A/N: We are finally at the end of Slade and Laurel's story. Again, a big thank you to everyone who believed that they'd make as awesome a pair as I did. :)

I hope you've enjoyed their journey.

LadyG

P.S - Thanks to Shingalala for the line I borrowed. ;)

Two Years Later

"Joe!" Laurel called from the kitchen.

"Yes, Mom?"

She smiled. It never got old. When Joe had asked her if he could call her "Mom" she'd been overjoyed. Not because she'd wanted to usurp the rights of his biological parent, but because she realized that he knew how much she genuinely loved him. No one who didn't know their circumstances would ever guess that she hadn't given birth to him.

"Are you almost ready?" she called back.

"Yeah!"

It was his twelfth birthday and all their friends and family were coming over to celebrate. Joe was super excited because his best friends were coming too. Glancing at the clock, she knew that arrivals were imminent.

My family.

One month after Slade's return they'd married in a small, private ceremony. Joe and Oliver had joined the wedding party as the two groomsmen and Felicity had filled the role of her single bridesmaid.

Both the bride and groom had been decked out in Drama Queen originals that Thea had designed and custom made for them in record time. The rich cream one shoulder, A-line chiffon gown with lace appliqués and beading on the bodice had been simple and comfortable, yet romantic and elegant all at the same time. Laurel had never felt more beautiful. The look in Slade's eyes as he'd watched her walk down the aisle on her father's arm had only reaffirmed the feeling. She'd never forget how handsome he'd looked in his black suit with a cream waist coat, shirt and silk tie.

The day itself had been perfect - exactly as Laurel had always imagined it would be. Neither of them had wanted a large extravaganza since all they'd really cared about was finally being together and getting on with the rest of their lives.

And life truly was good. Looking out of the window she could see the tables that had been set up in the back yard to the side of the pool. Just earlier that morning Slade had secured a net over the aquamarine water to ensure that all the children would be safe if they ran outside to play.

She loved their home. They'd purchased the four bedroom house with a pool and double garage in a leafy suburb not far from the City soon after their marriage. It had become very clear that her old apartment wouldn't be able to accommodate all of them for long.

She'd also gone back to work. CNRI had given her her job back as soon as she'd asked for it. She still enjoyed the sense of purpose she derived from it, but it wasn't her whole life anymore. With a family of her own, she'd cut down significantly.

She turned as he heard a commotion behind her.

"I'm going to catch you!" called Slade as a giggling little girl came running toward her.

Laurel laughed as she caught her daughter and lifted her into her arms. At fourteen months old she was a bundle of boundless energy.

"Da-da-da-da!" she repeated, charming her father with a toothy grin.

As he approached, she launched herself at him, squealing in delight as he lifted her high and twirled her around.

Sarah had been their honeymoon surprise. She'd had fallen pregnant immediately and they'd both been delighted, but no one more so than Joe. He'd longed for a sibling, making his desire known before they'd even married. It brought her a lot of joy to see how much he loved his sister and how much as she adored him.

Looking at father and daughter, Laurel noted their similarities. Sarah had inherited her fair complexion, but she had Slade's dark eyes and hair. Watching them together never failed to make her slightly emotional. Slade was an amazing father to both of their children and each one idolized him in turn. His daughter, in particular, had him wrapped around her little finger.

"I thought you were putting her down for her nap?" Laurel asked with a raised eyebrow.

Her husband gave her an apologetic grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"This young lady," he said, tickling Sarah's tummy until she laughed noisily, "refused to close her eyes."

Laurel shook her head. "She's exactly like you. If you don't expend all your excess energy before bed, you can't sleep either."

He glanced at her and her knees turned to jelly at the look in his eyes. Moving closer, their daughter tucked safely against him, he lowered his lips to hers.

"Isn't it a great thing that I have a wife who's always willing to help me in that department?" he whispered huskily.

Laurel grabbed hold of the counter behind her to keep her legs from giving way. Sarah, disinterested in their activities, wiggled down until her father set her on the floor. Immediately she ran for her wooden blocks just outside the kitchen door.

"Do not start something you cannot finish, Wilson," she warned him with a smile as he pulled her unresisting body against his.

After two years together she found him even more attractive than she had when they'd first met. All he needed to do was look in her direction and she turned into a trembling mass of need.

He chuckled in satisfaction. "Half the fun is the anticipation of what's to come," he replied, his hands sliding around her back and settling on her hips.

She lifted her arms and caressed his shoulders as the diamonds in her three stacked bands on the fourth finger of her left hand winked at her.

"We have a hoard of people arriving at any minute," she said, leaning into him.

"Gross! Get a room!" came a voice from the doorway.

Laurel and Slade didn't break apart, but glanced at the tall pre-teen staring at them, a look of amused indulgence on his face.

"Your mother had something in her eye," Slade said, his lips quivering.

Joe rolled his eyes. "You said that last week too."

Laurel snorted with laughter. "Sorry sweetheart. We promise not to embarrass you in front of your friends."

"Please!" he stressed emphatically.

However, he didn't really mean it. He liked that his parents openly displayed their love for one another. It was one of the reasons he, in turn, felt loved and wanted. They showered as much affection on him.

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get it! Come on Sarah!" he called excitedly as he ran for the front door, his sister hot on his heels.

Laurel watched them go. "Our son is growing too fast," she complained. "Next year he'll be a teen!"

When Slade didn't respond, she looked up at him. He was staring at her with so much love that she felt a lump rise in her throat.

"Thank you for loving him," he said simply.

She smiled. "I couldn't help myself. It was as natural to me as loving you."

He kissed her tenderly one last time before he grasped her hand.

"Let's see who's arrived."

Together, they headed toward the chatter in the next room.

Tommy and Thea had arrived with their children, Rebecca and Meghan. At seven months old, they were cute as buttons.

"There's the best security consultant, ever!" Tommy said as he walked toward him.

Slade laughed and shook hands with the younger man.

He'd never been keen on working for someone else again, so instead of taking up Tommy's offer to head up his security team, he'd agreed to act independently as a consultant. What had started out as a means of keeping busy while he decided what he wanted to do, had turned into a pretty lucrative business. Once other companies in Starling City had heard about the great work he was doing for Merlyn Global, and later Queen Consolidated, more requests for similar services had come flooding in. As a result, in two short years he'd started and grown a very successful corporate security consultancy.

Tommy was holding a sleeping Meghan in his arms while Thea carried the other twin who was equally unconscious. Taking the sleeping infant from her father, Laurel gestured for Thea to follow her.

"Congrats, my friend. Your son is on the brink of manhood," Tommy laughed.

Slade groaned. "Don't remind me. He's already too big for his boots."

The other man chortled. "He's a good kid. You're lucky."

Slade nodded. Don't I know it? Things with Joe could so easily have gone badly. However, he attributed their success with him to Laurel. From the start she'd had a natural way with him and if anything, that bond between them had been the thing that had kept Joe grounded.

"Uncle Tommy, whoa, this is awesome!" Joe breathed in disbelief as he stared at the two VIP tickets to see his favourite band live. "Thanks!"

Tommy ruffled his hair affectionately. "You're welcome."

"It was totally my idea," Thea claimed as she breezed back in and winked at her husband. "Happy birthday, Joe!" She hugged and kissed him.

He gave her a hard squeeze in return. "This is like, the best! You guys are so cool!"

Slade shook his head, amused. That was exactly what Joe had said when he and Laurel had presented him with the latest Xbox.

Thea laughed. "Hear that, Merlyn? We're cool!"

There was a noise at the door and Felicity waltzed in, Oliver following closely behind. She was holding Robbie's hand, but as soon as he saw Slade he broke free and ran toward him. Slade picked him up and threw him into the air.

"If it isn't my favourite little man," he laughed.

Sarah, noting her father's attention on someone other than her, ran over and tugged on his jeans. At the sight of her pout, he grinned and picked her up too. Happy to share, she babbled unintelligibly at Robbie.

Oliver walked over to him, his six month old daughter, Olivia in his arms. "I'd shake your hand, brother, but I can see that you already have your hands full," he noted jokingly.

"What can I say? I'm a popular man."

"I think it's the accent," replied Felicity. "It's totally attractive."

"I concur," said Laurel as she reached him, handing Sarah and Robbie a small bottle of juice each. When he looked at her she winked at him saucily and he felt the irrational desire to throw everyone out so he could have her all to himself.

Tommy rolled his eyes drolly. "No offense Slade," the dark haired man said, looking at him before he glanced at his sister-in-law, "but I don't get it."

Slade shrugged good naturedly. "None taken, mate." He gently placed the two children side by side on the couch and kept an eye on them as they sipped.

Thea slid an arm around her husband's waist as she cuddled against his side. "Oh, I'd be very worried if you did, Merlyn."

"Happy birthday, Joe!" Felicity grinned merrily as she presented him with a wrapped rectangular box. "This is from us. I hope you like it," she added with an excited laugh as he barreled into her, giving her a hug. "I personally find it very useful, even though Oliver doesn't really use his to it's full potential. I could show you some really neat tricks if you-" She stopped, abruptly. "I think I'm ruining the surprise, aren't I?"

Joe just grinned and Oliver gave his wife an adoring look as he wished the young man on his special day.

"You're my God-son, so we have an extra special bond," he said loud enough for Tommy to hear. The other man scoffed loudly before uttering, "oh please!" with equal volume.

Everyone laughed.

"Happy birthday, champ. Keep making us all proud."

Joe hugged Oliver before he tore the wrapping off his gift. His eyes grew large when he spied the contents. It was the new Windows Tablet which hadn't even been released yet. He caressed the box lovingly. "Wow," he breathed, in awe.

Felicity laughed. "I just know you're going to be so much better at technology than the grown men around you."

All the women laughed and the men ribbed one other trying to determine who was the worst. Slade lost out.

The doorbell rang again and Moira, Walter, Diggle, Carly and A.J arrived.

The lounge grew crowded as all the adults shuffled around so that the newcomers could wish the birthday boy. More hugs and kisses were dished out, along with some more presents: his own digital camera from Moira and Walter and a collectors edition box set of all the Iron Man movies from the Diggle's (which got a whoop of delight from Joe). They were his favourite.

"Laurel, my dear, you look wonderful," Walter said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before shaking Slade's hand.

His wife smiled at the older man who was always so distinguished. "Thank you for coming."

Moira appeared at her husband's side with Sarah holding onto her one hand and Robbie the other. "We wouldn't have missed it for the world. You know we love seeing the children."

"A.J, guess where we're going?" Joe showed his best friend the tickets that he'd received from the Merlyn's.

"No one will believe us when we tell them!" A.J said excitedly as he ran his hands over the black lettering on the rectangular cards, as though testing its authenticity.

"I don't recall you asking me if you can go anywhere?" Carly interjected, trying to keep a straight face.

A.J groaned. "Aww, Mom!"

"Just kidding," she said as she hugged both boys to her side.

The last of the adults to arrive was his father-in-law. They'd had a rocky beginning, but it hadn't taken Quentin long to realize how devoted Slade was to his daughter. As soon as he'd recognized it, their relationship had changed. There was a mutual respect and genuine fondness between them that had only grown as Quentin and Joe had bonded. By the time Sarah had come along, Slade was already calling the older man "Dad."

"Grandpa!" called Joe as the cop made his way into the room. He greeted all of the adults civilly as he passed them by. Despite the fact that he'd probably never be best friends with any of the Queen's, he'd let go of his vendetta. Doing so had made him a happier man.

"There's my boy!" The two embraced.

Joe pulled back first. "I was worried that you wouldn't make it."

Quentin shook his head. "Never. I just had some last minute things to sort out at the office. And," he pulled a wrapped box from his pocket, "to get you this."

Joe accepted it and tore off the wrapping. Slade could tell that Quentin appeared a little nervous.

Opening the box, Joe gasped. Inside was some fishing tackle, an exquisite fly attached to a hook. Slade smiled. He knew his son well enough to know that his grandfather's gift would be his favourite. Whenever Quentin had the time, he took Joe fly fishing. It was the one love they shared and had developed into a hobby that his son absolutely adored.

Joe beamed from ear to ear. "It's perfect! I love it!" They embraced again and Slade noticed that the older man seemed a little affected. If only he knew that he'd scored the home run.

Laurel linked her arm through his as they watched Joe thank everyone. "He's a lucky boy," she said lovingly. "There are so many people who care about him."

Slade felt a little choked. The families gathered in his home had been unbelievably supportive over the past few years. They were truly the best people he'd ever known.

Soon Joe's friends started arriving and they moved to the back of the house, close to the pool. Snacks were distributed and the men made their way to the grill to get the hot dogs going.

It was noisy and crowded and more than a little chaotic, but Slade loved every minute of it. The sounds of laughter wafting into the air had become a regular surrounding since he'd married Laurel. It was indicative of what his life was like – filled with family and friends and good times. He'd never been happier.

He scanned the crowd as he flipped burger buns along with Tommy and Oliver who were beside him, aprons tied around their waists, laughing uproariously at something Diggle had said. Walter was standing close by engaged in what looked like a debate with his father-in-law. He smiled. Some things never changed.

Moving on he noticed Felicity and Laurel assembling hot dogs and handing them out amongst the kids with Sarah and Robbie darting playfully between their legs. Thea was sitting on a bench in the sun with her mother and Carly, each woman holding a baby while they chatted happily.

Joe, A.J and some friends were laughing hysterically between bouts of shoving food into their mouths. His son looked relaxed and in high spirits. He still went to see his biological mother twice a year and they seemed to have a much better relationship although he doubted that Joe would ever want to move back permanently.

Laurel had been right. Joe was a lucky boy.

And so am I.

"You okay, man?" Diggle asked, interrupting his reverie.

He nodded. "Yeah, I'm good."

"Dig's trying to deflect. We all wanna know when he's making an honest woman of Carly," Tommy piped up.

Diggle groaned. "Come on, guys. This is not the appropriate time to be having this discussion. We should be watching the kids."

Slade laughed. "Trust me, we're watching the kids."

"It's been five years, Dig," Oliver added, amused at his friend's discomfiture.

"Personally, I highly recommend the institution. I'm sure my fellow shackled men would agree?" Tommy asked, looking at Slade and Oliver, his lips curling up at the corners.

Oliver nodded. "I would."

"Most definitely," said Slade.

Diggle busied himself flipping the hot dogs. "Okay, okay." He lowered his voice and looked around suspiciously. "I'm planning on asking," he confessed.

Tommy grinned broadly and exclaimed, "Finally!" as Oliver and Slade patted Diggle on the back excitedly.

"By bloody time, mate!"

"I can't believe the man who gave me advice on love and relationships has been so tardy in managing his own," Oliver chuckled.

Diggle grinned nervously. "Thanks guys. I know it's taken a while, but as you all know it's been-"

Slade, Tommy and Oliver interjected in unison, "Complicated."

Diggle looked at them in surprise. "I've said it that much?"

"Yeah," laughed Tommy.

"Old news," said Oliver.

"Poor excuse," quipped Slade.

Their combined laughter filtered through the house as they continued to give Diggle a hard time.

Laurel sat down on the bench overlooking the back garden. Everyone had left a few minutes before and thanks to the women, all evidence of the party had been cleared away. After the busy day, it was nice to finally be still.

"Everything alright?" Slade asked as he sat down beside her. Automatically she curled against him as he placed his arm around her shoulders.

She kissed the side of his neck. "Everything is perfect."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before she asked, "Where are the kids?"

"Sarah is helping Joe pack his gifts away," he replied drolly.

Laurel laughed. "Translated: She's wreaking havoc."

"Most probably," he agreed, laughter in his voice.

They snuggled together. "What were you and the guys laughing about earlier?"

Slade ran a hand up and down her arm, his cheek resting against the top of her head. "Dig's finally going to ask Carly to marry him."

Laurel gasped and looked at him. "That's wonderful news! I know she's been hinting quite heavily."

Her husband chuckled as she settled against him again. "It's by bloody time. They've been together longer than Oliver and Felicity!"

"Another wedding," she sighed. She hesitated for a second. "And more babies," she added, tentatively.

"More? Our house was like rent-a-kid today. Small bodies coming out of every crevice."

Laurel went still. "You found it unpleasant?"

"Of course not. I knew all of them."

"Slade, there's something I need to tell you." She leaned back until their eyes met.

He reached up and traced the curve of her cheek. "You're not planning on redecorating our bedroom again, are you? Because you know I'm generally easy going, but I can't wrap my mind around pastel pink walls."

The look of horror on his face made her burst out laughing. "No, it's nothing like that."

He heaved a sigh of relief. "Then I can handle anything."

She chewed on her lower lip nervously. "I know we never really discussed this but it sort of happened and I'm hoping that you're not going to be too-"

"What is it?" he asked, looking a little worried.

Laurel swallowed, her mouth dry. "Well, you see-"

"For Christ's sake, Laurel, spit it out!"

"I'm pregnant."

For a second her just stared at her, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly ajar. The next instant he was crushing her against him.

"Here I thought it was something serious," he whispered against her shoulder.

She giggled. "An unplanned pregnancy usually is."

He shook his head. "Unplanned, perhaps. But never unwanted," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

Laurel felt her eyes fill with tears. "So you're happy?"

"More than happy. I'm ecstatic."

He kissed her deeply and reverently, their breaths mingling, his hands gently exploring her still flat tummy. Laurel lost herself in the moment, her fingers running through his hair as he angled his mouth across hers to gain better access.

Her skin tingled everywhere he touched her, her arms around his neck to hold his lips captive, enjoying every moment of the slow torment. It was always the same between them – hot, passionate and all encompassing. He never failed to make her want him.

"How far along are we?" he asked when he eventually let her up for air.

Her breathing was a little ragged. "About three weeks, I think. I'll make an appointment with the Doctor so he can confirm."

"I can't wait."

She laughed. "This one's a boy. I don't know why I think that, but I do. It just feels different to the last time."

His warm hand rested against her belly. "Boy or girl, it doesn't matter to me. As long as you and the baby are both healthy."

"I love you, Slade," she murmured, staring into the depths of his dark eyes. She'd never loved anyone as much as she loved him.

He rubbed their noses together affectionately. "I love you too."

They heard footsteps behind them and turned to see Joe carrying Sarah toward them. Laurel scooted to the other end of the bench and made room for their children, patting the seat in welcome. Joe sat down between them, his sister on his lap. Laurel moved closer again until they were all sandwiched together.

"Your Mom has some news," Slade said as his daughter reached for him.

"Da da da da da!"

Joe looked at her expectantly.

"We're having another baby," she said with a smile.

Joe's face broke into an ear splitting grin as he hugged her tightly. "Do you think you could have twins too?"

Slade choked. "One at a time, please, kid."

Laurel laughed as she ran a hand over her son's hair. "We'll have to wait and see. You and Sarah and the new baby are the best presents your father ever gave me. I hope you know that," she said lovingly.

He nodded, allowing her to hold him against her. "I love you both too."

Sarah leaned over and patted her brother's back until he looked at her and smiled. "J-oh!" she said, bouncing on her father's legs.

They all laughed.

"Dad? You never did tell me how you and Mom met?" Joe asked curiously.

Slade looked at him and replied with a straight-face. "Well, we each thought the other was an intruder so I slammed your Mom into a wall and she retaliated by nailing me in the balls."

Laurel gasped. "Slade!"

Joe was giggling with glee. "No ways? Did you hear that Sarah?"

His sister grinned, clapping her hands together. "Ma ma ma ma ma!"

Laurel reached for her daughter and kissed her chubby cheek while her husband looked at her mischievously.

"That's exactly how it happened."

Joe looked at her for confirmation.

"It did," she admitted with a smile, rolling her eyes.

Joe hooted with laughter and Laurel's heart rejoiced at the sound. He'd come a long way, they all had, but she had no regrets. Fate had waved her magic wand and against all odds, they'd found each other. Slade was the love of her life and she wouldn't trade what they'd created together for anything in the world.

Over the heads of their children, their eyes met and lingered. In their depths was the promise of their commitment to each other and the abiding love that would last them a lifetime.

THE END