The Road Home

Chapter 8 Epilogue

RICK & TINA

Rick & Tina were enjoying a relaxing dinner at their favorite restaurant, Falls View. Over the last year they had been here several times. Once they met during the op to get Amy/Kensi on the road home, they had become very good friends. Their friendship had developed into an actual relationship, encouraged by Rick's daughter Cheryl. She had done everything she could think of to move things forward. While she and her dad were doing ok loving and supporting each other, the loss to cancer of wife & mother Mary still grieved the pair. Cheryl was confident that Tina could be the one to fill that empty spot in the family circle. Rick had reached the same conclusion.

It seemed that Tina was of like mind. An RN, she was a 10-year veteran of ICU nursing at GF Medical Center. She had poured her heart and soul into caring for her patients. She worked hard, excelled at supporting families and was the first to volunteer for extra shifts when staffing was critically stretched thin. Her dedication to her work left little time to socialize other than an occasional cup of coffee with a co-worker.

This had changed when she cared for a young woman "missing person" Amy in the hospital, then in her home. Tina became an active member of the team of people who worked together to help Amy find her way home to her former/real life. She worked closely with asst deputy sheriff Rick Loomis & his daughter Cheryl. She and Rick became friends, the friendship morphed into a relationship which just felt good to her. She had not had a boyfriend since college; and since she was taking nursing, that friendship was rather hit and miss. This was more stable and rewarding, but where was it going? She was wondering, expectantly.

Dinner was finished and they were relaxing with an after-dinner drink. Rick spoke up, "Tina, I have very much enjoyed our time together this past year. I have something to tell you, and a question to ask before the GFHS graduation next weekend. What I have to tell you is classified, so I need your promise to not tell anyone else. Can I count on you, I know I can?"

"Of course, Rick. My lips are sealed. Except . . .you know . . . when kissing you!" She grins.

"Well, I have been offered a place in one of the next FLETC classes, and I have accepted that challenge. FLETC = Federal Law Enforcement Training Course, and will lead me to be certified as a Federal agent with NCIS. That is the agency Hetty works for, the little lady we worked with while helping Amy, you remember I am sure."

"Yes, I remember."

"I am not sure, yet, where that will lead as far as location where I will be working. I do know that NCIS is considering opening an office in the Great Basin with the increasing number of Navy & Marine personnel retiring in the area. If that happens, I will have a good shot at a position in that office. We shall see."

"Wow, that is a great opportunity, Rick. I am happy for you." Tina says with misty eyes, her lower lip quivers a little.

"Thanks, Tina." He reaches across the table and clasps her hands. "That leads to my question." He pauses, and takes a deep breath, squeezing her hands tightly. "I like you, a lot. I'm hoping our relationship can continue to grow. With that in mind, I want to offer you something," He pulls out a small blue velvet box and places it on the table between them.

Tina gasps, "Oh, Rick, I'm not . . ."

"No, Tina, it's not that. It's not what you are thinking. Please open the box."

She does, and gasps again. In the box are a pair of platinum rings, a larger one for him and a smaller one for her. Each ring has their 2 birthstones, flanked on either side by a small white diamond. "They are beautiful. Promise Rings?"

"Yes. I'm taking a chance here, but I feel it's time to do that. I really want to move our relationship forward. I'm ready to promise you that I will commit to you exclusively as a dating partner, as we allow 'us' to mature and grow together. I will do my best to spend as much time together as we can, while my career develops. I hope you feel the same, but it is your choice."

He pauses, looking into her eyes and softly smiling at her.

"Rick, spending time with you this past year has led to the happiest year of my life. As I saw you and Cheryl pour your all into helping Amy, I was very impressed. I saw a true public servant in you, and a budding one in Cheryl. You have done a great job as a single dad, I commend you. I've been doing more and more looking ahead to my future. While the picture I see remains rather fuzzy, the one bright spot out there is you. I don't have any certainty about the eventual outcome, you probably don't either."

He shakes his head, no.

"So, Rick, I'd be happy to wear your Promise Ring!" She grins. "I too promise to date you exclusively as we walk forward together. I'm anxious to see how your training and career develop. I really hope that I can fit into that future with you and Cheryl."

They seal their promises with a long, passionate kiss.

MARTY & KENSI, SOPHIA & MONTY

Sophia was a little bottle of human superglue. Marty couldn't live without her, Kensi couldn't live without her, SO they were a threesome. Er, a foursome; I forgot Monty!

The initial discomfort brought about by the long time apart was eased by several heart-to-heart talks between Marty and Kensi. They each admitted to periods of doubt. And on Kensi's side of things, she had to overcome embarrassment and self-recrimination; she had to get past feeling that somehow, she was to blame, especially for the long time her captivity lasted. Once she and Marty convinced each other that they forgave each other, REALLY FORGAVE EACH OTHER, the way was cleared for their relationship to re-start and move forward.

Once all those hurdles were cleared out of the way, the coast was clear and things progressed rapidly. The same weekend that Rick & Tina were exchanging Promise Rings, Marty proposed to Kensi.

He was quite nervous. The extended time apart had been very hard on him, even harder on her as he could imagine. They had talked some about their experiences, but neither had pressed the other for details when a conversation became obviously too difficult to share. They recognized that pressing beyond a point like that would be a bridge too far. The defensive walls she had of necessity erected were massive and tall. But Marty had made it through her walls before and he did it again.

He chose a simple, well known to them setting; Malibu beach at sunset. Cliché perhaps, but comfortable. While Sophia & Monty were off playing together . . . within sight . . . Marty pulled out the proverbial small black velvet box, opened it, and asked the age old question that every woman (and girl) yearns to hear. "Kensi Marie Blye, will you marry me?"

She knew (hoped) it was coming and quickly responded with an enthusiastic "YES!" They sealed their commitment with a long, passionate kiss.

Sophia saw them kissing and came running. "Daddy, did you ask Kensi?"

Marty broke the embrace long enough to nod.

"Did she say yes?" the little girl then asked.

Marty nodded again.

"YEAH! Monty come, let's give them kisses!" He came and the girl and doggie smothered dad & mom with sloppy congratulatory kisses. A happier foursome could not be found on Malibu beach that day!

Kensi was really home at last!

GRADUATION DAY AT GFHS

Cheryl Loomis was a junior, about to become a senior and a member of the Honor Society. She had successfully completed her honors project; the sterling achievement of that project, of course, was assisting Kensi Blye to find her way home. She, her dad & her school were very proud of that achievement.

At the start of Commencement, the principal made an announcement that there would be two special presentations at the end of graduation. He hoped that all in attendance would stay by for those, and not create a mass exodus. Then the ceremony started.

At the end he stepped back up to the podium and announced 2 special guests. "Would Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks please join me at the podium?" Kensi & Marty joined him at center stage. Many in the crowd recognized Kensi as the missing person of a year ago and stood, clapped and cheered. She waved at the crowd, smiling broadly, acknowledging their welcome. "Thank you for the warm welcome, I really appreciate it. It's an honor to be with you today." They all stood, clapped and cheered. As she spoke, 2 extra-large video screens, one on either side of the platform, came to life showing a room with a giant plasma screen at the front also coming to life, but no one on screen yet. "I am here today with my handsome fiancé, Marty Deeks (she held up her left hand, displaying her engagement ring, Marty waved, the crowd cheered), to help present a special opportunity to very special young lady."

Marty stepped to the microphone, "ladies & gentlemen, just over a year ago, Cheryl Loomis started working on her honors project. Her goals were twofold, 1) achieve Honor Society status as a senior, and 2) locate 1 or more missing persons. The 1st person she focused on, and helped successfully find, turned out to be my beautiful fiancé, Kensi (this brought the house down)! "Cheryl, would you join us on stage, please?"

Cheryl walked up to the font, climbed the steps, and joined Kensi and Marty on stage. She hugged both of them, Kensi longer. She then took her place beside them. A small woman came into view on the video screens, she spoke. "Hello everyone, I am Henrietta Lange of NCIS, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Cheryl, it is a delight to see you again. (Hetty & Cheryl both waved) I participated on the team that successfully brought Kensi home, a process started by Cheryl. During that project I observed Cheryl, and was able to asses her work. As a result of that, I recommended the following to Mr. Leon Vance, NCIS Director, and he approved; a 9-month special internship at the NCIS Office of Special Projects in Los Angeles, California. Cheryl, if you accept this internship, you will be my administrative assistant during those 9-months."

Cheryl squealed with delight, covering her mouth with her hands and blushing.

Hetty continued, "Cheryl, do you accept?"

"YES!" Cheryl shouted; the crowd erupted again.

"Very well, would Cheryl, Rick & Kensi take your places." Rick and Kensi held out a Bible, Cheryl placed her hand atop the Bible. When all were ready, Hetty administered the NCIS oath and Cheryl repeated it after her.

When finished, Hetty announced a very special guest and NCIS Director Leon Vance appeared on screen and introduced himself, greeting the crowd. "Would Tina Jackson please join Rick Loomis on stage." Tina was shocked, but complied.

Vance continued, "I am pleased to announce that Sheriff's deputy Rick Loomis has accepted our invitation to attend an upcoming FLETC class, followed by a 9-month internship at the Washington DC NCIS office. Following that internship, Mr. Loomis will be assigned to the new Great Basin NCIS office which is scheduled to open in 6-months, located in Great Falls, Montana. Rick, this is more information than we have discussed previously. Given that, do you still accept?"

"Yes sir, I do."

"Very well, would you, Tina Jackson and agent Marty Deeks take your places?" After everyone is in place, as with Cheryl, Vance administers the NCIS oath to Rick. He then congratulates both Rick & Cheryl and asks the group to join him in a private video conference call from the HS video lab. The principal dismisses the assembly, and the smaller group adjourns to the video lab.

VIDEO LAB GFHS

Director Vance is already on screen with Hetty in a side screen. "Hello again, I have an offer for Rick and Tina. They may accept or decline, no questions asked, no answer needed today. When Rick comes east for FLETC, then his internship, we are prepared to offer him and Tina the following. 1) a 1-bedroom apartment in the vicinity of his training & internship, and 2) an ICU nursing position for Tina at a local hospital during the same time frame. We have become aware that the two of you have recently exchanged Promise Rings. And we wish to not hinder the progress of your relationship. You are under no obligation to accept this offer. Whether you do, or don't accept, Rick's training and internship will NOT be affected. Hetty will give you her contact information; she can answer your questions, and pass things on to me as needed. I wish you two the very best.

Before the group disperses, congratulations all around were in order.

4-YEARS LATER

Marty & Kensi Deeks

It took Kensi most of 2-years for her memories to fully return; then another 6-months for her to re-certify as a Federal agent with NCIS. She loved her job as a special agent working in the field. But there are things she loves even more; her family.

After several discussions with Marty, they decided to try for a child of their own. If successful, the age gap between a new baby and Sophia would be greater than they preferred, but the benefits to Sophia of having a sibling would be worth it. So, Kensi is now 3 months pregnant! She has applied to NCIS-OSP to be a forensic specialist. This will dramatically reduce her exposure to dangerous situations in the field and protect her mommy status.

There will be other reshuffling at OSP in the next 2-years, and Senior Agent Marty Deeks is in line to become Team Leader of the A-team (previously Callen's team).

Sophia Deeks & Monty II

Sophia is doing gang-busters in middle school. She runs her parents ragged; only Monty II can keep up with her. When the original Monty passed away, Marty let Sophia pick out and name his successor. At the pet store she immediately fell in love with a young beagle puppy. She would not be dissuaded, Monty II it was. On the beach they are a whirlwind!

Cheryl Loomis

Cheryl absolutely loved her special internship at NCIS-OSP working with Hetty. Now she is entering her senior year at Pepperdine University, majoring in criminal justice. But she has a problem; her interests are so broad that she doesn't know where to focus. If you ask her where she's headed in her career, you are likely to get a different answer each day of the week. Her friends and family are trying to help her; thus far, she has been unable to focus.

Rick Loomis & Tina Jackson

Rick & Tina have kept their promises to each other. Rick now has the next ring in his pocket. It's just a matter of timing, and an unforgettable location. They are spending this coming weekend in a rustic cabin in the Tetons; this might be it!

Rick is the Field Director of the NCIS-Great Basin office, headquartered in Great Falls. Tina is asst ICU Director at GF Medical Center. They both love their work, and each other (struck, smitten, whatever!). Cheryl is awaiting the announcement. She hopes to be Maid of Honor.

Matt & Sylvia – LAPD

Those who think that Marty Deeks is the jokester supreme and never takes anything seriously, haven't met Detective Matthew Barnhart – LAPD. Sylvia knows what's up and is hanging in there. She thinks he has THE ring (he does), and he's about ready to pop THE question (he is), so what's the holdup? Good thing she is a patient woman. She knows that deep inside Matt really is a good man, who is worth waiting for. Hopefully Marty will inspire Matt; after all, her birth-day is only a month away.

Henrietta Lange

Hetty is 1-2 years from retirement, thus the reshuffling mentioned above. NCIS-OSP will be the last stop in her long and storied career. She can rightly be proud of this team's achievements over the years. Though few would admit it in public, the A-team as led by G. Callen was elite and the envy of most. This team was a unique blend of individuals; each extremely skilled, and each bringing to the team their own skill set which complimented their team-mates in a very special way. Together there were VERY FEW cases that were beyond their reach. That's the legacy she will leave behind; her people doing great work making the country safer, one case at a time. The people she met on the Amy/Kensi case just added to that legacy. The great majority who ever worked under her direction are proud to have called her BOSS!

Live long and prosper, Hetty!

FINE

A/N And so Kensi is home. I hope you read the Introduction. In that I explained why I handled this story the way that I did. Especially the loose ends I attempted to tie up, those I left on the cutting room floor, and a new one or two that I leave to your imagination. Or to your own research and a Sequel II!

As always, I am open to ideas, suggestions, and requests. No promises kiddo, except that I'm on to my next story. Three (3) in various stages of writing.

Blessings to all!