You'll Be With Me

by kaly

Sam and John create a life together.

2. part two

Title: You'll Be With Me -- part two
Author: kaly (razrbkr@juno.com)
Homepage: Kalynn's Fan Fiction - XFiles, Profiler, Star Wars: TPM, Hercules, Young Hercules, Harry Potter, Xmen: http://www.geocities.com/kalyw
Rating: PG
Archive: pfa (if it's still accepting)
Classification: angst, SJR
Summary: Sam and John and a life together.

disclaimer: once upon a time there were two characters and their names were sam and john. However, TPTB won't let them be together, and so for now believers can't live happily ever after. That is why we have fan fiction. The end. They are still not mine. However, I will gladly take John in the form of a donation! ;-)

rating: PG (minor language and angst)


You'll Be With Me


"I don't understand, Grace," Sam said, after Grace had walked into her office the next morning at work. "First he says he has to leave, but he calls. Then he stops calling, but he sends Valentine's cards." She looked up at Grace's sympathetic eyes and sighed. "It doesn't make any sense."

"I'm sure he has his reasons." She was fighting herself over whether or not to tell Sam the truth about what she knew. "Or he wouldn't have left."

"Ran away, you mean," Sam said, tilting her head to the side.

In the moment that followed, Grace made her decision. She could only hope that John forgave her. "He did have a reason, Sam."

"What?" Sam asked, not following what Grace was saying. "How do you know?"

Grace lowered her gaze, but looked back up at Sam. "I know why he left, I found out by accident."

Sam blinked slowly. "If you knew, why didn't you tell me? Why didn't he tell me?"

"He was scared of hurting you," Grace replied. "He made me promise not to tell you."

A thousand different scenarios passed through Sam's mind. "Why did he leave, Grace? I need to know." However, she wasn't prepared for what Grace said next.

"John's sick, Sam." Grace watched as the reaction played out on Sam's face.

Shock hit her first. "He's sick?"

Grace swallowed, and walked over to lean on the corner of Sam's desk. "He found out over four months ago that he has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

Sam's eyes widened. "That's almost the entire time we've been engaged." She paused, and looked at Grace. "He never told me."

Grace nodded. "I know. He loves you Sam. He thought if he kept it a secret you would be hurt less."

"Do you know where he is?" Sam asked, her voice steady. "All I have is a postmark."

Shaking her head, Grace stood up. "Let's go see what George can do."

***

"I found him," George said a couple of days later, walking into Sam's office.

Sam looked up from the papers she was reading for the third time. "Where?"

"Buffalo was right," George replied, sitting next in a chair next to Sam's desk. "He's at the Tucker Treatment Center there. The reason I was hitting a wall is that he's using his grandmother's maiden name. It was Grace who gave me the idea, actually."

Sam nodded. "Thanks, George."

"Anytime," he replied. He looked at Sam for a moment. "He shouldn't have handled it this way."

A faint smile on her face, Sam said, "Now I just have to convince him of that." Standing up, she glanced toward their boss' office. "I need to go talk to Bailey about taking the next couple of days off."

"Good luck," George said with a smile.

A few minutes later, Sam was knocking on the door to Bailey's office. "Sam? What can I do for you?" Bailey asked after she walked in.

"I need to take a couple of days off to fly up north," she said, not sitting down.

Bailey nodded. "George found out where John is hiding?"

Sam nodded in reply. "He just told me. I have to go see him, Bailey."

"I know, Sammy." After a pause, he added, "Take all the time you need. Just bring our wayward boy home."

Smiling, Sam responded, "Thanks, Bailey."

"What about Chloe?"

Sam turned to leave. "Grace said she could stay with them. Chloe's looking forward to playing with Jason."

Bailey grinned for a second. "I can imagine, but have you told her about John?"

"Not yet," Sam replied, shaking her head. "I'm hoping we'll do that together."

***

Early the next morning, Sam was on a flight from Hartsfield International Airport to Buffalo. It had only been a few days since Grace had told her the real reason John had left, although it felt more like a few years.

During the flight, she remembered any number of little things that should have been hints, only she over looked them. In truth, she forced herself to admit, there was no reason she would have placed them. However, knowing that didn't make her feel any better.

In her mind, she replayed the last time she had seen him. She flinched as she remembered the cold way she had acted, lashing out from hurt. Playing with the ring on her finger, she waited impatiently for the plane to land so she could see him again.

After renting a car in Buffalo, she managed to find the Tucker Treatment Center using the address George had given her. Driving through the busy streets, she tried to decide what she would say, but couldn't make up her mind.

When she pulled the car into a parking spot in front of the building, designed to look like an apartment complex, she sat in the car for a few minutes. After taking a deep breath she got out and walked into the front building.

Walking up to the front desk, she asked the receptionist, "I'm looking for John Chambers. Is he still in apartment twenty-three?"

The receptionist consulted her computer and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Are you a relative?"

Sam nodded. "You could say that."

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Mr. Chambers has relatives only visitation."

Growing impatient, Sam held up her hand. "Do you see this ring?" When the receptionist nodded, she continued. "I think I'm allowed to see my fiance."

The woman's eyes widened, and she nodded. "All right." She stood and pointed to the left. "Apartment twenty-three is just down the main walkway. It's on your left, you can't miss it."

"Thank you," Sam said with a nod and walked away.

The closer Sam walked to number twenty-three, the slower she walked. No matter how badly she wanted to see him, she was still nervous about what would be said.

Finally, when she was standing outside a door marked twenty-three, she raised her hand and knocked. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard John's voice. "Yeah?" he asked, pulling the door open.

For a moment, neither one spoke. John couldn't believe who he was seeing, and Sam was relieved to see him in one piece.

"Sam . . ." he managed, unable to tear his eyes away from her. He had convinced himself that he would never see her again. Blinking his eyes, he stood to the side and held the door open. "Come in."

"Thanks," Sam managed, following him into the apartment. For a minute, they just stood there. Then Sam asked, "How are you doing?"

"Better," John replied honestly, but tugged on the ball cap he always wore. When Sam nodded, he asked, "How did you find out?"

Sam sighed. "Grace broke down and told me." She paused, looking around the warm apartment for a moment. "The question is why didn't you?"

"I couldn't." John dropped down onto the couch.

Sam sat down next to him. "I would have been there for you, John. That's what commitment is about."

Nodding, John replied, "I know."

His breath caught when she pulled the cap off of his head. "How are you feeling, really?"

"I really do feel better," he said, gazing into her eyes.

She smiled faintly, moisture filling her eyes, and brushed the spiky hair. "It looks like I won't have to give you a haircut any time soon."

"You should have seen it a couple of weeks ago," he said, a glint of humor in his eyes. "Looked like I was worried it would before you cut it the first time."

"I've missed you," Sam said, blinking back the tears in her eyes.

John nodded. "You can't imagine how much I've missed you, Sam." He paused, and looked away, only to look back into her eyes. "You and Chloe were always the last faces I saw before I went to sleep."

Sam smiled sadly. "She sleeps with the bear you gave her." She laughed before she added, "Even though it almost knocks her out of bed, she won't take it off of the bed."

"That's my kiddo," John smiled, leaning over to brush a lock of hair behind Sam's ear. "Stubborn just like her mom."

Closing the distance between them, Sam leaned forward until their lips met in a soft kiss. Weeks of loneliness and fear melted into the contact. John felt her shake with a pent up sob, and he wrapped an arm around her. When they pulled back, John rested a hand on her cheek, wiping away the single tear that had escaped. "I love you," he whispered, resting his forehead on hers.

"Then come back to Atlanta with me," Sam said, looking into his eyes.

"Sam, I . . ." he was interrupted by the phone ringing. "Just a second," he said to Sam and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

Sam watched as he spoke on the phone and hung up once he was finished. "What's wrong?" she asked when he sat back down.

"My test results are back."

Sam placed her hand on his arm. "Well?"

"I have to go and speak with my doctor," he said, standing. "You can wait here, if you want," he said distractedly.

Standing up, Sam replied, "I want to go with you. If that's okay."

John looked over at Sam's face and smiled faintly. "I don't want you to be hurt, Sam."

"Then don't shut me out any more," she said, taking his hand. "Now let's go see how you're doing."

John leaned down and kissed her. "Thank you," he whispered.

***

"I've got good news for you," the doctor said once John and Sam were sitting across from him. Sam squeezed John's hand. "Your test came back clean."

John smiled, shocked relief showing on his face. "You mean I'm in remission?"

The doctor nodded. "Congratulations."

"For how long?" John asked, blinking slowly.

The doctor shook her head. "There's no way to be certain. However," she added, "there's no reason to not be cautiously optimistic."

Sam smiled, and blinked away the moisture in her eyes. "That's great, John. You're going to be okay."

"Thanks, Sam." He squeezed her hand.

Referring to John's chart, the doctor said, "Of course, you'll have to still have check-ups occasionally. I would say start with every three months, and after a year extend the time in between appointments."

"Would he have to stay here?" Sam asked, glancing over at John.

"No." The doctor shook her head. "There's no reason you can't return to Atlanta, John. Doctor Thompson can see to your check ups."

John nodded. "It's something to think about." He paused for a moment before standing and shaking the doctor's hand. "Thank you, Doctor Hallum."

Still holding Sam's hand, he waited as she said, "Thank you, doctor," before turning to leave.

Once they were back in his apartment, she looked at him. "Do you not want to come back to Atlanta?"

John shook his head, and poured each of them a glass of water. "It's not that, Sam. I do want to come back."

"Then why don't you?" she asked, taking the offered glass. "You're well, take advantage of that."

Taking a drink of water, John thought for a moment. "There's no guarantee I won't get sick again, Sam."

"And there's nothing saying you will," Sam countered, looking into his eyes. "You have to make the most of this second chance, John."

John sat his glass down on the counter and taking Sam's hand, led her over to the couch. After they had sat down, he said, "Sam, I know how much losing Tom hurt both you and Chloe."

"John . . ." she tried to interrupt, but was silenced when he placed a finger over her lips.

"Please let me finish, Sam." Taking a deep breath, he continued. "The last thing I ever wanted to do was to hurt you like that. That's why I left. I don't want to be responsible for hurting the two of you like that again."

"Then let me be there. We'll talk to Chloe," she said, and cupped his cheek in her hand. "Together."

John thought for a moment, and smiled. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Sam grinned. "I'm sure I'll think of whatever it was sooner or later."

John laughed, and kissed her. "Then let's go home."

***

It was the next day when Sam and John flew back to Atlanta. When they pulled up outside of Sam's house, John thought for a moment. "I wasn't sure if I'd ever see this place again."

Sam got out of the car and unlocked the trunk. Picking up two of their bags, she said, "I was wondering the same thing the last time you were here."

"I'm sorry about the way I just left, Sam," John said, getting out of the car and closing the door. Reaching into the trunk, he pulled out the remaining bag.

"I know," Sam said, looking into John's tired eyes. "And I'm sorry about the things I said when you left." She closed the trunk. "But that's in the past. It's the future we need to be thinking about right now."

John nodded in agreement. They were walking up to the door when John asked, "So when is Chloe getting home?"

"I called Grace from the airport," she said, unlocking the door. "So she should be home in thirty minutes or so."

They walked into the house, and Sam dropped the bags by the door. She turned and looked at John with a smile on her face. "I believe that you're due a welcome home kiss, Mr. Grant."

"Oh really?" he asked, smiling. He placed the bag on the floor, and said, "Is this a new one no one told me about?"

Sam wrapped her arms around John's neck. "Must be," she said with a small smile before their lips met.

John was upstairs unpacking when Grace arrived with Chloe. "Mom, you're home!" Chloe said running into the living room.

Giving Chloe a hug, Sam smiled. "Did you have fun with Grace and Jason?"

Chloe nodded, grinning. "He's getting big!"

Upstairs, John heard Chloe and smiled. Placing the suitcase in the closet, he walked downstairs quietly. Walking into the living room, Grace's eyes widened and she started to say something, but he held a finger in front of her lips, and she stayed quiet.

Stepping up behind Chloe, he kneeled down and put his hands over her eyes. "Hey there, kiddo."

Chloe's face broke into a grin and she reached up and pulled John's hands from her eyes. Turning around quickly, she gasped. "John!" she exclaimed, and threw herself into his arms. A second later she pulled back. "You kept your promise!"

John smiled and nodded. "You knew I'd come back to see you, little one."

"Are you back for good?" Chloe asked uncertainly.

Glancing up at Sam, John smiled. "I sure hope so." Standing up, he ruffled Chloe's hair and turned to Grace. "Can I talk to you, Grace?"

Grace smiled. "Sure. I'll wait for you on the back porch." Smiling at Chloe, she added, "It was fun, Chlo." Turning, she walked through the living room and out the back door.

Kneeling down in front of Chloe again, John said, "I'm going to go talk to Grace for a little while, okay?"

Chloe nodded. "Okay. I'll stay in here and talk to Mom."

John pushed the door closed behind him as he stepped out onto the deck. "Hey, Grace," he said, catching her attention.

Turning, she smiled and met him half way across the porch. For a moment she didn't say anything, but instead pulled him into a hug. "I'm glad you're home," she said when she pulled away from the embrace.

John grinned. "Well, I'd say you had something to do with it."

"Are you angry?" she asked, leaning against the rail of the porch.

Shaking his head, John's eyes were serious. "Never."

Grace smiled. "Good, because I'd hate to have to beat you up." She paused, her smile fading. "How are you feeling?"

"The best I've felt in a long time, Grace," he replied seriously. "I just hope it lasts."

***

After dinner, Sam and John took Chloe into the living room. "Sit down, sweetie," Sam said. "We need to talk to you about something."

Chloe dropped into an oversized chair. "What's going on?"

John sat down on the couch and held out his hand. "Come over here, will ya, kiddo?" Grinning, Chloe jumped up and in a second was sitting in John's lap. "I wanted to talk to you about why I went away."

Sam had just sat down next to them when Chloe asked, "Does it have something to do with why you're wearing a baseball cap?"

John nodded, but it was Sam who replied. "John had to go away because he found out that he was sick."

Chloe nodded, her eyes serious. "Are you better now?"

"Yeah, little one, I'm better now," John said with a smile.

Smiling, Chloe replied, "I'm glad, I missed you."

"That's good." John smiled and ruffled her hair. "I'd hate to think you might get tired of me anytime soon."

"I wouldn't get tired of you."

"Well, I guess that's settled then," he said, laughing as he tickled her.

Sam watched, smiling, while Chloe and John laughed. "Do you have any more questions, Chloe?" she asked when Chloe was catching her breath.

Chloe thought for a minute, grinning she asked, "Does this mean the two of you are going to live happily ever after?"

"I don't know, Chlo," Sam said with a smile. Winking at John, she added, "I'm not sure I want to see John try to ride a white horse."

***

"Hey, buddy," George said when he saw John walking toward the briefing table. "Welcome back."

John grinned. "Thanks, George."

"How was your first few days back home?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

Dropping into a chair next to George, John rubbed a hand over his face and laughed. "Exhausting. Chloe won't let me out of her sight."

"Do you blame her?" George asked with a grin.

John shook his head. "I guess not." After a pause, he asked, "How's everything been around here?"

George smirked. "You always were the one to change the subject." He rolled his eyes when he said, "Busy, but that's not that abnormal." John nodded and George asked, "When are you coming back to work?"

"A couple of weeks, I hope," John said, tugging on the ball cap absent mindedly. "I'll probably be on desk duty for a while after that, though."

George nodded. "You're better and you're back, John, that's what counts."

John spotted Sam walking toward the briefing room and smiled. "You know, George? You're right."

Grinning, George jokingly replied, "Nobody says that nearly often enough."

"Hey, there," John said when Sam walked up and sat next to him.

Sam smiled. "Hey there, yourself. What are you doing here so soon?"

"Now, Sam," he laughed, "How could I possibly stay away from George?"

Shrugging, George dead-panned, "Must be my magnetic personality."

"And here I thought you wanted to see me," Sam said with a wink.

"Really?" John asked. He titled his head to the side and pretended to think about it. "No, I don't remember planning to run into you."

Play-punching his arm, Sam laughed. "You're awful, John Grant."

"Yep," he said with a smirk. "But I'm yours."

"So I've been told," she grinned.

George watched the couple joke around and smiled. "It's good to see the two of you together again. And laughing, no less."

John's grin faded for a second before he put it back in place. "Now, George. You sound like you missed me."

"Only your ego, buddy," George kidded with a laugh. "'Cause it sure wasn't your looks."

"Ouch," John said with a grin.

Sam laughed. "That's just as well. I' m the only one who's allowed to talk about your looks."

"That I like the sound of," John said with a wink. Glancing at his watch, he added, "I better go, I promised to pick Chloe up at school."

Sam nodded, and smiled. "I'll see you tonight."

John nodded and walked out of the briefing room. After watching him go, George looked over at Sam. "You two seem to have fallen back into a groove."

Sam nodded. "He seems determined to make up for being away."

"For not letting you be there, you mean," George said, as if reading her mind.

Tapping her pen on the table, she replied. "Something like that."

***

Two weeks after returning to Atlanta, John was cleared to go back to work. The first morning he walked into the briefing room to find a banner hanging over the table. Laughing he pointed at it. "Whose idea was that?"

Smiling, Grace replied. "Mine actually. So shut up and pretend you like it."

John grinned. "I wouldn't imagine doing anything else." A second later he took his seat next to Sam. "Thanks, Grace."

"I figured I would embarrass you while I had the chance," she grinned. "Any other time you'd try to get back at me."

Glancing over at Sam he winked. "Well, you never know, Grace. Just when you least expect it . . ."

"We're all glad that you're back, John," Bailey said, smiling as he interrupted Grace and John.

John nodded, looking over at the older agent. "Thanks, Bailey."

"Okay," Bailey said, bringing the meeting to order. "Where do we stand on the Anderson case?"

"I should have the latest tox results this afternoon," Grace said. "I'm betting it shows the same mixture of drugs that the last two did."

Bailey nodded. He looked at George. "Tell me that you've worked some magic, Georgie."

"As a matter of fact," George said, typing in a command on his keyboard. A few clicks later, a photo appeared on the view screen. "This is Max Schilling. He lives within two blocks of where the bodies were found," George explained. "And he owns a blue Ford Taurus, although it's registered under another name."

Sam thought for a moment. "Are you sure that it does belong to him?"

"Positive," George replied. He grinned when he added, "Just don't ask how I found out."

"Usually a good piece of advice to remember," John said with a laugh.

Bailey grinned. "Now there's that irreverent humor we've been missing."

"I missed you too, Bailey," John said with a grin. "This place must have been so . . . orderly."

"Dull is more like it," George chimed in, earning him a barely managed stern look from Bailey. "Oh like you didn't think so, too," George laughed.

***

That night, Sam and John had just finished putting up the dinner dishes when she asked, "So how did you like your first day back?"

"Like I'd never been gone," he replied, grinning. Placing his arm around her waist, they walked into the living room. "It was nice to be back."

"Really?" Sam asked, a smile on her face.

Grinning, John relented. "Well, most of the day. Although," he conceded, "desk duty has got to go. I'm going to be bored out of my mind."

"We can't have that, can we?" Sam replied. Sitting down on the couch, she motioned for John to join her. "I wanted to ask you something."

Sitting next to her, John grinned. "You have that look on your face that Chloe gets whenever she is up to something, Sam."

"Where do you think she learned it from?" Sam asked with a laugh. A moment later, her face was serious when she pulled the engagement ring from her finger. "I want to talk to you about this," she said. Taking his hand, she uncurled his fingers and placed the ring in his palm.

His face fell slightly. "I know what you're going to say, Sam," he began before she interrupted him.

"I don't want you to get any ideas into that remarkably thick skull of yours, John," she said, cutting him off. A second later, when he didn't respond, she put her hand over his, with the ring lost in the middle. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Will you marry me?"

John blinked, his gaze alternating between Sam's face and their joined hands. "Sam . . ." he began, and licked his lips. "I'm not sure we should."

"Give me one reason anything should change," she said, holding her head high.

John reached up and brushed her hair away from her face. "I don't want to make you a widow as soon as I make you a wife."

"You don't know that you will," she replied. "Stop worrying so much about me, and enjoy what you have. What *we* have. For all either one of us knows, you'll live to be a hundred."

John laughed. "And I thought Chloe was stubborn."

Searching his gaze, Sam asked, "So? Will you still marry me?"

Taking the ring from their hands, he slipped the band onto her finger. "I will."

Smiling, Sam wrapped her arms around John's neck. "I knew you would see it my way."

"Don't I always?" he joked, leaning forward to kiss her.

Sam laughed. "Let's not get into that particular argument right now."

"I'll be good," John replied with a wink.

"You know," Sam said, "Chloe is spending the night at Amy's house."

Kissing her again, John laughed. "And you say I'm awful."

***

It was a week later, and Sam and Grace were driving back from a crime scene in an Atlanta suburb. "Are you still free this weekend?"

Grace glanced over at Sam, who was sitting in the passenger seat. "I should be," she replied. "Morgan is taking Jason to see his grandparents."

"Good," Sam said, nodding. "I was hoping we could go for a dress fitting."

Smiling, Grace responded, "Sounds like fun. Just please tell me I won't have to wear seafoam, or any other 1950's inspired color."

"Would I do that to you?" Sam asked, trying to hide her grin. "No, I was thinking more about sapphire blue."

Grace couldn't help but laugh. "Like your ring?"

Sam glanced at her hand. "Would you believe that I hadn't even thought about that?"

"Really?" Grace asked, not taking her eyes from the road. "You're kidding me, right?"

Laughing softly, Sam said, "I kid you not." She paused. "No, I just like the color."

"Even in the spring?" she asked. "Although it would match John's eyes," she said, smiling.

"Wow, Grace, I wish I had all of your reasoning skills," Sam said with a half-grin.

Grace nodded. "Well, I do what I can." Pulling into a parking spot at the VCTF, Grace killed the engine before asking, "Have John and George gone to look at tuxes yet?"

Sam rolled her eyes. "What do you think? That will be like pulling teeth."

"I don't know, he might surprise you."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Sam said, getting out of the car and closing the door. "However, I still doubt it about this."

After they walked inside, Sam went to her office. She had just sat down when she noticed John sitting at his desk. Standing, she walked down the small stair case and over to his desk. "How's the desk duty going?" she asked, laying her hand on his shoulder.

John smiled when he saw her. "It's going," he said dryly. "Beyond that there are no polite words."

"That never stopped you before," Sam said with a laugh.

"How was it, out in the real world?" John asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice.

She pulled a chair over next to his desk. "Not as wonderful as you're making it out to be," she said with a sly grin.

Leaning forward conspiratorially, John glanced around. "I'll switch with you. You can stay here at my desk and I'll wear your jacket and go to the crime scenes."

"Wear the heels, too and we might talk." Sam grinned. "Besides, it can't be that bad in here."

John shot Sam an exacerbated look, "You're enjoying this far too much."

"Not as much as I'm going to enjoy what I'm fixing to ask you about," she said with a grin.

John groaned and closed his eyes. "You're going to ask me about the tux again, aren't you?"

Patting his knee, she laughed. "Buck up, John. It's not the end of the world."

"So you say," he complained. "The guy lays one hand on my in seam and I swear I'll shoot him."

Standing up, Sam continued to laugh. "Good thing you're still on desk duty then. At least you don't have your handcuffs either."

"I'll steal George's gun if I have to," John threatened.

"Since when does George carry a gun to a tux fitting?" Sam asked, enjoying the conversation. "A computer maybe. Maybe you could hit the guy with that."

John rolled his eyes, but barely managed to hide his grin. "Not funny, Sam."

***

There was just over a week left before the wedding when Sam, Grace and Chloe went for their final dress fittings. From where she stood in the middle of the room, Sam looked around at the various mirrors.

The dress was satin, just a shade off-white. The neckline lay in soft folds almost off the shoulders, and dipped low in the back. It laced up the back, so that it was fitted at the waist, and fell loose to the floor where it pooled at her feet.

"What do you think?" she asked gesturing at the dress when Chloe walked into the room.

Smiling, Chloe replied, "You look beautiful, Mom."

"Wow, Sam." Grace smiled, walking up behind Chloe. "The dress is perfect."

"Thanks." Sam glanced in the mirror. "Why aren't you in your dresses, too?" she asked, turning her attention back to Chloe and Grace.

"We were waiting on you," Chloe said with a grin.

Laughing, Sam replied, "Well, this part of the show is over. Now it's time to see the two of you perform."

"Yes, ma'am," Grace said with a grin. "We'll be back in just a minute. Off to the dressing rooms, Chloe."

Chloe giggled. "Yea, now I can try mine, too!" With that, she turned and ran off toward the left into a dressing room.

"You, too," Sam said when Grace didn't move.

She nodded. "I'm going. I was just trying to picture John's face when you walk down the aisle in that dress."

"Think he'll like it?" Sam asked, smiling.

Grace smiled. "Oh, yeah. I'd say so." Turning, she walked into the dressing room on the right.

***

On the first Saturday in April, several members of the VCTF and their families gathered at the same church where Sam and Chloe had taken John to his first Christmas mass in December. In the brides room, Grace and Chloe were helping Sam with the finishing touches to her outfit.

"Something borrowed." Grace handed Sam a pair of mother-of-pearl earrings. "I hope you like them."

Sam smiled, putting the earrings on and glancing in the mirror. "They're beautiful, Grace."

Chloe walked up, already wearing her blue satin dress. "I've got the something old," she said, handing Sam a pearl choker necklace. "You told me it was Grandma's," she explained.

Blinking, Sam grinned and hugged Chloe. "Thanks for thinking of this, sweetie."

"Chloe and I talked it over," Grace said a moment later. "And we think your engagement ring qualifies as something new."

Sam laughed. "Couldn't come up with anything, huh?"

"No," Grace answered with a laugh. "Nothing that seemed right."

Sam nodded, still smiling. "I guess that leaves something blue."

"That's us!" Chloe announced with a grin. "After all, you picked the color."

"I suppose I did, didn't I?" Sam asked with a laugh. Taking a deep breath, she added, "Thanks you two."

Chloe grinned and gave Sam a hug. "You're welcome, Mom."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Bailey stuck his head into the room. "Ready?"

Sam nodded, and glanced at Grace, who nodded in return. "Let's go," Sam said, standing.

"Here," Grace said, "let me help you with that." Reaching up, she pulled Sam's veil in front of her face. "Perfect."

"Don't forget your flowers," Chloe said, handing her the bouquet.

"Thanks, baby," Sam said, taking the flowers. "It's time for a wedding I'd say."

Grace laughed as she walked out of the room ahead of Sam. "I hope so, otherwise I'm way overdressed."

***

"You have the rings, right?" John asked for the second time, keeping his voice low, as he and George were standing at front of the church.

George laughed. "Yes, John. I didn't lose them in the last two minutes."

"Sorry," John said with a grin.

Shaking his head, George grinned and whispered, "No problem, buddy. You're just wound up a little." A second later when the music began to play, George whispered, "Showtime."

John smiled when he saw Chloe appear in the open doorway. For a second she just stood there, waiting for her cue to walk toward the front. Clutching her small bouquet of flowers in front of her, she walked slowly down the aisle. Catching John's eye, she smiled broadly and continued to almost bounce down the aisle.

Next, Grace appeared in the doorway. For a moment, she stood there in her floor-length dark blue satin dress. Holding a bouquet of white roses similar to Chloe's, she then began to walk down the aisle, stepping to the beat of the music.

Once she was at the front of the church, the tone of the music changed and those gathered stood up on either side of the aisle. John felt his heart jump when Sam and Bailey walked up to the doorway. Unable to tear his eyes away from her, his face was beaming as he watched her walk down the aisle toward him.

When she reached the front of the church, and Bailey stepped back, John lifted the veil from her face. Sam looked up at John, and smiled when she saw him swallow nervously. Taking his hand in hers, she gave it a gentle squeeze as the ceremony began.

***

"Here they come," George called when Sam and John appeared from a side doorway in the church.

Following the short reception, the small group had moved outside to wait for the couple to leave. At the same time, Sam and John had gone back into the changing rooms to change, and were trying to sneak into the car when George spotted them.

Grace watched for a second. "Do they really think that they're going to get away that easily?"

"I should hope not," George said with a grin. "Let's get 'em."

"Get who?" Chloe asked, walking up to them.

Grace handed her a small sack of birdseed. "Your Mom and John, honey." Smiling she untied her bundle, saying to those still there, "Fire away guys."

"Man, right in the ear," they heard John yell as he ducked into the driver's seat.

Chloe giggled and watched as Sam shook her head to get the birdseed out of her hair. Grace glanced down at Chloe. "Happy, Chloe?" Looking up at Grace, Chloe nodded. "Good, because now it's time to go clean up." Grace laughed when Chloe's face fell.

"Ah, man," Chloe said, with half a grin. "And Mom and John just get to drive off."

"That's the breaks, kid," George said with a grin, dropping a hand onto her shoulder. "But I'll tell you what."

"What?" she asked, grinning.

George laughed. "First one to finish helping cleaning gets to hit the leftover cake."

Chloe's eyes lit up as she said, "Hope you don't want any cake, George." She was laughing as she ran back inside the building.

"Sam and John are not going to thank you for that," Grace said with a glint in her eye. "She's going to be wired."

"Actually," George said with a wink, "since she's spending the night with you, I think you're the only one who doesn't care for my negotiation techniques."

Shaking her head, Grace did her best not to laugh. "Get in there and help her clean up, George," she said, slapping him lightly on the back.

"Yes, ma'am," he said, pulling off a smart salute. "But where do you think you're going?"

"Right behind you," she said with a laugh.

***

Relaxing back into her seat, Sam smiled. "I can't believe that we're actually doing this," she said, glancing over at John. They had just boarded their flight at Hartsfield which was to take them to Aspen, Colorado.

"Making a getaway?" he asked, grinning. "Hey, I'd say we're due a vacation." He paused before adding, "This one just happens to be our honeymoon."

Sam smiled. "Yes, and how many people go to Colorado for their honeymoon?"

Waggling his eyebrows, John tried not to laugh when he said, "Yes, but how many people have our track record in cabins?"

"Good point," Sam said, stealing a quick kiss.

"I thought so," John replied after the kiss ended. "Besides, we live in Georgia. We can get sun anytime, but I'm from up north . . ."

Sam laughed. "And the poor guy wants to see snow."

John sniffed, wiping away a non-existent tear. "I do miss snowball fights."

"Don't even think about it," Sam said with mock seriousness.

Managing his best innocent expression, John asked, "Me?"

Laughing, Sam replied, "Oh don't even try it." She paused, and grinned when she added, "Not even Chloe buys that anymore."

"No," John corrected, "Chloe never did buy it."

Sam rested her head on John's shoulder. "That's my girl."

John laughed. "Boy is she."

"And what's that supposed to mean, Mr. Grant?" she asked, pulling her head back so she could look in his eyes.

John shrugged. "Oh, I don't know. You know how you stubborn blonds are."

"You're terrible," Sam said with a laugh.

"Well, that's better than awful, I suppose," John said, a thoughtful look on his face. A second later it was replaced with a grin. "What do you think it's supposed to mean, Mrs. Grant?"

Sam laughed. "With you, it's just as well I don't know, probably." She paused. "Mrs. Grant . . . That's the first time I've heard that one."

"I like it," John said with a grin, "almost as much as I liked Dr. Waters."

"Then I guess it's good that I'm both," she said with a sly grin. "Let's see. I'm giving up my name, what are you giving up?'

John grinned. "Should I answer something hokey like, my heart?"

"Romeo, you are not," Sam replied, laughing. "Although . . ." she continued, with a suggestive grin.

John shook his head, laughing. "Uh-uh, I am *not* wearing tights."

Laughing, Sam countered, "Well, you probably couldn't pull them off anyway." At John's openmouthed look, she added, "In either sense."

"Now who's awful?" he asked, smiling.

Sam nodded. "But only because I learned from the best."

***

"We really should leave the cabin," Sam said two days later. "Don't you think?"

John laughed, and put his arm around her shoulders. "Willing to risk a snowball fight?"

"Maybe," she replied with a grin. "Then again, it is nice by the fire."

John laughed even harder. "Chicken. Get your gloves and coat, you're going down."

"I'll have you know," she laughed, "that I've won a snowball fight or two in my lifetime."

John walked over to where their coats were hanging on the wall. "We'll see." He handed Sam her jacket. "You're gonna need it."

Taking her jacket, she grinned. "We'll see."

Reaching over, John grabbed Sam by the waist and started tickling her. "We'll see," he repeated with a laugh. "I don't think so."

***

"Mom!" Chloe cried out after pulling open the door. Behind her, Grace laughed.

"Hey there, Chlo," Sam said, kneeling down and giving her a hug. "Miss us?"

Chloe nodded, looking up at John she smiled. "Hey, John."

"Hey there, kiddo," he said, ruffling her hair.

"Are you going to come in, or just stand there?" Grace asked with a grin, holding the door open.

Sam laughed. "Hi, Grace."

Nodding, Grace closed the door after they had walked in. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you two had a nice time."

Putting his arm around Sam's shoulders, John winked. "You could say that."

"And then you had to come back to the real world," Grace said with a grin.

Sam laughed. "But we did so miss your sense of humor."

"Or lack there of," John added with a grin.

"Did you hear that, Chlo?" Grace asked with a smile. "I do them a favor, and this is how they treat me."

Chloe giggled. "I'm used to it."

"Oh, you're used to it, huh?" John asked with a grin as he tickled Chloe, who started giggling.

While they were distracted, Grace pulled Sam off to the side. "How did everything go?" she asked once they were out of earshot.

Sam smiled. "Everything was great."

"John still feeling okay?" she asked, glancing over at where he was still tickling Chloe.

Nodding, Sam replied with a wink. "Oh I'd say so."

Noticing that they had attracted John and Chloe's attention, Grace laughed. "You will tell me all about it later."

"Yes, ma'am." Sam laughed, walking over to where John was standing.

"Where did Chloe disappear to?" Sam asked.

John tilted his head toward the stairs. "She wanted to get her stuff."

"Ready to go?" Chloe asked, bounding down the stairs.

Sam nodded, but said, "Are you going to thank Grace for letting you stay here?"

Grinning, Chloe ran over and gave Grace a hug. "Thanks, Aunt Grace."

Grace smiled. "No problem, sweetie."

"Ready to go home?" John asked. Chloe nodded and took his hand. "Then let's do it."

***

"Welcome back you two," Bailey said when Sam and John walked into the briefing room the following Monday morning.

Smiling, Sam said, "Thanks, Bailey."

"Welcome back," George said, giving Sam a hug.

"Thanks." Sam smiled, sitting down.

"What?" John asked with a grin. "No welcome back hug for me?"

"Now, John," George replied with a laugh. "The first thing to learn is to not be jealous of your wife." Patting him on the back as he walked past, George added, "Glad to have you back, buddy."

Grinning, John sat down in his usual seat next to Sam. "Thanks, George. I think, anyway."

"I hate to break this up," Bailey interjected, "but we do have work to do."

John laughed and smirked. "Gee, dad. Do we have to?"

"Sorry, John," Bailey said, grinning. Turning to George, he added, "Put up the crime scene photos so Sam and John can catch up, would you, Georgie?"

The first photo had appeared on the screen when Sam glanced around. "Isn't Grace coming to the meeting?"

"Not today," Bailey replied. "She's in the morgue working on something for us." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Now, the first victim was Samuel Marcus. Black male, mid-30's. He was found two weeks after being reported missing."

***

After they had finished discussing the case, John followed Bailey into his office. Bailey had barely sat down, when he started speaking. "When do I get to go back out into the field?"

"Soon, John," he replied, looking up at the young agent.

John ran a hand through his hair, which was finally back to a semi-normal length. "How soon? I'm going crazy just sitting around here, Bailey."

Nodding, Bailey replied, "I know. Maybe the next case."

"Yeah," John replied, turning to leave the office, "I've heard that already."

"John," Bailey called out just before John walked through the door. "Just give it time. You'll get back out there."

John nodded but didn't say anything before closing the door behind him.

***

May was half over before John finally went out on a case. The team had been called to Charlotte, North Carolina to help on a particularly gruesome case. Someone was kidnaping teenagers in Charlotte and returning them almost dead. All but one had later died in the hospital.

"Did you really miss this?" Grace asked. They were at the latest crime scene, and the victim was being rushed to the hospital.

John nodded. "Strange, isn't it?" He looked around the busy alley. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else?"

"I'm waiting on my ride, actually," she replied. "Sam's supposed to drop me off at the morgue on her way to the hospital."

"Bailey and I are going to finish up here, and then go back to the police station. I think we're meeting the two of you there later."

"Hey, you two," Sam said, walking up to Grace and John.

John grinned, taking her hand. "Hey, yourself."

Sam smiled, but turned to Grace. "Are you ready to go? You're cleared to look at the last two victims."

"I'm ready when you are," Grace replied with a nod.

Sam nodded. "We better go, I need to speak with the doctors that treated the victims." Grace nodded and began walking back to the car.

"I'll see you later, then," John said a moment later.

"Wouldn't be normal otherwise," she responded. "See you at the police station," she finished before following Grace to the rental car.

A few minutes later, Bailey walked over to John. "Anything new?"

John shook his head. "So far, nothing different than the reports from the previous crime scenes."

"I was hoping for a break sooner rather than later," Bailey said with a sigh.

"We'll get the guy, Bailey."

***

"He fits the profile," Sam said during a brainstorming session over a week later.

George nodded. "Stephens is the only one I can find who fits the evidence."

"John," Bailey said, glancing at the younger agent. "Let's go talk to Roy Stephens, see what happens with that before we ask for a warrant." John stood while Bailey asked, "George, can you get me a current address?"

"Sure thing," the computer whiz said. A moment later, the printer connected to George's laptop jumped to life. "Here you go," George said, handing John the printout.

John took the offered paper and nodded, "Thanks, George." He glanced at Bailey. "Let's go."

Bailey nodded in agreement and quickly left the room. Just before John could follow him, Sam touched his arm. "Be careful."

John smiled. "I always am." Turning, he walked out of the room.

***

Bailey pulled the car to a stop outside of a modest apartment building. "This is the address George gave us," John said, checking the paper.

Bailey nodded. "Let's go see if he's home."

After getting out of the car, John laughed. "This reminds me of the last time we went to interview a suspect together."

Bailey thought for a moment before replying. "That's been a while."

"Tell me about it." He touched the area under his eye, remembering the incident. "That guy socked me in the eye."

Bailey laughed. "I remember that, but it was more like he hit you in the ego."

"Lucky shot," John muttered under his breath, and rolled his eyes.

When they reached the suspect's apartment, Bailey knocked on the door. "Mr. Stephens?" Bailey asked when no one answered.

A moment later the door was pulled open an inch and Bailey and John could see an eye and nose through the crack. "What do you want?"

Bailey pulled his badge from his jacket pocket. "Mr. Stephens, we're with the FBI, we'd like to speak with you."

They saw the man's eye widen just before the door was slammed shut. "Just like old times," John muttered, running down the hall and back down the stairs.

As Bailey chased the man through his apartment and out the window, John raced outside to cut off his escape. "Hold it right there, Mr. Stephens," he said when he was facing the suspect, his gun drawn.

Roy Stephens, a small, spindly man, raised his hands. "What do you want with me?"

"We just wanted to talk," Bailey said from behind him. "You're the one who ran."

"What was I supposed to do?" he asked, his whole body shaking.

"Oh, I don't know," John smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "Talk to us maybe?"

"Like you would have believed me," the man said, his hands dropping.

John laughed. "Well, we're less likely to now, aren't we?"

Bailey walked up to stand behind the suspect. "I've got him, John."

Lowering his gun, John pulled the long neglected pair of handcuffs from his waist and placed them on the suspect. Reading him his rights, John led him back to the car. Following a step behind, Bailey grinned. "Just like old times," he said under his breath.

Placing Stephens in the car, John grinned. "Boy I missed being in the field." He couldn't help liking the adrenaline rush he felt during the chase.

Sitting in the driver's seat, Bailey laughed. "Really? I couldn't tell."

***

"Did he confess?" Sam asked, walking over to stand next to Bailey in the interrogation observation room.

Nodding, the older agent replied. "Just a few minutes ago. Never even asked for a lawyer."

Sam watched the man sitting on the other side of the mirror. "I wish they were all like that."

"Well," Bailey replied, "we'll still have to get a conviction."

Sam nodded, and then looked around. "Where's John?'

"He just left the interrogation room." Glancing at his watch, Bailey commented, "In fact, we're supposed to be meeting in the briefing room."

Bailey held the door open for Sam, who had a slight grin on her face. "He didn't get hit in the eye again, did he?"

John walked up behind them, unnoticed. "As a matter of fact," he said with a grin, "he didn't. But thanks for the concern."

"Yeah, well," Bailey commented, "that mug can only take so many more hits, John."

Laughing as they walked into the briefing room, John turned to Sam. "Are you gonna let him talk to me like that?"

"I don't know, John," she said with a smile. "He might have a point."

Grace walked into the room in time to hear Sam's statement. "I don't know, Sam. Bailey so often doesn't have a point," she said with a wink.

John laughed, and Bailey tried to look hurt. "Gracie, how could you turn on me?"

"Sorry, Bai," Grace laughed. "I have to side with John occasionally."

Bailey shook his head. "How did you know you were siding with John?"

Grace shrugged, and winked at John. "Intuition."

***

John dropped their bags in the living room. "As much as I missed the thrill of the case, it will be nice to sleep in a normal bed again."

Sam laughed, and picked up one of the bags to take upstairs. "Tell me about it. It feels like we've been gone forever."

"When is Angel supposed to bring Chloe home?" John asked, following Sam with the other bags.

Placing her bag next to the closet, Sam replied, "Tomorrow. I'm just glad that she was in town the past couple of weeks. It was lucky timing."

"I'm sure Chloe had a good time," John said, also dropping his bags before sitting on the edge of the bed. A grin on his face, he added, "We could make the most of the free night."

Laughing, Sam sat next to him. "Oh really? And what would that entail?"

Putting his arm around her shoulders, he replied, "I don't know. Maybe take out and alcohol?" When Sam play slapped him in the chest he laughed. "Okay, so I was kidding. Geez."

"Then again," Sam said with a grin, "we've been gone for a while. I doubt there's much food left that's good."

Standing up, John pulled Sam up to stand in front of him. "Then canned food it is then," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"How romantic," Sam dead-panned, tilting her head up to kiss him.

Laughing, John kissed her again. "Something tells me you're not being sincere there, Sam."

"Me?" she asked with a grin. "I'm always sincere."

"Uh-huh," John replied, laughing. "I don't think so."

Pulling from the embrace, she took his hand. "Come on, let's go find something to eat before we don't even make it downstairs."

John shook his head, and half-laughed. "She'd rather eat," he said, looking skyward.

Halfway down the stairs, Sam started laughing. "You never know," she said with a mysterious grin. "You might need the energy, Grant."

A grin on his face, John replied, "Now that I like the sound of."

***

"I have your test results," Doctor Thompson said, sitting down behind his desk. The week before, John had gone in for his first follow up exam.

John nodded, and Sam took his hand. "Am I still okay?"

A smile broke on the serious doctor's face. "Yes, Agent Grant. As of this test, you're still in remission."

Sam smiled, and squeezed his hand. "That's great."

John let go of a relieved breath. Glancing at Sam, he replied, "Yeah." Turning his attention to the doctor, he added, "Thanks, Doctor Thompson."

"You're welcome," the man replied. "Now get out there and enjoy it."

John nodded, a smile forming on his face. Both Sam and John stood, and walked out of the office. The had just left the medical building when Sam said, "Thanks for letting me be there this time."

"I'm glad you were." They were almost to the car when he added, "It wasn't as hard waiting since I had you with me."

"I'll always be with you," she said. They stopped walking when they reached the car, and she squinted in the sunlight as she looked up into his eyes. "You don't even have to ask."

John felt another wave of relief wash over him as she spoke. "You're the first one to say that since my mom," he replied, suddenly somber.

Sam smiled, feeling for the little boy she had glimpsed through his comment. "All part of the package." She paused. "And that reminds me . . ."

"What?" John asked, brushing a windblown lock of hair from her eyes.

"I know your birthday is coming up. You're not going to sneak past it this year."

Laughing, John unlocked the passenger car door. "And here I was hoping you wouldn't notice."

"That you never seem to have a birthday?" she asked once John was sitting in the driver's seat. "Sorry, no such luck."

Grinning as he started the car, John replied, "Well, I tried." In truth, he was finding himself glad to have another birthday. There was a time in Buffalo when he didn't think he'd live to see it.

***

"Time to get up," Sam laughed, pulling the covers from over John's face. "You can't hide in here all day."

Groaning, John squinted at Sam. "I thought I could do whatever I wanted to on my birthday."

"Sorry, buddy," Sam laughed. "Up and at 'em."

Grinning, John sat up and looked at Sam. "Drill sargent."

Smiling, she leaned forward and kissed him. "Ever have a sargent do that?" she asked with a wink.

"Well there was that one time . . ." he said, laughing at the look on Sam's face. "Sorry, must have been mistaken."

"That's what I thought," she said with a laugh, climbing out of bed. "Chloe's making breakfast, so get dressed and downstairs."

Getting out of bed, John laughed. "Yes, ma'am."

After getting dressed, John walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Morning!" Chloe said, grinning.

"Morning, kiddo," John said, ruffling her hair. "What's to eat?"

Giggling, Chloe replied, "Scrambled eggs and toast."

"She seems to think it's your favorite," Sam said with a laugh, walking into the room.

Chloe shook her head. "Not his favorite." She laughed, glancing at John. "Just the only thing he can cook."

"Only thing I can cook," John repeated with a grin. "I'll show you the only thing I can cook," he threatened with a laugh. Picking Chloe up, he dropped her into a chair at the kitchen table. A moment later, he asked, "Besides, since when do you get up so early on a Saturday?"

"John!" Chloe replied with a grin, putting her hands on her hips.

Laughing, he replied, "That would be me." Placing a plate down on the table in front of Chloe, he added, "Eat up kid. I want to make sure you didn't pull any funny stuff."

Sam laughed. She was standing beside the counter, the coffee having just finished. Pouring two cups, she observed, "That's odd, usually you're the one that pulls funny stuff with the food."

After Sam handed him one of the coffee cups, John smiled innocently. "I only tried to give you one little piece of toast that fell on the floor."

"That you admit to, anyway," she remarked, winking at Chloe who started giggling.

Sitting down at the table, John shook his head. Grinning, he muttered, "And here I thought you would be nice to me on my birthday."

"But, John," Chloe said sweetly, taking a bite of her toast. "The day is just beginning."

Sam laughed when John shook his head. "That's what worries me."

***

"Did you like the movie, kiddo?" John asked while they were walking to his car. When she nodded, he smiled. "Thanks for the present."

Grinning, Chloe replied, "I wanted us to do something, ya know?"

John unlocked the passenger door, holding it open while she climbed inside the car. "Yeah, who wants the grown-up around?"

"*You're* the grown-up, John," Chloe said, giggling.

Closing the door, John remarked, "So they tell me." Unlocking the drivers door, John got in and started the car. "Anywhere else you want to go?"

"It's your birthday," she replied. "What do you want to do?"

"How about," John said, steering through the traffic. "We go home, get your mom, and go roller blading."

"That's not what you're supposed to do on your birthday," Chloe replied, laughing.

"Okay, smartie," John said with a grin. "Then tell me. What are you supposed to do on your birthday?"

Chloe smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know."

"Kiddo, I've definitely gotta teach you how to lie better," he mumbled, fighting a grin.

Glancing over at him, Chloe commented, "You better not let Mom hear you say that."

"You know, kiddo?" he asked, glancing over at Chloe and laughing. "You're probably right about that."

It wasn't long before they were at the house. "Out kid, the train stops here," he said while unbuckling his seatbelt.

Less than two seconds later, Chloe was out of the car and running up to the house. "Come on, slowpoke," she said over her shoulder with a grin.

Following Chloe inside the house, he was surprised when he noticed that all of the shades were drawn. Alert, he squinted to see through the dim interior. "Chlo?" he called out.

Something in the back of his mind told him that he was being set up, but he had learned to be suspicious of the worst first, and the more obvious second. After letting his eyes adjust to the dim light, he was nearly blinded when the lights were turned on.

"Surprise," a group of voices called out, and John fought the urge to laugh.

Distinctive among the laughter was Chloe's giggle. "Gotcha," she said proudly.

"Nah," he said, ruffling her hair. "I knew all along."

Walking over from behind the couch, George laughed. "Liar."

"Don't believe me?" John asked, managing to look at George, complete with party hat, with a straight face. "Because," he added, tugging on the elastic strap on the hat. "It sounds kinda silly coming from a man wearing that."

Laughing, Grace commented, "Be nice, Grant. I helped Chloe pick those out."

"Now, Grace," John said, putting an arm on her shoulder. "Why am I not surprised by that?"

An almost evil grin on her face, Grace laughed. "Probably because you knew you'd be forced to wear one, too." Holding up her hand, she presented him with a hat similar to the one she was wearing.

"I don't know about that," John said, only to be interrupted.

"John," Chloe said, "you have to. It's tradition."

Bailey walked into the living room from where he had ducked into the kitchen. "Listen to her John," he said with a grin. "She's the boss on this party."

With another glance at Chloe, John relented and put the hat on his head. "And why aren't you wearing one?" John asked, pointing at Bailey's head.

Bailey was saved from responding when Sam walked into the living room holding a cake. "I wondered where you had disappeared to," John said, smiling at Sam.

"Somebody had to light the candles, and for some reason," Sam replied with a grin, "I got the job."

"Someone call the fire department," George quipped, taking a drink of tea. "That thing is a walking inferno."

Glancing at George, John rolled his eyes. "Laugh it up, buddy. Did you forget that you're older than I am?"

Grace laughed, and looked over at Sam. "And they we're bad about our ages."

Sam laughed, and sat the cake down on the table just in time for George to comment. "Well, at least I'm not as old as Bailey."

"Now that was uncalled for, Georgie," Bailey said with a grin.

"Well," Chloe said, a grin on her face. "How many more candles can a cake hold?"

"Get over here, kiddo," John said with a grin. "Someone has to help the old man blow out the candles out before the cake is sealed in wax forever."

Grace laughed, and mumbled, "That's probably the truth."

"Grace," Sam shispered, elbowing her in the side, laughing. "You're terrible."

"If you two ladies would like to pay attention," John said, winking at Chloe. "We could get this show over with and I can lose the hat."

"By all means," Sam said, laughing. "But try to not get wax all over the table."

George grinned. "And hurry it up, will ya?" Pretending to wipe his forehead, he added, "It's getting hot in here."

"Aren't all of you just a laugh a minute," John replied. Turning to Chloe, he asked, "Ready?"

Nodding, she laughed. "Let's do it."

***

"So how was your birthday?" Sam asked that night after they had tucked Chloe into bed.

Smiling, John held out his hand, and waited until she had sat next to him on the couch before responding. "Embarrassing. Not my usual birthday event," he said with a grin. Smiling, he brushed a lock of hair out of Sam's eyes. "But one of the best I've had in years."

"Good," Sam replied, "because I got a picture of you wearing the hat." Laughing, she continued, "Just something to remember it by."

"An embarrassing something," he said with a laugh.

Sam nodded and grinned. "Only for you."

"Thanks," he said a moment later.

Sam smiled. "You're welcome. Chloe's been bugging me about it for days."

"I had my suspicions," he said with a grin.

"Really?" Sam asked, her right hand playing with his hair.

John nodded, and dead-panned, "Although not about the hats."

Sam laughed, and leaned forward. "Well, that's something I suppose." The words were just past her lips when she kissed him. "Happy birthday."

Smiling with his eyes half closed, John replied, "Um, I like that present." When Sam laughed, he leaned back so that they were half laying on the couch, and kissed her. "Yeah, I like that."

"Good," she grinned, stealing another kiss. "I do, too."

***

It was the last Saturday in June when John asked Chloe if she wanted to learn how to play softball.

"Really?" Chloe asked, smiling.

John nodded. "Yeah, every kid should play softball."

"Can we teach Mom, too?" she asked, her eyes bright.

"Can we teach Mom what?" Sam asked, walking into the living room.

Chloe jumped up from the chair where she had been sitting. "John wants to teach me how to play softball. I never learned when I was little."

Sam smiled sadly for a moment, remembering all the things Chloe wasn't able to do when she was little. "That sounds like fun," she said a moment later. "But what are you going to do about a glove and bat?"

"I've got that covered," John said from where he was standing behind Chloe.

Smiling, Sam replied, "Then it sounds like we need to go to the park."

"Cool!" Chloe said, "I'll go change." Without waiting for Sam or John to change their minds, she ran up the stairs to her room.

She had been gone for a few seconds when John looked at Sam. "You shouldn't feel guilty, Sam."

Sam blinked, and focused on John. "Who says I'm feeling guilty?"

"I do," he said softly, and brushed her cheek with his hand. "I can see it in your eyes."

Sam looked up at John's understanding eyes and nodded. "Just one more thing that Jack kept her from."

"Well," John said, pulling her into a hug and kissing her on the forehead. "We're making up for it as we go along, right?"

Sam looked up at John and smiled. "Thanks."

A brilliant grin flashing on his face, John pulled away from the embrace. "All part of the service."

"Ready to go?" Chloe asked after bounding down the stairs.

Laughing, John replied, "Whenever you are, kiddo."

***

"Good hit, Chlo," Sam yelled, clapping as Chloe ran around the bases, stopping on second. It had been two weeks since John had started teaching her, and she had taken to the sport almost immediately.

John walked over and sat next to Sam on the small bleachers. "I missed her first hit?" he asked, after seeing Chloe on base.

Sam nodded. "Just a little late for it." She glanced over at John. "Did you finish up the case?" she asked, looking back across the field at Chloe when the next batter walked up to the plate.

"Finally," John said, leaning back on the bleacher. "I was starting to worry I'd miss the whole game."

Sam smiled. "I'm just glad that one is over. It was a little spooky, if you ask me."

John laughed, and looked at Sam disbelievingly. "Did I just hear you call something spooky?"

"That did sound bad, didn't it?" she laughed, squinting behind her sunglasses.

Grinning, John replied, "Something like that." A few moments later, John asked, "So how does she seem to be taking to the team?"

"Great," Sam observed, "considering she just joined and the rest of them have been playing together since the beginning of the season."

John looked out at the field as Chloe took off running for third base. "I'm glad that it worked out for her. It would have been a long wait till next spring"

"I'm not so sure that Kora or her parents would agree with you," Sam said, glancing over at John. It was because of Kora's unfortunate jungle gum accident that resulted in a broken arm that Chloe was able to join the team.

John chuckled softly. "Probably not."

A moment later, they were both standing up and cheering as Chloe ran from third base to home, increasing the teams lead to five to two. "Way to go, kiddo!" John yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth.

From the dugout, Chloe looked up and waved at John, who waved back. Sitting back down, John commented, "She's a natural."

"Unlike her Mom," Sam commented with a laugh.

John grinned. "Maybe that's what I'm for."

Nodding, Sam smiled. "Well, that's what got us through basketball season."

***

A week later was Chloe's birthday. That Saturday afternoon, John and Sam were standing in the middle of a crowd of Chloe's friends at a ice skating rink. "Sure you're up for this?" Sam asked with a laugh, looking at John.

"I can handle a few kids," John said, glancing around the group. A moment later, he quickly added, "And at least I can ice skate."

Sam laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, but can you handle fifteen kids?" Before John could say anything, she added, "And I can ice skate."

"Really?" John asked with a grin, helping one of Chloe's friends lace up his skates.

Sam nodded. "I just didn't say how well I could ice skate."

Helping the boy to his feet, John waited until he was walking away to comment. "Oh, this could be fun."

"Just wait," she said, and stood up. She had only been on her feet for a few seconds when she started swaying. "A little help here?"

John caught her, holding her up with his arms around her waist. "Oh, yeah. This is going to be a show."

Rolling her eyes, Sam blew a lock of hair out of her eyes with a exacerbated breath. Having regained her balance, she commented, "You can let go now."

Grinning, he said, "Sure, thing."

A moment later, he was skating across the ice. Weaving through the people, he would stop occasionally to help someone who had fallen. It was a few minutes later when he noticed that Sam hadn't followed him onto the ice. Skating over to the door, he asked, "Decide not to embarrass yourself?"

"Decided someone should be able to walk in case something happened," she replied, shaking her head.

"Uh-huh," John replied, grinning. "How long till melt down?"

Sam smiled at his new found term for lighting the candles on the cake. "About half an hour. Now get back out there and show the kids how it's done."

Saluting, John laughed. "Reporting for duty, sir." he replied before skating back out toward the center of the ice.

***

"Chloe," John said, walking toward the house. "I swear, I'm going to charge you by the pound for hauling this stuff into the house."

Giggling, Chloe ducked in front of him to hold the door open. "What if I let you play with some of it?" she asked once he was inside.

Sitting the pile of presents down on the dining room table, he grinned. "We could probably work something out."

"Nope," Sam said, walking into the dining room. "Off the table."

"Mom," Chloe sighed.

Fighting a grin, Sam replied, "Sorry, kid. Take time to take the haul upstairs."

Nodding, Chloe picked up as much as she could carry and carefully began walking up the stairs. Once she was out of sight, Sam asked, "So you survived?"

John laughed. "I don't know what you were worried about, that was a piece of cake."

"That's not what you were thinking when Mike almost bowled you over," she said, glancing across the pile of presents that was still on the table. Looking up, she laughed at the expression on John's face. "Forget about that?"

Smiling, John rubbed his leg. "I was trying to." A few seconds later, Chloe ran into the room and picked the rest of the presents up off of the table. After she left, John said, "When are we giving her our present?"

"How does tonight sound?" she asked. "Grace and George are coming over for dinner, we could do it then."

John nodded. "Is Bailey still out of town?"

"As of last night, he was still in Washington," Sam replied. "So he won't be here."

John laughed. "And I was even going to make him wear a hat."

Sam rolled her eyes. "Maybe next year, Grant."

***

After dinner that night, they had just walked out of the dining room and onto the back porch when Grace asked, "So, Chlo. Did you get everything you wanted for your birthday?"

Chloe grinned, and waited until John had sat down on a bench before jumping in his lap. "I think so," she said once she was sitting.

John couldn't help but laugh. "I hope so, your room can only hold so much more stuff, kiddo."

"It's not that bad, John," Chloe said, giggling.

"Oh it's not, huh?" he asked, laughing as he tickled her.

George grinned, and remarked, "I think we need a camera on this."

"Why's that?" Grace asked, glancing over at George.

Laughing, he replied, "Think about it. Bachelor extraordinare, John Grant, happy family man?"

From where she was standing next to George, Sam punched him lightly in the arm. "Watch your mouth. The last thing I need is you giving the poor guy ideas."

"Yeah," Grace said, grinning at John. "Poor guy's head might suddenly explode."

"At least you'd have to clean *that* mess up," Sam said, looking over at Grace.

"Can the poor guy in question interject something here?" John asked, resting his chin on Chloe's head.

Grace and Sam laughed, responding simultaneously. "No."

"Outnumbered, buddy," George observed dryly.

Sam walked inside and came back out carrying a present. "Ready for the last of the load?" she asked, laughing as she handed Chloe the gift.

Grace laughed as Chloe tore into the present. "I'd say someone is happy the day isn't over yet."

"Wow," Chloe said, her eyes wide as she pulled the ball glove out of the package. "This looks old."

Sam muffled her laughter as John replied, "Not *that* old, kiddo. It was my glove when I was your age. I found it in some storage boxes a little while back."

George rolled his eyes, and laughed. "A used gift. Boy, John, remind me to tell you when it's my birthday."

"Stop it," John said, laughing. "It's not used, it has character."

"Uh-huh," Grace said, smiling.

John watched as Chloe turned it over in her hands. "Like it, little one?"

Nodding, Chloe reached up and gave John a hug. "It's great!"

"I think there's something else in there, Chlo," Sam said, smiling when Chloe hugged John.

"Will you hold this?" Chloe asked, handing John the glove. When he took the glove, she dug back into the gift. "Neat," she said, carefully pulling out a wooden music box. When she turned it over and wound up the small dial, the two porcelain figures on top began to spin slowly and dance.

"Do you like it?" Sam asked, watching Chloe's reaction. "We saw it and thought you might add it to the other music boxes you have."

Nodding, Chloe smiled, watching the figures move. "It's great, Mom."

"Here," John said, laying the ball glove down, "let me set that down so it doesn't get broken accidentally."

"Thanks," Chloe said, handing the breakable object to him. Taking it, John turned and placed it down next to the glove.

"Actually . . ." Sam said a far away look in her eyes. Again, she disappeared into the house.

John watched her walk inside and again rested his chin on Chloe's head. Looking over at Grace, he asked, "What was that about?"

Shrugging, she replied, "Don't ask me. Haven't figured your wife out yet?"

"Apparently not," he said, grinning as Chloe burst into laughter.

A few moments later, Sam walked back out onto the porch. "George had a good idea," she said, holding a camera. Before John could move, she snapped a picture of Chloe sitting in his lap, with his chin on her head.

"Awww," George said with a wry grin. "How cute."

Shaking his head, John laughed. "Shut up, George, or your next."

"Don't tell George to shut up," Chloe chastised, turning around to face John.

George grinned, and took advantage of the situation. "Yeah, listen to the kid. Don't tell George to shut up."

Sam, standing off to the side, snapped another picture of John and Chloe. This time, Chloe was looking up at him, laughing at the bantering exchange.

While they were distracted arguing, Grace walked over to stand next to Sam. "What are you doing?" she asked in a whisper.

Sam smiled, but shrugged. "Making a memory, I suppose. Isn't that what photographs are?"

Grace nodded. "I suppose. However, I recall someone else using that phrase," she said quietly.

"Who?" Sam asked, snapping another picture, this one including George.

Grace took a sip of her drink. "John, actually. Referring to you and Chloe."

Sam paused for a moment and looked at Grace. "He said that?"

"Back before he left," Grace said, beginning to regret ever mentioning it.

Sam smiled sadly and tilted her head, looking back over at the other three. "Thanks for telling me."

Nodding, Grace grinned and changed the subject. "I guess it helps that you used to take pictures, huh?"

"You could say that," she said with a laugh, her mood lightened. "Saves on development charges."

"What are you two whispering about?" John asked, interrupting their discussion.

George laughed. "They do that a lot, don't they?"

Grace shook her head. "We were discussing photography if you must know."

"Just as well we were left out, huh, kiddo?" John asked, tickling Chloe in the ribs.

Laughing, Chloe nodded her head. It was Sam who commented, laughing as she said, "That will teach you to stick your nose in next time."

"I've got an idea," Grace said, breaking into the conversation.

"What's that?" John asked, looking over at her.

Taking the camera from Sam, she replied, "Sam, go sit next to John."

"Grace . . ."

Laughing, she replied, "Don't argue, just sit. I won't break your camera, I promise."

"Or at least she'll pay to have it repaired," George commented dryly.

"Very funny," Grace said, rolling her eyes. After Sam had sat next to John, he put his arm around her shoulders. "That's good," she said, looking through the viewfinder.

From where he was now standing next to Grace, George commented, "Come on, buddy. Let's see a real smile."

A grin on her face, Sam reached over and tickled his ribs, causing him to laugh. During the distraction, Grace fired the shutter on the camera. "That's one," she said with a grin.

"One?" John asked, looking like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. "What is this? A photo shoot?"

Shaking his head and laughing, George said, "Shut up, John."

Managing a half-laugh, John tickled Chloe, who was laughing at the exchange. "Where's my defense, huh, kiddo?"

"Sorry, John," she replied, giggling. "He had a point."

Hearing Chloe's comment, Sam burst out laughing. When she almost had her laughter under control, she leaned her head over and rested her forehead on the side of John's head. "I think she's picked up your sense of humor," she said, still laughing softly.

While the others were joking, Grace stood off just to the side and continued to take pictures of the laughing group. She wasn't sure why, she forced herself to admit. It just felt like something she should do.

***

While the rest of July was amazingly slow at the VCTF, during August the caseload picked up dramatically. During a break one afternoon, John ducked into Sam's office.

"How's the Miller case coming?" he asked, leaning against the corner of her desk.

Sam leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. "Slow. We've already been out to the crime scene twice with no progress."

John nodded, and replied, "It looks like the confession we managed to get yesterday from Adams is going to stick. Apparently I'll be rejoining the group earlier than expected."

Sam smiled, and laid a hand on his arm. "I know you weren't thrilled by being assigned to that case."

Shaking his head, John replied, "No, I'm just getting tired of being the one picked every time Atlanta PD needs hand holding, that's all."

"We could probably use some fresh ideas," Sam said, glancing over the files she had on her desk. "I know I feel like I'm hitting a brick wall. Although, I can't speak for Bailey or George."

Walking around to stand behind her, John rested his hands on her shoulders and began to give her a back rub. Sitting up straighter in her chair, she observed, "You might want to rethink that."

"Why's that?" he asked, grinning.

Letting her head roll forward, she replied, "Because you're putting me to sleep."

Laughing, John dropped his hands. "Can't have that. Bailey would shoot me for sure."

"Should have kept my mouth shut," Sam said with a smile when John resumed his place leaning on the edge of her desk.

Laughing, John replied, "Too late now, the offer expired."

"Sadist," Sam remarked, shaking her head.

"I do my best," John said with a wink. A moment later, he added, "It looks like I'll actually get to cut out of here on time today. How about you?"

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Sam sighed. "Not very likely. I'm supposed to meet Bailey and George in fifteen minutes."

John nodded. "Want me to come with you?"

Smiling, Sam shook her head. "No thanks. Besides, Chloe's been waiting for days for you to work with her on her jump shot."

"Basketball season isn't for a while yet," he replied a moment later.

Grinning, she leaned back in her chair. "Well, like some people I know, patience was never her strongest suit."

"Me?" John asked, raising a hand to his chest. When she laughed, he continued, "I've never heard such a thing."

Sam smiled, and stood. Moving to stand in front of him, she cupped his cheek with her hand. "Then, Grant, I'd say it's time we had your hearing checked."

"Isn't it time for your meeting yet?" John asked with a laugh.

Sam shook her head. "Not yet," she replied with a wink. A second later, she ran her fingers through his hair and added, "Although, I'd have to say it's time for you to get a hair cut."

Suddenly uneasy, John glanced up at Sam. "You think?"

"You can't let it regrow forever, John," she said softly. "What do you say? This weekend, if we're both home, I'll give you a haircut."

John laughed. "Remember where that got us the last time?"

"That has to have been the oddest first date I ever had," she replied with a smile.

John stood up while Sam gathered her papers for her meeting. "Since when was that our first date? I thought that was later."

"Not according to Grace and George," Sam said, glancing over at John's expression. "And you have to admit, they have a point."

"Maybe," he replied, trying not to smile. "Can you believe that was over a year ago?"

Laughing, she commented, "There are days . . ."

"Stop it," John replied with a grin, holding the door open for her. Once they were both out of the office, he closed the door behind them. Sam glanced sideways at John, who added, "And no puppy dog eyes either, they won't work this time."

Smiling, Sam asked, "This time?"

John rolled his eyes, muttering, "You're going to drive me crazy yet."

"But only because I love you," she replied, giving his hand a squeeze before disappearing into Bailey's office.

***

"Grant, sit still or I'm going to cut off your ear," Sam said, trying to angle his head forward.

John laughed, and tried to sit as still as possible. "But then I'd be like Evander Holifield."

"Maybe," Sam said, busy trimming his hair. "But I bet you'd whine more."

John shook his head, snickering, only to have Sam hold his head still. "And to think, I used to hit the town on Saturday nights."

Sam laughed around the comb she was holding between her teeth. Removing the comb, she sighed. "And to think, I used to only have one kid to raise."

"That was low," John remarked with a laugh.

"I know," Sam replied with a grin. "You're so abused."

A moment later, Chloe ran into the kitchen. "Are you done yet?" she asked, checking on their progress.

"Almost," Sam said, glancing over at Chloe. "Oops," she added a second later.

"What?" John asked, tensing.

"Um," Sam said before pausing.

John tried to grab the mirror from the kitchen table, but Sam wouldn't let him. "You scalped me, didn't you?" he asked, his voice weary.

"No," Sam replied, and Chloe burst out laughing. When she saw realization dawning in John's eyes, Sam too burst out laughing. "Gotcha," she said with a grin.

Grinning, John turned around and grabbed Sam around the waist and pulled her down in his lap. "Okay, kiddo. You get the scissors, I'll hold her still."

When Chloe reached to take the scissors, Sam laughed, but held on tighter to them, careful to keep the blade end in her hand. "Chlo, don't even think about listening to him. He's deranged."

"I'm deranged?" John asked with a laugh.

Sam grinned, still trying to get free. "I'd say so."

Chole laughed. "I'd say you're both crazy."

"Gee, Sam," John remarked, holding on to Sam tighter. "I'd say she picked up your professional bedside manner."

Shaking her head, Sam grinned. "Okay, that means war, Grant." Reaching around as best she could, she started tickling John on the ribs, the scissors fell forgotten to the floor.

Seeing an opportunity, Chloe moved around to start tickling John from the side. John's hands, however, were busy trying to stop Sam. "Hey, no fair. This is two against one," he said around his laughter.

"Now you know how I usually feel," Sam said with a grin. "Get him, Chlo," she added a second later.

A few minutes later, the tickle fight had ended, and John was trying to catch his breath. "Are we going to play ball now?" Chloe asked.

John looked up at Sam. "Done torturing me yet?"

Sam laughed, shaking her head. "I give up. You two go play like good little kids."

"Yeah!" Chloe cried, running out of the kitchen. "I'll go get my basketball and meet you outside."

John turned to Sam and wrapped his arms around her waist, a smile on his lips. "You're great, you know that?"

"For giving you a haircut?"

"Something like that," he said in a low voice before kissing her. When the kiss ended, he smiled. "Guess I should go play now."

Sam laughed. "Call me mom after kissing me like that and I'll hurt you."

Grinning, John let go and walked over to the door. "Wouldn't even dream of it." A second later he turned around and winked. "Now clean this mess up."

"You used to have french maid fantasies, didn't you?" Sam asked, grinning.

John nearly choked on his laughter. "Now that's a comment I never expected to hear from you." Turning, he hurried to get outside before Chloe came looking for him.

***

Sitting on the exam table, John couldn't help feeling exposed. He wasn't sure if it was the rather unattractive paper clothing, or the sterile white walls that seemed to stare at him. He had been waiting for almost five minutes when Doctor Thompson walked into the room.

"Good to see you again, John," he said, smiling at his patient.

"Pardon me if I don't share the sentiment," John replied frankly. "This isn't the highlight of my week."

The doctor nodded in understanding. "Then what do you say we get this over with and you can get back to work?"

"Sounds like a plan," John said with a terse nod.

Glancing over John's chart, Doctor Thompson remarked, "I imagine you know the drill by now."

John held out his arm. "Let's get the blood over with first."

"I expected as much," the doctor replied with a faint smile.

Laying back on the bed, John's eyes scanned over the ceiling while Doctor Thompson went about his work. "Since I was clean last time," John said eventually, "how likely is it to come back now?"

Glancing at John's face, Thompson spoke while he worked. "Well, I would say that each time is less. But there are no certainties."

"I was afraid you would say that," John said, his gaze never leaving the ceiling.

Knowing that talking distracted any patient during a procedure, Doctor Thompson asked, "How is married life?"

John smiled. "You remembered?"

The doctor nodded, something almost like a grin on his face. "Hard not to, what with the way you acted the last time you were in." He paused for a moment. "And the ring was something of a reminder."

"It's great, doc," John admitted, twisting the solid gold band on his finger absent mindedly.

The doctor nodded. "I would have expected as much. The two of you seemed very happy."

"Your news that day didn't hurt," John replied, staying very still as Doctor Thompson finished.

Pulling off his gloves, Doctor Thompson leaned back in his chair. "Well, no reason to assume this time will be any different."

John sat up, careful to keep the back of his gown closed. "I guess I'll believe that when I hear it."

Nodding, Doctor Thompson stood. "Then I'll see you both next week."

***

"Nervous?" Sam asked, glancing over at John once they were in the car. Before he replied, she backed the car out of the spot and drove through the parking deck and pulled into traffic.

John shook his head. "Why should I be nervous?" he asked, his voice tight.

Sam sighed. John had been edgy ever since going to the doctor the week before for his second follow up test. "No reason, I suppose," she replied, keeping her eyes on the traffic.

Hearing the hurt in her voice, John sighed. "I'm sorry, Sam. I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

Sam nodded, and glanced over at him. "I know. You're just nervous."

John grinned faintly. "Maybe I am."

A few minutes later, they pulled into a parking spot outside the now very familiar building that housed Doctor Thompson's offices. "Ready?" she asked after she killed the car.

Glancing over at Sam, John managed a crooked grin. "Let's do it."

It was twenty minutes later before John was able to breath again. "Everything looks fine," Doctor Thompson said, after showing them into his office.

John took a shaky breath, and Sam smiled. Giving his hand a squeeze, as she had done during his last check up, she said, "See? Nothing to worry about."

Doctor Thompson smiled. "I can see that you have quite the supportive wife, Agent Grant."

Glancing over at Sam, John smiled. "You can say that again."

"So, well see you again in three months."

Nodding, John replied, "Early December?"

The doctor nodded, and Sam and John stood up. "Just see the nurse on your way out and set up the appointment. That time of year get's rather busy, as you can probably imagine."

"Thank you," Sam said with a smile before they walked out of the office.

Walking to the car, Sam asked, "So, what should we do to celebrate?"

"Celebrate?" John asked.

Nodding, Sam replied, "Sure. We should do something, don't you think?"

"Okay," John said with a grin. "But what would that be?"

Sam glanced at her watch, and said, "Well, we have the rest of the day off, and Chloe won't be home from school for two hours."

Laughing, John pulled her to a halt beside the car. "Now, Sam, would you be suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

Raising her eyebrows, Sam smiled. "That would depend on what you think I'm suggesting." Before John could reply, she leaned up and kissed him. "But I think we're probably on the same page," she added after the kiss ended.

"You have a french maid outfit?" John asked with a dead-pan expression.

Laughing, Sam shook her head. "Grant, get in the car."

***

"Tell me again why you're not working on this case, too?" John asked, talking to Sam on the telephone.

Sighing softly, Sam replied, "Because I'm needed in court for the case we finished six months ago."

John tried to grin. "I knew that." Laying back on his hotel bed, he raised his free arm over his head and stretched before folding it under his head. "How is it we always worked cases on the road together *before* we got married?"

"You noticed that pattern too, huh?" Sam asked with a laugh. She was sitting on the couch, Chloe's head resting on her lap. They had been watching a movie and Chloe had finally given in and fallen asleep.

John grinned. "Yeah, I noticed that pattern." He paused, and then asked, "How's the kiddo?"

Sam smiled, and twirled a loose strand of Chloe's hair around her finger. "She's great. Out cold with me on the couch as we speak."

"The phone didn't wake her did it?" John asked.

Sam couldn't help but smile at the concern in John's voice. "Nothing short of a hurricane will wake this kid up once she's asleep."

"Don't look at me like that," John kidded, "she didn't pick it up from being around me."

Shaking her head, Sam asked, "We're on the phone. How could I be looking at you funny?"

Pushing another pillow under his head, John laughed. "Because I know that tone of voice."

"Oh you do?" Sam said, laughing quietly, glancing down at Chloe.

Laughing John replied, "Afraid so, and you've been busted."

Sam smiled, and rested the phone between her ear and her shoulder. "I love you," she said after a few silent seconds.

"I love you, too," he whispered back. A moment later, he asked, "Have you decided what you want to do for your birthday yet?"

Sam shook her head, and picked the phone back up with her hand. "Not yet. That's still a couple of weeks away. It's not even October yet."

John laughed. "Yeah, but this time last year I was a wreck."

"So I was told," she said, humor filtering through in her voice.

John laughed, realizing who had told. "Grace, huh?"

"That would be the one, yes," Sam replied, still playing with Chloe's hair. She sat there, listening to the sound of John breathing on the other end of the line. "I talked to Bailey earlier, he said you should be back in a couple of days."

"I hope so," John replied. "This case is falling together fairly quickly."

Sam covered a yawn with her hand. "No more incidents?"

"No," John said, recognizing Sam's attempt to word things carefully, even if Chloe was asleep. "Only one since we arrived."

Sam sighed. "I wish they were all that easy."

John smiled. "We all do."

***

Standing at a crime scene almost two weeks later, John observed the area while holding an umbrella over his and Sam's head. "Does it ever *not* rain here?" he asked, sparing a glance at the sky.

Managing a short laugh, Sam glanced up at his face. "Well, we wanted to work on a case together."

"It would have to be in Seattle," John said, rolling his eyes.

A moment later, Grace walked over to them. "I think we've accomplished as much out here as were going to be able to."

Sam nodded. "Did the rain leave anything?"

"Not much." Grace glanced over at where medics were loading the body into an ambulance. "You've got to give this guy credit, if you're going to kill someone."

"Do it somewhere it rains a lot," John finished with a smirk.

Laughing, Grace observed. "You don't care for rain?"

"He's worried he might melt," Sam quipped with a wink.

Grace laughed, and glanced at John before saying, "Or that a house will fall on him."

Rolling his eyes, John replied, "Remind me again why I don't transfer."

"Because you can't live without us," Grace offered.

"Oh, yeah," John commented dryly, but with the hint of a grin on his face. "That must be it."

It was a minute later when Bailey walked over. "Any thoughts, Sammy?"

"I'll need to go over the details from the previous murders before I can get back to you," she said, brushing her hair out of her face.

Bailey nodded. "Then let's go ahead and go back to the police station." A second later, he added as an afterthought, "And get out of this blasted rain."

When Sam smiled, Grace commented, "Must be a guy thing."

***

"Okay," Sam said, pacing next to a small table. "So far, we know that the victims were stabbed from behind."

Grace walked in and dropped a folder onto the table. "An uppercut, to be precise."

"Someone short?" John asked, glancing at the papers in the folder.

Sam shook her head. "Not necessarily."

"I've got the photo's from the first murder," George said from behind his computer. "Victim number one. Allison Murphy, age thirty four."

Bailey glanced at one of the files on the table. "She was found just over two weeks ago, by a hiker just outside of town."

"I read over that report," Grace said. "At the time they didn't have anything to connect it with, but the wounds are the same for all four victims."

Sam chewed on the lid of her pen distractedly. "The victims had no connection. An up and coming local executive officer, a computer programmer, a biologist and a lawyer." She paused before saying, "We have to be missing something."

"But what?" Bailey asked.

John thought for a minute. "Where did the exec officer work, George?"

A few key clicks later, George answered, "A local chemical company, Jarison Chemicals."

"There could be your connection between the first and third victims," John said a second later.

"How so?" Bailey asked, looking over at John.

Shrugging, John replied, "Around here? You have a lot of environmentalists. This isn't the best area to work for a chemical company."

Grace shook her head. "But a biologist?"

"What if he cleared the company for something in the past?" John suggested, suddenly on a roll. "Something our killer doesn't think the company deserved to get away with?"

From where he was sitting, George said, "Give me a second, I've got an idea." It was a couple of minutes later, when he said, "Got it. Marc Carey, our biologist, freelanced with Jarison six years ago."

"Johnny," Bailey said with a grin, "you just might be onto something."

John grinned, but it was Sam who said, "Grace, was there a toxicology report done on the victims?"

"The basics, yeah," she replied, "but the cause of death was rather obvious, so a more detailed check was skipped."

Sam nodded. "When you go back to the morgue, check the latest victims for any traces of chemicals produced at Jarison. The stabbing might just be to hide the real killer."

"Right on it." Standing, Grace walked out of the room.

A minute later, Bailey asked, "So how do the programmer and economist fit the picture?"

George laughed. "That's where I come in."

"Then we'll leave you to it," Bailey remarked, standing. "I need to go speak with the police chief."

After Bailey walked out of the room, Sam glanced over at John and smiled. "I thought I was the profiler."

"What do you mean?" he asked, watching as she sat in the chair next to him.

She tilted her head. "You seemed to have quite the handle on this one."

"Yeah, well," he replied, suddenly chagrined. "Something just clicked."

"I'd say so," George remarked a second later. When he had both Sam and John's attention, he continued. "Rachel Morrigan, computer programmer. Worked for Hartwell Development. Four years ago, she was assigned to work on a project for none other than Jarison Chemicals."

Sam nodded. "That's why we missed the connection. Neither Carey or Morrigan worked directly for Jarison, unlike Allison Murphy."

"But what about Garrett Simms?" John asked, referring to the lawyer. "And what is the connection between the projects that linked Carey and Morrigan to the company two years apart?"

George laughed. "I may be good, but you're going to have to give me at least two minutes to come up with those answers."

John glanced at his watch. "Okay, go. Two minutes and counting."

***

The next afternoon, they had finally managed to piece together the puzzle. At three o'clock, they met in the same briefing room.

"Thanks to what Sam mentioned," Grace said, "I checked for industrial chemicals in the victims. You might wonder why I hadn't found it before, but I have a reason for that."

George laughed. "Somebody's defensive."

Rolling her eyes, Grace continued. "The traces I found had almost been absorbed into the tissues. In fact, even if they had looked, I'm not sure there would have been enough left in the first two victims to find."

"Is it developed at Jarison?" Bailey asked a moment later.

Nodding, George replied, "I used some, ah, well, methods to compare the chemical structure that Grace gave me to those that are directly linked to Jarison." After typing for a moment, two slides appeared on a small screen, one a chemical composition analysis. "We have a winner."

"How does it link to the victims, though?" John asked, looking at the monitor.

George again typed in several commands to the computer, and displayed another graph. "It appears that the computer program was linked to controlling the substance, which had it's preliminary tests under one Doctor Marc Carey."

"And the lawyer?" Bailey asked.

George nodded, "He helped Jarison with the project, getting clearance with the feds."

Bailey nodded, and stood up. "Good work. We have our connection, now we just have to link it to the killer." A moment later, he glanced over a John. With a half-smile and a nod, he added, "Good work, John."

***

Two days later, they had a suspect in custody and John and George flew back to Atlanta. "Glad to be going back?" George asked not long after the plane had taken off.

John nodded, "It will be nice to see Chloe, although I wish Sam was coming home, too. Her birthday is this weekend."

"Big plans?" George asked with a grin.

Shaking his head, John responded, "Not anymore. They aren't supposed to get back from Seattle until next week."

"You have to wonder," George said, "why it is we're flying home early."

John laughed. "I think Bailey just wanted us out of their hair for the legal part of it."

"Yeah," George replied, not convinced. "But you're the one who found the connection in the first place."

Shrugging, John settled back into his seat. "Lots of things don't make much sense anymore, buddy." Closing his eyes, he relaxed into the seat. He was exhausted and glad for the chance to rest.

"You've got that right," George added with a laugh.

***

Over a week later, the VCTF was working on another case, this one in Nevada. John, however, was left behind in Atlanta because of an upcoming court date.

Dropping Sam off at the airport, he gave her a hug. "I guess I'll see you next week."

Nodding, Sam managed a smile. "I know, once again, one of us is gone while the other stays home."

"Well," John said, and managing his best Bogart impersonation, added, "We'll always have Seattle."

Laughing, Sam gave him a quick kiss. "There's Bailey, I better go. You and Chlo have fun this weekend, okay?"

"Don't we always?" John asked with a laugh.

Sam grinned, just before walking away to board the jet. "That's what worries me."

***

"Hey, John," Chloe said with a laugh while they were raking leaves in the back yard on Sunday.

Looking up, he asked, "What?"

"This!" Chloe yelled, before tossing an armload of leaves in his face.

Laughing, John dropped the rake and ran after Chloe. "Come here, kiddo. You're gonna pay for that."

For several moments, each hid behind a pile of leaves, tossing handfuls at the other one. Throwing the leaves eventually turned into chasing one another with them.

Finally catching up to Chloe, John grabbed her and walked over to the largest leaf pile. "Now, you have to pay, I'm afraid."

Giggling, Chloe managed to say, "Wait, don't drop me in the leaf pile."

"Sorry," John said, laughing as he let her fall onto the mound of colorful leaves.

As soon as she was able to climb out of the pile, she launched herself at John's legs, and they both fell onto a smaller pile of leaves. For a while, they wrestled on the ground, scattering the leaves back all over the yard.

Not too long later, John sat up. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed Chloe and pinned her arms. "I'd say it's time we called a truce, little one."

Grinning, she replied, "Aw, do we have to?"

Nodding, John said, "Sorry, kiddo. If we want to get this cleaned back up by night fall, we have to get back to work."

"Okay," Chloe said, moping as she picked the rake back up. "If we have to."

John managed a grin. "Yep, we have to."

When Chloe was distracted raking the leaves, John stretched his arms over his head and winced. He couldn't believe how sore he had gotten while they were roughhousing. Pushing the thought away, he picked his rake back up and helped Chloe to get the strewn leaves back into one large pile.

For the rest of the evening, they bagged the leaves up and dropped them on the curb to be picked up the next day. Going inside, John waited until Chloe had taken a shower and changed into pajamas before stepping into the shower himself. Relaxing under the hot water, he still felt tired and couldn't wait to get in bed.

Two hours later, after John helped Chloe finish her last minute homework, he tucked her in bed. "'Night, kiddo," he said, tucking the sheets around her.

Smiling sleepily, she replied around a yawn. "Good night." When John kissed her on the nose, she whispered, "I love you."

Just before turning to leave the darkened room, John smiled. "I love you, too, little one."

Pulling the door shut behind him, John walked down the hall and gratefully sunk into the welcoming bed. Sighing, he turned off the lamp beside the bed and was soon fast asleep.

***

When John woke up the next morning he could already hear Chloe getting ready for school. Groaning as he forced his tired body out of bed, he walked down the hall and knocked on her door. "Hey, kiddo. Aren't I supposed to wake you up?"

Smiling, Chloe replied, "I have an alarm, John." She giggled, adding, "I just don't always hear it."

Glancing at the clock on the wall, John replied, "It's a good thing you did today, otherwise you would have been late. Finish getting ready and I'll go make breakfast, okay?"

Chloe nodded, but asked, "Can we just have cereal?"

"Why's that?" John asked with a confused grin, just before walking out of the room.

Laughing, Chloe replied, "Because we've had eggs and toast every day since Mom left."

"Comedian," John replied, rolling his eyes. "Okay, I'll fix cereal, but hurry up and finish getting ready."

When Chloe nodded, John left the room and walked slowly downstairs. He had expected to feel better after a decent night's sleep, instead he felt even more tired. Now that he thought about it, he had been feeling more and more tired since before he left Seattle.

Finding a box of cereal in the cupboard, John pushed the nagging question about being sick to the back of his mind. "Doc just cleared you, Johnny," he muttered to himself while fixing two bowls of cereal. "Not every little ache is connected to that. You just over did it."

"Over did what?" Chloe asked, standing in the kitchen doorway.

Silently berating himself for talking out loud, John blinked and forced a laugh. "The sugar in the cereal. Just don't tell your Mom."

"Okay," she said with a giggle. "It will be our secret."

Placing the bowl of cereal with the least sugar in it in front of Chloe, John grinned. "That's my kiddo," he said, ruffling her hair as she dug into the cereal.

***

"Trick or treat!" cried several small voices a second after the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, John jumped into the doorway. His face covered by a wolfman mask, he managed a threatening growl. Laughing, he pushed the mask up to rest on the top of his head. "So, who wants chocolate?"

The four kids grinned and held their bags out. "I do!" a couple of the kids cheered. Behind them, the adult grimaced, but hid a grin behind his hand.

"There ya go," John said with a laugh, handing a piece of candy to each trick or treater.

A second later, they turned and followed the path back to the sidewalk. "Thanks," they called over their shoulders.

Closing the door, John sat the candy bowl on the table by the door and walked into the kitchen. He had barely had time to walk into the kitchen when the doorbell rang.

Walking back to the front door, he pulled his mask on opened the door. He had managed half of a growl before he was shot in the face with a water soaker.

Blinking the water out of his eyes, he looked down to see Chloe giggling. "Gotcha," she said, still grinning.

"Okay, kiddo, that's it," he said, laughing. Pulling the wet mask from his face, he ran after Chloe, who was running across the yard.

From where she was standing beside the door, Sam laughed when John caught up with Chloe and they started wrestling. Pulling her jacket tighter around her, Sam walked across the lawn to where John and Chloe were. "Don't make me get out the hose, you two," she said with a laugh.

Laughing when Chloe tickled him, John glanced up at Sam. "I think you covered that when you armed this one with a Super Soaker." Pinning Chloe's arms to her sides, he laughed. "And now that I've got you where I want you . . ." Giggling when John started tickling her, Chloe managed to squirm free.

Once they were both standing, Sam took John's hand and asked, "Have fun handing out candy?"

"Well, most of the kids weren't out to get me," he said with a grin, ruffling Chloe's hair.

Laughing, Chloe looked up at John. "I got you good."

"And I got you back," he said with a laugh.

Walking into the house, John held the door until Sam and Chloe were inside. "I think that's it for the trick or treaters tonight," Sam said, turning out the porch light.

John nodded. "It's getting late. That would explain it, don't you think?"

"Stop it," Sam replied, laughing. "You'd never even given out candy until this year."

Chloe was trying to pull her costume over her head, but mumbled, "I doubt he'll fall for the Super Soaker trick again next year."

"You're probably right, Chlo," Sam said with a grin, helping Chloe out of her costume.

Laughing, Chloe held up her candy bag and asked, "Can we sort through my candy now?"

"I suppose so," Sam replied, but added, "But remember. Only three pieces a day."

"Mom," Chloe said, a full-blown pout on her face.

Grinning, John grabbed the candy bag. "You heard the lady, kiddo." Placing the candy bag on the coffee table, he continued. "Besides, that means there's more for me."

Jumping on John's back when he leaned over, Chloe started laughing. "Hands off my candy, John. Get your own."

Chloe slid off of John's back when he stood up, and fell onto the couch. "Go for it, kiddo," John said, pointing at the pile of candy.

Laughing as Sam helped Chloe pick though the candy, John sat down on the couch. Once she was sure the candy was okay, Sam sat next to John on the couch. "You feeling okay?" she asked a few minutes later.

Nodding his head, John smiled. "I'm fine. Why?"

Resting her head on his shoulder, Sam replied, "You just look tired, that's all."

Kissing her on the top of the head, John shook his head. "Nope. I'm great."

***

Just over a week later, John was sitting at his cluttered desk, sorting though leftover paperwork when the phone rang. "Grant," John said after picking up the phone.

"Mr. Grant? This is Nurse Simmons with Doctor Thompson's office. I was calling to see if you would be willing to reschedule your appointment."

Rubbing his eyes tiredly, John glanced at the calendar on his desk. "Thanksgiving is in two weeks," he replied, "is there any way I could be done with both appointments before then?"

On the other end of the line, he could hear several key clicks before she replied. "I can work that. How does the Thursday and the Tuesday before Thanksgiving sound to you?"

"What times?" John asked, pulling the calendar over and scribbling out his appointment in December.

After a pause, she replied, "Four p.m. on Thursday and two on Tuesday."

He wrote the times down on the calendar. "Okay, I'll be there."

"Thank you, Mr. Grant," she replied before hanging up.

Hanging up his phone, John muttered, "Yeah, thanks. That's just what I needed before the holiday."

"What's that?" Grace asked, walking up to his desk.

Shaking his head, John rubbed his neck. "Not much, my check-up was just rescheduled for next week."

"You're not worried, are you?" Grace asked, looking at John with concern.

"No, just an inconvenience I hadn't planned on, that's all," he said, leaning back in his chair. "So, what's up?"

Taking the change in subject for what it was, Grace relented. "I'm going to make your day even better," she said. "I just finished the latest autopsy, the results don't match up with the previous findings. Well," she added with a grimace, "what there was to find on this one."

"Great," John said, running his hands through his hair. "And it gets better."

Grace smiled. "We'll break this case John, I'd say we're due."

***

Unlocking the front door, John walked into the dark house. Relocking the door behind him, he quietly walked through the house and up the stairs.

Glancing in Chloe's room, he grinned when he saw her sleeping, one arm thrown over the bear he had given her almost a year before. Walking the rest of the way down the hall, he pushed the bedroom door open. For a moment he stood there, able to see because of the shaft of moonlight that broke through the curtains and fell across Sam's face.

He had just finished changing out of his work clothes and into a pair of flannel pajama pants when Sam stirred. "I wondered how late you would get home," she said sleepily, looking up at John.

Smiling, he crawled into bed and kissed her before replying, "I'm hoping this was the last late night for awhile."

"Did you finally catch up to Moore?" she asked, running her fingers through his hair.

John nodded, and smiled. "Yeah, we're hoping this miserable case is finally over. Talk about taking forever."

Sam smiled before kissing him. "Good. Maybe we'll get to work together on the next case. I haven't seen Grace in weeks, practically."

"Grace, huh?" he asked, a twinkle in his eye. "Didn't even miss me a little?"

Laughing, Sam propped up on one elbow and kissed John again. "Well, maybe just a little," she replied softly.

"Maybe you did," he kidded, kissing her back. "A little."

"You know what, Grant?" Sam asked, a sly grin on her face. "You talk too much."

***

The next afternoon, John was again sitting in the doctor's office. "Okay, John," Doctor Thompson said after he walked in. "Lay back and we'll get this show on the road."

"Easy for you to say," John muttered, rolling his eyes.

Laughing softly, the doctor nodded. "True, it might be a little easier on this end."

While he was working, Doctor Thompson asked, "So, do you have any plans for the holidays?"

John smiled, thinking of the year before. "I think it's just going to be the three of us." At the doctor's confused look, he said, "Neither Sam or I have the best families, and most of our friends will be with theirs."

Doctor Thompson nodded, and having finished with the procedure, said, "Well, except for an appointment on Tuesday, I'd say your set for a busy holiday season."

Sitting up, John grinned. "Yeah, for the second time in my life I'm looking forward to it."

"Well then," the doctor replied, "I wish you a wonderful holiday season. Although I'll see you next week." He paused before asking, "I assume Mrs. Grant will be with you?"

John nodded. "Barring anything last minute, she'll be there like always."

"Good," Doctor Thompson replied. "I'm glad."

***

The following Monday morning, John walked in to Sam's office and closed the door behind him. "I just talked to Bailey," he said, walking over to lean against the corner of her desk.

Leaning back in her chair, Sam looked up at John. "What did he say?"

"I'm going to stay here and hold down the fort for the next couple of days while the rest of you go to Oklahoma City," he replied, referring to the case they had discussed during the morning meeting.

Sam nodded, but didn't look pleased. "I want to go with you to see Doctor Thompson tomorrow."

"I know," he said, a smile on his face. "And that means a lot to me, but you're needed on this case. It's the holidays, no one should be going through what's happening out there."

Sam nodded again, seeing the logic in his statement. "I just don't want you to go through that alone, that's all," she said, her voice almost a whisper.

"Hey," he replied with a cocky grin. "I've been fine the last two times. Why should it be any different now?"

Sam stood up, and faced John. Cupping his cheek in her hand, she replied, "You're great, you know that?"

"I know," he said, his grin not fading.

Laughing, Sam shook her head. "I've created a monster."

"Nah," John replied. "He was already there." A moment later, still looking in her eyes, he continued, "You better go, Bailey will be waiting."

Nodding, Sam agreed. "I know," she said softly. "When I get back we'll have a real Thanksgiving."

"Last year wasn't real?" he asked with a laugh.

Shaking her head, she replied, "We were in a hotel in Alabama, John."

"Now that's the life I'm used to," John joked. "Microwave burgers from the gas station."

"Yes, well," she replied, gathering a stack of files from her desk and placing them in her attache case. "Not this year if I can manage it."

Just before walking out of the office, John gave Sam a quick kiss. "Good luck in Oklahoma. Chloe and I'll be waiting for this big dinner you've promised."

Laughing, Sam walked through her office door and into the hallway. "I'm sure you will be, it won't include scrambled eggs and toast," she kidded.

"Cook a kid breakfast, and she never lets you forget it," John said, his hands on his hips.

"I know," Sam said with a sympathetic smile. "I always forget how you're so abused."

Laughing, John shook his head. "Go catch your bad guy already."

***

Walking into Doctor Thompson's office, John sat in one of the chairs. "Agent Grant," the doctor said. "I thought your wife would be with us."

"One of those last minute trips we're prone to came up," he replied. "She just left yesterday. So," he said, changing the subject, "what's the verdict this time?"

Doctor Thompson closed the file he had been reading, and folded his hands together. "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you."

"It's back," John replied, but it wasn't a question.

Nodding, the doctor continued. "It would appear so." John closed his eyes. "I'll need to do another test today, to try and judge the rate of growth."

John nodded, barely hearing the doctor over the sudden roar in his ears. "How long?"

Understanding his question, Doctor Thompson rubbed his eyes. "It's hard to say before this next test."

"You can still estimate," John said, pressing for a response.

"All I can say, at the moment," he said, stressing the last part, "is that taking into account how recent your last check-up was, this seems to be developing much faster than last time."

He clinch his fists at his sides. "When do I need to come back?"

"We can do the test now, if that's okay. Then you'll have to come back Monday."

John blinked slowly, the news setting in. "I have to wait over the holiday?" A million different things ran through his mind at once, including how he was possibly going to tell Sam.

"I'm sorry about the timing, John. I really am," Doctor Thompson said, "but I can tell you more then."

Nodding, John clenched his jaw. "Then let's get this over with."

***

It was late Wednesday night before the rest of the team arrived back in Atlanta. Sam called John from the airport to let him know that she would be home in a couple of hours.

"That's it, kiddo," John said after hanging up the phone. "Give it up, bed time."

Chloe pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "But I wanted to stay up and see Mom."

Shaking his head, John replied, "You can see her in the morning." Leading Chloe toward the stairs, he added, "She's not going to be home early enough for you to stay up."

"Okay," Chloe said, walking into her room.

John smiled. "Get changed and I'll come back and tuck you in."

A few minutes later, John knocked on Chloe's door. "Come in," she called out, pulling the door open.

"Ready, kiddo?" John asked, following her across the room.

Chloe nodded, and climbed onto the bed. "Yep."

"Okay," John said, and tucked the covers around her. "Sweet dreams, little one," he said and kissed her on the nose.

She smiled as her eyes drooped closed. "'Love you."

John stepped back and walked across the room. A sad smile on his face, he blinked against a burning behind his eyes. "I love you, too."

***

"Chloe asleep?" Sam asked after walking in the door and taking off her jacket.

Taking her suitcase, John nodded. "Yeah, she was out like a light not long after you called."

After carrying the bag upstairs, John walked back downstairs to find Sam in the kitchen. "I made some cocoa, want some?"

"Sure," he replied, taking the extra mug.

"Is something wrong?" Sam asked a few minutes later when John stood there silently.

John looked up from where he had been staring at his mug of hot chocolate to look at Sam. "We need to talk."

Sam felt like a fist clenched at her stomach, but managed a nod. "Let's go into the living room, okay?"

John nodded, an held out his free hand. Sitting her mug down on the kitchen table, Sam took his offered hand and followed John into the living room. After sitting down on the couch, John sat his mug on the coffee table and reached up to brush a lock of hair from Sam's face. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I talked to Doctor Thompson yesterday."

Sam nodded, the feeling that she knew where he was headed filled her with dread. "I know, your appointment. What did he say, John?" she asked, watching as he wouldn't meet her gaze made her even more certain that she didn't want to hear the answer.

John swallowed nervously. "I'm sick again," he finally managed to force the words past his lips for the first time since speaking with Doctor Thompson.

Even though she imagined what he would say, she couldn't fight the swell of panic that rose in her throat. Her eyes filled with moisture, but she blinked it away slowly. "So what is he going to do?"

"We have to wait for additional tests to get back," he said, smiling at Sam's stoic response. A moment later, a single tear escaped her eye and John reached up to brush it away. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Shaking her head slightly, Sam reached forward and pulled him into a hug. "Don't be sorry," she finally said, her face pressed into his throat. "This was never your fault."

John nodded, but didn't respond right away. Raising his hand to run his fingers through her hair, he closed his eyes for a moment. "Thank you."

A half-laugh tore from her throat, and she held him tighter. "I'm not going to let you go that easily, John."

Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head. "I love you."

Holding back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes, Sam nodded. "I know."

***

Running into the kitchen, Chloe asked, "Is dinner ready, yet?" When Sam glanced down at her she added, "I'm starving."

"I doubt that," she replied with a half grin. "Why don't you go finish watching the game with John?"

Nodding, Chloe said, "Okay, but the game's almost over."

"That's the wonder of Thanksgiving, Chlo," she said in a conspiratorial whisper. "There's always another football game."

Chloe laughed, and ran back into the living room. After she had gone, Sam sighed. They had decided to wait until after they spoke with Doctor Thompson before telling Chloe, but it was making playing along with the day rather hard. Not for the first time that day, she wondered how John had managed to hide it by himself for so long.

She could hear John and Chloe joking about the football game in the living room, and smiled. He seemed determined to have at least one normal family Thanksgiving. Turning her attention to the dinner, from the outside it looked like everything was perfect. From the inside, however, it was a different story entirely.

***

"So who wants dessert?" Sam asked once they had finished dinner.

Grinning, Chloe replied, "I do!"

Laughing, Sam ruffled her hair. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me, Chlo."

"So what is for dessert?" Chloe asked a moment later.

After Sam picked the desert up from the counter, John grinned. "Uh, this creation would be mine."

"What is it?" Chloe asked, looking over at John.

Shaking his head, and laughing softly, John replied, "It's not exactly Thanksgiving fare, but coconut cream pie is the only dessert I can manage."

Nodding, Chloe glanced over at the pie and back at John. "But how do you know how? I mean, you're not really a cook, after all."

"My mom taught me, actually," he replied. A second later, he reached over and tickled her. "'How do I know,' you act like I can't cook."

"Well," Sam interjected, managing to keep them from upending the pie all over the floor. "She might have a point."

Looking over at Sam, John smiled. "Just be quiet and cut the pie."

"Oh, I think you should do the honors," Sam replied, handing John a knife.

After waiting for John to finish cutting the pie, Chloe took her piece and tasted it cautiously. John couldn't help but think she looked a little like Calvin from the comic strip, without the color changing. "Not so bad, huh?" he asked with a laugh when she grinned.

"Not so bad," she replied, giggling.

Sam smiled. "Maybe you should teach Chloe here how to make it, John."

John glanced at Sam in time to see a flicker of emotion in her eyes, but was distracted when Chloe said, "Really? Like your mom taught you, John?"

Nodding, John laughed. "Sure, kiddo. We'll see how big of a mess we can make," he added with a wink at Sam who just shook her head and smiled.

"When?" Chloe asked, still eating her piece of pie.

John tilted his head to the side and thought for a minute. "Why not tonight? I know we have all of the ingredients already."

"Can we Mom?" Chloe asked, turning to look at Sam.

Sam laughed. "Only if I get to take pictures of this little experiment."

Grinning, Chloe looked up at John. "Cool."

***

"Uh oh," Chloe said with a giggle after covering John's face with flour.

Reaching his hand up, John wiped his face off slowly as he tried not to laugh. "Not exactly what I had in mind."

Having walked out of the kitchen a minute earlier, Sam walked back into the kitchen and stopped in her tracks. Covering her mouth with her hand, she laughed. "Hi, Casper. I hate to say it, but Halloween was last month."

"And you say she picked it up from me," John replied with a grin, rolling his eyes at Sam.

Shrugging, Sam glanced at the floor. Still laughing, she replied, "Apparently she picked up your kitchen skills."

"Yes," John replied with a smirk, gesturing toward the counter. "But at least she managed to make the pie first." Laughing, he ran his hand through her hair, turning it white with flour. "It was just putting everything up that got out of hand."

"That's how it usually happens," Sam replied fighting the urge to sneeze. "At least I took pictures and managed to get the camera out of the line of fire."

Smiling, Chloe asked, "Can I help develop them, Mom?"

Sam laughed, and looked over at John, who was sweeping flour off the floor. "I was thinking maybe John might want to learn how. Want to help me teach him, Chlo?" she asked, winking at Chloe.

"I don't know, Mom," Chloe said, giggling. "He might not get it."

John picked Chloe up from behind. "I'll show you who might not get it, kiddo. But first, you need to put our pie up in the fridge."

"Okay, okay," she said, still giggling. "Just put me down."

Dropping Chloe onto her feet, John replied, "Get to work kid, we're waiting."

Standing off to the side, Sam and John watched while Chloe put the rest of the cooking materials away. "I'm impressed," Sam said with a grin. "You had most of it cleaned up before I came back."

"Well," John replied with a smug grin. "I do know my way around a kitchen just a little bit."

Sam nodded, and looked up into his eyes with a serious expression. "Feel up to developing pictures?"

John glanced over at Chloe, and smiled. Speaking softly, he smiled at Sam. "Just try and stop me." A second later he laughed. "Of course, I might ruin them."

"Definite possibility," Sam said, wrapping an arm around his waist.

Shaking his head, John draped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her on the temple. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," he replied dryly.

Chloe had just finished putting everything away when Sam remarked, "Anytime."

***

"Mr. Grant," a nurse said Monday morning. "Doctor Thompson will see you now."

John nodded and stood. When Sam took his hand and squeezed it, he smiled at her softly. "Let's go beat this thing," she said with a half-smile.

Following the nurse, they were led to the familiar office. "Please, have a seat," Doctor Thompson said gesturing at the two chairs. "I'm glad to see you Mrs. Grant." Sam nodded in response, and they each took a seat.

John wasted no time. "So? You couldn't tell me anything before."

Nodding, the doctor replied, "I know, and I'm sorry about that." He paused for a moment. "The results were as I was expecting, I hate to say."

"What does that mean?" John asked, trying to remember to breathe.

Doctor Thompson observed John for a moment and decided to cut directly to the point. "I was correct in my diagnosis that the disease had reappeared. Only this time, it's growing at a much more substantial rate."

Sam titled her head to the side. Glancing at John she asked, "So what do you need to do?"

"That's where a decision must be made," the doctor replied, folding his hands together.

John blinked slowly, and licked his lips nervously. "What decision?"

"Chemotherapy, such as you had before," the doctor explained. "It could still possibly help you."

"Possibly?" Sam asked, sitting up straighter in her chair.

The doctor held up a hand. "Yes, Mrs. Grant. I'm sorry to say that at the rate the lymphoma is progressing, chemotherapy would only be delaying the inevitable." He paused, letting the news set in. "It is my job to present you with all of your options, including one that many of my colleagues would disagree with."

John nodded, feeling eerily calm. "What are my options, Doctor?"

"First, we can go ahead with chemotherapy. Second, you can choose to let the disease take its course."

"How much time would the chemo buy me?" John asked.

The doctor shook his head. "Judging by the state of the disease, not very long."

John nodded, closing his eyes in understanding. "And I would be miserable like before."

Nodding, Doctor Thompson replied, "Possibly worse, because it would be a heavier dosage. You must understand, that this is the recognized treatment. Many doctors would be wary of even discussing otherwise."

"Thank you," John replied honestly.

Thompson smiled weakly. "Why don't you take a couple of days? We can decide what to do next then."

John nodded, and glancing over at Sam, squeezing her hand. "Then we'll see you on Wednesday."

***

"John?" Sam asked after dinner the following night.

Looking up at Sam from where he was sitting on the couch, John asked, "Yeah, Sam?"

Sitting next to him on the couch, she took one of his hands in her own. "I know you've been wanting to play it normal, but we really need to talk."

Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, John nodded. "I know, Sam. I just didn't want to think about it."

Turning enough so that she could look up at his face, Sam cupped his cheek. "I know we're waiting to talk to Chloe, but she's in bed, and you're supposed to give Doctor Thompson your answer tomorrow."

Removing his arm from her shoulders, he took her hand from his cheek and held it. "You heard what he said, Sam. Chemo probably won't really help."

"So you want to let nature run its course."

John closed his eyes for a second, hating the pain he saw in Sam's eyes. "I'd rather be able to enjoy what time I've got left with you and Chloe," he said.

Squeezing her hands, his voice dropped to a whisper. "Rather than make all of us miserable by being doped up."

"John," Sam said, touching his cheek with her hand.

He smiled sadly, and turned just enough to kiss her hand where it rested on his cheek. "Let's just make the most of Christmas, Sam. I don't want Chloe to remember our last Christmas as just chemotherapy."

Blinking slowly, Sam nodded. "I don't want to lose you."

"You know," he said, standing. "I heard this song while I was in Buffalo . . ." He left his statement open-ended and disappeared upstairs. Sam watched, confused, as he walked back down the stairs and over to the stereo. Placing a compact disk into the stereo, he turned the volume down low and pressed play.

Walking over to Sam, he held out a hand. "You once said every couple should dance. Care to join me?"

Smiling, Sam took his hand and stood. "I'd love to."

They were dancing in the middle of the room, Sam's head resting on his chest, when she asked, "What song is this?"

"Something I thought hit pretty close to home when I was up north." Kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes. "I thought you should hear it."

A moment later, a man's voice cut through the silent living room.

**

Now I must leave
but before I do
before the parting shot
let me look at you.

You've known my mind
more than anyone
when all else has past
this will linger on.

You'll be somewhere in that place where I'll be going.
You will always be beside me without knowing.
Every moment you'll be with me

**

John felt Sam take a shuddering breath, and lifted her chin up with his hand. Smiling, he said, "I don't think I've ever seen you cry, Sam. It doesn't suit you."

A smile broke on her face, matched with annoyed laughter. "Stop it, Grant. You're not supposed to cheer me up."

"Yes I am," he said, kissing her briefly. "I didn't play this so that you would be upset. When I first heard it, I thought it was silly in a way." He paused, and smiled at Sam. "But then I changed my mind. You will be with me, Sam."

She nodded, but didn't respond.

**

Life isn't fair
you'll hear people say
everyone you love
time will take away.

But save all your tears
this is not goodbye
some things cannot change
some things cannot die.

**

"Sam?" he asked, his voice a whisper.

She looked into his eyes and smiled. "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked, a confused smile on his face.

Shrugging, she sniffed. "For being everything I never would have imagined when we first met."

***

On Wednesday, Sam and John went to speak once more with Doctor Thompson. It was that night, however, when they finally talked with Chloe.

It was just after dinner when Sam walked into the kitchen and put a hand on Chloe's shoulder. "Sweetie, let's leave the dishes for later, okay? John and I want to talk to you about something."

"Must be big," Chloe laughed. "Nothing ever gets us out of dishes."

Sam managed a small smile. "Yeah, baby, it's big."

Placing the plate she was holding into the sink, Chloe walked out of the kitchen and followed Sam into the living room. "Where's John?" she asked after they sat down on the couch.

"He'll be down in just a minute."

In fact, it was less than a minute later when John walked into the living room. When he sat down, but didn't say anything, Chloe looked back and forth between Sam and John. "So, what's up?"

John took a deep breath and held out an arm. "Come here, kiddo." When Chloe was sitting in his lap, he continued. "Remember when I went away earlier this year? How your mom and I told you that I had been sick?"

Chloe nodded, suddenly very serious. "You're not going away again, are you?"

Sam's gaze shifted between Chloe and John. Seeing uncertainty in John's eyes, she said, "John's sick again, sweetie."

Chloe looked up at John, her eyes wide with worry. "Will you be okay?"

John opened his mouth to respond, but closed it and swallowed audibly before he managed to reply. Emotion shook his voice when he said, "Not this time, little one."

Chloe searched John's face. A second later she looked over at her mom and then back at John. "Are you going to die?"

Closing his eyes tightly, John rested his forehead on the top of Chloe's head, holding her close. Sam watched as John fought to keep a handle on his emotions. The entire time, she had not seen his control waiver. It wasn't until talking with Chloe that his emotions were finally getting the better of him.

"I always said I would give everything to you straight," Sam said. Meeting John's eyes, when he nodded imperceptibly, she continued. "Yes, baby, that means John isn't going to get better this time."

Throwing her arms around John's neck, tears filled Chloe's eyes and she whispered, "That's not fair."

Holding her tightly, John felt a single tear trickle down his cheek. "I love you, little one," he whispered, "Very, very much." Glancing up to see tears in Sam's eyes, he closed his own. "Just never forget that."

"I won't." She shook her head, which was pressed against John's neck. "I promise."

***

"Hey, Grace," John said, standing in the doorway to Grace's office.

Glancing up from where she was filling out some paperwork, Grace smiled. "Hi, John." Leaning back in her chair, she motioned toward an extra seat. "Is everything okay? I haven't seen you around here since yesterday morning."

Sitting down, John took a deep breath before speaking. "Yeah," he said finally, "I haven't been in long today."

Realizing that he didn't answer his question, Grace looked more closely at John. "There's something you're not getting to," Grace said, studying John's face.

John nodded. "I got some bad news from the doctor last week."

Grace's eyes widened, but softened. She placed her hand on John's hand. "I'm sorry," she said, the words more breath than sound. Swallowing, she asked, "What is Doctor Thompson going to do about it?"

"Nothing," John said, running a hand through his hair. When Grace startled, he continued. "It's progressing too fast this time, Grace. He gave me the option of not taking the chemo."

Grace blinked slowly, letting the news set in. "How are you and Sam doing with this?" she managed to ask a few seconds later.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Grace," John replied, his gaze steady. "Sam's strong. I've never doubted that. Hell," he said with a laugh. "You know that as well as I do."

He took Grace's hand, which was still resting on his own. "I just want you to make sure that, when the time comes, she doesn't get swallowed up by her strength." He took a deep breath, sure in the fact that he was doing the right thing. "I just want to make sure that someone is there, whether she thinks she needs it or not."

Tears filling her eyes, Grace nodded. "Of course."

Nodding shortly, John said, "Thanks, Grace." He sat motionless for a few moments. "I never wanted to do this to her."

"But?" Grace asked, prompting him to finish his statement.

He half-smiled when he met Grace's gaze. "But I wouldn't give up this past year for anything, Grace. Except maybe not hurting the two of them."

Pulling him into a hug, she held him for a moment before replying. "I happen to believe that Sam feels the same way. Only she wouldn't give it up for anything."

***

"John?" George asked, walking over to John's desk. When John looked up, George looked worried. "Sam said you wanted to talk to me."

Nodding, John stood. "Yeah, I couldn't find you earlier."

"Bailey had me on an errand, strangely enough," George replied. "What's going on?"

Tilting his head to the side, John said, "Let's go to the cafeteria, grab something to drink."

"Okay," George said, confused.

Once they were sitting at a table in the deserted cafeteria, George looked at John, concerned by the dark marks under his friend's eyes. "What's going on, John? I can tell something is up."

"Yeah," John said, exhaling slowly. "Something's up. Believe me, I wish it weren't."

George leaned back in his seat. "You're sick again, aren't you?" he asked, beating John to it.

Nodding, John closed his eyes briefly. "I found out last week."

"Well, you'll beat it again," George said decisively. "You did it before, you'll do it again."

John shook his head slowly. "Not this time, George. Everything is going too fast."

George paled, his eyes wide. "So what are you going to do?"

A faint smile on his face, John replied, "I'm going to enjoy the holiday with my family. After that, I'll just wait and see."

"How's Chloe?" George asked a moment later.

John's smile faded. "She's determined to be strong just like her mom."

"And you?" George questioned, trying to read the emotions in John's blue eyes.

Shrugging, John replied, "Feeling guilty, I suppose."

George smiled. "I can imagine what Sam would say to that."

"Oh boy, can you," John said with a weak laugh. "She'd cream me for sure."

"That's why you two worked so well," George said in reply. "You loosened her up, and she calmed you down."

Standing up, John tossed his drink in a waste bin. Shoving his hands in his pockets, John looked over at George. "Enough of this, we've got work to do."

Standing, George clapped a hand on John's shoulder. "Lead on, my good man."

***

A few days before Christmas, John and Chloe went shopping together. John had been getting weaker, but had been determined to take Chloe to pick out a present for her mom. At the house, Sam found herself in the dark room.

She smiled faintly at the few photographs from Thanksgiving that still rested on hangers. Pulling one down, she looked longingly at the still image: John and Chloe forever captured trying to make a coconut cream pie.

Laying the photo down, she noticed a used roll of film lying on the counter. Picking it up, she looked at it, for some reason she couldn't remember what was on the film. Turning on the overhead red light, she began to work on developing them.

A little while later, she laid the first print into a pan of solution and felt her heart constrict when she saw the image that blurred to life. There before her was one perfect moment in time. The three of them were sitting on a bench on the back porch, laughing on Chloe's birthday.

Blinking away the moisture from her eyes, Sam pulled the next sheet and waited to see what image would await her there. Seeing one of the pictures she had taken that day, of Chloe sitting in John's lap, his chin resting on her head, Sam felt her carefully constructed control slip.

Ever since the night they had danced in the living room, Sam had done her best to distance herself from the slow agony that was tearing at her heart. Although George had told her what John had said, she already knew he felt guilty for something that he had no control over. As a result, she had buried her own anxiety.

The image that reached out to her from the final tray of the development process changed that, at least for the moment. Picking the photo up from the water, she reached out with shaking fingers to trace the lines of the image.

Her shoulders shaking with silent sobs, she clutched the dripping photograph to her chest and leaned against the wall. Sliding down the wall, Sam sat on the floor, her knees pressed to her chest. Still holding the photograph, she finally allowed herself the tears that had been threatening for weeks.

***

Taking a deep breath, John knocked on the door of Bailey's office two days before Christmas. "Enter," Bailey called out from inside the office.

Pushing the door open, John walked in and closed it behind him. "Bailey," John said, standing in front of his desk.

Looking up at the young agent, Bailey saw the paper John was holding. "Is this what I think it is?"

Handing him a form to make it official, John nodded. "After Christmas I won't be back, Bailey."

Bailey looked up at John with sympathetic eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'm not happy about it, either," John replied, shaking his head. "But it's time."

Folding his hands together, Bailey leaned back in his chair. "I can't say I understand, but I can try," he said. Taking the form, he signed it. "Go spend the holidays with your family, John. Make the most of it."

"I intend to," John said with a forced smile.

"Good luck, Johnny," Bailey said when John turned to leave.

Nodding, John's eyes softened. "Thanks, Bai."

***

"Time to get up, kiddo," John said early Christmas morning.

Sitting up sleepily, Chloe looked at John in disbelief. "You're up before I am? How'd that happen? And on Christmas no less."

Smiling, John ruffled her hair. "Yep, it's Christmas, but I set my alarm extra early. So get the lead out kid. Time's a wasting."

"Where's Mom?" Chloe asked, getting out of bed.

"She's making breakfast," John replied, leading Chloe into the hallway.

Chloe, more awake, commented, "That's too bad, I was looking forward to scrambled eggs and toast like last year."

John grinned and tickled Chloe. "Be careful what you ask for, kiddo. You got pretty sick of those before."

"It wasn't *so* bad," she said, giggling as she ran down the stairs.

Following her more slowly, John called out, "No running on the stairs, Chloe."

"Yes, sir," she said over her shoulder, slowing down to a fast walk.

Behind her, John merely laughed.

***

When Chloe was almost done opening her presents, Sam pulled two packages from behind the couch. "What's that?" John asked, pointing at the presents.

Sam smiled. "My one little secret."

John raised his eyebrows. "Oh really?"

"Yes, really," she replied, her smile wavering for a moment. "This one is for you, Chlo," she said, handing Chloe one of the boxes. "And this one," she added, handing the other to John, "is for you."

Chloe looked up at her mom. "Can I open it?"

Nodding, Sam replied, "Go for it. I think you've exhausted your supply."

Tearing into the wrapping paper, Chloe opened the box to reveal an ornate silver picture frame. Turning the object over, she looked up at John. "It's you and me! On my birthday last summer, I think," she said, showing him the framed photograph.

John smiled faintly, seeing the captured image. "That's great, kiddo." Looking over at Sam, he asked, "A picture?"

Nodding, she gestured to the package he was holding. "Why don't you open yours?"

"Okay," he replied, tearing into the paper similar to the method Chloe had used. Sam always smiled watching him open presents in such a fashion. A moment later, he pulled a sturdy wooden picture frame from the box.

"Sam?" he asked, after turning the frame over to see the photo of the three of them from Chloe's birthday. In the candid picture, they were laughing, and Sam had leaned her forehead on the side of John's head.

After watching John's reaction, Sam took a sip out of her coffee cup. "Do you like it?" she asked, trying to gauge his reaction.

He looked up from the photograph, smiling with soft eyes. "I love it."

"I want to see," Chloe said, climbing up onto the couch between Sam and John.

Laughing, John angled the frame where Chloe could see the picture. "What do you think, kiddo? Am I photogenic or what?"

Sam blinked when Chloe smiled. "I always thought you were handsome."

"Even before your mom did?" he asked, winking at Sam, who was busy trying to memorize the interaction.

Chloe glanced over at Sam and giggled. "Way before then."

***

"Good night, little one," John said, kissing Chloe on the nose. When she smiled, he asked, "Did you have a good day?"

Chloe's smile brightened. "Best Christmas ever."

Laughing, John tucked the blanket in tighter around her. "I'm glad. Now, it's time for you to go to sleep."

Nodding, Chloe glanced up at where Sam was standing beside John, her hand on his shoulder. "Good night, Mom. Love you."

Taking John's hand the two of them walked toward the door. "I love you, too, Chlo," she said, smiling.

"John?" Chloe asked just before they could shut the door.

Walking back across the room, he asked, "Yes, kiddo?"

"I'll remember my promise," she said. She was almost asleep when she mumbled, "Forever."

Blinking back tears, John kissed her on the forehead. "Thank you, little one."

Joining Sam back in the hallway, they walked back downstairs and sat in front of the fire. "How are you feeling?" Sam asked a few minutes later.

Brushing a lock of hair away from her face, John rested his hand on her cheek. "Tired, but I'm used to that by now."

Sam blinked and nodded. "Did you talk with Bailey?"

"A couple of days ago," he replied.

Turning to rest her head on his shoulder, they leaned back until they were resting against the couch. "John," she said a few seconds later, "I've been wanting to talk to you about something."

"Anything," John replied, shifting so that he could see her face.

Looking up into his eyes, Sam swallowed before saying, "I know that you've been feeling guilty about what's happened . . ."

"George and his big mouth . . ." John muttered, interrupting Sam.

Placing a finger over his mouth, Sam continued. "Yes, George may have said something to me, but I'm not blind John. I know you better than you might like at times. I know when you're upset, and this time I didn't let myself overlook it."

Shaking his head, John pulled Sam's hand away from his mouth. "You don't need to worry about that, Sam."

"Yes, I do," she said directly. "You're being sick is bad enough, I don't want to see you make yourself miserable on top of it. It's not your fault, so stop feeling guilty."

"I wish it was that easy, Sam," he whispered.

Nodding, Sam ran her hand through his hair. "It can be, if you let it. A smart guy once said something similar to me when I was feeling guilty about something I couldn't control."

"What about you?" John asked, searching her eyes. "When will you let yourself feel? I can see you locking everything away."

Sam shook her head. "Because this isn't about me."

"That's bull, Sam, and you know it," John replied. Taking her hand, he kissed it. "This is as much about you and Chloe as it is me." His voice was hoarse with emotion. "You're the ones who have to live with it."

Sam's eyes filled with tears, and she leaned her forehead against his cheek. Whispering, she said, "But you're the one who has to die with it."

Wrapping his arms around her, John felt a tear slide down his cheek. "Let me be here for you while I can Sam," he said eventually. "Maybe it will help us both."

Taking a deep breath, Sam leaned back and John gently wiped the moisture from her cheek. She smiled when she said, "Somewhere along the line, I lost the ability to see the world without you in it."

He kissed her softly before replying. "I'll be there as long as you want me to be, Sam." Placing his hand over her heart, he half-laughed when he said, "It may be hokey, but I'll always be a memory away."

She nodded, but as she touched his cheek she replied, "You can't touch a memory." When he didn't reply right away, she wrapped a hand behind his neck and pulled him into a long kiss.

"Live in the moment, Sam," he said when the kiss ended. "Let tomorrow take care of itself."

***

Sitting in the doctor's office, Sam and John waited for Doctor Thompson to come in and discuss his latest test results a few days after Christmas.

Walking into his office, the doctor sat down behind his desk. "Hello again," he said, nodding to Sam.

Sam smiled politely, but it was John who spoke. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? How much longer do I have?"

"It's not an exact science," the doctor reminded him. When John sighed impatiently, he relented. "Judging by what I'm seeing in your latest test, it won't be long now. Maybe a month on the outside." John didn't blink, and Sam squeezed his hand tightly. "I'm sorry," Doctor Thompson added in almost a whisper.

"Can you do what we talked about?" John asked.

Rubbing his eyes, the doctor nodded. "I can make it possible for you to stay at home, and avoid examination after . . ." he paused, glancing at Sam and John, "afterwards."

John nodded, and Sam replied, "Thank you, doctor."

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Doctor Thompson asked.

"I can handle a little pain," John argued.

The doctor shook his head, "You know this isn't a little pain we're talking about, John. Buffalo was a walk in the park compared to what this will be."

"Is there anything you can give him that won't affect his awareness?" Sam asked, glancing over at John before looking back at Doctor Thompson.

Nodding, Doctor Thompson replied, "We can work something out. If," he added, "you're willing to administer it, Mrs. Grant." When Sam nodded, he said, "Nurse Simmons will be able to show you how to control the at home medication machine."

"Sam . . ." John said, looking over at her.

Shaking her head, Sam replied, "No buts, John." Looking at John, her tone softened. "This is something I want to do, if you'll let me."

After a moment, John nodded curtly. "Let's do it then."

***

The new year was barely a week old, but Sam was already about to drop. Hearing a knock on the front door, she walked downstairs. "Hey, George," Sam said, holding the front door open so that George could walk inside the house.

Nodding, George looked at Sam. "You look tired," he said softly.

Sam rubbed a hand over her eyes. "That's the thing," she said with a yawn. "You would think after being a forced insomniac for so many years, that I would be used to not getting much sleep."

"Come here," he said, pulling Sam into a hug. When he let go, he looked into her eyes. "How's John?"

She shook her head. "Not great." She paused and walked into the living room. She half-laughed before saying, "Although he's doing a good job of not showing it."

"That's our John," George said softly.

Sam nodded, and then shook her head. "Sorry, I didn't think to ask if you wanted anything to drink."

"Don't worry about that," George replied, "I'm a big boy." Leading her to the couch, he asked, "What if I got something for you? Tea? Hot chocolate? Scotch on the rocks?" he added the last as a joke and smiled when Sam rolled her eyes.

Relaxing on the couch, Sam sighed. "There's some iced tea in the refrigerator. If you don't mind . . ."

"Consider it done," he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

A few moments later he walked back into the living room, carrying two glasses of tea, only to discover that Sam had dozed off. Placing the drinks on coasters, he pulled an afghan over Sam and walked up the stairs.

Knocking softly on the door, George waited a second before walking into the bedroom. "Hey, buddy," he said, crossing the room.

John grinned and gestured around the room. "Would you believe I finally have more connections than your computer?"

"I'd believe it," George said with a laugh as he took the seat next to the bed.

A few silent seconds passed before John commented, "I don't know how people do it, George."

"Do what?" he asked, not following his meaning.

John fidgeted slightly. "Sit around all the time. I'm bored to tears here."

George grinned. "Well, you never one to sit still."

"Yeah," John replied. "And now I have to just *lay* here." He took a breath before adding in a whisper, "And what's worse is Sam has to just sit by and watch."

George nodded, all traces of his smile gone. "Well, at the moment, she's asleep on the couch downstairs."

Relief washed over John's features. "Good, I'm glad. She's determined to do everything herself."

"That's why I'm here," George replied. "Thought an extra pair of hands might help."

His eyes drifting shut as his medication kicked in, John smiled. "Thanks, George."

"Anytime, buddy," George replied, leaning back in the chair.

***

When Sam woke up, at first she was disoriented to find herself curled up under a blanket on the couch. Glancing around the room, she saw two watered down glasses of iced tea and remembered George's visit.

Standing, she stretched her arms over her head and walked up stairs. Walking into the bedroom, she smiled. "Hello again, George."

George startled slightly, and turned around to face Sam. "Hi, Sam. Have a nice nap?"

Nodding, she squeezed his shoulder and replied, "Thanks, I needed it." Looking over at John, she asked, "Has he been asleep the whole time?"

"Off and on," George replied, looking at his friend. "But mostly, yeah, he's pretty worn out."

She managed a short laugh. "He would hate that." Sam sobered when she added, "But I don't think either one of us could have handled the alternative."

"Here," George said, standing up and gesturing toward the chair. "Have a seat."

Smiling, she sat down. "Thanks." Taking John's hand, she didn't say anything more.

"Where's Chloe?" George asked a few moments later.

Glancing up at George, Sam rubbed a hand over her eyes. "She's out with Grace. She wants to be here with John, but it was getting to be too much for her."

"She's a great kid, Sam," George said with a smile.

Nodding, Sam replied, "I know. She's been great the whole time. She wants to help with anything she can." Sam glanced at John before adding, "She's been through so much. She just tries to forget that she's still a little girl sometimes."

"And what about you?" George asked with a concerned glance at Sam.

Sam shrugged in reply. "I'm doing whatever I can to make it easier on them."

George kneeled next to Sam. "And what about you?" When she glanced at him, not comprehending, he explained. "You know what John would say to that statement."

"I know," she said with a sad nod. Rubbing her eyes, she added, "I just wish he was healthy enough to stop me."

***

Grace brought Chloe home the next day. George, who had come back over that morning, took Chloe outside while Sam and Grace talked.

"How are you doing?" Grace asked, following Sam upstairs.

Sam smiled, but the emotion didn't reach her eyes. "I'll survive."

"How's John doing?" she asked, standing just outside the bedroom.

Sam blinked several times, willing herself not to cry. "Not good." She paused, and took a deep breath before continuing. "He's in a lot of pain. He won't show it, but I can tell."

"What about the pain killers Doctor Thompson prescribed?" Grace asked softly.

"The ones he refuses to take hardly any of?" Sam laughed humorlessly, and leaned against the wall. "They help some, but he wants to be coherent. Doctor Thompson has finally resorted to morphine. Morphine and coherent don't work together, do they?"

Grace laid her hand on Sam's shoulder. "Why don't you go and spend some time with Chloe?"

Shaking her head vehemently, her voice only managing a whisper, Sam replied, "I can't."

"Sam . . ." Grace said, trying to reason with her.

Glancing over at the door, Sam took a shaky breath, and added, "I have to be there when . . ." Stopping in mid-sentence, she met Grace's gaze. Sam wiped angrily at the moisture on her cheeks and tried to explain. "When it's over, Grace. I have to be the one to be there."

"Okay," Grace said, pulling Sam into a hug. "Let's see how John is doing, maybe Chloe can come upstairs and talk to him for a little while."

Nodding, a flicker of a real smile crossed her face. "He'd like that."

Grace smiled. "You're right."

Sam wiped the remainder of the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath before opening the door.

When he heard the door open, John glanced over at the doorway. Seeing Sam, he commented, "Hey there, you."

Smiling, Sam walked over and carefully sat on the edge of the bed. Brushing an unruly curl off of his forehead, she kissed his forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Hiding a wince, he replied, "No different than the last few dozen times you asked." Managing a smile he looked over at Grace. "Can you please convince her to take a break?"

"Sorry, John," Grace replied with a smile. "You should know better than that."

Taking Sam's hand, John looked up into her eyes. "Why don't you go and play with Chloe?"

Shaking her head, she bit her lip before replying. "Nope. You're stuck with me." She sat there for a moment, just looking in his eyes before adding, "Although, I'm sure she would love to see you. What do you think? Are you up to it?"

"For the kiddo?" John asked, his voice strained. "I'm always up for it."

Behind them, Grace said, "I'll go get her, okay?"

John met Grace's eyes for a moment and nodded shortly. "Thanks, Grace," he whispered before looking back up at Sam.

Once Grace had walked out of the room, Sam leaned down and kissed him gently. "I love you," she said, her voice barely a whisper. She rested her forehead on his for a moment.

"Sam?" he asked, and she pulled back so she could look at his face. Carefully he raised his hand so it rested on her cheek. "I love you, too," he said finally.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Sam said, standing up.

"Mom?" Chloe asked, sticking her head in the room.

"Hi, sweetie," Sam said with a smile. "Come on over," she added, holding out her hand.

Behind Chloe, Bailey stood in the hallway. "Sam," he said with a nod. He turned his gaze to John and smiled weakly. "John, I don't know how you do it."

"Do what?" John asked with a small grin.

"Keep the attention of these two all to yourself," Bailey replied, standing next to Sam.

Watching as Chloe walked slowly across the room, John smiled. "Well, it's a tough job."

Managing a strained laugh, Bailey commented, "I'm sure it is." He paused and glanced over at Sam. "Can I steal this one for a minute, John?"

"Only if you force her to eat something," John said, trying to keep his tone light.

Taking Sam by the elbow, he led her from the room. "I believe you heard the man, Sam."

After they closed the door behind them, John focused on Chloe. "Come over here, kiddo," he said with a smile.

"I missed you," she said in a small voice once she was standing next to his bed.

"I missed you, too," he replied. A second later he asked, "Would you pull that chair up to the edge of the bed?"

She looked at him curiously. "Okay." She then proceeded to maneuver the chair.

When she was done, John continued. "Now, climb up in it and you can sit on the edge of the bed."

"Will it not hurt you?" Chloe asked, looking up at John with absolute trust in her eyes.

Shaking his head as best he could, John replied, "Nah, I'm tough. Now get up here, kiddo."

Grinning, Chloe climbed up in the chair and was soon sitting next to John. When John sucked in a quick breath, Chloe said, "See, I thought it would hurt you."

"Doesn't matter," John said with a straight face. Giving her arm a light squeeze, he said, "I'm just glad you're here."

Chloe nodded. "Me, too." A moment later she looked over at the bedside table. "That's our picture that Mom gave you."

John glanced at the framed photo as best he could and smiled. "How could I forget your birthday?"

"It was fun, wasn't it?" Chloe asked, a small smile on her face.

Nodding, John replied, "It sure was, kiddo."

"That seems like so long ago," she said in a small voice. She lowered her head, but didn't say anything more.

"What is it, little one?" John asked a moment later.

Chloe looked up from where she had been staring at the covers. Looking into John's eyes, her lower lip quivering, she asked, "How much longer are you going to be with me and Mom?"

John could feel tears burning the corners of his eyes, and he blinked before answering her. "Forever, in a way, little one."

"As long as I keep my promise?" she asked, her blue eyes hopeful.

Smiling, John sniffed. "Even longer."

Biting her lower lip, she hesitated before asking, "Can I give you a hug?"

"I'd be hurt if you didn't," he whispered.

Carefully, Chloe leaned over and wrapped her arms around John's neck. One hand on Chloe's back, John guided it so that her cheek was lying on his shoulder. "I'm going to miss you," Chloe said, sniffing around the words.

Chloe sat up a little, and John tilted his head just enough to kiss her on the nose. "Just remember that I didn't want to go, okay, little one? I'd never leave you intentionally."

"I know," Chloe said, nodding. Having sat up completely, she leaned forward she gave him a kiss on the cheek. She then sat there for a second, looking at her hands. When she looked up, she said, "I don't remember my real dad that much anymore."

"Chloe . . ." John said, his voice weak.

She shook her head, and John couldn't help but think she looked just like her mom. "And I know you're not him, but . . ." She paused, and wiped the back of her hand over her cheek, "In a way you are my dad, John."

John looked at her, smiling faintly. "You don't have to say that, little one."

"I want to," she said, sniffing. In a quiet voice, she continued. "I know Daddy is in heaven, but I hope he wouldn't mind if I called you dad, too."

John's eyes filled with tears, and he smiled. "You're the best daughter anyone could ask for," he replied, blinking quickly. "Do you know that, kiddo?"

Chloe took one of John's hands in both of hers. "I love you," she said eventually. Repeating his words from before, she added, "Just never forget that."

Squeezing her hands, John's eyes were bright. "I won't. I promise."

***

Standing up from where Grace, George and Bailey had cornered her at the kitchen table, Sam said, "I really should get back up there."

Grace nodded. "Okay, I'll come with you."

Relenting, Sam agreed. Looking at George and Bailey, she said, "You two don't have to stay here if you don't want to."

"That's not a question, Sam," George said.

Bailey agreed with George. "We're where we need to be, Sammy."

Not wanting to argue, Sam turned and walked out of the room. Close behind her, Grace followed her upstairs. They arrived outside the bedroom door in time to hear the last part of Chloe and John's conversation.

After a few minutes of listening to the quiet discussion, both Sam and Grace had tears in their eyes. "Go on, Sam," Grace said a few moments later, when the conversation inside was apparently over.

Nodding, Sam knocked on the door and went inside. Grace, for her part, walked back downstairs to wait with George and Bailey.

"How are you two doing up here?" Sam asked after closing the door.

Both Chloe and John smiled. "We were just having a chat, right, kiddo?" John said a second later.

Chloe nodded, but it was Sam who spoke next. "Why don't you climb down from there and let John get some rest, okay, Chlo?"

"Okay," she said, her voice low. Just before walking through the door, Chloe turned and walked back to the bed. "Will I see you again?"

John thought about what he should say, but settled for being honest. "I hope so, little one."

Sam flinched at the finality in his words, and Chloe nodded, chewing on her lower lip to keep from crying. "I hope so, too," she replied. "But if not," she added, being as grownup as she could manage. She stood on tiptoe kissed his cheek, and whispered into his ear. "I love you, Dad."

"I promise, little one," he whispered. "Forever."

As Chloe walked out of the room, Sam struggled with her emotions. "You really think you just said goodbye," she said a few moments later, looking at John with tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sam . . ." he said, hating the sadness he saw on her face.

"Don't," she said, a harsh edge to her voice, "be sorry." Leaning over, she kissed him and lowered her voice. "Just be here."

John closed his eyes and nodded. "For as long as I can."

***

The next time Sam went downstairs, it was the following morning. In the living room, Grace, George and Bailey sat, each wearing the same clothes they had on the day before.

"Sam?" Grace asked, standing.

Looking around, she asked, "Where's Chlo?"

George stood. "She's still asleep, Sam."

"Were you here all night?" Sam asked, rubbing a hand over her eyes and through her hair.

It was Bailey who nodded, saying, "Don't worry about us, Sam. How's John?"

Sam shook her head, the lost look in her eyes conveying more than the words she couldn't manage to voice.

Suddenly alert, George hesitated in asking, "Is he . . ."

"No," Sam said, shaking her head, and clenching her fists at her sides. "Not yet. But he did ask to speak with each of you."

"Are you sure?" Bailey asked, standing a few feet away.

Nodding, Sam replied, "It's what he wants. Go on upstairs, Bailey," she added, pointing toward the stairs.

With one last look at Sam, Bailey sat his coffee cup down and disappeared up the stairs.

Sam dropped down on to the couch, resting her elbows on her knees. "Sam?" Grace asked, sitting on one side of her. Before she responded, George sat on the other. "Are you still with us?" she asked, trying again.

"I'm fine," Sam said, not moving.

"No," Grace said softly. "You're not."

Although she shook her head, Sam's shoulders started shaking. "It's not fair, Grace. This wasn't supposed to happen like this."

"I know, sweetie," Grace said, pulling her into a hug. "I know," she repeated.

***

During the day, each of the team members took turns talking to and sitting with John. That night, after Chloe had gone home with Grace, Sam sent the other team members home.

"It's just you and me now," Sam said, forcing a smile.

John looked at her through lowered lids, too tired to even open his eyes all the way. "Looks like it," he managed to say with a half-grin.

When he hadn't been looking, Sam had turned the pain medication machine up to the dosage that the doctor had originally prescribed. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice a whisper.

"I'm fine, Sam," he said, his voice slurring. A few minutes later, he asked, "Did everyone leave?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, finally."

When John gasped sharply instead of replying, Sam closed her eyes tightly. Without thinking, she crawled up in the bed next to John. "Hey, beautiful," he said a moment later. "If I knew that was all it would take to get you into bed," he paused, clenching his teeth when another wave of pain passed over him. "I'd have done it a long time ago," he finished, somewhat breathless.

Wiping a sheen of sweat from his forehead, Sam smiled. "What can I say, I was always a sucker for those blue eyes of yours."

"Sam?" he asked, the consciousness in those eyes fading before her eyes.

Blinking away the ever-present tears, she nodded. "What, John?"

He raised a clumsy hand to rest on her cheek, and smiled faintly as he whispered, "Don't forget our song." Taking a steadying breath, he added, "You'll be with me."

Tears streaming down her cheeks, Sam placed her hand over John's and held it against her cheek. Managing a faint smile, she kissed him, a long, gentle kiss. Breaking the contact, whispered in his ear, "You'll be with me, too."

Fresh tears slipped from her eyes as she saw the hint of a smile in his tired blue eyes. Brushing his hair back, she leaned forward and kissed his forehead softly. When she pulled back, she could see the faint remorse in his eyes and she whispered the words that broke her heart.

"It's okay, John. Just let go."

Their eyes met for a final time, and each was filled with an unquestionable love for the other. His eyelids having grown heavy finally dropped slowly closed.

As she listened, John's struggling breathing was the only sound in the room. Sam wasn't sure how long she sat there, holding him when his breathing slowed and finally stopped. Holding him tighter, she rocked back and forth, running her hands through his hair.

Kissing the top of his head, a sob wracked her frame as her tears continued to fall. "You'll be with me, John." Closing her eyes, she pressed her face against the side of his. In a voice, not even a whisper, she added, "Always."


The End



bet you thought it would never end. In fact, if you made it this far *please* email me and let me know. This story has been my one focal point writing wise, pretty much, for three weeks now. Let me know if it was worthwhile.

Thank you,
kaly
razrbkr@juno.com


Song Credit:
"You'll Be With Me"
performed by: Lawrence Gowan
published by: sorry I don't know :-)

Other Credits (this is pretty much every thing I can remember even being mentioned):

again, I'm making no money, just borrowing for a bit! If I did own any of these, would I be writing fanfic? :-)

Star Wars: the one and only George Lucas owns this wonderful creation! Go George!
Little Women: uh, I'm not sure. Although, by all rights and means, it's Louisa May Alcott's. :)
Titanic: this goes to Paramount and 20 th Century Fox.
Steel Magnolias: the weepy movie of all time, but I don't know the company.
Dragonheart: isn't that Universal? That sound right, at least.
Super Soakers aren't mine either *l*
Disney parade: that would be property of the mouse

And lastly. I apologize for any and all medical inaccuracies. I did research non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to an extent, but the information I gathered was mostly on treatment and diagnosis - not the long term effect.