A/N: So, there's only about four or five chapters left. I wanna give virtual hugs and cake to everybody who's stuck around this long :) You guys are swell, seriously.


Molly slept the rest of the flight home and the team, in a surprising show of consideration, kept their conversations at low volume.

When Molly got out of the plane, Billy kissed her hard, his muscled arms crushing her to him. There was a sort of desperation to the kiss.

"Jesus, Molly, are you ok?" he pulled back and cupped her cheeks to look over her. His blue eyes were terrified.

"'M fine, Kid. It's not my blood," she murmured. He hugged her close, her head easily nestling under his chin.


"It almost makes me want to cry," Reggie said idly, staring at Billy, who was clutching Molly to him like she might vanish. Barney let out a light huff of laughter, readjusting the grip on his rifle sling. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away either.

"We were never like that, were we?" he asked. Reggie glanced at him, a slight smile drifting over her face.

"Naw, we were too old for that kinda love," Reggie seemed melancholy. Barney reached out and squeezed her hand in his own.

"Too old and too jaded," Barney agreed, smiling sadly.


Molly, freshly bathed and wearing cotton pajamas, curled into Billy's side on the bed, still on top of the covers. Billy combed his fingers through her damp hair. Her eyes fluttered closed. Molly looked exhausted. His finger light traced over the scar that cut across her face.

Her dark eyes opened halfway to survey him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, his beard rough against her skin.

"I'm going to quit, Billy," she admitted. He paused for a moment.

"Ok," he said simply. Molly felt affection warm her chest at his acceptance. She kissed him on the mouth slowly. He rose on his elbows so that he was hovering over her.

"I'm going to suggest something, Molls," he said barely pulling away, "and I don't want you to freak out."

A smirk tugged at her lips as she looked up at him, her pupils larger than they should have been.

"I'm chill, Kid," she told him.

"Marry me?"

Her reaction was better than he'd hoped for. She just sort of froze, her eyes widening. Billy watched her swallow hard. He pushed himself into a sitting position, still facing her. He was gnawing his lower lip.

"Give me something here, Molls?" he hedged anxiously. Molly sat up as well, her back against the headboard.

"I- I'm not really sure what to say," she admitted.

"You could start by what's on your mind," he suggested. Molly frowned deeply at her lap.

"I told you once that I didn't want to be a mom or have a family, or quit the life," she stated, as if he needed reminding.

"Things have changed since then, Molly," Billy replied gently. She smiled darkly.

"Yes. I suppose they have..." she met his eyes, then, and he was inherently grateful. "I'll think about it, ok?"

He pecked her.

"That's all I ask," he said.


"So, you really quitting?" Barney asked. They were seated in the back of Old Point, watching the guys play darts and drink across the room. Molly had her leg propped up next to him. She was drinking beer, not coke.

"I'm a liability, Barney," she finally turned her sober eyes to him. He reached over and squeezed her hand tightly.

"You gonna stick around New Orleans?" he wondered before taking another sip of his Jim Beam.

"Yeah."

"Would it be too much to ask you to stay around as a consultant?" Barney hedged. Molly grinned.

"Oh, Barney, you really think I'd let you pick my replacement on your own?"

Barney chortled.

Gunnar let out a booming laugh and doubled over, slapping Billy on the shoulder. They were all thoroughly inebriated.

"So, Billy asked me to marry him," Molly admitted. Barney choked on his drink. Molly winced as he began to cough.

"A little warning next time would be next," Barney said roughly, his eyes watering. He cleared his throat and straightened. "What did you say?"

"I told him I would think about it," Molly said, evading his eyes. Barney leaned across the table, raising his eyebrows.

"Molly, a boy like that only comes around about once in a lifetime. He's good, despite all the shit he's seen. He takes you as you are. What's holding you back?" Barney asked seriously. Molly shifted uncomfortably.

"Marriage is forever, Barney. I don't want to ruin his life."

Barney leaned back and chuckled.

"The Great Molly Booker is afraid of commitment. I never thought I'd find something that scares you," Barney teased. Molly huffed.

"I'm not afraid of Billy," she snapped.

"Then for once in your life, Molly, be happy," he told her. Molly bit her lip, her eyes sweeping over the team.

"Hey, Kid!" she called. He looked up at her. "I'm in."

A huge grin split his face and he let out a whoop, springing towards her. He kissed her cheerfully and Hale let out a wolf whistle.

"Oh, shut up, Hale, I'm getting hitched!" Billy complained happily. Jaws dropped.