He forgot how hot and humid Miami could be, but it was still better than where he has been for the last nine months. He made his way to the door, should he knock or just walk in? He wasn't sure what to expect, would they be glad to see him, angry or neither. He noticed toys in the yard and when he approached the kitchen door and he didn't smell the arid odor of cigarette smoke. He decided to knock and walk in, "Ma" he called out.

Madeline was in the sunroom folding clothes, did she really hear Michael's voice or was it her imagination again. It had been a long nine months, but she was busy, she had Charlie now. Having Charlie helped, she missed Michael and often wondered where he was or how he was doing. The last time she saw him was that fateful day when they were let out of CIA custody. Fiona was heartbroken, Michael stood there dumbfounded, and the rest of them stood there witnesses to it all.

Michael called out again "Ma are you here?"

"Oh my God, Michael." Maddie said as she dropped the piece of clothing she was folding and ran into the other room. She ran right to Michael and gave him a big hug. "You are really here, I can't believe it has been so long. Are you okay? Where have you been? I can't believe I am actually hugging you."

"Yes Ma I am here. I know it has been a long time, I am sorry, but I was on a deep cover mission and I couldn't contact anyone."

"Is it over now? How long will you be here?" She asked as she pulled away from the hug and looked at Michael.

Michael let a sigh, he knew that she would have a lot of questions, but it was so good to see her and to have her greet him so warmly. "The mission they wanted me to do so that no one would go to jail, is done. I have some follow up to complete, but I was able to get it done and should be here for a while." He purposely avoided the word home, he wasn't sure if this will truly be his home. He had to wait and see how everyone was going to react to his presence in Miami after so long. If the welcome he got from his mom is any indication, so far so good. He was being guarded, these last months had been very difficult for him and being alone was something he wasn't used to anymore. He realized he was not the lone wolf anymore; he liked the family he had in Miami, as dysfunctional as it was.

Maddie got them both some ice tea and they sat at the kitchen table. "So I see some toys in the yard and house, is Charlie visiting?"

"No Michael, I have temporary custody of him now, and am working on getting full custody. A lot has happened since you have been gone, but all good."

"That's wonderful Ma, I am happy for you. How is Sam and Jesse?" Michael asked, avoiding asking about Fiona. He was scared to hear how she may have moved on.

"Well Sam is still with Elsa, living the high life in her hotel. They are very happy. Jesse is still working and I believe he has gotten in touch with Pierce. Fiona is good too. She helps me a lot; in fact, she is picking up Charlie for me today. She should be here soon."

Hearing that, Michael finished his ice tea. "Ma thanks for the ice tea and it has been great seeing you, but I am going to get going. I will call and come over again soon." Michael stood up; he wanted to get out of there. He wasn't ready to see Fiona, not yet. It took a long time to get over Fiona, but if he was honest with himself, he know he isn't over her, he never would be.

"Okay honey, it was so good to see you. Please stop back soon; I know Charlie will love to see his Uncle Michael." Maddie said, avoiding mentioning Fiona, she saw his reaction, not understanding but thought it was best not to pursue it at this time. She was just happy that he was home.

Michael left and made his way back to the loft, or what was left of it. He wasn't sure what would be there. The last time he was there he and Fiona set it on fire. He wasn't sure if anyone was there since that time, but that was the only place he could think of to go. He couldn't stay at his mom's, not with Fiona there, he didn't want to impose on Sam or Jesse and he definitely didn't want to see Fiona. He was a man without home.

Fiona went to Maddie's with Charlie in tow. She enjoyed this time with him. He reminded her so much of Michael. She missed him so much, these months have been hard, but spending time with Maddie and Charlie helped. It was at night when it was the hardest. She hated being alone and she dreamt of him every night. She tried to move on, but just couldn't. She knew that her heart will always belong to Michael.