Title: What the heart wants
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

epilogue

Eddie watched his one month old daughter Alyssa Marie sleep. It'd been hectic few months to say the least. They'd found a condo not far from Eddie's office and had just barely moved in before the baby had talked about marriage. However since their romantic relationship had started so unconventionally they'd decided to just try normal for awhile before adding marriage to the mix.

It was now nearly three in the morning he'd been on a stakeout all night. He'd made progress with the case; gotten the photos he needed. Most of the time he was working Eddie was thinking of how much he couldn't wait to get home. It was amazing how much his life had changed.

Leaning on the crib's rail Eddie leaned down and very lightly touched Alyssa's right hand. So very small. She had Sam's light brown hair and his eyes. Part of Eddie still couldn't believe someone would be calling him Dad.

"Thought I heard you come home."Sam said softly as she entered the nursery.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."Eddie replied as he straightened and pulled Sam into an embrace and kissed her.

"It's okay."Sam said as she rested her head on his chest as she looked down at their daughter. "How'd the stakeout go?"

"Good, should be wrapping up the case soon."Eddie replied quietly. "Was thinking of taking off early tomorrow afternoon. We can take Alyssa to the beach."

"Sounds wonderful."Sam agreed.

Eddie took Sam's right hand and led her out of the nursery. As he gently closed the door Eddie knew that as much as he'd never imagined this outcome for his partnership with Sam he was grateful. Every day with their daughter had been amazing. Life wasn't perfect whatever lay ahead Eddie and Sam would handle it as a family.

End