Title:What if

Author: Mariedex

Spoilers:After FO, a year in the future.

Disclaimer: The characters in the story are the sole property of Hank Steinberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, and CBS. No copyright infringement is intended.

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Samantha had to make the hardest decision of her life... to leave.

Chapter 12:

Four months later....

Would like me to keep this stuff behind the desk? The guard asked.

That would be great. Sam answered shifting Ryan to another hip. She had just flown in and thought that she would surprise Jack.

Nice to see you back Agent Spade.

Thanks. Just visiting right now, though. She smiled and walked into the elevator, trying best to ignore her headache. Ryan had cried for the entire plane ride. Sam swears that if they could have the other passengers would have thrown her out the window. The elevator stopped at the 11th floor and Sam stepped out. She had forgotten the intensity at times of this floor. She saw Danny sitting at the conference table looking over some papers. Anything good. She asked.

Danny looked up and smirked Hey you. You're early aren't you?

Some incredibly nice woman got me on an earlier flight.'

That was nice of her.

Yeah for a brief moment Ryan was a quiet and we both thought that it would be a good idea to take advantage of that.

Judging from that expression I would say no such luck.

No, she cried the entire way. Is Jack around?

Yeah, he should be back soon. We just ended a case. Danny answered before reaching out for Ryan. Come here little one, let's give your mom a break. I heard you were upset on the plane, want to tell me about it. So you finally did it.



All packed up.

The movers should be here next Tuesday.

You sure your ready for this.

Don't really have much of a choice. It's what Jack wants, so I'll do it.

Still trying to apologize.

No. Just compromising. Katie and Hannah need him too, so its not fair for me to be taking all of his time. It's just easier this way.

So when is your appointment with VanBuren?

On Friday.

That should be fun.

A party. She smirked, they both knew that it was not going to be a fun meeting and Sam was probably going to get a crappy assignment. But she was ready for it. She and Jack had talked about it and Sam felt that it would be okay. An easy assignment would make the adjustment easier for her in the long run.

Look who is here. Vivian said walking up behind them. Martin was tagging along

Sam smiled and gave the woman a hug. They hadn't always gotten along, but when it came down to it the two women were friends and Sam had really missed her.

You look good.

You too. Hey Martin. Sam gave him a quick hug.

So this must be Ryan. Vivian asked walking over. Well it is good to finally meet you. Your Daddy keeps talking about you. She's adorable Samantha.



I thought that you were coming in on a later flight. Vivian asked as she picked Ryan up and started bouncing her on her hip.

Yeah we did. I just got on an earlier one, I thought that I could catch her when she was sleeping, but it didn't seem to work.

Yeah, they always hate flying. Jack will be surprised to see you.

Where is he?

He had to stop and talk with VanBuren. But he should be down soon. Look at how big you are? She said as she watched Ryan stand. Is this new?

Yeah, watch out though she has a habit of kicking. Sam smiled at her daughter who had suddenly gotten very giggly. Sam turned to look at what she was laughing at. Jack had just come into the office talking to VanBuren. He did not look very happy. When he looked up though his whole facial expression changed. He had gone back to work two weeks ago, getting things all set up for Sam and Ryan to move back. Ryan had completely missed her father, especially since he had become a stay at home dad during the past three months.

There's your daddy. Vivian smiled, making sure to keep hold of her while she bounced around.

Hey baby. Jack said quickly walking over to his daughter before she slipped out of Vivian's fingers. Ryan just kept giggling. He kissed her forehead. This is a surprise, your early.

We caught an earlier flight. Sam smiled, semi-upset that she didn't get a kiss but since VanBuren was standing right there it would not have been that appropriate. Agent VanBuren. Sam acknowledged.

Agent Spade. It is good to see you again. This must be Ryan. The woman replied watching the child.




Very cute. Well I should back upstairs. Jack, I will talk to you tomorrow and Agent Spade your coming in on Friday. right?

If that is still good for you?

Fine see you then. The woman walked away. Sam was a bit curious what she was talking with Jack about. Her curiosity left her as she felt a peck on her cheek.

He whispered. Where is your stuff?



Okay let's go and get it. I'm going to bring Sam home and I will see you all tomorrow.

Sam smiled and gave Danny one more hug. I guess that means me too. See you all.

Hey Sam, Martin started, good to have you back.

Sam smiled at him. This was the first time that he had talked since she had seen him. Jack smiled at her as she entered the elevator.

Are you ready to be back? He asked.

Talk to me in the morning. So what were you and VanBuren talking about?

Work, we'll talk about it later. Right now I just want to relish that my two girls are home. I missed you. He said pulling Sam closer to him.

Yeah, we missed you too. Sam smiled. She was amazed how easy it was to be a family with Jack. How much she actually enjoyed it, how comfortable it had made her feel. Moving back to New York was the first step in making this family permanent. Jack had already started talking about marriage with her and they were in the process of getting Ryan's last name changed to Malone. They were moving into a new apartment, close to the bridge so Jack could see his girls easily. Everything was falling in to place and Sam could not have been happier. It almost made her cry, when she remembers how scared she had been and how alone she had felt. Seeing Jack now with Ryan, she knew that this was all meant to be. That there affair was not some stupid fling. That he was very much in love with her and that she was with me. The best thing was that for the first time in her life she trusted a man and that made it all better. She knew that whatever happens in the future, he will be there no matter what.

What are you thinking? Jack asked as he opened the door to his apartment.



He prodded.

It's just good to be home. She smiled.