Epilogue
The first year in their new roles flew by.
Liz and Riley eloped just weeks after returning.
Their days became filled with meetings, training, and executing plans to rebuild the base Scott had so eagerly destroyed.
And their nights? Nights were filled with love and laughter.
Each day ended with dinner as a family, the rest of the team joining them around the once empty table.
With Scott no longer hindering their missions, the new unit, lovingly named Reapers by Mikey, has more success under Riley than all the years under their old general. After the way he stepped up in Riley’s absence, Riley eagerly appointed Alex the team’s new commander.
Mikey took on the role of recruiter and trainer, officially adding Matt, Lauren, Liam, and Neil to the team and helping Maya transition to an admin role.
By the time the end of their contracts rolled around, Liz and Riley both knew they couldn’t walk away.
While Riley builds the ultimate dream team of soldiers for General Langford, Liz helps their personal dream team.
Although Dmitri may not be a threat any longer, his followers are.
Liz works tirelessly to set up new protocols involving hostages, drilling them into each and every soldier of their unit.
Meanwhile, Riley lovingly builds a new building on base for the survivors.
Now, every American prisoner, or captured soldier, has a place to return to where they receive the help they need with the dignity they deserve.
Non-Americans have their own systems in place, ensuring they get the care they need in whatever place makes them the most comfortable.
Once a week, Liz and Riley board a plane, jetting off to whatever safehouse they are working on at the time. Riley uses the same technology and support he used in his bunker and the home he and Liz built for themselves.
They take on one at a time, allowing them to make each house perfect.
The doors and windows are made with bullet proof glass and metal frames along with reinforced steel shutters that close with the push of a button.
Riley outfits each house with the best security system he can get his hands on, making sure no one using it can be ambushed.
Remembering the shivering nights on the floor, or a mattress practically falling apart, each house is fully furnished.
Knowing someone may need it with no notice, she also makes sure the pantry is fully stocked with non-perishables.
Liz has insisted they hire someone to take all the food to a local food pantry before it expires, replacing it with fresh food every now and again.
Her old home was the first to be converted. What was once a ghost town is now a sanctuary for those who need it. Each time they work on a safehouse, Riley makes it a point to take Liz on a date. One night a week to put all work aside and enjoy the company of their spouse.
On their two year anniversary, Riley surprised Liz with the puppy she had been joking about for so long.
They cooked dinner together, reminiscing about how far they had come since the day Liz stabbed him.
Neither made a move to bring up the retirement talk again.
The three of them curled up on the couch that evening, finally able to breathe.
They were still needed. The team still had work to do.
But, for the first time since their meeting, Liz and Riley are exactly where they want to be.
Side by side, savoring every moment of the life they fought so hard for.