Chapter 45—The End

"Where is that bloody earring?" Rachel grumbled, searching through her jewelry box for a specific pair of ruby studs she'd had for years. She needed to wear them today. It was important. She'd thought originally she would go with the pearls Kara had offered her, but the rubies has been her mother's. She'd kept them safe with her all this time, it seemed appropriate, since neither of her parents could be here for this day. "Ah, there you are," she finally found the other one at the bottom of the wooden box. She sighed with relief, securing the small earring in her other ear before she stood back in front of the full length mirror Tom had purchased her a few weeks prior from someone on base.

Her hands settled on the ivory fabric and she marveled at how perfectly it fit. The base had become a full community, and weddings were a natural part of life. Rachel had found the dress at a small dress shop, and with some alterations, it was a dream. Strapless to show off her petite shoulders, fitted at the waist, but with enough tulle and give underneath to allow the four-month bump she proudly had, without making it noticeable. The dress flared out around her, with a sash tied into a bow behind her. Christine has pulled Rachel's hair up elegantly into a French twist, showcasing her long neck. She couldn't have imagined it more perfectly. She felt at ease. This was right for her, meant to be.

The planning had been easy, the two of them settling on exchanging vows at the base chapel, where almost everyone would attend, and then a small reception back at their house for many of the crew of the Nathan James. They had chosen to keep the reception intimate due to space and because the crew was tight-knit. With Tom as an Admiral, and highly regarded on base, it was only right they invite a larger group for their ceremony, which would be complete with the traditional Arch of Swords upon their exit. The children, along with Jenny and Jimmy, would stand at their sides, and Jed was to give her away. Tears of happiness filled her eyes as she thought through all the details. Tom had let her make this exactly what she'd wanted, which was simple, with their closest friends and family as their biggest part of the event. She'd borrowed Christine's veil that Kara had worn, considered the ruby earrings her something old. Her new was the dress and her special ring, and the blue was a small bracelet Ashley has made from thread Tom had bought her in town. The small braided fabric lay around her small wrist and Rachel touched it lovingly. The children had been an integral part of preparing this event, their fun very important to Rachel and Tom. With the baby on the way, they wanted to make sure neither felt neglected, especially today.

Life has settled into a normal pace, and Rachel was so looking forward to being a wife and a mother, along with being a scientist. Cooking dinner every night, tucking the children into bed, doing laundry and dishes, it all had become mainstays in her life. She worked hard and efficiently all day so she could come home to her family. She wouldn't change this new dynamic for anything. They had come so, so far since Norfolk all those months ago. It seemed like a lifetime had come and gone to get them where they were now. Her hand settled on her small bump through the dress and she glowed. She wouldn't change any of it for anything.

A small knock sounded from the door, and Rachel turned slightly. "Come in," she called, picking up her bouquet from its place in a small vase. The small bundle of Coast Rhododendron, the Washington State flower that grew around their backyard, was wrapped with an ivory ribbon to match her dress. The door opened and Jenny emerged, looking stunning in a tea-length black sleeveless dress, though Rachel knew the tall blonde would look stunning in anything. She smiled warmly at her soon to be sister-in-law.

"Are you ready, beautiful bride?" Jenny smiled brightly, hand on her slender hip, taking in Rachel's ensemble. "You look stunning. Tom is going to die when he sees you."

Rachel blushed, dipping her head a moment. "Thank you, Jenny," she took a deep, cleansing breath before continuing, "I am very ready."

"Well, Mike is downstairs with the SUV, so let's get this show on the road. Ashley is practically jumping up and down in the driveway ready to burst," the blonde chuckled and Rachel couldn't help but laugh at Ashley's antics. Mike had offered to drive her from the house to the ceremony, as Christine had helped her get ready. Tom was already at the chapel, awaiting her arrival.

"Well, let's not keep the poor girl waiting," she picked up the veil off the dresser, carrying it gently down the stairs for Christine to help her with. As she stepped gently down the stairs, she caught sight of Mike and his wife sharing a moment in the kitchen. Mike looked handsome in his whites, his cover under one arm, the other arm wrapped around his wife, who had one hand on his cheek. Christine looked beautiful in a light blue dress. The pair looked wonderful together. Rachel chose not to say anything, but Jenny was always full of sass.

"Oh you two, get a room," she teased, stepping off the stairs behind Rachel. Christine blushed while Mike just rolled his eyes. Rachel loved seeing the happy couple together, knew they also had come a long way from where they'd been upon his deployment to the Arctic.

"Watch that mouth, Chandler," he warned her with a smirk. She only stuck her tongue out at him on her way by. Their familiarity with one another always allowed for the brother/sister banter. He gestured toward the front door. "You look beautiful, Rachel. Your chariot awaits."

Ashley stood by the SUV, her eyes widening upon seeing Rachel for the first time as she stepped out of the house into the mountain sun. The young girl wore a sleeveless navy dress, her long dark hair settling against her shoulders. She stepped toward Rachel, who met her halfway between the house and the black Tahoe.

"You look so gorgeous," she told Rachel, reaching for her hand. Rachel held it tightly, taking the girl's compliment to heart. "I'm so happy you're marrying my dad," she said softly with a beaming smile. Rachel could feel her heart swell in her chest.

"Me too, sweetie. So much," She pulled Ashley in, wrapping her arms around her soon to be husband's daughter, and kissed the top of her head. Mike started the truck, while Christine and Jenny waited to help Rachel climb in without ruining her dress.

"I love you, Rachel," Ashley whispered. Rachel felt her breath catch her in throat, and she squeezed the young girl.

"I love you too, sweet girl," she whispered in reply, leaning back to kiss her forehead. "Let's go see your dad, shall we?" She held Ashley's hand as she nodded adamantly. Rachel smiled broadly, stepping toward the SUV, Ashley tightly to her side.

XXXXX

Mike pulled up to the side entrance of the beautiful base church. Christine and Jenny helped Rachel gently out of the car, Jed waiting in his sharp navy-colored suit by the door. His eyes shined with unshed tears of happiness as she stepped up to him. Jenny took Ashley inside, giving the pair a moment, while Mike and Christine headed inside the front of the church to take their seats with the other guests. Jed took all of Rachel in, clasping his hands over one of hers.

"I am so honored to give you away. Thank you for asking me," he told her softly, eyes searching hers. She sniffled a little, holding back her own tears.

"Thank you, Jed. It means more than you know," and it did. Without her own parents here, he was the next best thing. There's no one else she would have asked. Except maybe Jimmy, but only because of the bond they'd built while they'd been together all that time. But Jed was her first choice, always.

"Tom has been waiting patiently, but he's definitely more than ready for this," Jed helped her up the stairs and inside the church. She stepped carefully, arm linked through his. Jenny and Ashley waited for them by the door to the main hall.

"Maybe we should make him wait a little bit longer, make him sweat it out," the bride suggested playfully, slowing her steps as they neared the door. Jed smirked and Jenny laughed, while Ashley looked worried.

"That's the woman my son is marrying, the fiery one," Jed teased, tapping her hand where is rested on his arm. Darien had always had a way about handling Tom, but Rachel enjoyed pushing the man's buttons in a way that was endearing. She would keep Tom on his toes, Jed knew.

Jenny motioned through the door, and a soft classical tune began to play. Jed squeezed her hand as both Jenny and Ashley prepared for their own walk down the aisle. For the first time, she felt antsy. She wanted to see him. It had been over twenty-four hours since they'd parted ways, Mike and Jimmy taking him out for drinks and then he'd slept at Jimmy's. She missed him, and wanted to see him in his whites, with his Admiral insignia. As the separate tune started, they rounded the corner, as the guests all stood. Rachel had a moment of shock, as she would have never seen this in her future five years ago. But as she stood down the aisle from Tom, there wasn't a place in this world she would rather be.

He looked striking in his whites, standing at the alter, hands clasped in front of him. He was all she saw, eyes locked on one another's. They had a house, children and a baby on the way. But this…they'd definitely saved the best for last.

With each step, she was reminded of every argument, every disagreement, every triumph and every tragedy. All of the moments that had brought them here. Their rocky start, their mistrust, their stolen kisses, their growing love. The gunshot wound, the tears, the dance at Kara and Danny's wedding. The trials, Baltimore, the cure. Neither of them could have ever predicted how any of this would play out. And neither would change one moment.

Tom couldn't take his eyes off of her. Wasn't even sure if he had taken a breath since she'd walked in on his father's arm. There wasn't anything about her that wasn't perfect. This entire moment was perfect. His throat tightened as tears threatened to spill. He'd been fortunate enough to find love once, but twice? There wasn't a word to describe how thankful he was for Rachel.

As Jed stopped in front of his son, with his son's bride on his arm, he turned to Rachel, squeezing her hand one last time. "Welcome to the family, officially," he said softly, kissing her cheek. Rachel smiled, full of emotion, not trusting her voice just yet, as Jed placed her hand in Tom's. He took his seat next to Danny, Kara, and their sleeping baby boy, Dylan, in the front row. Rachel stepped up to stand across from Tom in front of the chaplain. As they settled a moment, Tom took the chance to speak.

"I've never seen anything more beautiful," he whispered, his blues locked on hers. She blushed madly under his gaze, but hers never wavered.

"I love you," she replied, holding his hands tightly. He mouthed it back as the chaplain began the ceremony and the guests were seated.

The ceremony was a blur for both of them. Vows were said flawlessly, full of emotion, as rings were slipped on. Tom had also had his ring made from the ship, a thick, masculine band. Rachel would only wear the one ring he'd made her they decided, she didn't need two she thought. The one was perfect, she'd told him, more than once.

The kiss was serene and slow, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. She grinned against his lips as he pulled back, his eyes opening to capture hers, the pair taking a beat to savor the moment, before the hall erupted in applause and the pair turned to head down the aisle, arm in arm.

As they reached the foyer, Tom pulled her off to the side, into a small room for a moment of privacy. His hands settled on her cheeks, kissing her beaming pink lips. She rested her hands, albeit bouquet, against his elbows, savoring in the kiss, their first alone as husband and wife. She couldn't stop the giddy laugh that escaped her through the kiss. She was met with his own, and a kiss on the forehead.

Before either could speak, the kids were practically running into the room, hugging the pair. Sam latched on to Rachel's waist, and she could feel more tears as he told her how happy he was. Ashley hugged her father, no words needed to be spoken, the broad smile on her face was enough, and she and Rachel shared a knowing glance.

Their small private moment was only such as Jenny was calling for them to step out for their announcement. The entire group of guests had gathered outside the church, and a group of eight officers had assembled to perform the Arch of Swords. Danny, Burk, Miller, Jeter, and Mike were mixed in the group, which Rachel found only fitting. As they stepped to the top of the stairs, the chaplain stood off to the side to announce the pair.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Admiral and Mrs. Thomas Chandler!" The guests erupted in applause as they descended the stairs, under the first set of swords slowly. The second set crossed in front of the pair, and Rachel had a moment of confusion before Tom gently coaxed her into a small kiss. The swords then crossed above them again, and they stepped down, only to be stopped by the next pair of swords. Rachel couldn't help by laugh as this continued until the end. And as they passed Mike and Danny, who were the last two, Mike playfully tapped Rachel on the behind with his sword, before crossing it back with Danny's. Rachel jumped slightly in surprise, looking back at him, eyes wide, only to receive a wink. She laughed, her cheeks pink.

They slowed to greet a few of the higher officers on base, who offered their congratulations. Everything felt surreal, especially for Rachel, who had never experienced anything like this before. She knew many of the officers from dinners and from seeing them around base with Tom, and welcomed their words. Some of them would be attending the reception, but most gave their well-wishes and went on their ways. The rest of the Chandlers went on to receive people at the house, so Tom and Rachel could take their time thanking people for attending.

When they were finally alone in their car, Tom reached over, grasping her hand that now wore the ring of their marriage. "I don't think we could have planned that more perfectly," he told her, pulling out of the parking lot and heading in the direction of their home. She nodded.

"I agree. It was enchanting. I can't believe we're married," she told him, her voice full of awe as she gazed at him as they drove.

"After everything we've been through, too," he added, sending a smile in her direction.

"I do feel we were very lucky," she told him honestly, her voice soft.

"We are," he agreed.

XXXXX

The reception had turned into roughly a hundred people gathered throughout their house and backyard. Rachel and Tom tried to stay together as much as they could, but they spent much of the afternoon apart, talking with their guests, enjoying the glory of their day.

Rachel found him as the crowd was thinning and the sun was setting, looking out over the water, holding Dylan, the Greens' son. He slept soundly in Tom's arms, his little head against Tom's chest. Rachel had helped to deliver the boy two months prior at the base hospital. Kara had been strong, pushing out the seven pound, eight ounce healthy boy. She'd received wonderful care at the hospital, and Rachel actually felt much better about delivering her own there now.

She placed her hand gently on Tom's back, peering at the infant's sleeping features. "I thought you had left me down here to fend for myself," she teased, rubbing his back through his dress white jacket. Tom smiled lightly.

"Dylan was fussing, and I needed an escape. So I offered to take the little guy so Danny and Kara could enjoy some time alone. It was quieter down here." Rachel stared up at her husband with the infant, finding herself wondering if it would be their son or daughter he would be holding soon enough.

"That was sweet of you."

"Yeah, well, I'm known to be sweet occasionally," he winked down at her, kissing her forehead. "How was your wedding day, Mrs. Chandler?" He loved the sound of her new name on his lips. His name.

"It has been truly wonderful, Admiral Chandler," she paused a moment, looking up at him thoughtfully, "I have to be honest, Admiral doesn't have quite the same ring to it as Captain," she told him, her eyes glinting playfully. Tom raised an eyebrow.

"Well, lucky for you, I'm still the CO of the Nathan James, so you can still call me that, if you'd prefer," his voice grew a bit deeper and softer. She licked her lips.

"I do like to call you captain," she moved closer to him, her hand sliding up his back to his neck gently. Tom raised his eyebrows innocently.

"Shhh, not in front of the baby," he replied playfully. She rolled her eyes, laughing.

"Just wait until later, Captain Chandler," she replied, eyes narrowing. He chuckled.

"Oh, I'm counting on it, Mrs. Chandler."

XXXX

The next five months flew by. Tom was busy with weapons testings out at sea, as well as his desk work back in his office, and Rachel was doing new research on a potentially new strain of the virus another ship had picked up overseas. She didn't handle the actual samples anymore, now that her pregnancy was progressing, but she oversaw the paperwork and the research. It had been an argument for her safety, and the safety of their unborn child, that Tom had won. She'd been angry and defeated, but in the end she did see his point.

The kids had settled into their routine and were excitedly awaiting the birth of their brother or sister. They had decided to let it be a surprise, wanted to keep everyone guessing. The game of what name they would choose had also become an enjoyable regular around the house, one that was never-ending.

She was due the following week, and Tom had been at sea the last two days. He was due home that afternoon, and Rachel was thankful, as she'd been feeling more and more restless. It was Saturday morning, and she was utterly thankful for the day without work. She never thought she'd find herself thankful for a day off, but now, at nine months pregnant, a day off was a blessing.

She pulled a fresh load of laundry out of the dryer, carrying the basket to the couch to fold. She was lost in thought, trying to think of what to make for Tom's return dinner, and a tightening sensation in her belly, full of surprising pain, knocked the wind out of her. She sucked in her breath and grasped her belly, waiting for the moment to pass. When it did, she sighed with relief, only to find herself feeling another sensation she hadn't quite expected. Shock didn't cover her emotion. Her water had just broke. Changing her clothes, she opted to finish folding the clothing, and time her contractions as they happened. She would wait for Tom here, and then they would go to the hospital together, she decided. As long as she could wait.

XXXXX

Tom pushed open the door to the house, dropping his bag on the floor. It was quiet in the large house, but as he checked his watch, he realized the kids weren't home from school yet. He shut the door, stepping further in. "Rach, I'm home!" he called out. When he wasn't met with a response, he went in search. Her car was in the driveway. Maybe she was taking a nap?

His two days at sea had been productive, but it made him miss home. He missed his family now more than ever it seemed; it was hard being away. Harder than before the outbreak, before the Arctic. There was so much worry that sat with him when he left them on the dock. He'd been going underway every other week for two or three days at most. They did mostly weapons and sonar testing, it was detailed and intricate. But he loved it. Loved being an Admiral.

But he also loved being a husband and a father. The two duties pulled at each other often.

Heading up the stairs, he stepped quietly as he reached their bedroom. He found Rachel laying on her side in the bed, smiling at how round her belly had become. He'd watched her blossom into a beautiful pregnant woman, all belly. She was tough, hardly complained, and was always very matter-of-fact about her aches and pains. Lately she'd been having Braxton-Hicks contractions, and had been enjoying them, the body's preparation for delivery. He was just glad she hadn't gone into labor while he'd been at sea. He'd told his superior that this would be his last short tour until after the birth, for fear he'd miss something. He knelt down by her side of the bed, and her eyes opened slowly.

"You're home," she said softly. Tom nodded, brushing her wet hair behind her ear.

"I am. Did you just shower?" he asked curiously, running his hand down her arm, to rest against her belly. She nodded against the pillow.

"I did," she seemed about to continue when he could feel her belly harden under his hand and her eyes closed again. He knew that feeling, it happened with the Braxton-Hicks, but something about her expression told him this was hurting.

"Babe?" his voice was laden with concern as he waited for her to breathe again. After a moment, the tension eased and her eyes opened, as she took a few panting breathes.

"My water broke," she said it so easily, Tom was sure he had heard her wrong. Furrowing his brow, he leaned closer to her.

"What did you say?"

"My water broke," She placed her hand on his, and a small smile covered her face. "You're going to meet your baby soon," she told him, her tone telling him of her excitement. He wasn't listening however, immediately looking around the room.

"Why are you still here? Did you call Jenny? She could have taken you to the hospital. Come on, get up, we've got to go!" His voice was frantic as he stood, finding the hospital bag they had packed last week for just this very moment. She didn't move however, simply chuckled as she heard him run down the stairs, bag in hand. He reappeared five minutes later, looking exasperated. "Rachel, unless you want to have this baby here, I suggest we get to the hospital."

"Why rush? My contractions are 15 minutes apart, and they have been. Nothing is progressing quickly. I'd rather lay here and suffer through them until they're closer, than lay in a hospital bed with a bunch of nurses about," she waved for him, and distraught, he walked to her, sitting down beside her. She grasped his hand. "Just sit with me. I promise, when they get closer, we'll go. I've already called the doctor and she said this is just fine," she reassured him. Tom didn't look convinced, his nervous expression making her laugh.

"I still think we should go…" his voice drifted off, but she shook her head.

"Change your clothes and lay with me," she requested. Glancing down at his duty whites, he nodded. He made his way to their closet, where he slipped into jeans and a long sleeve tee-shirt, before laying down behind her. His hand rubbed her belly as they lay in silence, waiting for the next contraction. As he encouraged her to breathe through it, he had the surreal thought that their child was about to enter this world. And though this was his third, the miracle never seemed to be any less of exactly that.

"I still really like Felicity," he told her once the pain had subsided, "Or Chloe. I'm not opposed of Thomas Jr for a boy either," he added, his voice betraying his teasing grin.

"So you've said about ten different times," she teased back, slowing her breathing. "I'm thinking it will come to us when we see him or her. What about Samantha? Or Grace? Maybe John, Jack for short, if it's a boy."

"I never understood why people named a child John and called him Jack for short; it's the same amount of letters…"

"Well, I like it."

"And I like Thomas, Jr."

"All right, if it's a boy, he'll be Thomas Jr," she relented with a laugh. She really didn't mind it, enjoyed teasing him about it. But she really felt it was a girl.

"It's definitely a boy," Tom added, kissing her temple. She shook her head.

"Nope, I think it's a girl."

"Well, we're finally going to find out, aren't we? Let me call Jimmy to get the kids from school. And I'll let him run by the store and let Dad know not to come home," Jed had taken up working at the base hardware store to pass the time, thoroughly enjoyed it. Jimmy was working as head of security at Rachel's lab, could easily escape for a few minutes and grab the kids.

"This could take hours, Tom. I made dinner for the kids, let them come home and get settled, and we'll have them come by once the baby is born."

"Are you kidding? They'll want to be right there in the waiting room, Rach. They're so excited."

"I know, I just don't want everyone to be waiting, chomping at the bit for this baby. He or she may take their sweet time," she warned as another contraction started to sear through her. Tom waited until it had passed, checking his watch.

"Those last two were ten minutes apart. I'd say he or she will be making an appearance sooner than you'd think. How long have you been at this anyway?" He sat up, helping her into a sitting position slowly.

"Only four hours."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Rachel Chandler! You should have taken yourself to the hospital! What if you'd been here all alone when the baby had decided to come?"

"I would have called your sister," she replied back, matter of fact. And that had been her plan if he'd been late getting home. Jenny already knew her water had broken, was prepared for the call. Rachel had requested Jenny not come though, she wanted to struggle through on her own until Tom got home.

"You're going to be the death of me, woman. Let's go, I'm not taking no for an answer this time," he helped her to stand, walking her toward the door very slowly, her hand clutching his.

"Promise me you will not drive like a maniac," she looked up at him as they made their way down the stairs to where their shoes and the bag awaited them.

"You let me worry about my driving. I will get us there just fine."

"At the speed of light, I'm sure."

"How can you have so much attitude while you're having contractions?"

"I'm not exactly a weak woman, if you weren't aware already. I survived being shot by your brother, I can birth your child and tell you to drive the speed limit at the same time." He helped her into the SUV, throwing the bag in the back seat, all the while huffing at her reply.

"That child better stay in there until we're at the hospital," he warned, his eyes wide and weary. Rachel laughed slightly.

"Don't worry, it will," she replied, as another strong contraction took over. Tom put the car in drive and hit the gas, his nerves taking over.

XXXXX

"Grandpa, how much longer? I feel like we've been here for days," Sam asked tiredly from his place in a chair across the waiting room. Ashley nodded from where her head lay against Jimmy's shoulder.

"I didn't know it took so long to have a baby," she added, yawning. Jenny nodded sympathetically at the young girl.

"Well, you see, the baby has to move its way down into the birth canal—"

"Jen, I don't think they need to know the graphic labor details at 10 and 14," Jimmy interrupted, covering Ashley's exposed ear. Jenny rolled her eyes.

"It's a natural part of life," she defended, crossing her arms.

"Maybe for another time, when I'm not around," he made a gagging face, going back to his report he'd been reading.

"When you and Valerie decide to have a baby, you're going to see it all, James," Jenny informed him, raising her chin up defiantly.

"Valerie and I still have a long way to go before we're married, let alone having children. Maybe when that happens, I'll be adult enough to handle it," he snapped back, not bothering to look up at his sister.

"You two, take a note on how the younger Chandlers are behaving, please," Jed suggested, shaking his head at his two younger children. They both grew quiet as Tom finally pushed open the doors leading back to the delivery ward. Ashley and Sam were on their feet at once, scrambling toward their father. His proud smile told them all had gone well.

"Daddy! What happened? How is Rachel and the baby? Did she have the baby?" Ashley asked excitedly, grasping one hand while Sam grasped the other. Tom nodded.

"She did. A baby girl, six pounds, eleven ounces, born about forty-five minutes ago. A tiny thing, but perfectly healthy. Rachel and the baby are both doing great," Tom took the congratulations hugs from everyone, so happy he could burst.

"What name did you pick?" Sam asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Tom grinned. "Why don't you go back and ask Rachel yourself," he encouraged. He excused them from his family, telling them he'd be back for them, before leading the kids down the long corridor to the quiet patient room where Rachel was sitting up slightly in bed, looking as tired as ever. Her hair was piled up on her head, but the smile on her face told both children she was happy and well. They crept toward the bed, where the small infant lay in Rachel's arms. Her little eyes were closed, and she seemed to be sleeping.

"Ashley, Sam, meet Madelyn Theresa, your new little sister," Rachel introduced her to the pair, tilting her arms to show them her round face. She explained that Madelyn had been a name in her family, while Theresa was their father's mother's name. At no point were either name something they had discussed, but now, it fit. The children agreed.

"Little Madelyn," Ashley ran her finger over the baby's blotchy cheek.

"We'll call her Maddie for short," Tom explained, thinking back to just minutes before when he and Rachel had made the decision. He couldn't be happier, and knew his father would feel the same, with the use of his mother's name. He wished she could have been here for this moment.

"Can I hold her?" Sam asked quietly, sitting down in the chair next to the bed.

"Me next!" Ashley jumped in, stepping closer to Rachel.

"You both can, but you need to be very gentle," Tom took his infant daughter from his wife, kissing Rachel's forehead as he did so. He was so proud of the gallant effort she had put forth in birthing their little bundle of joy.

Rachel watched as the children took turns holding the sleeping baby, and wondered how the next five years of her life would play out. She'd never seen any of this coming, but now, as she watched the scene before her, she couldn't help but wonder what the next five years had in store. If someone had told her that the kiss on the Vyerni would lead to this, she would have laughed out loud and told them they were crazy. But now, as she lay in a hospital bed after giving birth, watching the love of her life with their three children, she couldn't imagine her life playing out any differently. She was so incredibly happy, relaxed, at ease. She wouldn't trade a moment for anything.

Tom caught her glossy eyes over the children's heads, gave her a soft, loving smile. He wanted to keep this moment forever, wanted to live in this euphoric state for the rest of their lives. And somehow, though he knew there would be hard moments along the way, he knew they would. The world was scary, and nothing came easy in this day and age, but he had the four people in this room, and the three in the waiting room. His family. If there was one thing important to Thomas Chandler, it was family. Now above all else.

XXXXX

I have to say, ending this story brings tears to my eyes. I have acknowledgments that will come after the epilogue on Wednesday, but I do need to say thank you to DBos83 (Diana) on Twitter, for allowing me to use Dylan as the name of Kara and Danny's baby. I do sincerely hope they use it on the show!

I cannot believe season 2 is upon us in 7 days! It has been quiet a ride with this little story. Thank you for the reviews, the encouragement, and the favorites and follows. While I am sad to end this story, I am happy to have brought it to an end that seemed fitting. We'll catch up with the clan in the epilogue I already have planned, but I wanted to cover these two most important moments in their lives together. I also left it so I can expand with oneshots on this chapter, or others, while S2 progresses, before I dive into another chapter fic. If you have a oneshot in mind, please let me know, I will definitely be taking suggestions.

Again, thank you for reading and reviewing! I thoroughly enjoyed writing this story for you, as I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Happy #SaveTheWorldSunday, y'all! A week from now we'll be watching the premiere!

Have a great week everyone!