A/N: Final chapter.

Ten years later

"Is everyone ready?" Owen asked. "Yup," was the chorus of small voices from the back of the van.

"Okay, let's do a roll call to make sure everyone is in the vehicle," Cristina said. "Maddie?"

"Here, Aunt Cristina," the 18-year-old said. Maddie had grown tall over the years. She was now three inches taller than Cristina. She still had long brown hair and her green eyes were as bright as ever. She was a very pretty girl.

"Xander?" Cristina said. "Here, Mommy," the blonde eight-year-old boy said.

"Rafe?" Cristina said. "Here, Mommy," the blonde six-year-old boy said.

"Tristan?" Cristina said. "Here, Mommy," the blonde four-year-old boy said.

"Okay, we are all here," Cristina said. "You forgot to call out Daddy," Tristan said.

"Oh, it seems that I did forget," Cristina said. "Daddy?" "Here, Mommy," Owen said, as he reached across and squeezed her hand.

"So, we are all here, so I guess we better get on our way," Cristina said. The family of six was headed to Washington, DC to drop off Maddie for her first year of college at Georgetown University. Owen knew that the normally four-and-a-half hour drive from New York to Washington was going to take longer with the number of restroom stops with the three little boys and especially since Cristina was five-and-a-half months pregnant with their little girl.

He didn't know whether Cristina would be able to make the long road trip in her state but she insisted that she wanted to come along to get Maddie settled at school. They decided to take all three boys to make it to a family road trip to Washington. Owen thought it would be a great idea for the boys to visit all of the monuments and learn more about the nation's capital.

This last pregnancy almost did not happen. Eighteen months ago, Owen broached the topic of trying for a little girl. Their three little boys looked like him and none of their children looked like Cristina. He so wanted a baby girl, who would have Cristina's dark curls. Cristina was initially very reluctant, saying their house was already full with three little boys and Maddie. But he reminded her that Maddie would be leaving the house and going to college and it would be nice to have a little girl in the house, again. Cristina countered that there was no guarantee that the baby would be a girl. But she finally agreed to try just one more time. They had tried for an entire year but nothing happened. They went to the doctors to find out what was wrong. With the boys, they had no problems getting pregnant. The doctor said that there was nothing wrong with either of them and they just had to relax. Two months later, they found out they were pregnant, once again.

The kids took turns watching DVDs or napping. Maddie had enough cartoons to last her a lifetime. It was during one of the quieter moments that Owen heard her sniffing.

"Maddie, are you crying? What's wrong?" Owen asked his niece.

"Are you missing your dad, already?" Cristina asked. "Didn't you go across there and say goodbye, yesterday?"

"Yes, I did. But it is not that," Maddie said. "I was just thinking of Milo."

When she said that, Owen looked across at Cristina and he could see the tears already forming in her eyes. She was going to cry. The wounds were still fresh, when it came to Milo, who passed away two weeks ago. It was Cristina who had found him. She had gone down to feed him breakfast and when he didn't come when she called, she went and checked on him. When she realized he was no longer breathing, she started to weep, hysterically. Milo was 13 years old and though he had long ceased being Cristina's service dog, he had become the much loved family pet. Owen found her, crying on Milo's still warm body. He had to pick up his wife and carry her to their bedroom. Since she was totally distraught, Owen saw about the cremation of Milo's body. He brought home the dog's ashes in a box, which they buried next to the rose bush in the back-yard. The boys had worked on a cross, on which Maddie wrote, "MILO HUNT – Beloved friend and companion." Everyone cried, as Owen buried the box. Cristina said a prayer for Milo. Rafe asked his mommy, "Do you think Milo has gone to dog heaven?" Cristina looked at her son, her eyes filled with tears, "I am sure that Milo has gone to heaven, Rafe. He was a good boy."

The next day, the day after Milo died, the doctor told them that the baby was a girl.

Owen looked at Cristina; the tears were freely rolling down her face. "Oh, Maddie, look what you have done to Cristina. You know she is a hormonal mess, right now."

"I am sorry," Maddie said, tearfully. The three boys all started crying, too. They could not bear to see their mother cry. They cried, whenever she cried. They couldn't stand to see their mother hurt.

Owen himself started feeling misty. The tears were burning his eyes. He looked at the time on the dashboard. It was close enough to lunchtime. He might as well stop and let the family have lunch, since everyone was a weeping mess.

He went off the next exit. "Kids, we are going to get something to eat. How about that? So, let's dry those tears and get some lunch." He looked at Cristina, "You, too, baby. You have to stop crying." Cristina nodded, as she grabbed the box of tissues and profusely blew her nose.

Owen pulled up in front of a family diner place called Mabel's. Owen helped Cristina get out of the van, while the boys and Maddie scrambled out of the back. They went into the diner, which was brightly decorated with red and white checked tablecloths.

"It's just like those old-time diners," Cristina said. They found themselves a corner booth, so everyone could sit together. The three boys sat in the middle with Maddie on one end and Owen and Cristina on the other end.

The waitress came up and saw them, "Good day. My name is Marge and welcome to Mabel's."

"Thank you, Marge," Owen said. "My family is glad to be here. We are very hungry. Long road trip."

"Oh, really. Where are you guys headed?" Marge asked.

"We're dropping off our niece, Maddie to Georgetown. She's going to be a college freshman," Owen said.

"Ah, Georgetown. That's a great school, honey," Marge said.

"Yeah, I know. Aunt Cristina went college there, too," Maddie said. "So we're keeping it in the family."

Marge looked at the three little boys, who were quietly sitting. "Look at these three cuties that you have. You have a regular Home Improvement here. You boys sure look like your handsome daddy," Marge said.

Owen said, "Not exactly Home Improvement. We're going to have a girl in a couple of months."

"Aw, that is so wonderful. Just for that, I will ask the manager if we can give you free pie for dessert," Marge said. "Are you folks ready to order?"

Owen ordered for junior burgers for the kids, cheeseburgers for himself and Maddie and a Southwestern chicken salad for Cristina.

The service was quick and they soon had all of their food. There was little chatter at the table. The Hunt family knew how to chow down, when it came to meal time. Even Tristan managed to finish his entire burger.

As she cleared away the plates, Marge told them that she had asked the manager, who agreed to free pie, in celebration of the baby girl that was coming. She brought regular sized pie slices for Maddie, Cristina and Owen and children-sized slices for the little boys.

"Have you decided what you're going to name your baby girl?" Marge said.

"Yes," Cristina said. "Her name will be Zoe. Starts with a Z because she will be the final word on any more babies."

Owen laughed. "Whatever she said, I will agree," he said.

Everyone ate up their pieces of delicious apple pie. Owen left Marge a generous tip before they headed back on the highway to Washington. They finally got there a little after two. They headed straight to the dorms. There were lots of other students, also checking in to their dorm rooms. They found Maddie's room and her roommate was already there.

"Hi," the red-headed girl said. "I'm Sadie Landers from Tucson, Arizona."

"Hey, Sadie. I am Madison Hunt Cromwell but everyone calls me Maddie. This is my Uncle Owen and Aunt Cristina and these three little rascals are my cousins, Xander, Rafe and Tristan. We are from Manhattan," Maddie said, shaking the girl's hand.

"Nice to meet everyone. The boys are so cute," Sadie said. "I already took this side of the room. I hope that side is okay with you."

"Yes, that's fine. I prefer being nearer the window," Maddie said. Owen and Maddie brought up all of Maddie's boxes and suitcases. Everyone started to help Maddie unpack, even Tristan and Rafe. Sadie found it was really cute how the little boys were helping Maddie unpack. They really looked a lot like their dad, she thought.

When they were through, Owen said, "So Maddie, are you going to come with us, while we check in the hotel and then go see some sights before dinner."

"Yeah, I am going to come," Maddie said. "See you, Sadie."

They headed out of the dorms and out back to their car. Tristan was being a little naughty and decided to run off.

"Maddie, can you get him?" Cristina asked. "I am a little slow."

"Sure, Aunt Cristina," Maddie said. She chased after Tristan, just in time to see a handsome, dark-haired teenager catching Tristan.

"I think this belongs to you," he said, picking up Tristan, so he wouldn't get away.

"Yes, thank you," she said. She scolded her young cousin. "You shouldn't run away, Tristan. You don't even know where you are."

Cristina finally caught up with Maddie. "You got him."

"Not me, him," Maddie said. The young man stared at Cristina and his mouth dropped open.

"Cristina!" he yelled. "It's me."

Cristina stared at the dark-haired young man with his long dark lashes, rimming his very dark eyes. Suddenly, she started seeing a much younger version of the boy.

"Simon?" she asked, a little unsure.

"Yes, it is me, Simon," the boy said. He was so happy to see his former nanny, who he had loved so much.

"Simon Barnes?" Maddie said. The boy nodded, furiously. "And you're Maddie, right?" he responded.

"Yes," Maddie replied. Things were already looking good for her college experience, she thought. "So are you going to Georgetown, too?"

"Yeah, I just checked into the dorms, yesterday. My dad and my step-mom brought me up but they had to go back this morning," Simon said.

"So how are your sisters?" Cristina asked.

"Well, they have managed to finally separate from each other. Ashley is going to school in Vermont and Courtney is going to school in Texas," he said.

"Ah, that is good to know," Cristina said. The girls together were quite a handful but she was glad that they were embracing their individuality.

Owen came up with the two older boys. "Hey, what's taking you so long?"

"We just met up here with Simon Barnes," Maddie said. "You remember him?"

"Yes," Owen said. Of course. he remembered. He could also remember all of his jealous feelings when Cristina used to work for Simon's dad.

"Well, Simon, we are just going to check into our hotel, so we are heading out, now," Owen said. "Maddie?" He caught his niece staring at the boy.

"Uh, yes," Maddie said. "So I will see you around, Simon."

"You can bet on that," Simon said. He gave Cristina a hug. "It is so good to see you again, Cristina."

As the young man walked away, Cristina noted Maddie still staring at the boy's retreating figure. "Yes, Maddie, he is very cute." Maddie blushed. She had never been so taken with a boy like this, before.

It was Christmas vacation and Maddie was headed back to Manhattan. She had finished her finals that morning and grabbed the first flight up to Manhattan. Simon had traveled with her. He was now her boyfriend. He had taken a separate taxi to his house, while she headed to the townhouse.

She opened the door to the townhouse to find that Toni and Chuck there, babysitting the boys. Toni and Chuck were now a married couple. Chuck had been inspired to ask Toni out at Cristina and Owen's wedding. They found that they had a lot in common and two years later, they had got married, when Toni found herself pregnant. Chuck and Toni had two children – a seven year old boy named Patrick and a five year old daughter named Lola. Their children were also there.

"Hey, Toni, Chuck," Maddie asked. "Where's Uncle Owen and Aunt Cristina?"

"Hey, Maddie," Toni said, giving her a hug. "It's time for little Zoe to be born."

"Oh, my God, oh, my God! I better get down there," Maddie said. She hugged her little cousins and headed to the hospital. "New baby, boys," she screamed.

She pulled on back her coat, scarf and hat before she caught a cab to go to the hospital. She ran to the OB/GYN ward to look for Cristina. She found Bruce in the waiting room, chatting up a nurse. He was a confirmed bachelor and was still chasing the girls. Maddie shook her head, when she saw him. Bruce would never change.

"Bruce, Bruce, what's going on?" Maddie yelled.

"Maddie, she is close to delivery," Bruce said. "Your Uncle Owen is in with her. I am expecting him to come out, any moment, now." He turned to the nurse. "Talk to you, later. Don't forget to give me your phone number." She smiled, as she walked away.

Maddie sat down on the sofa, waiting. A half-hour passed before Uncle Owen came out. He had a huge grin on his face. Maddie ran and hugged him.

"Zoe's here and she is perfect," Owen said. He showed them a picture of the baby. "What do you notice?"

"Dark curls, Uncle Owen, just like Cristina," Maddie said.

"Yes, I finally got my mini-Cristina," he said, happily.

"I am so happy for you," Maddie said. Bruce gave his friend a hug. "Congratulations, man."

Two weeks later, it was Christmas Day. Owen had warned the boys not to come storming into their room, as they usually did, because the baby was sleeping in their room. There was a small knock. Owen tiptoed away from the bed, hoping not to wake Cristina or Zoe. He opened the door. It was Maddie and the three boys.

"Maddie, you are 18 years old, you can't be doing this," Owen said.

"Hey, I am still a kid at heart," Maddie said. "We're going down to open our presents."

Owen nodded, as he closed the door. He was putting on his slippers, when Cristina said, "Time to open presents." He turned around. "Hey, you don't have to get up."

"Of course I have to get up. I can't miss all of the fun," she said. She put on her slippers and ran out of the door. He chased after her. They went downstairs to the living room, where everyone had their one present to open, as was Hunt tradition. Everybody had already opened their one present, when they heard the doorbell. Who could it be that was at their house so early in the morning?

Owen opened the door. It was Bruce and in his arms, was a golden retriever puppy. "Hey, man," Bruce said. "I brought this over for the kids. A home with this many kids always needs a dog." He thrust the puppy in Owen's arms. "Merry Christmas."

"Thanks, do you want to stay for breakfast?" Owen asked, as the puppy licked his face.

"No, I have a hot breakfast date with a sexy nurse," Bruce said. "I am going to meet her at the hospital now. She is now coming off shift. Who knows, Owen, she could be the one. So, see you guys."

Owen carried the puppy to the living room, where the boys fussed over the dog. Owen watched Cristina's reaction. It had now been a couple of months, since Milo died. He watched as she put out her hand and the puppy came directly to her. She picked it up and hugged it. "Hey, pretty girl."

"Why don't you name her, Cristina?" Owen said. Cristina lifted the puppy up and stared at her face. "She looks like she is a Bella."

"Bella. Her name is Bella," Owen repeated. Just then, they heard the baby cry on the monitor. "I will go get her," Owen said. He brought down the dark-haired baby and gently rocked her in his arms. "Seems like Zoe didn't want to miss out on the action."

As he sat there with his youngest child, Owen looked over the entire scene with pride. Maddie and the boys were busy opening their presents. Cristina was engrossed with the new puppy. And here he was with his baby girl.

He knew life could not get any better than this. He had the family he always wanted with the woman that he loved. His life was complete.

THE END

A/N: So we have come to the end of this story. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have, writing it. Please leave your comments to let me know what you thought. Thank you.