Kensi felt like the worst mother in the world. She and Deeks had discussed different jobs two weeks ago and though she had tried she couldn't imagine doing anything other than what she did now. It had been her life's ambition for long to get to where she was that it was just difficult to flip that switch to something else. And really, what were her other skills that were considered "safe"? Sure the bakery around the corner wasn't in need of a sniper and open secretary position a couple miles away probably wouldn't require any hostage negotiation skills. So what was she meant to do with her life? These worries had plagued her already sleep deprived mind for almost the full time since the day of the adoption. In the end, it was Hetty who came to her rescue.

"Ms. Blye, may I have a word with you?" Her soft but commanding voice compelled a slightly frazzled Kensi to her boss' desk where she took a seat. "I've noticed you've been a little on edge lately."

Kensi nodded glumly.

"I understand that having a family while working such a dangerous job can have its own bundle of stresses, but maybe this is something you might want to talk to Sam about," Hetty started. "He and his wife have had several years of the family lifestyle while working high risk jobs and though you and Mr. Deeks will make your own decisions that work for you, it might be a good idea to hear how they make it work."

Kensi nodded and wanted to smack herself for not thinking to ask Sam earlier. He would know exactly what they were going through.

"That being said, I don't want you to think that you don't have options." Hetty paused and pulled out a manila envelope. "We have had a recent position open up in forensics and I believe that with a few courses you would be amply suited for this position should you choose to stay with NCIS."

"Hetty… I – " Kensi's mouth opened and closed in shock. She hadn't known this was even an option and for her to be considered at all for the position left her stunned.

"This position still requires some field time, but you would be going onto scenes after the real danger has passed and you would be responsible for evaluating new data from crime scenes and reporting it to myself and the team on that mission," Hetty gave Kensi an indulgent smile when she remained speechless. "You're family and I don't want you to feel like you can't stay, even if it's not in the same capacity."

"Thank you, Hetty," Kensi finally blurted and blushed. "When would you need an answer?"

"Within a month would be nice and we could talk about you starting the courses while on maternity leave or soon after," she explained.

Kensi nodded and got to her feet. "I'll let you know."

Hetty smiled and returned her attention to a pile of files on her own desk. Kensi returned to her desk and wished her partner was at OSP and not out following a lead so that she could tell him the new development. It was funny how she never would have considered getting Deeks' opinion when they had first met and even for the first couple years of their partnership, but the change from partners to friends and then to something even better left her wanting to tell him everything, big and small.

"Mommy, mommy!" A peel of laughter sounded several feet away as she saw Isla barreling toward her at a rather quick speed for a three year old.

"Hey munchkin!" Kensi knelt down just as the girl wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Unfortunately the toddler was getting too heavy for Kensi to lift her and she had a little too much bulk in the middle now to easily accommodate lifting a child. "What's up?"

"I gots another toof!" Isla grinned, flashing some of her back teeth to Kensi and pointing.

"You know if you grow any faster we're going to have to put bricks on your head and hide you away so we can keep you forever," Kensi smiled.

"Nah, I always live wif you and daddy," she grinned.

"You might change your mind someday, but you can stay with us as long as you want," Kensi brushed the dark curls away from her face. "We both love you so so much."

"Love you too, mommy," Isla gave her a winning smile and Kensi wondered for a moment if she had been taking lessons from Deeks. This girl was going to be lethal one day.

"What is my princess doing away from the castle?" Deeks called as he entered OSP.

"Daddy!" Isla turned from Kensi and ran toward her surrogate father who hoisted her into the air and tossed her easily over his head. His arm had healed well since his strength never wavered as the girl landed back into his hands and he brought her to sit on her hip. Her dark curls were a wild mess again and Deeks brushed a few locks back as he listened to her tell him about her day. It was moments like this that made Kensi's heart try to thump from her chest with love.

"And how's my queen?" Deeks smiled and leaned over to give Kensi a kiss on the cheek when he got close enough.

"Tired, aching, the usual," Kensi smiled. "I think my hubby needs to give me a long backrub tonight."

"Anything you want honey dearest," Deeks smiled cheekily and gave her a playful wink.

"Can we go to the beach tomorrow?" Isla piped in and Deeks gave Kensi a hesitant look. She was already a couple days past her due date and if he had his way they would stay home for the remainder of the pregnancy so she could rest, but he knew saying something along those lines would just set her off.

"I don't see why not?" Kensi smiled affectionately at the toddler.

"YAY!" She cried, wriggling out of Deeks' arms and down so that she could run back to the daycare center.

"Did you teach her how to hotwire the security system for the daycare?" Deeks asked, watching the little girl speed off.

"Maaaaaaaaybe…" Kensi grinned sheepishly.

"Kens!" Deeks balked in honest shock.

"Of course not!" Kensi chuckled and lightly punched him in the shoulder. Instead of Deeks giving her his trademark wince, it was Kensi who winced and his first immediately went to worried.

"You okay?" Deeks asked, brushing his hand along her arm to draw her attention back to him.

"Yeah, just aching back," Kensi winced as she tried to stretch out her aching lower back and massaged what she could reach with her left hand.

"C'mere," Deeks said, easily turning her around so that he could massage her lower back for her.

Kensi winced at first and then her face relaxed more as his fingers and hands loosened the muscles.

"Are you sure we shouldn't call the OB and ask about inducing this baby this weekend?" Deeks said, his voice tinted with worry.

"She'll come when she's ready," Kensi grimaced through a smile.

Deeks grimaced with her. "You mean 'he'."

"Nope, definitely a she," Kensi smiled, the tension leaving her body. "Do you think we could go home a little early today if you're all done? I'm pretty tired."

Deeks tried not to let the worry reflect on his face at her admission. It wasn't like her to say anything about being tired or anything short of strong and determined, but now she did look tired and rundown.

"I like that idea," Deeks forced a smile. "I'll go let Hetty know."

Kensi smiled at him gratefully and watched him go a few feet before she felt a trickle of fluid run down her leg and her brow knit.

"Uh, Deeks… Just tell her we're going to the hospital. I think my water just broke."