Author's Note: I'm writing this A/N right after watching vs. Bo, and I honestly feel like crying right now... either that or banging my head against my desk repeatedly. Tonight's episode represents everything I hate and love about this show. After nine episodes of crap, they bust this one out. This is the kind of episode they should've been delivering all along. Every episode prior to this served absolutely no purpose and could've been completely done away with, with just some minor tweaking (e.g. Morgansect). Quinn as the final villain? His character makes so much sense to me, it's ridiculous. I clicked with him as soon as he delivered his back-story. Who better to close the story out with than the guy the Intersect was originally meant for? Am I saying they're going to do him justice? No. I know better. I'm just saying he has the makings of a proper villain, like Volkoff, before they Agent X'ed him. Looking to next week's promo, and what I've read of the last two episodes, I have a strong feeling that I'm going to be wishing I'd never watched S5 when it's all said and done, but today? Today I'm happy with what they delivered.

Sorry about my rambling. I just had to get that out. Not since Ring II have I been this excited after watching a Chuck episode; that's just sad, when I think about it. It's even sadder when I think about what came after Ring II, and know full well Fedak's probably going to pull something similar. Anyway, here's chapter 19:

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Redemption

December 28, 2016

4:45 pm

It had taken three days and visits to thirty-six different stores, but he'd finally found the right one. Of course, when he'd discovered how much the "right one" actually cost, he forgot how to breathe and almost asphyxiated right there and then; or, at least, that's how it played out in Chuck's mind. In reality, his eyes widened in shock and he nodded dumbly, all he could say was, "I see."

Morgan had a coughing fit right beside him. "Wow... that's...yeah..."

The sales-clerk looked from man to man, confused by their reactions.

No one could accuse either of them of being familiar with buying jewelry; most of their money had been spent on games, comics, and movie memorabilia. It was foreign territory for both of them. Morgan's wife had picked out her own ring, and she'd been gracious enough to keep the cost relatively low.

The imaging and GPS software Chuck and his dad had developed was selling well... but not that well. They had just started their business, after all. He was sure he could hear his wallet crying over the hit it was about to take.

But it was worth it.

Sarah was worth it.

It would be tricky for a couple of months but he figured with the security software they were rolling out early in the new year, he would be able to pay it off quickly; which was a good thing because, soon, he'd have a wedding to pay for.

"I'll take it," he proclaimed with a smile on his face.

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Walker/Bartowski Residence

December 31, 2016

11:59 pm

Ellie and Devon were hosting a New Year's party at their place for all their friends. Chuck and Sarah decided that's not where they wanted to be for the occasion, it was time for the two of them to have a private celebration after all the family time they had logged recently. They couldn't think of any place they'd rather be than home, their home, to start the new year.

Sarah never really had a home, not until she made one with Chuck; and Chuck hadn't had a home for eight long years. The house was nice, but it had just been a house to Sarah until they made it a home, together.

It symbolized a new beginning for them, a fresh start without being weighed down by the ghosts of the past. They both knew they had hurt each other plenty of times; they didn't deny it, they didn't try to sweep it under the rug or turn a blind eye. They had talked every issue to death and, finally, they'd decided it was time to move on and let go. They couldn't change the past and there was no point in dwelling in it any longer.

When the clock struck twelve, they would be Chuck and Sarah, nothing more, nothing less; and in this new era, their family was poised to grow by one. A clear indicator of just how different things were. How they got there no longer mattered, what did matter was that they were finally there.

The house was dark. The blinds were closed, the lights were off. For the next few hours the outside world didn't matter and it wouldn't intrude. Only a few burning candles scattered throughout offered any source of light. The stereo played softly in the living room while Chuck and Sarah danced, embraced in each other and swaying slowly along with the sounds. It was a new kind of intimacy for both of them, and not one they would be comfortable sharing with anyone else.

A small beep emanated from Chuck's pocket and he knew it was time.

He took Sarah gently by the chin and brought her in for a kiss. "Happy New Year," he said softly.

She smiled at him and kissed him back. "Happy New Year."

The song played on and he spun her slowly around with one hand, with the other he reached into his pocket.

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Walker/Bartowski Residence

January 1, 2017

12:00:10 am

As she came out of the spin, Chuck let go of her hand and bent down on one knee. He took her left hand and effortlessly slid the ring he'd bought for her onto her ring finger. There was no need to ask the question, they both knew what the answer would be. Even an engagement was just a formality as far as Chuck was concerned.

Sarah inhaled sharply. For a moment, her sight was fixed on the ring now adorning her hand. Her hands covered her mouth and her eyes became watery as she gazed at Chuck, still on one knee. It's not that she wasn't expecting it, but expecting it and actually experiencing it were two totally different things she found out.

He looked at her patiently, waiting for her to say something. Giving her the time she needed.

She offered her left hand, and when he took it, she pulled him to his feet. She placed her hands on the sides of his face and kissed him lovingly.

His hands rested on her hips and, for a moment, after the kiss broke, they just gazed at each other without a word exchanged but their feelings rendered perfectly clear.

"It's beautiful, Chuck," Sarah finally spoke. "Thank you."

"I'm glad you like it," he said, smiling.

"I love it." She grinned wide.

Good thing, Chuck thought. Considering what it cost, it would have really sucked if she didn't like it.

Sarah took him by the hand and guided him along. "Come on, Chuck," she said, "I'm going to show you just how much I love it."

Chuck readily complied, happily following after Sarah and blowing out the candles as he went.

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Los Angeles Courthouse

February 14, 2017

10:00 am

"You look beautiful," Chuck said, sparing a glance at her now visible bump.

"You won't be saying that when I'm looking like I'm ready to pop," she responded wryly.

"Trust me, you couldn't be more wrong," he offered a smile.

"Yeah... we'll see."

"Okay!" Chuck clapped his hands together. "Are you ready for this?"

"As ready as I'm ever going to be," Sarah replied. "Did you ever think we'd find ourselves here when we first met?"

Chuck shrugged. "I can honestly say this is one thing that never crossed my mind back then."

"Hey, morons!" A gruff voice called from behind them. "I'm right here, you know."

They both turned to look at their old partner, the groom-to-be. "Sorry, Casey, but you have to admit this is not exactly what comes to mind when you think John Casey," reasoned Sarah.

"I know I still get flashes sometimes of the guy that would've easily killed us and then gone for pancakes," added Chuck.

A whimsical smirk came over Casey's face at the memory. "Yeah," he said fondly, "good times."

"You scare me sometimes," Chuck commented.

"Where's the bride?" Sarah changed the subject.

"Putting on a few finishing touches to her make-up, apparently," Casey answered.

"I never knew you could be such a romantic, Casey," Chuck piped in. "Getting married on Valentine's Day? That's a nice touch."

"Who said anything about romance?" Casey quickly dismissed the idea. "I'm killing two birds with one stone here," he remarked. "Now I won't have to celebrate an anniversary and this god-forsaken scam they call Valentine's Day separately." Casey argued. "Plus, if I forget one, I'm covered by the other."

"What happens if you forget both?" Chuck dared to ask. Casey growled in response. "O-kay..." Chuck put up his hands in surrender.

"Here comes Ilsa, behave," Sarah quickly cut in. "You look beautiful," Sarah remarked.

"Yes, you do," Chuck echoed the sentiment.

"Thank you, both." Ilsa turned to Casey. "Are you ready?"

Casey grunted in assent.

"Great!" Chuck said as he stepped up to open the door to the courtroom where Casey and Ilsa would be married. Both women walked in ahead of the guys. Chuck patted Casey on the shoulder. "Let's go get you married... Sugar Bear," he added with a goofy grin on his face. Casey growled at the use of the nickname and raised his hands, ready to retaliate, before Chuck stopped him. "Uh-uh-uh," he taunted, "you're about to get married, remember? What would the missus think?"

"John?" Ilsa called from inside the room.

He looked over at her. "Coming," he answered before turning back to face Chuck. "You're going to pay for that one, Bartowski," he growled out.

Oh, Chuck knew he was going to pay; somehow Casey would find a way to get him back, probably through Sarah, but it was worth it. So he just smirked and gestured with his hand for Casey to lead the way.

Mrs. John Casey, he thought as he looked at the couple standing before the judge, now that is something.

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Author's Note: This being chapter 19 means there is only one chapter left in this story and we're done. And, I know I played the Sarah gets Intersected card too, but at least I skipped over all the angsty crap.