"What now?"

Bronwyn blinked up at Frank, confused. "I'm sorry?"

"I mean, obviously, start the process of voiding the death certificate, giving him back his life, his identity...but then what? Put him before the world? Let everyone know what was done to him in Russia?"

Bronwyn shook her head and shrugged. "That'll be up to him. He's not completely safe. When the powers that be learn about his survival and escape, they're going to want to prevent him from telling his story."

He turned from the window and looked at her. "But you brought him here... the twins... Trish..."

She looked past him out the window. Trish and Senior had been sitting outside quietly talking for the past hour. "I couldn't NOT bring him here, Frank. No one knows... yet. I'm not sure he WILL tell his story - publicly. If he does...? We'll deal with it."

"I see."

She let out a sigh and reached to take his hands in hers. "I wouldn't hurt you for the world - I know the struggles you've had all these years. The shadow you've lived under. I had to do this, Frank. Not to hurt you, or Trish. I know you're afraid she's going to choose him..."

He snorted. "You don't think she will?"

"No," she shook her head vehemently. "She had seven years with him, Frank. You've had decades. You built a life, you built a family - I know Harm has told you this. You have had and shared more with Trish than Senior did. They were torn apart by forces beyond their control, but they have each, in different ways, picked up the pieces and moved on. Trish loves you."

"She does."

They turned to find Rabb standing behind them.

"Mom loves you. She's loved you far longer than she did my father. I'm sure she's relieved and feels some kind of way about my father being alive after all these years."

"He's the father of her only child," Frank agreed.

"So are you," Rabb told him. "I know I fought it. I know I gave you hell, but you have always been a father to me, when he couldn't. You never gave up on me. You were there for me, every single day. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I am so grateful... Not only for everything you did for me, but all you did for my mother. My kids love you, Frank. You are their grandfather in every way that counts - nothing will change that. I love you. And so does Mom."

He bit back tears as Rabb embraced him, joined by Bronwyn. He didn't know what he would do if he lost them. He didn't want to find out, either.

"You're stuck with us," Bronwyn sniffled.

***********THREE WEEKS LATER*************

"Yeah, I get it," Webb blew out a heavy sigh. "I don't like it, but I get it."

"Thank you," Rabb Jr. and Senior replied in unison.

"You know, it doesn't necessarily take the target off his back," he pointed out.

"I am aware, Mr. Webb, but that's not even the whole point," Rabb Sr. grunted.

"No?" Webb arched an eyebrow at him.

"There's no one left to punish. The people who were responsible - the ones who created and ran that project, they're all dead. There's no one left to rescue. They killed the remaining prisoners before they took me out of the prison to transfer me and, yes, eventually kill me too. It serves no one to reveal this to the world."

"Not even the families of the men who didn't make it out?" Webb asked.

Rabb Sr. shook his head sadly. "I know every single name. Even after all this time, I still have all of them burned into my memory. I can, and I will seek them out on my own and deliver their final messages. Like I said, there is no one left to punish. They - the families - can get their closure and still be safe. Beyond that? I'm just looking to live my life, watch my grandchildren grow up. Finally stop looking over my shoulder. I've made my peace with it. Things are settling down nicely. Trish is in a good place, with her husband - as she should be. I have my health, my son, my son's family..."

Webb nodded. "I understand."

He did. He may not be military, but he'd spent his life in service to their Country. He knew what it meant, and he knew what it sometimes cost. Harmon Rabb, Sr. deserved to live whatever was left of his life in peace, and on his own terms.

"Whatever I can do to help, I will."

*************ONE MONTH LATER************

"Dad..."

"Sir..."

Chegwidden put his hands up to stave off any arguments. "It's done. And it's time. I'm ready for this and, if I'm honest, I have been for a while now."

"But..." Bronwyn gasped.

"This is a good thing," he assured them. "And enough with the guilt, you too. I could have stayed in and let them transfer Rabb to another command, but I don't want that. I WANT to retire. I want to travel. I want to spend more time with my grandkids - HERE - not have them off in another Country, which we all know would be the likely scenario if Rabb were to be transferred. I'm HAPPY about this, you two; and I want you to be happy about it with me."

"I..."

"But..."

**********ONE MONTH LATER**********

Rabb beamed happily as Chegwidden, Bronwyn on his arm, stepped through the doorway and nodded at him. This day had been a long time coming. Bronwyn was a vision in an antique ivory gown. Their twins had made their way down the aisle, remarkably well-behaved, faces grave but happy as they performed their nuptial duties - flower girl and ring bearer respectively. In his peripheral vision, he could see his Mom and Frank, seated next to Rabb, Sr., all of them grinning tearfully between him and his bride as she made her way down the aisle on Chegwidden's arm. Finally. FINALLY! He had everything he'd ever wanted.

Bronwyn grinned (idiotically, ridiculously happy) as she drew nearer to the altar and the man she loved with all her heart. He was stunningly handsome (but then he always was) but there was something about a Navy man in dress whites. Especially this man. They had been through so much. Had lost so much. Had gained so much. Now their family was together. All of them. Their moment had finally reached Rabb at the altar and Chegwidden tenderly kissed her, first on one cheek and then the other, before placing her hand in Rabb's.

"You WILL take care of my little girl," he arched an eyebrow at Rabb.

"Always," Rabb bowed slightly to him before turning to the officiate.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Harmon Rabb, Jr. and Bronwyn O'Malley..."