A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale By Lord Rapier

Chapter 42: C is for Closure, D is for …

Two months later,

When Sarah walks into Chuck's office, he's on the phone. He holds his finger up to say one minute. She walks over and climbs onto his lap. She starts to plant little kisses all over his face. He's half laughing, half annoyed as he hangs up the phone. "Hon, you do know I'm working, and I might ask why you aren't?"

Sarah hands him some papers, he looks confused, "What's this?" He opens the first letter and reads, he looks confused, "Baby I told you that you didn't have to sign over your shares."

Sarah kisses him, "I know, but a deal is a deal, I sold them to you for the price of one kiss, best deal I ever made, and I keep my word, read the other one."

Chuck unfolds and reads the next letter, "Sweetheart, why are you giving me a letter of resignation. You know how fast we're growing. I need your help here."

Sarah smiles and kisses him passionately, "Read the letter Chuck, it's dated."

Chuck reads the letter again, "Sarah this is strange, why would you give me a letter resigning in seven months, this makes no sense?"

Sarah laughs, "You know for a genius you're pretty dense sometimes. Sweetheart if I'm working at Carmichael Industries who's going to take care of the baby?"

Chuck is totally lost, "I would guess it's mother. Wait! What baby?"

Sarah just smiles as Chuck's brain works; she watches as his face goes from puzzled to enlightened. "Holy shit… the baby… your baby… my baby… our baby, HOLY SHIT! WE'RE HAVING A BABY… I'M FREAKING OUT." Sarah is laughing as Chuck kisses her hard, "Oh my gosh, I didn't hurt you, did I? I didn't hurt the baby?" Sarah starts crying as Chuck hugs her

The door flies open, and Mrs. Sawyer comes running in, "What's with all the screaming, is everyone okay?"

Chuck stands up still holding Sarah, in his arms, "I'm having a baby, I mean Mrs. Bartowski is having a baby, my baby, she's having my baby. Holy crap, I'm gonna be a daddy."

Sarah is laughing and crying as Chuck starts to dance around the room with her in his arms. "Grandma Bea, you get over here and give us a hug, then you get on the phone and get Mr. Casey and the Grimes up here, and don't forget Gretchen. Mrs. Sawyer we're gonna have a baby, I mean Sarah and me, not you and me. Yeah, you knew that, huh."

Mrs. Sawyer screams and rushes over to hug them. Chuck doesn't stop dancing and she dances along with them. "I'm so happy for you, Mrs. B, I think you and the Boss will be the best mom and dad ever. I promise, I'm gonna be the best grandma. OH BOY! I'm gonna have a baby to spoil. I'd better get on the phone before someone calls security."

She runs out of the room. Chuck puts Sarah on her feet and kisses her and keeps on kissing her.

Casey comes running into the room, "What the hell is going on? Mrs. Sawyer is freaking out; I don't understand a word she's saying. Did you call me up here so I can watch the two you of make out?"

Sarah runs over and throws her arms around Casey's neck, "Hi Grandpa."

Casey looks at her, " Bartowski, we've talked about all the hugging, and since when do you call me Grandpa. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Sarah kisses his cheek, "I'm sorry John, sometimes pregnant women can get emotional."

Casey looks at her, "Nah, original Bartowski acts like that all the time." His eyes go wide, "You mean?" Sarah nods. Casey picks her up and swings her around, "HOOAH!" He puts Sarah down and walks over to Chuck, "Congrats kid, I'm happy for you." Chuck is shocked as Casey wraps his arms around him and squeezes, just as Morgan, Alex and Gretchen come in followed by Mrs. Sawyer.

Morgan runs over and pulls at Casey, "Don't kill him Dad, whatever he did it can't be that bad."

Casey puts his hand on Morgan's face and pushes him away, "Shut up moron, nobody is killing anybody. I'm gonna be a Grandpa again. Keep putting hands on me and you'll be the one I kill."

Morgan looks at Alex, "Honey why didn't you tell me?"

Alex looks shocked, "Not me Hon."

Sarah is laughing her ass off, "It's me, Chuck and me. We're having a baby."

Alex and Gretchen run over to hug Sarah. Alex is all smiles when she says. "Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for you guys. The twins are gonna have a new cousin. I'll bet they'll be hoping for a boy. They love Clara and Molly, but boys will be boys."

Gretchen is crying, "Sarah, you're the first CAT to have a kitten. I'm gonna be an aunt again. I have to call Jeffrey; he's going to be so excited. Momma and Poppa will go berserk."

Mrs. Sawyer calls out over the celebration, "Boss you have visitors."

Chuck yells back, "Tell them to wait." Mrs. Sawyer goes back into the outer office. "Gretchen, you'd better let us call Momma and Poppa first. We don't want them to be hurt because we didn't tell them. You can call Jeffrey right after, okay?"

Gretchen pouts, "Fine, but don't make we wait too long."

Sarah hugs her. "How about you come over after work and we'll make the calls together?" Gretchen nods.

The ladies are hugging and bouncing up and down, Mrs. Sawyer returns and joins in. There's a chorus of high screams as they bounce."

Chuck walks over to his phone and pushes a button to speed dial a number, then puts it on speaker, a voice answers, "This is Doctor Woodcomb, how can I help you?"

Chuck is excited, "Hi Aunt Ellie."

Ellie shouts, "Hello, who is this, what's all that noise?" She looks at the caller ID, "Chuck is that you, I can't hear you, what's all that noise?"

Sarah hears Ellie's voice and runs over to the phone, shushing everybody as she crosses the room. "Hi Sis, It's Sarah, do you think Clara would prefer a boy cousin, or a girl cousin?"

Ellie sounds annoyed, "Sarah, I'm in the clinic, I have a patient. What the hell are you talking about, what cousin?" Suddenly a scream comes out of the speaker, "Sarah, really, you and Chuck. Holy crap, I'm gonna be an aunt. My little brother is going to be a dad. Oh Sarah I'm so happy for you. Chuck, Sarah can I tell Mom, can I?"

Sarah is puzzled, "That's a strange ask Ellie, can we know why?"

Ellie screams, "Because she's going to faint and there should be a doctor present. Wait a minute Devon just walked in. Hon, Chuck and Sarah are having a baby."

Devon grabs the phone, "That's awesome, I can't wait to work out with him."

Chuck and Sarah laugh as they hear Ellie say, "Devon give me that phone. Hey guys guess what."

Sarah asks, "What?"

Ellie's voice gets really soft, "I love you both so much. I couldn't have asked for a better brother and sister. Your kid is going to be so loved. What a lucky kid he or she is. I'm so happy for you. I have a patient, I really have to go, love you. We'll pick up Clara and come over to your house after we close the clinic. Love you both, bye."

Sarah calls out, "Ellie wait there's one more thing I need to tell you."

"Okay but make it quick."

"I just want to remind you that if your dad were here, he would tell you how much he loves you and how proud he is of you."

Ellies voice is full of emotion. "Thanks Sis, It's nice to be reminded. If Dad were here, he would say aces, Charles and Sarah, aces. We'll see you soon." Ellie disconnects.

Chuck takes Sarah in his arms "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

Sarah smiles, "Almost as much as I love you."

Sarah pushes another button. A voice says, "Hello." Sarah starts to cry "Hi Grandma."

Emma is quiet for a moment. "Sarah? Are the twins there. Are you okay. It sounds like you're crying."

Sarah is having a hard time talking. "No Mom, I'm okay. We just called to tell Molly that's she's going to be an aunt."

More silence, "Sarah… are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Sarah wipes the tears from her cheeks, "Yes, Mom. Chuck and I are having a baby, your grandchild."

"Oh Baby, you have to warn a person to sit. I'm so happy, I'm so happy for you. MOLLY COME QUICK."

"What Mommy? I'm doing my homework."

"Your brother and sister are on the phone."

Molly runs into the room and grabs the phone. "Hi Chuck, what's up?"

Sarah looks at Chuck, "So now your big sister is chopped liver."

Molly giggles, "No Sarah, sorry. Hi Sis."

"Well okay, I guess I'll let you be Aunt Molly then."

"Mommy, why is Sarah calling me Aunt Molly?" Emma puts the phone on speaker.

Emma smiles, "Sweetie, you sister is trying to tell you that she's going to have a baby. That'll make you an aunt."

"Wow, we're going to have a baby. That's so exciting. Is it a boy or a girl?"

Chuck laughs, "We won't know that for a while Molly, but we'll tell you as soon as we know. How about you guys come over for dinner tonight, say around seven. Your cousins will all be there too."

"Mommy, can we?"

"Of course Sweetheart, try and stop me. Chuck, Sarah, I'm so happy for you. Now you be careful. Don't you dare take risks with my grandbaby."

Chuck laughs, "We'll be good Mom. We need to go. We need to make other calls. See you tonight."

Sarah disconnects the call. We have one more call we have to make right away. Sarah punches in a long string of numbers, a male voice answers, "Buona sera, Acme imports/exports, this is Jenkins, how can I direct your call?"

Sarah answers, "Tell The Chief that Sarah is on the phone."

The voice responds immediately, "Yes Ma'am, I'll put you right through, it's nice to hear your voice again."

Sarah smiles, "Yours too Jenkins."

There's a click, "This is Rizzo."

Sarah has a huge smile on her face, "Hello Aunt Zondra, how are you doing, we miss you?"

It's clear from Zondra's voice, that she's happy to hear from her best friend, "I'm doing good, busy as hell, my predecessor left a mess for me to clean up."

Sarah smiles, "I'll bet she did…"

Zondra interrupts, "Wait a minute, what did you call me?"

Sarah can't contain her joy as she laughs, "I called you Aunt Zondra, what else would I call you?"

Zondra's voice sounds skeptical, "Sarah, are you trying to tell me something, is this code?"

Gretchen screams, "Yes, it's code for we're going to be aunts. He knocked her up. Sarah's having a baby." Everyone in the office cracks up.

Sarah can't see the big smile on Zondra's face, "Holy shit, I'm going to be an aunt. Damn it, Sarah, don't you ever get tired of being happy?"

Sarah laughs, "I've tried to stop, but Chuck won't let me."

Zondra laughs, "I'm really excited for you. Do me a favor, you tell that big nerd that I miss him. Also tell Casey that I want to play some more."

Sarah acts shocked. "Z, weren't you naughty enough at the wedding."

Zondra laughs, "I can never be naughty enough. Tell him that Julie and I get together regularly to go over our battle plans for his next visit."

Casey grunts and gets a big smile on his face. Sarah says, "They heard you; everyone heard you. You're on speaker, for some strange reason the general is smiling."

Zondra laughs, "Hi General, know where I can find a good cigar?" Casey grunts, smiles, and nods his head. "Sarah, I've gotta go, are you guys coming out here soon, while you can still fly. Mama keeps asking for Chuck. How does he make all these women fall in love with him?"

Sarah's eyebrow goes up, "All?"

Zondra sounds pissed, "Shut up Walker, let me know when you want to come out. I'll send the jet so Chuckles can fix my computer problem. Love you all, bye."

The second the call ends everyone goes back to celebrating. Sarah is hugging Chuck and they're surrounded by their family. Sarah is in heaven, she couldn't even imagine being loved by so many people, and here she is the center of all this love and happiness. She shakes her head as she thinks, this… this is what I was afraid of. What a fool I am. I lost out on two years of this because I was frightened. How could I have been afraid of this. I'm the luckiest woman in the world.

Everyone is focused on Chuck and Sarah, and no one notices a small figure enter the office, "What the hell is going on in here? This behavior is totally unprofessional."

The group separates and Chuck and Sarah see General Diane Beckman standing just inside the door. Sarah takes her arms from around Chuck and runs to the small woman and hugs her, "Diane, I'm so happy to see you."

Beckman scowls as she straightens her uniform, "Agent Walker get yourself under control."

Sarah smiles, "Sorry General. Let me remind you, it's Mrs. Bartowski now, soon to be Mommy."

Beckman is angry. "WHAT? Mr. Bartowski are you responsible for this?"

Chuck shrugs and hesitantly answers, "I hope so."

Sarah gives him a dirty look, "CHUCK!"

Everyone in the room laughs, Beckman smiles, "Well then get over here and give your former Commanding Officer a hug."

Chuck walks across the room and cautiously hugs her. "Chuck if that's how you hug, how the hell did you become a dad, bring it in." She hugs Chuck tightly, "I'm happy for you two, it's about time. I suppose that tells me I'm here on a fool's errand. Let me guess there's no way, I'm getting you back is there?"

Chuck and Sarah both shake their heads vehemently, and in unison say, "Not a chance."

Beckman looks past the couple, "Casey, what about you, you can bring your son-in-law."

Morgan's face perks up, Alex sees it and interrupts, "Sure honey you go right ahead. I'm sure you would rather be a spy than have sex."

Morgan looks dejected, as Casey steps forward. Chuck puts his hand up to block him, "Don't even think about it Gramps, I have plans for you."

Beckman makes a sour face, "Fine, I have the package you requested. It's waiting outside, I'll go get it."

Casey looks at Chuck, "What plans are you talking about? Who the hell do you think you are, telling me what I can do? Who're you calling Gramps?"

Chuck puts his hands up in a sign of surrender, "Okay fine as soon as you're done training my new International Head of Security, you can go."

Casey closes in on Chuck, "Who said I'm leaving? I just said you can't tell me what to do."

Chuck looks apologetic, "I'm sorry partner, I've already replaced you."

Casey glowers and grabs the front of Chuck's shirt, "You replaced me. Who the hell do you think you are? I'm an equal partner. You can't tell me what to do. I thought you don't mess with my department?"

Chuck smiles, "Well I thought this time you wouldn't mind; I mean we really needed someone with international connections." He points toward the door, "Meet your trainee."

Casey is steaming as he turns towards the door and sees a beautiful dark-haired woman standing there, a woman he recognizes as Ilse Trinchina. His jaw drops when she waves and in a soft voice says, "Hello Sugar Bear. It's nice to see you again."

Casey stands silently for a moment still holding Chuck's shirt, "Bartowski, I'm trying to decide if I should kill you or kiss you."

Chuck pulls Casey's hand off of him, "How about you don't kill your new grandkid's father and you already had your kiss from me. All you did was whine about it."

Casey nods, he's in a daze as he approaches the woman, "uh huh, hi, I'm John Casey, Head of Security. I'll be training you for your new positions… I mean position."

The room laughs and Casey turns and growls. He turns back, and the woman holds her hand out, "Yes John, I think we've met. My employment contract says that my name is Renee Chevalier. It's my pleasure to meet you." She smiles, "Yes, that's my real name. You must have some immensely powerful friends; the French Government released me from service and the United States consulate fast tracked my visa. It seems that I have skills and assets that no one in this country has."

Casey nods and just stares at her like an idiot.

Renee steps closer, "Aren't you going to kiss me John? I'm sorry, maybe you didn't miss me as much as I've missed you. I shouldn't assume…"

Casey stretches out his arms and grabs Renee, cutting off her words. Pulling her in tight he lifts her off the ground, and Kisses her hard, to the cheers and applause of everyone in the room. The kiss goes on, until Renee pulls away, "Mon Cher, we have an audience. Please save some for when we're in private."

Casey lowers Renee to the ground, and turns to face Chuck, "Chuck I…"

Chuck interrupts him, "Damn it, Casey, how many times do I have to tell you. Call me Boss and keep your frickin' lady feelings to yourself. Don't make me put my foot in your ass. I told you I was going to hire her. Have I ever broken my word to you?"

The room laughs and Casey joins them, shaking his head. At no time taking his arms off Renee. Casey looks at Renee then at Chuck, "Boss, did you just fire me?"

Chuck laughs, "Really, and how would I tell my kid I fired their Grandpa John. I was hoping you would be our new Military Liaison for the multi-million-dollar contract I set up with the government. You'll be traveling to bases all over the world helping my new International Head of security set up accounts and hiring personnel. Unfortunately, it means you'll both have to spend a lot of time in hotels and interacting with military commands. I hope you won't mind too much."

Casey smiles, but looks confused, "But if we're traveling who's gonna watch the shop."

Chuck smacks his head, "Darn, I knew I forgot something, he pushes a button on his intercom, "Scotty, two to beam up."

Casey stares at him like he's crazy and doesn't notice the men walking into the office behind him. Chuck turns to Morgan, "Buddy you remember Captain James T. Kirk, U.S. Navy Retired. This other Gentleman is Master Chief Seely Booth, United States Navy Seal, also retired."

Morgan runs past Casey, "Holy crap, for real. I get to work with the guy who has the best name in the world, in the universe. Hey since we're working together, will you call me Bones"? He pumps Kirk's hand hard. Kirk stares back at him like he's insane. Morgan turns to Echo one, "Really a Seal working at CI. I mean you dive, and fly, and blow shit up. Holy cow, you're a real-life superhero."

Casey turns to the men, "Jim, Seely, it's great to see you guys again. That moron, as you know, is Morgan Grimes my son-in-law. By the way he's a partner and god help you, one of your bosses. He's the second biggest nerd in the world, you've already met the first, he points at Chuck. I'm guessing you ran into everyone at the wedding, but just in case. He walks over to Alex and puts his arm around her shoulders, "This is my daughter, Alex. His long-suffering wife and mother to my grandkids."

Alex gives Casey a dirty look, "Dad stop it, you know you love him."

"That's Gretchen Fager, one of our instructors and top operatives." Gretchen waves.

Casey continues, "That incredible woman over there, is Major General Diane Beckman. She's my former CO, and currently Special Advisor to the President, not a Marine, she's Air Force. Against the odds, she's competent.

This gorgeous lady right here…," he walks over and puts an arm around her, "…is Renee, we've just met, she's the woman I love. Last but certainly not least. Mrs. Sawyer, she keeps the ship afloat. Don't ever try to get past her. She will kill to protect the Boss; you know her son Buzzsaw.

Guys, you have just joined the strangest family in the world. But you'll never find better people anywhere. Seems to me you're right where you belong." Casey turns around, "I almost forgot, you already know Charles and Sarah Bartowski, or Boss and real Boss," everyone laughs.

Sarah pulls Chuck in close, "Hi again Skipper, Seely, welcome aboard, we were just celebrating the impending arrival of our newest family member, OOOHHH Baby if it's a girl can we name her Robin?"

Kirk Looks around the room, "Well Casey I think I get how you learned to handle a crisis and made it look like you do it every day. This is some team you have here. Boss, real Boss…" everyone laughs, "… I'll do my best to live up to your standards. Maybe someday I can help you save the world."

Chuck laughs, "Jim, you already did that, the big question is can you put up with us in close quarters for long stretches. Jim if you want to do well at Carmichael Industries you have to remember one particularly important thing… family comes first, and we're all family.

Keep that foremost in your mind, and you'll do great. You may also want to keep in mind, Morgan may come across, shall we say differently. Regardless of how Casey teases him, he has great wisdom. You would do well to hear what he says. Don't worry so much how he says it."

Beckman sounds annoyed, "As much as I hate to admit it, Chuck is speaking the truth. Grimes knows what he's talking about. Now if we're done with old home week, can we get some business done. I need to speak to the CI partners, in private."

Chuck looks directly at Booth, "Seely, you have one job," he pulls Sarah in close, "To keep this woman safe. You're the only person I would trust her to, besides myself and Casey, of course."

Booth nods, "You got it Boss. Order heard and understood. I'll protect the Blonde Terror, as if she were my own. My wife is dying to meet her. She said something about learning how to kick a Seal's ass." Sarah blushes and kisses Chuck's cheek. The group laughs. "I also need to mention that my daughter Casey is going insane waiting to meet her namesake." Casey grunts.

Chuck nods and walks over to Mrs. Sawyer. "Mrs. S would you mind getting Captain Kirk, damn I love saying that name, Renee and Seely set up with HR. Find out what their needs are… sorry why am I telling you what to do, like you don't know. My apologies, just excited, lots of good stuff happening. Gretchen, would you mind giving her a hand? Alex would you mind watching the store while we take this meeting?

Everyone remember, celebration at our house. Get there when you can, dinner at seven. Bring the family, can't wait to meet them. Mrs. Sawyer will give you the address."

Mrs. sawyer walks towards the door, "New kids with me, let's get you settled in. As they walk into the outer office, "So tell me guys, did you bring your families." The door closes behind them."

Alex, Gretchen, and Sarah head for the door as well. Alex and Gretchen leave. Beckman touches Sarah's arm, "Sarah, where are you going?"

Sarah shrugs, "Sorry Diane, I'm not a partner anymore."

Casey and Morgan yell out, "WHAT?"

Sarah smiles, "I transferred all of my shares to Chuck. I sold them to him, in trade for a kiss."

Beckman looks at her like she's crazy, "That must have been some kiss."

Sarah looks at Chuck and smiles wide, "Yes, Diane, it was, but then, they all are. I definitely got the better part of the deal. Let's get a coffee later and I'll tell you the story."

Beckman grabs her arm, "You're not going anywhere. If you think you're going to leave me in here alone with this testosterone overload, you're nuts. Bartowski what the hell are you up to?"

Chuck holds out his hands. "Don't look at me General, it wasn't my idea. Sarah you're still on my protection detail, stick around and keep me safe. I've been having this urge to hug Casey. I'm afraid he may hurt me."

Sarah smiles, "Yes Dear, whatever you say." She turns to Casey and Morgan, "Are you guys okay with me staying."

Casey grunts, "As far as I'm concerned, you're still a partner." Morgan nods his head in agreement.

Beckman picks up her attaché case and puts it on Chuck's desk, "Okay, now that's all settled.

Beckman sighs, "I'm glad Sarah will have personal protection, there are still bad guys out there. I want my grandkids kept safe. Now on to another important matter, that software you installed on the Ford. The word I'm hearing is that it far surpasses anything we've had until now. Problem is they can't seem to get it to work on the other Nuclear-powered ships. We also need it to work on the new super carriers coming off the line, so talk to me."

Chuck walks around and sits in the chair behind his desk. Sarah follows and stands next to him, her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry General, where's the problem, did you want me to return the Ford to its original configuration. I'm sorry, I'm being rude, please have a seat." He points to the chair on the other side of his desk.

Beckman stares at him, "Mr. Bartowski, are you handling me?"

Chuck looks shocked, "General I'm just trying to be polite. What would make you think such a thing? We're old friends, why would I need to handle you?"

Beckman falls into the chair shocked, "Holy crap, Chuck Bartowski has turned into a shark. I am impressed. I hope I get some credit for this. Okay Chuck let's talk plainly, you just got a huge contract with the government to inspect and upgrade our cybersecurity." She shakes her head. "Let me guess that contract did not include your software for the nuclear power plants."

Chuck holds his hands open, "I'm sorry I would have thought your lawyers would have gone over our agreement."

Beckman smiles, "I like this look on you Mr. Bartowski, but you forget, when you wrote that software you were a Marine Colonel, the government owns anything you do while on active duty."

Sarah covers her smile with her hand, proud as hell of her husband. Chuck leans forward, "General, I have no qualms with that. What's the issue, other than the President made my military career vanish?"

Beckman jumps up and slams her hands on the desk and angrily answers, "You know damn well what the issue is. We can't get it to work on any of the other ships. That's why you turned down the retirement and pension. You could have been reactivated and ordered to work on the ships." Beckman smiles, "I'm proud of you Chuck."

Chuck leans back, "Diane, there's nothing to get upset about, I'm sure that you and my new Military Liaison can straighten all this out very easily."

Beckman gives out with a heavy sigh and falls back into her chair, "Alright Casey, let's hear it?"

Casey smiles and pops a cigar in his mouth, "General, I'm new to being the CI Military Liaison. Brand new, fresh out of boot camp, please don't take advantage of me."

Beckman sighs, "Ambushed by my own team." She laughs, "I'm really proud of you, all of you. Without a doubt you are the best team I ever put together, even if it was by accident. Okay hit me, how much?"

Casey looks at Chuck, Sarah, and Morgan, he scratches his chin, "We figure thirty million should cover development. Then of course there would be the per site install fee, say quarter mill each. Of course, we would maintain ownership of the software. There would be an annual licensing fee, which will, of course, include regular maintenance and upgrades."

Morgan's eyes go wide, "Holy big bucks, Batman."

Chuck laughs, Sarah and Casey join in, then to everyone's surprise Beckman starts laughing then stops abruptly, "Did he say Batman?" Chuck quickly shakes his head, "He did, it's one of his favorite comicbook heroes."

Beckman quickly catches on, "Fine I'll take it up the chain for approval. The President just loves dealing with you. He's still amazed at the way you pushed back last time, but he does love all of you. The First Lady sends her love. You'd better give them a call before they hear about the baby from someone else."

Sarah raises her voice, "Diane, I just told Chuck ten minutes ago. I'll call them this evening."

Morgan looks from Chuck to Sarah to Casey then back to Chuck, "The President… Frank, he loves dealing with you… pushed back… last time, what the hell? I thought you were friends."

Chuck makes a face at Beckman, it's okay buddy, "You know he offered Sarah the director's job; he may have offered me a position as well. I merely explained why that wouldn't work for us. The President isn't used to people saying no to him, that's all."

Beckman realizes her mistake, "Sorry Mr. Grimes, I spoke out of turn. However, I do have a message for you from the new Director. She loves the work you're doing for her. I have to admit she was a good recommendation. She hit the ground running and has been taking names and kicking ass since day one. I don't see us having anymore difficulties like we did in the past.

She did ask me to give you a strange message, I quote, 'Tell him if he keeps up the good work, I see Lemon Bars in his future', end quote. Seems that you have some sort of secret code that I'm not privy too."

Chuck and Morgan laugh. Beckman opens her attaché case, "Okay people, focus. Looks like you'll be eating on the government dime for a while, can't say you didn't earn it.

Here's the next issue; we want to build a communications base under CI. A largescale Castle, it would be the world's largest and most advanced SCIF." (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed and discussed to prevent outside surveillance or spying).

Sarah looks at Chuck, then at Beckman, "Why exactly would you want to build that under CI? We were pretty clear that we're out of the espionage business."

General Beckman unfolds a set of plans and takes a deep breath, "I was teasing earlier about the field work. We want Mr. Grimes to run it. He has one of the best organizational minds I've worked with. His intuition allows him to put together seemingly unconnected information and make it work. We want to try an experimental hybrid civilian/government organization. It'll be geared towards collecting data from all fields, something of a living breathing intersect. Plus with civilian oversight there won't be as many accusations of government overreach.

We also want you to be available in an emergency. You have my word, no field work. Your involvement in that capacity ends when Frank and I leave the White House. In addition to leasing the land we use; all construction costs will of course be the governments. My department will pay for staffing, all personnel vetted by Carmichael Industries. We will of course add land leasing, security and software development for the site to our current agreement."

Chuck sits back rubbing his chin, understanding Beckman's hidden reference. "Remy's gonna be pissed. I'll have to bring Maggie to Burbank to oversee the cyber work. He's still pissed that April quit to work full time for my sister. Do you think Gretchen would like a transfer to Chicago?"

"Chuck, I know she'd like to be closer to Jeffrey, but she would quit. We're about to have a baby, you know she won't leave Burbank right now."

Chuck sighs, "Yeah, I would love to transfer Jeffrey here so they can be together. Remy would kill me. I keep stealing his best people. I'm guessing Momma and Poppa wouldn't be overjoyed. We need to think on this."

Sarah nods as she looks over the plans, " Diane, we'llneed to discuss this. There would need to be an adjustment to the plans, right here." She points to a spot on the far end of the proposed construction. "It would need to be a large space, sleeping quarters, play area, food prep area, secure, independent air supply including scrubbers. We can discuss specifics over that coffee. Bottom line, it'll be a safehouse that will accommodate our families if needed, including you of course. You are family."

Beckman sighs, "Yes, we're family. That's why I'm embarrassed that we didn't invite you. You should know that the name's not Beckman, except for official purposes. The name is Montgomery."

Sarah comes around the desk and hugs Diane, "You and Roan, and you said we took our time. I'm so happy for you. Why didn't you tell us?"

Diane smiles as she hugs Sarah back. "He proposed at your wedding, we didn't want to intrude on your moment. We eloped, while you were on your honeymoon. We're too old for that wedding nonsense. I will admit, I wished you had been there. We could have used a Best Man and a Matron of Honor.

People you should also know that this is my last hoorah, when this project is finished, I'm retiring. Forty years is enough. Roan is already inactive."

Chuck stands up and comes around the desk, he hugs her and simply says, "You're hired. Roan can start right away. He can help train my operatives on how to influence our customers. You can start when you retire. Sarah how about you and Diane work out the initial details. Once you have a game plan we can talk finances on this project, then get back together with the final details. We need to make sure the General looks good to her people. Morgan clear your desk, lets makes this a priority."

Casey grabs the plans off the desk, "On it, Boss."

Chuck barks at Casey, "Put those plans down, you're off for the week. Get Renee settled in. We can get the ball rolling. Let me know if you need anything, anything at all. No matter how big or small. The Jet will be at your disposal if you want to meet Renee's family. Now get out of my office, you're dismissed."

Casey mock salutes, "Aye, aye Boss, Sarah," he looks at Morgan, "Son, make sure you take care of my family. Diane," he bends and kisses Beckman's cheek, "Always great to see you." Beckman's face is frozen in shock. "Hardcase going radio silent," he heads for the door.

Sarah shouts out as he heads for the door, "Make sure Renee knows that we need you able to walk next week."

Casey turns smiling, his hand on the doorknob, "New Bartowski, you are a nasty, nasty woman." Chuck and Sarah Laugh. Casey shakes his head, "I … I … love you all, thanks… just thanks." Chuck and Sarah are smiling as he walks out.

Chuck sits on the corner of his desk, "Diane, is Roan in town with you?" Beckman nods. "Good, our house for dinner tonight. Hon would you let Casey know, give them the option, say seven o'clock. Does that work for you Morgan?" Morgan nods. "Well ladies my partner and I have a lot to do, go enjoy your coffee." Chuck stands up and takes Sarah in his arms, he kisses her as if they were alone. "Thank you, Sweetheart, for loving me, and for making me so incredibly happy. Have a nice time with Diane, let's keep some secrets, okay. I'm going to quit early; we have some calls to make. I'll see you at home."

Sarah hugs him hard, And whispers very softly in his ear. "Shouldn't we make a private call?" Chuck nods. Then aloud, "I love you Baby, more than words could ever say. Thank you for showing me happiness I never thought possible. You were right we can do this." Releasing Chuck, she wipes a tear from her eye. "C'mon Grandma Diane, let me show you our house, and we can get caught up. As they move towards the door, "You and Roan I'm so happy for you. Is he going to be okay with Grandpa Roan?"

Diane laughs, "What makes you think he has a choice?" Sarah laughs with her. They leave closing the door behind them.

Chuck walks behind his desk and sits putting his feet up. Morgan sits across from him and does the same. "Well Buddy, here we are. Who knew? We have the two best women in the world. We're millionaires and we're working with Captain James T. Kirk. does it get any better than this?"

Morgan strokes his beard and shakes his head, "We've come a long way from the Buy More. You know what we need… we need a company party."

Chuck sits up excited, leaning forward, "I agree, do you think we can get Jeffster to perform?"

The End ?

A/N I hope you enjoyed reading AHT. Thank you for all your support, your reviews are what energized me, kept me writing. This was originally chapter 10 then 13, then unnumbered. As you can see it grew. If you count all those super long chapters that I didn't break up, the story went over 50 chapters. These Characters are so rich and full they kept demanding more from me. Thanx again.

Also I cannot neglect to mention three men who supported me early on and helped me make my ramblings readable. Thanx Willie Garvin, Phathead01 and Paradocs.

I also need to thank Microgirl1225. When I needed guidance or help on canon or suggestions when I got stuck. She was there.