**EPILOGUE**

Hope you all enjoyed!

The young boy walked stiff legged through the sand. A toddler held onto his fingers firmly while catching a ride on the boy's feet. Her giggles could be heard up and down the beach as the boy laughed with her.

He was a good-looking kid. A lean, precocious 10 year old with sandy colored hair hanging in blue eyes and over a spray of freckles. A devil may care charm already oozed from him much to his mother's chagrin and his father's amusement.

The boy looked up, eyes locking on his father. "Dad! Watch this!"

Guiding the younger child, they crashed like Godzilla over a succession of previously built sandcastles near the water's edge.

Jim (he had formally requested to be called Jim the year before) let out a loud "GGRRRRRR!" which the little girl was quick to imitate in a much higher pitch.

Cal cringed, but managed to refrain from covering his ears as he watched. A smile flickered around his mouth but settled in his eyes.

A hand rested lightly on his shoulder and he immediately took it in his own, planting a kiss on the palm.

"How did you know it was me?"

"ESP darlin'."

Gillian sat next to him on the lounge and stared off toward the children. He pulled his eyes away from the kids so he could study her, noting a few more lines around her eyes and a little more silver in her hair. She was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Today would prove to be just as exciting as it was the first time.

"Cal. You're making me self conscious."

"Sorry luv. Can't help it."

"You almost ready?"

He gazed at her before threading his hand into her hair and bringing her face closer to his. "Without a doubt." A tiny bit closer and he was kissing her gently.

"EWWWW!" Their son's voice cut through the moment.

Gillian giggled, hiding her face, while Cal glowered. "None of that you!"

"Seriously, what kid wouldn't be grossed out by their parents making out at the beach?"

The boy tilted his head to the side, the little girl still holding his hand.

She imitated him with a big screechy "EWWWW!" as well.

"Don't want to see do you?"

"Nope."

"Then don't look ya little voyeur!" Cal kissed Gill again who was still giggling.

The boy gave a look of mock disgust but his eyes twinkled.

Cal glared at him again. "And stop teaching my granddaughter bad habits or I'll have your sister revoke your uncle rights!"

(BREAK)

The ceremony was short and sweet but it was everything they could ever have wanted. It wasn't a justice of the peace performing it as Gillian lay bedridden, it was a minister on the beach of their island as their family played witness. The sunset of layered raspberry and orange stood in for their background when their lips met in a sweet lingering kiss as their vows were officially renewed. They continued to gaze at one another, feeling the world tunnel around them, before their lips met once again.

"EWWWW!" The little girl suddenly let everyone know what she thought of the situation as Jim stood by grinning ear to ear.

Horror crossing her face, Emily swooped up her daughter. "Avery! That's not very nice! Where did you get that?"

Her husband Eric struggled to keep a poker face as he caught the eye of his young brother-in-law. He was only moderately successful.

"Can't imagine luv. Can't imagine." Cal gave his daughter a wink as Gillian smiled and pushed her face into his shoulder.