A/N: Apologize for the delay. Been busy but then had to create the future of the Teller children including all the club kids to be able to work backwards. Took me a long time to think it all through. Appreciate your patience.

Disclaimer: All of the Sons of Anarchy characters belong to Kurt Sutter.

- Home by Blake Shelton -

And I feel just like I'm living someone else's life
It's like I just stepped outside when everything was going right
And I know just why you could not come along with me
This was not your dream
But you always believed in me

- As it Seems by Lily Kershaw -

Cause in this life you must find something to live for
Cause when the darkness comes a callin'
You'll go back to where you were before
Cause this life is as
Fragile as a dream, and
Nothing's ever really
As it seems...

Chicago - Colombo Family (Part 1)

Upon boarding the plane to Chicago the guests, Jax, Happy and Maureen were initially deep in thought, most likely wondering exactly how this trip would turn out, replaying the day, who these people truly were, was it all as Tara said. Jax still pondered on why after all these years did Tara keep it all a secret. He felt they would have to discuss it in length more sooner than later; tonight actually, he had so much he needed to get off his chest. Tara excused herself and went to the back to take a quick private meeting with her Uncles Robert and Breandan Noland. They also had a six member protection detail along for the ride. All, members of the Noland Clan: two were federal Marshall's, the others enforcers. They chatted lightly off and on with Jax, Happy and Maureen for the first bit of the flight.

Jax was still in a bit of shock over the execution of Gemma, it was so quick and deadly. Well, maybe Happy wasn't so shocked. He often saw the darkness in Tara's eyes when he looked closely. Especially noted it after she killed Luisa; there was no remorse whatsoever. Tig told him how she reacted after killing the home health aide at Gemma's fathers house. Basically, she didn't react at all. He suspected her vomiting was either a symptom of the concussion or she was pregnant...killers can sense these things. The beat down she put on Carla, Nero's bottom bitch, was classic; something Happy would have done. Tara basically beat the bitch unconscious, would have been dead without intervention. After, she took a toke of weed and it was business as usual! Happy could not believe no one else was picking up on these clues. The manner in which she put Gemma down was straight up executioner. Happy thinks, this is what has Jax a bit nervous, not that Gemma was killed, but the way Tara did it and went on like nothing happened. Happy giggled to himself, Gemma and Clay both so deserved what they got.

Maybe they didn't want to see it? Happy has actually always been drawn to Tara. That in itself screamed she's some type of -path, either socio or psycho, which he's still unsure but he likes her, a lot. He also noticed her influence with Abel. Kinda interesting Abel and Thomas will go to him, Chibs and Tig when all the other kids are basically terrified of them (especially him). Picking up Momma's energy maybe? Thomas' eyes already show his personality, quiet and deadly, just like his Mom. Abel will be a bit more of a charmer like his Dad but both kids will be pulling the trigger and from what Happy can tell, it will be early on.

Happy thinks Jax also somewhere deep inside felt it too; that's why he was always so unconsciously attached to her. He tries to fight it but Jax is a true sociopath, hands down. He may even have been scared of how far she might go and that was why he wanted to push her away. After Opie was murdered Jax has been trying to rein in his own need for blood, while handling major club fallout. I've noticed they look at each other differently, like he's quietly drawing strength from her. Seems Tara also noticed, but was obviously busy herself with her own end game because you could almost see her avoiding eye contact. Maybe nervous he would read her. Well it would seem Jax has finally let go and Tara stepped forward. It's a new day in the neighborhood! Those family members of hers, the Noland's, could see it in the eyes, they are true professionals.

Tara came over and asked Jax and Happy to join them in the back for an update meeting. She asked Maureen to keep an eye on the boys. She replied, "aye."

After they got drinks and took their seats, Uncle Robert began, "Both Galen O'Shea and Lee Turic have been captured and are in route to the Boston compound. As briefed earlier, our family has worked with the RIRA for years, Galen got a bit cocky when he decided to take your wife hostage for reparations on the lost gun transaction. Unknown to him, his second is actually one of ours, we've been doing this a very, very long time. That is the true reason Wendy was called to the hospital to meet with Abel. Our guy identified her for Galen's men and she was then taken hostage. This was mainly to protect Tara and if they decided to kill her during transport or the money could not be arranged in time, she would have been sacrificed. Good going pulling Nero in by the way."

Robert continued, "As you have I'm sure noticed by now, Tara has also had a plan in action, it's actually been building quietly since Clay initiated the attack on her when you guys were on your way to Oregon. Honestly, you would have met us earlier if you would have left with Tara when she left for college, or if you had arrived at the seminar in Portland, or at anytime you guys were married. We've been waiting since you two got back together. Once Thomas was born, even more so. Getting involved with the Cartel set us off a bit, but you did a good job rectifying the error."

Robert goes on, "Back to Galen, truth is Galen's greed has been brought up and questioned many times over the past few years and now by going after Tara and threatening your family we were asked to take care of the problem. I have agreed to take over his seat so I will become your Irish Kings direct contact. There is much more to this and you will be updated in detail once you arrive in Boston, I just wanted to give you the basics so there would be no further worry. Especially with you being away for a week."

Robert continues, "Lee Toric, is basically a renegade, but a former Marshall that made a lot of friends over his years of service. We actually had dealings with him once or twice. When Tara told us who he was and that he visited her at the hospital, it was just too close for comfort. He had to be eliminated, he was just too dangerous a threat. As I said, he has friends, we do not know who he has spoken to but because he was avenging his sister, he was probably still acting alone gathering Intel. We have his phones and computer and had already begun the task of tracking him back through the date of his sister's death. He will be questioned extensively when he arrives in Boston, in a manner I'm sure even Happy would find exciting."

Happy smiled and thought to himself, 'my instincts were so on point with these guys.' Happy then spoke up, "I am sure I would, too bad it will be over before I could take part. I am truly looking forward to getting to know your family and hopefully will be able to share styles and or information later. Sure I could learn much."

Robert smiled at Happy and nodded his agreement. He took a sip of his beer and continued. "And because we are not positive what he put in motion, we will continue your private security detail as well as a trained nanny so the boys will be protected. The nanny is a female family member who has been trained extensively to protect and to kill. She will protect your boys with her life. They will start interrogating Turic tomorrow morning so we should have a full report by the time we arrive in Boston, later in the week."

To which Jax replied, "I cannot thank you enough for your help in handling both these matters. Well, in everything you've done actually. And especially in your offer to protect my family. My wife and I are both very grateful."

Robert, then looks at Tara, " separately, I just received confirmation on Fionna's sister Caitlin."

Tara quickly explains to Jax and Happy, "Caitlin is the widow of Chibs' nephew Padraic, you met him while you were in Ireland. He was killed with that truck bomb set up by Jimmy."

Jax and Happy only nodded their affirmation with solemn looks of remembrance on their faces.

Tara shook her head thinking how close a call that trip to Ireland came to ending so many SAMCRO lives, "Her daughter, Brianna, is a little older than Thomas."

Robert then continued to the group, "When Fionna arrived, she asked if we could help her as well. If you would not mind informing both Chibs and Fi she's here, and will fly back with your group from Boston."

Tara thanked her Uncle for taking care of this so quickly.

Robert summarized, "Caitlin, also IRA, and their daughter, Brianna, were in South Ireland at the time of the bombing. Ashby contacted the IRA group they were with to let them know what had happened and they were immediately sent to Scotland for their own protection. We got both Caitlin and her daughter the proper paperwork and approvals required to come to the US indefinitely."

He then concluded, "well that's the end of my briefing and looks like we are about to ready to land."

They again thank him, go back to their seats to get ready. The plane lands and taxis into a private hangar.

When the transports pulled up and into the Colombo estate Jax, Happy and Maureen's jaws dropped. Tara laughed silently, she knew that would happen. The staff met the vans and helped everyone out. The van continued round to the other side of the estate to take our bags to the guest houses. Luckily the second house was also available for Happy and Maureen. So Jax and Tara would actually have privacy to discuss business openly but could move easily back and forth between each house. The benefit is that they are secure and have fully operational digital capabilities. They could have conference calls, video conferencing and open meetings without worrying about being over heard or lines wired. Uncles Noland and the security detail were housed at the main house.

Upon arriving the visitors were formally introduced to Tara's Grandfather (Godfather & Boss) Mr. Anthony Colombo, his advisors, Uncles Michael (Underboss) & Edoardo (Consigliere) and their wives; my Grandmother Elisabetta, and Aunts Adriana & Rigina. We had refreshments, made small conversation and all doted over Abel and Thomas. Soon thereafter, Jax and Tara were asked to join Grandfather, Uncles Colombo and Uncles Noland in his office for a brief personal meeting. Happy and Maureen were shown into the dining area for a late dinner. Jax and Tara would nibble on a plate of Hors d'oeuvres in the meeting room and have dinner later.

Grandfather Columbo, "everyone first help yourself to a shot glass. I want to first welcome our new family member." Everyone takes a drink. Godfather raises his glass, "Jackson Nathanial Teller, Welcome to the Family!" Everyone downs their drink and yells, Salute!"

"Well everyone sit, sit and we will get right down to business."

"Jackson, I would like to congratulate you and Tara Grace on your recent marriage and on your beautiful family. I would like to present you with a wedding gift, I hope it is up to your liking?" Godfather hands Jackson a folder titled wedding gift and Uncle Edoardo lays out pictures of the house and floor plans on the table in front of us.

Uncle Michael, "the Noland's are throwing in all remodeling, a budget for furnishings, two panic rooms and all security."

Jax lets out a low whistle. "Oooh, My My...this house is amazing." Jax looks over to Tara, "what do you think Babe?"

Tara's face beaming as if she was a light source states, "I LOVE It! Plenty room for our kiddos and something else I've been thinking about, that I wanted to talk to you about later, Kenny & Ellie."

Jax tipped his head to the side, stared at his wife and knowingly smiled. He's on the right path.

Jax looks to both Godfather and Uncle Robert, "I don't know what to say, I can only express my sincerest gratitude, thank you very, very much, this is an extremely generous gift."

Jax, from the expression on his face is obviously blown away. He gets up from his chair, walks around the table and stops next to Godfather. He extends his arms and asks, "May I?" Godfather smiling, stands and they embrace. He then walks to Uncle Robert and hugs him, thanking him profusely. As tears roll down my cheeks.

Jax returns to his seat and drops down. Godfather then asks, "Jackson there is a confidentiality agreement in the folder in front of you. Would you please sign and date it? It is to protect us from all that will be disclosed to you now and in tomorrow's meetings." Jax, opens the folder and signs the agreement.

Uncle Edoardo begins, "Thank you. The first portfolios in front of you gives you a full overview of our families businesses, past and present joint ventures as well as future plans. There is a separate folder that briefly summarizes all other activities.

Uncle Michael then adds, " Tara has discussed with us what your goals are in moving your family into more legitimate earnings. I'm sure you will be pleased in what we plan to offer to help get that ball rolling so you, your immediate family and your brotherhood will be well taken care of. Also, we want to discuss with you how best to align yourself strategically for the future growth and strength of your family."

Uncle Robert, "that is the greatest gift we can provide is you having the benefit of our experience, knowledge and skills. We will show you how to build both you, your children, your organization and your companies by setting up a strong, capable foundation. Setting bricks in place that will be impenetrable to fall. We have functioned quite well; our families prospering for a very, very long time."

Godfather continues, "also, in front of you are the portfolios for both your sons, Abel & Thomas' trusts. You will have tonight and tomorrow morning to look them over. They are very straight forward, more or less the same as Tara Grace. We will sign the necessary documents with the lawyers tomorrow afternoon.

Uncle Edoardo on tomorrow's meeting, "a lot about three to four hours for tomorrow's meetings of which Happy should attend for the first three hours in which we will overview all businesses and strategy. Happy will also need to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to start. I'll give you a call in the morning, you let me know if you want to also include Filip Telford in the meeting. We can get the documents faxed to him and an agreement signed and returned prior to meeting start. We will be talking a lot of strategy. One of which is the building of your internal family circle which from what Tara has already told us, would include Lowman, Telford, and most likely Quinn. Noland's group prepared intensive background checks on all three and have received very good feedback. Also, reports on Fionna & Caitlin Telford and Maureen Ashby are enclosed. There are certain bits of information that normal checks (even computer hacking) will not reveal. The background checks provided there include family, preferences, favorite haunts, strengths and weaknesses. You probably know most of what's included, but people always find a way to hide their faults. Last, the final hour will be personal business where the documents for the house and trusts will be reviewed, and notarized. Tomorrow evening there will be a formal dinner and celebration in honor of your marriage. Plan on a nice evening."

Edoardo, "That's it for now Jackson. You and Tara go get some time to yourselves, talk, review the documents and we will see you tomorrow. Sleep in, take advantage of all the amenities. Your right hand, Happy, and companion were already informed of all the goodies they have available to them while visiting."

Godfather stands, and wishes all "good night Family, sleep well."