"Come on Mom, you promised to keep it together." Gerry said affectionately draping an arm around a tearful Liv. As they sat around the dinner table the night before Gerry and Amy's wedding.

They had been back to US soil for months and between Amy's research skills and a lot of Liv's time and patience they were able to execute the fairy tale wedding they all thought Amy deserved but in no way asked for. Gerry had enlisted Liv in ensuring that his bride got what she wanted even if she was so determined to keep it simple knowing he didn't want nor like the fuss. The wedding was being held at the Grant Family Ranch. They had flown back during the summer holidays so Liv, Fitz, Bellie Huck and Teddy had gone straight to the ranch. Karen soon followed, then Gerry with Amy.

After dinner Amy and her family had headed back to the Guest house on the other side of the property which was big enough to house Amy's parents, siblings. While the small cottage beside it was perfect to house her maid of honour and bridesmaids.

"I'm sorry. I just can't believe you're getting married. It seems like it was only yesterday you were coming home to my house after school." Gerry grinned and kissed her on the side of the head,

"Give it a few years and it'll be grandchildren coming home to your house after school to be spoiled with home baked goodies."

"I'll hold you to that." Liv said wiping her tears with the back of her hand. Gerry glanced over at Bellie who had been quiet for most of the day. Gerry kissed Liv's cheek an cocked his head to the side towards Bellie's direction and she nodded in understanding.

Bellie loved Amy, there was no doubt about it. But a part of her mourned the loss of Gerry. Growing up he was one of her constants with the exception of Huck she was the most herself with him. There were things only he had been privy to. The last few couple of years had been harder to navigate as he got busier but their mutial adoration for each other closed any gaps. Gerry knew that Bellie was worried that she would lose him eventually. He knew her dependence on him was because Fitz was not around for most of her childhood. She had slipped him in the slot where Fitz should have always been.

Bellie was finishing the ribbons on the bomboniere. Like mother like daughter she was a perfectionist. She had spent the whole week helping Amy with the little bits and pieces that still needed to be done. Being a little task master came in handy. She was there to tick off the long list of to do's that was shared between them all. She had helped wrap all the presents for the wedding party, and for the parents. She was privy to both of the surprises Amy and Gerry had for each other. She loved being in the midst of all the planning, she loved seeing Amy so happy and in turn her brother happy.

"Hey Squirt, come take a walk with me?" Gerry said ruffling her hair making her look up from her ribbon tieing.

"Sure Ger, let me finish this last one so I can tick it off the list." Gerry rolled his eyes good naturedly.

"So your mother's daughter kid."

"I heard that Fitzgerald." Liv said warningly making them all laugh.

"It's so nice to hear that tone of Fitzgerald for once not aimed at me." Fitz quipped.

"I bet. Come on squirt before I get into any more trouble." Bellie shook her head and stood to her feet following him out the back door. As they got out Gerry realised it was colder than he had anticipated and took his hoodie off and handed it to Bellie.

"Aren't you cold?" She asked looking at him,

"Nah, I'm tough...and I have layers. Really Bellie Boo I'm fine." Bellie shrugged knowing there would be no winning and slipped his jumper on.

"So what's with the Gerry Bellie pow wow?" She asked making him grin.

"I just wanted to have some you and me time. Is there any crime in that?" Bellie shook her head in reply. She sat on the swing as he stood behind her ready to push as he did when she was little by the park near their house in Paris. For a few minutes he would push and she would swing in a somewhat comfortable silence.

"I want to tell you that nothing will change but you and I both know that's not true. That the only thing that is for sure is change. I know it's been a tough few years for you Bel. I know how many changes you've had to endure this last year alone. I know that as much as you love having Dad around you're still adjusting. I know you're still learning to trust him. That's okay Bel. You have all the time in the world to do that. He's not going anywhere. I know a part of you feels like I'm leaving you. That now you have Dad I don't have to be there anymore or at least as much." Gerry stopped pushing as Bellie dropped her gaze. Gerry walked around to crouch down in front of her.

"Hear me when I tell you I wasn't there because Dad wasn't. I was never there to fill his void. The moment I laid my eyes on you, you had me. We have a connection that is beyond understanding. It's special and it doesn't matter how far away my work takes me or how much time passes that we don't see each other, you are the best friend I've ever had. No one has ever loved me the way you do, and no one will ever love you the way I do. I will never not be there for you Bel. I promise you that. With all the changes that is still to come, the one thing that will never change is my love for you." Bellie leapt off the swing and threw her arms around his neck.

"I love you Ger. To the moon and back." She murmured into his shoulder. Gerry wrapped his arms tightly around his youngest sister who was tough as nails just like her mother but vulnerable to the select few. There was something about them both that he had always felt drawn to and protective of. Without letting go of her he stood to his feet. Bellie wrapped her legs around his middle as she used to when she was little resting her head on his shoulder. Even at the age of nine she was a petite little thing, light as a feather.

Olivia watched them from the kitchen window, her heart ached at the sight of them knowing that things were bound to change, and though their bond would always be there, it would be different.

"They break your heart don't they?" Fitz said wrapping his arms around his wife feeling the sentiment.

"That they do, but they'll be fine. Those two are on a league of their own. From the very beginning he's always been drawn to her and the moment she laid eyes on him she claimed him as hers. Gerry could settle the worst tantrums and by golly did that little girl have them when she hit her terrible twos. There's something about him that just calms her, that tempers her mood and vice versa. Karen on more than one occasion has called home when he's had a bad day and all it took was a call from Bellie and he would be okay. I'm not worried. It's just another chapter in the Belle and Ger show." Fitz felt that he missed so much. Not just in Bellie's life but all their lives. Bellie was such a huge part of Gerry and Karen and missing that bond and that interaction left a gaping hole in his knowledge.

"There's plenty of time to catch up baby." She assured him as if to read his thoughts. She turned to face him and caressed his cheek.

"You'll get your chance." She promised.

"I have something for you Bel," Gerry pulled out a white gold heart locket from his pocket. He opened it to show her the picture of the two of them,

"It's beautiful Ger, thank you."

"It's so we'll always be together. So that you know you're in my heart wherever I am and I will be in yours." He explained somewhat teary eyed.

"I have something for you too. I was going to give it to you tomorrow but I made you this." Bellie pulled out a thinly braided leather bracelet she had weaved for him.

"I have one. I made one for Karen and Teddy too. So wherever we all are. We would always have something to remind us that we are always together."

"That's perfect kiddo. I love it."

When they got back inside the house Gerry, Karen, Teddy and Bellie got situated in the den for movie night while Fitz and Olivia got snacks ready. When they had finally walked in the den they found all four kids snuggled together under a blanket watching the Sound of Music which was on of their family staples.

"Don't you start again Mom." Gerry warned.

"I'm not. I promise. I just got dust in my eyes okay?" She replied earning a chuckle from all of them.

"Be nice and make room for Mommy." Bellie stood from where she sat beside Gerry and sat on his lap while Liv sat in her place. Teddy climbed on to her lap while Karen snuggled close to Liv who wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they made room for Fitz beside Karen.

"I think we're officially snug." He observed as Karen hugged his arm.