Okay, folks. This is the last chapter! Thanks for following this story and for the feedback. I had a lot of fun with it! And a special thanks to Bailey1ak for editing it for me!

I have a few more stories started right now for those of you who like reading Cam/Keller and Lorne/Keller. They'll probably be up in a few months. June and July will be busy for us so I'm taking a break from writing.

When the plane landed, Dave jolted awake. He didn't remember much of the flight. He'd even fallen to sleep with his seat belt fastened. Glancing around, he noted with a smile that all was well with the other passengers on the plane. Jennifer was curled against his brother, hands wrapped around his arms. Cameron and Carolyn were both looking out the side of the plane, hands firmly clasped together

It felt good to be home, but the truth of the matter was that Dave was even more happy to be bringing home his brother. It would be the longest visit they'd have together in years.

He was still sore and slowly stood up, surveying outside the window as he waited for the others to begin exiting the plane. A limo stood outside, waiting to take them over to the house John and Dave had grown up in.

Dave overheard bits of a conversation John was having on his cell phone.

"... landed a few minutes ago. If you want to head over... really? Great. See you in a sec, then."

Not thinking much about the conversation, Dave descended the steps behind John.

"Dave, you doing okay there?" John called over his shoulder? "Not dizzy or anything?"

"No," Dave assured him. "I'm actually feeling almost back to normal."

"Hmm..." John said. "That's too bad. I called someone in to watch over you while we're here."

"Who?"

Dave didn't have to wait for an answer. The limo door opened and Kylie emerged from inside. His eyes quickly took in the sight before him. John had obviously called to invite her to the restaurant as well. She wore a strapless dark blue dress, which hugged her frame and fell just short of her knees. He watched her anxiously look for him, then pinned him with her gaze. She was momentarily distracted when John walked up and casually took both hands and kissed her on the cheek. He backed up and made the introductions. She seemed anxious to talk to Dave, but warmly greeted each of them.

While the others climbed into the limo, John walked over with Kylie to Dave.

"Dave," she looked over at him, unable to stop herself from grabbing his hand. "John said you were okay, but that there'd been an accident. And you had to have surgery."

"It was nothing," Dave shook his head, a little rattled from not only the sight of her but also at her closeness. "John didn't have to call you."

Rolling his eyes, John stepped in. "I called Kylie and told her to clear your schedule for the weekend and the rest of next week."

"John, that's hardly necessa-"

"Sorry, bro," John grinned. "Doctors orders. And don't let him fool you, Kylie. He scared the heck out of me. He's still not 100%. Dave lost a ton of blood." Watching Kylie pale a little, John knew then that his hunch had paid off. It seemed his old friend still had some serious feelings for Dave. "Anyway, Kylie agreed to stay with us and brought a few things that needed your attention from work."

They walked over to the limo and John gestured for Kylie to go in first.

"That," John murmured to Dave, "and now you're not the fifth wheel tonight at the restaurant. And don't worry. I called and changed our reservation number."

Dave couldn't help but smile. "Smooth, John. Very smooth. And I'm guessing this is a little payback from all the comments I made about letting Jennifer know your feelings for her?"

"Somewhat," John admitted. "That, and I'd like to see you happy."

Dave had made reservations at a trendy restaurant he knew the girls would enjoy. It'd been a long time since he'd frequented a place like this. The establishment offered high quality food, a romantic ambiance, as well as a live band and dance floor.

Kylie sat next to Dave, not saying very much. It wasn't like her. In the limo, she'd immediately hit it off with both Jennifer and Carolyn. The ladies had chatted nearly the entire way to the restaurant. But now, sitting beside him and next to John, she seemed to be preoccupied with something.

He couldn't keep his eyes off her, which Dave knew was no secret to John. More than once, his brother sent an amused glance his way. Dave couldn't get over how incredible she looked, not used to seeing her outside the office where she typically wore conservative suits.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Kylie leaned over to him. "You look a little tired."

He caught a little of her perfume. They hadn't spoken much to each other, so he took the opportunity to openly study her face.

"I'm fine," he answered. Wanting to prove to her that he wasn't going to pass out, he glanced at the dance floor. Standing up, he held out his hand to her. "Come with me. Please?"

Surprised, Kylie immediately stood, took his hand and followed him. When they got to the floor, there was no moment of awkwardness. She stepped into his arms as if they'd done this a thousand times. Once his arm was around her and the other held her hand, they danced silently for a few moments.

"We've never danced before, have we?" Dave stated. "I'd have remembered."

"No," Kyle said, looking up at him. "Why?"

"Because I wouldn't have let you go at the end of the song," Dave admitted, gauging her reaction.

Her eyes widened. "Dave?"

He laughed, pulling her closer. "Let's just say I got a reality check about a lot of things in my life in the last few days." He took in her scent, wishing they were anywhere else but a somewhat crowded restaurant in the middle of the dance floor. "Kylie? I think it's time to discuss other employment options for you."

Now confused, she pulled back. "You're firing me?"

"Yes," Dave confirmed, then shook his head. "No. Not exactly. More like fitting you into a different job."

"Why?" Kylie asked.

"So that I can do this." Dave gently released their hands, guided her free one to wrap around his waist while he placed his behind her neck. He smiled as their lips touched for the first time. As he'd expected, one kiss wasn't enough. Figuring people were looking in their direction anyway, he continued kissing her until they were both out of breath.

"Wow," Kylie breathed in once they came up for air. "Okay, who are you and what did you do to David Sheppard?"

Dave laughed, grabbing her hand once more and guiding her around the floor. "Why are you so surprised?"

"Because it's taken you years to clue in that I've had a crush on you since we were kids," Kylie said, flushing a bit.

"Yeah," Dave said. "I'm finding out that men, especially me, are clueless when it comes to women."

"Amen to that," she snickered.

Cameron took Dave's lead and whispered into Carolyn's ear. "Wanna dance?"

Just finishing her meal, she nodded. Cam leaned to tell John they'd be back, leaving John to wave as they walked across the room.

A little surprised when he didn't lead her onto the dance floor, Carolyn gripped his hand as he led her to a side door.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"I thought a little fresh air... and privacy... would be nice," Cameron grinned wolfishly at her.

He pulled her into his arms and they began swaying to the muted sounds of the band playing from inside. Within a few moments, Carolyn sighed as he tugged her closer.

"You sure are brave when the General isn't around," Carolyn grinned, leaning back to look at him.

"You got that right," he answered back, hands rubbing up and down her back. "Speaking of which, we should probably talk about setting some ground rules for when we get back."

"Rules?" Carolyn laughed. "We're going to have rules?"

"Yes," Cameron said, unable to resist quieting her laugh with a kiss. He intended for it to be quick, but both of them got caught up into the moment.

Finally, Carolyn pulled away. "Alright, fly boy, you're not distracting me. So tell me about these rules you're insisting we set."

"Right," Cam said, trying to remember everything he'd thought about on the plane ride there. Trouble was that now that he had her in his arms, he couldn't focus. "Well, I thought it'd be best for both of us if we don't get caught kissing in the hallways by your father."

"So, maintain professionalism on the clock?" She cocked her head. "Sounds reasonable. But what if I want to do this?"

She angled her head so that her lips brushed across his neck, then grazed his ear.

"Yeah, that's going to need to be added to the list," Cam groaned.

Laughing, she pulled his head down and kissed him.

John motioned for the waiter to come over. He pulled out the wallet that he'd rarely used in the last few years.

"I'd like to pay the bill, please," he said, handing him a credit card, then turned to Jennifer. "Feel like taking a walk?"

"Sure," she responded distractedly. "John, you don't have to pay for all of us."

He pulled out a cell phone his brother had set up for him. "I know. But just let me. Now how do you work this thing?"

Rolling her eyes, she leaned over to try and help him.

"Hmmm..." John turned into her hair. "You smell incredible."

Swatting at his hand, she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Focus, Colonel," she reprimanded him. "How is that the two of us can use everything back home quite easily, but not this little contraption?"

John chuckled. "Tell me about it. Okay, Dave programmed his and Cam's cell numbers on here. Now, how do you send a text?"

The waiter chose that moment to return John's credit card. Amused, he looked down at the phone. "Sir, I have that model myself. Do you need help?"

Sighing, John handed it to the man. "I'd appreciate it. I need to send a text to the only two people in the address book."

Jennifer laughed when the waiter couldn't help but smile at John's frustration... and the fact he only had two people programmed into the phone.

"New phone, sir?" The waiter recovered smoothly.

"Yeah." John rolled his eyes. "Something like that."

The waiter handed the phone back to him. "Okay, type your message in and then I'll send it for you."

"Wouldn't it be easier to track them both down. I can see Dave from here and I'm sure Cam's around somewhere," Jennifer nudged him.

"This is quicker," John replied. "Well, it would be if I could type faster. They couldn't make these keys any smaller. Okay, I'm done."

Jennifer imagined this was the waiter's first encounter assisting a patron with a text message.

"All done, sir," he said, handing him back the phone. "You're all set with the bill. Enjoy your evening."

John signed the slip, adding a generous tip, and took Jennifer's hand. "That's definitely in my plan."

As they walked across the room to the exit, Jennifer eyed him. "What did you tell the others?"

"I told the guys to take the limo back to the house," John said, opening the door. "Dave keeps a driver on hand. I'll call him when we're ready to be picked up."

Jennifer looked at him, surprised. "Wow. Must be nice to be rich."

He laughed. "Yeah. It has its perks."

John led her down the stairs and down the walkway which led to the lake the restaurant overlooked. "Wait," he stopped her. Bending to take off her shoes, he set them off to the side of the walkway for later and scooped her up into his arms. "Can't have you sinking into the grass and tripping."

"No, definitely can't have that," she said, sighing in his arms. "You know, a girl could get used to this."

Unable to resist her lips any longer, John paused for a moment and kissed her. "Have I told you that you look stunning tonight?"

"Yes, but you can repeat yourself," she laughed. As a breeze picked up, she shivered slightly. John carried her the rest of the way and set her onto a bench and then draped his suit coat over her shoulders.

"Better?" he asked.

She nodded. "As long as I get a little body heat, too."

Obliging, he wrapped his arm around her and tucked her into his side. They both looked up as the clouds parted and revealed the moon. The light bounced off the lake, illuminating the night sky.

"Have I told you this has been the best date I've been on?" Jennifer asked.

John pressed his lips against her hair. "Even if we weren't alone for most of the night?"

"Yup," she responded. "Let's see... a private plane, limo ride, incredible restaurant, and now sitting in the most romantic place next to you... if I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to impress me, Colonel."

"Is it working?" John asked.

"Working and then some," she laughed. "Now, all I need is the perfect kiss."

"Perfect kiss?" he teased. "Thanks for putting the pressure on, Dr. Keller."

Laughing, he pulled her sideways and gave her a kiss that stole her breath away.

The next morning, John got up early, knowing Dave would be in his study catching up on work. But when he looked into the room, he was surprised to not see his brother there.

"If that just doesn't beat it all," he murmured.

Figuring he'd have time after all, he located the safe his father had kept in the study and entered the combination. Once it was open, he pulled the tray with two boxes he knew were inside.

Closing it, John made his way into the kitchen and started the coffee. Normally, it wouldn't have been an easy task for him, but during his last visit he'd discovered any idiot could easily work the fancy machine Dave had bought. With one press of a button, the coffee pretty much made itself.

"Get in late last night?" Dave said from the doorway of the kitchen.

John turned. "A little. Still couldn't sleep in. I figure you'd be working by now."

"It can wait," Dave answered, surprising John. "I'm finding the urge to delegate a little more."

"Good idea," John murmured. "Something else may end up taking up some of your time, from the looks of it."

"And I have you to thank for that. Nice job asking her to stay with us," Dave grinned and grabbed a few mugs and set them onto the counter for the rest of their guests. Spotting the jewelry boxes, he raised an eyebrow. "Are those what I think they are?"

"Yeah," John said, motioning for Dave to sit. "I know Mom and Dad left them both to me. But I want you to have this one." Pushing the smaller of the two boxes his brother's way, he watched as his brother opened it.

"Mom's ring," Dave nodded. Inside, a gorgeous diamond ring winked back at the men.

"Nancy and I ended up not using it," John said. "And I thought maybe you may be needing it in the near future."

Sending his brother a look, Dave blinked. "Well, I'm not so sure about the 'near' part, but yes, I think I could. But what about you?"

"The only reason I'd need it is if Jen and I get to that point someday," John said. "And I'm not sure if either one of us is quite ready for that big of a decision. Especially with our jobs. To be quite honest, she's the only one I'd ever want to walk back down the aisle with."

"So keep it," Dave suggested. "Hold on to it for a few years."

"Nah," John shook his head. "It's not Jennifer. When I get her a ring, it'll be something different. Flashy diamonds in a fancy setting doesn't fit her."

Amused, Dave accepted the ring and placed it into his pocket. He caught the "'when" part of John's admission and wondered if his brother had even noticed it. "I see you got something else out of the safe."

John nodded. "Mom's necklace. The one Dad gave her when they were dating. Before he got rich."

"He saved for months for it," Dave remembered hearing the stories.

John opened the box and looked at the necklace. Inside, a delicate chain holding a small turquoise stone glittered inside. "Diamonds aren't for her. This is what I can see her wearing. It matches her eyes." Closing the box, he slipped it into his pocket.

Smiling at his brother, he nodded in agreement. "Look at us," Dave laughed. "Both sunk by two women."

"Gotta say, bro, didn't think it'd happen to you," John laughed, leaning on his elbows across from his brother. "Thought you'd be married to the job forever."

"Same for you," Dave shot back, laughing. "You're just if not more married to the job as me. I realize that now. And all this time, I thought you were in the middle of the fights oversees. God, John. It's still pretty incredible to believe, even after seeing a glimpse of it myself."

"Tell me about it," John said, sending a serious look at Dave. "We can send emails. Every few months through a transmission Rodney sends back. I'll write."

"I'll hold you to that," Dave challenged. "Now in the mean time, what are we going to do with the rest of the days you guys have left of your visit?"

"Funny," Kylie said, sailing into the room with Jennifer at her side. "Jennifer and I ran into each other on our way down to find you both. We were just thinking the same thing."

Jennifer walked around the table and dropped down into John's lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she grinned at him. "Kylie and I thought you both could start by making us breakfast."

"Yes," Kylie said, wrapping her arms around Dave from behind. "We were thinking waffles."

"With chocolate chips inside, of course," Jennifer added.

John and Dave both looked at each other and laughed.

"Demanding, aren't they?" John said, laughing when Jennifer swatted at his head. "Alright. Breakfast, it is."

The brothers worked together in the kitchen, putting together breakfast, while Jennifer and Kylie smiled at the two as they fumbled and laughed through the process of cooking.

"This is the John and Dave I remember," Kylie said in a low voice. "It's nice to see them back together like this."

Jennifer smiled. "John's going to miss him when we go back to work. But I have a feeling we'll be visiting more often."

"Good," Kylie said.

"Now, let's see if we can talk them into making us dinner as well," Jennifer whispered.

"Don't count on it," Kylie laughed. "If these waffles come out half decent, I'll be shocked."

"Yeah," Jen agreed. "Take out is sounding much better."

In the end, the kitchen became a sight to see. Flour, chocolate chips, and milk spilled over the counters. But the results weren't half bad. A short stack of uneven waffles, sprinkled with chocolate chips since both men had forgotten to add them to the batter, sat in the middle of the table. Satisfied with their work, they high-fived each other and sat down to eat just as Cam and Carolyn made an appearance, drawn to the kitchen by the smell of good food and laughter.