Many thanks to BuJyo for being the beta reader for this story.

Don't own the characters.

Author's Note: Since this is the third part of the series I left Marshall's Dad name as Ryder to provide continuity to the other two stories in the series that were written before finding out the show named Papa Mann Seth.

A Family's Resilience

Marta Smith stared out at the clouds as the plane flew towards New Mexico, her reluctant travel guest sitting next to her. They would land in Santa Fe and head out to the ranch she had rented for them during their stay

It had been five years since she left the country and given up the name Marta Smith for Victoria Hernandez. Five long years of cosmetic surgeries to change her appearance, planning, information gathering, and making arrangements to finally be able to put her plan into action. It had taken nearly four and a half years to find her reluctant companion.

Carlos Sanchez, formerly known as Raphael Ramirez, had been hidden well by the U.S. Marshal Service. It took four years before he had signed himself out of their care. It had taken the kidnapping of his mother and photo proof to convince him it was in her best interest for him to help out with what Marta asked. She hadn't planned on using that unless it became necessary because she knew they would need to leave a dead body behind. No one could be left around that could id her or her hired helpers. His mother was the only thing she had to use against him. She didn't tell him his ex fiancée had married her partner and had children. She'd let him find out on his own.

Ryder's son had married Mary Elizabeth Shannon and they now had two children. They had a son, Brennan Marshall Mann, who was now four years old and his sister, Emily Mary Mann, was 2 and half years old. Emily was their target. This all started with the death of Ryder's daughter, Emily Elizabeth Mann, and it would now come full circle with Ryder's granddaughter. She would use the child to bring the father to his knees and the grandfather into town. Revenge would finally be hers.

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Mary woke to the sun streaming through the windows of their bedroom and Marshall's arm wrapped protectively over her protruding belly. Moving her head to the side, she took in his sleeping form. He had been so exhausted last night or early this morning, depending on how you looked at it, that he had fallen asleep almost immediately. She gently traced the side of his face knowing exactly how lightly to touch without waking him up. She enjoyed the luxury of watching him sleep. The stress lines and tension from work disappeared and a sweet innocent smile replaced the silly grin usually plastered on his face. It was the same look Brennan had on his face when he slept.

Mary thought about the last five years. Their first anniversary was spent at the hospital with her giving birth to Brennan. When he was born her eyes filled with tears. She had her little Marshall to add to this world, just like she told him she wanted before they were married. A year and a half later Emily was born. She was the sparkle of her father's eyes. Not that he showed preference between the two, because he didn't, but she was a combination of both her and his late sister. That, in itself, gave her a special little corner of Daddy's heart. It was the same with her and Brennan. They loved them both dearly and neither would deny it.

Mary never thought she could be this happy. Marshall had shown her a world she never thought would exist for her, and would forever be grateful that he had come into her life. Rolling her eyes at herself, she hated to admit it but she turned into a huge sap when she was pregnant. Lightly lifting Marshall's arm, she slid out of the bed and covered him so he didn't wake up from her missing body heat.

Waddling down the hall, she quickly checked on the children before going to make coffee and getting breakfast set out for the kids. She needed to have them ready when Brandi and Peter arrived. They were going to take the kids while Mary and Marshall went to her doctor's appointment and they insisted on the kids staying the night. Brandi claimed it was so Mary and Marshall could have some alone time, but Mary suspected they were going to test the waters. Brandi and Peter had been married three years now and were talking about having children.

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Brennan woke up and padded down the hall to his parent's room after sneaking a peak at his Mommy in the kitchen. Quietly entering the room, he pulled himself onto the bed to watch his Daddy sleep. Placing a quick kiss to his father's cheek, he waited to see if that woke him up. He wanted eggs and knew the only way to get them was for his Dad to get up. Mommy wasn't allowed to bake in the kitchen, according to Daddy. When his father didn't stir, he pulled the blankets down to see if that would do the trick. Not working. Brennan finally shook his father's shoulder.

"Daddy? Daddy, are you awake?" Brennan asked softly. He didn't want Mommy catching him. He knew Mommy preferred to let Daddy sleep in when he could.

Marshall felt something shaking his shoulder and finally opened an eye to see his son staring at him intently. "Hey, buddy."

"Daddy! You're awake! Can we have eggs?" Brennan asked innocently.

Marshall knew that meant Mary was putting cereal out for the kids and that Brandi and Peter would be picking them up shortly.

"Yep, let me get your sister while you go into the kitchen," Marshall said while ruffling his son's hair.

Brennan was about to hop off the bed when he remembered. "Love you, Daddy," he said before hugging him

"Love you too," Marshall smiled, wiping the sleep from his eyes before heading to Emily's room.

Marshall opened the door to Emily's room and watched as she slowly began to wake up. A warm smile lit his face at the beautiful little girl they had created. His breath caught every now and then when he saw her do something his sister used to. Walking into the room, he noticed her outstretched hands and picked her up.

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Mary heard the shuffle of Brennan's feet as he approached the kitchen.

"Morning, Brennan," Mary greeted as he came to her and hugged her.

"Hi Mommy." Brennan then gently tapped her stomach. "Morning, babies."

Mary smirked before ruffling his hair. "What cereal do you want?"

"Daddy making eggs."

"Daddy's sleeping," Mary said hopefully.

"Na uh. He said he make eggs after getting Emmy."

"Brennan, did you wake Daddy up?" Mary asked.

Brennan knew by the scowl on her face he wasn't supposed to. He nodded his head in reply though.

"What did I tell you about waking your father up?" Mary raised an eyebrow at him. She had a hard time getting angry with him because of that damn silly grin he inherited from his father.

"Not to."

"Why did you then?" Mary continued, as she heard the subject of conversation coming down the hall.

"He wanted eggs for breakfast and knew there was only one way to get the good kind," Marshall replied for his son.

Mary glared at Marshall. "You belong in bed, Doofus."

"Later, I can go back to sleep. Morning, beautiful," Marshall kissed her as he walked by, putting Emily down in her chair.

"Marshall," Mary's voice had a small edge to it.

"Do you want eggs and bacon also?" Marshall knew the answer, but figured he might be able to change topics.

"You know I do, and you also know that I know you are trying to distract me from yelling at you for being up when your scrawny a… butt should be in bed where it belongs."

"You like my scrawny butt. You said so on several occasions." Marshall smirked while cracking the eggs. Mary had been working on tempering her words around the kids since the first time Brennan repeated a swear word in front of his parents. Mary had been mortified.

"Fine," Mary snapped a little before pouring herself another cup of coffee. "Hey," she yelped as said cup was removed from her hands.

"The March of Dimes recommends only one twelve ounce cup to avoid risks. You've already fulfilled your quota for the day. Thanks for pouring me some," Marshall added as he began to drink the coffee while Mary glared at him. It was becoming a morning routine with them. She missed the caffeine, although if she was honest, she was very careful with it.

"Why did I marry you again?" Mary questioned as he put a glass of milk in front of her.

"Apparently for my butt and culinary skills," Marshall replied sarcastically.

"Oh yeah, I knew there had to be a reason," Mary said while trying to hide the smile. She loved when they were all together. She would never admit it to most people. The ones that needed to know already did; besides, she did have a reputation to uphold.

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Brandi and Peter arrived to see both cars in the driveway. "Marshall's back."

Brandi opened the door slightly before calling out, "Mary?"

"You know they are both in law enforcement and it might be wiser to knock before just opening the door, honey," Peter cautioned.

"You should listen to the man, Squish. He's smart, but I'm unarmed at the moment," Mary smirked.

"Marshall asleep?" Brandi asked

"No, he should be though." Mary didn't get more out before her two children came in to get hugs from Aunt Brandi and Uncle Peter, followed by Marshall.

"Good morning Peter, Brandi," Marshall greeted. "What are the plans for our rugrats?"

"The aquarium, lunch and the park," Peter replied.

"Aquarium?" Marshall perked up.

"You have plans, mister," Mary cautioned while poking him in the chest.

"We'll get you a souvenir," Brandi laughed as she saw the disappointed look on Marshall's face.

Mary and Marshall said goodbye to their children while Peter loaded up their overnight bags. Mary watched as Marshall stayed by the door as they drove away. She hated the way his sister's death still haunted him. The first time they left Brennan with Brandi and Peter, Mary asked why he was at the door. Brennan would be back later that day. His reply and look on his face flashed back in her mind.

"We don't ever really know that. I want to make sure he knows that I love him and I see him for as long as possible," Marshall's fear laced voice answered her.

Marshall always watched until he couldn't see them anymore. It hurt her to see him worry so much. She wished she could give him that security back. Walking up behind him she gently turned him around when the kids were out of sight and pulled him into her embrace, offering what comfort she could.

"We need to get you back to bed," Mary reminded gently when she saw him yawn.

"Come with me," Marshall's voice was steady but she could see his need for her to be close.

"Always," Mary whispered before kissing him on the lips and leading them to the bedroom. She fell asleep listening to his heartbeat as he slept.

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Brandi and Peter were having a blast with Brennan and Emily. The fish were a big hit with her niece and her nephew enjoyed the sharks. Brennan had picked out Marshall's souvenir shark shirt that said 'bite me'. Brandi laughed so hard she nearly peed in her pants. It was the perfect gift for her brother-in-law. They had then gone for some hamburgers at Bob's burgers. As they were entering, Brandi noticed a car pull in that she could've sworn she had seen at the aquarium. Ignoring it, she went inside, and when they came out she had forgotten all about it and was enjoying the excitement the kids had for going to the park. Parking their car, they headed over towards the playground.

"What do you want to do first?" Peter asked.

"Slide!" Brennan said excitedly while Emily pointed to the swings.

"Alright, boys to the slide girls to the swings," Brandi said, lifting Emily up in the air and enjoying her giggling as Brennan grabbed Peter's hand, pulling him towards the slide.

They were so wrapped up in playing with the kids that they didn't notice the appearance of another car at the park. The car pulled into a parking slot and sat there. The two men inside watching the playground.

"Victoria wants us to grab the little girl. Something about completing the circle. I want this done and over with so we can get out of town. Messing with the children of U.S. Marshals makes me nervous," the driver said to his companion, who was opening the glove compartment and reaching in.

"We definitely need to high tail it out of here as soon as possible. She had more men flying in from somewhere else to take over the rest of her plan. I don't know what it is, nor do I want to. I don't like this job at all." The other man said.

"I can't believe your uncle conned us into this. What's the game plan, Aaron?"

"Look, Ricky, Uncle Clint stated the boss wanted the girl. No harm was to come to her, Victoria doesn't want to kill her, just use her for bait. We grab the girl that's all we have to do." Aaron Fitzgerald didn't like the fact that Ricky Frey had brought a gun to this. Guns meant trouble and trouble could brew quicker then anyone anticipated. The boss wouldn't like it one bit.

"It's just a precaution. How do you want to play this out?" Ricky asked.

"Pretend to be lost and looking for directions. Grab the map." Aaron started to open the door.

Brandi was pushing Emily when she noticed the car. It was the same one she had seen at their last two locations. Not wanting to take any chances, she called out to Peter.

"Peter, I think it's time to go. We still have to make a few pit stops." Brandi inclined her head towards the car that was parked.

Peter took the subtle hint and caught Brennan as he slid down and picked him up. Brandi was in the process of getting Emily off the swing. They were half way to their car when they saw the window come down on the car.

"Aaron, we have a problem," Ricky said, pointing, as the group started heading towards their car.

"Why the sudden rush?" Aaron asked.

"I think they saw us earlier. The blonde just nodded towards the car. We aren't going to have a chance to grab the girl. We can't go back empty handed." Ricky said, lowering the window.

Aaron realized what Ricky's intentions were as he saw him lift the gun. He tried to hit his arm to prevent him from shooting, but it was too late. The gunshot echoed eerily around the park and was soon penetrated by a scream of 'no!'

Aaron didn't hesitate; he threw the car into reverse, and with squealing tires, got out of the area as fast as he could. The boss was going to kill the two of them.

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Mary and Marshall were just leaving the doctor's office. She was trying not to laugh at the proud smirk he wore. The doctor had said the twins were doing fine and the ultrasound was incredible to see. Once they heard the heartbeats, they both smiled, and Marshall hadn't been able to lose the grin.

"Why is it the man always gets the big smile about the fact that he knocked the woman up? I mean, really, all that it takes is sex, and the male walks around as proud as a peacock. I've seen it on all the father's faces. It's a 'look what I did'. The women on the other hand, get the sickness, aches, swollen body parts and look like a beached whale. How does that work?" Mary asked, intrigued. She saw the look on his face and shook her head. "On second thought, don't answer that question. It's about the ego isn't it? Honestly, Marshall, I expected better from you."

"Don't lump me with everyone else. I'm just happy that you and the babies are doing well, and besides, I love being a Dad almost as much as I love you."

"Nice save, Doofus." Mary smiled. She knew it was the truth where Marshall was concerned. The way his eyes lit up when they saw their children after being gone for work was testament to that. "Now feed me."

"Your wish is my command," Marshall teased, opening the passenger side door for her. Walking around to driver's side, he got in and was about to put the key in the ignition when his phone rang.

"Mann."

"Marshall, it's Dershowitz. You need to get to the hospital right away. There was a shooting in the park."

Mary looked over to see all the color drain from Marshall's face.

"Who?"

"Emily and Brandi. It looks like Brandi was carrying Emily and the bullet went through her shoulder and into Emily. Peter has Brennan and they are both pretty shook up, but no injuries. From what the few witnesses said, it looked like a car drove up and parked for a while. Brandi and Peter were heading back to their car when the bullet was fired. They didn't have a chance to protect them. Peter covered Brennan as soon as he saw Brandi and Emily go down." Dershowitz wanted to make sure that he knew it wasn't Peter or Brandi's fault.

"We're headed there now." Marshall quickly started the truck and swung out into traffic while hanging up the cell phone.

"Marshall?" Mary asked fearfully. She knew it was bad by Marshall's face and his white knuckled grip on the steering wheel.

Marshall took a few deep breaths before explaining to Mary what Dershowitz said. He released one of his hands off the steering wheel and entwined it with Mary's as she gasped at the news.

"How bad? Does he know?" Mary was trying to keep the fear from her voice but she still heard it crack.

"No, he doesn't. Peter is there with Brennan. We need to call Stan."

Mary nodded and grabbed her cell phone. She felt the tears streak down her face as she dialed.

"No you can't come back to desk duty," Stan answered his cell.

"Stan, Brandi and Emily were shot at the park. We are on our way to the hospital now. We don't have the full details yet."

"I'll have all threat assessments, prison releases, and anything else we can run done. Eleanor and I will meet you at the hospital."

"Thanks, Stan."

"How's Marshall?" Stan had to ask. This would be tearing his inspectors apart, but Marshall would be taking it harder because of Emily. He didn't need the reminder of what happened to his sister.

"Too soon to tell," Mary knew what Stan was thinking. It was already going through her mind also. "We'll see you there."

Mary hung up and squeezed Marshall's hand. She had a feeling he would need her to be the strong one. His sister's death nearly destroyed him, and she feared what would happen if their little girl didn't make it.

"Stan's having everything looked into. He and Eleanor are on the way to the hospital." Mary was already scared, but when Marshall only nodded her fear elevated. "We are in this together Marshall, don't shut me out. I need you. We all need you," she said, rubbing her stomach.

"I'm here, Mare. I'm here," He whispered brokenly.