I do not own the right to the NCIS or NCIS:LA characters, only my own.

This is the final chapter, I cannot thank everyone who read the story enough. Please be looking forward to the sequel in the coming weeks.

Chrissy was fast asleep when they pulled into the driveway at Amanda's parent's house. Jason was at the car door in a heartbeat waiting for Callen to open it. Just to have a little fun with Jason, Callen turned off the engine and sat in the car acting like he hadn't seen Jason standing there. He even turned around and talked with Heather and Madison until Jason pounded impatiently on the window.

"Uncle G!" Jason yelled and threw his arms around Callen's waist as he climbed out of the car.

"Hey Buddy, Merry Christmas." Callen said hugging him. "So what's this big surprise?"

"Nope, you're going to have to wait until you come in." He said smiling up at Callen.

Amanda walked around the car with Chrissy asleep in the car seat. "Hi Aunt Amanda." Jason said with a hug.

"Hey Honey, I've missed you. Can you help Uncle G, Madison and Her Mom while I take sleeping beauty in the house?" Amanda asked.

"No, you can't go in yet. Let me get my Mom and Dad to help. You all have to go in together." He said and ran across the yard.

Miranda followed David and Roxanne out and took the baby before heading back into the house. Callen and Amanda both knew she'd be awake and out of the car seat within seconds of getting in the house. Finally once everything was carried into the house, Jason asked them to sit on the couch. Amanda could hear scratching and whining in the hall and knew what the surprise was; David and Roxanne had gotten Jason a puppy.

Chrissy sat on the floor in the middle of the living room when chaos erupted. As soon as Katherine opened the door, the puppy scurried up the hall trying to gain traction on the hardwood flooring. The little ball of fur skidded past the doorway to the living room and fought its way kicking and panting back to the entry. Chrissy belly laughed as the puppy hit the carpet and was in her face sniffing and licking her. Within seconds, the puppy had her on her back licking her from head to toe. Callen and Amanda watched laughing, worried that the puppy would scare her, but Chrissy kept laughing.

"He's adorable Jason, what did you name him?" Amanda asked leaning into him.

"He's not mine to name." Jason said with a cheeky grin.

Callen leaned forward calling the puppy over. "What is she a mix of?"

"She's German shepherd and Black Lab, her brother is next door." David said with a smile, nodding towards his house.

Callen picked her up, trying to look at her, but she wanted no part of being looked at, she wanted to give him kisses. Amanda reached over and scratched her back; the puppy suddenly stopped licking Callen and tossed her head back, kicking one leg rigorously. Chrissy crawled over and grabbed the puppy's tail.

"Gentle." Callen told her, pried the puppy's tail out of her little hand and showed her how to stoke the puppy from her head down her back. "Do you like the puppy? Do you remember what a doggie says?"

Everyone in the room began laughing when the puppy barked and Chrissy mimicked the noise. The little black fur ball squirmed her way out of Amanda's arms and back to the floor with Chrissy. The two played tug of war with one of the stuffed toys Pat and Miranda kept at the house for Chrissy. Soon the puppy and Chrissy passed out cuddled together on the floor. Pat pulled an afghan off of the back of the couch and tossed it over the two while everyone sat around talking.

Callen and Amanda were shocked that the family would get them a puppy, knowing how much time they spent away with work. In the middle of the conversation, Pat and David explained that it was for both companionship and protection. Chrissy and the puppy would grow-up with a strong bond while she would protect all who lived in the house, especially if Callen and Amanda were away on a case. With that being said, Callen and Amanda agreed and discussed names with the family.

Jason came up with the typical dog names; Callen asked what he named his dog. Jason beat around the bush and finally admitted he hadn't been able to come up with a name for his puppy yet. David and Roxanne told them that they were waiting to see more of his personality and quirks before they gave him a name. At the moment, the puppy was answering to "hey you" without a problem. Everyone in the living room laughed and watched Chrissy and the puppy stretch and roll on the floor.

"Are you guys going to take her to the snow with you or do you want to leave her with us?" Miranda asked.

Callen and Amanda looked at one another. "I think we'll take her with us. We probably should go to the pet store and pick-up some of those booties and a sweater for her." Amanda said and Callen agreed.

After Chrissy woke up and had lunch, they packed up the puppy and they all; Pat, Katherine, Miranda, David, Roxanne, Jason and 'Hey You' headed to the pet store. With Chrissy riding in the child seat in the cart, the puppy wanted nothing to do with walking, so Callen held her until Chrissy raised such a fit that she didn't have the puppy and he set the puppy next to her. Chrissy wrapped her arm around the puppy and sat contently as they walked aisle by aisle until they found what they were looking for. Knowing the puppy was going to grow and grow quickly, they opted for a quilted jacket that was adjustable.

They Callen put it on her; she tried her hardest to shake it off. Chrissy leaned over the side of the cart laughing like mad as the puppy tried to get it off. It was even funnier when they put the booties on her. The poor little thing kicked and twitched in every direction, bit at her paws and whined. Even after just a few hours, the bond between Chrissy and the puppy was there. When the puppy whined and yelped, Chrissy cried too. Callen took the coat and booties off the puppy and put her back in the cart with Chrissy for the duration of the shopping trip until it came time for her to choose her bed.

Callen, David and Jason pulled several large beds off the rack and laid them out before Callen took the puppy out and let her inspect them. After several sniffs and many looks up at Chrissy, the puppy picked a bed that both she and Chrissy could comfortable fit in once she was fully grown. Then Pat mentioned crate training her, so what was already two hour shopping trip wound up being three after they picked up food and water bowls and food.

Fortunately, since adopting Jason; David and Roxanne had traded in their sedan for an SUV, so everything that wouldn't fit in the trunk could go in the back of David's Armada. Exhausted and needing to get dinner started, they only unloaded the necessities. David promised to run the excess by the house Christmas Day when they went to Melanie's for dinner. Amanda cringed at the mere mention of her name and was thankful they chose to go to the snow.

Amanda and Callen were in the bedroom getting a change of clothes for Chrissy after her bath when Callen picked up Amanda's bag and heard a familiar thud. "You brought it didn't you?"

Amanda looked at him oddly until she realized what he was talking about. "Of course, and I'm sure you brought yours too."

Callen gave her a wry smile. "Always. It's like American Express; I never leave home without it."

"I'm not expecting anything to happen to where we'd need it, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Especially since we're taking the puppy with us." She told him with the soft fleece footed pajamas in her hands.

"I agree." Callen nodded and followed her into the living room.

Amanda set the pajamas, the baby's toiletries and a fresh diaper on the table behind the couch and sat down to watch Chrissy, Jason and the puppies play. Everyone laughed as the puppies would tag-team the kids, pinning one to the floor, then the other. When they'd have Chrissy pinned, Jason was doing everything he could to pull them off of her and when they had Jason pinned, Chrissy pulled ears and tails to get them off. In actuality, Chrissy's method worked better than Jason's. It also got their attention back on her.

Once dinner was served, they gathered around the table. The conversation was light-hearted and fun. Amanda remembered her father's turkey growing up and only put one slice on her plate. Callen looked at her, knowing when they had Sam's, Ducky's or their own, she piled her plate high.

Pat noticed too. "What's wrong, don't feel like turkey?"

Amanda tried not to laugh. "No, I've gotten out of the habit of eating cardboard."

Pat picked up a roll and threw it at her. "All have you know, my turkey making skills have vastly improved since you had turkey here last."

Callen leaned over after he'd eaten all the turkey off his plate. "It really is good. As moist as Ducky's and as flavorful as Sam's."

Hesitantly, Amanda cut a piece of turkey and put the fork to her mouth. All eyes were on her as she took her first bite. It was so good she nearly cried. As the table erupted into laughter, there was a huge crash in the kitchen. Callen, David and Pat went running, only to burst into laughter when they got into the kitchen.

"What the hell do the two of you think you're doing in here?" Pat bellowed.

"Hey You, get the hell off the counter." David laughed.

Callen walked out of the kitchen with the puppy in his arms, covered in the drippings from the turkey pan. "I think she's going to need a bath tonight too." He laughed.

Chrissy laughed and pointed at Callen and the puppy. At Miranda's insistence, so they could all enjoy dinner, Callen put the puppy in the bathroom and cleaned himself up before returning to the table. It wasn't as peaceful a dinner since the puppies both whined and yelped after being locked up. Once dinner was done, Callen took the puppy and bathed her while Amanda bathed Chrissy in the master bathroom. Once the puppy was dry, she settled on the floor at Callen and Amanda's feet while Chrissy took her last bottle. When the bottle was finished, Callen set up the pack and play in the bedroom and brought the dog bed in, laying it next to Chrissy. The two were as close to one another as they could through the mesh material as they could be.

They got an early start the next morning and hit snow when they got to the foothills. By the time they found the cabin, snow was gently falling outside. Fortunately, the drive up to the cabin had been shoveled prior to their arrival and not more than half an inch had fallen. While Callen, Amanda and Madison unloaded the car, Heather took care of Chrissy, the puppy and brewed a pot of coffee. Once everything was placed where it needed to go and the groceries were unpacked, they all sat around the living room while Callen built a fire in the massive stone fireplace.

"It's so beautiful up here." Amanda said looking out the window at the snow falling haphazardly.

"I love your family, Amanda. They're so much fun." Heather told her with the puppy sound asleep in her lap.

"They are good people." Amanda agreed with a nod.

"You and your brother are so much alike. No wonder neither of you like your sisters." She said absentmindedly.

"I take it you overheard David and me talking about going to Melanie's Christmas Day?" Callen asked.

"I did, I'm sorry." Heather said hanging her head.

"After the crap Melanie and Renee pulled last year, I'm surprised they're going." Amanda told her.

Heather gave them both a quizzical look, which prompted them to tell her about the incident with Jason last year. Heather and Madison were horrified that someone from the Rogers family could be so heartless and cruel towards Jason. Amanda then explained why her sisters' comments hit Callen so hard. Heather admitted that Madison had mentioned something about Callen having been in Foster Care, but didn't know the extent of his time with the system.

Sam sat on the couch with a beer in his hand while watching whatever the kids wanted to torture him with. Suddenly the program was pre-empted by a news report. Michelle walked into the living room from the kitchen and sat on the arm of the couch next to him. The kids started to whine and complain, but were met with shushes from both Sam and Michelle.

"We bring you live coverage of the jail break and man-hunt for three escapees from Nevada State Penitentiary. We go live now to our affiliate in Carson City for the latest." The anchor said as the screen went to a snow covered parking lot and a young female anchor bundled up the best she could.

"All we know at this time is that three men were unaccounted for this afternoon after lunch service. The three have been identified as Nathan Gray, Arthur Perish and Paul Wagner. All three were convicted in early two thousand eleven for a string of brutal home invasion robberies and murders across the nation. The facility is still trying to figure out how the three were able to escape and whether or not they had outside help. As soon as we have more, we will bring it to you. This is Annabelle Crush for Carson City Ten News."

The local anchor appeared on the screen again and addressed the anchor in Carson City. "Do the authorities have any idea of where the three might be headed?"

"We do know that Nathan Gray is a native of the Big Bear area, authorities have put the surrounding area on high alert. All three men are to be considered armed and dangerous."

"Alright, Annabelle, thank you. As soon as we have more information for you we will bring it to you our loyal viewers. We will return you to your regularly scheduled programming." He said and the kids show reappeared as the final credits rolled.

"That's close to where Amanda and Callen are, do you think we should call them? I don't know if the cabin they're staying in has cable." Michelle asked.

"They should fine, Michelle." Sam said smiling up at her. Michelle wandered back into the kitchen and grabbed her phone, texting Amanda the information.

Amanda stood at the sink rinsing the dinner dishes while Callen washed when her phone went off. She quickly dried her hands and grabbed her phone reading the message. Callen read over her shoulder. Heather, Madison and Chrissy sat at the table watching their facial expressions change. Heather and her daughter looked at one another.

"Do you guys have a case?" Madison asked.

Amanda cleared her throat and looked at Callen before she answered. "No, there was a jail break at Nevada State Penitentiary. One of them is from Big Bear and the authorities think they may be headed there. The area's on high alert."

Heather's face paled. "Are we safe out here in the middle of nowhere?"

"We're fine." Callen assured her. "Amanda and I can take care of anything that should come up."

"How, we're defenseless out here. I guess we can defend ourselves with cast iron cookware." Heather laughed nervously.

"Mom, they're federal agents. I'm sure they brought a back-up plan." Madison smiled at Callen and Amanda. Even though she'd only worked for them for six months, she knew them better than she knew. Amanda grinned from ear to ear. "See, look at that smile. Mom, we're safe."

The puppy whined and paced back and forth at the door. Callen dried his hands and disappeared into the bedroom, taking his pistol out of the lock box along with a full magazine. He returned to the great room with the leash in his hand and laughed as the puppy danced for joy. Callen gave Amanda the look she knew well and disappeared into the bedroom, returning with her pistol at her back and finished the dinner dishes.

Callen and the puppy walked the perimeter of the cabin looking for possible points of entry. If there was anything lying outside against the cabin that could be used to climb through a window, he moved it. For the most part it was a quiet night with a fresh blanket of snow. The puppy led Callen to the tree line where she did her business and shivered in the cold. The two headed back up the steps of the cabin, Callen let her back in before he turned around and took in the surroundings.

Amanda brought him his down coat and a cup of coffee. The two stood on the porch silently for a few minutes. "Find anything?" Amanda asked quietly.

"No, but I moved anything that could be used to get in. We need to make sure the windows are locked, see if we can find something to wedge into the sills so they can't be opened." Callen told her as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"You don't think they'll head this way do you?"

"I'd rather be safe than sorry. You saw the look on Heather's face. She's scared." Callen told her.

"Let's get back inside, Heather and Madison want to play a game after Chrissy and the little lady go to sleep." Amanda said resting her head on Callen's shoulder.

"I like that name; Little Lady. Chrissy should be able to call her Lil or something." He added kissing her temple.

"I don't know," She smiled. "Let's call her Lil for now until we find something better."

By eleven, Heather and Madison had gone to bed, giving Amanda and Callen a chance to walk the house and property again before turning in too. Lil followed them room to room through the cabin and danced when Callen brought out her leash. The three walked around the house and to the same tree where Lil had done her business before. Not liking that spot, she pulled them to another area. Callen listened closely in the distance to the wrestling of leaves and stopped suddenly when he heard a twig snap.

Amanda heard it too and froze, listening. After wrapping Lil's leash tightly around her hand a few more times, she and Callen walked deeper into the woods and stood there for a few more minutes listening. When they heard nothing more, they turned back towards the cabin. Once inside, Callen locked the screen on the enclosed porch, locked the mud room door and interior door. Amanda laughed thinking that maybe, just maybe they were being a little too paranoid. As they lay down in bed, Callen placed his weapon on the nightstand next to him, while Amanda slipped her in the drawer like she did at home.

In spite of being utterly exhausted, neither slept well. Every creek and groan the cabin made, both were wide awake. When they finally got up Christmas Eve Day to the smell for fresh brewed coffee, Amanda called Michelle. "I could strangle you right now. G and I didn't sleep a wink last night waiting for those three to bust into the cabin."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I just thought you guys should know." She whispered. "Sam told me not to tell you guys so you could enjoy your time up there, but I felt you needed to know in case something happened."

"I appreciate it Michelle. How's your vacation so far?" Amanda asked sitting bundled up on the enclosed porch.

"We're doing well. The kids got up and headed for the tree this morning. I had to remind them tomorrow is Christmas Day. I'm dying to know, what was Jason's big surprise?" Michelle asked. Amanda could hear the sliding glass door open and birds singing in the background.

"A puppy." Amanda laughed. "They got us a puppy."

"Like you need a puppy." Michelle laughed.

"Actually, Dad raised a good point, Since G and I are away so often for work, and she offers Chrissy companionship and protection. I wish you could've seen the two of them at the pet store."

"What happened?"

"We were finding booties and a coat for her since we decided to bring her up here with us. Lil started whining and Chrissy started crying. When we put them to bed that night, they couldn't get close enough to one another. I'm sure once Chrissy's out of the crib we're either going to find Lil in her bed or Chrissy curled up in Lil's."

"Aw that's so sweet. What breed is she?" Michelle asked with a bit of whimsy in her voice.

"David said she's German Shepherd and Black Lab mixed. They've got her brother."

Amanda heard Sam's voice in the background. "Alright baby, I'll be right there. I've got to get going, Sam just caught one to the kids trying to open a present."

"Uh-oh caught in the act. Have a good one and I'll talk to you tomorrow." Amanda smiled, picturing Sam holding one of his kids upside down for peaking.

"Will do, oh happy anniversary." Michelle said sweetly before she hung up.

Amanda sat back with a smile and watched the sun rise blindingly over the crisp white snow. She didn't forget about their anniversary and in fact couldn't wait for a few minutes alone with Callen. With Heather and Madison's room just down the hall, anything they did would have to happen long after they went to bed. Lil scratched at the door, so Amanda reached over and opened it. Lil jumped up on the loveseat next to her and looked at her expectantly.

"What?" Amanda asked. "Do you need to go potty again? I know Daddy just took you out a little while ago." Lil leaned down and nosed Amanda's hand so it was sitting atop her head. "Ah, I get it, you want some love."

Callen came to the door and watched Amanda scratch Lil's head and soon her belly. Chrissy crawled up behind him and shrieked for joy when she saw Amanda and the puppy. Callen scooped her up and grabbed their jackets, carrying them out to the porch. Quickly he put Chrissy jacket on so she could get down and play with Lil, before he put on his own. Heather appeared at the door with a refill on their coffees and too joined them on the porch.

"So Madi tells me you two got married on Christmas Eve." Heather said with a warm smile. "Can I ask why you chose Christmas Eve?"

"We gotten engaged over Thanksgiving, I was living and working out in Virginia. I was coming out for Christmas anyway, so we decided the sooner the better. Almost as soon as I got back to work in January, I learned about my transfer out here."

"So you've been married a year?" Heather asked.

"No, actually two. Amanda was in an accident a few months before we got pregnant with Chrissy." Callen told her.

Heather frowned, "I hope it wasn't anything serious."

Callen looked at Amanda and pulled her tight against him. "The doctors had approached me with the notion of taking Amanda off life support just days before she woke up. I almost lost her again."

"But everything's alright now, right?" Heather asked.

"Aside from some issues when I was pregnant with Chrissy, I'm fine. Mentally, physically. I will never get on a motorcycle again." Amanda said with a reaffirming smile.

After lunch, they bundled Chrissy up in her snow suit and took her out to play. There was a small sled in the closet, so Callen put Chrissy on it and pulled her through the yard with Lil chasing after them. Chrissy laughed. Amanda, Heather and Madison sat on the porch steps watching and chatting about whatever came to mind.

"He really is a wonderful father." Heather said.

"He is I knew he would be by the way he played with Sam's kids when I first met them." She said smiling at the memory.

"Are you two wanting anymore?" Madison asked.

"I'd like a boy, but I'll take whatever we're given. It won't be for a while yet, maybe another year. I need to get my team in line and a few cases under our belts before I go getting pregnant."

"Chrissy's pregnancy obviously wasn't planned." Madison pointed out.

Amanda smiled. "True. We got pregnant with Chrissy right after I was cleared for physical activity. He'd been away on an Op. I actually found out I was pregnant during an Op. I was supposed to go out and help apprehend our suspect, but I was too sick. G took me to the ER after the case was wrapped. Needless to say we were a little shocked."

Callen walked over with Chrissy in his arms and leaned down to kiss Amanda. "What are you three talking about?"

"Babies." Heather smiled.

Callen's face went slack as he quickly locked eyes with Amanda. "Are you?"

The three women laughed. "No honey, no baby. Heather asked if we wanted more and that led me to tell them how we got pregnant and found out about being pregnant."

"You told them?" He asked with an exaggerated look of surprise.

Amanda turned red and swatted at him. "No, of course not. I just told them that I'd just been released by the doctor for certain physical activities."

Callen laughed. "I love it when you turn red like that."

"Bite me, G." Amanda laughed.

"When, where and how hard?" Callen said with a cheeky grin.

Amanda covered her face and shook her head. Heather and Madison just laughed. "Since tonight is your anniversary, why don't the two of you have dinner in town? Madi and I should be able to handle things here." Heather suggested.

Amanda uncovered her face and smiled. "I appreciate the offer, but I think we're going to stick pretty close to the cabin. I brought a nice bottle of wine we'll have with dinner."

"Well, then let me handle dinner." Madison offered.

"No, remember you guys are supposed to be on vacation too. Amanda and I can make dinner together." Callen told them. "This one needs a new diaper and to go down for a nap."

Chrissy yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Yep Daddy, I think you're right." Amanda agreed and stood to take the baby from him. Callen refused to give Chrissy over to Amanda so the two went in and got Chrissy changed and ready for her nap together.

Heather and Madison sat on the porch talking. "I told you they were good people, Mom."

"Yes, you did." Heather agreed with a nod. "That became very clear to me when they opened their home to me after your father liked to beat the life out of me."

Once Chrissy and Lil were asleep, Callen and Amanda rejoined Heather and Madison on the porch. They casually talked about everything under the sun from Amanda's family holiday traditions to those they've started as a couple. By four, Callen and Amanda were side-by-side in the kitchen making dinner while Heather and Madison sat at the table laughing at their antics and play quarrels. Chrissy woke up just in time to join them for dinner and sat patiently in her high chair while Amanda cut up her food into Chrissy-sized bites. The five sat around the table just enjoying the evening.

Chrissy gave a yell bright and early Christmas morning. Callen and Amanda smiled at the thought of the look on her little face when she saw the presents under the tree. Heather and Madison were already up and had coffee going when they walked out of Chrissy's room. Lil bounded over from the tree when she saw Chrissy and then ran back sniffing and nosing the presents. Callen set Chrissy on the floor and watched as she crawled her way around the room to the tree. Immediately, she stole four or five sticky bows off the packages and stuck them to the puppy. Lil twisted and turned trying to bite the bows off. Heather handed them each a cup of coffee before they all sat in the living room to open presents.

Chrissy ripped every package open and tossed the wrap aside before moving on to the next, not paying any attention to what was inside or the pictures on the boxes. Once Callen opened the boxes and set the toys out, she played with them. Once all the packages were opened and the wrap was picked up, Amanda headed into the kitchen to make her blueberry muffins while Callen pulled the premade breakfast casserole out of the refrigerator and put it in the oven.

Once breakfast was eaten, they all lazed around the cabin until Chrissy decided she was done playing with all of her new toys and Lil decided she needed to spend some time outside. Everyone dressed and headed out to play in the snow for a few hours, knowing they were headed back to town the following day. Lil and Chrissy loved the snow. The two sat on a tarp watching while Callen and Amanda had a small snowball fight and made a Chrissy-sized snowman. They got a few really cute pictures of Chrissy hugging or kissing the snowman.

Amanda sent the picture to Michelle before she called to wish them a Merry Christmas. Michelle was laughing when she answered the phone. "Oh those two are so cute together." She said before Amanda could even say hello.

"I told you they've already got a strong bond." Amanda laughed. "How was your Christmas morning?"

"It was good; the kids loved the gifts you and G got them. In fact, I don't think they've played with anything else yet. So I thought I should let you know that they caught those three guys that escaped from Nevada State Pen. Sam was upset that I even told you to begin with. I hope it didn't ruin your time there."

"Absolutely Michelle, we were so paranoid we couldn't leave the house." Amanda said as seriously as possible before bursting into laughter. "No, we had a wonderful time. G and I both brought our weapons just in case. So we had protection, I'm sure if push had come to shove, Lil would've tried to protect Chrissy if need be."

"I told Sam about her, you guys are going to take her through obedience training, aren't you?" Michelle asked.

"We may not have to, she minds well on a leash. I'm sure we will just for the fun of it." Amanda nodded.

"So you guys are headed back tomorrow?" Michelle asked.

"Yes we are. We may stop a couple times along the way, but we should be home sometime tomorrow evening."

"Alright, we'll see you later then. Enjoy the rest of your day." Michelle said, Amanda said her goodbyes and the conversation ended.

They packed everything in the car that evening, except the necessities and spent the rest of the evening sitting in the living room by the fire Callen started. Chrissy and Lil played while Callen, Amanda, Heather and Madison talked. All one of the adults had to do was tell Chrissy no when she went towards the fire or off towards the hall way and Lil would nudge her back the right way. By ten o'clock, everyone was in bed so they could leave around eight the next morning.

Heather made breakfast and Madison washed the dishes while Callen and Amanda packed the rest of theirs, Chrissy's and Lil's stuff. The two were standing in the bedroom talking. "What would you think of getting another car?" Callen asked.

Amanda stopped folding the baby's clothes. "The Nissan is fine, why should we get another car?"

"I was just thinking, since you're going to have your own team and we might not be able to go into work at the same time, it would be good if we left a vehicle at the house with Madison and Heather."

Amanda cocked her head to the side and smiled. "We probably should, make it easier on them if they need to take Chrissy to an appointment or run to the store."

"Plus we're going to need something a little bigger once Lil grows into those paws of hers." Callen laughed.

"I don't want a minivan." Amanda said abruptly.

"I didn't say it had to be a minivan. We could get an SUV like your brother's or an Expedition." Callen suggested.

"Just think of how much an Expedition costs to fill, gas isn't getting cheaper." Amanda laughed.

"We'll start looking at SUVs see what you like. I know Nissan makes SUVs of varying sizes, since you're so in love with your Altima."

Amanda crawled across the bed towards him. "Sounds like a good idea." She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Callen kissed her softly as he enclosed her in his arms. "You didn't get enough last night?"

"Oh I did, it's just the way the light's hitting your eyes. Or something like that. Do I really need a reason to want to kiss my husband?" She asked leaning back a little to see his face.

Callen grinned. "No you don't and you'll never hear me complaining either."

Amanda let out a boisterous laugh, "Yeah, you'd better not either."

Lil padded her way into the room and hopped up onto the bed, squirming her way between them. "Really, can't Mom and Dad have a little bit of time together?" Callen laughed. "You're about as bad as your sister."

Amanda scratched her head and ran her hand down her back. Lil stood on her hind legs with her tail wagging a mile a minute, licking their faces. "Yep, she's as bad as Chrissy. You know what; you're never going to get a little brother or sister if the two of you don't let us have even a minute together."

"A minute?" Heather laughed as she walked past the room. "I sure hope it takes longer than a minute."

Callen turned beet red. "No Heather, it takes a whole lot longer than a minute."

"Yeah, more like five." Amanda laughed and shot off the bed and out the door, Lil hot on her heels barking like mad.

"Get her Lil." Callen laughed.

After stopping in several of the mountain cities, they finally pulled up to the house just before six that evening. Callen took Lil out first and let her wander the front yard to relieve herself, before unlocking the door and returning with a plastic grocery bag to pick-up the mess. Madison carried Chrissy in while Heather, Callen and Amanda brought everything else. David dropped off everything they couldn't fit in the car and set it nicely in the corner behind the dining table. Once everything was unloaded, they four adults looked at one another.

"Order in?" Callen asked.

"Yes, please." Amanda smiled and nestled into his chest.

"I'll get the menus." Heather called as she walked into the kitchen. "What do you all feel like, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, or Indian?"

"Actually I was thinking a nice big greasy cheese pizza." Callen smiled with his chin resting on the top of Amanda's head.

"Ooh, that does sound good." Heather agreed and began dialing the number for their favorite pizza parlor. Within seconds, Heather was giving their order. "I'd like two extra-large cheese with extra cheese pizzas. Oh and can you add bacon to one of those?"

"Both." Callen said from the kitchen as he got them each a beer.

"Make that Bacon on both, please." She said with a smile.

"Let them know we'll pay cash." Callen told her, but Heather already had her debit card out reciting the number.

Callen smiled and shook a fist at her; Heather stuck her tongue out at him as he walked to the living room. "One of these days I'm going to get your Mom." He told Madison.

Just shy of seven the doorbell rang and Lil went crazy. Callen grabbed her by the collar and answered the door expecting it to be dinner. "Hetty." He said surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I know you just returned from your trip to the snow, but Director Vance sent these personnel files over for Amanda to look at. I figured she could have a look at them before returning to work next year." She said looking down at the dog leaping and pulling to get to her. "Who do we have here?"

"This is Lil she was a gift from Jason, David and Roxi. They've got her brother." Callen told her and nodded her in.

Hetty walked in and set the files on the table before she raised her hand slowly. Miraculously, Lil instantly calmed and sat patiently at Callen's feet. "Very good." She told her and lowered her hand, pointing to her side. Instantly, Lil was at her side. "She's very well behaved, Mr. Callen. How does she get along with Chrissy?"

Before Callen could answer, Chrissy came crawling into the room from the hall. Lil looked up at Hetty and Callen before she ran to Chrissy's side. Hetty smiled and nodded at the dog. That was all she needed before she bounded over to Chrissy and rolled her onto her back. Lil pinned Chrissy on her back and rested her head on the baby's chest. Chrissy laughed and giggled as she pulled Lil's ears and the extra flesh at the scruff of her neck.

Amanda walked into the room and stepped over the two cuddled on the floor. "So what do you think of Lil?"

"She's well behaved and seems to love Chrissy, but who couldn't." Hetty smiled and pointed towards the table and the healthy stack of files. "Leon asked me to bring these over to you. They are more candidates for your team. He's not expecting any decisions for a few months and I'm sure if you don't like anyone in this stack, he'd be more than happy to send you more."

"Gee thanks Hetty." Amanda laughed and hefted the stack off the table, taking them back to the bedroom. "I'll look at them and then ask Carson what he thinks."

"Have you eaten Miss Lange?" Heather asked.

"No I have not. Judging by the pizza delivery man pulling up out front I gather you haven't either." Hetty laughed.

"Join us; we've got two extra large pizzas." Callen offered.

Hetty smiled and dropped her head. "You and your bacon, Mr. Callen. I would enjoy a slice or two. Thank you." Amanda sat down on the couch early the following morning before anyone else was awake and started to wade her way through the personnel files Hetty left. It was daunting, every candidate had great potential, but no one stood out above the rest. So engrossed in the files, she didn't hear Callen step behind the couch and jumped when he wrapped his arms around her. Callen stifled a laugh as the files slid off the couch, scattering across the floor.

Amanda glared at him when he walked around the couch to help her pick them up. The two spent an hour trying to figure out what loose sheet of paper went with what file. Callen sat next to her on the couch and read over her shoulder as she went through the last few files. Amanda grew mildly annoyed as he got closer and closer to her neck.

"G, I'm really trying to get through these." She huffed.

"I know I figured you could use a little help." He said with a mischievous grin. Amanda's hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail exposing her neck. The only thought that repeatedly crossed his mind was kissing her neck. Finally he gave in and gently pressed his lips to a spot between her neck and shoulder.

"The kind of help you're trying to offer is rather distracting." She whispered breathlessly.

"It's supposed to be." He whispered, grazing her ear with his lips as he spoke.

Amanda closed the file and dropped it on her lap. "G please."

"Oh now I've got you begging for it." He laughed.

"No, I just want to get through these. I'm begging you to stop." She said as he pulled the hair tie out of her hair, pulling her hair over her shoulder.

"You've got another week to look over those, why does it have to be right now?" He said looking at the digital clock on the cable box. "It's four in the morning. You should still be in bed, with me, doing whatever your heart desires."

A small smile crossed her lips. "I wanted to get this done so I could spend the rest of our vacation in bed or whatever."

Callen took the pile of files off her lap and dropped them with a thud on the coffee table. In one swift move, he grabbed Amanda and pulled her onto his lap. "Come back to bed. I promise I'll make it worth your while. You might even fall back to sleep afterwards."

Amanda sighed and shook her head before giggling. "You're horrible."

"No, I'm your husband." He laughed and pulled her to him by the back of the neck. The kiss was soft and sweet. "I'm only going to ask you one more time, come back to bed please?"

Amanda threw back her head and Callen immediately kissed her chin, down her neck to her chest, parting her robe. "Damn it G." she said and stood up, pulling him to his feet before she led him back to the bedroom.

Callen wrapped his arms around her waist before he gently laid her on the bed and set about untying her robe. He had to laugh at the red plaid flannel pajamas she wore and began unbuttoning the top. Amanda shivered as the cool air kissed her bare skin. Callen rolled on top of her and wrapped his warmth around her as he kissed her. Callen pushed her robe and pajama top off her shoulders and quickly removed the bottoms. Amanda scooted herself up to the headboard and pulled the covers over her while Callen removed his pajama bottoms and t-shirt.

Just as the sun peaked through the blinds, Amanda lay snuggled into Callen's side with her head on his chest. With his arms wrapped around her, Callen recalled the events of the last few hours. He tightened his arms around Amanda, as she inhaled deeply and looked up at him. She smiled a beautiful smile at him and ran her fingertips down his stomach. Callen twitched and laughed.

"Was it worth it?" He asked kissing her forehead.

Amanda gave him another lurid smile. "Always, that's one thing we never have a problem with."

They heard the click of Lil's toenails on the hardwood floor in the hallway, then a scratching and whining at their door. Callen nudged Amanda off of him so he could open the door. Lil slowly walked in sniffing the unexplored room. When Amanda called her, she tried jumping on the bed and almost made it a couple times, but fell back to the floor. Callen directed her to the chest at the foot of the bed, Lil jumped up on it and then hesitantly over the footboard watching to make sure she wasn't going to get in trouble.

Once Amanda patted the bed between her and Callen, Lil bounded up to the head of the bed with her ears flapping every which way. Amanda and Callen gave her some love before they heard noise in the kitchen and quickly redressed before Heather or Madison appeared at their door and they sat there stark naked. No sooner had they gotten back in bed and there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Callen called quietly.

Heather and Madison walked in, one had coffee and the other had Chrissy. "Good morning, I thought you could use some coffee." Heather smiled. "Amanda, I'm going to put the files on the dining room table so Chrissy doesn't get into them."

"Oh thank you, it took G and me an hour to put them back together after he scared the hell out of me this morning." Amanda laughed.

Chrissy squirmed in Madison's arms, so Callen reached for her and sat her in bed between them. Instead of giving morning kisses to him and Amanda, Chrissy immediately started playing with Lil. "I see how it is, we don't rate anymore." Amanda laughed.

Lil and Chrissy were all over the bed, finally Callen called Lil up to the head of the bed. While Callen gave her some attention, Amanda grabbed Chrissy and smothered her with kissed. Chrissy giggled and shrieked when Amanda tickled her tummy. Callen started tickling her, which got Lil into the mix. Soon the four were snuggled in bed watching Disney Junior.

Just after ten, Amanda and Heather were cleaning up after breakfast when Callen and Chrissy walked in. "So what do you guys want to do today? And you can't say you're going through the files Amanda."

Amanda laughed. "What did the two of you have in mind?

"I was thinking we could go look at cars today." Callen smiled.

"You guys are thinking about getting another car?" Madison asked.

"We're not going to be trading the Nissan in; we're looking to add a vehicle so you guys have a car in case we need you to take Chrissy in for an appointment or something." Callen told her.

Madison smiled. "Oh, thank you. You guys always leave a car here though."

"Yes but we may start working different hours once my team is complete. I may even have to go out of town without G." Amanda explained. "Not to mention I think we need something a little bigger since Lil's going to grow and we eventually would like to add another child to the family."

Heather looked at Amanda. "Are you trying to hint at something?"

"I thought we already had this conversation." Amanda laughed. "G and I agree that a bigger vehicle is a good idea. Where were you thinking about going?"

"Carlsbad." Callen said with a devious smile.

Amanda immediately started laughing. "I doubt he even works there anymore. That was almost five years ago."

Heather and Madison looked between Callen and Amanda waiting for an explanation. "When Amanda and I first met, we went car shopping, one of the salesmen asked what happened to Amanda's car and she told him about the dead body in the trunk." Callen told them.

"Dead body?" Heather gasped.

"Mom, you remember I told you how G and Amanda met on a case. Amanda was suspected of murdering a co-worker, but she was cleared." Madison reminded her mom.

Heather nodded. "Yes, I remember."

The first day back in the New Year, Kensi, Deeks and Sam were getting out of their cars when the brand new Nissan Pathfinder pulled in with dealer plates and tinted windows. "Who the hell is that?" Sam asked, looking at the new Nissan Pathfinder.

Kensi smiled when Amanda got out of the driver's seat. "Nice ride, when did you guys get that?"

"G suggested we pick-up another vehicle so Heather and Madi have a car once the second team is formed."

Sam nodded and walked around the vehicle. "Nice, which one of you picked this thing?"

"That's all Amanda." Callen laughed.

"I'm impressed." Sam nodded.

"I think it could've used more chrome, but we can add more later." Amanda laughed.

Carson pulled in as the five were headed into the mission. Amanda waited for him at the door and the two walked in together talking about their vacations. Hetty stood waiting for the six at her desk and smiled when they were all standing before her looking refreshed and ready for work. Everyone greet her before they headed into the bullpen to drop off their bags.

"Mrs. Callen and Mr. Anderson." Hetty said as the group walked away. "A word with the two of you?"

"Is everything alright Hetty?" Amanda asked.

Hetty nodded. "Everything's fine. Did you get the opportunity to look at the candidates for your team?"

"I did, but I didn't get a chance to talk to Carson about my choices. I'd hoped to sit down with him this morning."

Hetty nodded, "The Director is in the conference room waiting on the two of you. He brought two prospective team members."

Amanda sighed. "They are his choice then; we have no say in this?"

"No, he just wants you to meet them and interview them." She said handing them their personnel files.

Amanda took the files and headed to the bullpen as she flipped through the first file, handing the second to Carson. "Well this one's a Marine."

"So is this one." Carson told her with a slight smile. "MARSOC at that."

Callen watched them set their bags down, now thoroughly engrossed in the files. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, Leon's in the conference room. He brought these two with him." She said waving the file in her hand towards the one Carson held.

"Do they look any good?" Sam asked.

Amanda smiled. "They don't just look good, they look damn good. Both have clean records, Marines, been with NCIS at least 5 years."

"Mind if we sit in?" Callen asked looking at Sam, Kensi and Deeks.

"As long as Leon doesn't mind." Amanda told them and led the way to the conference room.