Taking Someone's Place

TVGirl09

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Ryan woke up groggily. His mind was slowly came back to life he heard humming and a baby coo. His eyes crept open and he turned his face towards the noise. The first thing he saw made him smile.

Avery was in a bed across from his, holding a new born baby in her arms.

"Morning sleepy head," Avery said as she looked over at him. Then she spoke in a very baby tone, "Look daddy's awake."

He smiled at her using the word daddy. It felt good. There was a part of him that felt bad about the mess he'd left.

"I'm sorry," he stated and she looked up.

"I know… I understand. You were doing what you had to. I don't blame you Ryan. I wish I could have known but I understand it," she stated, understanding immediately. "Just as long as you promise to be there for this little one growing up I'll forget the past. Can you do that?"

"I promise," he states. "Is the baby a boy or a girl?"

The corners of Avery's lips turned upwards into a smile. He stifled a yawn and she looked down. "You need to sleep, Ryan. You've been unconscious for three days. Your body needs to rest," she stated.

"Please, I need to know," he stated, trying to stay awake.

"A girl. We have a daughter," Avery told him and he smiled.

"A daughter," he whispered exhaustion taking hold. "I love you, you know that right."

"I love you too," Avery whispered. "See you when you awaken." He just nodded as he closed his eyes.

Five months later…

Avery stood in the lab, waiting for the results of the latest blood test she'd done on the blood from the crime scene. She was so determined she didn't know anyone else was in the room till she felt a hand run itself down her arm as they brushed past her.

She looked up to see Ryan staring across the table from her.

The duo had figured out a way to get around the fraternization policy so they could still work together. Since he'd been undercover they couldn't fire him and she had pull with the higher ups.

She wasn't proud to say it but she kind of bought her way onto the team by 'donating' a large lump of money to the police force. It was worth it though to see her husband every day.

Only catch was he had to do field work while she worked solely in the lab. That was okay with her though. Plus, they couldn't let their love life spill into their professional lives. This meant they couldn't kiss or do anything else that was considered PDA.

"Hey Ryan," she said with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"Tonight, dinner at the pier, Maxine volunteered to babysit Lexie for us," Ryan said and she smiled. A date, they hadn't had one of those in forever – first because of Ryan's injuries, then because of Lexie keeping them up at all hours of the night, and now things were settled and alright.

"Sure," she stated with a smile. "I'd love it."

"Good, till then," he states with a huge smile plastered on his face. She nods and just then Horatio enters, needing Ryan on a scene with him. They leave. Avery knows things will never be like they were before Ryan's undercover assignment and she wouldn't want them to be.

They are so much better…

The End

[So, what do you think? Like it, hate it, couldn't care less one way or another? Sorry it took me so long. Thanks for all of the reviews and thanks for reading and sticking with me.

TVGirl09]