A/N: Wow…I never expected the reviews that I got on the last chapter. To be fair, it was 50-50 as to whether everyone liked the way I ended it. However, I'm bowing to some pressure from one reviewer who has stood by me and provided great support since the beginning, bookdiva, and so here's my answer to the question, what did they have? Anyway, I hope you like this and that it wraps this story up nicely for you with a bow. Happy New Year!

CHAPTER 21 – EPILOGUE

Marty Deeks stepped into his living room that once had been a place of order and calm, but now was a place of utter chaos. Children's toys were found strewn all over the floor. This was the scene every morning since their little bundle of joy had begun to crawl then walk. The world was his oyster and he was going to investigate every nook and cranny.

Little Martin Andrew Deeks II or Andy Deeks lay sleeping in the playpen located in the corner of the room. His blond curly hair covering his face as he slept. Marty began to quietly pick up the toys and place them in the toy chest beside the playpen. For a child eight months old, he had what appeared to be every stuffed animal, teething ring and play toy for his age that they made. His grandmas, aunties and uncles kept him wanting for nothing especially Sam. Sam. Now there's a surprise. Once Andy had been born, Sam was one of the first to hold him declaring him to be one of the finest babies, second only to his own children. From that point on, he called Andy "Mini Deeks" and he seemed to have gotten that right.

According to Kensi, Andy took to the water right away and actually cried when she pulled him out of his first bath. Now that he was older, they tried to take him to the beach to enjoy the salt filled air. Of course, they lathered him with so much suntan lotion that he looked like a ghost with his own floppy hat.

Today, they would be going down to the beach on a family adventure as soon as Kensi emerged from the bathroom where Monty was quietly keeping her company. Kensi had been up for quite a while taking care of Andy. He had been fed, bathed and clothed in the matter of an hour. His wife was so efficient.

As for himself, Deeks had gotten together the food for the picnic after he took his shower and got dressed. The couple had an understanding about chores and duties. Kensi washed all their clothes, Deeks did the cooking and they both cleaned the apartment. Now when it came to cooking, it had been agreed that even though Kensi would do it occasionally; Deeks was actually the better cook. So, Deeks walked over to the counter to gather up the picnic basket filled with goodies and place it in the bottom of the stroller.

About that time, Kensi emerged from their bedroom with Monty hot on her heels. Monty went over to his area in the kitchen and took a little bit of water before he grabbed his leash. He walked over to his master and dropped it on the floor at Deeks' feet. Marty laughed.

He scuffed the hair on top of Monty's head. "Easy boy. We'll be ready as soon as Andy wakes up." To which, Monty went over to stand by the playpen. He seemed to be willing the child to wake so they could get on their way. Kensi quietly laughed and Deeks joined her.

Suddenly there was movement in the playpen and Andy began to stretch. He began to rub his eyes. Deeks caught his son's movement right away as Kensi was now bending down and petting Monty on the head while attaching his leash. Deeks gently reached down and picked up his son who slowly opened his eyes. He had the most amazing blue eyes even bluer than Deeks' own eyes. Andy smiled at his daddy.

"Dada, dada…" He said in a very sleepy voice.

Deeks smiled again and rubbed his son gently on the back. "Ready to go to the beach?"

Andy shook his head yes. This child really loved the outdoors. Andy spied Kensi with Monty. He reached out for his mother. Kensi took him into the arms and she gave Andy a nose rub with her own nose. The child squealed with delight. Then, Kensi lifted Andy into the waiting stroller along with extra sunscreen and sand/water toys. Deeks grabbed his surfboard and Monty's leash. Kensi guided the stroller out of their place and after Deeks closing and locking the front door; the family took off for their day at the beach.

Deeks walked beside his family as they proceeded towards the beach occasionally nodding to others in greeting or stopping so they could remark on how much Andy had grown since their last outing. Kensi smiled the whole time answering questions as needed. I'm a lucky man thought Deeks. I've gotten everything that I could possibly wanted in life except one thing…I'll have to ask her about that again tonight, he thought as he stared at his wife. I don't think it's too soon. I really would love a girl next time; one that looks exactly like a carbon copy of his beautiful wife, Kensi.

As they came closer to the beach, figures on the beach became more visible. Two of the people near one of the picnic tables raised their hands in the air obviously trying to get the family's attention. It was Sam and Michelle. They were spreading things out on the table. Deeks and Kensi walked up to them and Sam bent down to take Andy out of the stroller.

"How's it going, Mini Deeks?" Sam asked the toddler who appeared to be trying to show Sam his newest toy. "What's that? Did Uncle Callen get you another toy?" Both Deeks and Kensi smiled at this statement. When Callen came over to see them, he always brought something with him for Andy. He never came over empty-handed.

"What's that Sam? Jealous?" A voice called out from behind him. G Callen came up to the group carrying a towel, sunscreen and a small water toy in his hands. "I can't help it if I think he's the greatest boy in the world. I love spoiling my little nephew. Oh, I also do the same thing with your girls."

At that statement, Michelle Hanna started to laugh. "He's got you there Sam!" Turning to Callen, she asked, "How's it going G?"

"Fine. I saw your girls over by the water and so they've already got their present." Callen said as he placed his gear beside the table. "Anybody ready for a day on the water?"

Deeks fiddled with his surfboard, but it was Kensi who answered. "My husband. He hasn't stopped talking about today since we all cooked this up earlier this week."

Deeks smiled and leaned over and kissed his wife. "You know me SO well, Princess." Everyone laughed. Kensi turned her attention towards Andy and began to put more sunscreen on him while still in Sam's arms. She made sure his hat was firmly in place.

After she finished, Sam handed the baby to Callen who presented him with his new toy. "Come on, little one. Let's go see what this can do." Callen took Andy over to the water's edge near where Sam's daughters were playing in the surf. Laughter soon ensued.

Deeks grabbed up his surfboard and arched up on his eyebrows while looking at Kensi. She nodded and the ex-detective took off towards the water where he placed his board in the water and paddled out to the other surfer's. Two of the surfer's raised their hands in greeting. It was Eric and Nell. Finally, Eric had gotten Nell on a surfboard and taught her a few things. It turned out that she was a natural just like Kensi.

Kensi watched all this activity and turned towards Sam and Michelle. "I heard from Hetty this morning and she's going over to my Mom's place to swim. Then they'll both come over here for the picnic."

"That's great. How about Astrid?" Michelle asked.

"Oh, she couldn't make it today. Finals." Kensi replied as she began to lift out the picnic basket and other things out of the baby stroller which included the diaper bag. "I'm really proud of her. Straight A's at Pepperdine. It looks like she's going to make it into law school. She wants to follow in Deeks' footsteps." Kensi smiled at this thought.

Sam remarked, "I hope not too close…"

"Sam Hanna, you know that Marty Deeks has come a long way since joining up with us!"

"Just teasing, Kens. I have to agree. Marty has come a long nicely since hooking up with you." He bent down and kissed Kensi on the forehead.

Kensi took a swipe at Sam and Michelle started to laugh all over again. Sam went over to Monty and unhooked the dog after grabbing a frisbee off the table. Deeks, Eric and Nell continued to surf while Michelle and Kensi sunbathed and talked about their favorite subject; their families. Everything was moving along and soon the sun appeared overhead in a mid-day pattern. Deeks, Eric and Nell came out of the ocean and made their way back to the table along with Callen, Sam, Andy, Monty and the girls. Everyone was chatty and wet except for Monty and Sam. Towels were quickly dispersed.

Julia and Hetty joined the group about that time. The two women had become close friends ever since the time that they had been in the waiting room together. Kensi was glad that her mother had someone to hang out with. It was nice to see.

After drying off, Deeks began to unpack the basket while Kensi took Andy and checked his swim diaper. It was a good thing. He was due for a change. Kensi took Andy over to the bath house and carried this out in a quick and efficient manner.

While they were gone, Deeks attached the portable high chair to the table. The plates and utensils were passed around and the food was placed on the table. Wine was poured for the adults while the children had juice. Kensi returned with Andy. Everyone took their places and sat down.

Deeks rose and lifted his glass. "I would like to give thanks for all the good friends and family present here today. I'm honored to have you all in my life. To my wonderful wife and son, I love you so very much." He nodded towards his wife who returned the gesture.

To which everyone responded with lifted glasses and cups, "HERE, HERE!" (Or something like that when it came to Andy's response)

THE ABSOLUTE END