The pass on Tiffy's car was still valid and she had no trouble getting onto post. She wondered if Mack would be home or out on a mission. Actually it might be just as well if he were out. They could get in the house and be all settled in when he got back. Maybe Mack wouldn't have the heart to kick her out.

The girls were excited now, pointing out familiar sites but Tiffy's stomach was in knots as they neared the house. She turned the corner and drove slowly down the street, seeing Mack's truck was in the driveway. She pulled in next to the truck and barely had the car in park before the girls jumped out. They raced to the door and Tiffy hurried to catch up with them.

Mack and Kristie exchanged a curious look when the doorbell rang.

"You expecting anyone?" she asked as she continued to stir the ground beef with taco seasoning.

"No. If it's Grey thinking he's going to mooch a free dinner and be a third wheel, he's gotta another think coming." Mack winked and headed to the front door.

A second later Kristie heard young girls' voices squealing "Daddy!" She froze for a second then reached to turn the burner off and set the spatula down. It only took one look at the two girls engulfed in Mack's hug to know how he was feeling. The way his head hung, the kisses he pressed to the tops of their heads, the fact he was too choked up at the reunion to even speak, brought tears to Kristie's eyes. She blinked them back and forced a smile as a blonde woman, Tiffy, stepped in behind the girls. It took Tiffy a moment to look past Mack and see Kristie standing in the doorframe. Their eyes locked and both struggled to hide their shock and uncertainty at seeing each other there.

Who the hell is that? Tiffy wondered. She hadn't spoken to Kim or Molly in two months, trying to put their friendship in the past in making a break form Mack. She fixed her gaze on Mack who finally turned his attention from the girls to her.

"Why didn't you call and let me know you were coming?" he questioned her, still shocked, though delighted to have his daughters here.

"I knew you wanted to see the girls and were due some time with them, so we just came." She couldn't help but cut a glance at the brunette standing hesitantly just inside the kitchen.

"How long are you all here for?" Mack still hadn't released his hold on the girls.

"Um, we need to talk about that."

"I'm hungry," Jenny lifted her head, sniffing the air as she smelled the dinner cooking.

"You haven't eaten yet?" Mack looked concerned.

"I forgot to reset my watch after we crossed time zones. It's only a little before seven our time." Tiffy found herself explaining, feeling a need to justify herself to the strange woman in her home.

"Do you girls like tacos?" Kristie asked cheerfully. "Dinner's almost ready."

"Ah, girls, why don't you go get your bags from the car and bring them in," Tiffy requested, drawing the girls curious stares away from Kristie. She could hardly tear her own eyes from the woman as the hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach grew larger.

"Kristie, this is my ex-wife, Tiffy," he said by way of introduction, knowing that he was stating the obvious.

"Hi," Kristie moved forward, her discomfort about the situation showing in the way she moved. "Look, I should probably go. I know you want to spend some time with the girls. There's plenty of meat and fixings for you and the girls." She didn't include Tiffy; that would have to be Mack's call.

"Why don't you stay and after we eat, I'll drive you home."

"It's okay. I can walk, it's not that far." She knew he needed time with his daughters after not seeing them for several months. And they didn't need her around at this moment. She picked her purse up from the foyer table and gave Mack's arm a gentle squeeze. He started to lean in to kiss her but the girls charged back through the door with backpacks and pulling suitcases.

"I'll call you later," he said softly as they girls disappeared down the hallway to the bedrooms.

Kristie nodded with a weak attempt at a smile. She could feel Tiffy's eyes following her out the door and down the drive. A glance in the car showed the front passenger seat filled with a box and filled laundry basket. The girls had left the trunk open revealing that it also looked full, save where their suitcases had been. More luggage and boxes than were needed for a short vacation. She looked over her shoulder at the house.

"Goodbye, Mack," she whispered to herself as tears filled her eyes.