Thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed, favourited and followed this story. I now bring you the Epilogue.
This story will now be marked as complete, but by no means am I done with Julia. A sequel is coming, I'm just not sure when. I'm always open to feedback on what you'd like to see happen - and what I should call it.
But for now, a fluffy, happy ending for Bulletproof Blye.

3 Months Later

Kensi, Deeks and Julia had quickly and easily settled into a routine. Maria came by to check on them periodically, but had no concerns with the unusual living situation. While Deeks hadn't given up his apartment, it was rarely used as more than a place to store his belongings and change for surfing. Kensi's place was home. It was where his girls were.

Hetty had surprised him yet again by arranging for him to have several weeks of paternity leave, and then a flexible part time work arrangement until such time as Kensi was independent. Her recovery was going slowly - she had physical therapy daily, but was still struggling with many basic motor functions, including walking. Doctors still remained optimistic she would fully recover, but it could take up to a year for her damaged nerves to repair.

Julia had adjusted seamlessly to the transition. She was happy and thriving, and loved every moment she spent with her new family. Once a week, they joined Sam and Michelle's family for an afternoon out, and Kamran was thrilled to teach Julia how to climb on the monkey bars, slide down the fireman's pole and swing herself on the swings. Despite the age difference, she took Julia on as her own little sister and the two were close friends. Uncle Callen visited often, always surprising them with the gifts and ideas he brought. And of course, Nell and Eric had been approved as respite carers, to take Julia whenever Kensi and Deeks needed some time alone.

On quiet days, Kensi and Julia happily tagged along with Deeks when he went to work. Hetty had no problem with the little girl becoming a constant presence, and was secretly pleased to see the young addition to their odd family. She loved to go up to Ops and sit on Eric or Nell's lap as they taught her how to use the complex equipment. Sam enjoyed taking her to the gym to teach her evasive moves and tactics to use in case of an attempted abduction, or on the schoolyard bullies he hoped she would never encounter. Callen took great delight in bringing her to the armoury to show her weapons and explain their use, ensuring that respect for their power was the first thing she learned. More recently, he had allowed her to handle unloaded guns and she loved to help him clean them. He knew it wouldn't be long before he soon saw Kensi and Julia in the shooting range, Kensi improving her technique and teaching the young girl to hit her target with scary accuracy. He knew Deeks was apprehensive about such a young girl handling a firearm, but would trust his partner to be safe. And of course, no day was complete without a tea party. Julia, Nell and Hetty would sit around Hetty's desk as they enjoyed a cup of whatever exotic blend Hetty had chosen for the day. Julia took quickly to the beverage (watered down with milk, of course), and cherished the beautiful tea cup that "Grandma Hetty" had gifted her from her own collection, and they all enjoyed the collection of pastries that Kensi often brought in.

But today was not just an ordinary day. It marked 3 months to the day that she had come home with Kensi and Deeks, finding herself a true home for the first time in ages. Her new extended family felt this alone was reason to celebrate, so they were having a party this evening at Sam's.

As Kensi approached Sam's door, she struggled to contain the excitement she was trying to smother. She had a surprise for everyone - Deeks and Julia included. She couldn't wait to share the news, but knew she needed to wait until everyone was present. She grinned inwardly as she scooped Julia up and carried her inside, with Deeks watching carefully in case her steps faltered.

Deeks had a surprise as well, but unlike Kensi, everyone knew about it. When they had started planning this get together, he knew it was perfect timing and had enlisted the help of his surrogate family to ensure it was a perfect night. He grinned at the tall woman and beautiful little girl in front of him. It had happened suddenly, but he had the family he had dreamed of.

Sam and Callen stood over the BBQ, arguing over how to cook the burgers and steaks. No one dared to get in their way - everyone knew the consequences of that. Michelle and Kensi were in the kitchen, preparing salads and toppings for the burgers. Kensi had decided as part of her physical therapy she would learn some basic kitchen skills. Trust her to find a way she could still play with knives even when banned from combat. Surprisingly, she was doing quite well and had managed to learn to prepare a number of meals. Outside, Deeks, Nell and Eric played tag with Kamran and Julia, grinning from ear to ear as the little girl managed to avoid being "it" more than anyone else. Hetty stood to the side, observing her family with more pride than she had ever believed possible.

When the food was ready, everyone swarmed the table, chatting about how surprising it was that Kensi could cook, teasing Sam and Callen about whose burgers were best, and taking time to ensure Julia had her food first. As everyone was eating, Kensi stood up and tapped her knife against her beer bottle. Her friends eyed her with surprise, wondering what she was up to.

"I have an announcement to make" she said, confusing the group. They were prepared for Deeks' surprise but were certain she had no idea. Everyone was silent, Julia included. "Maria visited this morning to check up on us and to bring us this." She pulled a file out of her bag. "As of this morning, Deeks and I have been approved to formally adopt Julia. Everything is in order, we just need to sign the forms and meet with a judge to formalize it." Everyone was silent, and then started to cheer. Kensi turned to Julia, who was beaming. "So what do you say, Julia. Would you like to permanently become part of our family?" Julia shot up from her seat and wrapped herself around Kensi, yelling "YES!" as loud as she could. A moment later, she launched herself at Deeks and gave him the biggest hug she could. As she pulled back, she turned back and asked

"Does this mean I can call you mommy and daddy?" Kensi felt tears spring to her eyes as she looked to Deeks, whose tearful expression matched her own.

"Sweetheart, you can call us anything you want." She whispered. "I would be honoured to be your mommy."

Deeks stood up and enveloped Julia and Kensi in his arms, hugging them close to him as he kissed each on the forehead. "Nothing would make me happier, Julia." He told the little girl.

"But, Daddy... what about?" Deeks cut her off with a finger over her lips.

"Shhh, remember it's a secret" he whispered into her ear. "But if I had both, I would be the happiest man on earth."

"I believe this calls for dessert" Hetty spoke up, interrupting the happy family moment. "Ms. Hanna, there should be something suitable in the fridge." Michelle nodded to Hetty, knowing what she meant. Kensi stood to help her, but Michelle encouraged her to sit.

"I think Kamran and Julia can help me with this one." She said. "You should be sitting and taking it easy, anyway. I think you've overdone it today." She winked. Kensi stubbornly plopped back down in her seat and glared at Deeks, as if it were his fault everyone was so protective of her.

A few minutes later, Julia returned with a giant tub of rocky road ice cream, while Kamran helped her mom with a very large cake. As it came into view, Kensi couldn't help but laugh. It was a massive chocolate cake, covered in peanut butter cups.

"And who do I have to thank for this?" She laughed. "How did you guys know?" She asked, looking around.

"Honestly, we didn't." Callen told her. "But someone found this cake and we knew we had to get it for you." He grinned, with a subtle wink at Nell. He knew she had arranged for it to be custom made.

"Let's dig in" Sam said with a smile. "Who's going to serve it up?"

Deeks stepped forward and carefully sliced and served the cake, with Julia carefully scooping the ice cream on top. Kamran, Michelle and Nell handed it out. When Deeks came to the piece with the most chocolate on top, he winked at Julia and she added a massive scoop of ice cream, and quick as a wink dropped something on top.

"This piece is for mommy." She grinned, loving the new title for Kensi. "She gets the most ice cream." she added, beaming as she carried the plate to Kensi, who had her fork ready. She dug in and had a massive spoonful in her mouth when something caught her eye. She looked from Deeks to Julia to her teammates around her as she quickly tried to swallow the mouthful and retrieve the item on top. She swallowed and gasped as she realized what she was holding. When she looked up, Deeks was down on one knee, and everyone was grinning.

"Kensi Marie Blye, you know I've been mad about you from the moment we met. I was head over heels when I found out you were an agent, and falling in love when we were assigned to be partners. These last three months have been the happiest of my life, and while I would never wish for you to go through all the pain and heartache again, I can't help but be grateful that everything you've gone through brought you here, to me. A year ago, I had no idea how you felt about me or if we would ever be more than partners. But now, here we are - our own little family, with a beautiful little girl who is about to become ours forever. There's only one thing I could ever want more, and that is to make you mine for the rest of our lives. So Kensalina, Princess, Wonder Woman - would you do me the honour of being my wife?" He asked. Kensi sat staring at him in stunned silence. Before it could become awkward, Julia came over and whispered in her ear.

"Mommy, you're supposed to say yes."

Everyone burst into laughter as Kensi grinned at Julia whose pleading face was only rivaled by Deeks'.

"Yes. Of course. Yes!" She said as Deeks scooped her up and kissed her as their friends clapped and cheered.