Epilogue

Stef was an emotional wreck as she stood at the entrance to the party and welcomed her guests. It wasn't the party at all; in fact, she could barely focus on what was happening right in front of her for she was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that practically every dream she had was finally coming true. This; the business, the parties, the flawless portrayal of herself; they came naturally to her for she'd been doing it her whole life but family, love, vulnerability; these were new to her and they made her more nervous than she'd ever been before.

But as she glanced around, Stef smiled for while she was about to start a brand new journey down a road she'd never taken before, she was surrounded by people who would walk beside her keep her company along the way no matter what twists and turns she faced and that was more than Stef had ever hoped for.

Beside her, Max shook hands and joked with the guests, making them laugh in the way that only he could. Callie and her friends were helping by handing out the care packages and pointing the new arrivals towards the bar to get a drink before joining the other guests. All her employees from both cities were introducing themselves and sharing information on their company and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

And Lena was an absolute vision as she too mingled with the guests. Though Stef knew that she felt completely out of places and perhaps a little overwhelmed too, she showed no sign of it. She fit in perfectly in the black, floor-length, strapless gown that Dana had made for her for Christmas. Max had brought it to the firm for Lena to wear since Dana's presence was no longer a surprise for her. Her wild, curly hair was piled on top of her head with little crystals holding it in place and her long, slim frame was made even taller by the stilettos she'd borrowed from Stef. As Stef looked at her she couldn't help but feel proud that this gorgeous, perfect woman was actually hers to claim.

Suddenly a squeal from Callie prompted Stef to turn and she saw Dana, Max's brother William and his wife and kids walking in. Max immediately walked up to officially introduce himself to Dana for the only other time the woman had seen him had been in the hospital after Stef had filed for custody and introductions were definitely not something that either of them had cared for much. Stef smiled as she too went to greet their latest guests but smiled as Callie stayed by Dana's side, excited to see her grandmother again, especially since it was such an unexpected surprise. Lena appeared as well to hug her mother while Max introduced her to his family as well and after a few words were exchanged between them all Max began to get everyone's attention for now, with everyone important present, it was time to begin their speech.

"…and so after all the success we've had with Foster and Scott up in San Francisco, I'm a hundred percent certain that my partner in crime here will do a fantastic job with our new venture." He finished, offering the floor to Stef.

"Sixteen years ago I truly believed that my life was over. Nine months after that I felt like I had nothing left to live for the pain I felt when giving up my baby was excruciating. It was a long, hard and often unfulfilling road for nothing seemed to fill that void inside of me. I worked hard, put everything I had into staying at the top of my class, learnt as much as I possibly could and succeeded. I was the youngest lawyer in California for a while and still the youngest to ever start up their own law firm - Max here is a year older than me so he doesn't get that credit." She joked and smiled as she waited for the laughter to die down. "But through all of that I never felt complete - a part of me was missing and nothing could take it's place. I put everything I had into fighting for people and what they wanted most just like I wish someone had done for me all those years ago but it wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped. Once Foster and Scott was well off the ground and soaring high I knew that it was time to find the piece of me that was missing. That was another long, hard and often unfulfilling road but just like with everything else, it finally all fell into place and so now I start this new project that I know will be just as successful as everything else in my life and this time I actually feel complete for everyone that truly matters is here to celebrate with me today." She finished, smiling at Callie and Lena as she said her last line - a look that did not go unnoticed by Dana.

Dinner was almost ready to be served and people were busy talking and drinking and looking for their seats. Stef wandered over to Lena and the couple stood together and watched the merriment that surrounded them.

"I swear, when I started this whole thing - Foster and Scott; my search for Callie; I never imagined I'd end up here. Life is full of surprises." She said, slipping at arm around Lena's waist and pulling her closer. "I imagined a relationship with Callie but nothing like this and when she first rejected me I was so sure that I would never earn her forgiveness." She paused a second, a catch in her throat as she recalled their first meeting. "You, Lena Adams, are truly amazing." She finally continued, looking lovingly at her partner. "What you have done for Callie and for me, I can never thank you enough. This whole thing would have ended so differently had you not given me a chance."

Lena smiled as she slipped her hand into Stef's. "You are just as amazing, Stef Foster." Lena replied as she gave her hand a squeeze. "I loved Callie right from the start and it was very easy to take her in and make her mine. The hard part was learning to share her with you but now, as I see her smile and shine and stand brave and tall I realize that it was the best decision I ever made. It doesn't matter who raised her, who made the mistakes, who was hurt the most - at the end, that girl is going to grow up to be just like you and I couldn't ask for anything better."

Stef smiled as she tried to will the tears in her eyes to disappear. She didn't want to cry right now, in front of all these people, on the opening of her new company - but she couldn't help it for she was only human - flawed, scared and ready as ever to face whatever life sent her way. She gripped Lena's hand tighter as the two set out on their new journey.