• For this storyline with Evie on maternity leave, Deshawn balancing work and fatherhood, and Sylvie and Antonio raising Lucas and Ruby, I think “NCIS Sydney: Between Duty and Family” fits especially well.*

• NCIS Sydney: Between Duty and Family

The morning sun was shining over Sydney, painting the harbor in golden colors. For most people, it was a peaceful start to the day.

For NCIS Sydney, it was just another day of chasing criminals, solving cases, and protecting people.

But for Evie Cooper, life had changed completely.

She was sitting on the couch in her apartment, a warm blanket around her shoulders, watching her two daughters sleep in their crib. Isa and Kia, her nine-month-old twins, had finally fallen asleep after a long night of waking up every few hours.

Evie smiled softly as she watched them.

Nine months ago, she had been chasing suspects, carrying a badge, and walking into dangerous situations with her NCIS team.

Now, her biggest mission was making sure two tiny humans were fed, happy, and safe.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table.

She picked it up and saw a message from Deshawn.

“Morning. How are my three favorite girls doing?”

Evie smiled and typed back.

“Isa finally stopped fighting sleep. Kia won the battle and fell asleep first. I think they both miss you.”

A few seconds later, another message appeared.

“I miss them too. And you.”

Evie looked toward the front door, remembering how strange it felt not wearing her NCIS gear every morning.

She missed the team.

She missed the cases.

She missed being Agent Cooper.

But she also loved being a mother.

⸻

Meanwhile, at the NCIS Sydney headquarters, Deshawn Jackson walked into the office carrying a coffee in one hand and a folder in the other.

“You’re late,” Jonathan Simson, the team’s sergeant, said without looking up from his computer.

Deshawn glanced at the clock.

“Two minutes.”

“Still late.”

Deshawn laughed. “You know, when Evie was here, she used to tell me you enjoyed giving people a hard time.”

Jonathan finally looked up.

“She was right.”

Across the room, Sylvie Brett laughed while Antonio Dawson placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You know, I think he misses Evie arguing with him,” Sylvie said.

Antonio smiled. “The office is quieter without her.”

Deshawn sat down at his desk.

“Trust me, my house is not quiet.”

Everyone laughed.

“How are Isa and Kia?” Sylvie asked.

Deshawn’s expression immediately softened.

“Growing fast. Too fast.”

Antonio nodded. “That’s how it happens. Lucas was four yesterday… or at least it feels like it.”

“Four years old and he already thinks he runs the house,” Sylvie added.

“Because he does,” Antonio replied, making her laugh.

At that moment, the doors opened.

Natalie Reed, the chief of NCIS Sydney, walked in holding a file.

The room immediately became serious.

“Everyone, conference room. We have a case.”

Deshawn stood up, leaving his coffee behind.

Sylvie and Antonio exchanged a look.

Another case.

Another day.