Amanda's next major feeling that night was that of being torn.

On one hand, she wanted to wait up. For news about Casey. She'd heard from Nick already that their friend was in labor. And... By Amanda's math... Casey had been occupied for some time now. Amanda wanted to stay so she could learn any fresh piece of news about Casey that she could.

But reality called. As always.

They had children to think of. And it really was absurdly late.

So... Home they went.

Amanda showered Frannie Mae with affection and attention when they did return. Looking after her pet was all she had the energy for. Nick worked on getting the kids to their beds. He did so without complaint. And they were almost to the end of their very long night. The sooner they could hold each other in bed, the better.

He would do anything to speed it up.

No questions asked.

But Amanda got as far as brushing her teeth before sitting down on the bed. While still fully dressed. She was wiped out.

Nick knelt in front of her. "Would you like help?"

She nodded. "I would. Please. Never have I ever been this tired in my life."

"Alright. Hang on."

In what was a blur to Amanda, Nick had undressed her and helped her into sleeping clothes. He even brushed out her hair for her. It was very long. Amanda was grateful for Nick's act of service. Her arms were leaden at this point. She was happy to cooperate with him.

"Thank you." she sighed sleepily when they were finally laying in bed together. "Are the kids asleep?"

Nick nodded. "Yes. And the house is locked up tight. We're safe."

A big weight lifted from Amanda's shoulders. "Good. Please tell me where Frannie is now."

The dog chose this moment to climb on to the bed and give her mistress' legs a gentle nudge. To reassure her she wasn't far away. She then curled up and began to doze. All was right in her world.

"She's at our feet now. Just like every night. I bet she'll start snoring in a hot minute." Nick pressed a kiss to Amanda's temple. "Feeling better?"

Amanda nodded. "Yes."

The couple got comfortable on the bed. Nick turned out his lamp, the room's only source of light. All else plunged into total darkness.

"Just sleep." Nick told Amanda softly. "It's okay if you do. I'm not going anywhere."

Amanda asked him, "Do you promise?"

"I do. Sleep now. You're safe. Everyone we care about is very safe."

Amanda relaxed even more. "Good night, mi amor."

Nick gave Amanda another kiss. "Good night."

Back in Manhattan, Olivia had settled into her own bed. Alex was beside her. Noah was already asleep in his own bed down the hall. Their home was also secure for the night. And naught but a normal weekend was ahead. Perfection.

Olivia sighed into the darkness, "What a night."

Alex nodded. "But at least it ended well."

Olivia made a sound of agreement. But she said nothing. Her mind was buzzing.

"You're thinking about Casey now."

Olivia sighed. "Uh-huh. Babe, were we wrong to go home? Casey went into labor just as it was all heating up."

Alex admitted, "I've also been thinking of them. But it is absurdly late. We also spent most of the night worrying for and with other friends. You even solved a case with your detectives. That is already a lot."

"You aren't wrong…"

"Casey's family is at the hospital. I'm sure that Rafael's family has also made it by now. I don't know about you, but that sounds like enough people to hold down the fort. We can reach out later." Alex kissed her. "Even heroes need rest."

Olivia kissed Alex to convey her thanks and turned to face her. "You're definitely right about that. But you know…"

"Yes?" Alex positioned herself so she was looking in Olivia's direction.

"Everyone we love is getting a happy ending now."

Alex grinned. "And so are we."

"I couldn't ask for more. You have been worth the wait." Olivia touched a hand to Alex's middle. "How is Rachel now?"

"Quiet. She was jumpy all night."

Alex moved closer to Olivia and put a hand over her midsection. She was in awe every day now. Within the next year, their family would be growing by two little ones. She and Olivia had even been talking about moving house to a house or a brownstone.

They were even engaged.

Which meant that a wedding was on the horizon.

"How is baby number two?" Alex asked Olivia.

"Just as quiet. But thank God they aren't big enough to be dramatic like Rachel is."

Alex pulled Olivia close. "Your time will come."

"Then I'll just stay in the present for now. And do this."

Under the blankets, Olivia caressed Alex's body gently with her fingertips. Up and down. Up and down. So soothing.

A gentle sigh escaped Alex's lips. Being touched by Olivia was one of her most favorite feelings in the world. She was amazingly gentle.

Alex was almost asleep when she spoke next. "You were worth the wait. I love you forever."

Olivia kissed her. "I love you forever, too."

Alex fell asleep smiling.

So did Olivia.