AN: I couldn't end it there. One more look at Nick, Grace, Cassie, Sam, and the Radford twins.

Epilogue:

In late summer, the lake glistened in the August sun reflecting the clear blue sky above. The colours of the summer leaves and grass surrounding the Radford lake house like a comfortable carpet. Boats, water skies, and all forms of aquatic entertainment spattered about on the water.

Nick and Grace pulled up next to the house, happy to have finally made it to their destination and excited for what was to come during their family vacation. He couldn't wait to get out on the boat with his Dad and brother, and she was looking forward to some quality Merriwick-time with her Mom and little sister before her big move. They were both looking forward to the family evenings beside the outdoor fire pit eating hot dogs or marshmallows while Sam played a song on the guitar, everyone singing along. The last few months had been a busy time in their household and every member of the family was looking forward to some time away from the daily grind.

"Well, I guess we beat our parents here," Nick said looking out across the lake.

"Yeah, I imagine a car ride with two four-year olds isn't the easiest," Grace reflected. "Alex is fine, but Elizabeth knows how to push his buttons, even at this age." They both laughed and went to work unloading the car.

"Nick?" Grace called out from her room upstairs in the house. She went across the hall and glanced through his open door only to find his room empty. Going downstairs she called again, "Nick!" All the work being done, she looked out at the view of the lake and found what she was looking for outside.

Nick sat at the dock. Shoes off, his feet dangling just enough to touch the cool lake water below. He loved the view and the memories it already brought back.

It felt like he had just been there a few minutes when he heard a voice behind him, "Hey, bro." Grace was sat beside him.

"Hey sis," he smiled. "All unpacked?"

"Yep," she affirmed, proudly. "All done."

"I was just thinking of the first time we came up here with our folks," he said looking nostalgic.

"Yeah. Parents engaged, you and I doing our best to avoid each other…fun times" Grace recalled and joked.

"And not being able to do that very well, if I remember," Nick chuckled and paused thoughfully for a moment. "You came to rescue me from being stranded at Turtle Point. You sure saved my skin that night."

"You've done the same once or twice for me too."

Nick nodded. Turning to face his step-sister, he said, "You know, you have been the best friend, and sister, a guy could have." Grace blushed, slightly embarrassed. Nick wasn't one for having his heart on his sleeve so she knew he was sincere. He continued, "I…I'm going to miss you while you're at Georgetown. What will I do without all your…magic," he said with a knowing smile.

"You will do fine. I know this."

"Yeah? You think so," he questioned. She nodded positively. "Well, you too. I have my own Jedi-like instincts and I can see you're anxious about leaving Middleton." Grace looked down into the water swishing her feet back and forth. "You are going to do great, Grace. Medical school and a Master's degree specialising in…what was it?"

"Integrative medicine. Complementary and Alternative Medicine."

"Yeah that, Dr. Russell. Our parents are sure proud. We all are."

"Thanks Nick," she smiled. "And you, you were so keen to leave Middleton when we first met and now…"

"I know, I'm the one staying," he acknowledged. "I realised a while back that Middleton is my home. My family is here and Molly is too. Moving here was the best decision my Dad ever made, second to marrying your Mom of course. I'm glad he did both." Grace smiled at her step-brother's admission. "I think I will be quite happy taking on some work at Grey House, now that it is becoming a bit harder for George to get around and working with Professor Dover in the archaeology department at the university for a while…after my trip to New York with Molly."

"Ah, introducing your girlfriend to your mother. Big step." Grace joked.

"Yeah, Molly has been warned," he added smiling.

"The more things change…" Grace said.

"Nick! Grace!" Two small voices called out from the distance. They turned around to see their two younger siblings bounding towards them. They got up and met them halfway, Nick lifting his little brother in the air and Grace sweeping up her little sister with a kiss. They all went into the house and saw Sam and Cassie, settling in themselves.

"Ah, there are all four of our wonderful children," Sam said smiling as he walked up to the main room from downstairs, Cassie just behind him.

Beaming she said, "They couldn't wait to see you guys. They're crazy about their big brother and sister."

"Then it is good we came. Mom, you and Sam need any more help?"

"Nope, we have everything handled, but perhaps if you two could hang out a bit longer with your siblings, it would make things a lot easier," Cassie hinted.

"Sure Cassie," Nick responded looking at Grace. "Why don't we show these two the joys of gaming?"

"Ok, bros, you're on!" Grace challenged. "And, the girls are taking you down."

Sam and Cassie laughed and smiled at each other as their kids left the room. "I love our family," she said sighing.

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Sam kissed her and went outside to prep the fire pit for their traditional first-night dinner: hot dogs.

Later that night, the stars blanketed the sky and a crackling fire illuminated the yard of the lake house. The family of six sat around the fire roasting marshmallows and singing well into the night. Cassie smiled knowing that the following days would bring new memories and happy times for her family.

Fin.

Author's note: Grace's program of study at Georgetown actually exists. I did some research thinking that something like this had to be possible.

Curious? Here is a link: .edu/about-the-program.