Part 29

On December 30th, John and Ashlyn gathered up the gifts and food they were taking to the Burke family and drove over to spend the evening with friends. Reese had become as comfortable with them as his daughter and enjoyed the time he spent talking with the parents about raising a child.

When they pulled into the driveway, Heather and her brother Ricky were watching for them and hurried out to help bring things in. After quick greetings, everyone returned to the warmth of the house where they were welcomed by the adults, Chris and Lisa. Coats were stored away and bags of gifts removed to the living room as Heather hugged the younger girl before passing her off to Ricky for another. The pretty eighteen year old then gave John a squeeze who, though surprised, gently hugged her back before he was wrapped up by Ricky. The boy's affection was something he'd come to expect over the last couple of months and he had no problems returning it which pleased the parents. Sometimes people just didn't understand that the young man simply loved people and wanted to share his emotions with them.

The adult Burkes also hugged the girl and Chris shook hands with John while Lisa gave him a firm embrace. Standing in the background, watching silently, was the former prodigal son, now aged twenty three, who had finally returned to the family fold after several years. His father drew him forward and made introductions, "Ashlyn and John Shepherd, this is our oldest, Jackson, Jax for short. Son, this is Heather's friend from school and her father."

Jax offered his hand to the military man and suppressed a slight wince at the firmness of the grip, "Mr. Shepherd, nice to meet you."

"You, too," John responded as he tightened his pressure just a bit more. The young man looked into the narrowed dark blue eyes as the intimidating former agent's voice lowered further, "I was very glad to hear you had come home to visit for the holidays."

"Something just told me that I needed to grow up and be the man I thought I was," Jax stated even as his face lost some of its color when he realized that the man before him was part of the reason he'd come to his revelation. He'd had some phone calls from a guy letting him in on a few truths concerning his family that he hadn't been aware of and the voices were identical. He nodded in understanding at Reese, getting the unspoken message.

When he was released, he turned to the beautiful girl who was his sister's best friend and smiled, "Hello, Ashlyn, it's very nice to finally meet you; Heather and Ricky have been talking about you a lot since I came home."

The teen returned his grin, "They've talked about you over the last couple of months, too, and I'm glad you could visit for Christmas. How long are you staying?"

"Through January 6th, then I have to get back for my job on the 7th."

As if he didn't know, John inquired politely, "What do you do?"

"I'm an architectural engineer; we're due in the office after New Year's to present designs for a new cathedral to the archdiocese so we can break ground in the spring."

Chris beamed proudly at his oldest child, "He put himself through college and graduated top in his class last year. His company hired him straight out of school."

The young man flushed as he dropped his eyes. Jax had thrown himself into his schooling to escape his home life because of his jealousy over Ricky and the attention he got. Now that he was an adult, he'd been looking back on his actions and deeply regretted the time he lost with his family, including his brother.

Seeing her sibling's discomfort, Heather bumped him with her shoulder and flashed him a brilliant smile when he looked her way, "Of course, he's only an engineer; by the time I get done with school and have my degree in computer sciences, I'll be making twice what he is."

"In your dreams, brat," Jax teased back, giving her a thankful look for stepping in. She'd always been good at that; when he still lived at home and things got tense because of his problems with his little brother, Heather had often defused the situation.

Lisa invited everyone into the living room where a cheery fire burned welcomingly near a large twinkling Christmas tree. John sat in one of the armchairs near the door that gave him a clear view of the room (and an exit, of course) and his daughter, seeing that there was only enough seating for five comfortably, folded herself gracefully to the floor in front of him, resting back against the arm of the chair and leaning against his leg. Surprising everyone, Heather joined her on the other side, bracketing Reese between them. Jax had sat in the other arm chair while the parents and Ricky got comfortable on the couch. He couldn't believe how relaxed his sister was with the menacing man who was currently stroking his fingers over Ashlyn's hair in a soothing manner.

The group talked about how the holidays had gone for everyone, the beautiful Christmas snow they'd gotten, and the house Harold had purchased for his family as his gift. John mentioned a car they hadn't gotten around to picking up yet and the Burke's oldest goggled at bit at how everyone seemed to take it all in stride like this was common place. Just how much money did these people have that they could give a house or car as a gift? He made good money at his job, but there was no way he could do something like that! Although he was sitting quietly like a perfect gentleman and not fidgeting, Ricky's eyes kept straying to the bags of presents his friends had brought with them and he knew there were gifts still under the tree for them. He very much wanted to know what goodies were in those gaily wrapped boxes.

After about half an hour of talking, Lisa suddenly gave a little yelp and scrambled to her feet, "Oh goodness! I'm so sorry; I didn't think to ask you if you wanted anything to drink or something to snack on, even though we'll be eating in about 45 minutes. Can I get anyone anything?" Her visitors assured her that they were fine and thanked her for offering.

Noting the interest of the youngest boy, John decided it was time to end his misery, "Perhaps we could go ahead and exchange gifts before dinner?"

Chris, who had also been aware of Ricky's eager fascination, agreed, "I think that's a great idea, John. Ricky, why don't you hand out presents to everyone?"

The boy happily pushed himself off the couch and went to the tree where everything had been placed. Politely, he picked up the gifts for his friends first and offered them to John and Ashlyn, then he went through the bags they had brought and began giving them to each person as he pulled out the gift. At the bottom of one of the bags was a large, somewhat heavy card, with Jackson's name on it and Ricky gave it to his surprised brother with a huge grin.

Once everything had been dispersed to the correct people, Chris nodded at Ashlyn, "We always go one at a time so everyone can see what the present was and guests go first."

After glancing up at her father for his approving nod, the girl started on the wrapping paper. She had several packages that included some nice clothes (from Chris and Lisa), a couple of computer books and a "Best Friends" charm for her bracelet (from Heather who had apparently talked to John about what the teen was getting so she knew to find a charm), and an abstract picture painted by Ricky in her favorite colors along with some sweet smelling soaps he'd made at his program.

John went next and discovered the other couple had found some nice clothes for him as well and a humorous book on raising teenaged daughters he had a feeling would have him entertained for some time. From Heather, he was given a nice watch she said was weather-proof, always accurate, and durable in case he banged it on something (or someone) on a regular basis. He also received a painting from Ricky and a pair of dark aviator glasses that he put on immediately, prompting the boy to cackle in delight.

When they were done, Ricky was given the nod to tear into his and he was thrilled with a black leather coat (similar to John's), a stack of books on word puzzles he so loved to work on, and a number of hand/eye/fine motor coordination puzzles to help him with his skills. He was also given a large gift card to one of the local education stores that carried a wide range of items for not only children but adults with developmental disabilities to further their learning.

Heather gave a soft squeal of delight when she opened her first gift of sapphire earrings and matching necklace that went with a pale blue cashmere sweater and a gift card to her favorite clothing and accessories store. When she opened her last gift, she stared at it without comprehension before pivoting around to look up at her friend's dad.

"As soon as we pick up the car that Harold bought for us tomorrow, the SUV is going to your parents and you will get your mom's car, since it's the one in the best shape. I don't like you having to walk to and from school or taking the bus when you need to go places and a car isn't available. A young woman walking a regular route on her own like that is magnet for troublemakers and I don't want you to become a statistic," John stated softly. He then had to brace himself and the chair he was in when the girl leaped up from the floor and dove at him for a hug chanting her thanks while Chris and Lisa chuckled from the couch.

Once Heather resumed her place, all eyes turned to Jax who returned their looks with a soft apology, "I'm sorry, I didn't know to get something for Mr. Shepherd and Ashlyn or I would have; I truly apologize for not having even a card."

The former agent shook his head, "We certainly didn't expect anything from you, Jackson, since you don't even know us; but we knew you were here and wanted to make sure you had something to open." He gestured to the large envelope on the arm of the chair beside the young man.

"You didn't need to do that, but thank you," Jax said as he carefully opened the flap and pulled out a Christmas card, automatically catching the smaller packet that slid out from inside. He read the card out loud at his mother's insistence, and then opened the second one to find a Visa gift card for $500. He gaped over at the dark man in the chair across the room from him, unable to find any words.

"I know that travelling this time of year isn't cheap or easy and you made your family's Christmas complete by coming in. Hopefully, this will help offset some of the cost." The young man started to say something but John held up a hand to forestall him, "I can afford it and you will accept it."

Deciding that keeping his head attached to his shoulders would be a good plan, Jax nodded and expressed his heartfelt thanks which were waved away.

Attention then turned to the parental unit on the couch and Chris smiled as he opened the Christmas card from the Shepherds, "Our gift was the SUV and some free labor around the house this spring to help with some work that needs done. We feel that was more than enough from our new friends on top of everything they've done for you kids." John had also placed a gift card inside and he now smiled when the other man looked at it in shock before handing it to his wife who dropped it with a surprised cry.

Lisa stared over at the man her only daughter was seated next to, "John, surely this is a mistake? You accidently added one too many zeros?"

"Or two," Chris queried.

"No mistake, the two of you have been a tremendous help to me and wonderful to Ashlyn since the girls met and I wanted to express my appreciation for that. As I told Jax, I can afford it, please accept it with my gratitude."

"Actually, you told me that I would accept it; there was no please in that…" Jax's voice trailed off when John gave him the look he usually reserved for Fusco when he was being obstinate.

When Chris and Lisa rose, Reese quickly got up as well; one mugging in the chair from the Burke family had been enough and he didn't want a repeat. The girls scooted out of the way and got up while the parents engaged in a three way group hug much to the military man's consternation.

Finally releasing the big man, Lisa dashed away happy tears and announced, "Everyone into the dining room and we'll get dinner on the table." She hurried off with her daughter in tow to help get things from the kitchen while her husband tugged Ricky off the couch and gestured to their guests to precede them to the other room and Jax excused himself to the bathroom.

When the young man returned to the living room, he saw the card to his parents on the floor and picked it up to set on the coffee table so it didn't get lost. As he did, curiosity got the better of him and Jax looked at the amount. He was just as stunned as his parents had been to see it was to a large home improvement chain in the amount of $10,000.

Entering the dining area, he briefly met the deep blue eyes of the dangerous man seated at the table and wondered to himself, 'Just who the hell was this guy?'

Staring Jax down was far too easy, the other man didn't have an Alpha personality and John was more of a predator than most so few people could match his look head on for any length of time. He had to hand it to the kid, though; Jax was smart enough to know when to keep his mouth shut and when to just let things go for the good of all. The deadly glitter in his eyes disappeared the instant his daughter settled into the chair beside his and a smile lit the blue depths instead.

Sitting in a chair as far from Reese as possible, Jax marveled at the change when he was in the presence of the beautiful girl. He went from terrifying hunter to loving guardian in a heartbeat when he looked at Ashlyn; he was even gentle with Heather and Ricky when he interacted with them, his little brother absolutely adored the man.

Once all the food had been brought in, everyone bowed their head while Chris offered a blessing before digging in.

~~~***POI***~~~

On Dec. 31st, the trio piled into the SUV and headed for the dealer Harold had purchased the new car from to pick it up. John was still trying to find out exactly what the man had gotten since Finch wouldn't even drop a hint, which was frustrating the heck out of his associate. The first car they saw as they pulled onto the lot was the tiny Ford Fiesta and John immediately growled that the computer genius had better not have even considered it. That car was so small Ashlyn would have problems getting in it, let alone a man who stood six foot two.

With a quiet chuckle, the billionaire directed him to park in front of the showroom and once the vehicle was stopped, he eased himself out as he silently cursed the cold weather that made him ache more than normal. Since John would be driving the new vehicle home, he had to come along to drive the SUV so it could be dropped off at the Burke's. Plus he didn't want to miss the look on his friend's face when he saw the car Harold had picked out.

Salespeople converged on them the instant they opened the doors to the SUV. It was an expensive vehicle and everyone wanted to be the first to grab its owner for the next sale. Ashlyn, sliding out from the backseat behind her father, closed her door and suddenly latched onto the back of his leather jacket when a portly man (who reminded her too much of her former step-uncle for comfort) rushed at them from the side and slightly behind her, sticking his hand out aggressively.

Reacting on instinct to someone coming at him and possibly threatening his child, Reese caught the man's wrist in a vise-like hold and used the salesman's momentum against him by sidestepping so he ran into the side of the vehicle. He then pinned the guy's arm behind his back as he continued to restrain him with one hand. His other hand was busy guiding Ashlyn where he needed her to be for her safety and so he could move freely without running the teen over.

Hearing the thud and feeling the SUV shake as he stood with his hand on the door, Harold turned to peer through the interior and saw his friend had someone plastered to the other side. Straightening up, he closed the door and limped to the front so he could see the former agent.

"Really, John, I don't think that you need to go to such extremes with the salespeople. Just convey to them your lack of interest verbally and I'm sure they'll comprehend."

"Perhaps, Harold, but if they all see me break this guy's arm then I can guarantee they won't come close enough to pester me. Or scare my daughter."

Spotting the girl hovering behind the big man and seeing her white face, Finch sighed softly and gestured to her as he gently said, "Come over here, child; let's give your father some room to deal with this gentleman; hopefully in a way that doesn't leave any more marks."

Making sure she stayed clear of the two men, Ashlyn hurried to Harold's side and surprised him by catching hold of his arm as she leaned lightly into him for reassurance. Normally, this was something she only did with John; Finch didn't really see himself as much of a protector or comforter, but he would be as helpful as he could. He reached over with his free hand and softly patted her shoulder, "It's alright, Ashlyn; I'm sure he didn't mean to startle you like that. Sometimes salespeople can be too strident in their desire to gain the best customers and, therefore, their money."

He glanced over at the cadre of people standing by the building that were now too terrified to approach after seeing the way the military man had taken out one of their own. Well, at least he'd already purchased the car and all they had to do was pick up the keys and paperwork.

In the meantime, John leaned in close to the man he still had pinned to the SUV, "Perhaps in the future, you'll know better than to come at someone like that. The next one may actually pull out his gun and shoot you rather than let you go with a warning." When the portly man nodded frantically, Reese slowly eased up on his grip and released him, pointing him in the opposite direction of the family so he didn't get near them.

Tugging his jacket back into place, the big former agent walked around the front of the vehicle and paused next to the pair waiting for him, "Everyone alright?" He smiled when Finch gave him a glower and his daughter transferred her grip from her uncle's arm to her father's waist. Slipping his arm around her, John hugged her and rested his cheek against her dark head for a moment as he murmured reassurances.

Once the teen relaxed enough to let go, they made their way into the showroom, scattering anyone in the vicinity as they approached the customer service desk. The woman seated there looked up with a smile, "Good morning and welcome; how may I help you?"

Harold leaned against the counter, "I purchased a vehicle about two weeks ago as a Christmas gift for my brother-in-law and we're here to pick it up. It should be under the name Shepherd."

Typing the name into her computer the fifty-something year old woman softly commented, "And why couldn't I have a brother-in-law like that?"

"I'll loan him to you," John said softly as he smirked at his friend, "but I have to warn you, he can be very demanding at times."

"I'm sure that Fiesta is still for sale, John, I could always switch vehicles for you," Finch threatened.

The girl with them giggled softly as she pictured her large dad attempting to crawl in and out of such a tiny car, especially when he was after someone. Pulling her against his broad chest and wrapping his arms around her tightly, John rumbled teasingly, "Don't encourage him, brat; you're supposed to be on my side." She just continued to laugh even as she returned his embrace.

The customer service representative was delighted to see such a closely bonded parent and child; though it made her miss her own children who were grown and scattered around the country. Finding what she was looking for on her computer, she picked up her phone and tapped in an extension, "Don, the Shepherd family is here for their new vehicle." When she hung up she gave them her full attention again, "He said he'll be right out; is there anything I can get for you while you wait?"

Before Don Hughes could even get to his office door, one of the other salesmen was slithering through it, cautioning him to be very careful when he went out and telling him about what happened to Larry the over-eager idiot who'd ended up slammed into the side of the SUV. Brushing the man aside, knowing he had a tendency to blow things out of proportion, Don walked out to the showroom. He immediately recognized the thin, sharp-faced man who had made the original purchase and mentally rolled his eyes at the hissed warning from behind him.

The other man was currently holding a stunning teenager and slowly rocking her back and forth in a playful manner. The girl had her back to her father's chest with his arms crossed in front of her as she held his wrists. He was partially hunched over as he swayed from one side to the other with her, talking softly as she rested her head back against his shoulder. Don could see they shared the same coal black hair, though the other man had some flecks of grey in his, and he wondered if her mother was as beautiful. If she was, the girl's father was one lucky guy.

When John spotted the short lanky man approaching, he straightened to his full height as he released his daughter. The salesman's gait faltered slightly when he was pinned by a pair of cold deep blue eyes from a man who had turned from father to guardian with a simple movement. Suddenly, the warning he'd been given didn't seem so foolish.

Before anyone could do anything (such as John scaring the tar out of the person who was supposed to be giving them the keys and paperwork), Harold lurched forward and extended his hand, "Mr. Hughes, good to see you again. As you can see, I've brought my brother-in-law along to pick up the car I bought him for Christmas. This is John Shepherd and his daughter, my niece, Ashlyn." Shooting his partner a pleading look, he gestured to the salesman, "John, this is Don Hughes; he was the man who kindly took care of everything I needed to get your car."

Since Finch was going out of his way to point out the man had been helpful, Reese went with it and offered his hand for a firm, but not painful handshake, "Mr. Hughes."

Fully expecting to have his hand bones crunch in the grip of the powerful man, he was astonished at the carefully leashed strength, "Don, please, Mr. Shepherd." He wasn't surprised when the invitation to call the man by his first name was not reciprocated. Instead, he turned a smile to the lovely young lady positioned between the men and hesitantly held out his hand, not sure if the father would allow it, "Ashlyn, a pleasure to meet you. Your uncle spoke of you quite a bit when he came in to buy the car for your dad. You're every bit as beautiful as he said."

As she lightly shook hands, she looked over at Harold in disbelief and saw him roll his eyes. She'd known better than to think that he would speak about either her or John to a stranger outside of bare basics; the man was too intensely private and protected the family in the same manner. As soon as it was polite to do so, she extricated her hand and took a slight step back.

Not wanting to push his luck, Hughes invited the group to join him in the office to finalize paperwork and he asked the receptionist to have someone bring the car around for them. There were only two chairs in the office and Ashlyn chose to stand behind her father, leaning over his shoulder to look at things in curiosity as it was shown to him for his signature as the owner. Any time the vehicle was listed on the forms, it had been covered up with sticky notes and when John attempted to lift them so he could see what he was getting, Harold would lightly slap his hand.

The first time Finch tapped the back of Reese's hand, the younger man had turned a look of such surprise on him that the teen behind them had to smother her laughter. Each successive time, John tried to be fast or slick about it, making a game out of who could get there first, but Harold knew exactly where each tiny piece was and reacted swiftly. And he was obviously enjoying himself immensely.

When the last form was signed, Don quickly folded everything up and placed it in an envelope to hand to Finch. There was no way he was going to get involved in this particular war. He then led the way out of the office and to the front of the showroom where there was a vehicle parked next to the SUV.

A bright yellow GMC Savannah 15 passenger van.

Although he hadn't planned it, the van was there by complete accident, Finch turned to his friend and cheerfully asked, "Well? What do you think?"

Ashlyn scrambled out of the way when her father turned blazing eyes on the man he'd spent so much time working with over the last couple of years and opened his mouth. Harold couldn't hold onto the ruse and broke out into a huge smile which instantly brought the other man up short.

"That was so not funny, Harold."

"Yes, it was, John. You just fail to have a proper sense of humor."

"I have an excellent sense of humor, Harold. I haven't killed you off yet, have I?"

"We really need to get you some help for these violent tendencies, John. You know this, right?"

"Still not funny."

At that point another vehicle pulled in on the opposite side and the big man let out a sigh of relief. This, he could definitely live with.

A metallic black 2013 Yukon XL Denali with ebony leather seats, 22" chrome wheels, a sunroof, entertainment package in the back, huge V8 engine, a console organizer both front and back, all weather floor mats throughout including a rear cargo mat and removable net, and in the rear cargo area was some extra padding, tie downs, and air conditioning vents for the times he needed to transport the dogs (or people who required restraints). The windows had been as heavily tinted as the law allowed and that afforded him privacy when needed. Overall, a large, well-proportioned vehicle that would suit his needs admirably.

He turned to his partner with a big grin, "Now that's a vehicle I can happily claim, Harold. Thank you, very, very much."

"You're quite welcome, John. I thought it would fit your lifestyle for both work and home and you can transport Ashlyn and the dogs in comfort and safety."

Reese looked over at his daughter who had wandered closer to the window to see better, "What do you think, sweetheart? Like it?"

"As long as I don't have to drive that monstrosity anywhere, I'm good with it," she replied. "But it's perfect for you, dad. Uncle Harold did good!"

"Thank you, child," the billionaire smiled, pleased to have made both of them happy.

The young man who had brought the vehicle up for them climbed out, came inside, and started to walk over to hand the keys to John but got distracted by the girl standing nearby. Giving her what he thought was a flirtatious smile and suggestive leer, he kind of tossed the keys in the direction of the men as he moved toward her. Her response was an instinctive retreat away from him as he made her very uncomfortable.

Catching the keys before they hit the ground, Reese hurdled them with all his strength at the boy's chest, shocking everyone around them. People who had seen what he did to the salesman earlier got as far away from the scene as they could and still see what was about to happen. Finch rolled his eyes at human nature. It seemed that most people couldn't drive past a horrible wreck without slowing down to gawk, and this was about to be a nasty one.

"John…" Harold started softly.

"Dude! What the hell's your problem, man? That hurt!" the twenty one year old whined as he rubbed the point of impact.

Stepping in front of his daughter and blocking the other's view of her, he growled, "You don't want to push your luck. Just walk away and lick your wounds before you have more."

"If I want to talk to a pretty girl, I will," he stated belligerently. He tried puffing himself up, but still came up at least four inches shorter and twenty pounds lighter than the former agent. But the guy was old so what could he do?

"She's jailbait to you; but you won't even make it out of here in one piece if you don't let it go," John's husky voice lowered further. Harold shook his head as he waited for his friend to simply take the kid apart for his foolishness.

"You're not my boss, you're not my dad, and you don't have any say over what I do or don't do; so get out of my face."

"I may not be your father, but I am hers, so I have a big say. Now, we're leaving, and you're going to thank your lucky stars that I didn't put you in the hospital. Happy New Year." Reese turned his back on the young man, fully anticipating an attack.

He wasn't disappointed.

The kid grabbed his arm and tried to spin him around as he took a swing at the man's set jaw. John really just wanted to get out of there at this point and enjoy his new car so he sidestepped and gave the other man a shove away from Ashlyn with a soft, "You really want to stop while you're ahead, kid."

The young man was beyond hearing and after regaining his balance, he turned and tried to tackle Reese who again stepped to one side and let him barrel past. The owner of the dealership, having been summoned by the customer service representative, came hurrying from his office in the back and saw an employee trying to attack a customer and the customer was trying to avoid him.

"Daniel," he bellowed, "what do you think you're doing?!"

"He started it!" came the whining response. "I was just minding my own business and he threw his keys at me." He rubbed his chest for effect, "It still hurts!"

Stepping forward as he tried to just smooth things over and end it, Harold stated, "Your imprudent young employee was distracted from the completion of his duties and chose, unwisely, to take offense with my brother-in-law's redirection from his infatuated mind-set."

Even Ashlyn looked at him like he'd lost his mind with the complicated wording and Finch sighed, "The idiot tried to flirt with my niece and got mad when her father told him to go away." Unable to resist, John's lips quirked slightly at his friend's attempt to speak like a normal human being.

The owner stalked over to his erring employee and caught hold of his arm, turning and directing him to the back office before approaching the family, "I cannot apologize enough for my nephew and his inappropriate behavior. Please be assured that I will have a serious discussion with him about what he did and how wrong it was." He glared in the direction the young man had sulked off in, "More than likely, I'll just fire him, send him home to his mother, and be done with it."

"He will only learn if he's given the opportunity to do so," Harold stated calmly.

"Have you considered putting him the military?" John growled.

"I don't know that the military would want him, though it's worth considering; and he's had numerous opportunities, both here and at my brother's construction sites, to learn. Daniel is simply too egotistical, spoiled, and stubborn. My sister lost her husband to cancer and doted on the boy too much."

With a shrug, the former agent gathered up his daughter and snagged the keys to his new vehicle from the floor where they had fallen when he'd thrown them at the kid, "You'd be surprised who the military will take and what it can do for them."

The owner nodded thoughtfully as he again apologized and walked them out to the Denali to talk to John about its features. While they were occupied, Ashlyn sidled over to Finch, "Was there something I did that caused all that, Uncle Harold?"

He gave her a startled look before hastily assuring, "Of course not, child! All you were doing was standing there admiring the car when that young hothead made the decision to approach you. Inappropriately, I might add. He was considerably older than you and derelict in the completion of his duties, your father was completely correct in sending him on his way, though perhaps without quite so much aggression."

"Sometimes I think it would have been so much easier on dad if I had been born a boy. Then he wouldn't have all the problems he's had to deal with since I came to live here," the girl said softly.

"Your father absolutely adores you, Ashlyn; no one and nothing could take your place in his heart, or mine. You have become the soul of this family and I have come to realize just how empty our lives have been without you as a part of it." He rested one hand lightly on her shoulder as he tipped her chin up with the other to make sure he had her undivided attention, "You are loved. You are wanted. You belong with us. Do you understand?"

She nodded silently as she leaned forward into his chest for a brief hug, which he gently returned. When the girl straightened and stepped away, she gave him a grateful smile before joining the other two men who were discussing certain features that had been included.

After going over the car in detail, John and Ashlyn were followed by Harold over to the Burke's house where they dropped off the SUV before returning home. New Year's Eve was a quiet affair with the trio staying in at the loft and watching the ball drop on TV rather than dealing with crowds of crazy drunks. The military man noticed his daughter was more reserved than normal, but he figured it was due to the long and active day they'd had.