Chapter 16

Rick arrived at the hospital early the next morning with Alexis eager to see his girls again, they hurried down the hall and opened the door to their room where they both stopped and smiled at the sight of Kate and Livie curled up asleep together, Kate hugging her daughter, both with a very content look on their faces, he looked at Alexis who grinned "let's give them a bit longer" he murmured and she nodded happily, they crept down the hall and peered into April's room to find her sitting up eating breakfast.

"hey guys" she greeted beckoning them in, grinning they sat down "how you feeling" Rick asked "not bad" she said "more pissed off that I am stuck in here" she scowled grumpily "I am sure you will be able to leave soon" Alexis said "I had better" she grumbled "otherwise I might have to kill someone" Rick grinned "wouldn't advise it" he said and she grinned back "Kate and Livie still sleeping" she asked, they both nodded, she smiled "when I went past earlier they were curled up together, they still like that" they nodded again, she smiled at them.

They chatted until her parents arrived and announced that she had been released "probably because you annoyed them so much" Booth joked making her scowl at him, Rick grinned as he and Alexis left and headed back where they found Kate awake still hugging Livie who was still sleeping "hey" she mumbled sleepily "hey beautiful" Rick whispered giving her a kiss, he felt her smile as their lips met "you know" he said as he sat down "I am pretty sure those hospital beds are single beds" she smiled and ran her fingers gently through Livie's hair "yeah" she murmured "she should probably get back in her own bed now, she shook her daughter gently "Livs" she called softly "wake up honey" Livie mumbled and buried he head into the pillow "no" she mumbled "comfy" Kate smiled and then looked at Rick who grinned.

He stood up and moved over to the bed picking her up careful not to disturb the IV line, then he carried her back over to her bed "hey" she muttered "no fair daddy" he smiled and set her down on her bed again tugging the blanket over her as she sighed and snuggled back down to sleep, Rick looked back at Kate "there a secret party here last night or something" he asked "you both look exhausted, she smiled "nah just difficult to fall asleep when you spent the whole day sleeping and you are on edge" he smiled at her "you just need to relax beautiful" he said leaning in to kiss her again "ew" Livie mumbled and Rick smiled at her looking over to see her properly awake now, he chuckled "and how is the youngest sleeping beauty feeling" he asked moving over to kiss her forehead "better" she said brightly and making him smile, she did look a lot better now, the little spark was glimmering in her eye and her smile seemed more genuine, slowly but steadily both of his girls were coming back to him.

XOXO

It was a week later when Kate and Livie were finally released from the hospital, they were both very relieved and eager to get out even though they were meant to be resting for the next few weeks. Rick smiled as he led them out to the car, his smile dropped when he saw Kate slide into the passenger seat biting her lip to avoid showing her pain, she was still sore from her beatings though she never showed it, the bruises on her neck were finally beginning to fade, they had darkened considerably making it hard for them to forget, but now they were beginning to yellow and fade.

He drove them back to the Jeffersonion and they entered to find their united team there waiting for them, they all laughed in relief and hugged each other laughing and joking with each other until Rick cleared his throat and stood on the step to the platform so that everybody could see him "hi" he said grinning at them all making them all grin back at him, "let's just say these past couple of weeks have been um stressful and tiring" everyone nodded "we all need to relax" he said, he looked them all over "which is why I would like to invite you all to come stay in our house at the Hamptons for a week or so" everyone stared at him "it might be a little crammed with all of us there but I think we can manage, we will have a week of lying in the early spring sun on the beach surrounded by friends and family who's in?"

Everyone looked around before Libby came forward "beach" she said eagerly and everyone laughed "I think that means we are in" Booth said picking his youngest up, Livie grinned at April, "we're in too" Tony said with a grin making Tali grin at her friends, "awesome" Rick said "everybody pack your stuff then, road trip haha" he grinned at Kate "oh and bring something nice to wear there are some great restaurants in the Hamptons" he moved over to his wife "didn't show those to you last time" he murmured, she whacked him playfully on the arm, laughing everyone arranged to meet back here in an hour, the team at the Jeffersonion and Gibbs, McGee and Abby all said they would come up for a bit but allow the three families the time they needed to recover. Kate smiled at Rick "not a bad idea" she said softly and he grinned "I thought it was pretty good, plus it is still quite warm in the Hamptons at the moment" she smiled "let's go pack our bags and check out of the hotel" she said "yay I love the Hamptons" Livie said excitedly, Rick winked at Kate before saying "I think you will love it even more this time" he said making both Livie and her mother frown in confusion.

XOXO

Tony followed Rick's car down the road, they had all driven from DC to the Hamptons, stopping only for food and it was now early evening and everyone was eager to get to the house in the Hamptons, AJ had passed out in his car seat after spending most of the trip playing with Tali who had been happy to keep him entertained or staring out the window at the passing scenery.

"whoa" Tony said staring as Rick pulled his car up in front of a house "I'm definitely in the wrong line of work" "nice" Tali said unbuckling her seat belt and opening the door, Booth drew up next to them "hey Bones" he said as he opened the door, he looking slightly dazed "can we get one" April laughed "I wouldn't say no" she said. Rick grinned "welcome" he said unlocking the front door and leading them all in "ok so the girls are all going to have to share a room, thought we could make a little slumber party den in the living room" he said "sweet" they all said making him smile "Tony and Ziva can have one room with AJ and Brennan and Booth you can have another, when the other teams arrive we will figure something else out" they all nodded and were given a tour of the house "definitely wrong line of work" Tony said as they all stepped onto the porch to stare at the sunset over the sea just a few yards away "beach" Libby said excitedly "tomorrow" Brennan said picking her up.

"hey Livie" Rick said, she looked at him grinning "can you, Tali and April go check the outhouse please, make sure everything is in order, check there is nothing out there that shouldn't be" Livie nodded and headed off towards the outhouse, Kate looked at Rick grinning as he watched them tug the door open "what did you do" she asked, he wrapped one arm around her "wait for it" he murmured. There was a sudden excited squeal from inside the outhouse as the light clicked on and they all moved forward to look inside.

Livie stood there arms around the neck of a pretty dappled grey horse who was snuffling her hair, nickering gently, Livie had a huge smile on her face, bigger than any that had been there in a while "Skye" she breathed "hey" she looked at Rick "you brought her up" she said excitedly, he nodded "told you I would turn the outhouse into a little stable" he said, she launched herself at him excitedly "thank you dad" she said hugging him tightly "no problem kiddo" he said hugging her back releasing her back to the horse who was asking for attention from Tali and April who were smiling as they stroked her neck.

Kate smiled "how did you get the horse up here" she asked as she wrapped her arms around his waist "I called in some help" he said nodding towards the door, she looked over to see Lanie, Ryan and Esposito standing there "phew" Ryan said "when you asked us to get the horse here before you did you could have given us a bit more time" he grinned "I slowed up as much as possible" he said innocently, Ryan scowled "you stopped once for lunch, we had barely got the horse out the trailer when you arrived, that took some manoeuvring, she didn't want to back up" Livie looked at them "you do know there is a door at the front of the trailer" she said "so you could have walked her out forwards"

Ryan stared "you have to be joking" he said, Livie shook her head grinning "aw man" he said, giggling Livie hugged the three of them "thank you guys" she said softly "no problem kiddo" Esposito said "she is a sweet little mare isn't she, good as gold the whole way up" Livie nodded happily "you guys ok to take the last room" Rick asked "yup" they said "too late to be driving home" Ryan said with a yawn "dude I drove most of the way up here I don't know why you are complaining" Esposito said everyone laughed and Livie began to place some bedding down in the brand new stable with Alexis chatting happily to April and Tali who stood with Skye. "Cheers guys" Rick said "I owe you one" they grinned.

They didn't do anything that evening too exhausted, so once the girls had sorted the horse out they headed inside and prepared for bed, the girls made their slumber party bed and then after changing they all fell on it chatting happily, even Libby who curled up next to April and promptly fell asleep, the adults headed upstairs talking quietly before retiring to their respected rooms and soon there was silence throughout the house, as everyone drifted into a peaceful slumber.

XOXOXO

Livie woke up early the next morning, she always did here, she looked over at the rest of the girls still sprawled out fast asleep, she carefully wriggled off the bed and grabbed some leggings and an old top, she slipped her swimwear on and then those on top before grabbing her trainers and heading out to the outhouse.

Skye was already awake and Livie found her food in a box along with the rest of her things, grinning she fed the mare and then began to see to her, refilling her water bucket and mucking out the little stable and filling her hay nets, she then tied the mare up outside whilst she groomed her and once the sun had risen enough for her to see and it was safe to ride her she slipped Skye's bridle on and stood on an unturned bucket scrambling on to the mare's broad bare back.

She felt instantly at home and she headed off towards the beach at a leisurely pace allowing Skye to walk on a lose rain down to the sea where they waded for a bit before she urged her into a trot and began to trot up the beach, she loved it here, their house was miles from anywhere else and the other houses were abandoned so she didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone, she smiled as she reached the end of the beach and then she turned and began to trot back before urging the mare into a canter, she laughed as they broke into the smooth loping movement and she flung her head back smiling as she wind pulled at her hair, and she tasted freedom at the back of her throat.

XO

Kate awoke to the sound of the sea and smiled, Rick was still out of it so she slipped out of bed and dressed before creeping down the stairs, she smiled again at the sight of the girls asleep, but there was one missing, she didn't need many guesses as to where she was, she opened the French window and slipped out into the sunrise and sat on a small stone wall, sure enough she looked down the beach to see a dappled grey mare cantering towards her with a rider on her back, silhouetted in the rising sun.

She heard movement and looked over to see Tony and Ziva emerge, with Ziva holding AJ who was feeding from a bottle, she smiled as they joined her watching the sun rise and the rider moving down the beach, as Livie approached she saw that she was riding bareback and as they watched she lay the reins on Skye's neck and raised her hands high in the air so she only hung on with her legs, she let out a delighted laugh before lowering her hands and catching hold of a handful of Skye's mane laughing in delight, she slowed as she approached the house to a trot and then a walk "morning" she said with a grin "morning" Kate said "where is your hat" Livie grinned innocently "couldn't find it" she said, Kate rolled her eyes "be careful then" she said "always am" Livie said leaning forward to hug Skye's neck, Kate smiled and stood up moving over to greet the horse who greeted her with a friendly nudge and a nicker.

"cool her off and then come in for breakfast" she encouraged as she heard more movement within the house, Livie nodded and then rode off towards the stable "does she always ride without a saddle" Tony asked "yeah most of the time" she said with a smile "she likes the feeling of being one with the horse" Tony nodded with a smile. They headed back into the house to find Libby standing in the doorway to the living room rubbing her eyes exhaustedly "morning sweetie" Kate said bending down to greet her "sleep ok" she nodded tiredly "beach today" she asked, Kate smiled "let's eat some breakfast first shall we" she said, the four year old nodded and moved into the kitchen, Ziva went and finished feeding AJ and handed him to Tony to be burped and she began to help Kate, Livie came in and after washing off a bit she helped too and they began to cook a mountain of food.

The smell of bacon, eggs, pancakes and coffee soon woke the rest and everyone headed down eagerly, they filled their plates and then went and sat on the porch next to the swimming pool to eat laughing delightedly. Just as they were finishing Kate saw Tony and Rick stand up cheeky grins on their faces as they moved round to the girls "um" she said to Ziva "I am worried about Rick, should I be worried about Tony" Ziva looked up "you don't need to be worried" she said with a smile "but Tali does".

Both men pounced and Rick grabbed Livie whilst Tony grabbed Tali, both girls squealed, Livie realised what was going to happen and began to thrash madly "no dad" she said with a giggle "don't you dare", Tali caught on "oh no dad" she said "no no too early don't" the last part came out as a squeal as she and Livie were dumped in the pool, Tony and Rick gave each other high fives as everyone else laughed as Tali and Livie resurfaced spluttering, they both trod water scowling at their fathers who grinned, April eyed her father apprehensively as he grinned playfully at her before she moved away from him, "ooo I am so getting you back for that" Tali growled to her father as she clambered out shivering and sopping wet.

Livie hoisted herself out and shook herself like a dog "ergh" she said "well at least I don't smell like horse now but I was planning to go riding again so it didn't really matter" Rick grinned at her "let me guess you are going to get me back for that too" she nodded "be very afraid" she said in a dark ominous voice making everyone else laugh. "Beach now" Libby demanded "yes beach now" Booth said "let's go get ready".

XOXOXO

An hour later and everyone was lying on the beach or playing in the sea, Kate, Lanie, Brennan and Ziva were lying sunning themselves on a blanket, Tony was sitting a few feet away with AJ who was playing with a bucket and spade, Booth was sitting with Rick in the sand watching Esposito and Ryan who were playing with Libby in the sea smiling at her shrieks of delight.

The girls were a few metres away with Skye, April already knew how to ride and Livie had allowed her to go for a ride up the beach along with Alexis and now they were teaching Tali who looked like she was loving it as she trotted up and down. When she was done Livie took the saddle off and Alexis legged her up, "anyone else" she asked with a grin holding out her hand "ah what the hell" April said and Livie pulled her up behind her wrapped her arms around her waist, then the two of them cantered towards the sea laughing madly as Alexis and Tali chased after them.

Skye plunged into the sea snorting madly as she went deeper and deeper in until it was up to her chest and April and Livie's legs were underwater, the mare twisted round, ears pricked before moving back towards the beach, "wheee" April squealed as she cantered out of the water before Livie turned her parallel to the sea and urged her into a steady canter, they moved through the shallows laughing waving at Libby who waved at the sight of them moving past on the horse.

Kate smiled as she watched them and pulled out the camera and got some nice pictures of them along with pictures of everybody else, she grinned as Alexis and Tali came and sat down next to then "those two are mad" Tali said with a grin "rather them than me" Alexis added. Skye cantered back into the water and then April slid of laughing as she waded back to the shore. "hey mom" Livie called "your turn" Kate raised her eyebrows "um I don't know Livs" she said eyeing the mare's bare back, Livie slid off "come on" she encouraged, Kate groaned and got up heading over and pulling herself onto Skye's back, she had only ridden bareback a couple of times, it was more Livie's thing but now she did feel comfortable, she saw Alexis with the camera grinning before she looked down and held put her hand to Livie "you coming too" she asked and then hauled Livie up as she nodded.

Once she felt Livie wrap her arms around her stomach she urged the horse forward towards the sea, they went for a short canter down the beach before they waded in until she felt the cold sea water and Kate shivered "Ooo cold" she said, Livie laughed "hey now remember who is driving" Kate said with a grin "I can easily dump you in the sea" she twisted playfully so that Livie slid "if I am going down you are going down with me" Livie giggled making Kate laugh, she looked up the beach and saw Rick lying there eyes closed "shall we get Rick back for throwing you in the pool" she asked, laughing Livie nodded and slowly they walked out of the water towards Rick where Kate stopped Skye. The mare turned her head to look at them before lowering her head to sniff Rick.

Rick opened his eyes and yelped backpedalling wildly as he found himself face to face with the horse, Kate and Livie nearly fell off laughing so hard along with everyone else. They slid off the horse and Livie took her back to the yard where she dried her off slightly and gave her some water, then she turned her out into the front garden with had been fenced off as a paddock for the mare with shade and allowed her to graze before she returned to sit with her mom until she, Lanie, Ziva and Brennan headed off to get some food.

April had joined Ryan and Esposito with Libby helping her build a sandcastle and Tali was carefully covering her dad in sand whilst AJ waved the spade around until it clonked his dad on the head. "ow" Tony groaned putting a hand to his head and then shaking sand out of his hair which he had just deposited in it from his hand which Tali had filled, he spat out a mouthful and looked at Tali who was shaking with laughter "ok good one ninja" he said "and bonus for involving your brother" AJ giggled, "I wasn't actually going to" Tali said as he stood up and shook all the sand off him "he joined in, he is definitely your son", Tony grinned "will take that as a compliment" he said bending and scooping his son up "come on little buddy time for lunch and a nap for you" he headed off towards the house.

Just then there was a shriek and a giggle, Livie and Tali looked up and laughed as they spotted April thrown over her dad's shoulder, Libby sat giggling in the sand watching as Booth carried April out to the sea "don't know what you are laughing about Miss Beckett" Ryan said as he and Esposito snuck up behind them and grabbed hold of her and began to drag her down the beach "no not again" she protested giggling, then she laughed as she saw Tali sprinting away from Rick who chased after her, "No guys" she said digging her heels into the sand, they grinned at her before Ryan grabbed her ankles and they carried her between them out to where Booth was standing holding April bridal style, all three men grinned "three two one"

They dropped the two of them into the sea "ooo cold" April said leaping up and throwing herself at her dad's back, he caught her piggy back style laughing, Livie grabbed Esposito and after a brief tussle wrestled him underwater, they looked up as they heard someone approaching "that kid is fast" Rick said "but got someone else instead" "dad" Alexis complained scowling, then she yelped as she got dumped.

Kate stepped out onto the patio and rolled her eyes at the sight of them all tussling in the water "anyone for food" she shouted, instantly they charged out of the water laughing, racing each other to the food, sliding on the tiled floor, they filled their plates and headed outside again to sit in the sun.

"there's a party in town tonight" Rick said "celebrating Independence Day, anybody fancy going" everyone looked at each other "sounds like fun" Tony said "what about AJ and Libby though" he asked "we can look after them" Lanie offered, when everyone made to protest she held up her hand "come on now you have all been through enough these last couple of weeks, you need to relax, have some fun, no go on, take the evening to party ok, besides I think we can have some fun hey" she looked at Libby who nodded her eyes shining, Esposito and Ryan both grinned "go on" Esposito said "have some fun all of you" "if you are sure" Booth said, the three of them nodded "sounds great then" he said with a smile "thanks guys" "no problem we are gonna have some fun right Libby" Esposito said "yeah fun with uncle Javi" Libby squealed "and uncle Ryan and Aunt Lanie" Kate smiled at her team "thanks guys" she said "no problem Kate" Ryan said "go loosen up, get drunk, we can pick you up too" everyone grinned "sounds pretty good" Rick said "I hope everyone brought something nice to wear" they all grinned.

"now" Rick said turning to Kate "who hasn't been dumped in the water yet" she narrowed her eyes at him "you wouldn't dare" she said, he grinned at her, looking over she saw Tony advancing on Ziva who looked at him threateningly but he carried on, "Rick" she warned getting to her feet "I mean it" she backed away until she felt arms wrap around her from behind "Javi" she growled "let go" he laughed "here you go Rick" he said allowing Rick to catch hold of her before he released her, grinning Tony grabbed Ziva, Brennan and sensibly disappeared inside.

"Tony put me down" Ziva gasped as he scooped her up and headed to the sea Rick and Kate right behind him, the girls followed laughing, he grinned at her "nah" he said "this is going to be interesting", "Rick" Kate whined "seriously ". "Yup" he said, "you ready beautiful" she scowled at him, then he kissed her before dropping her into the water.

She gasped as she hit the icy water and instantly she staggered upright spluttering, she heard a splash and then a yelp as Tony dropped Ziva only to have her take his legs out, "ooo I am going to get you" she growled and ran at him, he took off out of the water, but she caught up with him and knocked him to the sands in the shallows, laughing he pulled her down so she lay on top of him, she smiled and kissed him, lying on top of him before she yelped as the icy cold water rushed over them again, she leapt up shivering but laughing, Ziva was kissing Tony where they stood a few metres away, then she dunked him again making Tali howl with laughter.

Kate grinned as she headed up the beach grabbing a towel; this was perfect, their children safe, their friends safe, and the overwhelming feeling of family that she felt, from everyone in the house.