94. Undercover Honeymoon

Wow, so here it is, the final chapter. I had planned all along to end this story at 100, and I know that I mentioned in the last chapter that I would try to have everything wrapped up in 2- 4 chapters, but after some reviews, I managed to wrap everything up in one chapter.

To say that I'm humbled that you guys have spent almost two years reading this story is an understatement. I never intended for this story to last as long as it did. When I started it, I was just an angst filled Linstead fan who wanted so much more than what she was getting so she took matters into her own hands...lol.

I am sorry to anyone who thinks/thought that this story has been going on for too long. The thought that I have lost readers over it, makes me sad. I never meant for that to happen. I tried really hard to prevent it.

Through this story, I have made some really great friends, and I guess I lost one along the way. I wasn't in the best place when I started this story and writing was an outlet for me through a lot of personal things. I think that's why it was so hard for me to face the fact that Undercover Honeymoon has to come to an end.

But truly, and I mean it with everything, thank you so much for your reviews, PM's, Tweets about how much you liked this story. I could never put into words how much it means to me. I know that this is just a story and this author's note is probably silly, but I just want you to know that I TRULY appreciate every single Fav, Follow, Review or anything that I have received.

I went back and forth between three different endings. One of which, I really liked and wanted to do, but at the last minute I changed my mind. However, I hope that you like the ending I picked. I think that it wraps everything up as well as can be expected.

0000000000000000000

Jay sat outside of his commanding officer's office. He had received notice that his commanding officer had wanted to see him after the end of his shift today for a quick meeting.

Jay tapped his leg nervously as he waited to be called to go in. Her ran his hands over the legs of his uniform pants and stood up when he heard the door open.

"Detective Halstead" Jay's commanding officer greeted.

"Sir" Jay said as he walked up to the man and made his way inside of the office.

The commanding officer closed the door and made his way over to his desk. "Please Jay, have a seat"

Jay quickly walked over to the chair in front of the desk and sat down. Unsure of what was about to happen.

"Jay, you're probably wondering why I wanted to meet with you, right?" The commanding officer asked as he took a seat at his desk.

"Yes sir" Jay said.

"Well, I just wanted to start by saying what an honor it has been to have you filling in with us while you've been here. You've went above and beyond what's been asked of you and have stepped into the role of a leader to your fellow coworkers. I knew that when I talked with your boss in Chicago that I had made the right decision in asking you to join us here. WIth that being said, I know that you only have a little over a month left with us. I'd like to extend that"

Jay felt his pulse quicken as he listened to his commander speaking to him. He didn't want to be away from Erin and the kids any longer than he had to be. Even though this was every bit the dream job he'd always wanted.

"For how long?" Jay asked.

"Forever if you're up for it" The commanding officer said.

"What?" Jay asked.

Jay's commanding officer smiled and let out a soft chuckle. "Jay, you have been a topic of conversation among your team and me and my superiors for about as long as you've been here. We believe that you have what it takes to make this your career. We've been so impressed with your work ethic and your character as not only a decoarated member of the United States Army, but also as a man. We'd like to offer you a permanent position in the CID here in Virginia"

Jay felt a smile form on his lips as he looked at the man across from him "Are you serious?"

"Yes"

The wide smile Jay was sporting slowly fell as he felt the silver band on his left hand scrape across his uniform pants. He looked down at it and his once fallen smile formed again. "What about my wife and my kids?"

The commanding officer nodded and looked at Jay "If you would accept the position, your move would be covered by relocation expense. That of course includes your family"

Jay nodded as he listened to what he was being told. "When would you need an answer?"

"As soon as possible" The commanding officer said simply.

0000000000000000000

Jay walked down the hallway of the second floor, maneuvering himself through the wall-to-wall bodies and finally reached the top of the stairs. He looked over the banister, hoping to catch a glimpse of Erin among the mass of bodies below him but he didn't see her. He and Erin had come to a small party that one of the guys from the CID had thrown and since Erin was leaving tomorrow, he wanted to spend as much time with her as he could.

He sighed heavily, his buzz vanishing by the second and he scratched the back of his head. He felt a hand run softly down the length of his back and he turned, sure that it was Erin, and he reached out to pull her into his arms. As his arms slid around her waist, his eyes widened and he pulled his hands back like they had been burned.

"Amy?" He gasped as she smiled at him, her dark eyes twinkling in the dim light.

"Hey Jay. Long time no see." Amy smiled as Jay stepped back and hit the banister.

"I'm sorry about that Amy. I thought you were Erin." Jay said as he flexed his fingers. How could he have almost hugged her?

Amy tilted her head to the side and laughed. "That's okay Jay. How are you and Erin doing? I haven't seen you since that day in Victoria's Secret."

Jay's eyes clouded for a moment as he remembered that day. He remembered he and Erin's encounter in the dressing room and he felt his body react the way it always did by just the thought of her.

Amy smirked as she saw his reaction, remembering the day quite clearly herself.

"We're doing good. In fact I have to go find her. I'm ready to go and I seem to have lost her."

Amy stepped closer to him. "Well, that's not good. You never know what kinds of things can happen at parties like these. Especially with woman as beautiful as Erin. Men swoop down on them like vultures."

Jay's raised an eyebrow at her words and she continued, pretending not to notice. "But I'm sure she's fine. Erin can take care of herself."

"Yes, she can." Jay said confidently. He knew what Amy was trying to do and he wasn't falling for it.

Amy stepped even closer to him. "What about you Jay? Can you take care of yourself?"

Jay looked down at her and his eyes narrowed. He didn't like how close she was to him so he stepped back.

"I'm very capable to taking care of myself Amy. Thanks for your concern."

"Good." She said as she reached out and ran her finger down his chest. "But if you ever decide you want to be bad Jay, you know I'm always ready and willing."

Jay shook his head.

"Amy, I told you once that I wasn't interested. I'm still not interested and I will never be interested. I don't appreciate you reminding me every time I see you that you're willing and ready to help me if I ever want to be unfaithful to my wife. I don't want to and I never will so I would appreciate it if you would just stop it."

Amy tilted her head to the side, unfazed by his monologue. "If you say so Jay. Just know that the offer is always there."

"Jay?" Erin's voice came from behind him and Jay felt all the blood drain from his face.

He turned to face her and she was smiling at him. She winked to let him know that she had heard everything and he felt his entire body relax as held his hand out to her.

Erin took his hand and stepped closer to him. He lifted her hand to his chest and rested it against his heart as Erin looked at Amy.

"Amy, I'd appreciate it if you'd stop coming on to my husband. He's made it very clear he's not interested. So, why don't you go try to fuck someone else's husband. Or better yet, why don't you stop trying to fuck everyone else's husbands and find yourself a boyfriend."

Amy was still completely unfazed. "Hi Erin. Thanks for the advice but I can handle my own love life without advice from you."

Amy started to walk passed them and she stopped as she reached Erin. She leaned forward and whispered loud enough for Jay to hear. "The invitation is extended to you too."

Erin's eyes widened as Amy chuckled and winked at her before walking away.

Erin turned to Jay and he burst out laughing.

"Did she just come on to me?" Erin asked, completely shocked.

Jay pulled her closer to him and continued chuckling. "I think she did. It wouldn't be the first time she'd expressed interest in you though Er."

Erin slid her arms around his neck as she eyed him narrowly. "What exactly is that supposed to mean Jay?"

"Baby, take me home and I'll tell you all about it." Jay leaned his face down and nuzzled her neck softly.

"We should probably go relieve Hank and Liv from babysitting duty." Erin said softly as she remembered their friends.

Jay's gaze darkened and Erin hugged him tight. "You think they'd notice if we skipped town and never looked back? Start a new. No kids. Just you and me...naked all of the time."

Erin smiled as Jay pulled her into his arms. "Well considering neither one of us can go too long without mentioning at least one of our kids, I'm going to guess we'd miss them" she whispered against his shoulder.

"Maybe just a little." Jay held her as tight as he dared without hurting her. He closed his eyes and silently thanked god for being such a lucky man.

Erin pulled back as she looked at Jay, "Is everything OK, Jay?"

Jay smiled and looked down at his wife "Everything is great, I actually want to talk to you about something"

Erin raised a brow and looked at Jay "Okay..."

Jay smiled at Erin and took her hand as he led her down the steps and out of the house.

0000000000000000000

"And we'd move here?" Erin asked as she sat on the bench next to Jay. Her hazel eyes locked on him.

"Yes" Jay answered.

"What would we do about our house in Chicago? I mean, we bought that together, it was where we wanted our kids to grow up. It's where our jobs...well, where my job is...it's where our family is" Erin explained.

Jay didn't respond he only nodded silently as he listened to what Erin was saying. "You're right, and I completely understand where you're coming from and I know I'm selfish to ask you to uproot your life and our kids to move 700 miles away from everyone and everything we know. I know this was supposed to be a temporary thing for us. I guess I just got caught up in the idea that I could be something other than just Detective Halstead"

Erin sighed as she looked at her husband. Did Jay really think that was all he was? Just a detective? It made her stomach turn that the man she was so deeply in love with had somewhere along the way began to feel that way. And who was she to turn down his dream when he'd been nothing but supportive of every dream she'd ever had.

"I think we should do it" Erin said.

"What?" Jay asked "Erin, no. It's asking too much. You have Hank there and your career and our family..."

Erin reached a hand out and took ahold of Jay's "It's not though. I mean sure the idea of us leaving Chicago is scary, but it's a good scary. Like when we got married scary, or when we found out we were going to be parents scary. And yes, I do have my job and Hank in Chicago, but my home is where you are and our family isn't complete unless we're together. I can get a job here, I want this for you...I want this for us. Let's do it"

Jay's gaze seached Erin's as he looked into her eyes. Everything about this woman was it for him. He was so deeply in love wih her and nothing was going to change that...ever. How she supported him and encouraged him, how she was telling she was ready to leave everything she'd ever known to follow him so he could have the career he wanted. How she managed to work, take care of their home and their children and never missed a beat, he was in absolute awe of her and he knew in his heart he always would be.

"Erin, I..." Jay started.

Erin shook her head and held tight to Jay's hand. "We're gonna be OK. You and me...always"

"Always" Jay repeated as he leaned in and kissed her.

0000000000000000000

Three Weeks Later

Adam pulled into Erin and Jay's driveway and he felt an ache in his heart as he looked at the for sale sign that was posted in the front yard.

He put the car in park and got some bags from the back as he stepped onto the porch and into the kitchen balancing three brown paper bags in his arms. He kicked the door shut with his foot and walked over to place them on the counter.

Erin walked into the kitchen, smiling when she saw him.

"Oh, hey, Adam. You're back."

Adam smiled back at her as he started taking various items out of the bags and placing them on the counter. "Yeah. I think I got everything on the list." He looked toward the doorway. "Where's Kim?"

Erin looked at him confused. "Didn't you pass her on your way in?"

Now it was Adam's turn to look puzzled. "Huh?"

"She was sitting in the porch swing wrapped in a blanket looking out at the pond, Adam. At least that's where she was ten minutes ago."

Adam walked over to the door and looked through the glass. The blanket was on the swing but his wife was not. Frowning, he looked up and over toward the pond and caught sight of her standing at the end of the dock,and his frown instantly turned to a smile.

"She's by the pond," Adam said over his shoulder as Erin continued to put the food away.

"Go on out Adam. I've got this." Adam turned and smiled at Erin, noticing the soft grin that adorned her beautiful face before stepping out on the porch to go to his wife.

Erin had came back to the city a few days ago and had slowly broken the news to everyone that she and Jay had decided to move to Virginia. News that seemed like it was setting well with everyone, everyone that was, except his wife.

Adam walked along the small wooden dock, the old planks beneath his feet creaking audibly with each step. Kim had heard the SUV pull up and wondered how long it would take him to find her. She dropped her hands from their place beneath her chin as he stepped up beside her.

"Hey," he said as his hand settled on her back, just above the curve of her ass.

"Hi sweetheart." The familiar endearment slipped so naturally off her lips that it made Kim smile. She loved calling him that.

"What are you doing out here darlin? I know Erin ordered pizza, it's not like you to not be in there tearing that up" Adam stepped closer to her when he saw her shiver softly. He brought his other arm around her and leaned his face down to softly nuzzle her ear.

"Just looking," Kim giggled as his warm breath tickled the cool skin of her neck before she sighed contentedly. "I sometimes forget how beautiful it is 's a shame that Erin and Jay are going to put it up for sale. It's a shame that our offer didn't get accepted and we're back to square one looking for our own house. It's crazy that Jack is using whole sentences now and Abby is already rolling over. Everything is changing, Adam and it's just too much"

Adam turned his head and looked out over the pond. His gaze swept over the waterway that started at the outskirts of the city, just and weaved it's way through the small community ending ultimately around this small cul-de-sac that encompassed The Halstead's home as well as several other Cape Cod style homes. There was something warm and comfortable about it and Adam could see why Jay and Erin loved the house so much.

"You don't get this kind of quiet in the city, that's for sure," Adam offered as he turned his head back to look at Kim. She had been very pensive the last few days. He'd tried to take most of the responsibility of watching Jack and Abby so she could rest but even when she was with them lately, it was like she was somewhere else. He'd assumed she was reflecting on motherhood but now, watching her stare out at the, she was more here than she had ever been.

When she spoke her next words, Adam found he was not at all surprised by what she said. "I don't want to raise our children in the city, Adam. I want them to have space and freedom to be kids. Not confined in a small brownstone apartment with no more than a postage stamp for a yard to play in."

Kim turned her face to look at him and he could see her eyes were clear, truly clear, for the first time in weeks.

Adam lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, his fingers caressing the soft skin tenderly. "We don't have to live in the city Kim. We already talked about this. We can move somewhere we can have a house and a yard. Somewhere where it will be easy for you to travel to and from work. Whatever you want Kim."

"I don't know what I want anymore," Kim leaned forward and nuzzled his cheek before she brought her lips to his ear. "I want to move here." Adam tilted his head back so he could look at her face again. "I want to raise our children here."

"I don't understand Kim." Adam kept his voice even, hoping she wouldn't hear the shock evident in it.

He wasn't surprised she wanted out of the city. They had talked at length about moving outside of Chicago; someplace that was convenient for her to be able to commute there for work if need be, but also not so far away from the city for work.

Kim smiled as she stepped back. His eyes were darting back and forth, scanning her face for some explanation. Seeing his reaction made her even more sure of her decision. This was the right choice. The right decision for both of them.

She reached her hand out to him and he looked down at it for a second before sliding his hand in hers. She tugged lightly on it urging him to walk with her and they slowly made their way back up the dock. Adam was silent as he waited for her to speak.

"I do want to get out of the city. My whole life I wanted out of it. And I did. I love Chicago. I love the fast Adam, the excitement, the crowds of people all around. But," she hesitated a moment before continuing. "and I really hate to say it because it sounds so cliché, and you know how much I hate cliché." Kim's lips curved up as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "You don't know what you've got until it's gone.I guess with Erin and Jay being gone and her coming back, only to tell us that they're moving away for good. It sucks"

Adam chuckled quietly under his breath but Kim heard him and squeezed his hand as she narrowed her eyes at him. They stopped at the end of the dock and Adam pulled her into his arms, her belly captive between them.

"I know how you feel, darlin. But don't you think we should wait before we ask Erin and Jay about buying their house?. Are you sure you're ready for life in the suburbs?"

"I am. I mean everyone is starting over with all of these new beginnings and I want the same for us. Not that life is some competition between each other, but because I want to experience everything life has to offer us, and I want that with you and our that not what you want?"

"Kim, you're my life. Don't worry about me. I can commute from wherever we are. I want you to be sure."

She raised her hand and placed it against his cheek. "Adam, I saw the look in your eyes when I said I mentioned moving here and asking Erin and Jay to let us put an offer on their house. Your eyes show everything. You want to move back here as much as I do. And when I said those words, your heart burst with excitement."

Adam smiled as he lowered his lips to brush them gently against hers. "You know me too well Darlin," he murmured against her lips before deepening the kiss.

Adam swept his tongue into her mouth, seeking out her sweet taste as Kim slid her arms around his neck, pressing her body as close to his as their clothing would allow.

They had found their home.

The place they would make their lives together. The place they would raise their children and grow old together.

It was the place they began. And it was the place they would always be.

0000000000000000000

Erin shut the car door and lifted Caleb and Arden's car seats up off of the sidewalk as she looked down at Everly.

"Are you going to show Papaw Hank what you made at Vacation Bible School tonight?" Erin asked as she looked at her daughter who proudly held the piece of paper she colored in her hands.

"Me am. I made it jus for hims" Everly explained.

"I bet he's going to love it" Erin said as she and Everly made their way up to Hank's front porch. Erin was about to put Arden's car seat down to open the door when she noticed Olivia coming down the stairs and she quickly opened the door for her.

"Hey Erin, this is a surprise" Olivia said as she looked at her. "Come on in"

"Is Hank here?" Erin asked as she walked in the house and into the living room where she sat Caleb and Arden's car seats down on the couch.

"He's out on the back porch. Justin and Olive left to go home today so he's been out there pouting, although we both know he'd never admit to that" Olivia explained.

"Yeah, I saw them this morning before they left. And I figured Hank would be in his post grandson visit rut" Erin teased.

"Wivvy, Where papaw?" Everly asked looking around the living room.

"He's outside" Olivia explained.

Everly needed no further explanation, she took off through the living room and kitchen in search of her grandfather. The sound of the screen door shutting caused Erin to call after her oldest daughter.

"Everly!" Erin called after her daughter before looking back at the twins.

"Go" Olivia said with a laugh, "I can handle this"

Erin gave Olivia a thankful smile and she followed the direction that Everly had went. Erin stopped in the doorway and listened to Everly and Hank from the other side of the screen door.

"Dis for you, papaw" Everly explained as she held the paper out to him as she climbed up onto his lap.

"It is?" Hank said as he looked down at the construction paper that was printed with. "I Thank God For..."

The paper had various crayon marks on it from Everly's attempt at art and she relaxed against Hank's chest as she pointed to the two red and blue blob scribbles on the page. "Dat us"

"I see that" Hank said with a smile as he looked down at the paper.

"Miss Wexi say "Who we fankful for?" I say "Papaw" Everly explained.

"And Papaw Hank is thankful for Everly. And he loves her very, very much" Hank said.

"Wuv papaw" Everly said.

Erin swallowed the hard lump in her throat as she forced a smile and walked outside.

"There's two of my most favorite people" Erin greeted.

"Mommy, Papaw wiked it" Everly said happily.

Erin smiled down at her daughter on Hank's lap. "I told you that he would bug. How about you go in and help Olivia with the twins so I can talk to papaw for just a minute, OK?"

Everly happily nodded and slid off of Hank's lap and ran into the house.

Erin moved to the empty chair next to Hank and was quiet for a minute as she stared out at his back yard. The sound of a few passing cars and kids playing in the neighborhood filled the silence between the two of them.

Hank was the first to speak. "Olivia tells me that you guys found a house"

Erin nodded "Yeah, it's really nice, Hank. It's on base right at the end of this cul-de-sac. It's two story and it's brick and it has a fenced in back yard that's plenty big enough for Everly and the twins to play in. The neighbors on each side of us have kids around Everly's age, so it'll be an easy adjustment for her. And they allow pets, so we can take Kane without there being an issue."

Hank nodded again and kept his eyes on the sun setting in the Chicago sky. "What about work?"

Erin smiled sadly "My last day at the 21st is Friday. The transfer that I applied for in Virginia was accepted. I'm going to be working with helping kids recoving from hostile enviornments. Kids who were just like me when I was a kid. Having the chance to save them like you saved me...who couldn't want that?"

Hank smiled for the first time since he and Erin started talking. "You saved yourself, kid. I was only there to remind you that you could do it."

Erin nodded as she turned her head to look at Hank. "I just want you to know that I'm so thankful for all the things that you've done for me Hank. From taking me in as a teen to helping me raise my own children. I could never repay you for that. I could never begin to thank you for everything that you've done and continue to do for me"

Hank looked over at Erin and raised his arm to wrap around her. "When you were attacked on that ship, I told you something then and I'm going to tell you all over again. You're just as much my kid as Justin is, I am so proud to know you Erin, I'm proud of the person you are as a Cop, as a friend, as a wife, as a mother and as my daughter. I've seen how you've transformed into this amazing person that I take so much pride in knowing. You're something special, kid. And time or distance will never change how much I love you. Always remember that. I'm so proud of you and I love you"

Erin wiped the tear that fell down her cheek. "I love you too, dad"

0000000000000000000

Adam tugged at the bow tie around his neck for at least the tenth time in the fifteen minutes he'd had it on. He hated wearing penguin suits. They were so confining and stifling. The three other times he'd worn one he'd had no choice. Two of them were his high school proms and he didn't have much of a choice there. Dress code. The only other time he wore one was his wedding. And he definitely didn't have a choice there.

Now, tonight was a charity function Kim was participating in and he once again had no choice but to don this silly outfit. It seemed that all the times he was forced to dress up like a penguin it had been either for or because of Kim. He was beginning to think it was a conspiracy on her part.

"Hmmm…" He would have to ponder that when he had more time.

He glanced at his watch again as he called down the hall. "Darlin, we're going to be late if we don't get going in the next thirty seconds."

"Daddy and Mommy go bye bye?" Jack asked from his spot next to his father on the couch.

"Yeah, Jack, but you're going to have fun with Uncle Kevin tonight" Adam explained.

"Otay" Jack said as he slid off the couch and walked over to where Abby was laying on the floor under her baby gym.

Adam rose from this spot on the couch prepared to go looking for Kim when she walked into the living room. Adam had to remind himself to breathe as his eyes swept over her. She tugged at the hem of the knee length dress self consciously as she looked up at Adam, smiling at the awed look on his face.

"How do I look?" She asked softly as she moved toward him, the gentle folds of her black cocktail dress swaying softly as she walked, the soft silk-like material falling comfortably over her body. It was the first time she had really dressed up since she had given birth to Abigail a few months ago. And Adam found himself speechless as he looked at his wife.

Kim laughed softly when he didn't answer her right away and she placed her hands gently on his chest. "Are you alright Adam?"

He shook his head and lifted his gaze back to her face and grinned at her.

Busted.

Adam's hands reached out and caressed her arm softly as his eyes hungrily drank in the sight of her with her hair swept up on top of her head, soft tendrils of hair framing her lightly made up face. Her natural beauty astounded him and he was glad she didn't hide it behind a lot of makeup the way a lot of women do.

Adam lowered his lips to hers and kissed her softly as he breathed deeply, inhaling in the light scent of her perfume. "You look breathtaking, Darlin."

Kim smiled against his lips and then pulled her face back as she reached up and adjusted his crooked tie. "You don't look so bad yourself there Adam."

"We clean up real good don't we, Burgess?"

Adam winked at her as he reached for her coat on the arm of the couch. He helped her to slip it on. "Are you ready to dazzle everyone in the Chicago community?"

He slipped his coat own on and held his arm out to her. She slipped her arm through it as she shook her head. "I don't know about that."

"Mama pwetty" Jack said as he walked over to his mother and Kim smiled and knelt down as she hugged her son.

"Thanks handsome" Kim cooed softly.

Burgess looked up from Jack to where Atwater was standing in the doorway with snacks and a DVD of The Secret Life of Pets.

"I had to bring my own snacks ya know, since you guys have all your stuff packed up" Atwater teased.

"Yeah, crazy to think we're moving in a few days" Adam said.

"Crazy to think that Erin and Jay are moving for good, too" Atwater added.

"Yeah...yeah it is" Kim said as she bent down and kissed Abby on the cheek before kissing Jack the same way and standing up.

"Way to bring down the mood, man" Adam joked as he hit Kevin in the arm.

"It's fine, Adam. I'm fine. See you forget, if you tease, Kevin. That means I won't tease you later" Kim said as she walked over to him

"Burgess," Adam growled as he opened the front door.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently as she laughed again. "Alright Detective Ruzek. Let's go dazzle Chicago together."

0000000000000000000

Jay finished taping the last cardboard box and sat the tape down on the counter as he looked around the kitchen of the house that had once been filled with his and Erin's belongings, now empty and waiting to be filled with the belongings of his friends who were now the owners of the the home he and Erin were supposed to grow old in.

Today was the day that they were leaving to go to their new home in Virginia. He was excited to start over somewhere new, but part of his heart ached at the thought of saying goodbye to the only life he'd ever really known.

Jay heard a gruff voice clear behind him and he turned to see Hank standing in the doorway.

"Voight" Jay said simply.

"Halstead" Hank greeted as he walked into the empty kitchen. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure" Jay said, unsure of where the conversation was going to go.

The two men stood in silence for a few moments before Hank spoke.

"I never liked you Halstead..." Hank said after a long silence.

"Well, this is a good talk" Jay interrupted shaking his head.

"Would you let me finish?" Hank asked.

"Sorry" Jay said.

"When I first met you, I thought you were this smart ass kid who had a free ticket into my unit. You challenged me, you broke my rules, and you didn't care to call me out on my shit. When I found out that you and Erin were sneaking around behind my back I was pissed" Hank explained.

"Believe me, I know" Jay said.

"Not because I didn't think you weren't good enough for her and it's not because I didn't want you distracted, it's because you're just like me Jay. And I know that you don't want to believe that, but you are. You stand true to what you believe, and go to any length to protect the people you care about. And even though you may not go to the measures that I've went to, I see a lot of myself in you, just like I see Camille when I look at Erin. And even though I didn't want to admit it and I fought so hard to keep it from happening, I realize and I've realized that you two are a perfect match" Hank paused as he looked at Jay.

Jay stood in silence as he looked at Hank unsure of if he should speak or not.

"...I know how much you love Erin. And I want you to know that I trust that she and my grandkids are going to be fine in your care. I just want you to know that I was proud to have you in my unit, I'm proud to know you as the man Erin chose to spend her life with...and I'm proud to call you a friend"

"Thank you, sir" Jay said. "I'm proud to call you a friend too. And I'm thankful for you. Because you led me to Erin and without her I would have nothing"

Hank nodded and reached his hand out. "Good luck in Virginia, Jay. Don't screw up, because if I find out that you have, I'll come and kill you myself"

"Trust me, I believe you" Jay said as he reached his hand out and slid it into Hank's

The two men shook hands for a few moments before moving forward and embracing each other.

"Take care of them, Jay" Hank said.

"I will Hank, I promise"

0000000000000000000

"And even though you're probably going to meet a lot of new people, please try not to forget about me. Okay?" Burgess asked as Erin latched Caleb's car seat into the base and turned to look at her best friend.

"I'd never forget you. You know I'm just a phone call away" Erin assured.

Burgess nodded and looked at Erin. "I'm just going to miss you, you're my best friend and my voice of reason, the "Holy crap, I'm about to be a mom" advice giver and It's just hard to see you go"

Erin shut the back door of the SUV and looked in the rolled down window of the car at her three kids who were all oblivious to what was going on and she looked back at Kim.

"I'm going to miss you too. When Nadia died, you were the one person that I knew understood how it felt to lose our friend and It's been a crazy few years, but I wouldn't change a single second of it. I've laughed with you, cried with you and my life is better because of you. I'm so thankful to call you my best friend" Erin said her eyes welling with fresh tears.

"You're my best friend too" Kim said as she pulled Erin into a tight hug.

Jay and Adam walked around the SUV with Kane on his leash. They both laughed at the two women crying as they embraced.

"Burgess, you're crying all over the place" Adam said as he walked over to console his wife.

"Shut up, Adam" Kim and Erin said in unison as they pulled apart.

Jay laughed as he opened the trunk of the SUV and Kane jumped up in it before circling and laying down. Jay closed the back and walked around the SUV and at everyone who had gathered around to say goodbye.

Jay and Erin took turns hugging each of their friends who'd shown up to send them off. Everyone from the firehouse and the district had shown up to say goodbye to Erin and Jay and they took their time to say goodbye to each of them.

Jay looked down at his watch and then at Erin.

"Er, we should probably get on the road" Jay said reluctantly.

Erin nodded from her spot standing with Olinsky and she hugged him one last time as she walked towards the SUV.

"I'll see ya around, man" Adam said as he looked down at his feet and kicked the small pile of dirt at his feet.

"It's not that far to Virginia man, and we'll be back to visit and see what you've done with this place" Jay said taking one last look at the house he and Erin had made thier home.

"I'm gonna miss you, brother" Adam said as he and Jay looked at each other before they quickly hugged and then pulled apart.

Jay hugged Kim and Olivia before walking over to the driver's side door and getting in.

"So, we'll see you and Olivia for the twins birthday, right?" Erin asked as she pulled away from Hank's arms.

Hank nodded "We'll be there"

"I guess we should go" Erin said as she slowly exhaled and moved to hug Hank one last time.

"I still can't talk you into that divorce from Halstead. Not too late" Hank whispered.

Erin laughed and shook her head. "No"

"Worth a shot" Hank said waving to Jay in the side view mirror.

Erin gave him one last smile before walking to the passenger door and getting in.

"You OK?" Olivia asked as she walked up to Hank and laced her fingers through his.

"I am" Hank said as he kissed the side of Olivia's head and watched as Erin and Jay pulled down the driveway, giving one last honk of the horn as they pulled down the road.

Erin watched in the mirror as the trees passed by her and she listened to Everly talked to the twins from the backseat.

She felt Jay reach for her hand and link their fingers together before bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her fingers.

"I love you, Erin Halstead" Jay said simply.

"I love you, too" Erin answered.

"Thank you for this. For supporting me and my dreams. Do you think we're ready for this new chapter of our lives?"

Erin thought about Jay's question and she knew that if they could make it this far, she was pretty sure they'd make it through anything life could thow at them. He was her backup, and she was his. And together, she knew they could handle anything.

"No, I don't think we'll ever be ready" Erin said honestly "But maybe one day"

"Oh, definitely"

*~The End~*