Hey guys! Sorry about the wait, school has been a little crazy. This will be the last chapter, and next is the epilogue. I hope you've enjoyed this short little story, thank you for the follows and the positive reviews.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek

Nothing makes your day like family does, except family itself.

Cordelia had resumed working at the hospital for about a month, and was picking up hours relentlessly. Though she had other minor responsibilities, she returned to work with a vigorous attentiveness that rivaled Spock's. It gave her a sense of purpose as her life regained full order. This was welcome, since in another three months she'd begin the five year mission with the Enterprise.

Of course, James had gotten exactly what he wanted. He too was working extremely hard to get his new crew together, intently doing background checks and interviews conducted by himself and Spock. He had the entire crew understand that all credentials were to be up to date, and any certifications needed to be redone. In a sense, he wanted his ship and crew perfect; physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Though she rarely got to see him, they did make time for each other. They had late night movies over tea and cake, early breakfasts, and sometimes enjoyed lunch breaks and even yoga (James was attempting to learn). Cordelia kept her feelings down verbally, but began to show subtle signs of affection and gauge James's reactions. He seemed to acknowledge her signs, welcome them even, and it began to give her even more courage. She even thought he may be giving her subtle signs; kissing her forehead and temple more often, holding her hand for extended periods of time, even attempting to cook for her once!

It gave her hope.

One day after work, Cordelia came into her apartment, completely exhausted. She'd lost a baby patient that evening, and it had broken her heart to see a mother and father cry over their child. Something in her was unbelievably moved by it, to the point of emotionally draining her.

"Chris!" Cordelia called for her roommate as she walked in. "Do we have any scotch?"

"Would brandy be alright?"

Cordelia frowned at the familiar voice. It couldn't be...

"Mom!" she exclaimed when the woman rounded the corner. "What are you doing here?"

The two embraced warmly. "We all thought we would visit and check up on you."

"All?" Cordelia gasped. She rushed into the living room like a little girl and found her father and brothers waiting patiently with Christine. She squealed when her brothers hopped up to hug her. "Hey boys!"

"How's it going, little sis?" Niklaus, the oldest, said. "We've missed having you bother us."

"I've missed bothering you," she chuckled. "How's the family?"

"Jemma and Hermione are as bad as ever," Frederick, the middle child, grinned widely. "When I come over to visit Nik and Amanda, they've already got pranks prepared. The poor girls got all Nik and none of anyone else from the family. Mischievous little girls."

"Pierce asks for you consistently," Niklaus shook his head. "Amanda's at home with them all right now, she sends her love."

"I'll make sure to call her tomorrow," Cordelia smiled. She turned to other brother. "You graduate StarFleet from New York next month, right? I think I already have the date in my calendar."

"I do," Frederick stuck his chest out proudly. "Mom's glad I've finally done something with my life, and even more so that it has to do with StarFleet."

"Oh hush," the woman in question waved him off. "Cordelia, say hello to your father."

Cordelia stepped up to the older man, her heart warming. She loved getting hugs from her father. It never failed that she felt protected and loved in his arms, just as a hug should make you feel.

"I will never stop missing you, you know that girly?" he said with a hint of laughter in his voice. "But I am so proud of you and everything you're accomplishing."

"Daddy," Cordelia blushed. "Stop it with the flattery, I won't be able to handle it."

"Can't help it," was all he said.

They sat down around the living room, chatting aimlessly about their lives. Christine had always been fond of Cordelia's family so she fit right in. (Frederick especially seemed to like her.)

"So, Fred, what are your plans for after graduation?" Christine asked casually.

"I was thinking of moving to San Francisco, actually," he replied. "I thought it would be nice to settle near Cordelia."

Cordelia shifted at the mention of settling near her. How could her brother do that when she wouldn't be there? "There's actually something I need to talk to you all about."

"Is everything okay?" her father frowned.

"Everything is fine," she promised. "I'm getting an amazing opportunity."

"From StarFleet?"

"Yes," she gulped. "I've been reassigned to the Enterprise."

Frederick's smile melted into to understanding. "Oh."

"Oh?" her mother looked between the two. "What is 'oh?'"

"That's the ship being given five years of exploration," Frederick explained. "We'll still hold communication, obviously, but she'll be off earth for a full five years unless something goes wrong."

"Does this have anything to do with that boy you like so much?" her father frowned. "Going into space with him and all? He's the captain of the Enterprise, isn't he?"

"No, Dad," she promised. "My captain from the USS Farragut told me that my leadership abilities and talent for my field say that I should be on the ship meant for Starfleet's best and brightest. I'll get my recognition, and then the two weeks following that I'm supposed to leave."

"When were you going to tell us?" Niklaus asked.

"When I came home for Frederick's graduation," Cordelia looked down. "Are you mad?"

"The exact opposite, darling," her father told her. "We are immensely proud of you."

Cordelia sent a thankful smile their way. She looked to Christine, who smiled widely and spoke up. "Cordelia is going to be my partner on the Enterprise. When we take off, we'll share the title of head nurses."

"Is that how it normally goes?" Niklaus seemed confused. He was never too sure of StarFleet ways.

"No," Cordelia chuckled. "Christine's just an amazing friend and very persuasive."

They moved on in conversation, deciding to eat dinner. Christine and Cordelia cooked a large meal that was enjoyed over a lot of laughter and wine. Cordelia watched the interaction between her parents the entire time, noticing the way they touched and spoke to each other. She saw similarities in her own interactions with James. It seemed to solidify her thoughts on how right they seemed together. Did people see with her and James what she saw in her parents?

Halfway through chocolate cake, the doorbell rang. Cordelia frowned, not expecting anyone. "Christine, did you invite someone else over?"

"No," Christine said. "You?"

"Nope." Cordelia stood from the table warily. "I'll be right back." she walked to the door, aware of where her and Christine's phaser sat hidden (Scotty had been concerned for his "adoptive family's safety" and made sure they were all protected with multiple weapons). There was no need for it, however, as James awaited on the other side, a bouquet of wildflowers in his hands.

At the sight of her, he grinned widely. "Hey gorgeous."

"Hey," Cordelia said, feeling shy. She still wore her blue work pants and a white, short sleeved under shirt, and her hair was falling down her back in a mess. "What brings you here?"

"I haven't got to see you much this week," he shrugged. A strange look passed over his eyes for a moment, but it was gone when he blinked. "I missed you, that's all. I was wondering if you wanted to just hang out, here or at home?"

"I'd love to," she said earnestly. He started to smile again, but she cut him off. "It's just that if we did..."

"Cordie?" James frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Well, my family is here, and you'd have to hang out with them while we drink and eat dessert," she blurted. "They also know I'm basically in love with you, and—dammit!"

Cordelia clapped her hands over her mouth. The man before her seemed shocked, blinking slowly. "You love me?"

"I've had too much to drink," she groaned. "I was going to tell you that when the time was perfect, when I actually got the courage to make a move or if we ever got in a relationship...not like this."

Why was this happening to her?! She probably sounded like a bumbling idiot.

"Cordie, hush," James said childishly. He held out a hand to her, which she hesitantly took. Tugging her closer, he used that same hand to tuck her hair behind her ear while presenting the flowers to her. "I didn't bring these flowers because I think you're a good friend. Spock says that it could show romantic affection."

"Spock?"

"He's really been studying human behavior."

"Ahh."

James chuckled. "I got these because I wanted to show my affection, but I know you don't like roses because they're so standard that they have little meaning. Instead, I got you a mix, to show that even though I'm a bunch of different crazy, slightly unorganized things, my purpose here tonight is to show you that I love you too."

"That was cheesy," she said softy. "And not very well thought out."

"I figured I shouldn't use my usual charms on you," he whispered. "This is more special, I think."

She giggled lightly. "It's perfect, these are perfect..."

"We are perfect," he finished. "Everything about the way we work, it's so simple. I'm sorry there's been no epic journey, no crazy love games, but I think we're perfect the way we are."

"Oh James," she sighed, taking the flowers. Cordelia wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into his strong arms for a hug. "I don't need any of that. I just need you."

He pulled back from the hug, lips moving towards hers. "Cordelia..."

The pleasant shiver that ran up her spine was subdued by the sound of her brother's voice. "Delia, is everything alright?"

"Yes!" she called back. "Everything is perfect!"

As James captured her lips in a sweet, slow kiss, she felt her heart positively burst with joy. Yes, indeed; everything was perfect.