Thanks for all the reviews. It was hard not to respond to some of your reviews, but I didn't want to tell you if you're were right in your predictions I wanted you to read and see for yourself. I have loved seeing your thoughts while writing this story. Many of your comments had me laughing and others had me going 'they got it!'. It's nice seeing what you think. Here's the final chapter Enjoy!.

Photographers flashed their cameras that resulted in a constant clicking sound filling the room. Beneath the many flashes Marshall managed to keep a straight face without blinking. He cleared his throat standing directly in line with the microphone and podium. Gripping the podium's edge he braced himself.

"Senator," a reporter called out, "if elected for your next term what specifically do you plan on doing differently to handle the new challenges of unemployment and crime?"

Marshall was silent. He jaw worked to speak, but then it closed again as he looked down at the wood before him. His knuckles turned white as his grip tightened.

"Senator?"

Finally Marshall's gaze lifted. "I will not be taking questions at this time. Instead, I will be making a statement. I want to thank all of those who have given their support to my campaign. Present and in the past. I understand all the hard work, the time, and energy that has gone into you assisting me. You have been a great part of my success. I will be eternally grateful to have had many opportunities to represent the people of this city. But I have find myself in a position in which I must withdraw my candidacy and step down from this race."

The cameras clicked more fiercely and there was a mumble of surprise that was quickly hushed when Marshall began to speak again. "I have found that I am unable to serve you as would be best. And since I am indeed here to serve the people I must begin by serving those I am closest to in the best way possible. Which require that I step down. I have faith that a more suitable candidate will lead you. Again I thank you."

Pushing away from the microphone Marshall began to walk away taking the back door out of the room into a more private hall. He headed directly to his office as planned. He blew out a breath walking through the door and closing it securely behind him.

"I guess you think you're pretty smart."

Marshall stilled at the sound of the voice. "Hello to you to Donald." Turning Marshall stared into the eyes of the man who had once been his right hand. His connection into the underground world that existed in the city.

The man had gun on him aimed straight towards his gut. "I bet you think you're pretty slick with that stunt you pulled. Dropping out. You think that's gonna stop us?"

At that moment Marshall felt four hands grip tightly at his arms locking him in place before Donald's gun. He glanced at his captors, two young bucks who had played as his goons during his last campaign. He took a breath.

"You think you're goin' to get out of giving us what you owe us. We did a lot for you. Why should we be left without anywhere to turn just because you decide to play it safe? Do you think you're going to save your pretty little girlfriend with this move?"

"Listen Donald, hurting her or anyone else in my family isn't going to help your case. I dropped out, suspicion will surround me if I decide to re-enter. This is the only way I get what I want and you get what you want. My fiancé is safe, and you don't see me run for office without you as my right hand. You've won," Marshall said desperately trying to persuade him. "My career is over. I'll never have the chance to be a good clean leader. And I know if I ever think about running for office again you'll be there, ready to do me or someone I care about harm. So, if you're not satisfied with the arrangement, here's your chance to get even."

Donald paused his gaze at last dropping as he considered Marshall's words. He nodded the gun bobbing with the action. "You're right. You're worth more alive than dead. But beware, if you go anywhere near leadership, I'll be right behind you." He jerked his head at the bucks. "Let's go."

Releasing Marshall, they followed Donald out. Once the door was again closed Marshall unleashed a breath placing his palms on his desk he leaned his weight onto its surface.

"Well played Marshall."

He looked up in time to see John coming into the office.

"I think he bought it."

Marshall swallowed. "I know he did. It's over. I need to pack up this stuff and get moved out of this office. Where's Clarisse?"

"At the house."

"This can wait. I want to see her. Now that this madness is finished I can move onto our wedding."

….

"Clarisse! Clarisse!" Marshall called walking speedily through the house John trailing behind him waiting for Joss to appear.

Finally Marshall spotted Clarisse climbing down the steps. His face lit up in joy as he rushed towards her meeting her on the last step. His arms encased her and he picked her up holding her close. "It's over sweetheart. I promise you it's all over." Sitting her down he smiled into her eyes. "Things will be the way they were. Before the campaign, before the media and paparazzi. We can plan the wedding. It will all be just the way you want it to be. I promise-"

Marshall's words came to a stop when he spotted Joss trailing behind on the steps carrying luggage. "What's this?"

Clarisse blinked breaking eye contact briefly only to boldly capture his gaze again. "Listen Gary, I've been doing a lot of thinking. About you and me. I'm sorry to do this to you, but it's not gonna work. And it may not be for the reasons you think. I don't love the way I should. Surprisingly it has very little to do with your past choices in your career. I once loved a man who had made mistakes somewhat similar to your own. Not as bad, but still he had made mistakes. But the thing that's different about this time is I did not know this piece of you until recently. And now that I know I realize I can't love you entirely. I can't love you for your past and for you are now. I'm not saying you don't deserve love I'm just saying you won't find it with me. There's only been one man I have loved past, present, mistakes and all. That kind of love I don't have for you. I'm sorry. But I just don't."

The senator's eyes glossed over. He swallowed thickly covering a hand with his mouth. "W-what," he cleared his throat. "What am I to do? I gave it up for you. You're all I have. What do you suggest I do?"

"Go home. Make things right with your kids. Go be a good man for them. And honestly I think you should beg your wife for forgiveness. She loved you the way you wanted me to love you. You may not get another woman like that." Leaning up Clarisse lightly kissed his cheek. She leaned back looked him in the face before sliding her engagement ring off her finger and placing it in Gary's palm. "Goodbye Gary," she whispered.

Gary held the ring unable to move as Clarisse grabbed some of her luggage and crossed the room towards John. "Detective," she said quietly once she reached him, "could I bug you for a lift?"

…

Clarisse nearly jumped out of the back seat of the car once they reached the park. With the biggest smile Joss or John had ever seen on her face she ran across the field and leaped into Will's arms laughing. John and Joss stepped out of the car and watched the two reunite.

Still holding her off the ground they shared a brief kiss before staring into each other's eyes. "You're going to marry me right?" Will boldly asked.

"You know I am. You're going to make it to the altar this time. Right?"

"I promise." Finally, Will set Clarisse on her feet. Grabbing her hand they walked back to where John and Joss waited. "How can I thank you John?" Will began. "I don't know if I could have ever had the courage if not for you."

John smiled. "You're welcome."

"And thank you Jocelyn. You've been a true friend. You were right. About everything. I owe you big."

Joss shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

"Oh and John," Will said, "I don't know what woman you lost, but it's really too bad. She would have been lucky to have you. Thanks for helping me be happy even if things didn't end in your situation the way you would have liked."

Clarisse frowned. "Will what are you talking about? John didn't lose out on love."

"Clarisse I know that he did."

"Oh, really?" she challenged. "Then you're a little blind, love. John's got his love right here." She pointed at Carter. Will frowned actually considering her words. His eyes going from John to Joss then back to Clarisse.

"But, how do you know? He never said it out right. I never even saw him touch her." Will defended.

"Sure, maybe his hands weren't all over, but his eyes certainly were." For once Joss was the one to look down shyly. Will laughed finally convinced when John didn't deny it.

"Then you were referring to her?"

All John did was nod while looking into Joss's eyes.

"In that case congratulations John!"

"Yes. We wish you both the best. We'll have to send you an invitation to the wedding. Take care."

Hand in hand the two walked away leaving John and Joss behind. John surveyed the park which he was glad to find was vacant. Taking a chance he wrapped his arms around Carter from behind holding her close. "Any more doubts Joss? Your friend knew who I had eyes for from the beginning? Are you finally convinced?'

She leaned further against him. "Yeah. I am."

"Do you have plans for tonight?"

She grinned. "Nope."

"Want to go out?"
"How about something simple? Dinner and a movie." And then just because she wanted to do something normal she said, "Then let's take Bear on a walk."

Smiling John kissed her cheek. "You got it."

Again thanks for reading and sticking with this story! This was my way of answering the "Jessica question" without bringing Jessica back from the dead. I have read a few stories where she returns from the grave and they were great fanfics, by SWWoman and DeeCee1430, I'll leave Jessica returning from the grave to them. (LOL) But I decided to take a different angle to give Joss that assurance that John really had moved on and show how. So thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this story! JJ