Epilogue

"Thank you, Mr. President." Efraim shook the President's hand as he awarded Efraim the Department of Defense Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service medals. Several pictures were taken and then they were shown out of the Oval office by the President's aide.

Several months had passed since Efraim and Francine had left Istanbul. They made a brief stop in Romania to look over the laser and van before it was flown back to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Dr. Smyth had been most insistent to see the dam as well as the damage to the trees that the laser had caused. After inspecting the area he had stared at Efraim, Francine and Geiger with raised eyebrows and grin on his face before climbing back into the limo and heading into Bucharest.

Life returned to normal once they were back in the States. Smyth had been right about the silence surrounding the death of Marcus Carlson. Carlson's funeral had been quiet. Dr. Smyth had attended, as had Marina Rassner and their youngest daughter, Margo. Francine would often corner Smyth and ask him about Rassner. Smyth would offer up a nasty smile and absolute silence.

"I suggest we retire to my club for lunch. On me kiddies, Admiral. It's not often I see a ceremony as the one I just witnessed. Mrs. Beaman? Are you feeling better?"

Francine groaned, laying her head on her husband's arm. "No lunch for me, just some tea please."

Efraim wrapped his arm around his wife, unable to keep the grin from his face. Francine was two and a half months pregnant, and morning sickness was something that knew no time with her. She had been so excited at the ceremony in the Oval Office, that she had been sick in the President's trash can. Luckily, everyone had been understanding, with the President's personal aide taking her to lie down after brushing her teeth.

"I can guarantee a soothing cup of tea, a comfortable chair with hassock and a variety of crackers." Dr. Smyth promised her, his amused concern raising eyebrows on everyone.

"Thank you Dr. Smyth. For that, I won't bring Internal Affairs down on you!" Francine cracked back at him brining laughter from everyone in the limousine. Efraim smiled, his wife may be down, but she would never be out of the game.

The afternoon had passed quickly. Efraim had received his orders from his father at lunch that day. He was to see out the remainder of the month in active service and his status would return to reserve. He was relieved to finally receive these orders, they had kept him out of the field or from making any decisions about the future.

Smyth had told them that Jonathan Stone had been debriefed and released from the CIA. Efraim had paid close attention to the details that Smyth provided while casting a look at his wife who nodded and continued eating her soup. He hoped that Stone was out of their lives, especially with the baby they were expecting.

Later that night as Efraim did his nightly check of the house., he heard Francine upstairs humming as she got ready for bed. He smiled as he took the steps two at a time, walking in the bedroom and stopping dead in his footsteps as he stared at his wife draped in a dressing gown, looking in the mirror at the slight mound in her belly.

"Think I look pregnant, B?" She turned sideways to him for his opinion, her hands caressing their unborn child.

After finding his voice, he walked over to her and took her in his arms, his hand over hers on her stomach. "I think you look more beautiful right now then I have ever seen you." His voice was hoarse as he kissed her neck, his throat thick with emotion.

"Thank you sweetheart, but do I look pregnant?"

He nodded, watching her smile. "You're smiling your secret smile again, Francine."

"I am? I have no secrets from you, B. You know that." She turned in his arms, head on his chest, just enjoying being held by him.

"Happy thoughts, hon?" He asked her as he lead her to bed.

"Mmmmm. Very happy thoughts, all about us. I was thinking I was very lucky that day you came home from Iraq and kissed the socks off of me."

"I seem to remember that kiss with the same fondness. But how so, hon?"

"I don't really know, B. But here I am, in love with a wonderful man and carrying his baby. I didn't think that would ever happen to me."

"Are you crying? Honey, don't cry!" Efraim sat on the bed and took Francine in his arms.

"I'm happy you idiot! I'm so happy!" Francine sobbed on his chest. "Stop thinking, B, and kiss me!" She ordered him, reaching up to stroke his jaw.

"Yes ma'am! Happy to follow orders, especially those of my beautiful wife."

"Just remember that when the baby needs changed."

"I knew there was a catch."

Her soft laughter filled the room like it filled him. "Love me, B."

He got up and turned off the lights, shedding his clothes and tossing them in the chair. Climbing into bed, he took his wife in his arms.

"My pleasure, always my pleasure."

"Our pleasure, B, always our pleasure."

The End