Epilogue:  Six months later

Irina sat in the kitchen of her small home, a cup of coffee in front of her.  It wasn't much, but it was more than she had expected for a CIA safe house.  She had been there for five months.  When she and Jack had returned from Japan, Kendall had insisted on keeping her in her cell for a month so the CIA could determine whether or not she had helped Sark acquire the manuscript.

Kendall had had no choice but to agree to the safe house when Sark himself walked into CIA headquarters three weeks after their return.  He claimed Sloane had abandoned him soon after he delivered the contents of Irina's vault; he wanted revenge.  So he turned himself over and revealed all he knew about Sloane's plans.  It took time to prove his information, but Sloane was now in custody and had been for three months.

Irina grabbed her mug and went out onto the porch.  It was a beautiful morning.  The house was surrounded by woods and she could see various animals playing in the trees.  She loved it here.  It was great to have freedom, even if she was still constantly watched.  She was no longer locked in a cell and that was beautiful to her.

She took a breath of fresh air and let it out in a deep sigh.  Jack and Sydney would be coming over after work.  She had promised them a wonderful dinner and made plans with her guards to go to the store later that afternoon.  Irina sipped her coffee and looked around her, taking everything it.

She returned inside and went into her bedroom.  She continued into the bathroom.  She shed her clothes, turned the water on and stepped into the shower.  It was early; she still had plenty of time before her scheduled trip to the store, but these days, she didn't like to feel rushed.  She had all the time in the world.  She had her husband and her daughter back, something she never thought possible.

Finishing her shower, she stepped out of the tub and dried herself off. She dressed in jeans and t-shirt.  It was noon when she looked at the bedside clock.  She had two hours until her planned journey.  She decided she would do what she loved most—she would sit on the couch and read.

She grabbed her current read and settled down on the comfy couch.  Before she knew it, it was almost 2 and there was a knock on the door.  "Ms. Derveko, its Agent Mills."

"Come in," she called as she bookmarked her spot.  The man opened the door but did not enter.  Irina grabbed her purse and followed the agent to the car.

The trip to the store was short.  She knew exactly what she needed and where to find out.  She and Agent Mills were soon back in the car on the way to the house.  Mills dropped her at the door and was gone.  It's time they become not scared of me, she thought.

She unpacked her groceries, then set to work making dinner.  With the chicken in the oven, Irina returned to her book, knowing there was nothing for her to do for while.

Sometime later, she set the book down, finished.  Then she checked the chicken and began to make the rest of the meal.  It was going to 5:30 and Jack and Sydney would arrive soon.  Sure enough, at around six, she heard two cars pull up the driveway.  Making sure everything was fine where it was, she went to greet her husband and daughter.  Opening the door, she was met by Jack, Sydney and Vaughn—Michael, with a bottle of wine in his hands, almost like a peace offering.

Over the last few months, they had forged a tentative friendship for Sydney's sake.  "I hope you don't mind, mom," she heard Sydney saying and she came back to the present.

"No, that's fine," she assured them.  She realized they were still standing in the doorway and she moved back and let them enter the house.  Sydney entered first, then Michael and Jack followed.  He kissed Irina as he walked into the house.  "Hi."

"Hi," she answered.  She smiled at him before turning to her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend.  "Dinner's almost ready, so make yourselves comfortable."  She headed into the kitchen and Jack followed.  He took the plates and thing she had set out and began to set the table.  He got out another setting for Vaughn.  "How was your day?" she asked as she finished preparing the mashed potatoes. 

"Fine.  A bit boring, but fine nonetheless.  How about yours?"

"The same.  I got some more reading done."  She began to set the food on the table and Jack helped.  She called Syd and Michael and Jack pulled her chair out for her to sit.

The four of them ate dinner, talking pleasantly of their days.  When they were done and the dishes were in the dishwasher, Jack pulled Irina into the living room, setting her on the couch.  Sydney and Michael sat on the loveseat next to her and Jack settled himself on the table in front of her.  "What's going on?" she asked.

Jack looked at Sydney and smiled.  This was it; what he'd been waiting for.

"Jack?"

He smiled at Irina before launching into his speech.  "I don't know exactly how to do this, so I'll just say it.  Irina, I love you and I want you to marry me."

Irina looked up at him, a smile on her lips.  She didn't even have to think about her answer.  "Of course, Jack.  Yes, I'll marry you."  She wrapped her arms around him, kissed him, until Michael spoke.

"But aren't you guys already married?"

Sydney glared at him, as well and Jack and Irina.  "In a way, yes," Jack said.  "But I married Laura Chambers.  This time, I want to marry Irina Derevko."

"Oh."

Jack smiled at him before returning to his previous task—kissing his soon-to-be wife.

A/N:  Yes, it's finally over.  Thank you to all you who have been reading this and reviewing.  It means a lot.  I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing.  And to those of you who were looking for more S/V—sorry, this was always a J/I story, from the beginning.  Thanks again!