This story is AU from the "Experience is the Teacher". Basically think of it as an alternative ending if Mr. Zwick and Co. had the allotted 22 instead of 19 eps. Stupid ABC. Everything remains intact from "Experience is the Teacher".

Disclaimer: This fic is designed for non-profit use only. I own nafink. NAAAAFINK. It's all Mr. Zwick and Co. and the good people at ABC who used to and abused the show mercilessly. I totally loathe you guys. Desperate Housewives isn't even that great, so there. Good work ABC, you fickle sods.

Epilogue

It was late evening at the Manning Manor as Eli took a seat at the kitchen table, eagerly guzzling down a drink. With a loud burp he sighed contentedly, not hearing his sister enter the room.

"Gross," Jessie jested.

"Natural body function," Eli retorted easily.

Jessie rolled her eyes and grabbed a glass, filling it with water. From the window she spied her father getting out of his car, wrestling with a huge take out bag and laughing uproariously as Lily tickled his vulnerable stomach.

"Weird," Jessie whispered.

"Huh?" Eli asked from the table.

"Oh," Jessie hadn't realized she spoke out loud. "Look."

Eli reluctantly left his seat and peered out of the window also. He took in Rick and Lily's rough housing.

"So?" he asked.

"It's just…he's so happy," Jessie mused, a contemplating smile tugging at her lips.

"I know," Eli agreed. He glanced at Jessie, confused. "What's the problem?"

"It isn't a problem," Jessie objected, staring at her father. Rick sensed her looking and met Jessie's eyes, a broad grin exploding onto his face. He waved the take out bags around excitedly.

"It's just…" Jessie said mused, still gazing at Rick. "Who knew?" she indicated to Lily then the Manning Manor.

Eli cocked his head and smiled affectionately at Jessie. He ruffled her hair, much to Jessie's consternation.

"Looks like Dad's carting a whole load of take out," Eli said happily, changing the subject. He lightly punched Jessie on the shoulder. "Don't worry about Zoe stealing your food. I got your back."

"Oh yeah?" Jessie teased.

"Damn right," Eli returned, his eyes holding no hint of jest.

"There's take out?" Zoe asked eagerly, hurrying into the kitchen with Grace at her heel.

"Who wants Pad Thai?" Rick asked, gleefully bursting through the door waving a bag of food around the Mannings' kitchen.

"Me, me!" Zoe cried.

Rick grinned and quickly unpacked the food, smiling cheerfully as he heaped a mass of noodles onto Zoë's plate. Lily breezed in and kissed Rick on the cheek whilst simultaneously serving the food to the other kids. Then husband and wife sat next to each, whispering softly in each other's ears.

"Do you know what you're going to name it?" Zoe interrupted through a mouthful of food.

"We don't know what sex it is yet," Lily pointed out gently.

"I hope it's a boy," Grace groaned. "I've got enough sisters! Hey," she swatted Eli on the arm as he reached for some noodles of her plate. "Get your own!"

"Here E," Rick said, handing Eli some more Thai.

"I definitely want a brother," Jessie said as she chewed her food. "It'd be weird having a sister."

"It's going to be weird having another kid in the house permanently." Eli said. He made a face. "What are you going to do with it when it cries?"

"If it cries I'm so leaving!" Grace said hurriedly.

"Grace you will not," Lily said, gently swatting her daughter on her hand. Grace just grinned and rolled her eyes at her mother. Lily looked at Rick who beamed back at her, his dark bangs framing his eyes that looked back fondly at her.

"Mm," Lily licked the remainder of a noodle from her finger. "I say we should have a toast," she held up her glass of juice. "First for the birthday girl, who is growing up so fast, and who received so many gifts she's not getting anything for months!" Everyone chuckled as Zoe beamed as they toasted her.

"I think we should also toast to Grace," Rick said, grinning as Grace flushed.

"For doing so well in this "Young Writers Competition". And even if she doesn't win the competition, she's a winner in our hearts."

"Oh Dad, that was terrible," Jessie groaned.

"Thank you," Grace said quietly, smirking at a sheepish Rick.

"Don't think you can get away!" Lily said teasingly to Rick. "A new hotels deal?"

"Go Dad!" Eli encouraged while Jessie smiled.

"Ah, you'll will use me for my money when I get rich anyway," he faux growled as they chuckled and chinked glasses. They guzzled their drinks.

When they had finished Lily smiled contemplatively. "I think we should also have one more toast," she said seriously.

"More? I already finished my glass," Eli stated, looking befuddled.

"Oh," Lily sighed while Rick poured juice into Eli's cup. "Maybe I'm being silly but…"

Everyone looked confused but stayed silent as she continued. "It's been a year since we all moved in. And it's just been so…I don't even have words, really."

Under the table Rick's hands slipped over to cover hers. Lily squeezed back and clenched her teeth, willing the tears threatening to spill to subside.

"And unbelievably, we all survived," Rick jested gently, pressing his lips to Lily's temple.

Lily sniffled and rubbed his knee affectionately. "And I know it hasn't been easy," she continued, feeling misty eyed. She gazed at everyone in the room, looking at them lovingly until she settled on Rick. "But it's been worth it. Thank you," she whispered to Rick, stroking his face and feeling overcome. Rick smiled and held her hand, sweaty fingers entwined. "To family," he said warmly.

After a moment of contemplative silence Lily broke out in a smile. "Ok, who wants ice cream?"

It was an unanimous yes.

Fin

Author's note; Yes, I'm fully aware the ending was sappy, but less sappy than the actual ending of "Once and Again." Or at least, I hope so.

Well, that's all, folks. I've enjoyed writing this story immensely, and I hope y'all enjoyed reading it, too.

The highest praise goes to my Beta, Karen, who besides having to wade through pages upon pages of unedited story, gave thoughtful feedback, criticism and encouragement. This story would have never been written without her. And, she wasn't paid for any of it!

And finally, thank you to all those people who have reviewed! Thank you for your kind and motivating words! I'd like to thank each of you now, so…

Potterfan2, Fingersmith, Bee, auggy1984, Jamie, Bessie18, Kris, Lenny, Kate, lola, Justafan131313, ana, rugrat01, Juless, Fl Twin, Alex, hijinx, Elin, Moonbeamhl, Allison, M.E.M, Katherine, myelephantgirl, rory, Nadia, Jules, Martie, Isha, Jacob, Chynna Princess, Lanny, nimacu, Jess, jumper, Stresschicken and Zero…

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