TBITC Chp. 44

"Daddy, are we still goin' to grandpa Joe's?" Sam asked excitedly from the backseat. It had been a month and a half since Jack, Mike and Ken had returned from the mission in Columbia to kill Clavo Cruz. In that time, Sam and Anya's adoptions had been finalized and Jack and Alexx, as well as Mike and Natalia, had gotten married.

"Yeah, bud, we're going."

"But no swimming until an hour after dinner, young man." Alexx warned from the front passenger seat.

"Aww, mom."

"Yeah, mom, live a little." Jack said.

"Excuse me?" Alexx asked, giving her husband "The Look"

Jack quickly changed his tune. "Uh, your mom's right, bud. No swimming 'til an hour after dinner."

Sam crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. "You're just sayin' that cause the look means no sex."

Dang, he's good. "Hey, loose the attitude or you won't swim at all." Jack said in firm tone. Though both Jack and Alexx were happy that Sam had felt comfortable enough lately to push the boundaries they'd established, but Jack knew he couldn't let that slide. Sam was quiet in the backseat as they parked outside Joe Wood's house. Glancing at her husband Alexx mouthed 'Talk to him' before getting out of the car. Jack got out and opened the back door. Sam looked up at him and it was clear he felt guilty but was trying not to cry. "Do I get to swim, Daddy?"

"Yeah, bud. But there are some things you can't joke with Mommy and Daddy about, ok?"

"Cause there not my business?" Sam asked.

"You got it." Jack said, smiling to let his son know they were ok. Jack's stomach unclenched when Sam smiled back and crawled into his arms for a hug. "Go see if your mom needs any help, ok buddy?"

"Ok, Daddy."

Jack watched his son go before going to the back of the SUV to get the cooler. He was more surprised than anyone that fatherhood and marriage had made him feel whole again. He just hoped the news he, Mike and Ken had to deliver would be a step in the right direction.

000

The evening's events were in full swing and everyone was enjoying each other's company. Jack glanced at Mike and the Cuban nodded for his friend to go ahead. Jack stood and tapped his fork against the bottle of Heineken he'd been drinking from to get everyone's attention. "Guys, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight and Joe for lending us his house. And for giving me his blessing ask Alexx to be my wife. But Mike and I have one more wedding gift for our very longsuffering wives." The shock on Alexx and Natalia's faces was priceless and Jack smiled and took a sip of beer before continuing. "Actually, this concerns all of you in some way. One month ago, Ken, Mike and I left MDPD." Jack stopped and took another drink to let what he'd said sink in.

"What do you mean 'left'?" Natalia asked, worry in her voice.

"Let him finish." Mike said, gently.

Jack cleared his throat before speaking again. "Due the events of the last few months, we decided that it was time hang up our guns. But we weren't sure what to do with the skills we had. So, with Pavel's help and graciousness to open his pocketbook, we formed DCD Security Services. We're currently working on building our facilities to provide training various police and military units around the country and among U.S. allies." Jack said, taking a pull on his beer after he finished.

Alexx was the first to speak. "You mean…"

Jack looked at her. "I mean, no more late night phone calls, no more getting shot at. We're done."

The rest of the team applauded at Natalia, Maxine, and Alexx hugged their men. Sam and Anya joined in. But as he watched, Horatio didn't know whose smile was bigger, Alexx's, Sam's…or Jack's.

000

A/N: Sorry it's taken me three years to update. No excuse really. But I finally decided I didn't want to leave this story unfinished. I will not be writing a sequel. Thanks for reading, reviewing etc. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!