Ch.12

June 16th, 2009

He glanced around the airport terminal anxious for the plane to arrive at the gate. He really hated arriving so early and simply waiting around, but he knew with flying you never had a choice. He gave his collar a tug hoping it would stop driving him so crazy. He never was one for dressing up. When he took Michaela out, he often found that dressing up really wasn't an option. But then it was on his terms, so he was fine with it. After all, if he made reservations at a restaurant that required formal attire, he had no one to blame but himself. Even then a polo shirt usually worked in most cases, and those never seemed to bother him. A button down shirt and dress slacks on the other hand, he wasn't crazy about at all.

He couldn't wait to change, and unfortunately it was going to be a long wait. Michaela had insisted they both dress up to meet her parents. She had explained that her mother still believed it necessary to wear more formal clothing when flying. Sully thought this ridiculous considering some college students going to Florida for Spring Break wore swimsuits on the plane to save time. What was wrong with jeans and a nice shirt?

Apparently a lot, he thought as he rolled his eyes. He had asked her if her parents would even be at the airport when they arrived, explaining they could change there if they were not. She told him she didn't know who was picking them up; therefore, they weren't taking any chances. He decided to focus his thoughts on something else, because there was nothing he could do about it now as all of their luggage was already checked.

He looked over at the beautiful woman sitting next to him. Every time he looked at her, he marveled at how amazingly beautiful she was. She was wearing a ruffled skirt, tank top, and a blazer. She looks more comfortable then me, he thought irritation beginning to build again. However, it only took another look at her sweet face for it to all melt away. He noticed she was fidgeting with the bracelet on her wrist, turning her hands over each other as she stared down at her lap.

"Hey," he spoke softly hoping she would look up at him.

"Hmm?" she answered still lost in thought.

"What's going on?" he questioned knowing something was wrong.

"Nothing," she replied still not meeting his eyes.

"Look at me," he requested.

She complied, her sparkling eyes coming in contact with his fixed stare.

"Seriously, what's the matter? I know there is a whole lot more than nothin' going on behind those beautiful eyes," he stated.

She reached out for his hand, and he eagerly placed his hand inside of hers.

"I'm just nervous," she spoke looking down at her ring sparkling as the light caught it.

Her eyes often sparkled as bright, and he wished they would light up in that same way right now.

"About what?" he probed urging her to continue.

"About telling my mother…" she trailed off.

"Why?" he said with a smile as his hand moved up to caress her arm.

"Well, she's very judgmental," she tried to explain.

He chuckled slightly in response to her statement, and she looked up at him shocked at his reaction.

"Michaela, are ya excited ta marry me?"

"Of course! How could you even ask that?" she said slightly alarmed.

With laugher still in his voice he replied, "Then, you've got nothin' ta worry about. Your ma will see that excitement in your eyes like I did when I asked ya. She will be thrilled ta see you that happy," he explained.

"Do you really believe that?" she questioned trying to convince herself he was right.

"Of course," he said as he brought her closer, placing a kiss on her head. He picked up her left hand, and began running his thumb across her ring.

"I can't wait to be your wife," she said with love dripping from her voice.

"Glad ta hear it," he said with a grin.

"Sully!" she exclaimed with a small laugh.

"What?" he replied already knowing the reason for her reaction.

"That's all you can say?" she questioned with a teasing smile.

"Yep. That and I love you. And I can't wait to be your husband either," he answered knowing that's what she had been expecting to hear before.

She smiled and said through a laugh, "That's better."

He opened his eyes and looked around, trying to figure out where he was as he drifted back into consciousness. He realized quickly that he was still on the plane making it's way to Boston. He turned his gaze towards Michaela to see her gently sliding her ring off her third finger.

"Hey, what are ya doin'?" he asked clearly confused by her actions.

She turned to look at him, somewhat shocked to see that he was awake. "Well I… I wasn't going to wear it when we arrived," she spoke in a reserved tone.

"Why not?" he asked alarmed.

"Don't get upset," she said trying to calm his anxiety. "It's just that ring will tell them… I don't want my finger to tell them. I want them to hear in from my mouth," she explained.

"You think they would notice right away?" he asked in disbelief.

"Yes, they definitely would. There is no question that it would be the very first thing my mother saw. And sorry sweetheart, but it's pretty obvious that you don't have any sisters."

"And why it that?" he said with a smile.

"You know I love my ring very much," she said with her eyes shining bright.

He nodded in response urging her to continue.

"Well you have to admit it makes a very large statement," she explained with a grin.

"That it does," he said with a laugh.

"And in a room full of women one is definitely bound to notice it. As I said, it is very attention getting," she replied with a grin still dancing across her face.

"As are you, so it's only fittin'," he responded and she smiled lovingly in return.

"So, are you okay with it staying in my pocket until I tell them? Then, it can go right back where it belongs," she said as she touched her third finger.

"Okay," he agreed. "On one condition."

"What's the condition?" she inquired.

"Well, ya have to agree ta it first," he stated.

"All right," she replied.

"Ya have to tell them as soon as possible."

"I promise as soon as they are all together, I will tell them. Becca mentioned a barbeque tonight, so that should be the perfect time," she answered.

"Tonight it is then. Can ya wear it 'til we land, though? I love looking at it and knowin' you will be my wife soon," he said.

"I sure can," she said with a smile pulling it out of her pocket and placing it in its rightful spot on her third finger. "Just don't let me forget to take it off," she requested.

"Alright," he said with a laugh as he put his arm around her, and she rested her head against his chest.

As they stepped into the Boston Logan International Airport, Michaela immediately spotted her sister Rebecca and ran towards her with excitement. Sully followed closely behind, as Michaela jumped into the arms of her waiting sister.

"I've missed you so much!" Rebecca exclaimed.

"Me too, you look amazing!" Michaela replied with excitement.

"Thanks," Rebecca replied pulling back slightly and shooting a smile in Sully's direction.

"Where's your new little one? I can't wait to see her," Michaela stated.

"Little Addison is with Edmund at mother and father's house. Did you get all the pictures we sent you?" she asked.

"Oh yes. All 132 of them," she said with a laugh. "She's beautiful, Becca," she stated with a warm smile.

Rebecca beamed at Michaela before turning towards Sully. "Sully, it's so good to see you again, " she spoke as she pulled him into a friendly embrace. "I guess congratulations and welcome to the family are in order."

"You know?" he said somewhat shocked.

Michaela turned towards him looking slightly guilty. "Sorry, I told Becca over the phone."

"Oh no, it's fine. I was just shocked. Did ya tell anyone else?" he wondered.

"No, just Becca. Unless she told someone," she smiled teasingly at her sister.

"Of course, I didn't," she smiled in return. "Let's go get your bags, and you can tell me all about your plans for the big day."

They both looked at each other with silly grins before turning to follow Rebecca. She smiled to herself remembering when she and her husband had been that excited to marry.

As Sully stepped forward to claim their luggage from the turnstile, Michaela hung back to talk with Rebecca. They began giggling and talking about the upcoming wedding, believing Sully couldn't hear them and wasn't listening. Little did they know he heard every word…

"Oh my God, let me see it!" Rebecca exclaimed gleefully.

Michaela pulled the ring from her pocket and gently slide it onto her finger.

Rebecca grabbed her hand and exclaimed upon seeing it, "Oh my God!"

"It's amazing it's it?" Michaela said with a big smile.

"Amazing doesn't even begin to cover it," Rebecca cried out.

"I know," she said with a delighted laugh.

"Where did he get it from?" Rebecca wondered.

"He didn't want to tell me, but I eventually got it out of him. You'll never guess," she said with a giggle.

"No…" Rebecca replied in disbelief.

"Yes!" she replied knowing exactly what her sister was thinking.

"He bought your ring at Tiffany's?" she questioned still in disbelief.

She nodded as they began giggling again. Sully couldn't hold back a smile any longer and was glad his back was turned towards them. He didn't really want them to know he was listening, but his heart was about to burst seeing her that happy. He knew she loved the ring, but hearing her talk to her sister like that was wonderful. He was the cause of that happiness. His excitement was becoming harder to contain.

"And it's an entire carat," she whispered to Rebecca both with their eyes still locked on the ring.

"Oh my God that man really must love you," Rebecca replied shaking her head gently.

"Yes! Yes, he really does," she said her eyes shining.

"But I see it in your eyes, you feel the very same," Rebecca stated.

"I love him so much, Becca. He's everything I've dreamed of and more."

"I'm so happy for you," she spoke genuinely.

"Thank you," she smiled back at her.

"You two seem really happy together," Rebecca continued.

"We are…" she trailed off with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Well congratulations again. I can't wait to see mother and father's reaction to this news," Rebecca said.

"I'm hoping it's a good one," Michaela replied with a skeptical look.

"Oh, of course it will be," Rebecca answered sincerely.

"I don't know… Mother worries me…" she said still doubtful.

"Well, don't worry about her. The rest of the family will be thrilled for you. And if she isn't at first, she will come around it time," she replied with wisdom.

"I hope your right," she said with a small smile.

"Got the bags," Sully explained as he approached the girls.

"All right, let's head towards the car then," Rebecca spoke as the three headed towards the parking garage.

They ascended the white stairs following closely behind Rebecca. "This is where you grew up?" Sully questioned in amazement at the large Victorian home.

The light blue house with white trim was the picture of elegance, and Sully couldn't help but feel intimidated. Yes, he had met her parents before, but he had never been to their home. Their large, fancy home…

"Yes," she replied her mind clearly occupied with other thoughts.

She took his hand in hers looking for support to which he gladly granted. Rebecca knocked on the door, and as they stood waiting Sully glanced towards a nervous Michaela. It was hard not to feel anxious when she wasn't even at ease. He dropped her hand and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered into her ear. "They know nothing right now."

She smiled in return, a smile which was mirrored by her on-looking sister. Edmund came to the door letting them in and embracing his wife and sister-in-law.

"You must be Sully," he ventured.

"Yeah, and I'm guessing you are Edmund? It's nice to meet you," he replied extending his hand.

Edmund quickly accepted Sully's hand and stated, " It's very nice to meet you as well."

"I've heard a lot about you," he spoke glancing towards Rebecca, and then to Michaela.

"Hope it was all good things," Sully returned.

"Of course," he said with a smile. "Our little Michaela has only the very best to say about you."

Joseph hearing the commotion, stepped into the hall delighted to see his youngest daughter.

"Michaela!" he called embracing her closely.

"I've missed you so much," she spoke with a tear shining in her eyes.

"I've missed you, too Mike," he responded with a tear in his eye as well.

He had a far away look in his eyes, as he focused his gaze on her. She wondered what he was thinking about, and as she was about to question him he turned to Sully pulling him into a hug as well.

"Good to see you again son," he spoke. He pulled back and winked directly at him, which did not go unnoticed by Michaela.

Elizabeth hearing the greetings quickly joined the small group. Before she could comment on Sully's presence, Michaela had pulled her into a hug as well. Though, Sully noticed it looked much more forced than the one she had shared with her father moments earlier.

"Michaela," her mother greeted before turning to Sully.

"Mr. Sully," she stated making eye contact with him.

"So nice ta see you again, Mrs. Quinn. And its just Sully, ma'am," he responded.

She flashed him a look of contempt, before turning back towards Michaela. "I'm glad to see you both dressed appropriately for the flight."

Michaela rolled her eyes slightly before responding, "Of course, mother."

She turned to Rebecca stating, "I want to see Addison. Edmund is she asleep?" she questioned.

"Yeah, but you can at least look in on her. She's just upstairs," he returned.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"Michaela, your sisters are coming over tonight for a barbeque," Joseph explained.

"Yes, Becca told me," she replied.

"Rebecca," Elizabeth corrected.

Michaela ignored her, turning back to her father. "It sounds wonderful. I think we are both going to see Addison, and then unpack and lay down before tonight," she spoke taking Sully's hand and following Rebecca and Edmund up the stairs.

Before they could ascend them however, Elizabeth called back to her, "What do you mean we?"

"Sully and I," she clarified slightly confused.

"Not together!" Elizabeth replied clearly disgusted at the thought of them sharing a room.

"No, not together," she almost sneered in return before turning to her father. "I'll see you later tonight," she said to him.

"Sounds wonderful darling. Let me know if you both need anything," Joseph answered with a smile.

"I will. Thank you," she returned before turning to climb the stairs.

When they were out of earshot of Elizabeth, she turned towards him. "I did figure it would be best if we stayed in separate rooms," she explained.

He nodded figuring as much.

"But that doesn't mean you can't come visit me," she smiled shyly. "There is a guest room right across the hall from mine."

"Could I come visit you this afternoon?" he smiled slyly knowing what she was implying.

"If you didn't, I would be very disappointed. I think we both know I sleep much better in your arms," she said blushing a little.

He smiled to himself at the thought of her sleeping in his arms, as they continued to close the distance between themselves and Rebecca and Edmund.

He approached her door, and as he was about to knock on the wooden surface he noticed it was open a tiny bit. He smiled to himself and decided he would take his time letting his presence be known. He pushed the door open a bit further, so he had a perfect view of her through the small crack. He grinned from ear to ear as he watched her jump up and down a tiny bit before closing her jeans. He always wondered how she got into those jeans that seemed to be painted onto her body.

As he stood staring at her beautiful form, he felt goosebumps rise on his arms as the feelings of deep desire rose within him. God she's so incredibly sexy, he thought to himself as she swiftly pushed her hair behind her shoulders and sat down at her vanity.

She began to run the silver handled brush through her hair, her eyes making contact with her reflection in the mirror. He watched as she ran her fingers through her golden brown locks, all the while thinking he wasn't going to be able to stay silent much longer. He wanted to be the one running his fingers through her hair, as he pulled her face closer to his own until they were mere inches apart. She was so incredibly gorgeous. He noticed her gaze shift down, as she gently hooked the silver bracelet around her delicate wrist her hair gently flowing over her shoulders. His mind drifted to what it would feel like to be holding her in his arms at this very moment. He smiled to himself thinking that this sensual woman in front of him had no idea he was watching.

His eyes drifted toward her reflection in the mirror, her bright red lips drawing his eyes in with a powerful force. He wanted to claim those striking lips with his own. He was about to announce his presence, when she glanced behind her just slightly and saw him out of the corner of her eye. She whipped around faster then he could blink, and he knew he had been caught.

"Byron Sully!" she exclaimed trying to sound angry, but he knew she found it completely amusing. "How long have you been standing there spying on me?"

"I don't know if I would call it spyin'" he replied with a sly grin.

"Then, what would you call it?" she mocked.

"Admiring from a far," he ventured.

"It's spying if you have to open a closed door to do it," she teased.

"It wasn't closed!" he cried indignantly.

"It wasn't open either," she smiled coyly.

"Well, I did have ta help it along a little," he admitted.

"Why don't you push it all the way open and come in?" she questioned.

"Alright, since ya asked," he said with a smile.

"You look amazing, ya know," he spoke upon entering her room.

"Hmmm," she answered gazing into his deep blue eyes.

"I love those jeans," he replied his voice laced with desire.

"I know you do," she said with a wink. He pulled her close, his hands finding their way into her back pockets.

He whispered seductively in her ear, "I can't wait for the day when I can take 'em off of you."

"Sully!" She exclaimed turning slightly red. He knew she loved his attention, even if she tried to play it like she was embarrassed. He knew deep down she was thinking the same; she was just too shy to say it.

He brought his right hand up to her cheek, caressing it with the back of his fingertips. Her eyes locked with his, refusing to break the connection.

"Close your eyes," he whispered as his hand traveled across her chin.

She quickly obeyed his request, and he raised her face slightly. Then, cupping her face with both hands, he brought his lips closer and closer toward hers. She could feel his breath against her cheek, and she parted her lips slightly longing for his kiss. His lips were so close, and yet he still didn't make contact. His right hand made its way down to rest on her lower back, while his other played with the waistband of her jeans. His lips were teasingly close to her own; so close she could almost feel them. She wondered why he didn't just kiss her already.

Before their lips touched even slightly, he pulled his face back. She could feel that he had pulled away, and she wanted to open her eyes and question why he wouldn't kiss her. However, his touch was driving her crazy, and she couldn't concentrate. All she could think about was how much she wanted him, and the anticipation was killing her.

He smiled as her face shown with desire. He knew it was working. He was driving her crazy. His left hand made it's way back up her body, and as he began to caress her breast she moaned softly and arched her body towards his. His heart fluttered to see her body reaching out for him, and he brought his lips back within less than an inch of hers. This time, however, he began to place feather-light kisses on her lips. She quickly deepened the kiss bringing her hands up to cup his back.

He pulled back and gazed into her eyes that were sparkling with passion. "I've got something for ya," he spoke with a smile.

"I thought you just gave me something," she teased her body still longing for his touch.

"Hmmm," he smiled. "But that you couldn't let your parents see. This you can," he replied as he pulled a small blue box with a white ribbon out of his back pocket.

She smiled before taking the box in her hand. "What's this for?" she questioned.

"Does it always have ta be for something? It's 'cause I wanted to. It's not for anythin'," he answered.

"Okay," she smiled before pulling the ribbon from the box and removing the lid.

"Oh my God," she whispered in shock as one hand came up to rest across her mouth.

"You like it?" he questioned.

"Sully, it's beautiful," she uttered still in shock. She looked down at the platinum necklace with a small key pendant, and it left her completely breathless. A heart formed the top of the key, while diamonds where set all along its surface.

"When I saw it I thought of you, 'cause you have the key ta my heart," he said with a charming smile. "Here let me put it on you."

He took the box from her and set it down on the vanity. He pushed her hair forward slightly and hooked the necklace effortlessly. She turned to look in the mirror and tears began to form in her eyes.

"Thank you so much. I love it," she spoke as she turned her gaze from the mirror to him.

"It looks beautiful on ya too," he spoke smiling back down at her.

She swiftly pulled him to her and kissed him with passionate abandon. As he pressed himself closely against her with his arms wrapped tightly around her, they both heard a voice calling from downstairs.

"Michaela, are you coming?" Marjorie called out.

"Yeah, be down in a minute," she replied.

"We have to go," she spoke with disappointment.

"I know," he sighed in frustration. "Rain check?" he questioned with a smile.

"Mmmm," she spoke shaking her head in agreement. "We are raking in a lot of those aren't we?"

"Yeah, we are. It'll make for one great wedding night," he spoke with a sly smile.

She winked at him before grabbing the handle of the door. As she stepped into the hallway, he couldn't resist giving her a playful swat. She turned around glaring at him teasingly.

"Sully, you have to behave now," she said with a giggle.

"Alright, alright. I'll be good," he teased as he locked his hand in hers.

As they approached the door to the patio, he turned and looked down at her. "Are ya ready for this?" he questioned.

"As ready as I will ever be," she replied and the couple stepped out onto the patio ready to share their wonderful news.