Part 11: Coming Home

See Part 1 for disclaimers

Okay, I'm now on a writing spree apparently. This is the third chapter I've written in less than 10 hours. :D lol Anyways, I actually kind of like this chapter, especially the ending. Although it does screw up my idea for having an alternate ending, I still think it works. Let me know what you guys think! Manda

At the airport, Clint embraced Natalie tightly as Joey held the now three-month old Shane. "I'm going to miss you so much," he said. "I'm going to miss you too, Dad. Thanks so much for everything." He kissed her forehead, then released her and took Shane so that she and Joey could say good-bye. She smiled weakly at him. "Hey, it was really nice to spend some time with you." "It was great to get to really know you, sis." They hugged tightly, and then her flight was called. "Well, I guess we'd better get going." She took Shane and blinked back tears as she kissed the both of them on the cheek one last time before going to board the plane.

Back in Llanview, Viki and the rest of the Buchanans headed out to the airport to meet Natalie's plane. Michael had overheard the plans for her return, so he was already at the airport with flowers and chocolates when Viki walked in. She smiled when she saw him. "How did you know?" "I overheard you telling Dr. Miller the other day at the hospital. I have to see, Mrs. Davidson. I have to let her know that no matter how hard she tries to push me away I'll never stop loving her." She laughed. "We'll just see about that."

As Natalie walked out of the boarding gate, the first person she saw was Viki; who immediately ran to hug her and take the baby. "Give me my grandson," she said laughing. "There's a young man who really wants to speak to you." She walked away, exclaiming over how perfect Shane was, and Natalie slowly walked over to Michael. "Hey." Michael looked extremely confused as he looked from Shane to Natalie; all of a sudden everything fell into place for him.

"So that's why you were pushing me away." Natalie bit her lip and nodded. "I didn't want you to feel trapped into staying while I had my rapist's child." Michael pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead fiercely. "Trust me, nothing you could ever do would make me feel trapped. I love you, Natalie Buchanan; and if you have a child, then I'll love that baby just as much." He kissed her passionately, and she returned the kiss as Viki looked on, smiling widely.

"So, would you like to meet my son?" Michael smiled. "Of course I would." Natalie led him over to Viki. "Mom, Michael; meet Shane Michael Buchanan." Michael grinned as he heard his namesake, and Viki carefully handed him the baby. He gazed down in awe on the baby's perfect features, and just then Shane opened his gorgeous baby blue eyes and his face scrunched up in a perfect little yawn. Michael instantly fell in love and tears filled his eyes at the utter perfection of the moment.

"He's so perfect," he whispered. Natalie wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling softly. "I know. I still can't believe how perfect he is myself." She leaned in to kiss Shane's tiny forehead, then took him back from Michael. "Okay, we'd better go get my luggage and get us home, don't you think?"

A week later, everyone in Llanview except John had been to see the baby. John was still searching frantically for Natalie's rapist, but to no avail. Bo had told Natalie during one of his numerous daily visits (which she suspected were more to see Shane than her) that she should take Shane to meet him and possibly take his mind off the case for a while. "It's always good for a cop to come at things with a clear mind, which he hadn't been letting himself do." Natalie had nodded and promised she would think about it.

As she walked into the police station, all of the officers who remembered her were at her side in an instant, exclaiming over how good she looked and how handsome Shane was. It took her ten minutes to get done accepting their compliments and finally make it to John's office, where she knocked on the door. "Come in." She opened the door. "Natalie." John stood to his feet and quickly came around the desk, embracing her tightly. "I haven't seen you in… god, it must be a year now. How are you?" She smiled. "Well, I can't complain with this little miracle I've been given."

"John, I'd like you to meet Shane Michael Buchanan." Natalie handed John the baby, and he looked down at him silently. "He's a handsome little guy," he said finally, handing Shane back to Natalie, who took him back with more than a little relief. "John? What's wrong?" He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You expect me to be happy that you had that bastard's baby? I'm sorry Natalie, but I can't pretend that." Her eyes filled with tears as she held Shane protectively to her.

"You don't know the first thing about love, do you McBain? Shane is not responsible for what his father did to me, and he doesn't deserve to be punished for how he was conceived. All that matters is that he is my son, and I love him more with every breath he takes. I thought that you would understand, but I guess I was wrong to come here." She stalked out of the office, tears streaming angrily.

TO BE CONTINUED