The day finally came. Holly and Gail were at the airport waiting for everyone to come. Chris, Dov and Chloe came next and a bit after them Sam came. Soon after Oliver joined them with his wife Celery and with them Frank and Noelle came. Holly met Frank once, when she started working and she saw Noelle few times when she was at the station. This would be the first time she actually gets to spend time with all of them out of work. She didn't count few drinks she had with them because she and Gail didn't stay long enough for Holly to get to know them. Oliver and Celery were much different than Holly expected. Oliver started hugging and teasing Gail for everything there was. She learned that Celery was a witch and had some other powers as well. Oliver shook Holly's hand and told her he is very pleased to meet her. Holly never spent time with them before because Oliver spent months undercover. They got their bags checked in and went to have coffee. It was too early in the morning to function without at least two cups of coffee. Gail went to get coffee and Holly stayed at the table. Celery and him were curious of who Holly is so they started asking the rest of the guys. Before anyone had any chance to say something to them, Dov spoke.

''She is new forensic pathologist. And get this, as soon as she came, she basically started dating Gail… Out of all people she got it for the Ice Queen… ''

Holly felt looks on her and had pretty good idea they were talking about her. Oliver was older than many of them, so she had no idea what reaction to expect. What surprised was the smile Oliver and his wife had when they came to her.

''Oh, so you and my little Peck are an item… Good to know…''

Holly was a bit taken back with what he said.

''Why?''

''Because now I don't have to worry she'll waste her time waiting for…who knows what… ''

Holly knew what he was talking about. Things always somehow came back to relationship they had in the past.

''I love that kid Holly… and I even love how broody she is, but due to her…character…let's call it like that…she missed a lot of good things in life. ''

Oliver went to Chris and Dov to check something with them and Celery just took her hand and smiled.

''She has been waiting for you for very long time… Life was generous to get you back together…''

Holly's eyes were wide opened. She didn't understand what that was. Did Gail tell that woman something? Was it just her imagination? Celery saw her confusion.

''I am a witch… I see things…''

She approached Holly and whispered few things.

''You will be fine… There are some things out of the past you need to resolve. Your life will soon become what you wanted it to be for so long. Expect addition to your family very soon… Life will award you for all the bad things you had to put up with… Your love for life will bring you many good things and many challenges. You will shine soon…''

Celery squeezed her hand and left. Holly was silent and with her eyes wide opened out of surprise…

''I…I…''

Gail came to her and noticed Holly's expression.

''Oh, my God! Something left you speechless Nerd!''

Gail sat beside Holly and looked at her with a smile. It was fun to see Holly speechless… Holly excused herself to go to the restroom and Gail stayed with Celery.

''Your girlfriend is an amazing person Gail. I like her very much. She is survivor and fighter…. And I always admired people like that.''

''She is the best… At least for me…''

Celery smiled. She never saw Gail smiling when she talked about someone…

''I am very happy for you Gail…''

''Thank you Celery…''

''Your girlfriend has a big secret, but it will not stop her from achieving things in life. Soon it will not be a secret, but a thing she is proud of. She came a long way and make sure she knows how amazing and special she is. And she will give you what you are looking for…''

''How do you know all that?''

''Oh, it's a secret…''

''I hate secrets…''

''And yet, you keep them better than many… Have you seen your brother? He and Oliver came back together.''

''I'll see Steven when we get back…''

''Oh, I sense some hostility?''

''He has always been more her son than my brother…''

''Gail..''

'' I don't want to talk about Steven…''

Holly came back and noticed how tense Gail is…

''What's up babe?''

''Steve is back form undercover and Celery is asking if I saw him…''

''Oh, and did you?''

''No, don't want to…''

''Why?''

''We'll talk about it later…''

''Ok… I think it's time to board our plane.''

''Let's go.''

They got into their seats and about thirty minutes later, they took off. Gail fell asleep soon after they boarded the plane and Holly was reading a book. After two hours, Gail woke up and just cuddled up to Holly.

''Is the book any good?''

''It's fine… I like it…''

''What is it about?''

''There is this serial killer…''

''Oh, god… How are you not tired of that?''

''My friend told me to read it…''

''But Holly….''

''She said that there is hot detective in it… Downside is that detective is a man… But if you overlook the flaw, it's ok…''

Gail hit her arm…

''You are crazy…''

''How many hours more?''

''I don't know.…''

''Nooo… Why is this flight so long?''

''Because it's far…''

''They couldn't pick something closer… nooo…. We had to go to another planet…''

'' When I was flying to Europe, it took us much longer and then from London I was flying to Australia… That was a long flight…''

''Fine, I will not complain anymore…''

Holly smiled at her…

''We know you will…and pretty soon…''

Few hours later, and a lot of complaining from Gail, they finally landed. Two cars were waiting for them and they took them to the houses. Gail and Holly were in the house with Sam, Andy, Dov and Chloe. Gail stayed already at that house so she called dibs on the room at the top floor. It was the only room with a clear view to the ocean and it had balcony.

''Not fair Gail! I wanted the room…''

''I was faster dork…''

When they all got settled, they had a drink together and went to bed. All of them were tired from the traveling and needed some rest. Holy woke up first early in the morning. She had a 10 K run and got back to the room just in time to join Gail in the shower.

''Where did you go? I was surprised not to see you this morning?''

''I had my run, now I will have my shower with my dream girl and then I will make myself some healthy breakfast…''

''Just for yourself?''

''You have what I eat… It's my time for the cleanse.''

''In Christmas period?''

''Yes, why?''

''With all the amazing food and parties?''

''I don't party much… and we know that family dinners are off the table for a long time now…''

''I'm sorry…''

''Hey, it's fine… I got used to it…''

Holly got out of the shower and got dressed. Gail stayed some more, giving Holly time to go down. She felt bad for what she said and she had to figure out the way to make it up to Holly.

Chloe and Dov were making food with Chris when Holly got down.

''Good morning…''

Chris smiled at her and offered her bight of his melon.

''Good morning Holly… How are you?''

''I am fine, thanks for asking… You?''

''Rested and ready to hit the beach…''

''I agree. It's already amazing.''

Gail came down and before she had time to say anything someone was at the door. She opened and there were her brother and her ex, well sort of ex, Nick and Andy. It looked as she and Nick were back from the undercover work. The way Andy couldn't look at her showed Gail that she hooked up with Nick during the mission.

''Oh… I had no idea you would be coming.''

''Nice to see you too little sister…''

''I hate when you call me like that…''

''I know…''

He hugged her and her response was a bit reserved…

''Collins…''

''Gail….''

''We started eating…''

She didn't give Nick much of a chance to talk. He went undercover months ago with Andy and didn't contact her at all. She sat at her place beside Holly and took some food. Holly felt a bit surprised when Steve walked in with another man and woman she didn't know.

''Hey everyone. How are you doing?''

They all got up to say hello to them. After hugging and small talk, they noticed Holly at the table…

''Hi, I'm Steve Peck… And this is Nick Collins and the lady is Andy McNally.''

Gail didn't like how Steve and Nick looked at her and Sam found it entertaining in a way but soon his attention was back to Andy.

''Holly Stewart…''

''Are you new officer?''

''No, I am new pathologist…''

''Oh, wow… I had no idea we are getting new one...''

''Why would you Steven? You work behind the desk most of the time… I work murders…and streets. Mom put her least favorite child out on the street and her baby behind the desk. She would love you in a white shirt… And we all know that brother…''

''It's not like that…''

''Isn't it?''

''Why are you like that?''

''You know why…''

''Oh, come on Gail! We are back to that?''

''You were at the building where shooting took place… I WAS shot at Steve, my partner died in my arms… but SHE never cut me some slack… I had to go back right away on the streets and she said that I can't see the therapist because Pecks are not weak… We deal with our things alone.''

''Gail, you can't blame mom for everything…''

''I am not… I am just saying she has done a lot of bad things she never tried to make up to me…''

''I don't want to argue. I want to surf, have fun and enjoy the party…''

Gail got off the table…

''As usual...''

She left the room and the rest of them were silent for some time. Holly got off her chair.

''I'll go and check out on her…''

Steve took her hand.

''You don't have to. That's just Gail… Drama queen to the bone…''

''As a forensic pathologist, I find bones fascinating… and if you don't let go of my hand, you will find it fascinating that with one little move I can brake two small bones in your hand that hurt like a bitch to grow back…''

And with that Holly left the room.

''What's with her?''

''You messed with Gail…''

''So?''

Chloe didn't want to out Gail, so she found nice way to put it without saying too much.

''They are close. They bonded over case and Gail has opened up to someone finally.''

Chris was next to speak.

''It's nice to know she has let someone be in her corner finally. And let me tell you, you suck as a brother. Instead of being there for her when it all happened, you put your tail between your legs and let mommy dearest be really mean to her.''

''I couldn't do anything. Mom said that she will handle everything.''

''You could have come out about who is the Peck that didn't do the job right. She really was in a bad place after it all. It looked like she was the one who left the evidence bag with a gun on a table, but it was you Steve…''

''She could have said something about it….''

''No, she couldn't. Because, unlike you, she is not the one to throw people under the bus.''

Chris went to his room. He just couldn't be in the same room with Steve since it all happened. He spent nights and nights by her side when she had nightmares and moments of bad depression. Even after breaking up, he would sometimes spend the night just to be close to her when she wakes up. He stopped doing it when she met Holly, but he knew she still had them. Nick came to his room and sat on the bed.

''Are you in love with Gail?''

''No, but I love her very much. She is family to me and I can't stand what her own family is doing to her. Steve gets away with all and that makes me mad. It took a long time for her to stop moping around and just be happy…''

''And this friend?''

''Oh, she is a good one. Has a lot of patience for Gail and let me tell you, she is really there for her. I have no idea how and why Gail opened up to her. Holly is amazing, but Gail is so closed off and I have no idea how Holly got her to open up and change…''

''You talk like they are dating…''

''They are…''

Nick couldn't believe what he heard.

''What?''

''Shit… Forget it…''

''No, no… Now you must tell me how it happened.''

Chris gave him a bit shorter version of the things he knew.

''So, she is in love?''

''Madly….But Steve has no idea… Keep it under the wraps…''

''Gail and a girl… Ha!''

''What?''

''I must say I never saw that coming. I always believed she would either date or marry a lot of people, or stay single.''

''You should really see them together. Holly gets out of her something none of us ever did and Gail is more confident about herself and things she does.''

''I am sad she is off the market, but I am happy she is having someone in her life.''

Holly found her sitting on their bed.

''I can't believe him sometimes… You know, I envy you for not having family.''

Holly looked a bit sad after that comment.

''I am sorry Holly. I didn't want to be that insensitive.''

''Gail, it's ok… I know I have no family…''

''You don't? Oh, for a moment I believed I was it…''

Holly didn't see this coming…

''You are… You really are…''

''And you are mine…along with few of these idiots around us.''

''Baby, you are loved and respected. Don't let your brother take that away from you. I will kick his ass this time… I didn't do it all these years ago but I will now…''

''Always my hero…''

Gail kissed Holly and she felt better. Suddenly she was home. She was with someone she loved and she was loved for who she really is.

''Babe…''

''Yes, Holly…''

''What happened with you and Steve?''

''I can't talk about it now… But in short… He did something that almost coasted me my career and partner. I never said he was the one who fucked up everything.''

''And mama protected him?''

''He is her baby…''

''And you are mine…''

''Holly…''

''Yes?''

''Let's stay, get away from Toronto and start our life together somewhere far from there…''

''I'd love to… but we have a lot of things that keep us in Toronto, and I never saw you as someone who runs and hides…''

''There is difference in running and running away with you…''

''Ok… Fine ,but I still think we should not do that…''

''Maybe take that long vacation in Greece… Or few weeks in France… You love wine, I speak the language…''

''Someday… Not now… We still have things to do before we pack up and disappear…''

Gail and Holly spent the rest of the day in their room. Gail didn't want to be near her brother and Holly felt the same. She never really liked Steve. She believed he was a coward and spineless creature too tied to the mommy dearest. She was not surprised when she realized she has been right all along. But at some point, Gail was hungry and they had to go down to the kitchen and see their friends and Steve. Steve was sitting in the kitchen waiting for his water to boil. He was making pasta for everyone.

''It's alive…''

''Shut up Steven!''

''What now?''

''Why are you here?''

''I missed my little sister?''

''Oh, that's crap… What do you really need?''

''I got offer to get promoted…''

''And?''

''I have to make sure that…it's in the past…''

''I knew it! Saving Steve's ass… Always your ass…''

''I can help you get better cases and work undercover… I can even get you off the tranny murders…''

Gail saw the expression on Holly's face and she wanted to kill Steve for it.

''What did you just say? How did you call them?''

''I…''

''Hold it Steven! I am not interested… And don't you dare use that word ever again… It's not nice thing to say… You are such a lowlife…But your secret is safe with me… I will not tell… I will not ruin your chance to make mama proud. ''

She could see some relief on his face… She really hated him for being so spineless and unable to take responsibility for his acts. She was angry at Steve, angry at their mother, father too. She simply had so much anger directed at her family and she had a feeling it was time to seek professional help. Gail went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. She made some food for her and Holly and put it on the plate. Holly came downstairs and found Peck siblings. Steve was looking at Holly trying to figure out who she was and what is her connection to Gail.

''What do you think Dr. Stewart? Should she get better cases and make progress in her career?''

''I think Gail knows what she is doing and respect she has for the victims is more important than any promotion…''

''Oh, you agree with her?''

''I believe she has her own path and way of doing her job. Apparently, you picked different ones…detective…''

''You are a weird one…''

''I'm sorry?''

''You are weird person doctor, but on the other hand… she always had thing for weird…''

''Steven!''

''Did she tell you that dated pretty weird boy next door? Turned out, he was gay… Died of AIDS…''

Holly couldn't believe what she was hearing. Gail was giving Steve angry looks but he didn't notice it.

''I knew something was wrong with him… I said it to our parents, but Gail was mad about him... Turned out I was right…''

''Steven!''

''Spent years with fagg…''

She noticed how uncomfortable Holly felt with Steve in the same room.

''STEVEN, ONE MORE WORD AND I WILL FORGET ABOUT THE PROMISE I MADE! JUST ONE WORD!''

Steve was silent and Gail took Holly's hand and their food to the room. She hated Steve and his behavior…

''Your brother is still such an ass...''

''Tell me about it…''

Gail looked at Holly and saw pain in her eyes and her face. She was deeply hurt by what Steve said and she couldn't imagine what Holly felt when she heard those comments. She even wondered if she was ever tempted to say who she really was after she hears stories about how James died.

'' I am sorry about things he said.''

They ate their food and spent the rest of the evening wrapped up in each other's arms making love. Holly gave her best to make Gail forget about Steve and things that happened downstairs. Gail was cuddled up to Holly's back and very silent. She would occasionally pull Holly closer to her, trying to melt into her. Holly knew something was bothering her.

''What is it?''

''I was thinking about would we ever be able to tell everyone the truth…''

''What truth? About me being transgender?''

''No…Not that… About the James not being dead…''

Holly turned towards her…

''But he is dead…''

''I know… But… I know you said he died and Holly got to live… I was thinking about telling that the story of HIV and AIDS are false….''

''Gail…''

''I get it… You are done with it and with the past. You got the chance to live the life as…someone who you really are. And I respect it… I really do. I think it's so brave that you did all you did and managed to get the education, position and build the name for yourself. You are not in the streets or dead. You have good life and I am so happy it worked out for you babe… But…''

''You are attached to James?''

Gail got up and started pacing the room…

''I hate it! I hate that story… I hate how everyone trashes memories of James… He didn't deserve it. He was a boy who never did anyone wrong…''

''He did you wrong…I never told you…''

''And I forgave it to two of you. I know now you had to do it…and I get it now…I get it why… I do…''

''Why does it mean to you so much for the world to know that my parents are not telling the truth?''

''Because maybe James died, but the person who got to live is amazing…just as he was and maybe even more because now you are free… You are able to be honest of who you are…''

''I love you Gail Peck…''

''I love you too Holly James Stewart…''

Holly pulled Gail into kiss that turned into very hot make out session. Gail fell asleep on Holly's chest . They woke up very early and went out to the beach for a long walk. Holly got Gail to walk with her and they talked about a lot of things. They finally managed to start conversation about something that would have to come out in the end.

''Holly, with this case… We must tell…''

''I know. My name will be on many lists. I have to come clean…and get off the case…''

''That too…''

''Ugh… I hate this Gail! I have to be off the big case like that. Some of the people I know might be next…''

''I know…And I am sorry babe for that…''

''Gail, do you must be off the case too?''

''I don't know… I will have to talk to Oliver or Frank. I'll do it as soon as you come clean…''

''I'm sorry…''

''Hey, don't worry. We will have new case to work together on soon…''

''I know, but I really wanted this one solved…''

''Me too… We'll see what we can do. I think Oliver should know. We must tell him first and then…''

''And then…''

Holly went silent… They walked for some more time and returned to the house. Oliver was at the table cutting something his wife asked him.

''Hey girls… How was the walk?''

''It was nice Oliver, thank you….''

He looked at them and noticed something was wrong…

''What happened? Is it your idiot brother?''

''It's always him… But I don't pay that much attention to it…''

''Is it something serious?''

''Yes, can we talk? Outside of the house?''

He looked at Gail. She never asked things like that… Then he noticed how Holly was trying to hide her anxiety.

''Ok, let's talk…''

He took to the kitchen what he had cut and Celery just nodded. She knew what the talk would be about. He expected from her some sort of scolding but she just smiled at him and them too.

''Go! I'll finish this.''

They went out to the beach and Gail started talking.

''It's about this case…''

''The one you are working on? Ok…''

''Holly and I are sort of involved…''

''I know that you are dating…''

''No, involved with the case…''

''Ok, how?''

''We are dating… and Holly's name is on the Dr. Bell's list.''

''Ok… So she is one of the patients. Many women go to endocrinologists. It's not a reason to end your time on the case…''

Holly spoke now…

''Oliver, she works ONLY with the patients in transition… ''

''I don't understand…''

Oliver was confused…

''I was born a male…''

Oliver stopped and just looked at two girls…

''Ok, let's see if I got this right… You are a woman now, but you were born as a boy?''

''Yes, you got it right…''

''And Bell was your doctor and I am guessing you had the same surgeon as other victims?''

''Yes…''

''Shit!''

Gail nodded…

''I agree…''

Holly felt weird… exposed in the way.

''Who knows?''

''Just Sam, because of the doctor's list of patients.''

''And you want to tell people?''

''I don't like going back to the boy story and things… I am a woman now…''

''I get it, but how will you explain why you left the case?''

''I can tell I know the doctor, that she is my friend and I have to be off the case.''

''Do you know her?''

''Yes, we became very close friends.''

''You girls are killing me…''

''Sorry Olly…''

''And when will you get off the case?''

''As soon as we get back…''

''Ok…''

''And what about Gail?''

''If you are off, she might stay. And I am afraid we will have to address it to someone more senior than me… It might get to your mom Gail. I can't get you off the case just like that… Holly can do what she wants, but when it comes to you, your mom might find out…''

''Amazing!''

''I believe you are pissed about this, but I can't do anything when it comes to procedures. She wants my cute ass and I don't want to hand it to her.''

''I get it… Maybe we should tell her…''

Holly's eyes were wide…

''What?''

''That I am dating a woman…''

''And that would help?''

''She would be pissed and she wouldn't care what happens to me. I failed as a daughter.''

''I am afraid it's not that easy love…''

She smiled at Oliver…

''One can hope…''

''That, you can…''