"I can't believe it."

Jerry lowered his book and glanced at Sarah from his position on the couch. She sat at the kitchen table, her hands balled into fists under her chin, glancing at the laptop in front of her.

"I can't believe it," she said again, her fists now bumping against each other.

"What happened?" He sat up and dropped the book to the floor.

"I go it." She turned shining blue eyes towards him. "Remy, I got the job!" With a cry of joy, she jumped out of her chair and landed over him on the couch.

"Really?" he asked, his excitement bursting forward. "I mean of course you did, you're brilliant!"

She kept laughing, tangling herself with him on the faded green couch until she finally pinned him down and glanced at him, her face so close he could count her freckles.

"I can't believe I'm going to be a guidance counselor," she said, her smile growing. "Thank you."

He loved how close she was, how full of life, how excited. And the news filled him with pride and enthusiasm. "Why thank me? This is all your doing."

"Not true." She leaned so close, their noses almost touched.

"Seriously, I have nothing to--" His words were cut off when she leaned in and planted her lips over his.

"If it wasn't for you, for how safe and secure you make me feel, I would've never dared to apply for any job involving children." She pulled further back, still straddling him. "And look around you! You've changed my life so much."

"Sarah, I just brought some furniture into your kitchen." Which made total sense since the room was huge.

He'd moved the couch and the library cases from the tiny living room and added an armchair, lamp and some much needed appliances, like a coffee machine. With just a loveseat and the TV left, the living room looked much better. They didn't use it much either way because she wasn't a fan of watching movies over reading either.

He'd also made sure to get her curtains and drapes to give them intimacy when needed. It only felt fair to contribuite since he spent so much time there, using her things and eating her food.

"That's not true. You've brought a lot more into my life than furniture." Her eyes sparkled and he could tell there was something on the tip of her tongue that she couldn't say.

What surprised him was that, for the first time since starting to date, he actually knew what it was that she wanted. It was obvious from the way she looked at him, from the way she smiled and wrung her hands with nerves. She was afraid that her outburst was pushing his limits because she yearned to say something they never had yet.

It was beyond silly that she still thought he had limits when it came to her. Maybe it was his talk with Jimmy about Jessie or all the weddings on the horizon, but he was done stalling. Done being afraid of his feelings.

"And you have no idea how much you've brought into mine." He put his hands on her cheeks. She was so wonderful, so delicate, so real. And he'd never been happier or more comfortable with anyone in his life. So the words flowed easily, honestly. "I love you, Sarah."

She let out a tiny squeal which was maybe the most adorable sound she'd ever heard. "I can't believe you said it."

He laughed. "Are you serious? I think it's been pretty obvious for a long time now. I'm basically living here."

"Move in, then."

His eyes widened. "Sarah, wha--?"

"Wait." She pushed her hand against his chest to shut him up and seemed to be panicking again. "That wasn't supposed to come out yet. I was supposed to tell you that I love you too, first."

He pursed his lips, trying his best not to burst out laughing. "Stop being nervous around me. There's nothing you can say or do to make me change my mind or my heart. You're it."

Her smile seemed to brighten the world. "Then move in with me, because you're totally it and I don't want to spend another day without you."

It sounded heavenly and he couldn't say no when she was looking at him like that. The best part was, he couldn't even think of a reason to say no. So he just nodded and was rewarded with an excited kiss. But with his decision to make their relationship officially serious, a shadow fell upon them and he stiffened.

Sarah pulled back immediately, eyeing him warily. "I've overdone it, haven't I? You're freaked out."

He shook his head, because no, he wasn't, but she was about to be. It may have taken almost four months to admit it to himself, but he wasn't about to walk out on her, which meant there were a few things he needed to come clean about.

"I'm not freaked out." He picked her up and placed her next to him. "But I need to tell you something which I've been avoiding like the plague." He took in a deep breath and was relieved to see that she just looked curious rather than scared or confused that he'd been keeping secrets from her. "This means a lot to me, moving in with you."

"Me too," she interjected.

"Which means you are very important to me. I don't just tell people I love them unless I'm one hundred percent sure I mean it." Crap, why was this so hard to get out? But he had to. So with a deep sigh, he said, "I'm not working for NASA alone."

She titled her head and for a grueling moment said nothing. Jerry clenched his fists, trying to calm his nerves. Why wasn't she asking anything?

"You know, I kind of figured," she finally said, hugging her knees. "You carry a gun whenever we go out, Remy. At first, I thought it was because of Snitch Gravel, but the attacks have stopped since your dad died." Her eyes widened with sudden understanding . "Are you a secret agent?"

He opened his mouth to deny it, but realized he actually was, even if not the fancy movie kind. "Sort of. I mean, yes, but not the kind you think."

And he launched into the story Herrison told them what seemed like centuries ago. How they were working around the world to make it a better place, how they wanted to solve the energy crisis. How they didn't answer to any government, but to them all. How maybe it was all a lie and everything was more nefarious than it looked.

"What happened to Jimmy..." He sank his face in his hands. "We're not sure who did it and what he knew. I swear, my trust in the Agency is at an all time low."

Sarah leaned into the back of the couch, chewing on her lower lip. "You have every reason. But wow, Remy. This is huge."

"I know, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you..."

"Nonsense. Your own mother doesn't know. I'm glad you told me." She raised her eyes to him, determination burning in them. "You've got this. We've got this."

He wrapped her in a hug and pulled her into his lap. "Thank you." He leaned his head on her shoulder wondering if she knew how much her acceptance meant to him. "You know, this might mean you're in danger as well."

"Better in danger than without you," she mumbled and he held her tighter. "I don't just say words either. I meant it. I'll be there for you. No matter what."

He raised his face and she leaned in and gave him a slow, lingering kiss. He could sense the determination in her posture, her bravery coming through, accepting her role as his rock. This was love. Real love.

His phone started ringing. They broke off, still smiling at each other, and he fished it out of his pocked. It was Sam.

"Sam apparently wants us there faster," he said, and answered the call. "We're taking off in two and a half hours--"

"I know, Jerry. I actually know when everyone is landing," Sam answered, sounding a little worried. "I just wanted to give you a heads up."

Jerry frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Weeell, I sort of did a really stupid thing and invited Tina to the wedding."

There was the tiniest jolt in Jerry's stomach. Sarah raised her eyebrows, having obviously heard. But then she just shrugged, so he guessed she felt as little about it as he did.

"That's okay," he said. "I don't mind if you want her to come." Though he found it weird since Tina and Sam had never actually interacted much.

"Want is a strong word. Skye invited Christine and Tina is sort of her plus one."

"Skye invited Christine," he said, in disbelief.

"Wow, Skye is a genius," Sarah whispered.

Jerry turned to her, shocked by her affirmation.

"Anyway, I'm glad you don't mind. It didn't even cross my mind at the moment and Skye was nice enough to point out that I'm a huge moron."

"No, don't worry about it." He was still a little dazed about the Christine thing, but it was Sam's call after all.

"Thanks, Jerry. Can't wait to see you guys."

"Likewise. See you soon." Jerry hung up and turned to Sarah and narrowed his eyes at her. "How is Skye a genius?"

"Seeing is believing, Remy," she said with a shrug. "This way, Christine can't deny what happened."

"This means you won't mind that Tina is coming for the same reason?"

Sarah's eyes widened, but it was in a wondrous way, as if this was an opportunity of some sort. "It's going to be fascinating to meet her," she said.

"Eh, more like anticlimactic. She keeps to herself a lot and you won't even talk to her, most likely."

"No matter." She climbed back into his lap, an alluring smile on her face. "I meant what I said. Seeing is believing. And maybe if she sees how much you've grown, she'll be motivated to do the same."

Jerry pondered on this, though it was hard to focus with her so close. "That's a nice thought."

"I'm a nice person."

She was a perfect person, and he was never going to get tired of telling her that.

🎊

The cottage Jessie had picked for her stay in California was perfect. Located directly on the beach, far away from any form of civilization, with just two rooms and a large patio, it was peaceful and quiet.

Kyle leaned his forearms against the wooden railing and looked towards the ocean, enjoying the feel of the breeze on his face. To his left, leaning against the wall, were two surfboards.

"I sometimes wish I could feed you alcohol."

Jessie joined him on the deck, two glasses in her hand. She passed him the clunky one filled with orange juice. He could tell by the smell the other had alcohol in it.

"I'm sorry. Don't have reasons to get drunk lately."

"I won't be able to much longer either. Already, if I don't douse it in fruit juice, it makes me nauseous."

"Yikes."

Jessie hummed, her green eyes lost in the distance. She'd developed a golden tan, and her hair was a little shorter than before, beads braided around locks of curls. She wore shorts and a tank top and her feet were bare. Despite her casual look and the air of well-being surrounding her, Kyle wasn't fooled. There was something dark there, bubbling just underneath the surface, destroying her ability to consume alcohol.

"How are you holding out?" he asked.

"It's so frustrating," she mumbled. "They're limiting my access more with every passing week." She punctuated the affirmation with a large sip from her glass.

He frowned. "Want us to do something about it?"

"That's what's so frustrating. I think they have a point. I can't just be there every single minute of every single day. Jimmy sleeps a lot and sometimes my presence agitates him for some reason. Plus..." She heaved a sigh. "I hate seeing him like that. I thought I'd get used to it, but it only gets harder as hope sort of... Fizzles." She finished the rest of the drink and lowered her glass on the patio floor.

Kyle gritted his teeth and focused on the beautiful landscape before him, sipping his juice. Yes, he could feel her frustration. Now and in every phone call they'd had over the past two months. He could understand her perfectly because just the thought of Jimmy being locked up in there, being fed formula after formula like a lab rat, had his blood boiling and his mind on the brink of a destructive blackout. It must be even worse for her.

"How's your control?"

"Good, actually." She waved her arm to indicate the beach. "I love the beach. It's quiet and I surf. It's easy to contain it, to calm myself down. I'm handling it."

"I'm so proud of you."

She turned to him, her eyes a little misty. "I really miss you guys. It's so hard being here alone. I'm actually glad for the tiny break and that I get to see everyone."

"Yeah, the wedding will be fun. I'm sure even Jimmy will enjoy it."

"Yeah..." Jessie turned away again, watching a crab making its way across the sand. She sounded exhausted and not half as glad as he expected her to be since they'd managed to get Jimmy out for a few days.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I hate the idea of drugging him," she muttered so low that he almost didn't catch it.

"I do, too, but I do think it might be the best alternative."

"I know it is. I saw how he can get. It's no joke, he can be very dangerous. And damn it, I never thought I'd say something like that about him. Or about you."

"I am very dangerous," he said with a grin, then downed the rest of his drink.

It only got a small smile out of her, and he felt like crap. His heart ached for her and for his brother, and he had to be realistic. She was his best friend, and this was eating her alive.

"Jessie, have you considered coming home?"

She turned to him, her eyes narrowed. A sudden tension grasped her body, accompanied by a worrying chill. "What do you mean?"

His jaw tightened and he straightened, his own body instinctively reacting as if a threat was near. He knew what it was, but he still had to say it. It was part of the reason he was there. Because it had been four months and Jessie's life had gone to hell.

"I mean you're basically throwing your life away at this point. Don't you think you should consider... I don't know. Moving on?"

The slap that followed was so powerful, he swayed on his feet and dropped the glass. It clattered on the wooden deck, still in once piece. The sense of danger coming from her increased tenfold, but he knew she wouldn't lose it.

"Don't ever dare say something like that again," she said between her teeth. "I'm never going to abandon Jimmy. I don't care how hard it gets. I'm going to make sure those idiots at the facility find a cure even if I have to develop it myself."

Kyle fought back a grin of pride and kept his straight face. "Don't take it the wrong way."

Jessie instantly deflated and looked away, rubbing her left arm. "I'm sorry. I know you meant well, that you're only looking out for me, but..." She raised her eyes, and her gaze was once again fierce. "He's your brother."

"And I love him, but yeah... I'm your brother, too. And this had to be said."

That earned him a hug and it made the sting in his cheek hurt less.

"Thank you," she whispered. "But I mean it. Don't ever say that again, or I'll kick your butt."

"Boy, am I glad Kay didn't come over to do this then."

Jessie laughed. "I wouldn't have hit her. I know my own strength." She checked her watch. "We have another hour until we can go pick him up and I'm all packed." Her eyes drifted towards the ocean. "Want to go surfing?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

Because those were the moments when Jessie looked truly peaceful and she needed that more than ever. And, to be fair, he loved it too. It was a great way to spend quality time together and forget about anything else for a while.

🎊

Skye watched Lucy wandering around the kitchen, trying to keep her smile in. Her friend hadn't changed much, even if they hadn't seen each other in maybe two years. Still easily excited, still hyperactive, still a smartass.

"Here we go." She flopped on the couch, a huge bowl of popcorn in her hands. "Are you ready for our gossip session?"

Skye laughed. "You need popcorn for gossip?"

"It's bound to be needed." She put the bowl on the coffee table and picked up the guest list instead. "After all, your wedding will be full of B-list celebrities. "

"B-list?"

"I actually had to look them up. I had no idea your future husband was a press darling."

Skye fought to keep her smile up and not wince. The press hadn't been kind to Sam or his family lately, so darling was totally not the word.

"Though I don't blame them," Lucy said, focusing on the list. "He's so hot. And I'm not saying that based on his twin alone. Though damn."

"Liked Tom, didn't you?"

Lucy nibbled on her lower lip with uncharacteristic hesitation. "Are there warning signs?" she finally asked.

Skye frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The meds. I know you can't tell me what they're for. So, as your friend... As your best friend, should I stay away from him?"

Oh, right. A million thoughts invaded Skye's head. The Agency, the team, Snitch Gravel, the depression. Angie. Angie confiding in her. Tom most likely still being in love with her. The danger, the death, the complicated romance. The way the Grant brothers loved. Passionately and indefinitely.

But Sam had gotten over Christine. Jerry had gotten over Tina. And they were both happier for it. And as much as Skye had liked Angie, what she'd done to Tom had sucked. Sam had mentioned she'd actually slept with Tom before disappearing again. Maybe he deserved a chance to be happy again.

"That bad, huh?" Lucy asked with a pained smile that proved she was already infatuated with him.

Not that Skye could blame her. Tom could be extremely charming if he put his mind to it. And it appeared he had with her.

"No, don't get me wrong. Tom's a great guy."

"But?"

Skye sighed. "But he's in a rough place right now."

"Anything I can do about it?"

Gah, why did this have to depend on her? "Lucy, you're both adults. He'll let you know. But no, I'm not warning you against him, if that's what you wanted."

Lucy's hesitance disappeared in a flash and she grinned from ear to ear. "How cool would it be if we married twins?"

A laugh escaped Skye. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. You and Tom are a long way from marriage."

"Yeah, I know." She let out a sigh. "But every time I go to a wedding, I get in the mood, ya know?"

Yes. She knew. After all, Kay had helped her plan half of the wedding in anticipation to her own.

"Just test the waters first. And if it works, it works."

"True," Lucy said, checking out the guest list again. "You're marrying into an awesome family, ya know. I've already spoken to my bride's maids. They're all really cool."

Skye smiled. "Yes, they are."

Even Angie was, even if right now Skye was a tiny bit annoyed with her. Sam had a point. She could've at least told them she wasn't coming and not screw with everyone's plans and schedule.

"So, tell me all about them." Lucy turned on the couch to face her best friend. "Because come the wedding, I want to be annoyingly familiar with everyone. And I need to know all about your romance with Sam if I'm to make an appropriate speech."

Of course she needed to. It was romance-novel-worthy after all. Or maybe adventure novel.

After all, adventure and romance were what every girl wanted.

🎊

"We're going where?"

Christine ignored Tina's voice as she ransacked her closet for her best dress. Trouble was, she wasn't sure which one that would be. She only knew which one not to get. The long velvet black one she'd worn the night Sam had finally found her cheating.

Her fists clenched around the soft silk of a blue dress. She'd been so stupid, so self-sufficient, thinking she could juggle two guys just because it made her feel special. All she'd had to do was talk to Sam, tell him how she felt, and this would've never happened.

"No, Christine, you're not going to Sam's wedding," Tina insisted.

"Why not? Skye invited me and I said yes, so it would be rude not to go." She dropped the blue dress and continued searching.

"I know you. You'll just try to break them up, or ruin the wedding."

Christine turn around, bile raising to her mouth. Her sister glared daggers at her, as if she'd already done it. Christine hadn't even considered doing something like that. The thought, however, was a little bit thrilling. Could she do it? Would seeing her again change Sam's mind about marrying another woman?

She shook her head, beating away the thought. That was not why she was going. If it happened, so be it, but she was not going to try and ruin it on purpose. If she wanted to keep Sam in her life, even as a friend, she had to roll with this and prove understanding.

"That's not why I'm going," she said to Tina. "Thanks for the confidence, though"

Tina huffed. "Did you ever give me any reason to trust you?"

"Ouch." And half-fair. But Tina hadn't been much better either, leaching on Jerry for all those years, unable to appreciate that he'd given her sorry ass another shot. "Look, if you don't want to come, I understand. Jerry's going to be there with his new girlfriend. I just asked in case you wanted to be there."

Tina clenched her fists, her gaze boring into Christine with something akin to hatred. Christine sighed and returned to her closet. This was getting tiresome. Yes, she'd teased Tina repeatedly and it apparently took its toll on her self esteem, but she was a twenty-five year old woman and it was about time to stop acting like a victim all the damn time.

"No, I am coming. But just to keep an eye on you."

"Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Christine took out a pink chiffon dress and turned it around. Yes, this could be it. The color looked great on her and Sam had never seen it, so it would be something new. Not like Sam could remember her dresses anyway.

As she put it on the bed, her heart clenched. Yes, she would be beautiful, and yes, probably some heads would turn, but Sam won't care. She knew him. He wouldn't be marrying Skye if he didn't love her. Just like he never would've slept with her either otherwise. He would only have eyes for his bride, and Christine would be just an afterthought. A link to the past. Someone he didn't even want to invite until she basically bullied his future wife into it.

Shut up! You deserve it. You've made mistakes, now roll in them.

"You're really not going to break up the wedding?"

Oh, for heaven's sake. Christine turned to face her sister. "Why? Are you planning to break Jerry and Sarah up?"

"What? Of course not!"

"Then why would I take a stab at Sam and Skye? They're obviously a lot deeper in. And she was nice enough to invite me. I won't break her trust." Screw Tina and her stupid doubt, planting ideas into her head.

She could be mature. She would prove that to Sam and Skye and everyone else. A sense of longing overwhelmed Christine. She was going to see everyone. Angie, Jessie and Kay. Jerry, Jimmy and Tom. Kyle. She really needed to apologize to Kyle.

"I'm going." She missed them. Even if just to see Angie, the wedding was worth it. "I can do this." Watch Sam marrying someone else and smile. Not die.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself.

And no one was going to stop her.