EPILOGUE—Part III

AN: I think that this will finally be the end. I can't keep writing epilogues after all. I did think about creating another story with Tony just watching his grandkids grow up. But I don't think I have it in me to write it.

However, if any of you, out there, want to take it on as a challenge, feel free. I have no problem with that. Please just let me know. I would love to read it.

"I can't be late for work." Tony said. He checked his cell phone again for the time.

"You're the bossman now, remember. Grampy retired…and pretty much moved in here." Olivia stated.

Tony nodded. "He loves you guys, you know." He paused. "Has he taken over your basement? Has he got a boat down there?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, thank god. The boat is still at his house."

"Aren't the kids ready yet?" Tony asked.

"My girl insisted on dressing herself. She had her clothes all laid out last night. Kevin and Grampy are helping the boys get ready. They'll check on her."

"Kindergarten is…it's huge…" Tony replied. "…a whole day of school. The kids are going to be gone for a whole day."

"I'm ready." Olivia replied.

"Really?" Tony asked.

"A whole day…" Tony emphasized. "…you're ready for a whole day?"

"I'm ready for my kids to be a little more independent. Yes."

Tony took Olivia's hand. "I love watching your kids grow, Olivia. I just wished…I wished I wouldn't have missed your childhood."

Olivia squeezed his hand. "I think everything happened the way it should have." She went on to explain. "I met you when I should have. You're had a very happy successful life. You've done a lot of good, saved people's lives, Dad. You've made a difference in this world." She paused. "I don't think you would have taken that path if you had known you had a kid. I just…I can't see you taking it well when you found out that mom was already married. I can't see you walking away from me, either. I just…Jacob was the best dad I could have had. He treated me like I was his. And he and Mom are perfect for each other. You and Mom could have never lasted. You're way too similar in a lot of ways. You would have driven each other crazy."

"You've thought about this, huh?" Tony asked.

"…just since I first introduced myself to you." Olivia admitted. "Just please don't feel like I am upset with you for not being there. You were a kid. And the person I met is the person I was supposed to have met. The person you have continued to be since I've met you. A sweet, kind, non-judgmental man who I am very proud to call my dad." Olivia stated. "I met you when I was supposed to have met you. I am very blessed to have two dads who love me so much. It's not many people who are as lucky as me."

Just then 6 little feet bounded down the stairs. Kevin and Gibbs followed, looking a little worse for wear.

"We're ready PapaT." Little Abby said as she Tony scooped her into his arms.

"You look like a little princess." Tony replied.

"Grampy said I pretty." Little Abby said as she smoothed down her pink dress.

Tony looked at Gibbs and winked. "He's right, you're very pretty."

"How about us?" AJ and DJ said, in unison.

Tony nodded. "…very handsome."

"Thank you." They again said in unison, smiling.

"Okay everybody…" Olivia said with three little jackets in her hands. "…almost time for the bus. Let's go!"

THE END

END NOTES: Well guys, this is it. I'm finally done with this story. I may allow Olivia DiNozzo-Martin Moore to 'pop-up' in other stories. She is a great character and I think I developed her enough here that she could hold her own.

But at any rate, it is with a bit of sadness (wiping a tear) that I end this story, this saga.

I am so very grateful to all of you who took the trip with me. I hope I made it worth the ride. Thanks again, JackiLeigh