As they drove towards the air strip Danny spoke first, "She's a wonderful person Steve…they're all great"
"Yeah, they are…...thank you Danno for being there for me"
"Of course. So, did you get the closure you were looking for babe?"
"She's happy Danny, and that's what I needed to see…so yeah, I've got closure"
Danny smiled at his friend, "That's good partner, that's good"

It was a short flight to Washington and the Dramamine seemed to help Steve more this time.
When they arrived at the hospital they found Chin assisting Kono on a walk down the hallway.
They were all smiles as they approached and Steve said, "Alright, look at you!" He leaned in kissed Kono on the cheek.
"Hi boss, Danny…..how did everything go?"
Danny spoke softly, "It went well sweetheart, thank you. So have you seen the Doctor yet today?"
"Yes, they're ready to let me go"
Steve looked at Chin, "Really?"
"Yes Sir. Let's get back to the room and I'll give you the details"

Once they had Kono back in bed Chin continued, "A lot has happened since I spoke with Danny last night. They are releasing Kono this afternoon. Chief Jessup stopped up to visit while the Doctor was here. Kono was arguing with the Doctor about when she could fly home so Jessup offered to pay for a Nurse to accompany us on the flight"

Steve looked at Kono, "So when can you fly SAFELY?"
She replied glibly, "Right now"
Steve smirked, "Yeah…sure"
Chin smiled as he replied, "In three days"
Steve raised his eyebrows as his gaze met Kono's, "That sounds more like it"

After visiting for a short time, Steve and Danny left to go check them all into rooms at the nearby Hilton Hotel.
Over the next two day's they lounged poolside and simply relaxed.
Danny watched Steve carefully and not knowing that the SEAL was still taking the pain pills in high doses he began to feel a bit at ease. Although Steve showed occasional signs of pain he was communicative and did not appear to be depressed.

On the third day they made their way to the airfield and they were met by Chief Jessup and the Nurse, Ashley Drake.
As Chin and Ashley helped get Kono settled on the plane, Steve and Danny extended their final thanks and farewells to Chief Jessup and soon they were all on the plane and flying home.

Thankfully it was an uneventful flight. There was a bed on the private plane and at her friend's insistence Kono laid down, and actually slept for most of the flight. Steve also slept much of the time and the Dramamine seemed to help with his discomfort as well.
When they landed in Hawaii, Governor Denning was waiting for them. They had left their vehicles there when they had flown out and the Governor had a car waiting to take Ashley to the Hawaiian Hilton to stay until she caught her return flight back to Washington the next day.
After she left, the Governor looked at his task force, "How are you all doing?"
Steve answered for his team, "It's been a tough couple of weeks on all of us Sir, but we're doing okay. It's good to be home"
"Well, there's four more weeks left on your medical leaves and I want you to keep checking in with me periodically. If any of you need more time, you just need to let me know"
Steve shook his bosses hand, "Thank you for your continued support Sir, it's greatly appreciated"
Chin then left taking Kono back to her home and as Danny drove Steve, he dialed up Rachel.

"Hi Rach. We're back" He filled her in on everyone's condition ending by stating that he would see her soon.
Steve asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah….she got the letter with the DNA results"
"And?"
"She hasn't opened it yet. She's waiting until she sees me"
"Well you drop me off and you get over there"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Danno…..I'm fine brother. Thank you for taking such good care of me through this, but I'm fine now and I actually could use some time alone"
Danny looked over at his partner before responding, "Okay, but you promise you'll call me if you need anything?"
"Yes Danny, I promise"

A short time later Steve was entering his home and Danny was on his way to read the letter that would change his life no matter what it said.

50505050505050505050505050505050505050

Gracie was at school and Charlie was napping when Danny arrived.
As he entered the house Rachel approached him, holding the envelope in her hand. They embraced and then Danny placed his hands on her face and kissed her passionately. After several seconds their lips parted and he whispered, "Are you ready?"
She looked at him nervously, "Yes"
He sensed her fear, "Hey baby, don't worry. Whatever the results are we'll be together…all four of us" He took her hand in his and led her to the couch. Her hand was shaking and Danny took the envelope from her, "Here, let me open it"

His heart was racing as he pulled out the letter.
Taking a deep breathe, he read it out loud.
"Mrs. Edwards,
In regards to the paternity of Charles William Edwards, date of birth 4-24-12 , DNA testing has determined to a degree of 99.999999% certainty that Daniel Patrick Williams is the Father of the above mentioned child."

Rachel gasped and began sobbing hysterically, "Oh my God…yes, oh thank God yes"
Danny too was crying as he pulled her into his arms and peppered her face with kisses. They sat for several minutes before Rachel spoke, "Danny, I'm so terribly sorry I put you through all of this…..oh God, I'm so sorry"

Danny wiped the tears from her cheeks, "Don't Rachel, please…..you have nothing to be sorry for. My God, I couldn't be happier. Charlie is MY SON! God, this is so amazing!" They again embraced.
As they parted Rachel said softly, "I need to go see Stan"
"Why don't you just call him?"
"Danny, he deserves to be told in person. He loves Charlie too. This is not going to be easy on him"
"You're right. I'll go with you"
"No honey, this is something I need to do alone. Can you stay with Charlie, or do you need to get back to Steve's"
"I can stay. He's doing a lot better and I think he's growing a bit tired of me shadowing him. There is one thing we're going to have to do though…."
"What's that?"
"Change our son's name"
"Well of course we'll be changing his name to Williams"
"We need to do more than that"
"What, you don't like the name Charles?"
"No, no….he's Charlie, but he can't be named Charles William Williams"
Rachel chuckled, "Can I offer a suggestion then?"
"Of course, you are his Mother"
"I like, Charles Steven Williams"
Danny smiled, "I like that too…I like that very much" He again kissed her passionately.

After a few moments she pulled away, "I should really go now"
He mumbled hoarsely, "Oh come on…"
Pushing away from his grasp she replied, "Danny, I need to go so I came be back before Gracie gets home"
He agreed, "Yes…..you do. I just don't want to let you go baby"
"You never have to worry Danny. I will never leave you again, ever….I love you my dear"
Danny smiled and kissed her gently, "I love you too Rachel"

He then walked her to her car and after she drove away he went back into the house and headed straight up the stairs to Charlie's room. Standing in the doorway he stared at the little boy sleeping contently with his thumb in his mouth, oblivious to the events that just changed his life forever. Danny wiped tears from his cheeks as his stood for several minutes quietly watching his son….

******* Hope you're enjoying! A bit of a shorter chapter, but a good place to stop… one (maybe two) more chapter(s) to go! ********