In the aftermath of the stand-off with the Volturi, everything might have blurred into a chaotic blend of activity, farewells, and travel preparation, except that nearly all of those involved were vampires, and the frantic pace didn't overly bother them.
Garrett remained in close proximity to Kate for the majority of the day after, not invading her personal space, but remaining exceptionally aware of her. While he didn't touch her, he was always within arm's reach, a protective shadow. The only time he left her was when he couldn't keep himself from asking a question of Alice; it wasn't particularly one he wanted Kate, or anybody else, to overhear.
It was difficult getting Alice on her own as well - her family was overjoyed to have her back after believing her lost. If she wasn't with a tearlessly tearful Esme she was hugging Bella or Rose, joking with Emmett, or speaking with Carlisle. Finally Garrett found her coming back from a hunt with Jasper at her side - one of the few vampires he wouldn't have minded asking his question in front of. Jasper's perception to moods meant he understood, and probably better than Garret himself, how he felt about Kate. With the Denalis loading up their car, he seized the moment and dropped from his perch in a tall sitka spruce. Neither were in the least surprised, and with a nod to the nomad, Jasper headed for the glass and wood house just beyond the treeline.
"Alice." Garrett took a deep breath and launched without hesitation into his speech. He was - like just about everybody who had come to aid the Cullens - immensely fond of little Alice, and vastly respectful of both her, and her gift. He hated asking something so comparatively small and definitely selfish of her like this.
"Alice, I know you've been preoccupied with your family after everything, which I fully understand, nomad or no nomad, anyone can see how much family means in this household. I don't hold it against you, I hope in your shoes I'd've been able to make the same decision, and I hope it's not too much of a nuisance - oh, you've probably been asked this sort of question by a dozen different people all wanting answers - but I was wondering, if it wasn't too much trouble-"
Alice raised a hand and cut off his rambling, a smile dancing over her petite features. She affectionately touched his cheekbone, a gentle pat to welcome him into the close-knit family of extended cousins. "Your eyes look wonderful in gold, Garrett." She planted a quick kiss on his cheek and leaped off lightly in Jasper's wake.
Garrett stood and grinned widely for a long minute, feeling warm all over despite the snow around him. Filled with hope for the future, he set off to find the Denalis with a spring in his step.