they are soon lost in each other. The moment is broken by running footsteps and squeals of laughter. A tiny blond toddler comes barreling into the room on unsteady legs. She makes a bee-line for her parents, and jumps up and down, excitedly. "Mommy, Mommy!" she cries, flashing brilliant blue eyes; her white blond curls bounce around her chubby face.

"What is it sweetie?" Charlie asks her daughter, kneeling down to the little girl's level.

"Connor gave me a piggy rides and cookies!" she squeals happily, her eyes dancing with delight.

On cue, Connor enters. He smiles at his Dad and Charlie and then scoops up his baby sister, throwing her high into the air. "You ran away from me, Faith." He shakes his head at her playfully. "You were supposed to stay right by my side."

Bass wraps his arm around Charlie's shoulders and watches his children interact with each other. He and Connor have grown close, and little Faith is the apple of her Daddy's eye. He would have never thought fatherhood could be so fulfilling, but it has become the most important position he's ever held.

"Don't you have a country to run?" Bass teases his son with a chuckle. "We can take it from here, can't we Faith?"

"Yes, Daddy." She smiles up at Bass and his heart melts. "Can I have more cookies?" Bass ruffles her hair and laughs.

"We'll see." He says to her. The pout she gives him makes Bass throw his head back and laugh. "You are your Mother's daughter indeed."

Later, after Faith is fast asleep; Bass and Charlie are cuddled together in their bed. It is soft and big and covered with clean linen. Charlie nestles down, making herself comfortable. "I will never, ever take a real bed for granted." She says with a sigh. "This feels amazing."

"Yeah," Bass agrees, pulling his wife closer. "This will never get old." She can tell by the look on his face that he's not actually talking about the bed. "I love you." He whispers.

Charlie moves near, and kisses him softly. "I love you too Bass Monroe." Her voice is soft, but he detects a catch in it.

"What's wrong Charlie?" he feels tension rising in his gut at just the thought of anything causing her distress. She is his everything and he can't bear for her to be sad.

"Nothing Bass. I'm so happy. Just having an emotional day I guess."

"Well we all get to have those once in a while." His smile is soft. "Anything I can do to help?"

"Mmmmm", she says, her lips pressed against his throat, letting him know exactly what he can do.

Their mouths meet in a kiss that is hot and sweet and gentle. Bass strokes her back gingerly. It doesn't take long before the touch of his fingertips begins to ignite nerve endings up and down her spine. Without breaking from the kiss; she feels her way down his hard chest, running fingers across hardening nipples. Her fingernails scrape ever so lightly across his taut flesh. She tastes his groan as her hand moves lower. She wraps her fingers around his hard cock, firmly but tenderly stroking his length. The kiss becomes urgent, both needing release. He pulls away from her grip and knowing what he wants, she straddles him. He grabs her hips and she guides him home. Fully enveloped by her heat, he looks at his beautiful wife in all her naked glory. God she is amazing. He loves everything about her. She begins to move and he feels the tension building. Reaching up, Bass grasps both breasts in his hands. He kneads them ever so gently. She begins to move faster. Her eyes are closed and her head is thrown back. Bass strokes her nipples and the swell of her flesh tenderly, exploring. She's starting to lose control, and he rests his hands on her hips, slowing her pace and then stopping her altogether. "Open your eyes." He says to her, voice rough with emotion; his cock still buried to the hilt within her folds.

Charlie does as he asks; looking down at him, her eyes are hazy with passion. "Bass," she says quietly, needing him to release her so that she can move against him again. She's so close. "Bass," she calls out louder. He doesn't respond, other than to move back to her breasts, his hands touching, caressing, and searching.

"How far along are you?" he asks with a slow possessive smile.

She opens her eyes fully now, surprised. "How do you…?" she starts.

"Your breasts are so full and tender to the touch. The only time I ever remember you like this was when you were pregnant with Faith." He releases her swollen breasts, moving lower to rest both hands ever so gently on her barely sloping belly. "My baby." He says quietly, proudly.

"Yes." She replies, mirroring his smile with one of her own. "Your baby... our baby…. will be here in the fall." She feels him shudder a little, and then he uses his hands and hips to urge her back into movement. The pace is somehow both tender and frantic. They hold each other's gaze as she shudders to a climax. He follows not far behind, melting into her core. They collapse together in a heap; Charlie's face buried in his neck.

"This is what it's like, isn't it?" he asks, stroking her hair.

"What's what like?" she asks, curious.

"Happily ever after." He kisses Charlie before continuing softly, "That's what we have."

"Yeah." Charlie sighs contentedly against him. She doesn't know what the future may hold, but she knows that as long as she has Bass at her side, she can face anything. "This IS happily ever after."

Epilogue End.