The next few days were a flurry of activity as the entire group temporarily stationed in California to make sure Jimmy settled in okay. In anticipation of her time there, Jessie bought a house on the beach and moved in while the rest of them found a hotel near the Agency facility.

The place looked like a modern medical base stationed a little further west of Malibu, in a quiet area. The building itself was filled with sunlight and looked welcoming. As Jimmy strode the hallways with the family he couldn't remember and wouldn't care to be reacquainted with, he seemed content.

And it was all they could hope for at the moment. Even if Jessie had to bite her lip not to start crying when they left him there for the first night, he didn't seem bothered by it. He didn't seem bothered by much, really, but maybe it was better that way. At least he wasn't in pain. And after Jessie convinced the staff to let her stay overnight, she felt a little better, too.

There was still hope in the world. 

Skye and Sarah had officially joined the group, so Sam and Jerry were a lot more relaxed, smiles on their faces when they weren't discussing Jimmy. Kay had to admit that she too was generally happy. Her heart broke for Jimmy, but as the one with the brother suffering from the same affliction, she believed he would fight it and return to himself. He was one of the strongest people she knew.

So by the time the third day rolled around and she woke up to the California sun shining through her window, it was with a smile on her face. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes.

As usual, Kyle had left for the facility first thing in the morning to relieve Jessie of her surveillance duties. Even if there was hardly any point in staying there over night, Kay couldn't blame her. She'd be doing the exact same thing if it were Kyle. A sunny place filled with friendly staff didn't make what happened go away.

Kay was a little scared what would happen once they returned to Chicago and Lee Hannigan would be within their reach. Even if that asshole deserved more than the beating Jerry had already given him, she didn't think him and Kyle should be in the same room. Ever.

Just as she'd finished getting dressed, there was a knock on the door. Kay opened and let Jessie in, a little confused that her friend hadn't gone straight home to sleep.

"What's going on?"

"Tom called," Jessie said, sitting on Kay's bed and rubbing her eyes. "He's flying over today. Apparently Angie turned tail and ran away. Again."

Kay clenched her fists, fighting the impulse to grab her phone and call Angie to give her an earful. "What? Really? What the hell?"

"No surprise there. She apparently said she needs time to figure herself out."

Kay deflated, the anger being replaced by exhaustion. "After all she's been through, I guess it's fair."

"Yeah." Jessie stifled a yawn. "Tom's not mad at her. It was just an FYI. He said he's aware his fuckup had consequences."

"I really hoped they'd get back together." Kay sat on the bed, too.

Jessie turned to her, one eyebrow quirked, an amused smile on her face. "You? The one who insisted they had no chance?"

"I had my head too far up my ass to realize that Tom never meant to hurt her, just like she never actually meant to hurt him. And he does love her. Not like she didn't screw up, too."

"That's true." Jessie let out a sigh. "I should get some sleep. I just wanted to let you know that I've asked the Agency people to let Jimmy out for the evening. I wanna take you guys somewhere nice and celebrate."

"Celebrate what?" Kay asked gobsmacked. Coming from Jessie, the suggestion was really weird.

"In spite of everything, there are things which should be celebrated properly, Kay." She stood, the tired smile still on her face. "Sam and Skye getting engaged, you and Kyle getting back together. We never really threw a welcoming party for Sarah. And I want to celebrate that Jimmy's still alive. Even if he doesn't understand anything and couldn't care less, I want him to be there."

"Well, that makes perfect sense." Kay stood too and caught Jessie in a tight hug. "Thank you so much, for everything. You really are a wonderful friend."

"That I am," Jessie said with a wink, and let herself out.

♠️

Hidden on a patch of private beach, in the shadows of the bluffs overlooking the ocean, was a small wooden tavern built for private gatherings. With just one room decorated with seashells, anchors, life rafts and helms, it was remote and cozy. It belonged to a nice old man who brought them drinks and finger food, then disappeared into the back room to give them privacy.   

It turned out Jessie knew this place since she was a kid and had used it many times to escape her stifling family. Now, she filled the place with her new family, trying to escape the world outside. It suited Kay fine. She'd rather stay there too and pretend that everything was fine, that Jimmy's smile was genuine and not just drug-induced.

They'd been there for a mere half an hour until Tom joined them, all smiles and jokes, as if Angie hadn't left him, as if Jimmy actually recognized him. An hour later, in general surprise, Angie turned up as well, even if more discreetly and less happy looking.

In a place where reality had no access, it was easy to ignore the bad things, push away they pain. They talked and laughed well into the night, and as she glanced at everyone, Kay's soul filled with happiness. 

She'd never seen Jerry talk so much, and the way Sarah drank him up, her freckled face filled with pride, was more than adorable. They were a shining beacon together, building each other up, making each other happy, and it showed.

Sam and Skye were the same, his arm wrapped around her, though she tended to be a little more snarky in a way that reminded Kay of how Tom and Angie used to be. But Skye also used every opportunity to remind him of all the awesome things he'd done over the years and on their current adventure. 

For the first time, in the safety of the tavern, Sam explained what he'd found in Egypt properly and showed them the photographs he'd taken. They could do little but admire the colors since no one else could read Egyptian, but Sam assured them that as soon as he was done with the translation, he would bring forth wild theories for discussion.

Even if their relationship with the Agency was the tensest it had ever been, he was still determined to get this over with, and Kay agreed. It felt like it was their thing. They'd started it by getting that ruby out, and now they had to finish it one way or the other. But not now. Now, they needed a break and for once, they would take it. 

Everyone agreed, and the sense of community and family the decision brought with it was amazing.

Jessie had been right. There were reasons to celebrate and little things to bring everyone joy. Like the way Angie and Tom kept glancing at each other when the other wasn't looking, or how Jimmy, even if out of it, kept smiling at all of them, hazy but happy.

Kay had thought sitting next to him and Jessie would be torture, that Jessie would be worried and stiff throughout their meeting. But she joked and laughed like everyone else, leaning against Jimmy from time to time. He didn't pull away, just watched her as if he couldn't believe his luck. At one point, he wrapped his arm around Jessie's shoulders and leaned his forehead against hers.

"You're really, really beautiful," he declared with a certainty fitting for the old Jimmy. "I think I love you." And he kissed her on the cheek.

Jessie's cheeks glowed and she laughed, but Kay could tell how much that simple gesture and the words meant to her. If only just for this, her idea to meet at the tavern had been brilliant.

"Hey." Kyle squeezed her hand to get her attention. "Wanna get some air?"

She tore her eyes from Tom who was telling a story involving camels and their benefits over actual cars in the desert. Kyle's request was a little odd, since the story promised to be funny, but she couldn't say she minded taking a break. "Sure."

They waved to the others and left the tavern. The breeze was slightly chilly, but Kay didn't mind. She leaned against Kyle who was a furnace of warmth, and the two of them started down the beach, the sound of the waves and the light of the moon keeping them company.

The hem of her white beach dress got caught in the waves, but she didn't mind. She'd much rather walk through the water. Kyle agreed, so they both took off their shoes and wondered barefooted further down, leaving footprints in the sand. She looked up at him, wondering why he was so quiet.

"Something on your mind?" she asked.

"I've been thinking a lot about what you said to me," he said, his eyes trained forward. "About what you want from us. And even if you never asked, I think I owe you an answer as well."

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but his careful tone was a little off-putting. If he wasn't squeezing her against him as they walked, she would've been a little worried that something might be wrong.

"I'll admit I am a little curious," she said, her tone playful.

It got a smile out of him. "Mine's not going to be so eloquent or flowery. But I do realize I almost lost you and it scared the shit out of me."

"I'm the one who almost lost you. You and your stupid plan to stop that pendulum and get thrown into a wall filled with spikes." She knew what he actually meant, but she didn't want to go back there. It hurt, and on some level, she still felt guilty about the pain she'd caused him. Both of them.

"What happened, happened, Kay." He stopped and turned to face her, holding both her hands. "And I believe it's good that it did. We've learned a lot from all this and we finally figured out what we want." There was a pause as he seemed to be doing some deep thinking. "You want to cook naked for me."

She pursed her lips not to burst into full blown laughter. "I'm sorry I didn't get to yet. But all that introduction for--" She cut off when he squeezed her hands.

"You're crazy, and amazing, and you've given me the best home. I need that home. It helps me cope, function. I also need you, because without you, life is just blah."

"Blah?" Now she really couldn't help laughing even if part of her was really confused by the random conversation.

He grinned. "Now that's a sound I want to hear for the rest of my life."

She cut off abruptly and her eyes widened. It wasn't necessarily what he'd said, but the way he said it that made her realize it wasn't just a throwaway affirmation.

Her shock seemed to amuse him, because he smirked. "I told you I won't be eloquent and flowery. There's just one thing I want from you. A family."

Kay's hands started shaking in his as he got down on one knee in front of her. Everything seemed to freeze, and in that second, she could focus on everything and nothing. The sound of the waves, the salty smell of the sea, the way the moonlight reflected off his hair, and the look on his face that almost set her on fire with its passion.

"Kay, I love you more than anything in this world. And it's not just that I don't think I could ever love anyone else. I don't want to. I want you, and only you, forever. Will you marry me?"

Her breathing stopped. The world stopped. It was just him and her and the little velvet box in his hand, which held a delicate gold band topped with a sapphire surrounded by tiny diamond. It glistened in the moonlight as well, reminding her of the color of her own eyes.

He'd picked up something he was sure she'd love, like he always did. Something that could shine on her finger forever because they were getting married.

"Holy shit," she breathed, then cringed. "Stupid. I'm just nervous. I'm just..."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "You're nervous?"

Ah, crap, they'd only gotten engaged inside her head. He actually needed an answer. And it fortunately slipped out into an excited avalanche. "Yes! Yes! A million times yes!" She barely waited for him to slip the ring on her finger before she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "Yes, yes, yes...." She kept saying between kisses.

"You still have to cook naked for me, though," he said with a grin.

"Any time you want."

He got to his feet, pulling her after him, lifting her off the ground and kissing her. "I'd want that now, but since there's no kitchen, can I interest you in a swim?"

"Yes, please."

And as they shed their clothes, ran into the water, and Kyle wrapped her around him and kissed her again, Kay was sure that few moments in her life would be as happy as this one. And they were all blissfully in the future.

♠️

Once Kyle and Kay left, Tom realized the party was mostly over. Jerry and Sarah retreated into a world of their own, sharing a whispered conversation, while Skye and Jessie were already making plans for the future. It was easy to notice Angie saying quiet goodbyes before she stood and left the tavern.

Knowing her, he was sure she wouldn't figure her way off the beach by herself. This was his chance to show her the way and maybe have one last word with her. Sam noticed him getting up and gave him a small nod which Tom took to mean good luck.

He'd need it. And he hadn't been wrong, since the moment he stepped outside and headed towards the cliff, he saw Angie fumbling in the dark, her phone flashlight on, looking for the staircase that lead up to the boardwalk and civilization.

"The stairs are a little more to your left," he said.

Angie flinched and turned to him, pointing the flashlight straight in his eyes. With a laugh, he covered his face. It reminded him too much of the time they met in Mexico after she ran away the first time.

"Right, sorry." She turned off her phone. "Thanks. It would be easier if they weren't so tiny and dingy."

"That's the whole point of a secluded, private beach." She didn't answer so he guessed she wasn't in the mood for conversation. "So, leaving again?"

"I had to come," she said instead, lingering in the shadow of the cliff. "I couldn't leave you all to deal with this alone. But I now see everyone is mostly fine."

"Except for you."

She let out a bitter laugh. "Is this the part where you tell me I'm a bitch? How I'm crazy for leaving all this behind. You, my friends... Head into nothingness?"

No, because after she'd left him a few days ago sleeping in their bed alone, he'd realized pushing her wasn't going to work. She needed to run and she needed to figure out that it wasn't a solution. This wasn't about him. It was about her, and this was a lesson she had to learn without him.

"Actually, I don't think you're crazy for leaving me. Maybe for staying so long. After all the shit I've put you through, it's amazing you're still standing, breathing."

She took a step forward and the moonlight caught her eyes and made them glitter. Her head was slightly tilted.

"Really?"

"Really, Angie. Even if I don't agree, you think you need this. And if I truly love you, then maybe I should learn to respect your choices and let you go."

"Stop saying you love me." Her words came out harsh, but he sensed the pain behind them.

"But I do."

"I know you do. It's just hard to hear. It makes doing the right thing hard."

He didn't think she was doing the right thing, but he'd meant what he'd said about this maybe being the best for them. At least at the moment.

"Maybe this time you can actually say goodbye."

He really didn't expect her to. He expected her to turn around and disappear into the night. Instead, she rushed forward and caught him in a hug. He hugged her back, squeezing her against him, burying his face in her hair, knowing it was maybe the last time he'd ever hold her. Tears filled his eyes, and he let them fall. They didn't fill him with anger or with shame. She deserved them.

She pulled away and took his face in her hands. Her eyes were also filled with tears, shining like emeralds. "I'll never forget you. What you meant to me."

"I'll never forget you either," he said, his throat raw with the words. And I'll never stop loving you.

He glanced at her, taking in every detail, from her slightly upturned nose, to the way her black hair fell over her forehead, the fire and determination in her eyes and the sheer strength of her. Maybe she was right. Maybe she could and should really do this.

Maybe it wasn't over between them. Then again, maybe it was. But it was so hard to let go of her, to watch her walk away.

He had to. Let her go and watch her fly. "Go on and do your thing," he said.

With one last smile, she let go of him and disappeared into the darkness.

♠️

Sam had discovered that despite his fear of heights, he loved platforms. After Kyle and Kay left, followed shortly by Tom and Angie, the rest of them decided it was time to call it a night. So he and Skye wished everyone left goodnight and made their way up the narrow steps. Once on top of the cliff, they stopped on the first platform overlooking the beach and the ocean.

The height did make him a little dizzy, but not nauseous, so it was a bit like a high. Maybe that's why the word was associated with drugs in the first place.

"What a crazy week," Skye said, leaning her head against his shoulder.

"Definitely." He kissed her hair, a tiny bit of worry sneaking through the calm. "This used to happen more often, you know."

"Do you hope for a long break or short break this time?" she asked.

He pondered on the question. "I'm not sure. It's going to take a while for me to decipher all that crazy ancient Egyptian. Plus, I kinda wanna marry you first." He twisted the eagle ring around her finger, still in awe of how perfectly it fit.

"I was sort of hoping you'd say that." She sighed, sounding content. "So, um, how do you want to go about it?"

"What do you mean?" He frowned and looked down at her. She usually spoke her mind, so it was weird to see her so hesitant.

"Long engagement, short engagement, big wedding, small wedding?" Though she tried to sound neutral, he could tell there was something bothering her.

"I haven't thought about it, but I'm happy to go with whatever you want. If you want a huge wedding with publicity, fine. If you want to elope, hell, Vegas is right this way."

She laughed and relaxed against him. He relaxed as well, glad that she seemed happy again.

"I don't want to elope, Sam, because I don't know about you, but I don't plan on doing this more than once. So I sort of want my family and friends to be there. But no big deal and definitely no publicity."

"Sounds great."

"Can we have it in New York?"

"Wherever you like." He liked this, making her happy with simple words. Plus he'd never actually been to New York and his family could afford the trip over no problem. It would also confuse the press.

"I'm thinking press reasons, not just that my family is there."

He grinned, happy that they were on the same page. "I figured."

"Time frame?"

"Are you going to also ask me about flowers and cutlery?"

She cursed under her breath and it almost made him laugh. "I'm being weird, aren't I? I'm not turning into Bridezilla, I swear. I actually have a reason for all this."

He knew her well enough to guess that, though the reason itself remained a mystery. "Then come out with it, Skye Brandon, bluntness extraordinare."

She turned to face him, her eyes burning with the combination of determination and slight malace that he now found extremely attractive. He'd made fun of her and now she wanted revenge. He could counter her, no problem. 

Bring it on, babe.

"I'm pregnant, Snowflake."

Or maybe not. Sam stared. He blinked, then stared some more, her words dancing around his head, but refusing to get in there and make sense. Air was becoming a little scarce as he realized he was supposed to say something.

Her smile didn't waver, probably because she was used to him by now, but her eyes were a little misty and there was a tenderness in them that finally snapped reason back into him.

"Are you serious?" His mouth, however, remained profoundly disconnected from his brain.

"No, I'm shitting you. Of course I'm serious," she said with a laugh.

It made sense. Because when they'd slept together for the first time, he hadn't even thought to take any precaution. And the time frame also seemed to fit. The more he did the math, the more he didn't care about the specifics because the need to think was overthrown by the happiness building inside his chest.

He picked her up and held her against him, a mad grin on his face. Then he put her down because maybe that was dangerous, but he couldn't help whooping out loud.

Skye laughed, an honest rich sound, and it became obvious that she'd been a little nervous about his reaction. She shouldn't have been. In what world would this not be good news?

"I can't believe it! But I mean, in a good way."

"I could tell from your tone, Snowflake." She hugged him and he hugged her back, drunk on happiness, on her, on the life she was giving him.

He'd honestly never thought he could feel this way. This free, this hopeful, as if the entire world was open before him, ready for the taking. Right before nerves plummeted into him and sank him into an abyss.

"You do want this, don't you?" he asked, looking down at her.

"Of course I do. I actually feel ready."

"I don't. Not really. Not yet." But still, the thought wasn't frightening. He'd been through more than most men dealt with in a lifetime.

He'd jumped into a life of danger and adventure before he'd turned eighteen. So he was young again. Maybe too young for what he was doing. He didn't care, just like he hadn't cared before. A baby he could handle. Especially with her by his ide.

"God, am I glad I proposed to you before this."

Her smile stayed on. "Why?"

"Because then you would've thought it was because of this when I actually want to be with you just because. No other reason. Though this is a damn good one."

"Sam, I know you. I know the kind of man you are. I would've never thought you were doing it out of obligation."

Her words made him so happy, he felt like he could fly off the platform and towards the stars, no fear of heights involved. Because she chased his nightmares away, soothed his soul and helped him face his fears. Nothing could go wrong with her by his side.

"I'll handle it," he said, certainty in his voice. "I always do."

"And you'll enjoy it," she said with a wink. "Because you always  end up doing that as well."

He hugged her tighter against him, then kissed her. That was true. But he had a feeling he'd enjoy this adventure a little bit more.

To Be Continued

And here it is. The final chapter. Closing this monster of a book on a happier note.

Another wedding and another challenge for Sam. At least one that makes him happy.

Also, Angie decided to really leave, and Tom decided to let her go. Maybe they'll meet again. Maybe they won't. I've already shown I'm not above breaking up couples for ever and ever. 😅

I hope you liked the ending and that it made you feel all fuzzy inside.

Huge author's note to follow. Don't forget to leave a vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter.