Endgame Epilogue Rating: PG-13

9 months later, a flower garden at the Botanical Gardens. . .

Max. . . I never thought I'd see this day come. I remember the night she was born, I dreamed about this ~ walking her down the aisle on her wedding day, giving her away to a man who promised to love her more than life itself. I remember telling Emily about it the next morning. "Max, let her be a child. She's a baby. Let her grow up."

Ah, but Emily, you had no idea how quickly she'd have to. I wish you were here today to see our baby girl. Jordan is beautiful ~ radiant. And the dress she and Kaidlyn picked out is absolutely perfect. Simple, yet elegant. And a simple wreath of flowers in her hair. She looks so much like you today, it takes my breath away.

You'd like Woody, Emily. I know you would. He looked so nervous at first I wasn't sure he was going to make it. He loves Jordan more than life itself. But it's still a big step. The look in his eyes when I walked Jordan down the aisle is one that I'll never forget. Pure unconditional love. He knows it's not necessarily going to be an easy ride, but he's signed on for the long haul. And Nigel and Bug standing up for him ~ they're Jordan's co-workers.

And then there's Kaidlyn. Remember her? My baby sister's baby girl. Her dress is just the right shade of blue to bring out her eyes. She looks like a fairy tale princess. Hard to believe she's done all she has and she's only 27. After that assignment she decided to leave the F.B.I. at least for a while. I think it scared her more than she expected. Or maybe ~ maybe she just needed to be around family for a while. I love my sister, but I know that Kaid's home life was even more shaky than Jordan's growing up. The stability is probably good for her. Agent Haley and others in administration told her there will be no problem if she ever decides to go back. But she's so happy now. She's working as a forensic criminologist liaison between the M.E.'s office and the Police Department. Damn good at her job. She hangs around with Nigel a little more than I'd prefer, but she seems happy enough.

And there's laughter in the house again, Em. And music. Like there was when. . . Anyway. Jordan and Woody come over for dinner once or twice a week and the girls sit around playing guitar and singing. Remember how Jordan used to beg for a baby sister and then when Kaid was born she'd say that Kaidlyn was her almost-sister? They're as close as sisters now.

Jordan's doing fine, Emily. And I'm doing fine. We miss you, but I know things are better for you now. I know you're in a better place. I love you so much ~ even after all these years. I wish I could have helped you, but I know I did all I could. No regrets, Emily. No regrets.

"Dad? You ok?"

"I'm fine Jordan. I just. . ."

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy. I've never seen you look more beautiful than you do today. I love you Jordan. More than life itself."

"I love you too, Daddy. Thank you for everything ~ and I do mean everything. Now ~ come dance? It's that time."

"Alright. I'm coming."

One last look at the reflection of the setting sun on the city skyline. Jordan leads me out onto the dance floor in the tent we've set up for the reception. I offered the Pogue, but Jordan wanted things outside. The Pogue was a back-up plan. Probably better this way. I pull her close for this one last "official" father-daughter dance. She pulls back for a minute to look in my eyes and 26 years of mostly unspoken emotion pass between us. As I get ready to hand her over to Woody she pulls me close and I hear her soft voice in my ear. . .

"It's ok, Daddy. I know she's here."

END.