Title: Hold tight
author Cindy Ryan
notes: Sequel to my previous fic Second chance
spoilers: all
pairing: Jared/Michaela

"I can't believe this is happening."Michaela Stone said quietly as she stood in Jared Vasquez's embrace.

"This make it real?"Jared asked with a smile as he leaned down and captured Michaela's lips in a kiss.

The passion Michaela remembered was still there; if anything it was stronger than ever. Jared had always been able to make her toes curl now that seemed amplified. Breaking the kiss Michaela stepped back tugging Jared's hands.

"Stay."Michaela urged with a smile.

Jared had been more uncertain than he'd ever been in his life as he'd waited for Michaela to appear in response to his text. So much hung in the balance. Their future, his marriage. Now however as Michaela pulled him towards her and into another heated kiss Jared knew this was the right thing.

Michaela awoke before her alarm. For a second she thought the previous few hours had been a dream but when her right leg moved back and connected with a warm body she knew it hadn't been. She and Jared had reconnected and Michaela knew he was back in her life for good. Telling herself to be happy in the moment Michaela snuggled back against Jared. He shifted in his sleep and an arm ended up around Michaela's waist. Closing her eyes Michaela decided to fall back asleep until her alarm went off. Just as she drifted off the voice of the calling jarred her awake.

'Hold tight.'

Smiling Michaela placed her hands over Jared's and did just that. Minutes later she was asleep.

"Do you want ne to go with you?"Michaela asked.

Jared shook his head. He and Michaela stood by the driver's door of his SUV. It was just after six thirty. While Michaela had been in the shower he'd called and talked to Lourdes. With being a cop she was more than used to his weird working hours. However the not calling to say he wasn't coming home hadn't gone over well. Jared could tell from the tone of his wife's voice that she suspected something else was going on. He owed it to her not to have the break up conversation over the phone.

"Appreciate the thought."Jared replied as he reached up and caressed Michaela's right cheek. "I don't want you in the crossfire."

"I'm already in the crossfire."Michaela pointed out. "She has every right to hate me. Jared, Lourdes isn't going to give up this marriage quietly. She's going to fight."

"I know, but I think she was worried about our marriage when the plane returned."Jared said as he cupped Michaela's face with both of his hands. "I hate that she's going to be hurt but life is too short not to grab onto happiness. Especially when you're given a second chance at it."

Jared kissed Michaela for several minutes before reluctantly stepping back. He opened the door to the SUV and got in and started the engine. Rolling down the window he smiled at Michaela.

"I'll call once I leave there."Jared promised.

Michaela nodded.

"I love you."Michaela said.

Jared breath hitched at her words. Grateful didn't begin to cover what he was feeling. Jared was never letting Michaela go again She was in his life for good this reached for her right hand and pulled Michaela closer. Jared kissed her once more.

"I love you too."Jared replied.

Michaela stepped back and watched until Jared's SUV was out of sight. They had a rocky road ahead of them. Michaela knew Jared was right they had to grab onto their second chance.

'Hold tight.'

Michaela jumped startled as the voice of the calling sounded in her head. Same phrase as earlier that morning. A trickle of foreboding raced down her spine making Michaela shiver. She shoved the feeling aside as best she could and tried to concentrate on the happiness of the morning. Michaela's life since she'd been back had been nothing but one crazy after another. She and her family deserved happiness and a chance to catch their breath. Turning Michaela headed back into the house.