Disclaimer: As in Ch. 1

Same time

Same hallway

"Tell me one good reason why I shouldn't kick your six for making us late!" Sturgis growled at Clay as he strode down the long hallway.

"You're the one who was driving and got lost!" Webb snorted.

"But *you* are the one who insisted that I drive. *You* are the one who get rid of our aide because *your* CIA files are too secret for anyone else to know about it. Oh! And we mustn't forget that *you* said that *you* knew your way around Okinawa. Thanks to you, I missed my daughter's arrival!"

They continued to debate the point until Clay stopped suddenly, and Sturgis ran into him.

"What the..." The retired admiral was ready to completely blow up at him now.

"Oh, no!" Clay swore under his breath. "I was supposed to meet her out front and tell her the news."

Sturgis now saw the frozen family farther down the hall. Andrew was clinging to Harm's leg; Little Harm stood very still, just staring at his father; and his daughter, carrying her own daughter, stood near the nurse station, a thousand emotions running over her face.

Young Andrew looked curiously at the man in the wheelchair and decided that he looked very familiar. Wanting to take a closer look, he unwrapped his little hands from Harm's leg and walk to stand in front the wheelchair. His curious, boyish eyes almost brought tears in Matt's eyes as they stared at each other.

"Daddy?" His innocent voice melted Matt's heart.

"Hey, buddy. Daddy's home."

Without a second's hesitation, Andrew crawled into his father lap and wrapped his tiny arms around Matt's neck. "I missed you, Daddy."

Matt closed his eyes and let his tears fall. "I missed you, too, buddy" Hugging his youngest son close, he turned to Little Harm, who still stood silently. "Harm...come here, son." He asked softly.

Little Harm bit his lip and walked slowly toward his father. Finally, he reached his father and, staring into his eyes, began to snob. He, too, clung desperately to his father, his head on one shoulder and Andrew's on the other. Matt winced for a second as his wounded shoulder throbbed under the pressure but quickly dismissed the pain.

"They said you were missing, Daddy." Little Harm sobbed. "I missed you so much!"

"I'm back, Harm. Everything will be fine, son." Holding both sons tightly, he looked at his wife.

Elaine seemed ready to burst into tears as she stared wonderingly at her husband. For a moment, she really looked her age, but all Matt could see was his gorgeous wife.

"Boys, can both of you stay with Gramps and Grams for a second, while Daddy talks to Mommy?"

Reluctantly, they complied, and Matt turned back to Elaine as Sturgis gently took Eliza from her, knowing that his daughter and son-in-law needed some time alone.

Slowly standing up from his wheelchair, Matt approached his wife. As he almost reached her, he held out his arms and she ran into them. They both began to sob, ignoring everyone else.

"God, I missed you so much! I love you. Oh, I love you." Matt whispered to his wife's ear.

"I love you too. When they say you were MIA, I...I..."

"Shush...honey. It's ok. Everything's ok. I'm back now, and I'm not going to leave you again. You're stuck with me." Matt smirked at her, trying to disperse the tension.

"You squid!" Elaine playfully smacked his good shoulder than turned to Sturgis and picked up her daughter. "I'd like you to meet someone. Matthew Rabb, this is your daughter: Elizabeth Elaine Rabb. Eliza, I like you to meet your daddy."

Matt could only stammer. "Y-you..."

"I was pregnant when you went down, Matt." Elaine said softly, not sure how Matt would react to the news.

"Oh, honey." He gathered both of his girls close to him and hugged them fiercely.

They stayed like that for a minute or more before the sound of someone clearing his throat broke the moment.

"I'm sorry to say this, Commander, but you're not exactly in your best shape yet. Maybe the reunion should be moved to your room, so you can get your rest." Captain Thern suggested, hating to interrupt.

Matt nodded silently and walked with his wife and daughter to the room, Harm, Mac, Sturgis, and Clay following with the boys.

For a little while, they all quietly talked, but Sturgis and Clay both made their excuses and left. Sturgis had offered to take Eliza with him, but Matt utterly refused. The little girl had dozed off peacefully on her father chest, and there was no way he was going to move her. Kissing his daughter goodbye and shaking his son-in-law's hand, Sturgis left with Clay. Soon after, Harm and Mac departed as well, with Little Harm and Andrew asleep on their shoulders.

"They're both out like a light. I'll see you tomorrow, son. Rest up, ok?" Harm squeezed his shoulder slightly and kissed Elaine on the cheek.

"Thanks, Dad." The two chorused.

"See you tomorrow, sweetheart." Mac said, and then gently brushed a stray lock of hair off Matt's forehead. "I'm so proud of you, Matt."

He smiled at her. "Thanks, Mom."

The quartet left the husband and wife in peace.

"I guess I need to leave, too. You have to get some sleep." Elaine sighed, starting to stand.

"No." Matt pulled her gently. "Please stay. I just want to hold you and our daughter today, please."

When he turned his famous puppy eyes on her, she knew she'd stay. Setting her purse back on the nightstand, she sat back on the bed.

"Come here." He smiled at her.

Gladly, Elaine snuggled next to him, her head lying on his unwounded shoulder as Matt wrapped his arms tightly around her, their daughter still asleep on top of his chest.

"I love you, Matt."

"I love you, too, Honey." Matt kissed Elaine softly before they both finally dozed off.

Finally, he was home with his family and children. No more early morning interrogation sessions, no more beatings, and no more mind game with the Chinese. At last, he was right where he wanted to be.

TBC…

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