A/N 1 - Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoy this chapter. It is reasonably long and hopefully worth the delay. Further note at the bottom.

Disclaimer in Chapter 1

Chapter 14

Saturday February 11th 2012

Callen pulled the car up in front of the Everett house. He glanced back at Tabby who had her nose almost glued to the window – at least it was as close as the seat-belt would allow - as she peered out. Her legs were wiggling like crazy and he knew she was excited. There were no nerves about this visit from his little girl.

He allowed himself a smile before turning his attention to Ally, who was also looking at the house. From the tension in her shoulders though, he could tell that she was nervous.

Callen unclipped his seat-belt and leaned toward her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Ally turned her attention back to him.

Callen smiled. "It's going to be okay. They'll love you, both of you."

Ally gave him a small smile but it showed that what he'd said hadn't seemed to help.

Callen tried another tack. Maybe she was worried about something else. "Ally, if you're not up to going out to dinner tonight, we won't. Or we'll take Tabby. You know I'd love to have a little time alone but I don't want you worrying so much. Let's just see how you feel after you meet them. I trust them. I hope you can too."

"I do want to go with you. I would love some time just the two of us," she replied softly, "but after last time when she went out with you, I just don't know if I can leave her alone."

"But I won't be alone Mummy. I'll be with G's family," Tabby piped up from the back seat.

Callen glanced back as Tabby continued. "I want you to go out with G," she said eagerly.

Callen did his best to hold back the grin at the excitement in Tabby's eyes. He was lucky that Ally wasn't looking otherwise she would have gotten suspicious. Tabby knew what he hoped to do tonight.

Ally unclipped her seat-belt and turned to face Tabby. "Tabby, I…"

"It's okay Mummy. Nate really helped me yesterday," Tabby added.

"I'm sure he did," Callen said before Ally could reply. He didn't want her to feel anymore pressured than she already was. "But let's just wait and see how things go before we decide. Are you two ready for this?"

Tabby nodded eagerly. He turned back to Ally. She smiled – bigger this time.

"Let's go," she said. "You've meet mine, now it's my turn."

"Hope they won't scare you off," Callen teased. He was pleased to see she seemed much more relaxed.

"Hetty didn't scare you off," Ally said. "Can they be any scarier than that?"

Callen grinned. "You have a point there."

Callen and Ally got out of the car and by the time he'd rounded to the footpath in front of the house Tabby was out too.

"It's big," Tabby said, staring at the house as she stepped a little closer and slipped her hand into Ally's.

"It's a big family," Callen replied taking Tabby's other hand as they walked up the path to the front door. He kept an eye out just in case the whirlwind, known as Becca, came flying at them from some direction. They made it safely to the door and, before he pressed the bell, he glanced at his girls one more time. He was really glad that they had made this trip and hoped they would get on with Martha's family.

Callen looked at Tabby. "Would you like to ring the bell?" he asked.

Tabby looked up at him and he watched the change in expression on her face. She'd been excited but now there was some nerves showing.

"What if I can't remember their names?" she asked him.

Callen bent down to her level. "Then they'll help you out. Just concentrate on one. The little girl's name is Becca."

"Becca," Tabby repeated thoughtfully. "I remember that now."

Callen stood up and pressed the bell this time as Tabby was holding onto his hand tight and he figured she was holding onto Ally's just as tight with the other.

Martha opened the door just after he rang the bell. She'd probably been standing right behind the door since just after they'd pulled up in the car.

"Hi G," she said warmly as she stepped back to allow them to come in. Callen noticed a little face peering out around the corner. Looked like Tabby might not be the only one nervous.

"Hi Martha," he replied as they stepped past her into the hall. She closed the door behind them and turned.

"You must be Ally," Martha said. "Welcome. It's lovely to meet you."

Ally smiled. "Thank you for having us."

"Anytime."

Martha looked down at Tabby. She crouched down. "And you must be Tabby. I've heard a lot about you."

Tabby was wide-eyed. "You have?"

Martha nodded. "All good things." She glanced at Becca and ushered her forward. "Tabby this is my grand-daughter Becca."

Both girls gave a quiet hello.

"Becca why don't you take Tabby into the living room and play?" Martha suggested

Tabby looked at Ally who nodded her agreement. She looked back at Becca who suddenly gave a beaming smile and grabbed her hand and starting talking a mile a minute about the toys they were going to play with.

Callen slipped his arm around Ally as Martha stood up. "She'll be set for the day now."

Ally looked up at him. "Thank you. She's really missed having someone her own age to play with."

Callen dropped at kiss on her head and then stepped away briefly to hug Martha.

"I'm glad you brought them," Martha said quietly to him. "It's lovely to see you so happy."

"Thanks," Callen replied.

The adults moved to the kitchen to get some drinks before Martha steered them back to the living room to check on the girls before they headed out the back to meet the rest of the family.

The girls were firm friends before lunch and Tabby happily played with the other children as well. Callen noticed an overwhelmed look to her just after she met the rest but it disappeared when Becca took her hand and guided her to the cubby house in the back yard. Thankfully it was a lovely winters day otherwise all of the family inside may have been too much for Tabby. At least this way there was plenty of space.

After lunch Callen left Ally and Tabby in Martha's capable hands and went out with the boys. A little male bonding, or at least that was what Ally thought.

In reality, they headed to the jewellery shop where he had met Faith. It was now a family owned business and Gayle, Becca's mum, ran it with the help of the rest of the family.

He needed a ring and he felt that this was the right place to get it.

Callen looked over the choices.

"Anything catch your eye?" asked Max.

"No." Callen looked up. "I don't remember it being this hard last time."

Max smiled, though there was a hint of sadness to it. "Faith was pretty easy to buy for - for all of us."

Callen returned his attention to the rings. His and Ally's relationship was not entirely traditional yet he felt that a simple diamond would be good. It was just that nothing stood out. He was almost going to call it quits when he heard the whisper of a little pixie'ish voice in his head.

"That one."

Callen pulled his attention back to the last ring he had been looking at. "The red one?" he asked her.

"Yes, the garnet," Faith's soft voice said. "You remember what it means don't you?"

Callen nodded slightly. She'd taught him all about gemstones and their meanings. "It inspires love and devotion or is a symbol of passionate devotion."

"Which, my dearest G, you feel for her in spades."

"Not a traditional diamond?"

"As if you are a traditional couple."

Callen smiled. He could almost see her shaking his head at him. They hadn't been either. Could have something to do with the whole pixie conversation. They'd never been normal after that.

"Sapphire to match her eyes?" he queried.

"Oh come on G." She really did sound disgusted with that suggestion. "Too cliché. That one. Top left of the second tray in. It's perfect."

Callen looked carefully. It was beautiful. A solid simple white gold band with 2 baguette diamonds set on either side of the oval shaped garnet.

"You really think she'll like it?" he asked.

"It's perfect G. Trust me."

"Your word as a pixie?" He just couldn't resist.

"My word as me." Her voice was serious.

"What's the chance it will fit her? You once told me that you just buy them in the average size 7." He really liked the idea of the ring fitting. Once it was on, he hoped she'd never take it off again. He guessed it was a bit like he was staking his claim. She was taken and he wanted everyone to know about it.

"I'll throw in some pixie dust to make sure it fits."

"Really?" Callen tried not to laugh. How exactly would he explain to Max and the others that he was having a pixie conversation with their sister? He doubted he could, just as he doubted he'd be able to by one off the shelf that would fit. Alyssa wasn't average. That much he knew. Her hands were strong but were slim and delicate looking. Not that he had much choice. As much as he wanted to get the right size, logically he knew they'd have to get it sized appropriately later. It couldn't hurt to hope though, could it.

"Come on G. Trust me. One more time."

"I trust you. Just nervous."

"Nervous? You?"

"Yes."

"Why? You know she'll say yes"

"But what if –"

"G. She'll say yes and she'll love the me"

"Fine."

Callen looked up at Max. "That one. Top left." He touched the glass bench just above it.

Max pulled out the tray and Callen reached out for the ring. He took a closer look. It was gorgeous, and different. Just like his girls. Something pulled his attention to the bracelet section, he doubted it was Faith this time. Simply his normal instincts. He glanced at Max.

"That one too," he said pointing to a lovely silver bracelet with a red gemstone heart , that if he was right, was also a garnet.

Max smiled. "Very nice. I was eyeing that one off for Becca myself," he added as he pulled out the bracelet carefully.

"Guess you'd better look for something else," Callen said with a grin.

"Guess I will." Max carefully placed the bracelet in a box before holding out his hand for the ring.

Callen took one last look at it, smiled and handed it over. He reached for his wallet.

"On the house," Max said, stopping him before could get his credit card out.

Callen shook his head. "I can't let you do that. It's too much."

Max grinned. "You really think Mum wouldn't kill me if I let you pay for this? Not worth it."

"Thanks," Callen added.

Max handed him the jewellery and moved from the other side of the counter. "Okay let's get out of here before the others wonder if we're ever going to join the football game."

Callen glanced back at the shop before reaching for the door. He was glad it was still in the family. He pulled open the door and a faint jingling of bells sounded. He looked up but there weren't any bells on the door anymore. He shook it off as a distant memory and started to follow Max out the door.

"Be happy G. Goodbye."

Callen stopped. After a moment he smiled and gave a little nod. "I am. Goodbye Faith."

Somehow he knew this was the last time he'd hear from her. And he was okay with that.

It was time.

Ally's thoughts were cut off by Martha.

"Penny for them?"

Ally turned. "Sorry?"

"Penny for your thoughts. Would you like to talk about anything?"

Ally's gaze drifted toward Tabby.

"She's a beautiful girl. You've done wonderfully with her Ally."

"Thank you," Ally replied. "It's hard."

"I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you. I know how hard it can be even when you have someone to lean on who is there every day."

"Sometimes I have no idea how I did it."

"Love," Martha stated simply. "Love can help you make miracles."

Ally smiled. "She's definitely a miracle." A touch of sadness washed over her at the thought of Paige and how close she also came to losing Tabby that night. She made a concerted effort not to let the most recent potential loss into her mind

Martha put a soft hand on her arm. "G has told me your story. I hope you don't mind. He wanted me to understand how hard it might be for you to leave her with us tonight."

"It's okay. He told me he was going to tell you. These last few weeks have been so …. draining and scary. Everything's finally settling down but I just can't shake the worry. Please don't feel that I don't trust you. I just don't think I can leave her yet."

Martha nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Of course. I understand. She's your child. You want to protect her and you want to be there for her." Martha gave a gentle squeeze to Ally's arm where her hand was resting. "I wouldn't expect anything else from such a wonderful mother."

"Thank you," Ally said softly. "That means a lot."

Martha looked out and watched Tabby and Becca laughing and chasing each other around the backyard with the other children.

"Ally, we won't leave her alone. Becca or I will be with her all the time – except the bathroom. She won't be by herself at all. I just wanted you to know that, in case it makes a difference."

Ally nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

Martha smiled and left her to her thoughts, obviously sensing she needed a little bit of time alone.

"Come on Al, trust them. You trust G right?"

Paige.

"Of course I do. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't."

"Trust them to take care of her."

"I don't know."

"Yes you do. You're just scared."

"Wouldn't you be after everything?"

"Yes, but after everything I've been through I've also learnt that you have to live. If you don't, they win."

"I am living."

"Not fully little sister. Don't let him take this night from you. You deserve the time. G deserves the time and Tabby will be fine. She's in perfectly capable hands."

"How do I not be so scared?"

"Trust and love. Trust G. Trust that he loves her as much as you and wouldn't do anything that would hurt her. Trust that if he had the slightest doubt about her safety safe, he would never have suggested leaving her with Martha."

"Hi."

Callen's voice broke into Ally's thoughts.

"You okay?" he asked. She'd jumped when he'd slipped his arms around her waist.

"Just lost in thought." Ally turned to face him. "Do you believe in angels? Or ghosts or something?"

Callen studied her face for a moment to work out whether this was a serious question or not. Apparently it was. He thought carefully before answering.

"I don't know. I do believe that when you love someone and know them and they know you so well, when something happens to them, a part of them lives on in you. When you need something, sometimes you hear them, maybe even see them. But I think that it's the subconscious giving you what you need with what it can. It would be nice to think that those we've loved and lost are really looking down and protecting us, but I don't know. Why?"

Ally turned back to watch Tabby. "I don't know if I can out tonight G. I want to. But I don't want to leave her for that long." She turned back to him. "I'm sorry."

Callen pushed her hair gently behind her ear. "Would you consider an alternative to an all-out dinner date?"

Ally tilted her head a little. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's a great burger place about four blocks from here. You can walk it in ten minutes. We could get someone to drive us there. Enjoy dinner and walk home. We'd be there and back within an hour. And only a couple of minutes away if there were any problems. Do you think you could handle that?"

"Do it Ally! You can do it."

Ally smiled. "I think I can."

Callen smiled back. "Good. I'll go make a call." He started to move away but Ally stopped him. She raised up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

She let him go and turned back to watch Tabby once more.

"Good girl. You won't regret it."

"I know."

Ally sat back in her chair. "Wow. That was one great burger. I'm sure I shouldn't have eaten it all."

Callen smiled and he finished his last bite. "I'm surprised you did too." The burgers were huge, but so good that you just couldn't help yourself even when you were stuffed full. That was the reason why he always left ordering the fries until later, if he still needed something.

Ally leaned forward and took his hand. "Thank for doing this, for changing things for me."

Callen brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers. "Anytime."

He held her hand a moment but, as good as the food and company was, he just couldn't bring himself to propose in a burger shop. It didn't seem right. He placed her hand gently down on the table. "Shall we go?"

Ally nodded. "I think a walk home is definitely a good idea."

Callen stood up, took her hand and helped her up. At the door he turned and waved good bye to the owner.

"Don't be a stranger G. It was good to see you again."

Callen smiled. "I'll be back. Not going so long without one of those burgers again."

As they walked along the footpath, Callen slid his arm around Ally's shoulders and pulled her close. She slipped hers around his waist and they walked silently together for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry I spoiled your original plans. I'm guessing that they were a bit fancier than this."

Callen shrugged. "Not really. I mean there were fireworks, dancing, oysters, a violin trio..."

He felt the tension in her shoulders and stopped them. "I'm joking Ally."

She visibly relaxed. Callen smiled and continued. "Yes it was fancier. But the best thing about tonight is I got to be alone with you for a bit." He stroked her cheek briefly. "You know I love Tabby, but sometimes I just want you to myself. A bit selfish but hey, that just the way it is."

Ally reached up and put her arms around his neck. "Then I'm a bit selfish too. I'm having a lovely time with you G. It's strange being without Tabby but I'm okay."

Callen dropped his head and kissed her. When he eventually pulled back the moon had broken through some clouds and was shining down on her and she looked breathtaking. He let one arm slip from around her to reach into his pocket. The burger place might not have been perfect but here, with the moonlight shining down on them, this moment was perfect.

He released her a little and held the ring box up. Ally's eyes widened.

"I love you Ally. Marry me?"

He had no other words. It was simple question and anything else would have just been too much. He'd tried to figure out some fancy way but it all came to these simple words.

With a flick of his finger he popped the ring box open.

Ally gasped. "Oh," she sighed.

"Ally?" Callen prodded. Ally look up gave herself a bit of a shake and smiled.

"Yes," she whispered breathlessly as her gaze lifted from the ring to his eyes. Yes!" she repeated louder. "I love you so much G. Of course."

Callen smiled and quickly took the ring from the box. Holding his breath he took her left hand gently and slid the ring on. It fitted – perfectly.

"It's beautiful G." Ally looked up at him. "So this is what you had planned for tonight? I'm so-" Callen stopped her with a kiss.

"No. Not sorry. This is perfect."

Ally kissed him again. He savoured it and enjoyed every moment, knowing they wouldn't be interrupted and only pulled back when they both needed to breathe. Ally rested her head on his shoulder and he ran a hand down her arm and caught her hand that now held his ring. He lifted it slightly and the moonlight caught it making the gems look like they were glowing.

"Do you like it?" Callen asked a touch nervously. "Really like it?"

"Yes," Ally said. She lifted her head. "Did you know that garnet is Tabby's birth stone?"

"No," Callen shook his head. Though if he'd thought about it he would have made the connection. "I didn't think of that."

"And that mine is diamond?" Ally smiled.

Callen looked down. A Garnet in between two diamonds. He didn't know how perfect this ring was until now.

"So is mine," he added.

They both looked at the ring again. Suddenly it seemed much more than just a mere engagement ring. A garnet – Tabby – between two diamonds – Ally and him.

Now came the next perfect moment of the night.

"I want to adopt Tabby," he told Ally. "I want her to know that she's mine."

Tears formed in Ally's eyes. "I'd love that. I'm sure she will too." Her voice was very emotional. Callen gently wiped the tears away that fell on her cheeks.

"I'll keep you both safe. I promise."

"I know you will," Ally replied and gave him one more kiss before they started walking again in a beautiful silence that neither of them wanted to break. It was simply that wonderful feeling where everything was perfect and they wanted to savour it, knowing that perfect moments weren't common in life.

When they arrived back at the house Callen pushed open the door and Ally stepped through before him.

"Did you ask her? Did you?"

Callen glanced up to see Tabby running down the stairs. She crashed into him and looked up, her eyes huge and pleading.

"Did you?" Tabby repeated

Callen chuckled softly. "Yes," he answered

Tabby turned those same huge and pleading eyes to Ally. "Did you say yes?"

Ally looked at G curiously. "She knew?"

"Had to ask her permission." Callen tried to make it sound innocent. His heart was racing and he hoped he hadn't done the wrong thing.

"Did you ask Hetty?" Ally queried.

Callen shook his head. "No. Rather not have her answer be no and have to disobey her."

Tabby tugged on Ally's arm. "Mummy," she wailed impatiently. "Did you say yes? Is G going to be my daddy?"

Ally smiled. "Yes. I said yes. And yes, he is…" Tabby's arms flew around Ally stopping her words.

"Yeah," Tabby squealed before turning her attention back to Callen and giving him a big hug too. Callen lifted her up in his arms and she wrapped her little arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek. "So when can I call you Daddy?" she asked. She glanced at Ally, so did Callen.

Ally chuckled. "How am I supposed to resist identical pleading looks from you two? I'm in a whole lot of trouble."

"But fun," Callen corrected.

Ally nodded in agreement and smiled. "That's up to G," she told Tabby. "Whenever he's ready for you to."

Callen turned to Tabby and smiled. "I'm ready now." He chose and repeated his words from the phone call he'd had with Ally on New Year's day.

Tabby squeaked and bounced in his arms a little. He held her tighter and tears pushed at the backs of his eyes as she spoke.

"I love you, Daddy."

A/N - 2

Thanks for reading. Aside from time I struggled a little with the proposal so I do hope somehow I managed to find the right combination of the Callen we know and the romantic Callen of the story. I hope you enjoyed it.

If you're interested in checking out the image of the ring google the following : garnet r1969 jewelsforme

The italics in the story are the voices of either Faith or Paige in their heads. Just wanted to try and make a difference between normal conversation and the angel/subconscious ones.

Again my apologises for the long time between chapters. Is there a preference for either of the following:

A)I finish the story and then post chapters fairly quickly

or

B) I keep going as I am - whenever I get a chapter done I post.

Let me know in either a pm or review.

Thanks again for reading.

LostForeverInHisEyes