Author's Note: So here it is, the epilogue/conclusion to this story. Thanks so much for going along with me on this one. It was fun to write, and I really appreciated all the wonderful feedback. Thanks to each of you for your thoughtful comments/follows/favorites or even just giving it a chance.

Epilogue

Matheson Reunion 2028

The wedding is small, but perfect. Miles and Rachel host the event in their backyard. It is sweet and beautiful. Everyone who loves Bass and Charlie are there to show their support. The happy couple is so in love that they can't keep their hands off each other during the reception. There are friendly laughs and jeers but these two don't care. The future is a bright and shiny place.

When they first find out they are pregnant just a few weeks into their marriage, Bass and Charlie are beyond excited. They can't wait to welcome their new baby, but feel the apartment will be a little tight. They immediately start house hunting; soon finding a nice place that isn't too far from Miles and Rachel.

While Charlie is busy picking out baby clothes and reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting"; Bass is busy holding a nervous breakdown at bay. He is worried from the beginning. No matter how many times Charlie's doctor assures him that she and the baby are healthy; he can't help but think back to losing Shelly and Joel. The only way he can deal is to dote on his wife hand and foot.

Charlie is heavily pregnant when the reunion rolls around. They walk up to the door slowly to accommodate for her slow gait.

Bass is forty-seven years old. Charlie is twenty-two

Rachel greets them with a grin. "Look at you Charlie! You are glowing!"

"Uh," she grunts. "I feel like a whale."

"You," Bass leans in close, supporting her as she makes her way into the house, "are one beautiful whale."

Charlie punches her husband playfully, a big grin on her face.

They enter the living room and are swarmed by their friends and family. Everyone is happy to see them, and excited about the imminent arrival of the new baby.

"Do you know if its going to be a boy or a girl?" Aaron asks.

"Nope." Bass grins, "We want to be surprised."

"Do you have names picked out yet?"

"Yes." Charlie laughs.

"Are you going to tell us what they are?"

"No!" Charlie and Bass say together.

Gradually, the group disperses as some go for food and others break off to continue earlier conversations. Bass and Charlie sink into an overstuffed sofa and cuddle, ignoring the excitement all around. They've been there for almost twenty minutes when Charlie says, "Ow!"

The tone of her voice holds surprise and pain. She looks at Bass and sees the concern in his eyes. "I think I'm having contractions. That's the worst of them, but they've been coming ever since we got here."

"Oh God Charlie, why didn't you tell me?" He is visibly worried. All his worst fears crashing down at once. He grips her hands in his, and continues, "I'm taking you to the hospital right now."

Charlie nods. Soon everyone senses something is going on, and within minutes a caravan of cars is headed to the closest hospital.

Miles and Rachel are pacing in the waiting room. Aaron is shoveling Danish down his throat like there's no tomorrow. Nora and Maggie have gone to tend the bar, but are calling every twenty minutes to check in. Priscilla brings coffee and more pastry whenever they are needed.

Bass comes out after several hours have passed. His face is drained of color. His hands are shaking. Miles has the most awful feeling of de ja vu. "Is she okay?" he croaks out.

Bass nods, "Yeah, but the baby is breach. They tried to turn it, but aren't having any luck." Tears are sliding down his cheeks. "They've just taken her in for a caesarean section. We'll know more soon."

"Bass" Miles says grabbing his friend in a big hug.

Monroe sobs into his oldest friend's shoulder. "I can't lose her Miles. I can't go through that again, not with Charlie. I'll die."

"She's a fighter Bass. She's going to be okay." Miles holds him at arm's length and sees that Bass is beginning to look a little steadier on his feet. "Priscilla!" he calls, "Could you bring him some juice or something? He needs a drink."

Priscilla brings over a juice box from the vending machine. "Sorry this is all they have."

Bass takes it and drinks the contents quickly. Color slowly seeps back into his cheeks. He squares his shoulders and turns to go back to the doors he'd just come out of. "I have to go check on her. Thanks for the juice."

Miles and Rachel sink into a couch and pray silently. Everyone is worried because the minutes keep ticking on and there has been no word from beyond the closed doors.

After a lot of time has passed, a doctor emerges. His expression is guarded. "Is there a Miles here?"

"That's me." Miles says, standing and moving toward the doctor, Rachel right behind him.

"Good." He smiles a little which gives Miles hope.

"How is she?" Rachel asks, her voice cracking.

"She's okay. There were definite complications, but she's going to be okay. The baby is fine too. They are both currently being inspected by a very nervous Daddy. I think once he relaxes, they'll all be fine."

"They're all okay?" Miles didn't realize just how worried he'd been till this moment.

"Yes." The doctor smiles. "You can go see them in a little while. I'll send someone out to tell you when you can visit."

Miles and Rachel tightly embrace each other, "Congratulations Grandma!" he says to her. She playfully punches him back. They are both giddy, tears of joy running down their cheeks.

The doors burst open and there stands Bass. He is grinning, his eyes crinkly at the corners, handfuls of cigars clasped tightly in both fists. "I'm a DAD!" he yells happily.

They are all laughing and clapping him on the back. Everyone is talking at once. After everyone is satisfied that both Mom and Baby are healthy; Rachel asks the question on everyone's mind, "So, is it a girl or a boy?"

Bass beams, "It's a boy!" Cheers erupt and cigars are passed around.

"So what's my Grandson's name?" asks Rachel with a contented smile, "and when do I get to meet him?"

Bass pauses before speaking, clearly needing a moment to put his emotions in check. "His name is Benjamin Daniel. We're going to call him Benji."

"That's perfect," Rachel is crying now, big sloppy tears. Miles holds her close.

The doctor chooses that moment to come through the doors. "Excuse me Mr. Monroe, but your wife says you've been gone long enough. She said to tell you that your family needs you and to get your ass back in there."

"So Charlie is going to be fine," Miles chuckles as Bass scurries through the door to find his wife and son.

"Looks like we're all going to be fine now." Rachel responds.

In the hospital room, Bass and Charlie look down on the beautiful baby snuggled tightly into a soft white blanket, nestled in his mother's arms. His blond curls are damply sticking to his head. Charlie brushes his chubby pink cheek with her finger and Benji's eyes open. They are a brilliant blue and she feels in her heart that she will never love another human being the way she loves this tiny child. "I love you to the moon and back," she whispers to her son. Then turning to her husband, she says, "both of you."

Bass leans down and kisses his wife's lips. "To the moon and back," he replies.

This is a day they will always remember. It is the day that they become a family.

It is just the beginning.