Monica Reyes POV:

Inn & Suites

February 5, 2004

11:15 a.m.

I shut the adjoining bedroom door and toss my clothes into my bag. I grab my cell phone, finding the Malone's number to dial Samantha Spade.

"Hello?" I hear Jack's voice.

"This is Agent Reyes, from the FBI. I have an idea of what might fix things," I tell them.

"Everything is back to the way it should be," he answers. "At least for Samantha it is; I haven't seen Maria yet, though."

"Was it the wedding band?" I question.

"Yeah," Jack laughs softly. "I appreciate you and Agent Doggett coming down on such short notice."

"Glad we could help." I hang up the phone and head outside, waving down a cab. I see one approaching and let out a sigh.

"Monica!" I hear John's voice as the door opens and see him already inside. He slips out and pays the driver, making sure he takes off without letting me inside the vehicle.

"It's over," I tell him.

"Tell me what I can do to make it up to you." He eyes me regretfully.

"The case is over," I tell John. "Samantha is herself again. It was the rings." I let out a sigh, "I'm heading home."

"Let me drive you."

"John, you don't need to."

"It'll be a fortune otherwise."

"I'll rent a car."

"We need to talk," he reminds me. He takes my hand, bringing me inside his hotel room. I glance around and take a seat on the bed, as he packs his things.

"John," I pause, "I love you, but sometimes I think you're ashamed of me."

"What?" He sits beside me, taking my hand in his. "I'm not," he tells me.

"At first I thought it was because of your son's death and I was the lead investigator on it back in 1993, but now--" I pause, "I think we're only kidding ourselves."

"You're right."

I feel my stomach drop and my head spin. "I haven't been putting my heart into this relationship, and I'm sorry. I've been afraid of what might happen. Let me make it up to you. I'll take you to meet my family."

"Oh great," I let out a sigh, "that really quells my fears, John."

"You want us to start telling people; well they're the first that should know."

"I meant my family," I laugh. "Your family scares the hell out of me."

"Why?"

"It's more like why wouldn't they? Anyways it's not really a big deal. I'm just making it out to be one," I laugh softly, embracing his hold.

"I know you've wanted to tell Dana for some time. You can call her on our way home, if you want."

"Really?"

"Why not?" he shrugs. "The worst that could happen is there will be a few rumors floating around, like that hasn't happened already?"

"What made you change your mind?" I question.

"You mean besides you ditching me at the diner?" I can't hide the smile on my lips. "I suppose the case. The fact that tomorrow you could be someone completely different and want nothing to do with me," he laughs softly.

"That'll never happen," I answer, moving my mouth to his for a warm, inviting kiss.



Jack Malone POV:

Malone Residence

February 5, 2004

11:11 a.m.

"A baby?" I repeat.

"I've been thinking about it for a while."

"Samantha, a child changes everything. You're tied down to your work right now, and there's a commitment you have to make to a child--"

"I'm aware of that," she answers. "It's not like this is the first time it's crossed my mind. You managed to forget about birth control when I was Maria," she eyes me intently. "It's not a big deal," she stands up, "there are other guys who would be more than willing to do me this favor."

"Sam."

"I'm not asking you to be the baby's dad, just the biological father."

"Do you have any idea of what will happen if you get pregnant?"

"Jack," she eyes me seriously, "plenty of FBI agents have children. The last few months I'll have to take it easy but why shouldn't I be allowed to have a family like everyone else?"

"I want you to think about what you're asking me," I point out. "This isn't something small, Sam."

"I know," she nods with a soft breath. "I was worried this would be your response. Forget I said anything," she says as she heads out of the bedroom.

"Sam," I call after her but she keeps going, down the hall to the front door.

"I guess I just wanted a part of you with me forever," she tells me, and shuts the door behind her.

"Sam!" I open the front door and she's managed to hail a cab and get inside. I want to chase after her, but I can't.

She can't raise a child on her own. She's strong but it takes more than strength alone. I want her to be happy, but I don't believe bringing a child into the world will do that. I want to be with her, but I'm not certain leaving my family is the best option.

I head inside the house and grab a soda from the fridge. I down the cold liquid, wishing I could forget the pain and heartache I've caused Sam.

I head for the couch, flipping on the television and sometime later glance up to see Maria standing in the doorway.

"Jack," I hear her voice and let out a soft breath. "We need to talk."

"I know," I answer. "Samantha told me everything about the past few days."

"Not just about that," she eyes me. "I can't keep doing this, knowing where your heart now lies."

"Maria?"

"No," she shakes her head. "I meant what I said about it being over between us. I just didn't want it to end the awful way I made it. I'm sorry I hurt you, Jack. We're not meant to be together any longer. Go after what you want, while you still can."

"What are you talking about?" I question.

"We're only kidding ourselves," she tells me, "trying to work this out for the girls." Maria shakes her head no. "It'll never last." She takes a seat beside me on the sofa.

"You don't mean that?"

"I realized that this week," she eyes me. "You love her, in any shape and form. She was once the other woman. I'm not sure when, but I realized now I've become that."

"Maria."

"Don't, Jack. I think it would be best if you packed a bag of your clothes. You can come back later and get the rest."

I let out a soft sigh, not fighting her. I head into the bedroom and rummage through the closet for my suitcase. I grab enough work clothes, as well as other amenities before heading out.

"When can I pick up the girls?" I eye Maria.

"I don't want them hanging around Samantha."

"She's been with them the past couple of days," I point out.

"Jack," she eyes me, "not until the divorce is finalized."

I roll my eyes, "They're my children too!" I open the front door, and grab my bag, carrying it down to the car.



Samantha Spade POV:

Spade Residence

February 5, 2004

12:15 p.m.

"Sam!" I hear Jack's voice and let out a sigh.

I stand up, heading for the door in my sweatpants and tank top. "Come in." I leave the door open, letting him close it as I take a seat on the couch. I toss my cell phone onto the coffee table, after talking to Van Doren and explaining that I'm back to myself after a terrible case of the flu.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" I question. His eyes meet mine and I already know—he won't father a child with me. I shrug in response, not at all surprised by his words. "It's okay, I'll find someone else who can." I stand up and head into the kitchen for a drink. "Want anything?"

"Sam, I want you to think seriously about what this will do to you."

"There are plenty of single mothers out there, besides it isn't like I'm not financially secure," I laugh in absurdity. "I just want to settle down, Jack. I can't say I've ever really wanted that before."

He nods his head, quiet in thought.

I notice his suitcase by the door. "Jack?"

"Tell me something, is it the baby you want, or a family?"

"What are you--" I put the glass on the table, as he approaches me. His hands softly grip my wrists as he pulls me towards the sofa to sit down.

"Answer my question, Sam."

"Does it matter?" I scoff. "You aren't willing to give me either of those things." I shrug from his grasp, placing my hands in my lap.

"I couldn't give you a child and not be a part of your life," he tells me.

"You're married," I remind him. "I don't think your wife would appreciate you having an illegitimate child on the side and you caring for it."

"After the past few days, she doesn't even want to stay married to me. I can't blame her."

"She'll change her mind," I point out, "and you'll work through your differences. I'm not asking for anything you haven't done before." I bite down on my lower lip. "I know you're married, but we'd never have to get involved again—no one would have to know."

"Sam," he shakes his head no. "I don't think I could go to work everyday, knowing I fathered your child and wasn't a part of your life." He lets out a sigh. "I don't understand why you're so insistent on having a child now anyhow."

"I want a family, Jack. If I can't have you, I want a part of you with me forever. I know it sounds stupid," I let out a sigh. "I'm not asking you to help me raise the baby, or even meet it."

"Sam," his finger moves under my chin so I stare at him. "You would have a child, and never tell the baby I'm the father?" I try and shy away but he doesn't let me.

"Only if it's what you wanted. I know I can't have everything," I laugh softly.

"You're not listening to me, Sam. Maria wants a divorce."

"What if it's just another separation?" I question.

"It won't be. I'm not going back, I can't—not after what we've experienced, Sam."

"What?"

"Being a family—those few days meant so much to me, I just wish I had known it was you."

I laugh softly, feeling a smile tugging at my lips.

"What are you saying?"

"I want us to be a family."

"What about work?"

"What about it?" He eyes me. It isn't like Van Doren doesn't have her suspicions all ready. She's not going to say anything, so long as we keep it professional on the job. Besides, until you actually become pregnant, no one will know for certain."

I nod my head, thinking things over. "So, what? You'll move in with me?" He lets out a sigh. "What is it, Jack?"

"Maria doesn't want you around the girls, until the divorce is finalized."

"That could be forever," I groan.

"I think they'll be able to handle it, as long as it's not rushed," he offers.

"So you need your own place?" I eye him.

"You've only got a one-bedroom place anyways," Jack points out. "We'll have to get a bigger place for the girls to have a bedroom."

I nod my head. "We'll?"

"Yes," he laughs. "You're not bailing out on me now." I lean my back against his chest, feeling his arms envelop me.

"And if they don't like me?" I whisper.

"It'll probably take some time, but they'll come around."

The End