author's note: I never liked the 'expiration date explanation' of last season's finale so I'm ignoring it. :)

Title: Hold Tight

author: Cindy Ryan

To say life returned to normal would be an untrue statement Michaela thought a few weeks later. There was no normal. However, Daly's return had given a sense of closure to the passengers of flght 828. While the Callings and visions weren't explained at least they had something to explain what had happened to their flight.

Unfortunately according to Daly Fiona had been fatally injured as they crossed the horizon of the dark lighting stormed. She'd never regained consciousness. Michaela had been saddened to learn of her death.

There had been no more threats from the mysterious Major. Ben had brought his family home but had changed some of their daily routine. Ben didn't believe the Major had lost interest in Cal and neither did Michaela.

Zeke had allowed Saanvi to take blood samples. They'd confirmed that he had the same markers in his blood as they did. Michaela knew that had been hard for him to comprehend. A few weeks later he'd taken Michaela to the mountain and told her about Chloe. Ben had gone with but kept a respectful distance. They'd erected a small marker in his sister's memory. Michaela thought it'd helped him; she hoped it had.

Jared still wasn't very trusting of Zeke. They'd butted heads a few times. Michaela knew Ben going with her to the mountain had been the only reason she'd been able to go. Jared had to testify in court about a different case and couldn't get out of the trial.

Weeks turned into months. The media found something else to talk about besides flight 828. The Major's men made an attempt to grab Cal one day while he was outside with a science class. Cal had eluded them by running back into the school. The men had either been ordered not to make another attempt or had been ordered off. No further attempt that day was made.

Epilogue

Michaela was now two weeks from her due date and knee deep in wedding plans. She'd never been happier. Michaela had been on desk duty at the station the last few months and was now on a day off sitting at home surrounded by wedding supplies. Jared was in a chair by the window working on a laptop he'd brought home from the station. As Michaela shifted position she caught her breath she'd been having back pain all day. Now that pain had transferred to her stomach. She winced as another cramp hit. Michaela must've made a sound because Jared was at her side gently grasping her shoulders.

"Mic, what is it? You alright?"Jared asked anxiously.

Michaela was about to answer when she felt liquid seep down her left leg. She looked down and fought a wave of paniac as she realized what was happening. She was in labor.

"My water broke."Michaela replied tightly meeting Jared's gaze.

Jared's face lit up with happiness and excitement.

"I've got your bag in the car."Jared exclaimed as he straightened. "Can you make it or do you want me to carry you?"

Michaela stood on wobbly legs as another contraction hit. She gasped and gripped the arm of the sofa.

"Might have to carry me."Michaela replied breathlessly.

Jared quickly put on his coat and wrapped Michaela's coat around her shoulders. He gently lifted her into his arms.

"I love you, Michaela."Jared said as he stepped outside kicking the door shut behind him.

"Love you too."Michaela replied through clenched teeth.

"Everything's going to be alright."Jared soothed as he placed Michaela in the front passenger seat.

Michaela knew he was right. Even with the nerves of being a first time parent she couldn't wait to meet their child.

Five long hours later Jared looked down at the tiny infant in Michaela's arms; their son. James Elijah Vasquez seven pounds; nine ounces. Jared leaned in and kissed Michaela then gently stroked his son's dark hair.

"He's amazing."Jared murmured in awe.

"Yes, he is."Michaela agreed softly.

Jared knew that the mysteries surrounding the return of flight 828 were far from solved even with Daly's return. The Callings and visions were still happening to the passengers. The Major was an ongoing threat whoever he/she was.

None of that mattered now. That moment he and Michela were welcoming their son into the world. They were a family now and nothing would ever change that. Jared had lost Michaela once and he was beyond grateful to have this moment now. He let James's tiny hand grip the fore finger of his right hand. Jared's heart felt so full of love he thought it'd burst.

"I love you both so much."Jared said huskily.

Michaela leaned in and kissed him.

"We love you too."Michaela replied with a smile as happy tears ran down her cheeks.

end