Callen woke up with the sun shining on his face. Rolling over, he expected to find Anna in bed but her side was cold to the touch. Listening carefully, he could hear someone was busy in the kitchen. Sitting up he looked at the clock, he knew that Maeve would be awake soon. Then it hit him… today was her first birthday. He thought back on the year with her and every memory made him smile. She was so much like her big sister – intelligent, loving, independent and as stubborn as hell. He was brought out of his daydream by a loud "Dada!"

Laughing he got out of bed and pulled a shirt over his head. Walking into her room, he saw her standing in her crib with her trusty fox in her hand. When she saw him, she started to jump up and down.

"Dada." She said again with her toothy smile.

"Good morning, my little ducky." As he picked her up, he said, "Do you know what today is?" Maeve just smiled up at him and he knew she had no idea what he was talking about. "It's your first birthday!" He said with a kiss on her cheek. Putting her down on her changing table, he cleaned her up and dressed her in a yellow dress with a little duck on it. He had to smile seeing her in the outfit… Boy, did this little girl like ducks. Emma thought it would be fun to give her a few ducks at bath time but then the bath time ducks made their way into her toy box in the living room. But then the collation grew, and now she had ducks of every colour, shape, and size laying around the house. Fixing her hair with a little bow, Callen picked her up and walked towards the kitchen.

"Smells good in here." Callen said before kissing Anna on the cheek.

Anna smiled at him before looking at Maeve, "Good morning birthday girl." She said as she took the little girl from her dad. "Are you ready for your big day?" Maeve turned her face and pouted her lips towards her and she knew what she was looking for. Kissing her on her mouth, Anna turned towards Callen, "Mind setting the table?"

Callen grabbed the plates and glasses, he turned towards the table in the corner of the kitchen and started setting two places. Pulling Maeve's highchair closer, he went and got her some milk. As he placed the cup on the table, the doorbell rang. Looking at Anna, she just shrugged her shoulders and went back to putting stuff on a tray while balancing Mae on her hip. Callen looked out the window first before opening the door.

"Morning, I have a delivery for Maeve Callen." The lady said.

"I'll take it." Callen said with a smile before taking the box from her.

"I'll be right back with the other two for you." She said as she walked towards her truck again.

Callen looked down at the label to see who it could be from but only found the place it was shipped from. Looking up he saw the mail lady walking up with two more boxes. Putting the one in his hands down, he quickly walked closer to help her.

"Thank you." She said before she handed him the boxes. "Looks like someone's getting spoiled today."

"It's her first birthday." Callen answered with a smile.

"Well, happy birthday! And have a fabulous day of celebration." She said before she walked away with a wave.

"Thank you and have a nice day." Callen said before turning back towards the house.

"Who was that?" Anna said from her seat at the table where she was busy getting Maeve ready for breakfast.

"Delivery for Maeve." Callen said as he sat down and started to put food on his plate. "I'll put it by the rest of the presents she can open at her party."

"Maybe she could open one present before then, don't you think?" Anna said with a mischievous smile.

"What did you do?" Callen said with a smile.

"I promise it's nothing big. I want her to open one gift before you make her wait to open the rest later." Anna said with a smile.

"Okay, she can open one present before the party." Callen said as he leaned over the table. Anna knew what he was looking for so leaning over, she kissed him. They spend the rest of the meal just talking and making sure they have everything for the party. It wasn't a big get-together, just the team and three of Maeve's reading buddies. Laura and Scott were also coming since they were like family to the team.

Once they were done with breakfast, Callen sent Anna to the living room so he could clean up. The house rule has always been, that the person who cooks, doesn't have to do the dishes. Just like Emma, Anna cleaned as she goes so there wasn't a lot to wash up. Once everything was in the dishwasher, Callen made his way to where the girls were. Standing in the doorway, he looked at the two ladies before him and that made him smile. Anna was so good with Maeve, even though she was a bit scared at the beginning, she turned into a natural with the little girl. Maeve loved Anna and Callen could she trust the blonde with her life. The only thing missing today was Emma-Grace. Callen was hoping she could get away to celebrate her baby sister's big day but she was still busy with training and helping out at the BAU. But she did say she would call when they're ready to cut the cake so she didn't miss that part of the day.

"What are you thinking over there?" Anna said, getting his attention again.

"Just looking at my two favourite girls." Callen said with a smile before sitting on the floor next to them.

"Don't let Emma-Grace hear you say that. She might get jealous." Anna said as she kissed him on the cheek.

"She's a big girl, she'll get over it." Callen said as he smiled at Mae, "You ready to open your gift?" Maeve looked at him and smiled.

"I think that means yes." Anna said as she got up and went to the closet by the door. "This one's from the forgotten child away at training." Anna said as she sat down and pushed the box toward the little girl on her daddy's lap. Maeve looked at the box that was wrapped with brown paper and a lot of duck stickers on it but she didn't move.

"Here let daddy help you." Callen said as he started on the paper, showing her how to open the wrapping paper without hurting herself. Once Mae saw what she was supposed to do, she stood up to help rip the paper off. Anna laughed at the little girl and how happy she was at that moment. Taking her phone out, she started to record. It took some work to get all the paper off but she knew they finally found what the wrapping was hiding, when Mae let out a squeal. Callen opened the box even more to reveal a basket full of ducks, a pink blanket with Maeve's name on it and a pair of purple mini-Converse high tops. Callen had to laugh and shook his head… this was a gift only Emma could have put together.

"Dada! 'uck." Maeve said as she took a duck out of the basket.

"Duck." Callen said as he took out the card that was in the box. Opening it he started to read it to the little girl as she was busy with her new toys.

My dear little butterfly,

Happy Birthday! I can't believe you're a year old… time flies when you're having fun I guess. And you're going to have a blast at your birthday party this afternoon. Sorry I couldn't be there to help you blow out your candles but as soon as I can, I will take you out of ice cream… without daddy. We can even be matchy-matchy with your new shoes.

Have an awesome birthday and I love you to the moon and back and till the ends of the earth.

Love your big sister,

Emma-Grace.

As soon as Maeve heard her sister's name, she started to look around to see if she was there. When she realized that it was only the three of them in the living room, she looked at Callen, "Amma?"

"She's not here baby but we'll talk to her when you blow out your candles." He said as he kissed her on the head.

"Speaking of cake," Anna said as she got up from the floor, "I should get ready and go pick it up and grab the balloons. Are you sure you have everything to decorate the place?" Anna asked with a smirk.

"Emma made sure everything got delivered and she drew me a map of where I should put everything in the backyard. So as soon as I put this one down for a nap, I'll head outside and decorate." Callen said before he helped Maeve get her shoes out of the box.

"Okay, just let me know if you need anything and I'll grab it." Anna said as she walked towards the bedroom. Once she was ready, she came and kissed him and then Mae before she grabbed her purse and headed out.

Callen and Maeve played with her toy kitchen 'the gang' got her for Christmas. Emma's friends saw Maeve as their little sister and he was wondering how they would be with Melissa and Justin's baby. Callen never had to worry about a babysitter because between Julia and the gang, he just needed to make a phone call and they were there. Emma missed her sister a lot and she wished that she could be there for everything. There were nights he had to end video calls as both girls fell asleep while still on a call but he loved seeing the love his girls had for each other. Emma and Anna were closer than ever and he loved their relationship. He could see the difference between Emma's relationship with Kensi and her relationship with Anna. Kensi was like a big sister to her and to be fair in some way Kensi was going to be Emma's sister-in-law someday, if her relationship with Zach headed that way. Emma's relationship with Anna was one of respect and love and Callen could see that Emma looked at Anna as a mother figure. Callen knew that Emma knew that Anna was the missing piece of their family and he had to say, he thought the same thing.

Shaking himself out of his daydream, he looked over to his little girl and could see she was ready for lunch and a nap. Picking her up, he went to make her some lunch. Looking in the fridge he saw Laura made some extra chicken and noodles for lunches so grabbing the container, he placed Maeve in her highchair and went to heat everything. Maeve loved noodles and if she could eat them at every meal, she would be happy but Laura made sure she had a balanced diet and she tried all foods. Making sure she had eaten enough food, Callen cleaned her up a bit and went to make her a bottle. After changing her, he sat down in her rocking chair before grabbing her favourite book. As she was drinking her bottle, Callen started to read and it didn't take her long to fall asleep. Getting up slowly, Callen placed the little girl in her crib. Making sure the baby monitor was on, he closed the door and walked towards the dining room where all the party stuff was. Even with her busy schedule, Emma took care of everything so he didn't have to run around getting stuff done. Anna and Emma made sure the cake was ordered and Michelle was getting all the snacks sorted, so he was on decorating duty and that was fine by him. As he took everything out of the boxes, he looked over the plan Emma drew him and he started putting everything up outside. He was just putting up the last banner when he heard the door open and saw Anna walking in with a big box. Jumping off the ladder, he made sure everything was where it was supposed to be.

"It looks amazing out here." Anna said as she walked out with the balloons.

"You and Emma did all the work, I just followed the directions," Callen said as he took the balloons from her.

"You're welcome." Anna said with a smile.

"Anyone home?" Deeks' voice came from the back gate.

"Come in, Deeks." Callen said with a roll of his eyes.

"This looks amazing, Callen." Kensi said as she hugged Anna.

"You can thank Emma and Anna, I did as I was told."

"Good man." Kensi said with a hug.

"What do you have there Deeks?" Anna asked pointing to the big box by his feet.

"Oh, just something small. Callen, do you have an extra extension cord?" Deeks asked with a smile.

"Do I want to know why you need one?" Callen asked.

"It's just something Pixie thought her sister would like." Deeks said with a big smile.

"And now I don't want to know." Callen said as he walked towards the garage to go grab an extension cord. Handing Deeks the cord, Callen shook his head and followed the girls inside. As soon as Callen was inside, Deeks opened the box of the bouncy house and started to get everything in place. Emma called him a few weeks ago and asked if he knew where she could find a mini bouncy house for Maeve. And like always, he knew where to get one for his little niece. He was surprised Kensi didn't ask him what he ordered when it was delivered. Doing one more check, he hit the button and like magic, the bouncy house started to inflate.

"What the heck is that?" Sam said as he walked around the corner.

"Every birthday party needs a bouncy house." Deeks said with a big smile.

"Please tell me that thing is going home with you after this?" Callen said from his spot at the back door.

"Nope, it's staying here. Pixie thought Maeve would enjoy her own bouncy house." Deeks answered back.

"Of course, this was Emma's idea." Sam said with a shack of his head as he walked into the house.

"That child of mine." Callen shook his head as took the platter from Michelle.

"Speaking of your children… where's my goddaughter?" Sam asked from behind him.

"She should be awake soon." Callen said as he passed Deeks and Sam a beer. "Can I get you ladies something?"

"Wine would be great." Michelle said as she walked passed him.

"There should be a bottle in the fridge." Anna said as she placed the candle in the cake.

"I think I'll start with a beer." Kensi said as she walked towards the ice bucked outside.

As the adults made sure everything was in place, they heard a loud 'MAMA' coming from the baby monitor. Everyone turned towards Anna, who was staring at Callen with a worried look on her face.

"That's new." Deeks said, not reading the room but he felt the slap of both Kensi and Michelle.

"I'll go get her." Callen said but Anna stopped him.

"No, I'll go grab her." Anna said as she walked towards the nursery.

As soon as they heard the door close, everyone turned towards Callen. Before he could answer, the doorbell rang.

"Saved by the bell." Deeks said as Callen bolted to the door. Michelle and Sam just looked at each other and Kensi just shook her head at him.

"Hey, glad you guys could make it." Callen said with a smile as he helped Laura with her coat.

"Thanks for inviting us." Laura said as she hugged him.

"You're family." Callen said as he shook Scott's hand.

"So, no Emma-Grace today?" Scott asked as Deeks handed him a beer.

"No Emma-Grace but she said she'll call when we do the cake." Callen said with a sad smile.

"Look who's here." Anna said as she walked in with a smiling Maeve.

"Hello birthday girl." Sam said as he took the baby from Anna. Maeve gave him a big smile as she clapped her hands. Everyone just laughed at how happy the little girl was and they all knew she had no idea what they were talking about.

Callen brought Anna closer to him before he whispered in her ear, "You okay?"

Anna just shook her head yes and he knew they'll talk about it when everyone left. It didn't take for the rest of the guests long to show up and the party to start getting crazy. Maeve and her little friends loved the bouncy house and even though they couldn't work out how to bounce on it yet, they did enjoy chasing the balls around in it. Everyone got along well and Callen could see himself hanging out with the other kids parents. Soon it was time for Maeve to open her presents and he had to laugh at Maeve's face every time Kensi placed a gift in front of her. She got a bunch of new clothes from Mama Julia and Roberta. Kensi and Deeks got her new shoes and a bunch of new toys for her little play kitchen. Sam and Michelle got her a lot of new books and a new fox stuffy. One of the boxes that were delivered that morning had a bunch of music instruments in it from the gang. Maeve's little friends gave her some more toys and puzzles and the last box was from Hetty. Callen and the team held their breath when they saw the card as it could be anything in that box. Maeve took the little box out of the bag and inside was a little pearl necklace and Callen knew he's seen that before. Emma got one for her 16th birthday and her first birthday with the family. Anna and Kensi picked up all the wrapping paper as Michelle went inside to make sure the cake was ready.

"Everything going okay outside?" a voice said from the pantry.

"We're just getting everything ready for the cake. Do you have everything?" Michelle asked with a smile.

"Ready if you guys are."

"Are we ready for the cake?" Michelle yelled outside.

"We are!" Deeks and Sam yelled at the same time.

"Wait, I need to call Emma-Grace." Callen said as he pulled out his phone. It rang a few times before it went to voice mail. Leaving her a message telling her to call him back as soon as she could, he handed Sam his phone so he could record this for her. He didn't want her to miss this, "Okay, ready!" Callen yelled at Michelle.

"Here we go." Michelle said with a smile. "Happy birthday to you…" She started singing as she walked outside. Everyone soon followed her lead but as soon as the team saw who was holding the cake, they stopped singing. When Maeve saw her sister carrying the ducky cake, she started bouncing on Callen's lap. Emma had the biggest smile on her face, she planned this day for weeks with Michelle. Putting the cake down, she looked at Maeve and told her to blow out the candle. Maeve looked at her sister and Em knew she would need help.

"Want me to show you?" Emma asked her sister and she pouted her lips. The little girl did what her sister did and Emma blow at the flame. As soon as it was out, Maeve clapped her hands.

"Happy birthday little butterfly." Emma said as she gave her a kiss on the check. Maeve gave her sister a sloppy kiss and then she turned towards the giant duck cake in front of her. Michelle handed Emma her camera and Emma happily clicked away as she saw her little sister looking at her cake. Callen cut the cake into slices and handed Maeve a piece and then her friends. Maeve wasn't sure what she how she was supposed to eat this new food in front of her, so Anna took her fingers and dipped them into the cake and then she brought them back to her mouth. As soon as Mae had her first taste of the sugary treat, she stuck her fingers into it again and soon her whole mouth was covered with yellow frosting. Even Deeks' face was covered in frosting and everyone just laughed at him and the kids. The party went on for another hour before the kids started to get cranky. Callen and Anna walked all the parents to their cars and thanked them for coming. Waving them goodbye, Callen turned and looked at Anna and she knew he was going to bring up what happened earlier.

"Maeve called you mama. How do you feel about that?" Callen asked her.

"I don't know. I mean, I didn't know she saw me as her mother." Anna said with a sad smile.

"If I was looking from the outside in, I would think you were her mother. But if you don't want her to call you that, I can talk to her and try to explain to her that you're not her mommy."

"No, no don't do that. I mean do you want her to call me mommy?" Anna asked.

"I want you to feel comfortable and if that's what you want to be called, then I'm okay with it. I feel like this is what I've always wanted… a family." Callen said as he brought her in for a hug.

"This is what I've been missing all my life too." Anna said as she kissed his chest.

They stayed like that for a bit before they made their way back to the group. Emma was sitting on the bouncy house with Maeve and Kensi. Michelle was sitting on a chair close by listening to them talking. Sam gave Callen a look and Callen just waived it off. Anna went to sit next to Michelle and Callen could see Maeve giving her a smile like she knew what the two adults talked about while they were gone. Soon Maeve was rubbing he eyes and everyone took that as their cue to get going. As soon as everyone left, Emma volunteered to give Maeve a bath so Callen and Anna started to clean up a bit. As soon as the dishwasher was loaded, Emma walked in with Mae to get her a bottle and to say good night to the adults.

"Aw, you tired baby girl?" Callen said as he took her from her sister and rubbing her back as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"You want to put her to bed?" Em asked as she handed him the bottle.

"No, you do it. I do it when you're not here." Callen said as he handed Mae to Anna.

"Good night little ducky. I'll see you in the morning." Anna said as she kissed her on the head.

Emma took her sister from Anna and walked towards her room. Switching off the light, Emma sat down in her rocking chair and got a book out of her shelf. Mae held onto Em's finger while she was reading 'The tale of Peter Rabbit and friends' to her. Callen and Anna knew that that was the book the two of them read together so they always picked something else to read her. Soon Maeve was asleep but Emma couldn't get herself to put her in her crib. Looking down at her baby sister, she knew that she would do anything to protect this little girl. After a few more minutes of staring at Mae, Emma stood up and placed the little girl in her crib. Checking the monitor, Emma went to find Callen. Emma stood in the doorway for a bit and looked at him. She missed him so much and she knew what she was about to do, was going to be hard on both of them and might drive a wedge between them.

"Are you going to stand there all night?" Callen said with a smile.

"Just wanted to make sure I remember this moment." Emma said as she went to sit next to him on the couch, snuggling into his side. "Where's Anna?" she asked as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"She went to take a bath. How's training going?" Callen said asked as he pulled her in closer.

"It's going well. Just a few more weeks then I'm done."

"And then you're off to FLETC."

"Yup, and then we'll see where I end up."

"Wherever you end up, you will always have a home here." Callen said as he kissed her on the head.

"I know but still, I hope I end up here." Emma said with a sad voice.

"I bet Hetty will make sure you end up close by."

"Oh, I bet she's will." Emma said rolling her eyes. They sat like that for a bit before Emma broke the silents, "So Mae called Anna 'mama' today?"

"She did and we both feel the same way."

"You mean you feel like she's the perfect fit for our family." Emma said with a smile.

"I take it, you feel the same way?" Callen asked.

"She's the missing piece we didn't know we needed."

"And you guys were the piece I was missing." Anna said from the doorway.

"Together we make up a whole puzzle." Emma said with a smile towards her.

Callen looked between the two of them and he smile. Anna went to make them some tea and they sat together for a bit before Emma excused herself. Kissing Callen on the cheek, Em bent down to hug Anna. As soon as Emma shut her door, Callen bent down and kissed Anna.

"Thank you for today. Think Maeve had a blast."

"We make a great team." Anna said with a smile.

They sat like that for a bit before Callen pulled Anna up and walked her towards the bedroom.