Spoilers: Up through season 7 and including spoilers for season 8. This is speculation on the storyline that will cover Daniela Ruah's maternity leave. Now that the premier has aired, this is officially AU.

Disclaimer: I own the DVDs for Seasons 1 through 7. I am not making any money from this.


"You're staring at me," Emily said flatly.

"You're staring at me," Deeks countered.

Emily sighed, "I'm looking at and sketching the trees beyond you."

"Really? That's disappointing. Because I'm more than willing to pose for you. Look…I can do the Thinking Man," he hunched over and put a fisted hand under his chin. "Or the farmer from American Gothic," Deeks jumped up and stood ramrod straight with a stern look on his face, one hand pretending to hold a pitchfork, the other pulling his hair off his forehead. "No, no, wait, I've got it - Dogs Playing Poker!" He sat back down on a food canister and mimed holding playing cards while he put an imaginary cigar in his mouth.

Emily giggled, "Oh my god, Kensi wasn't kidding when she said you were on your best behavior at the hospital."

"She said that?" The teenager nodded. "Yeah, no, she wasn't wrong," Deeks admitted. Approaching Emily and her sketchbook, he asked, "Can I see?"

"No," she quickly closed the book and held it to her chest. "I'm not really comfortable having anyone but my instructor look at this stuff yet."

"No worries, I promise I won't snatch it from you to sneak a peek."

"Unlike Erica, who tries that on a daily basis."

"Why is it that you're the only one who calls her by her given name?"

Emily gave Deeks a funny look. "Asks the man who doesn't call anyone by their given name, or hardly even the same name twice!"

"That's just part of my charm, Em-Monet."

She stuck her tongue out at him playfully, but answered the question. "Because I'm her big sister, and that's just something big sisters do…we annoy our little sisters at every opportunity to try to make up for all the aggravation they cause us."

"Ah, I see. Kens and I are only children, so we wouldn't really know. But there are a couple of friends of ours who are like my older brothers, so I get where you're coming from. Or maybe I get where Ricki's coming from, being the younger sibling in the analogy."

Watching Emily take her glasses off now that she was done drawing for the time being, Deeks commented, "Love the specs, by the way. Guess the headaches were caused by eyestrain after all?"

"Yeah, thankfully. I was half convinced they were going to find a brain tumor instead."

"That a could happen?" Deeks grimaced.

Emily nodded, "Not often, but within the realm of possibility for my cancer. And it's usually the last metastasis, since they're typically inoperable. Though not a bad way to die, from what I've read. At least compared to lung cancer, which is how I'm probably going to go."

"Jeez, Em-morose. Why would you even read about that?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I have a recurrent cancer. The Big C's almost definitely going to kill me one way or another, unless I get hit by a car or something. I want to know what it's going to be like." At Deeks' alarmed look, Emily continued reassuringly, "Hey, I'm lucky. Most people don't know how they're going to die for the majority of their lives. I have a pretty good idea. So when I have my regular chats with God, I sometimes put in a good word for a brain tumor." Emily laughed at herself, "But when the headaches started, I rushed to make sure the Big Guy knew I didn't mean now."

"But as long as it doesn't go to your brain, you continue to fight it, right?"

"Well, I'd fight it even then, but really that only gives you a couple more weeks or months." Emily looked at Deeks for a few moments, considering. "You do realize the chances are good I won't make it to twenty-five years-old, Deemarty?" At his stricken look, the teen explained, "I might not be able to have chemo the next time the cancer recurs because of how much I've had already. It's going to start being toxic to my kidneys and liver sooner or later. The only reason I was able to have it this time around is because they were some relatively new drugs that shouldn't have as cumulative an effect on my organs."

Deeks rubbed his hand through his hair, scratched his neck, and cleared his throat before attempting to respond. "Uh, no, I didn't know that. I'm really sorry, Emily."

"Yeah, me too. That's why trying to figure out what to do with myself right now is so hard, you know? I mean, what's the point of spending all that time in school to learn a profession if I'm just going to die when I'm finally ready to work?"

Deeks nodded, disbelieving he was actually having such a conversation with an eighteen year-old. "I see what you mean. But medicine is always coming up with better treatments, different drugs, new procedures. Maybe the point is to stay alive long enough for them to find the one that finally works for you for the long haul. You've got Jasper in your corner for that. And me. I found Kensi her bone marrow donor, I'd do my best to find you a kidney or liver. I can be like the organ matchmaker," he grinned.

"I might take you up on that, because I'd rather get an organ from an anonymous donor than from my sister."

"Ricki can donate to you?" Deeks was happily surprised, and then confused.

"Yeah, my folks had her tested during my latest recurrence, when the docs weren't sure I'd be a candidate for the chemo regimen they ended up giving me. Mom and dad wanted me to go ahead with my regular chemo knowing I could have a kidney and half a liver from Erica if I needed it."

"You didn't want to?" Deeks asked, surprised.

"No way. How would you feel, being used for spare parts? Besides, she's only twelve years old, so she couldn't say no if she wanted to."

"You really think she would?"

"No, but hello, she's twelve. I'm sure she'd do anything to help, even if she didn't understand the consequences."

"So…even though she'd probably make the same decision if she was eighteen or older, you wouldn't let her do it now?"

"Right. And even later, I won't let her do it."

"Why not? I have to say Em, you always impressed me as a very smart young lady, but this just seems kind of…"

"Stupid?"

"Your word, not mine. But no, it doesn't make much sense to me. I mean, you have a disease that can kill you unless you get a treatment that can destroy some of your organs. But you have someone who is willing and able to give you her organs, or part of them, at least, and offer you another, what dozen or so years? Maybe even more depending on the state of medicine at the time. Seems like a win-win to me."

Emily laughed without humor. "You make it sound like it's not a big deal that she'd have to have surgery. And, you know, have parts of her body cut out."

"Of course it's a big deal – that's what makes it so awesome, Emily! Why would you deny your sister the opportunity to be your hero? To save your life? To lord it over your head for what would be a longer life, thanks to her." Deeks' grin faded and he tapped her gently on the knee. "Imagine how bad she would feel if you died and she could have saved you."

Emily considered him for a bit. "I guess I didn't think of it like that."

"Really? Your parents never said that to you?"

"No, my parents get upset when I argue with them about it and just yell at me. Then I yell back and storm off."

Deeks nodded. "I get that. But try thinking about it from Ricki's perspective. And in the meantime, I think you should do what makes you happy. If you don't want to be a student for the next four to eight years because you'd rather do something else, then do the other thing. But if you do want to learn about drawing, or psychology, do that. Education is never a waste of time."

"You don't have to tell that to the child of two educators," she chided.

"Here's another thing to consider then. People beat the odds all the time, even when it comes to cancer. You said the chances weren't good, not that this is a definite outcome. Especially if you put Ricki's contribution back in the equation. What's that quotation? You should 'Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.' I think you should plan for the best, not just hope for it. And Kensi and I will throw you a surprise twenty-fifth birthday when the time comes."

"Won't be much of a surprise, Deemarty, since you just told me about it."

"It'll be a surprise for Kensi when I don't remember to tell her until the week before," he joked. Deeks pulled out his phone and opened the calendar app. "And just to make it official, when is your birthday?"

"January eighth."

"No way – mine too! We're birthday twins! I knew there was another reason I liked you. Did you know that's also Elvis's birthday? And he made it to forty-two. You can't let a man who ate peanut butter, bacon, and banana sandwiches and died on the toilet outlive you, Em-Manet, even if he was the King of Rock and Roll."

"You just used that name, Deemarty. You're slipping."

"Ah, no. I said Em-Monet before. This time it was Em-Manet."

"My bad. Okay, so I have to plan my life as if I'll live to forty-two, then, is that what you're saying?"

"Oh, at least. And it really will be a surprise when we throw you another party then, too. Because who has a surprise forty-second birthday party?"

"Only if it's a joint party, though. How old will you be then?"

Deeks quickly did the math in his head, "Sixty-two."

"Wow, so you'll probably even have grandchildren by then. Definitely worth staying alive to see Deemarty act like a five year-old with his grandkids."

"Grandkids? Not by then, I don't think. But I promise to act as immaturely as I can with any kids you bring to the party. So it's a deal, yeah? In…2041, a joint surprise party for me and you?" Deeks held out his hand.

She shook it, "Deal."

"Awesome. Now don't let me forget to tell Kensi."


Upon Kensi's return with the tracking contingent, it was decided that everyone would try their hand at fishing at the nearby lake. Emily and Ricki caught the most: two fish each that were large enough to keep. If they counted the ones they had to toss back (which Emily did), she declared herself the winner. Deeks also caught a keeper, but Kensi and Dennis both had to throw their one each back in the lake.

Kensi demonstrated the proper way to filet the fish, and Ricki was permitted to try. She and Dennis did a good job of preparing their remaining catches.

They sat around the campfire that evening eating the fish they caught. "Who thought to bring the lemon and lime to squeeze on these? Because that's just inspired." Deeks raved.

"Mom recommended it," said Ricki.

"And how come she's not here enjoying this delicious dinner with us?"

This time Emily replied, "Because she couldn't resist the thought of an entire weekend alone in the house, especially with me not in the hospital."

"For her birthday every year, Dad takes me and Emily out so she can have the day to herself. Then we take her out to dinner."

"Wow," Deeks was surprised, "You guys must be real rabble-rousers. Guess I wasn't the only one on my best behavior in the hospital, Emmischief-maker." He bumped into her with his shoulder.

"Whatever," she muttered. "We wouldn't get into nearly as much trouble if someone would learn how to ask for permission before borrowing my stuff." Emily put air-quotes around "borrowing."

"Well if someone knew how to share, I wouldn't have –"

"Hey, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," Deeks cut in before a full-on sister-brawl could commence, "Why don't you tell us about what you and your dad did with Kensi this afternoon?"

Dennis mouthed a silent "Thank you" to Deeks.

"It was great! We found scat – that's poop – from deer and rabbit, but not bears. And we saw some tracks too. Oh, and there was this old busted up beehive in a tree that Kensi says was probably ripped open by a bear to get to the honey – while the bees were still in it! And she showed us how to figure out which direction the wind is blowing, because you always need to stay downwind of wild animals. That means the wind is blowing away from the animal and toward you, so this way they can't smell you. Dad says we can practice tracking in the neighborhood with the animals that live near us." Ricki paused for a breath and asked, "Who's Rikki-Rikki-Ravi?"

Kensi responded for him, "I think Deeks meant Rikki Tikki Tembo, who's the main character of a children's book about how Chinese names came to be so short."

Deeks looked at Kensi as if she had lost her mind. "I don't know what planet you were raised on, Fern, but here on Earth, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is the Rudyard Kipling story about a brave mongoose who protects his adoptive human family from cobras."

"What?! Maybe you suffered sunstroke at the lake, babe, because you're clearly confusing the name and plot of some other book with mine."

Dennis raised his hand, "Actually, you're both right. Or mostly right. Both stories exist, but Kensi, I think the name of yours is Tikki Tikki Tembo."

"Oh yeah! That's right. You remember his whole name, Dennis?" At his nod, they both chanted, "Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo!"

"…has fallen into the well," the father concluded as they both laughed and high-fived one another.

Now Deeks, Emily, and Ricki stared at the other two adults, who were having way too much fun reciting a ridiculously long and complicated name.

"Don't look at me like that, Deeks. It's a great story. And guess what you're getting for Christmas this year?"

"Back at you, Princess. And for the record, I was more right." He kissed Kensi quickly on the cheek as she rolled her eyes.


"I've got to hand it to you, Tonto, this was a terrific day." They were lying together in Sam's double sleeping bag, which they had borrowed again, along with the tent. Kensi was on her back and Deeks was on his side, pressed against hers. He played with her hair as they quietly talked.

"It was, wasn't it?" Kensi smiled softly. She had just realized with some surprise that she, and probably Deeks, had spent the entire day not thinking about her illness or his recent brush with death. And unlike most days, work hadn't been the distraction. Today they weren't members of an elite and clandestine team who repeatedly put their own lives on the line to save the world, or at least their corner of it. Today they were regular people, spending time with other regular people, and it was good. Really good.

"Although I have to give most of the credit to the company and not the setting. We'll probably have just as much fun setting fires in their backyard after eating dinner inside like normal folks."

"I think you would have enjoyed it if you'd come with us on our tracking lesson."

"I'm sure I would have, but I'm glad I stayed behind. I had a very interesting chat with Emily."

"Oh?"

"I'll tell you about it when we're alone." At Kensi's look of concern, Deeks kissed her forehead and continued, "You were amazing with Ricki, by the way. I was very impressed with how you interacted with her when you were teaching them how to clean and cut the fish. And she obviously learned a lot on your hike. She totally wants to be you when she grows up," Deeks said proudly.

"It felt good to share what I know with her. She just couldn't get enough, and was so excited to do and try everything. Oh, and get this, Dennis asked me if I'd ever thought about teaching as a career."

"What?" Deeks responded, initially incredulous. Then his expression changed. "But now that I think about it, you really are good at it. You schooled me so well on how to throw a knife that it saved my life. And let's not forget everything you taught me about urban tracking. So it shouldn't be a surprise that you were awesome at it today."

Kensi shrugged. "He reminded me that there are schools and programs that teach people survival skills. In case I can't get my job as a personal assistant back. It's something to think about, though. If we really do decide to leave NCIS."

"Except that I'm a city mouse."

Kensi turned on her side and planted a kiss on Deeks' chest. "Yeah, but maybe after this weekend you'll see that being a country mouse isn't so bad. You might even come to like it out here. And there isn't anything I know that I can't teach you."

"Or…I could just be the receptionist. You know, book the classes, create the brochures. Make sure our liability insurance is up to date."

Kensi chuckled, "Nah, I'd want you out there with me. Where's the fun, otherwise?"

"This is true. So maybe I haven't found my inner outdoor-man yet. But I did realize something today."

"What's that?"

"I want to share this one day."

"What do you mean?"

Deeks put his forehead to Kensi's and whispered, "I want us to come back here a couple times a year with our kids, and watch you teach them everything your father taught you. I want to take them to the beach on the weekends and show them how to surf, while you build sandcastles on the shore. Or play with Monty and Monty Junior."

"Bake cakes with them." Kensi added.

"Make frittatas with them. Work jobs where we can be home to get them ready for school and help them with their homework afterward. Jobs with regular, or at least predictable hours, so they know they can count on us to be there when we say we'll be there. At their games, and their recitals." Deeks kissed her lovingly on the lips. "I want the whole thing with you, Kens. And with them."

"You're sure?"

"Never more." When Kensi said didn't respond for several seconds, Deeks pulled away just far enough to look at her. "Please don't tell me you're crying because now you don't want to have kids."

She smiled through the tears, "I'm not crying. And I'm not not crying because I don't want to have kids."

"So…that's a…yes?"

Now she laughed, the sound of happiness mixed with relief. "I'm not sure there was a question in there at all, but yes, Deeks, you and I are finally on the same page about this. I want to have children with you too."

"Yeah?" His smile lit up the dark tent.

"Yeah.

"What about work? You think you can give up being a hero to the world and just be a hero to our kids?"

"I'm pretty sure I could. But you're right, I'd like to find something we can do together, partner."

Deeks whispered between kisses, "I really wish…we weren't in a tent…very close to where two girls…and their father are also in tents."

"Deeks?"

"Hmm?"

"When were you thinking of doing this?"

"Well if we can do it very quietly, I'd say right now. You game?"

Kensi chuckled, "You know we don't do quiet, babe. And I was talking about having kids."

"Oh, I hadn't really thought that far ahead yet."

"So not right away, then?"

"I don't think so. I mean, I still want to spend some time as just us, after we get married. Before we become like Em and Ricki's mom." He smirked. "Plus we need to figure out what we're going to do with ourselves, work-wise. And most important, I need you back in the field with me for a while before I'll be ready to give it up."

"That sounds really nice."

"So maybe we'll give it the next year or so to line up our next professional step, and then we can start trying for a baby? And if we can't do it the old-fashioned way, we've always got our popsicle progeny to fall back on."

Kensi groaned. "Please don't ever say popsicle progeny again."

"No? Did you prefer defrosted descendants?"

"Stop, really."

"What about frozen family?"

"You know what, I changed my mind. No babies for you."


A few hours later, Deeks turned onto his back. He had been spooned behind Kensi since she'd rolled over and fallen quickly to sleep after their discussion about kids. He tried to steer his thoughts back to that conversation, and how good it felt to have decided on a course for their future.

Deeks would have been hard pressed to believe seven months ago, when Kensi barely made it out of Syria alive, and then through all the crap that followed, that they would now be talking about leaving the NCIS and LAPD for a safer, more stable career so they could raise a family. For all the times he'd joked with Kensi before they became a couple about having mutant ninja assassins with her, Deeks still smiled to himself when he realized it would one day be a reality. That Kensi Blye, the most incredible woman in the world, had agreed to marry him (well, almost) and have children with him.

He wondered how many times Tom Gerard's thoughts followed a similar path, especially during the past few months, when he knew his final undercover assignment would be coming to an end and he would be able to return to his real life and start building a future with Kristi.

He wondered if Gerard had the luxury of knowing his last thought was just that. Deeks took comfort, then and now, in the fact that his last thought would have been of Kensi. Maybe it was morbid, but that's how he felt. Her image, conjured in his mind's eye at the moment he silently asked her forgiveness for getting himself killed, would have been the last thing he saw. If there was no afterlife, Marty Deeks wanted to go out with Kensi's beautiful face, whether real or remembered, as the last thing he knew.

He wondered – no. He needed to stop this, Deeks knew. This was why he couldn't sleep; his mind kept bringing him back to thoughts of the cop who was two-weeks dead tomorrow. Deeks just couldn't shake the feeling that, despite what had actually occurred, he was supposed to have died that night. He'd narrowly escaped death, and now he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Kensi was on the road to recovery, but she wasn't there yet. Deeks couldn't help but worry that something would go wrong.

Kensi rolled over, rested her arm on Deeks' chest, and nuzzled her head into his neck. Letting out a sigh, she whispered, "You're thinking too loud, Deeks."

"Did I wake you?" He ran his hand up and down her arm.

"You got really tense. Nightmare?"

"No, I'd have to be asleep to have a nightmare."

"Gerard?"

"Not at first. At first I was thinking about how lucky I am. Then, yeah, about Gerard. I just can't get over how close I came, Kens. How easily it could have been me."

"What can I do?"

"You're doing it."

"I'm not doing anything, babe."

"You're here. You're listening. You're not telling me I'm being stupid for feeling this way."

"Or for worrying about when the other shoe is going to fall?"

"See how well you know me?"

"You ever consider that maybe my aplastic anemia and your near miss with a bullet were the shoes dropping, and we dodged them? That we helped each avoid any falling foot ware? You, by finding my donor…"

"And you by teaching me how to throw the knives you gave me? No, I actually hadn't thought about it that way. But maybe you're right." He kissed the top of her head, "I like the way you think, Fern."

"You mean quietly?" She kissed his shoulder and patted his chest, "Now go to sleep. I have another fun-filled day of adventure planned for tomorrow and you'll need your energy."


"Thanks for stopping by, Margaret, it was lovely to see you," Julia said as yet another woman left their table.

"Why do I get the feeling I was brought here just to be put on display?" Kensi asked through a forced smile. Not that she should be complaining, since Kensi agreed to have lunch with Julia at her country club so that she could bring up their wedding reception. Her mother had wanted to show her off here for years, but it really wasn't Kensi's cup of tea.

"Sweetheart, people are just so happy to see you. You know I talk about you to my friends all the time, and they've been worried too. They've been asking me for months to bring you by for lunch as soon as your white blood cell counts would allow."

Kensi and Julia sat at a two-top in the middle of the dining room. Margaret was the fourth of her mother's friends who "Just had to stop by and say hello!" and their entrées hadn't even been served yet.

Her WBC count had officially normalized as she recovered from her cold, but Kensi had been able to put off committing to this visit owing to the bad ending of Deeks' undercover assignment and their previously-planned camping weekend. Deeks had returned to work right after that trip, and thankfully still seemed to be sleeping better, a week-and-a-half later.

"I get that Mom, and I appreciate it. I know it hasn't been easy for you either. But a little warning would have been nice."

"To be honest, several of them were probably also checking to see if you'd gotten engaged yet." Julia said, quietly.

"What!" Kensi almost choked on her water.

"Well, they know that you have such a brave and handsome man by your side, and they wonder why he hasn't proposed yet."

Kensi narrowed her eyes. "They wonder, Mom? Why don't you just tell them to mind their own business, then? Actually, point them out to me, and I'll go talk to them," Kensi said as she made to get up from the table.

"No! Sit down!" Julia demanded in a hushed but desperate tone as she reached over and grabbed Kensi's hand to stop her. "Fine. The truth is, I want to know why you and Marty aren't engaged yet."

Kensi took a few moments to gather her thoughts. She really hadn't expected this question from her mother, at least not now. It's not as if Julia didn't know how committed she and Deeks are to each other. "Mom, you know it's coming. Don't worry about it. I'm not," Kensi tried to reassure the older woman.

"I'm not worried, sweetheart, I'm just excited. And maybe a little anxious. You and Marty have been through so much together, it feels like we've been waiting forever."

Their entrees arrived, so Kensi took the opportunity to enjoy a few bites before responding to that. Kensi realized this could be the perfect opening to bring up the reception. "You know, Mom, now that you mention it, I'm hoping that you can help –" Then it clicked. Like the last cylinder of a lock as she picked it, the thought suddenly slid into place in Kensi's brain. We've been waiting forever? This was a set-up. An ambush. "Mom," Kensi started as calmly as she could. "Where is Roberta right now?"

Julia looked up at her like a deer caught in headlights, and Kensi had all the confirmation she needed. "Call her. Now. Or text her, I don't care. But she cannot talk to Deeks about this!"

"But Kensi, we just want to make sure –"

Kensi cut her off as urgently as she could, considering the setting, "No. Mom, this is private, between me and Deeks. Call her off." She sat back and crossed her arms over her chest, signaling to her mother that she would not participate in this meal or discussion any more until Roberta was contacted and told to change her plans.

"Excuse me for a minute, then." Julia took her purse and walked away.

Kensi might have laughed if she wasn't so anxious to know that Roberta would not be giving Deeks grief about proposing. She didn't want him to be put on the spot to defend a decision that had really been hers. She and Deeks would have been married four months by now if she'd said yes on his birthday and agreed to a quickie wedding that next weekend, the way he wanted. But she wasn't about to reveal that tidbit to their moms. She'd have to figure out another way to calm them down without sharing details.

Kensi was looking forward to being cured not just for the obvious reason, but also because it meant she and Deeks would soon begin the next stage of their lives together. She was excited at the prospect of the next (and last) proposal, and wasn't kidding when she told Deeks that if he ask soon after her health was back to normal, she would. But she didn't want to share that with her mother, who would then certainly tell Roberta. This was her secret thrill, and Kensi was reveling in it.

When Julia returned, an appropriately abashed look on her face, she said, "Kensi, I'm so sorry. We didn't mean to intrude like that."

"Did Roberta say anything to Deeks yet?"

"No, she was going to call him later and mention it."

Kensi let out a sigh and spoke gently, "Mom, you've got to step back. Please. You know Deeks and I are committed to one another. We work together. We live together. He's been with me every step of the way through my illness. He gave me a necklace to hold my wedding and engagement rings, remember? Oh yeah, and we created embryos together! It's all going to happen when it happens, so just let us do this at our own pace, okay?" At Julia's excited look, Kensi decided a well-placed lie was in order, "And no, we still haven't made a decision about having kids." No way she wanted the dynamic duo their mothers made to start in on them about children next.

"I know, sweetheart. You're right. I'm sorry. We'll back off, I promise."

"Thanks, that would be great. And in return I promise that you and Roberta will be the first two people to know when we do get engaged. Unless of course Deeks asks me in front of everyone at work."

"Do you think he'd do that?"

"I wouldn't put anything past him," Kensi waved her hand dismissively. "But listen, I actually wanted to ask for your help today, and hopefully this will alleviate some of your concerns as well."

"Of course, what do you need?"

"We just figured out where we want to have our wedding," at this, Julia's eyes widened. "See, I told you not to worry. We'll get engaged eventually."

Now her mother's look fell into one of disappointment, "You're planning the wedding already?"

"I wouldn't really call it planning, nothing that formal. More like…discussing for the purpose of future utilization."

"Sounds like government-speak for planning, to me," Julia said wryly.

Okay, Special Agent Blye, time to put your skills to good use. "Anyway…we know we want the ceremony on the beach, but I don't want the reception there. So we're trying to figure out where we can have a small party –"

"There's a lovely room here," Julia interjected.

"That's outside –"

"Have you seen the patio and garden area here? I can show you later."

Wrong way, Mom. Get this back on track, Blye. "I don't think Deeks and I are the country club types, Mom. But thanks for the offer. Plus that's more money and more formal than we're thinking. We really want someplace simple, but elegant. And it doesn't need to be very big. We're probably talking about the same people who were at my party at your house. Maybe a handful more, but –"

"That's it!"

"What?" Kensi bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. And she didn't feel the least bit guilty for running game on her mother. Okay, maybe a little bit. But look at how happy she is!

"We can have your wedding reception at my house! Oh, that will be perfect! I'll show you pictures of how I decorate it for my annual client party, and we can decide what else to do, because yes, it should be more elegant than that. Maybe some tulle draping the patio –"

"Mom, I can't let you host my wedding reception." Don't be too eager now, that'd be obvious.

"Why on earth not?"

"It's too much to ask."

"You didn't ask, I offered. And it's not too much; you said so yourself, we've already had a party there with these same people, so obviously the space isn't an issue. We can even lay down a bigger dance floor than I usually get since it's a celebration and there will be plenty of reasons to dance. Oh Kensi, please? Tell me you'll talk to Marty about it."

"If you're sure." Kensi Blye, natural-born operator.

"I'm positive. It will be beautiful! You will be beautiful!" She clasped her hands together in glee. "I'm so happy, I can't wait to tell the ladies. And Roberta, of course. I'm sure she'll want to help out."

"At least wait until I clear it with Deeks?"

"Yes, yes, of course. But talk to him about it soon?"

I totally should have put money on this. "I promise."


AN: We're in the home stretch here, friends. I'm thinking one, maybe two more chapters and an epilogue to go. Oh, and thanks to sassyzazzi and Max and Fern 4ever for helping me come up with a canon example of something Kensi has taught Deeks.