Authors note: Apologies for the delay in the continuation of this story – work and life have been crazy busy this past week.

Nell and Callen had had a really good talk that night about the baby, their relationship, telling friends and family, etc. They had decided to see how things go between them, keeping things casual whilst they get to know each other better.

A week had gone by and it was Friday again. They had decided to officially tell Hetty and the team on the Monday and when they did they were hugged, high fived and congratulated by all. However telling Nell's parents on the other hand, was a completing different story. Nell had no idea how to tell them or even what to tell them. But dinner had been arranged for that night, whereby Callen would meet her parents and they would tell them together. They hadn't had time to go over a game plan and now she was extremely nervous, already in the car on the way to dinner at her parent's house.

"We'll aim to keep it as near to the truth as we can" Callen said, trying to reassure her. She said nothing but nodded in acknowledgement. She was involved in a world which her family and friends were not and could not be a part off and it was the one aspect of her job she disliked – the lying.

Once they pulled up to the driveway, she took a deep breath and got out of the car. Callen did the same and followed her closely up to the porch.

"Mom, hello" she shouted as they entered the house.

Going into somewhere unknown was always risky given their job and it was drilled into him to make sure he knew the layout and entry / exit points of any building, so Callen unintentionally found himself doing the same thing in her parent's house. He noticed that there was a small fireplace to the left in the living room and down the hall was the kitchen and to the right was another room and the stairs to the upstairs of the house. Overall it was small and quaint and gave off a very family orientated, lived in house. One that he knew was full of memories.

"Through here" she heard her mom call out.

They proceeded towards the kitchen whereby Callen was instantly hit with the aroma of all different types of BBQ foods, obviously sizzling away on the BBQ. Her mother was busy sorting plates and cutlery out when they entered. She instantly turned towards them. A smile grew on her face. Callen noted the return of that same smile on Nells face. He felt a little guilty. He knew she didn't get to see her family that much because of their job.

"There you are, my dear" Nells mom said as she embraced Nell for a hug.

"And you must be Callen" she enquired.

"Yes maam, its a pleasure to meet you" he replied.

"Please dear, call me Pat" she advised.

"I'm just finishing up in here, why don't you two join the others outside. I know everyone is dying to see you" her mother signalled to Nell. It didn't go amiss to Nell that her mother had used the term 'everyone' and now the second lot of nerves hit her all over again.

"Everyone?" Nell asked.

"Yes dear, your father is out back with Caitlin and Sam, Alex and Stacey and John and Maria and the kids"

Nell bit her tongue. What happened to the nice quiet family meal she had envisioned? It had now turned out to be a full on family BBQ. She gave Callen an apologetic look to which he threw her a reassuring smile once again. Somehow it eased her. How did he do that? She wondered.

They headed out towards the back where they were greeted by everyone. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged whilst Nell made the formal introductions.

"Caitlin, Alex and John are my siblings and Sam, Alex and Maria are their partners" she confirmed.

"And these little rugrats are Toby who's 4 and is Caitlin and Sam's son and then Melissa and Jacob here are 5 and 2 and their Alex and Marias children".

"And this is my pop, Callen meet my father, Donald" she gestured.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir" he said, extending his hand towards her father.

"Likewise, but please call me Don" Donald replied, taking Callen's hand in his and returning the handshake.

The evening was passing by and stories, jokes and laughs were being passed around like there was no tomorrow. Callen had had various conversations with her siblings and her mother and father and seemed to get on well with them all. Callen found himself having a really good time, enjoying everyone's company. Callen watched as Nell interacted with everyone, catching up on the family gossip that she had missed out on. He watched as she played with the kids in the garden, chasing them, tickling them when she caught up with them. She was a natural. He knew she was going to make a fantastic mother. She was glowing and he was once again in awe of her.

His thoughts interrupted by her mother's voice as she came to sit down beside him. "We miss her around here"

Callen smiled. "And she misses you all too" he replied.

"All we ask is that you look after them, love and protect them" she rebutted. He gave her a questioning look.

"You can't hide that radiant glow or the subtle protective hand over the stomach. A mother knows"

He laughed. "I guess you can't" he said

"And don't worry, I promise to love and protect them both with everything I have" he continued.

"That's all we ask" she said as she got up to leave.

It was at this moment Nell made her way over to him, holding her hand out for him to take it. He knew it was time. This was it. Everyone had gathered around the big table in the backyard conscious of Nell and Callens stance at the head of the table. She took a deep breath and let it out when it had gone quiet.

"There was a reason why we came here tonight" she started. She looked at Callen for support. He squeezed her hand.

"I'm pregnant" she added. They were once again congratulated and hugged by everyone. Her sister squealed in delight.

Her father waited until everyone else had congratulated the pair. Although he knew little of Callen, after observing Nell and Callen this evening and the way Callen was with her, there was no denying it. There was something special between the two of them. So, he kept his cool and congratulated the pair. He then came to stand next to Callen on his other side.

"I like you Callen. I've never seen my Nell this happy. But Callen, I must warn you, that if you do anything to hurt her, I will come after you" Donald confirmed in a stern tone. Callen only nodded in respect and understanding.

A short while later, the evening drew to a close, children and adults were falling asleep. Goodbyes were exchanged and they left the house and headed towards Callen's car. He hadn't let go of her hand since the big announcement. A small gesture which made her stomach do summersaults. She enjoyed feeling his touch and his reassuring squeezes. As he opened her car door for her, she made to get inside but as she did, a spark between them ignited and before they knew it, their lips and bodies had locked in a passionate embrace. They headed for home happy and content with the way the future was looking.