Epilogue

It was eighteen years later, and the family was gathered around at Marie's home outside on the patio. Sure, she'd been shocked to receive the gift of millions that Flynn had given her, but had never once thought about moving away from the home she and Hank had shared so many years in. There had been upgrades, redecorations of course, but in her heart she had been determined to raise her only son in the environment where he could best get a sense of who his father had been.

Henry had grown into a fine, handsome young man. He'd finished school the top of his class, and was getting ready to join the marines, so that one day he could follow his father's footsteps and join the police academy. Marie wasn't happy about that one bit, but she realized there wasn't much she could do about it. Every bit Hank's son, Henry was hardheaded and once he made a decision, there was no going back on his word.

Flynn, his wife Lindsay, their two children Emma and Ethan were there, as well as Skylar and her second husband Fred. Fred worked at a pharmacy, and had worked hard to provide Skylar with a nice comfortable life. Now that her children were grown, and Holly off at college, she could focus on the latest love of her life- her grandchildren.

Ethan and Emma were five and four, respectively, and kept anyone on their toes. They were both blond and Emma especially reminded Skylar of Holly when she was that age. Yes, they'd all had a hard road behind them, but on this day, there was no place any of them would rather be than with each each other.

Lindsay and Flynn sat together, followed by Holly, Fred and Skylar. Marie and Henry were at the head of the table. To Marie's amazement, Henry had surprised everyone by leaving one chair by Marie empty- in honor of his father.

"Well, we did it, Sky," Marie smiled as she took a drink of her lemonade. "The kids are grown, no mortgages hanging over our heads, Ethan and Emma cute as can be- of course, they would be- they take after their aunt Marie!"

"We did well, didn't we?" Skylar smiled. "Did you ever...did you ever think it would be possible to be this happy?"

Marie noticed that her sister had squeezed Fred's hand underneath the table. "No. I never would have thought it. But you know what...after all we've been through, after all we've suffered and loss...as I look at you all, I can honestly say...I love my life."

Henry kissed her on the cheek. "Oh, Mom...I have something for you..."

"Oh, you didn't...wait..."

But it was too late. Her son walked to his car, and when he came back, he presented his mother with a bouquet of flowers. Purple, of course.

Everyone grinned. "They're beautiful," she laughed.

"Mom, don't tell me you're crying!" Henry teased.

"I just...don't go. You don't have to go to the marines. We can get you out of it. I want you to stay here with me. I don't know what I'm going to do..."

"You'll always have me, Mom. I just...I have to do this. It's not just for me. It's what Dad would have wanted."

Now there was not a dry eye around.

So they talked, ate, laughed, reminisced, and enjoyed each other's company. Pretty soon it was time for Henry to leave. He had a long drive ahead of him, and even though it was breaking Marie's heart, she hugged her son.

"I love you, Henry. Your father...he would be so proud."

"I know, Mom. He'd be proud of you, too."

She looked at him, kissed him on the cheek, and then turned to hug Skylar. She couldn't watch her son leave, even though she knew he was doing what he had to do.

Pretty soon the sound of the engine died off, and then they all stared away in silence.

Flynn pointed at the ground and shouted.."Look!"

"What is it, what do you see?" Skylar asked, straining to see what had caught his attention.

"The tracks...there is only one...one set of footprints headed from the car...but look...there are two going back!"

Everyone stared and Marie covered her mouth with her hands. It looked like her son would have his guardian angel after all.

The end

A/N. I can't thank everyone who's read or commented or supported me with this story. I really hate to end it, but I think I told the story I set off to a few months ago. I hope you enjoyed it, this is one of my personal favorites. Thanks again.