John Reese had 'died' his final 'death' for the world. He made up his mind the moment after his memory retuned and he left Finch to return to Joss. Nothing else mattered save his family and living as many days possible so he could be with them for years to come.

Only one final act remained to officially close the previous chapter in his life. The steady ring in his ears gave him pause until the expected and abrupt stop.

"Mr. Reese."

"Yes Finch. It's me."

There was an odd silence in which neither man was certain what to say. Finch was the first to break the silence.

"I.. I'm sorry. I know I owe you some sort of explanation. I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay Finch. I know why you didn't let me go back to her. It would've been too much on her. With expecting t-the b-baby."

Finch was quiet. "I'm sorry. I'm greatly indebted to you. It doesn't look like I've repaid you properly. I just was worried about Joss in her condition and you in yours," he explained still feeling like it was the least he could do. "I wasn't even sure you would live at first. I didn't want her to have to relive losing you. I couldn't bring myself to face her and withhold the truth, so I chose to remain hidden."

"I know Finch. I told you, it's okay. And I meant it."

His breath of relief carried through the phone. "How does it feel? To be a father Mr. Reese?"

"Completely fulfilling." That was an understatement. He was overwhelmed at being a father. Coming back to Joss and Taylor was more than enough, but learning of Jameson's existence had been the piece that caused his happiness to overflow. "You'll have to meet him. Anyway, I'm calling for another reason."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm not sure I would've survived these years without the purpose you helped me to find. But I have a new purpose now. I hope you understand-"

"John. You really didn't think I expected you to continue working for me? You've given everything to your work. I could not in good conscience ask anything more of you. Thank you for your service." He cleared his throat. "And friendship. I trust you'll find my retirement plan satisfactory."

John chuckled. "I'm positive it will be above and beyond what I need."

"Thank you again for your exceptional service."

"This isn't goodbye Finch."

"No?"

"Of course not. You're family too." The f word came easier now. Having Joss, Taylor, and Jameson made him believe in things such as family again and it was becoming second nature to claim his own. "Joss wouldn't settle for us going our separate ways. And neither will I. We will see each other again. And soon."

"Is that a subtle way of inviting me to a Sunday afternoon dinner with the family?"

"I was thinking more like you coming to visit for Thanksgiving or Christmas. And some times in between."

"I…I would like that very much."

"I'll tell Joss. We'll be in touch Finch."

The line dropped.

"John! John!"

John's eyes slipped closed and he smiled hearing his name on her lips. He promised God he would treasure hearing that voice every day for the rest of his days. He turned to see Joss coming down the steps of their new house. Jameson secure in her arms.

"Baby what are you doing out here? You haven't got the last few boxes yet?"

As she came near Jameson's arm stretched toward him. A silent hint for John to hold him. John scooped up his grinning son and placed a kiss on his soft round cheek before turning his attention to Joss. "You like the house?"

"You're kidding right? I love this house. It's perfect. And Taylor- I could swear he's living his second childhood."

At that moment Taylor chose to appear running down the stairs with a barking Bear at his side. John laughed as he watched the two. During his absence Bear had developed a serious attachment to Taylor. John was convinced his dog now preferred the boy's company to his.

"This place is awesome! I can't believe how big my room is! Think of this place at Christmas. With lots of presents under the tree. Ain't that right Jameson?" He leaned close tickling his brother's stomach and making him squeal before placing a kiss on his cheek and running to the truck to grab the few remaining boxes. Jameson tried to peer over John's shoulder curious to see where his big brother disappeared to.

"What's wrong?" Joss questioned when she noticed John watching her intently.

He shook his head momentarily at a loss for words. His eyes went from Jameson, to Taylor, to the house before returning to Joss who was still waiting for an answer. Without warning he used one arm to pull her against his chest burying his face in her hair. He felt her lean into him and he allowed his eyes to drift shut once more.

"Nothing's wrong." He tightened his hold. "Absolutely nothing."

…

Finch smiled softly as he watched John and Joss outside their new home. Once he learned they would be purchasing the property he made certain there was a working camera in the streetlight right outside. To keep a close watch on them should they ever run into trouble.

He had thought at the time of the camera's installation that he and John would be going their separate paths, but now he was relieved to know he would be seeing the family soon. That he would have some contact with his friends who no longer lived in the shadows.

Finch tapped his fingers against his desk suddenly wondering if he would be satisfied with still living in the shadows. Serving the machine, working with Reese had been his penance. His own self inflicted punishment and duty. But now thanks to John he had been given a second chance at life. Maybe it was time to really start living.

He thought of Grace. The woman he could reconnect with in seconds if he chose to.

He eyed the screen again feeling hopeful. Maybe there was a life for him too, beyond the shadows. Maybe he too could rejoin the human race and find happiness.

The corners of his mouth tilted upward.

If John Reese could do it, why couldn't he?

There it is, I hope this is a satisfying happy ending. And hopefully the ending you all feel John should get. I too could not bear the thought of killing Reese. So thank you to each one of you for your reviews and for sticking with this story.