AN: So now that you have officially forgotten this story, I decided to upload the last chapter! Thank you so much for your kind words, favorites, support, and patience with me and finishing this story! It was a crazy ride, and I apologize for taking forever, but it was 237 pages of awesomeness. I may be back one day with a Faberry story, or maybe even another South one, but for now, thank you and I hope you enjoy the conclusion of our two favorite girls (all 18 pages of it)!

Epilogue: The Aftermath

Spencer rushed out of the driver's seat to open the door for the brunette. It was Ashley's first day of freedom, and the couple found themselves outside of Arthur Carlin's home.

It had been months, months of rest, months of rehab, and a couple of surgeries to get Ashley back to optimal health. The spy had assumed dating a doctor would speed up the process of leaving the hospital, but Spencer was insistent that the brunette remained and got 24-hour care for as long as anyone else.

The wounds to Ashley's shoulder and leg healed fairly quickly, Ashley's body being used to the abuse, but the bullets that hit Ashley in the back and chest caused more trouble. The bullet to her back was close to her spine, causing swelling, and temporary loss of her ability to walk. But the couple took it in stride, rehabbing her legs, and Ashley getting pretty good at the wheelchair.

It wasn't uncommon to see the brunette giving the young doctor a ride from patient's room to patient's room in the hospital. Ashley easily charmed the nurses, and the couple essentially had an entire playground in the hospital. During Ashley's stay at the hospital, the blonde never stayed away from the brunette for long. She moved into Ashley's hospital room, finding comfort in having the spy close by.

The aftermath of the shooting and Snider had been a little strange. The government issued Ashley a formal apology, even awarding her for her bravery. She was offered the position of head of the Los Angeles CIA branch, but the brunette happily turned it down; she had already found where she would spend the rest of her life. Madison was then offered the promotion. News of the story swept the nation, and Ashley only did one interview, for the small local newspaper, in the tiny town she had grown to love. The single issue made the paper more money than the last four years combined.

Spencer's family finally got to hear the whole story behind the couple's relationship. It changed nothing except the proud gleam in Arthur's eyes knowing Ashley was in fact a good guy, and Glen asking a series of questions related to James Bond. Chelsea affirmed that despite being a spy, she would kick the brunette's ass if she ever scared them like that again. It took Clay over twenty minutes to calm the slightly hysterical artist.

Ashley grabbed the hand Spencer offered to help her out of the car. The spy could only smile when seeing the blonde rush around in effort to help her. Ashley felt good, not 100%, but good nonetheless. Despite that, she allowed the blonde to fuss over her because it made Spencer feel better about the situation.

With her arm wrapped around the blonde's shoulders, and Spencer's small hand gripping her waist the two walked towards the front door.

"Baby, you know you didn't have to do all of this, right? I would have been happy just going to our home and cuddling with you on the couch."

Spencer blushed slightly hearing the term of endearment. It still sent shivers down her spine whenever Ashley would call her that. The blonde placed a gentle kiss on the hand hanging off her shoulders.

"I know, but the family was excited to get you back."

The couple entered and was met with the entire extended family. Arthur, Glen, Chelsea, Clay, Staci, baby Susie, and the newest addition, Madison. Big smiles and hugs were given to both girls as they were ushered to the backyard for the welcome home BBQ.

Ashley was seated at the picnic table with Madison as the two spies tried to teach Chelsea how to use throwing knives, Clay looked terrified at the idea of his girlfriend's newly found hobby. Glen kept yelling "Badass!" every other minute or so while Staci gave him a loving eye roll.

Spencer enjoyed sitting back and watching her family. She had been terrified that she would never get this again, but Ashley was alive, everything was all right.

The blonde smiled when she felt her father's familiar hand resting on her shoulder. Arthur smiled too, as he watched his family goofing about. They were perfect, and he was happy that they were all apart of each other's lives.

"I'm so happy for you Sweetpea."

The blonde smiled up at her father, giving his hand a small squeeze.

"Me too."

"Is the surprise all ready?" The two heard a knock at the front door.

Spencer's smile was huge at hearing the noise, "Now it is!"

Ashley watched as her blonde beauty approached her with a sly smile on her face, and a GIANT box in her arms. The brunette could only grin, knowing that the blonde was up to trouble.

"Ashley!"

"Spencer!"

"I may have been a little rash and excited, but I got you- uh, us, a surprise." The blonde said, her eyes glowing in excitement and tinted with a little apprehension. The box in her arms was the only space between the two.

Before the brunette could respond, the box emitted a small bark and out popped the head of a small, adorable puppy.

Ashley could only smile and the sheepish expression on the doctor's face, her arms instantly opening the box and pulling the small puppy out. The puppy happily licked at Ashley's fingers while the brunette looked him over.

"I thought you might want some company at home, and he could be my running buddy since you refuse to go on runs with me, and I don't know, one of the nurses dogs had puppies and I couldn't say no to that face…"

Ashley's laughing effectively cut off the blonde's rambling. Blue eyes caught the most adorable sight of the small lab/pit bull mix licking the spy's face. If Spencer hadn't already loved the brunette, that moment definitely would have sealed the deal.


Ashley was tired, dead tired, but she happily nursed her beer at the bar. The party was raging around her, and she was happy to be there, happy to support Glen, despite having just returned from India all of 8 hours ago. After all, she wouldn't be a good groomsmen for Glen without attending the bachelor party in his honor.

The brunette nearly ditched the party all together when she walked through her front door and was greeted with the sight of Spencer curled up in the couch reading a book. Two weeks of helping Madison out on a top secret mission was far too long to ever be away from the young doctor, and Ashley made a mental note to decline Madison's pleads next time the CIA absolutely needs her for one last mission. Ashley scoffed at the very loose definition of "consultant".

The party had been going on for a couple hours now, and Glen was embarrassingly drunk by now. Ashley had sat at the bar, talking with Glen's friends and texting Spencer who was busy at Staci's bachelorette party. The brunette was about to call it a night and head home, when Glen ungracefully plopped into the stool next to her.

"Ashley!"

The ex-spy smirked at Glen, glad to see him having a good time. "Hey Buddy… How's the party going?"

"Ashley! I'm freaking out!"

The brunette merely met the frantic Glen with a questioning look and a lifted eyebrow.

"I can't believe I am getting married next week! I love Staci, I really do, but MARRIED? That is terrifying. It is so, uh, forever. What if I hate her after a month? Or what if I lose all my game?" Ashley couldn't help but snort at that remark, what game? "Or, or, what if I get fat and she ends up divorcing me!"

Ashley began to feel sorry for the frantic boy. She knew Glen loved Staci and Susie with all his heart; this was simply the case of the drunken cold feet.

"Glen, don't worry. You love Staci, and she loves you. This is probably the best and most exciting thing you are going to do. You are making sure that you spend the rest of your life with the woman you love. There is nothing in this world that is better than that."

Glen gave her a disbelieving look; obviously Ashley was going to have to think up something else. The brunette sighed, looking down at her hand holding a beer, a slight smile graced her face when she saw the small pink heart Spencer had drawn near her thumb.

Ashley turned towards the boy, "Glen, what is Staci's favorite food?" The ex-spy thought of her own blonde; Macaroni and Cheese.

Glen gave Ashley a very confused look and mumbled out, "Pancakes, she loves pancakes."

"What side of the bed does she sleep on?" Right side.

"The left."

"What is your favorite outfit she wears?" Wrapped up in those loose dark jeans with all the holes, her blue UCLA shirt, and my leather jacket.

"This bright pink, strappy dress thing."

"What is the best way to make her stop crying?" Make her laugh while hugging her.

"Kissing her."

"And what is the most annoying thing that she does?" Her stubbornness.

"She always talks during basketball games."

"And is that one of your favorite things about her?" Yes.

Glen let out a sigh, and a small smile, "Yes."

"Then I think you will be absolutely fine Glen." Suddenly her phone beeped, and she saw a picture text from Chelsea. Spencer was sitting looking bored out of her mind while getting a lap dance from an absurdly good look man in a Speedo, the text simply read, "WHAT A BIG FAT LESBIAN!"

Ashley couldn't help but laugh, her heart fluttering slightly at seeing her girl.

The blonde boy saw the goofy grin on Ashley's face, and simply replied, "Looks like I will be having this same chat with you pretty soon."

The brunette could only beam in response.


Spencer's back was pressed against the shelf. She was clutching a few items as though they were her only lifelines, while she slowly leaned forward to peak around the corner. Her heart was pounding, and her breathing was shallow; she knew she was in danger, but she there was no turning back now.

Spencer and Ashley were in a pretty heated round of tag, and the brunette was currently it. They were approaching hour seven, starting early in the morning. Spencer had pounced on the sleeping brunette after her and Teddy finished their morning run. The blonde peppered Ashley with sweet kisses while Teddy happily barked at them.

Ashley's smile was large when she cracked one eye open to look at her assailant. Spencer leaned down placing a soft, sweet kiss on the girl's lips, which was swiftly followed with a smack on the top of Ashley's head and Spencer squealing, "You're it!"

The game had been going ever since, time-outs only for very important and serious matters (small, heated make-out sessions), with a couple of casualties: death to a glass of orange juice during breakfast, Spencer re-breaking a microwave Ashley had just finished fixing for Mrs. Cooper, and most recently a display tower of Oreos two isles down from Spencer's current location.

Spencer quickly turned the corner, making it to the bread isle. The girls had split the grocery list for fairness and efficiency, but there would be no pausing the game; Ashley loved chasing Spencer down.

As she grabbed a loaf of bread, the blonde began to regret not grabbing a basket to carry her items; she was worried it would hold her back. Spencer smiled thinking about her day. She must have looked insane when Ashley tackled her into the grass right outside of the hospital, not to mention her own maniacal laughter and mad dash following her tagging Ashley after exiting the hardware store. But it was stuff like this that Spencer lived for and she was so glad that Ashley always played with her.

Spencer still woke up every now and then from a nightmare about losing Ash, watching her get shot over and over again. But the blonde found comfort in being wrapped up in Ashley's arms hearing the quiet and reassuring "I'm okay. I'm right here," whispered into her ear. So it was moments like this, a daylong marathon game of tag that helped to balance out the scars that both Ashley and Spencer shared. It was the love and understanding that could turn a terrible night into the most fun day.

Spencer could see the promise land. She was a few feet from the check out counter, almost ready to make her escape, when she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind and a raspy voice whisper, "You're it."

Spencer smiled, leaning back into Ashley embrace. Despite having fun running around like children (and the three make-out sessions), Spencer had missed the contact from the brunette. After Glen's wedding things had been hectic for both of them, so she relished in the feeling of being in Ashley's arms whenever she could.

Spencer turned around in the brunette's grasp, effectively smooshing the bread and other items between them, but smiled at the brunette nevertheless.

"You caught me."

"I did."

"Did you remember to buy the peanut butter?"

"I did."

"I ruined our bread."

Ashley looked at the sad loaf of bread between them.

"Do you love me?"

"I did."

"Ashley!"

"What? I really wanted a sandwich for dinner!"


Spencer let out a small sigh and smiled as she walked up to her apartment. She could already hear Teddy barking his little head off to greet her. He was literally the most excitable dog in the world, and may or may not be slightly insane, but he fit perfectly into the Carlin family dynamic.

It had been a long day, early start at the paper to finish up a last minute article, followed by a full day at the hospital. It wouldn't have been so bad if she got to have her usual lunch with Ashley, but the brunette had to go to Los Angeles yesterday to buy a few items she needed for her shop. Before coming home, Spencer had to swing by said store to grab some keys the ex-spy asked Spencer to bring home.

After retiring officially from CIA work (again), Ashley had been bored out of her mind. She fixed everything in their apartment (even squeaky floor boards), then moved on to helping their nice neighbor Mrs. Cooper. Ashley enjoyed helping the widow, and the old woman enjoyed the company. People around town caught wind of Spencer's girl being able to fix anything, so people began bringing things for Ashley to repair.

It had driven both girls a little crazy when at all hours of the day they seemed to be interrupted by the sweet, but admittedly bizarre, citizens of the town. So Ashley decided to open a little store. It was a running challenge in town to bring Ashley the most run down and seemingly out of shape items, and the brunette never failed to return them in perfect working order.

Ashley never charged anyone for her services, but the patrons had taken to giving her presents in exchange. Children brought handmade art in exchange for their toys being fixed, baked goods were frequently sent, as well as strange little knickknacks that the brunette seemed to be interested in.

Spencer loved watching Ashley take things apart and put them back together again. The first night Ashley officially opened, and then closed, Spencer dragged the brunette into the back room and showed Ashley just how much she loved watching her.

Just as Spencer was about to turn the door handle her phone began ringing, the theme song to Mission Impossible. The blonde's smile got wider, knowing the brunette was calling. She shuffled around her purse finally finding her phone and answering.

"Hi Ash."

"Hey Baby."

Spencer pushed open the door, smiling down at Teddy, "Did you find the part yo-" the question died in her throat when she looked up to see the entire apartment covered in vases and vases of flowers, all the lights were off, but the room was glowing in soft candle light. Sitting on the beloved ikea table was a beautiful wooden box with a single white lily placed on top.

The blonde was in a trance and with a shaky voice she whispered out, "A thousand wild tulips."

Spencer almost jumped when she heard Ashley's voice through the phone, "Spencer, I have lived for 29 years, but I was never living until my eyes met yours in that coffee shop a forever ago.

I have faced death more times than I can count, but the only thing that has truly terrified me is the thought that I wouldn't wake up every morning looking at you; I wouldn't feel your hand softly stroking my stomach while we watch TV; or that I wouldn't be able to spend the rest of my life trying to be the person that deserves your love."

Spencer was fairly positive she hadn't taken a breath since she spotted the flowers covering her apartment. The blonde had taken small steps towards the beautiful wooden box on the table. She was vaguely aware of the tears clouding her sight when Ashley continued speaking.

"You have become everything I never knew I wanted, my family, my best friend, and the love of my life, and for that I can never thank you. I could do a million things, go all over the world, but all I will ever want is to be with you, by your side, holding your hand, and covering your eyes during the scary parts."

Spencer finally reached the table; her shaking hand lightly traced the wooden box on the table. She saw the keyhole on the box, and realized why the keys from Ashley's shop were so important.

"Not everything is going to be like we want it to be, and I am sure that we will fight, and have hardships, but I can honestly say I will never give up on you, on us. I don't believe in many things, but I believe in you. I believe that all my hopes and dreams rest solely in your hands. You have always been my greatest weakness, but my most valuable strength. You're my home Spence, you always have been."

Spencer fit the old antique key that was nicely nestled with the others on the ring into the lock, and heard a soft click; a small black jewelry box rested inside.

"So let me spend the rest of my days telling you that Poptarts aren't a healthy breakfast option, let me chase away spiders you trap under coffee mugs, let me remind you how much you are loved and cherished everyday. I have had hundreds of different names in my life, but let me change my name one last time. Let me call you my wife, and buy you a house, and raise a family with you. Please Spencer, please marry me?"

Spencer finally opened the small velvet box, slightly gasping when nothing was inside.

"You have to say 'yes' first." Ashley voice rang out, not through the phone, but from the doorway of their bedroom. The brunette looked shy, her right hand holding up a beautiful shining ring. Neither girl processed the noise of Spencer's cell phone falling to the floor.

The brunette could only laugh through her tears when Spencer flung into her arms and tackled her to the ground.


"Spence, I can't do this anymore." The brunette huffed, flopping down on the couch next to her fiancée (soon to be wife, thank you very much).

The blonde placed a sympathetic hand on the ex-spy's thigh, "What did she do now?"

"Chelsea thinks it would be a good idea if I do back flips down the isle."

Spencer burst out laughing, imagining the brunette, in a white dress cart-wheeling down the isle.

"Speeennncceeerrrr. I love Chelsea, I do. She means well, but that baby is making her absolutely crazy. This wedding is turning into a circus instead of a way to make you my wife. I mean the guest list is already 400 people."

Spencer smiled. She may have let the highly hormonal Chelsea be in charge of planning their wedding (Clay almost cried out of relief knowing that Chelsea would be busy with the wedding instead of constantly breaking up and getting back together with him for causing a "demon spawn" to grow inside of her), and yes there were doves involved, and she may have invited nearly the entire town, and the cake might have been flown in from Italy, but it made the young artist so happy.

Spencer cuddled into the brunette, grabbing Ashley's arm and wrapping it around her own shoulders. Ashley couldn't help her smile when she felt the blonde cuddle up to her.

Ashley placed a gentle kiss to Spencer's temple and quietly said, "I just want to be your wife already; I don't care about all this other stuff."

Spencer slowly stroked the girl's stomach, placing a soft kiss on Ashley's collarbone. They sat quietly together on the couch, watching the clock tick away. It was 11:20 at night, with only 67 hours until their wedding and the blonde knew Ashley was anxious and nervous to be open and vulnerable in front of that many people. Ashley had come far from the girl Spencer initially met, but that did not mean the ex-spy wanted to parade her deepest emotions and feelings to hundreds of relative strangers. Spencer, on the other hand, would gladly write a daily column at the newspaper detailing every reason her heart jumped because of Ashley.

And suddenly Spencer was up in a flash, quickly kissing the surprised Ashley on the lips before rushing out of the living room, cell phone in hand.

Ashley couldn't decide if she was highly amused, or completely annoyed that Spencer was dragging her towards the baseball field an hour and a half later. The blonde had disappeared for almost 45 minutes and then reemerged forcing the brunette to change out of pajamas and follow her.

The brunette caught sight of two figures standing on the pitcher's mound on their favorite baseball diamond. As the two got closer, their hands linked together, Ashley realized it was the Captain Harris and his wife. Ashley loved old Captain Harris; they spent hours together in her shop talking about the Captain's time on his boat 20 years ago. Ashley would never admit it, but her favorite stories were actually the ones he told about his wife Lucille. Spencer tugged on Ashley's hand stopping their progress to the couple.

"I think we should get married."

Ashley lifted her eyebrow, "I'm sorry, did we travel back in time? I believe the 32 pound wedding cake was an indication that we agreed upon that."

Spencer smiled, shaking her head softly, "I mean right now, just the two of us. Let's get married."

And then it clicked in Ashley's head; the Captain could officially marry them, Mrs. Harris would be the witness. They could get married, no doves, no strangers, nothing but the two of them, and in the place where the solidified their relationship, in the place where they could always find each other.

Ashley leaned into the blonde, kissing her gently, very aware of the couple watching their every move. A small squeeze of her hand, and both girls finished their walk to the older couple.

Before the ceremony started, both girls swore no one would ever know about getting pre-married, understanding that a very scary Chelsea would deal them a slow and painful death.

The girls stood on the pitcher's mound, holding each other's hands listening to the quiet sniffling of Mrs. Harris as the Captain began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here this lovely night to witness the union of Spencer Carlin and Ashley Davies…"


Teddy had some gene in him that transformed him from a normal sized dog to a giant. The friendly brown dog resembled the size of an underfed bear, and the Carlin's (Spencer still got giddy every time someone called Ashley Mrs. Carlin) needed to move and expand.

It hadn't taken long to pick a place, but Spencer hadn't anticipated Ashley falling in love with the completely run down house on Oak St. that was literally two weeks away from getting bulldozed. For the entirety of Spencer's life that house had been a sad looking reminder of what a house could turn into, but the bright eyes and hopeful look on her wife's face made it impossible to turn down.

It had taken time, but they finally finished fixing the place up. Well, Ashley had fixed the place up, while Spencer drank beer and had every intention to help but when Ashley said things like "load-bearing walls" and "did you use a level?" Spencer lost her shit and attacked the poor girl with a mass amount of kisses (among other things).

The house was beautiful, and looked brand new, and Spencer was so glad that this is where they would move their new life. They had been moving all day, and Spencer was standing in her now empty old apartment, taking in all the memories the place held.

It was no surprise to the blonde, that her most fond memories all included a certain brunette, and that her own life seemed to start only when the ex-spy literally fell into her arms at the doorway.

Spencer felt strong arms slip around her waist, and Ashley's chin rest on her shoulder. The brunette slowly started swaying them side-to-side.

"I'm going to miss this place." Spencer whispered feeling herself getting a little teary eyed.

"Me too. It was the first place that ever felt like home." Ashley admitted, hiding her blush in Spencer's neck.

"My mother always told me if you aren't moving forward you are moving backwards. I know our new house will be a wonderful new step for us, but god, this one holds so much."

Ashley let go of the blonde, only to lead her into their empty bedroom. She pulled Spencer into the closet with her, and moved towards the very back corner. It was difficult to see anything back there, but the brunette used her phone to light up the area.

Ashley reached down and pulled a knife out of her boot (a habit Spencer could not rid Ashley of) and much to Spencer's horror began carving something into the wall.

Spencer tried to see what Ashley was doing, but finally gave up. Eventually Ashley pulled away from her work and Spencer could see what she had done. There, forever branded into the wall was a simple "Spencer + Ashley were here". The blonde smiled and turned towards the brunette, with a slightly confused face.

Ashley smiled, holding one of Spencer's hands, "This place will always be a part of us, a part of everything we have become to one another, and now, we will always be a part of this place, forever."

Spencer smiled and kissed her wife. When she pulled back she grabbed the knife out of Ashley's hand and turned back to the wall. She carved a heart around the small engraving Ashley had done. Spencer turned back to a smiling Ashley.

"Let's go home Ash."

"Yea, let's go home."


Spencer drummed her fingers along the counter staring at her watch, One minute and 32 seconds.

She was nervous and anxious, and really wished that Ashley had some how created a space-time continuum because the brunette was just that smart. The blonde could hear Teddy snoring in the bedroom, and knew Ashley was somewhere downstairs, probably reading the morning paper.

Two minutes and 27 seconds.

Spencer fought the urge to rip out all her hair, and remained silent for 33 seconds. With unsteady hands the blonde grabbed the little strip and stared at it. She checked the box three times before letting out a little scream and running out of the bathroom looking for Ashley.

Ashley was up and running the second she heard Spencer upstairs. The brunette was silently cursing the blonde for keeping all her guns locked away in their bedroom when there was obviously danger around them, at all times.

Ashley's panic halted when she caught sight of the laughing and crying Spencer running down the stairs and an excitable Teddy following.

"Ash! It worked! It worked! I love you so much!" The blonde exclaimed as she literally jumped into Ashley's arms Teddy happily jumping around the couple.

"Spence, what the hell are you-" and Ashley stopped midsentence when she noticed what Spencer was clutching, a small piece of plastic that had two perfect pink strips in the reader box.

(A/N: Let's all pretend this is actually a possibility in their reality because this is an ideal world) They had seen a number of doctors over the last few months, and it was finally a connection Ashley had made a few years ago that said it could be done.

The two girls had decided it was time to fill up some of the empty bedrooms in their house, so they went to see insemination specialist after insemination specialist. Unfortunately, due to the years of damage Ashley's body had undergone during her time in the CIA, she was unable to become pregnant, but the brunette merely shrugged off the information, gently kissing Spencer and telling her how beautiful she will look carry their children.

Ashley had read a few years ago about a procedure that took morrow from a female and was able to be used in the same way as sperm. After numerous talks, preparation, and a few tries it seemed that Ashley and Spencer had finally created a perfect little zygote inside of Spencer.

Ashley was in shock, but she twirled Spencer around in her arms, peppering kisses all over her face. Spencer squealed when Ashley scooped Spencer into her arms bridal style and carried her to the couch. Ashley had always treated Spencer like she was the most precious thing in the planet, but there was something about the way Ashley laid her down on the couch, and the twinkle in her eye that made Spencer know she was being treated with the utmost care.

The brunette was smiling so widely it looked like she was about to crack. Spencer's hand reached up to cup her cheek, grinning right back at the girl. Ashley kissed her palm, and then bent down placing the softest kiss on Spencer's stomach.

"I'm carrying you everywhere for the next 8 months."

Spencer could only roll her eyes.

"Can we hire Glen to fan me while I'm being carried?"

"We don't need him, I can do that too."

"Ashley, you are not going to lock me up in this house to keep me and the baby safe from the outside world," Spencer deadpanned. She knew how her girl worked, and while she loved Ashley for her alpha protector tendencies, she really needed fresh air and social contact.

Ashley was still grinning and replied, "We'll see."

They were quiet for a moment, Ashley softly stroking Spencer's stomach, while Spencer looking on lovingly.

Finally, brown eyes sought out the perfect blue ones, "I love you so much Spencer. So, so much."

Spencer smiled at her wife, her heart overflowing with a million different emotions. "I love you too, Ash." The two shared a soft kiss, "Now carry me to the bedroom."

Ashley could only laugh when she scooped her girl into her arms.


Ashley had a photographic memory, so she rarely forgot anything. She could tell you the color of her favorite pair of shoes from 8th grade, and recite a passage she had to read aloud in high school, but there were certain memories that Ashley not only remembered, but were seemingly seared into her DNA. Most revolved around her beautiful wife, meeting her, their first kiss, etc, but the birth of their daughter was one Ashley cherishes the most:

The beautiful, serene look on Spencer's face when their daughter was placed in the blonde's arms for the first time; her strong little lungs screaming out, her tiny eyes staring up at them, and her little fists reaching out towards Ashley's own hand.

They had only been out of the hospital for a week, and Ashley was still floating on cloud 9. She was terrified for when her daughter got older because Ashley knew now that she would be able to get anything she wanted out of her. Hopefully, Spencer could be the responsible one; Ashley laughed to herself at that thought.

Ashley crept into the nursery. It was close to four in the morning, but Ashley couldn't help herself. The two most perfect girls on the planet surrounded the ex-spy and she really wanted one of them to be awake with her.

She reached into the small crib and scooped her daughter into her arms. Her little head sported a small tuft of brown hair, and the tiny blue eyes that were so much like her mother's greeted Ashley.

"Hi Emmy." Emily Paula Carlin was beautiful, perfect, and Ashley was positive she was placed on this earth just so she could love this tiny creature in her arms and her crazy, silly mother. Ashley began gently rocking her daughter.

"You know, you really tuckered out your Mommy. But don't worry; she is the best person I have ever met. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful Mom."

Emily gave a little gurgle in response, and Ashley decided that was her agreeing. "I am so glad that you are here. Your mom and I were waiting for you for a long time. I am going to teach you so many things, like how to fix a car, or how to wink and flip your hair and it will drive boys and girls crazy, and don't tell your mom, but I am totally teaching you how to use throwing knives."

Spencer had woken up to an empty bed, and immediately knew she wanted to rectify the situation. She didn't think it would be possible, but becoming pregnant and giving birth to Little Emily only made her fall deeper in love with her beautiful wife. Spencer knew she was the luckiest woman on the planet, and was so thankful to be this lucky in life. She padded her way down the hall, having a sneaking suspicion where her wife could be. She smiled as she leaned on the doorframe of the nursery listening to her two girls. Ashley's back was to the door, but all the hairs on her neck stood up.

"And even if you decide cheerleading is your thing, I will still love you. One other thing I will definitely teach you, is to always know when your mother is trying to eavesdrop on conversations."

Spencer let out a little laugh. She would never stop trying to sneak up on the brunette despite failing, seemingly, millions of times. The blonde made her way over to the girls, her chin rested on Ashley's shoulder, a quick kiss pressed into her shoulder, and her hand came up to stroke her daughter's chubby little cheek.

"What are you two doing up?"

Ashley smiled softly, "Just a little girl talk Baby, nothing you need to worry about."

Spencer led Ashley and Emily to the little loveseat that was set up in the room, immediately cuddling into both girls when they were all settled.

"Hi Em, did Mommy wake you up?" Spencer cooed at their daughter, a nice, teasing tone in her voice.

Spencer leaned into Ashley, kissing her softly on the lips.

"I love you so very much." She said overwhelmed with how perfect her life was at the moment.

The brunette smiled, replying with a simple "I know."

Ashley finally looked away from Spencer's loving eyes to the small baby in her arms.

"Hey Emily, have I told you about how you mother and I met? Oh, no? Well, you are in for a treat little girl! It all started in a coffee shop and the Garfield comics in the paper…"


"Cooper?"

"As in Anderson? No way, he will get some complex because he will feel the pressure to be as worldly and perfect as Anderson Cooper." The blonde argued, as if her reasoning was so obvious.

Ashley chuckled, shaking her head a little. They were cuddled up on the couch determined to pick a baby name. Spencer was already 6 months along with their son, and they couldn't decide on anything.

"Emily is really pushing for the name Salt. We could just go with that and call it a day." Ashley suggested, a little grin painting her face.

Spencer couldn't help but giggle. Their daughter was a precocious 2-year-old; she was such a perfect blend of the two of them: curly, wild brunette hair, those Carlin baby blues mixed with Ashley's intelligence and Spencer's sense of mischief and adventure. Needless to say, it had been a busy two years.

Em was currently hanging out with her cousins at Chelsea and Clay's place, much to the protests of her dear Grandfather. Arthur loved watching all his grandchildren, and was always offended if babysitting duties were passed on to someone else. But Chelsea had demanded Emily's presence at their house, and Glen had conveniently decided to drop his kids there too.

Spencer would probably have to bake a giant cake for Chelsea to make up for it.

Ashley had taken the week off from the store. This pregnancy was a little harder on Spencer than the last, and Ashley insisted that Spencer take a mini vacation from the hospital and the newspaper. It was either spend a week at home hanging out or Ashley would literally carry her bridal style everywhere and not just around the house like she had done the first time around.

Spencer liked to humor her girl, so she allowed her to act as crazy as she wanted.

Ashley threw the baby name book on the table, sighing in slight defeat.

"We could take the hippie route and the first thing we see outside can be his name."

Spencer tried to picture it, but soon grimaced, "I don't think Sandbox Carlin would really work for him."

The two sat in silence for a little, enjoying the quiet and being cuddled together. Ashley lived for these moments. Over the years, nothing had deterred her love for the blonde, it seemingly growing and expanding every day instead. She loved waking up with her two girls snuggled in the bed, or going to the Sunday BBQ's with the whole family. It was something she had never pictured for herself in a million years, but something she knew she couldn't have lived without.

Spencer's fingers were lightly tracing the bullet wound scar on Ashley's shoulder, while softly humming to herself. Blue eyes poured over their beautiful living room. It was covered in photos of perfect moments, and cherished memories.

A black and white photo of them on their wedding day; a beautiful photo of them standing on the pitcher's mound on their secret wedding day; pictures of baking projects gone wrong, eggs and flour happily covering the couple; a picture of the newly formed family the day Emily was born; pictures of family BBQ's and trips to the beach, Em's first steps, and so on. It chronicled their life together, and Spencer got giddy knowing there was still so much more to come. Her eyes finally landed on the photo of a young Ashley with both her parents.

"What about Chris, or I guess Christopher? For your mother, her name was Christine right?"

Ashley looked at Spencer, her wonderful and perfect wife, and tears instantly made their way into her eyes when she gave her girl a small nod.

Spencer smiled at Ashley, never getting tired of making the other woman happy. "Perfect, Christopher Bryant Carlin."

Ashley nodded her in agreement, fighting the small knot that had lodged in her throat, "Yea, perfect."

Spencer leaned in kissing Ashley, "We can call him Salt for short."


It was of Ashley's rare days off. The brunette sat in the coffee house, casually sipping her coffee and reading the morning paper, despite it being afternoon. Ashley had noted the broken video camera in the corner, the two high school kids who were obviously ditching, and the 30-something man working on his computer. After all these years the ex-spy still scanned the room for possible dangers.

Ashley flipped her paper towards the comic section looking for the new Garfield strip, knowing how much Emily and Chris liked to read it as well. Ashley had closed the shop to deal with a parent-teacher conference with Emily's teacher, and decided to give herself the rest of the day off.

She needed to grab more paper towels from the store, and find that part for Mr. Sandoval's lawn mower, and a few other things, but the brunette pushed that all aside; today was her day off after all.

The brunette smiled, and lowered her paper, instantly being struck with an odd sense of déjà vu. Spencer stood in front of her, hair disheveled, eyes wide and bright, old jeans and chucks securely in place.

Spencer had rushed into the coffee shop, running a little late because she had gotten distracted at the paper because her editor at the publishing house had called her and wanted to finalize the cover of Spencer's 3rd installment of her young adult novel series. But as the blonde yanked open the door and spotted Ashley quietly sitting there, hoodie and jeans, face buried in the paper, she was rushed back to almost exactly ten years ago when she had first seen her.

The blonde smirked at her wife, "You must be Ashley! I am soo sorry I am late. I got caught up choosing a cover for my latest novel."

Ashley smiled fondly at her wife, deciding to play along, "Novel? You are a writer?"

Spencer plopped down into the seat right next to her wife, leaning in to whisper, "Yes. My wife encouraged me to publish my series of stories, the kids really love them."

The brunette grinned when she felt Spencer place a sweet kiss to her lips in greeting. In all this time, with all that they have shared, Ashley's heart still beat a little bit faster when Spencer was around. Ashley quietly wrapped her arm around Spencer's waist while the blonde rested her head on her shoulder.

Spencer reached for Ashley's coffee cup and took a sip, grimacing at the taste.

Ashley smiled lovely at the girl, "You would think that after all this time you would know not to drink my coffee."

Spencer grinned when she replied, "What can I say, I am a glutton for punishment."

Spencer's hand rubbed up and down Ashley's leg.

"I was looking for this in the morning." Ashley complained, tugging on the sleeve of the leather jacket Spencer had stolen.

"Well, I barely got to talk to you or the kids yesterday, and I had to go into the hospital early this morning, so I thought I would take a little piece of you with me." The blonde reasoned, trying to sweet talk her way out of trouble. Ashley shot her a look that obviously meant she wasn't buying it, so Spencer decided to respond how she wanted to initially, "Plus, it looks better on me anyways."

Ashley laughed fairly hard at hearing that. Since she woke up after the whole Snider incident, it was rare that Ashley got to wear her own leather jacket. Spencer had unofficially taken it as her own, claiming that it smelled and felt like the brunette was wrapped around her when she wore it. Ashley didn't mind in the slightest.

"How was Em's meeting? Did her and Chris eat the last of the Poptarts?"

"Good, and no, I hide you a box in the top shelf of the pantry."

Spencer kissed her girl, "I knew there was a reason I married you!"

Ashley smirked, "I am a hundred percent positive it was not because I enable your Poptart addiction."

The blonde leaned in a little closer, "You're right, it was totally for the sex."

Ashley rolled her eyes, and softly bumped her shoulders into the blonde. Looking down at their linked hands, she could see the sparkle of their wedding rings staring back at her.

"Everything is set up for tomorrow. The kids will be with your dad, Teddy will be with Glen, and I fixed that weird noise the Mustang was making."

Spencer smiled at Ashley. The two didn't really celebrate anniversaries in a typical manner (they had never really done anything in a typical manner). Spencer and Ashley didn't celebrate the anniversary of the weddings, nor their first kiss, or even the day that they met in the coffee shop. What they did celebrate was the night (or, rather, early morning) Ashley literally fell into Spencer's arms after her fight with Aiden.

Neither girl ever really explained what or why they were celebrating to their friends and family (they'd probably tell the kids once they got a little older), but the girls always saw that as the beginning of everything. By going to Spencer, Ashley was unknowingly trusting Spencer with everything: her life, her hidden identity, allowing herself to be vulnerable, and Spencer knew in that moment, while she was saving the Ashley's life, they would be tied together, in some way, forever.

It was in that moment, that the strange little encounter transformed from a bizarre, unfortunate sort of date that would be forgotten and ignored as years past by, to two people finding their soul mates. It was the beginning of their life together, and the girls would forever cherish the starting point of what has become the best thing in both their lives.

Both were quiet for a moment, traveling through memories, love, pain, and happiness they shared in the past ten years. Ashley remembered the way Spencer looked as she recited the Neruda poem so long ago. Spencer pictured Ashley taking her hand and propelling her forward on the ice rink. Spencer could remember the rapid beating in her chest when Ashley confessed her love; Ashley could feel Spencer's soft cheek resting in her hand when she told Spencer she would fix the heart she had broken.

They relived kisses and smiles, coffees and tears, moments of absolute joy and bliss, and the moments of pain at almost losing one another. Their story was etched into their minds and hearts forever, living with them like scars and freckles, pieces of their past forever effecting their future.

And they could imagine their future together, the next ten, twenty, fifty years. They pictured Emily's first date, and Chris's graduation. They pictured slow dancing under the stars when both their babies were away in college, they saw the laughs and smiles, the happiness and excitement their future held. And they saw themselves old and happy, watching grandchildren as Spencer tried to analyze the dream Ashley had the night before.

It didn't take much to see both the past and the future; they saw it when they looked into each other's eyes. They felt it in the other's arms. They knew it in the way their hearts would skip a beat, or their lips still tingled from the lightest of kisses.

Spencer gave her wife's hand a soft squeeze bringing them back to reality. She placed a gentle kiss on the other woman's cheek.

The blonde leaned towards Ashley's ear whispering the secret she had given to Ashley so many years ago, "I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you."

The brunette smiled, hearing the words that had wrecked her ten years ago, and replied with her own secret that would always be Spencer's, "You are the only reason I'm alive."

The end.