THE LIGHT

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WEBB'S STABLES

Two weeks had past since the baby shower and a week since Tatiana's first birthday party.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Webb had turned the party into a celebration for Harriet and Bud in addition to Tatiana's first birthday.

Today, Webb was sitting at his desk going over some paper work while Tatiana sat between two bales of hay and played. The only thing was Webb was not doing stable work.  He was again researching something for Jeremy Wellington.

Every few minutes, Webb would look up from the laptop computer to see Tatiana trying with great determination to get up and walk.  Each time she would take a step, she would fall down with a padded thud.

"That's okay my little countess," Webb said. "You'll do it soon enough."

"Dada," Tatiana replied and tried again.

"That's right, I'm dada," Webb said going over and removing some hay from her hair.

"Dada," Tatiana repeated.

"That dress looks pretty on you," Webb said picking her up.  She was wearing the birthday gift Cassie had sent.

"Hoosie," Tatiana said pointing to the horses.

"Yes, those are Daddy's horses," Webb said putting her down and sitting back in his chair. "Try again."

"I heard you need a stable manager," Cassie said walking in.

"What are you doing here?" Webb asked getting up.

"I heard you need a stable manager," Cassie repeated as she rolled her eyes.

"Yes I do, I can't seem to find the right person." Webb said.

"That's because you don't know what you're looking for." Cassie smiled.

"I'm looking for the best," Webb replied.

"Oh my god, she's gotten so big," Cassie said kneeling in front of Tatiana. "Those pictures don't do her justice. She's beautiful."

"Thank you for the tapes," Webb said. "She listens to them every night. We both do."

"Come here my little angel," Cassie said holding out her arms to Tatiana.

"Ma-ma," Tatiana said as she got up and wobbled to Cassie.

"You didn't tell me she was walking, when did this start?" Cassie asked catching her after the third step.

"Just recently, but that's the most she's gone," Webb smiled. "Did you hear what she said?"

"No," Cassie replied. "The walking surprised me."

"Say it again, Tatiana." Webb encouraged as he crouched down in front of her.

Tatiana threw her arms around Cassie's neck and repeated the word.

"Ma-ma," Tatiana cooed.

"She called me ma-ma," Cassie said in shock.

"She knows you," Webb said helping them up. "I'm not surprised."

"I… I… I… don't know what to say," Cassie said hugging Tatiana.

"Ma-am," Tatiana repeated.

"I think you better answer her," Webb smiled.

"I'm not Zoya," Cassie said looking into Webb's eyes.

"And I'm not Michael." Webb replied.

"I never told you his name," Cassie said.

"I never told you hers," Webb countered.

"Mac," They said in unison and laughed.

"Cassie, I did hear you talking to him one night." Webb admitted.

"You must have thought I was crazy," Cassie laughed.

"No, I've talked to Zoya," Webb replied. "I just thought you were alone."

"I was alone," Cassie said. "So what do we do now?"

"Ma-ma, Dada," Tatiana said.

"I think she's already decided." Webb laughed as he took Tatiana and placed her on a bale of hay. He then pulled Cassie to him.

"Clay, I don't know when it happened, but…" Cassie began.

"I fell in love with you," Webb finished and kissed her.

"This is all so fast," Cassie said. "I just couldn't stop thinking about you."

"I know. I tried to ignore how much I missed you." Webb smiled and kissed her again.

"At first I thought it was because of Tatiana, and then I realized it was because of you." Cassie said.

"You did something to me," Webb said and looked over to Tatiana, "To both of us."

"You think we can make this work?" Cassie asked resting against him.

"Tatiana and I can always move to Kentucky," Webb said.

"That would never work," Cassie replied stepping away from him.

"Why not?" Webb asked.

"Aren't the CIA headquarters here in Washington?" Cassie asked.

"I don't work for the CIA." Webb said.

"Oh really," Cassie laughed motioning her head to the desk. "Then what's that."

"That is classified information," Webb replied. "And I think I am going to have to have a talk with a certain pregnant marine colonel."

"So that is spy stuff," Cassie teased.

"I'm doing a favor for a friend," Webb said. "My career now is breeding horses."

"Clay, if I am going to be the stable manager here I cannot have you underfoot.  I suggest you call Jerry Wallington and tell him you want your old job back, because there will be no work for you here." Cassie said firmly.

"His name is Jeremy Wellington," Webb laughed.

"What ever," Cassie replied. "You just better call him."

"Cassie Walker, you're going to be trouble." Webb said and kissed her.

When they broke their embrace, Tatiana was laughing and clapping her hands.

"I guess she approves," Cassie laughed.

"Why wouldn't she?" Webb asked. "Come on, let's go."

Cassie picked up Tatiana and with Webb's arm draped over her shoulder they walked up to the house where Porter was sitting on the terrace.

"I hope he's asked you to marry him," Porter said.

"I'm working on that Mother," Webb replied.

"He's been moping around since you left," Porter smiled. "You really need to stay."

"Thank you Mother," Webb sighed.

"Clay, before anything, I would like to hear about Zoya." Cassie said.

"I want to hear about Michael," Webb replied.

"Give me my grandchild," Porter said. "I think you need some alone time."

"Thank you," Cassie smiled and handed Tatiana to Porter.  She then placed her hand in Webb's and they walked back towards the stables.

"Cassie," Porter called after them.

"Yes Mrs. Webb?" Cassie replied and turned to face her.

"I could use a few more of these," Porter smiled bouncing Tatiana.

Webb and Zoya went to the stables and saddled up Tsar.  On one horse, they rode out to same ridge and sat under the same tree as where they had the 'picnic'.  They told each other about their past loves.  Two hours later as darkness began to fall they returned to the house where everyone was assembled.

"Welcome to the family," AJ said giving Cassie a hug.

"I'm not here to replace her," Cassie said accepting the embrace.

"No, but if she had to pick a replacement, I think she would choose you." AJ smiled.

"So when's the wedding?" Harm asked.

"I haven't asked her yet," Webb said.

"What have you been doing all this time?" Mac asked.

"It's classified," Cassie replied with a smile.

"Do you plan on asking anytime soon?" Bud asked.

"Oh this is ridiculous," Harriet said. "Cassie, will you marry Clay?"

"May I handle this on my own, in my own way?" Webb asked. "Cassie, come with me."

Webb and Cassie walked away from the group and went out on to the terrace.

"I never thought I would be doing this," Webb said. "I never thought I would fall in love again.  I never thought I would fall in love a first time."

"Clay, will you marry me?" Cassie interrupted as she grabbed his face and kissed him.

"Is anybody going to let me ask?" Clay questioned.

"No," The group chorused from the doors.

"Cassandra Walker, will you marry me?" Webb finally asked.

"I thought you'd never ask," Cassie laughed.

"Is that a yes?" Webb asked.

"That's a hell yes," Cassie smiled and kissed him again.

"Let's pop the champagne," Meredith said.

"Oh no, I think something else is about to pop," Mac said holding her stomach.

"Right now?" Harm asked.

"I think so," Mac replied. "We need to go. NOW!"

"I'll get the car someone call the doctor," Harm said running outside.

"Mac, are you doing your breathing?" Harriet asked.

"Oh yeah," Mac said. "It doesn't work."

"Ok, the car is here," Harm said coming back inside and helping Mac to the car.

"We'll meet you there," Harriet called after them.

"Mommy, where are they going?" Little AJ asked.

"Aunty Mac is going to have her baby," Harriet said. "We can't go, I forgot about Little AJ in all the excitement."

"Go ahead," Porter said. "Why don't you all go? I'm going to need the baby sitting practice."

"I think we're going to stay here," Webb said. "Call us when you have news."

"Will do," AJ said as they left.

"Mother, the children are yours." Webb said taking Cassie by the hand.

"Where are we going?" Cassie asked.

"To work on mother's request. She wants more grandchildren," Webb winked. "I've never been able to refuse her."

"Clay," Cassie said pulling him close. "I love you."

"Do you want to call your family?" Webb asked.

"What for?" Cassie asked.

"To tell them you're getting married." Webb said.

"No need, I told them that before I left." Cassie smiled.

"I love you," Webb laughed and kissed her deeply.

SOMETIME LATER

Zoya Catherine Rabb came into the world a healthy 7 pounds 6 ounces and 21 inches long.  On her two week birthday, Clayton Webb and Cassandra Walker were married at sundown up on the ridge.  Cassie's family flew in for the event.  They accepted and were accepted by everyone they met.  It was a small ceremony, only twenty or so in attendance.  Webb asked Harm to be his best man and Cassie asked Mac if she would do the honors as well.

After the reception, which took place on the grounds, Webb and Cassie left for their honeymoon.  They had chosen to spend two weeks in Paris with a stop in Moscow.  It was Cassie's idea.  When they arrived in Moscow, they were greeted by Alex who drove them to the cemetery.  There Cassie placed a bouquet of roses on the grave and made a solemn vow to Zoya that she would love Tatiana as her own and ensure that Tatiana would know her legacy.  When she walked from the grave, she smiled at Webb who took a moment to say a final farewell. 

Little did Webb know, in the years to come at Cassie's insistence, they would make the pilgrimage often with Tatiana and their other children.

When they returned from their honeymoon, Cassie went to work on making Double C Farms one of the most successful breeding farms in the state, as time passed they even had a horse compete in the Kentucky Derby.  That horse didn't win, but it did place ahead of the horse from Walker Farms.

Webb returned to the CIA, where he eventually replaced Jeremy Wellington, upon Jeremy's retirement.

FIVE YEARS LATER

The group was assembled at the Webb home to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Clay and Cassie as well as Little Zoya's fifth birthday.  So many things had changed.

AJ and Meredith had gotten married soon after his retirement and were traveling. 

Gunny had finally found the perfect woman, left the Marines and was living back in New Mexico, where he was the father of two sons and he spent his days training future sheriffs.

Tiner, became a JAG lawyer like his mentors and was stationed in Okinawa.  He and Coates eventually married and were just beginning to contemplate a family.

The remaining couples sat together admiring their brood. 

At last count, there were three Rabb children, Zoya, Harmon III and Patricia. 

Three Roberts children, AJ, Camille and James.

At any moment there would be another Turner, as one could tell by looking at Bobbie as she tried to find a comfortable position, while she accepted any and all offers from the others to watch their twins, Robert and Sturgis. 

Alex Volkonov and his wife with their two children had come to the States for their yearly visit.  The bonds of friendship had grown deep.

There were now four Webb children Tatiana, Clayton, Alexander, and their new baby Michael, all of whom would one day learn to speak Russian. 

They sat and laughed as children played together and sighed as the babies cried.  When the evening was over and it was time to leave, six year old Tatiana waved to her extended family as they pulled away.

"Dos Vidanya," She called out.  It was a sign that life goes on.