Sarah was pacing the floor of their room as Chuck finished packing his bag and zipped it closed. "Nervous?" He gave her a knowing look.

"Yes," Sarah admitted, "I shouldn't be though, I mean I'm a spy, nothing should scare me, right? So what if I don't know how to be a mom? I'll learn, right? I mean you have already proven you're amazing with kids, so it's not like I'm alone in this. And it's not like we're taking her home today, we still have work to finish before we can do that. This is just a familiarization trip so she can meet you and get to know us. She's already met me, and she seemed okay with me once I was able to calm her down after all the chaos that surrounded us as I rescued her." Her hands waved frenetically as she continued to pace, unaware of the amused look on Chuck's face as he watched her spiral in spectacular fashion, "…But what if she doesn't remember me? What if all this time away has made it so that she'll only accept my mom as her mom? What if we can't form a bond, I mean, isn't that necessary for what we're trying to do..."

"Baby," Chuck stepped in front of her pulling her into his arms and holding her until he felt her start to relax, "Take a breath. It's going to be okay; whatever problems that we run into, and I'm not saying there will be any, we'll figure it out, together. We got this. Like you said, this is just a visit so she can meet me and so she can see you again. She had no issues bonding with you before, I see no reason that won't still hold true now."

"But what if she thinks my mom is her mom?" Sarah asked quietly against his shoulder.

"That I can't answer," Chuck sighed, "But she's so young now, she may be able to adapt quickly, especially considering your already established relationship with her."

"Maybe," Sarah shrugged.

"There's no way to know for sure until we're there, so let's not borrow trouble for things that may not even be an issue in the long run," He advised pulling back slightly so that he could look into her eyes, "So what do you say we load up the bags in the trunk and head out. We should hit the road soon if we want to make it there by this afternoon."

"Yeah, okay," Sarah took a deep breath and nodded before meeting Chuck's eyes once more, "Thanks for talking me down off that ledge."

"All part of the Chuck Bartowski experience," He kissed her forehead, "I do have to say that was an impressive, and I mean Bartowski-level, spiral you were on there. Rivaling some of Ellie and my own spirals. We'll make a Bartowski of you yet."

"Here's hoping," She smiled up at him. A few minutes later, their bags were stowed in the back of the small SUV they'd rented for the trip, "Ready to go meet our little girl?"

"As ready as I can get without a nine-month wait," He smirked as he put the car in drive and pulled out onto the street heading toward the I-5, "But with any luck, we'll experience that at least once as well."

"Wait, you want more kids?" Sarah's eyes widened as she looked over at him from the passenger seat.

"Let's just worry about Molly for now," Chuck soothed her concern, "But yeah, I'd be open to more when the time is right. I mean, I had Ellie growing up and I always imagined my own kids having a sibling or two to grow up with as well."

"It was always just me and Dad," She shrugged, "There were more than a few times I was left on my own, sometimes for days at a time, when he worked a con. I guess it would have been nice to have someone else there to hang out with during those times. I supposed I'd be open to it too, someday, but you're right; Molly needs to be our priority for a while."

They both knew that, despite their brief discussion in the car, the conversation was far from over and would be picked up from time to time throughout their relationship. They were both excited to see Molly and get to know her and passed the time talking about her interspersed with listening to music on Chuck's smartphone. Since the drive would take about five or six hours, Chuck would drive the first leg then they would stop and get something to eat before Sarah took over to finish out the road trip to Elk Grove.

"Your mom knows we're coming, right?" Chuck had checked when they stopped for lunch at a café that looked out over a bluff and had a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

"Yeah, I called her last night and again to update her on our ETA when you were in the restroom." Sarah nodded.

"I bet she's excited to see you," He smiled at her as he nibbled on the kettle chips that had come with his Ruben sandwich.

"She is," Sarah smiled, "I am too, I've missed her. When I dropped Molly off with her before being assigned to your protection detail, it was the first time in about 15 years that I'd seen her in person. I'd talked to her very sparingly growing up. We lost track of each other about six years ago when I was recruited to the CIA, that was my fault. I'd had to get rid of the burner phone I'd secretly bought behind my father's back and got a new agency phone, but I remembered her number. Molly was the perfect excuse to reach out to her again, I'm glad I did. I didn't realize how much I needed her, missed her, until I heard her voice from half a world away."

"I'm glad you two got back into contact," Chuck smiled at her, "Not only because it gave Molly a safe, loving, home to stay in until you could come back for her. I'm excited to meet her. Any woman who birthed and raised the amazing Sarah Walker has got to be pretty damned special in her own right."

"I ran away with Dad when I was nine," Sarah pointed out.

"Still, she was there for you for half your childhood," Chuck countered, "You can't deny she didn't have an impact on you, especially since it was her you turned to when you needed help with Molly."

Sarah sighed, "How is it that you always know the right thing to say?"

"Luck?" He chuckled, "Honestly, I just tell it how I see it. Ellie taught me to always speak from the heart; I don't know how to do anything else."

"Remind me to thank Ellie when we get home," Sarah gave him a soft smile, "She raised an amazing man, I am so lucky to have you in my life."

"Imagine how I feel," Chuck grinned, "I have the honor of being able to love the most awe-inspiring, awesome, kickass ninja spy girl, who is not only so smart that I'm surprised she gives me the time of day but has this innate beauty that shines from the inside out. You had it when you were sixteen, and it has only amplified over the past decade."

Sarah blushed at his compliment, "You're ridiculous."

"No, I'm in rapture of you," The love that shone on his face overwhelmed Sarah and warmed her from the inside out.

"Nerd," She teased softly, "Finish your lunch, we have to get back on the road soon if we're going to make good time."

"Okay," Chuck nodded, popping a few more chips in his mouth then taking a long swig from his drink before clearing their table.

Sarah pulled on her coat as she watched Chuck carry their wrappers, cups, and napkins to the trash and deposit the baskets their meals had come in on a shelf above the bin before returning and shrugging on his own coat.

"Ready to go?" She asked.

"Let's go," He smiled and led her out to the SUV where he unlocked the door and held it open for her to climb into the driver's side before handing her the keys and walking around to the passenger seat to climb in himself.

Much to Sarah's surprise, once they were back on the interstate, Chuck reached over to where her hand was resting on the gear shift and took her hand in his, his thumb tracing small circles over the back of her hand. She hadn't realized the tension she still carried until she felt it ebb out of her at his gentle ministrations. Looking over, she saw him, a warm smile on his face, and she was finally able to relax for the last couple hours of their trip.

Before they knew it, they were pulling up in front of a white house with a red door and a picket fence that framed the front yard. They took a moment to silently communicate love and support with each other before exiting the car and making their way, hand-in-hand, to the front door of Sarah's childhood home.

Chuck gave Sarah's hand a comforting squeeze and patiently waited for her to take a calming breath and knock on the door. A few moments later the door was opened to reveal an older woman just a little younger than Chuck's own mother with shoulder length blonde hair, the few light grey hairs mixed in with her natural pale shade the only indicator of her age. She had the same light eyes and coloring as her daughter and was a few inches shorter than Sarah's 5'9" frame. If that wasn't enough proof that the two women were related, the smile that graced her lips was a near identical match to the one he saw every day from the woman he loved.

"Sarah," The woman beamed and pulled her daughter into her arms for a hug that was only slightly less strong than Ellie's, "Oh, Sweetheart, I'm so glad you're here."

"Hi, Mom," Sarah gave in to her mother's embrace, her free arm wrapping around her mother's back while her other hand stayed securely ensconced in Chuck's.

The women continued to hold tightly to each other a moment more before the older of the two slowly released her hold and stepped back, wiping stray tears from her face. It was then that it seemed she finally noticed the man who stood next to her daughter, holding her hand and love that shown on his face when he looked at the younger woman was all she'd ever wanted for her daughter. She had a feeling that someday this man might very well show up on her doorstep, a box in his pocket, and a request for her blessing on his lips. She also knew, by the amorous look that her daughter echoed back at her companion, that there was no question that, if he were to ask, she wouldn't hesitate to accept his proposal.

"Sarah, are you going to introduce us?" She prompted.

A look of understanding overtook the younger woman's face, "Oh right," She smiled sheepishly, "Mom, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Chuck Bartowski. Chuck this is my mom Emma Monroe."

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Chuck offered his hand, a warm smile on his face.

"Put that hand away," Emma laughed, lightly slapping his hand away and pulling him down to her in a motherly embrace, "Thank you," She whispered in his ear, "Thank you for loving my baby."

"She makes it easy," He whispered back as the hug ended, "I honestly have never had a choice in the matter, not when I was 18 and not now."

Emma sent a knowing look to her daughter before stepping back and inviting them into her home, "Come on in, let me take your coats."

"Where's Molly?" Sarah inquired looking around as she shrugged off her coat.

"Upstairs," Emma nodded toward the staircase, "She should be up from her nap soon." Almost as if on queue, they heard a soft whimper from the second floor. Emma turned, but was stopped by Sarah.

"I'll get her," Sarah assured her before heading up the stairs. Opening the door revealed her old bedroom, still decorated in soft blue with fluffy white clouds painted as if floating through a serene sky. In addition to the white metal day bed that was hers as a young girl there was a crib painted white with a soft blue blanket hung over the side of the rail. Stepping closer to the crib, she peered in to see Molly, who had nearly doubled her size since she had been the last time she'd seen her, all those months ago.

"Hey Baby," Sarah cooed, smiling as the girl's soft whimpers quieted and two pairs of bright blue eyes met, and it was abundantly clear that Molly knew who she was. The baby immediately reached out to be picked up and as soon as Sarah obliged, nuzzling into her shoulder. Sarah held her little girl tight and was surprised when she felt tears start to flow silently down her cheeks.

"Oh, Sweetheart, I've missed you," She choked out through the tears of joy, love, relief, and a million other emotions overwhelmed her as she paced the room, reveling in the feel of holding her daughter for the first time since she left the girl with her grandmother.

She didn't know how long she stayed in that room, holding her baby girl, hot tears tracing wet lines down her cheeks, but eventually she heard the soft whisper of the door moving over the carpet that indicated that they were no longer alone. She heard her name spoken by a familiar warm voice as a large, comforting hand found its natural place at the small of her back its thumb tracing soothing circles from where it rested.

"Did Mom send you to come get me?" She asked softly, relaxing into his touch.

"No, I offered to come up and let you know she was about to start dinner," Chuck explained.

Sarah nodded her understanding, still rocking from foot to foot in the way that comes natural to parents when holding their children. She slowly lifted her face to look up at the man who had not only stolen her heart in high school but kept it safe until she came back to him again. The feel of his thumb on her cheek's wiping away the tears that still remained, sent shivers down her spine and a smile to her lips. "Do you want to meet your daughter?" She asked quietly.

Chuck nodded his assent as he let her transfer the baby into his arms and their daughter met his eyes for the first time. The sight of Chuck holding their daughter, the paternal affection, protection, and love that flowed out of him nearly undid her. In all her life, she had never seen anything as beautiful and awe-inspiring as this man holding his daughter for the first time. I didn't matter that she wasn't borne of their flesh, she was theirs, she was always meant to be theirs, and there was nothing more right than the sight before her.

"Chuck, meet Amalia Lisa Novak, our daughter," She smiled up at him with watery eyes.

"Hi, Sweet-Pea," Chuck cooed at the girl, "I know I'm only just meeting you, but I've loved you from the moment your Mommy told me about you. If nothing else know this, you are so incredibly loved, Little One. Your Mommy and Babbi literally killed to protect you. Your Grammy and Papa have kept you safe and far away from those who mean you harm. Your Auntie Ellie and Uncle Awesome can't wait you meet you. I will do anything to make sure you are safe, and loved, and protected." He drifted the finger of his free hand over her cheek, "And let's not forget your first parents who died for you, don't you worry, Little One, we won't ever let you forget about them and their sacrifice that led you to coming home to us."

Looking over at Sarah, he reached out his free arm and pulled her into his side as they focused on their little girl. They were so absorbed in their little family, they didn't notice Emma in the doorway, wiping the tears from her eyes. Even if Sarah hadn't said it that night she showed up on Emma's door step, Molly in her arms, begging her to take care of the infant, she always knew that she'd already accepted that she was Molly's mom, and it was only a matter of time before she returned to take the girl home for good.

The sound of the front door opening and closing broke Emma from her reverie as she returned back down the stairs to greet her husband. A few moments later, they were joined by Sarah, Chuck, and their daughter.

Much to Chuck and Sarah's relief, Emma's husband, Bill, was a warm and affectionate man who had truly embraced his role as Molly's grandfather. After their dinner, the family had retired to the living room to get to know one another better. As Emma and Sarah relaxed with glasses of wine, Bill stood up and gestured to Chuck to follow him.

"Let me show you something," Bill gave Chuck a smirk as he did a spot on impression of Jim Carey's In Living Color Character, causing the younger man to laugh quietly, mindful to not startle the little girl who had, once again, found herself in his arms. Bill led Chuck into the kitchen where the older man gave his stepdaughter's significant other instruction on how to make the perfect evening bottle for Molly.

Bill was pleased that Chuck was a quick study and willing to learn. As the younger man held the bottle for the infant who drank greedily, Bill indicated that the stop in the kitchen was only a short detour on the way to their final destination. When they got to the den, Bill indicated for Chuck to take a seat on the small leather sofa.

"Chuck, I know this might seem a little odd considering I haven't known her for very long," Bill made himself comfortable on a nearby easy chair, "But you and Sarah seem pretty serious for not being together for very long."

"I know that's how it might appear to many," Chuck shrugged, "But I've loved her since I was 18 years old. We met in high school nearly 10 years ago but lost track of each other when her other dad was arrested. I'm not sure how much you know about Sarah now…"

"Her mother told me what her real job is," Bill nodded.

"In any event, her job and former partner's actions, allowed her to find me again," Chuck smiled, noticed the bottle in his hand was now empty and lifting Molly and a burp rag to his shoulder. He rubbed and patted the little girl's back as he continued to speak. "There was never any doubt that she was, and is, 'it' for me."

"How do you feel about her having a daughter?" Bill pressed.

"I was both surprised and not at all when I found out," Chuck paused to wipe a bit of spit-up off of Molly's chin as he spoke, "I mean, I'd always hoped she and I would someday find each other again, have a family… I didn't expect her to have a kid going into it. But I also know Sarah and there is no way she could leave a child to die or be taken advantage of, so the fact she took Molly in doesn't surprise me in the least. She likes to take care of those she cares for. Did you know that she's the reason I have my degree now?" He paused as Bill shook his head before explaining Sarah's involvement in helping him get his degree and the offers that Stanford gave him.

"So, you're thinking about taking up Stanford on their offers?" Bill asked. "What would Sarah do?"

"Yes, I am, we are, have been even before we realized how close you and Emma live to Palo Alto." Chuck nodded, "Not only would it make transitioning to living with us easier on Molly, but the position comes with housing in Professorville, which is a very safe area, good place to grow up."

"Well, I can't argue with that," Bill admitted.

"It also would mean that we would retire from field service," Chuck smiled softly at the older man. "The professor who conspired with my former roommate to get me expelled a few years back was also a recruiter for the CIA. Theoretically, Sarah and I would be taking over for him on campus. I'd teach and if anyone might make a good candidate to join the agency, I'd pass their name on to Sarah, who would then work with me to determine if any of them were suitable for the agency."

"But you wouldn't be active field agents?" Bill checked.

"Right," Chuck nodded.

"Why don't you retire now?" Bill asked.

"We would if we could," Chuck shrugged, "But we are in the middle of two high priority cases that are interwoven and have gone with out a resolution for far too long. We need to see them through to their conclusion."

"Sounds personal," Bill observed.

"It is," Chuck nodded, "But the whole thing is so classified I probably shouldn't have even told you what I did."

"I can understand that," Bill nodded, "A long time ago, before I joined the Fire Department, I was in the Air Force, a PJ, if you can believe it. I understand a little something about operational security, so I won't pester you for details you can't give."

"I appreciate that," Chuck gave the man a grateful smile. "I know taking care of an infant was not what you signed on for when you married Emma, but we so appreciate the two of you taking care of her until we can bring her home permanently… we just hope it's sooner rather than later."

"No thanks necessary," Bill waved him off, "Any grandparent who is physically able and worth their salt wouldn't hesitate to take their grandchild in, especially if said grandchild's parents are in a potentially dangerous profession."

"We promise it won't be forever," Chuck assured the older man, "We are so close to wrapping the operation up, I can taste it. Our last mission not only secured Molly's safety, but it brought us a little closer to the end of our ongoing cases."

"I'm not going to ask how long you are projecting for your operation to wrap up, I know that there is truly no way to tell these things," The older man gave Chuck a comforting smile, "All I ask is that you do your best to keep your team, and yourself, safe."

"I'll do my best," Chuck nodded as he held a now dozing Molly, "And if I fall short, we have a couple highly skilled doctors attached to our team that I trust with my life, and the lives of my team. Even if there were multiple times I may have intentionally and unintentionally provoked one of them to the point where they were tempted to kill me," He chuckled before noticing Bill's confused expression and explaining, "One of the doctors is my older sister, this whole operation is very much a family thing for us."

"I see," Bill nodded, "Now I get why you are so eager to wrap thing up. I wish you luck with that."

"Thank you, Bill," Chuck nodded.

"Now that all that's settled, why don't we go see what our better halves are up to?" Bill suggested, "I seem to remember something about blueberry filled pierogi."

"That sounds amazing," Chuck nearly drooled at the thought, "My babbi used to make the best jagodowe, but she passed before she could teach my sister how to make it, or any other kind of pierogi for that matter."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Bill asked, rising from his seat, and waiting for the younger man to join him in heading toward the kitchen from where they could smell the sweet treat cooking.

When they got to the kitchen, they were told that the pierogi would be ready in a few minutes. Considering the hour, Chuck and Sarah excused themselves to put Molly down for the night. As Sarah ducked into the bathroom to wash the flour and filling off her hands, Chuck made quick work of stripping Molly down and changing her diaper. By then, Sarah had joined him in Molly's room and got the sleepy infant into her pajamas before settling in the rocking chair to rock the little girl all the way to sleep. A few minutes and a couple soft kisses later, the girl was sound a sleep in her crib and the new parents were grabbing the monitor and softly closing the door behind them as the slipped out of the room and down the stairs.

The four adults settled in the dining room with their sweet dessert and some decaf coffee as they continued to get to know one another. Before long, the day began to catch up with all of them, Emma showed them where the guest room was, between the stairs and Molly's room, and informed them that the room she shared with her husband was clear at the other end of the hall. She bid them good night before heading off to bed herself. Chuck and Sarah quickly changed into their pajamas, but before settling down for the night, they wanted to check on Molly, despite the fact the monitor they'd had with them all night had been silent save for the soft breathing of the infant and the occasional snuffle. The seven-month-old looked so peaceful as she dosed in her crib, her doting mother and Chuck, who was determined to fill the role of her father, looking on, falling more in love with the little girl as each second passed.

The large yawn from Sarah was what finally got them heading back to their room. Placing the monitor on Sarah's bedside table, the couple climbed under the covers and drifted off to sleep.