A/N: Takes place after Times Up…obviously

Disclaimer: I own nothing


She quickly gave the cab driver the address and climbed in the backseat. The cabbie must have understood that she was not up for conversation. He just drove in silence, letting her collect her thoughts.

The flight was long enough for her to pull herself together. But the whole time she was rather jittery. The plane ticket was bought on a whim and she did not allow herself to think on the way to the airport. If she thought about it, she would have turned around from fear of rejection.

It was a bit late for that now as the lights of Manhattan lit up the cab and reflected off the glass of the car. She leaned her head against the cool glass, wondering what she was going to say to this man. Considering the fact that she had ended their relationship in a letter, she could assume that he probably wouldn't be too happy with her.

Closing her eyes and sighing deeply, she only hoped that he understood why she did what she did. And, hopefully, he would hear what she had to say now. What she needed to tell him.

She silently scolded herself, for the hundredth time. Why would she stay in London and become complacent just because of her family? She would always have them. But her heart tugged at her for days before she realized that she had made a mistake. Her love, her life, was in New York. Not matter how much she tried to fool herself, that was the truth.

The cab came to a stop and Peyton looked outside the window. She was here. It was now or never. She took a deep breath and got out of the cab. Paying the driver, she picked up her bag that he had laid on the sidewalk and stepped inside the building. She kept her head down, almost out of shame, as she made her way to his floor.

And then she saw the door. The door to his apartment. A moment of dread and doubt filled her, but there was no turning back now. Not after she had come this far. She knocked twice and ran her fingers down the wooden door. She could hear him moving around inside and her heart skipped a beat.

She wanted to run. There was no way he would take her back. What was she thinking?

The door opened and time seemed to stop. Their eyes met, the glimmer in his eyes tugged at the corners of her mouth. He still had that affect on her. She opened her mouth to speak just as he reached for her. Holding her by her shoulders, Mac looked her over, as if expecting her to disappear.

She didn't. Satisfied with that, Mac kissed her, softly at first, and then, with much more passion after she kissed him back. Holding her chin up with his index finger and thumb, he looked deep into her eyes. She shook inwardly at his intense gaze and felt that now was the time to explain.

"Mac, I-"

He shushed her and once again claimed her lips with his own. Pulling back again, he had a very small grin. Picking up her suitcase, he stood aside, inviting her in. There would be time for discussion later. For now, Peyton would rest peacefully in Mac's arms and know that she was truly home.