5 years later...

The waves crashed onto the beach. The sand crunched under her feet as she walked down the shore. She looked out to the horizon. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was transitioning from day to dusk. She smiled as the wind played with her hair and across her face.

"Mommy!"

She opened her eyes and smiled. A small boy and girl ran clumsily to her. She bent down to hug them both.

"Oh you two are getting so big!"

The little girl's emerald eyes sparkled as she giggled. She shook her auburn pigtails around.

"Daddy said I was shrinking."

Makoto chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Emma, Daddy is always joking. One day you both are gonna be taller than him."

The little boy kicked at the sand. His dusty dark blond hair blew in wind.

"Daddy wanted us to come get you mommy."

Makoto bent down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Emma laughed as he wiped the kiss from his cheek. Makoto put her hands on her hips.

"Drew, do you know what happens to little boys who wipe their mother's kisses away?"

Drew crinkled his forehead and frowned. His green eyes filled with caution.

"What happens?"

Makoto smiled mischievously. She grabbed her son and began tickling him.

"They get attacked by the tickle monster!"

He laughed and squirmed underneath her trying to escape. Emma jumped in to save Drew and soon all three were covered in sand. Makoto chuckled and got up to wipe the sand off her children and herself. A deep chuckle erupted from behind the trio. Makoto turned around and smiled.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up."

Andrew crossed his arms and shook his head.

"It seems my children ended up getting dirty instead of following directions."

Emma and Drew put their heads down sadly. Makoto scoffed and lightly punched Andrew in the arm.

"Blame me. I got them dirty."

Andrew grinned and pulled her close to him.

"Is that a fact? Well I will have to return the favor later on tonight."

He kissed her deeply and Makoto put her hands around his neck. She could hear the kids making gagging noises behind them. The couple broke apart and laughed. She hit him again.

"Behave Mr. Rivera."

Andrew pouted.

"If you insist Mrs. Rivera. Alright let's head back up to the house. Dinner is ready."

Emma and Drew leaped for joy and ran ahead while Makoto and Andrew trailed behind them holding hands. He took her hand and kissed it warmly. She looked at him lovingly as they climbed the steps to their home. She made sure the kids were inside before pulling Andrew out to the outdoor patio.

"Let's sit out here for awhile," she said.

She sat down on one of the lounge chairs. He looked at her with concern and sat next to her.

"You okay baby?"

She patted his hand and gave him a smile.

"I'm fine. I just been thinking about some things. It's been a little over five years since it happened."

"You still think about that night?" he asked.

"Once in awhile. I really did think I was going to die that night. I have a lot be thankful for: you, Emma and Drew. You all saved me from a dark place. Thank you."

Andrew leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.

"I love you Makoto. We saved each other. Our kids are a gift to us both. Thank you for that."

She wrapped her arms around his waist and they held each for awhile. Emma and Drew came bursting out the sliding doors holding a cake. Makoto gave a yelp in surprise at the cake placed in front of her. She turned to Andrew and he grinned.

"Happy birthday Makoto."

"Happy birthday mommy," the twins yelled.

"Happy birthday Brooks," two voices said from thew doorway.

Makoto jumped up and nearly jumped on the two people. Amara and Darien laughed loudly as she began to cry.

"Man up Brooks," Amara fussed.

Makoto blubbered and dried her eyes.

"Oh, shut up. I can be happy if I want yo," she replied.

They all sang Happy Birthday to her as she wiped her eyes and laughed at the off key pitch of the song. Andrew squeezed her waist lightly. She looked around at everyone taking it in. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"What you gonna wish for mommy?" Emma asked.

Makoto smiled and looked around once more. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath then blew out the candles.

"It's already come true."

-WooWoo316