A/N: And it's done! Wow, it's a relief to have this finished. Thank you SO much to all the people who've read and reviewed. You make this worthwhile.

Chapter 24: Epilogue

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The baby stared up out of the worn wooden crib at the glowing night sky of the nursery, its bright blue eyes far wiser than any infant's had a right to be.

Sarah Jacqueline Tyler was not impressed. "Mum said I would have a new playmate. He just... lies there. And he stinks."

Jenny smirked and scooped the baby up, depositing him in the 67th century changing tube she and River had bought for the TARDIS when Sarah was born. "There. Now he doesn't stink anymore." She picked up baby Ian and turned around, raising her eyebrows at Sarah, who was now perched on top of the play cabinet. "What have your parents told you about climbing on things?"

"To always makes sure I have a good grip."

"Other than that?"

The little girl pouted, slumping against the wall and crossing her arms. "To not do it on the furniture."

Jenny arched an eyebrow at her little sister. "Exactly."

Sarah sighed dramatically and clambered back down to the floor. "When are Mum and Dad getting back?"

"Just as soon as they depose the latest tyrant."

The tiny brunette crinkled her nose, which the Doctor had proclaimed just like Rose's (much to his secret relief). "But that's boring. They're always doing that."

Jenny grinned and winked at Sarah. "It's not so boring when you're in the middle of it, sweetie."

"So why can't I go along?"

A new voice interrupted, heavy with amusement. "Not 'till your time senses develop. You know that."

Jenny turned, cuddling her little brother, and Sarah lit up. "Mummy!"

Rose stood in the doorway, her smile as bright as the sun rising. "Hello, loves." She crouched down to Sarah's level and opened her arms, laughing as her daughter launched herself into them. "Have you been good for your sister?"

The four-year-old leaned back and widened her eyes, and Rose smiled at how like her father she looked when she pulled the puppy dog eyes. "Of course I was."

Rose arched an eyebrow. "Of course you were." She glanced up at Jenny, who was biting back a grin. "How was she?"

Sarah sighed loudly. "I just said."

"Yes, dear heart, and I'm getting a second opinion."

Jenny chuckled and settled Ian into his crib before crossing her arms, her eyebrows arched. "Next time, I get to take out the tyrant."

Rose sighed. "You know how your father is about you being around guns."

"Yes, and it's ridiculous. That was years ago."

"For you, maybe. But he's still not used to anything good staying."

Jenny snorted. "Well, he'd better get used to it, 'cause I'm not leaving."

Rose laughed and set Sarah down, giving her a quick kiss on the head before smoothing down her tangled hair. She had definitely inherited that from her father. "I think River might get a little tired of living with the in-laws."

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do." The Doctor swung into the doorway, clapping his hands together when he saw the baby wasn't sleeping.

"Right! We're back into the Vortex—it was a nice chrono-trap they tried to set up, but I've been taking those things apart since I was in school." He swept Sarah up in his arms and laughed as she giggled, and Rose smiled gently at them.

"It just takes time."

FINIS

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