Chapter 28

Peter Burke sat at his desk at the Raphael Gallery, his mind wandering as Cameron and Hope saw to the customers who were milling around the store. He checked his watch again, anxious for noon to roll around. Neal had promised to drop by so they could go to lunch and he was looking forward to hearing the details relating to his trip to St. Louis and their major family decision. Hope had given him the broad strokes but Peter was anxious to hear it from Neal's lips.

Peter worried about his best friend, always had, feeling the need to look out for him despite the fact that Neal was a middle-aged man who was perfectly capable of taking care of himself and his family. Their relationship had always had that big brother, little brother vibe and Neal still turned to Peter for advice whenever he was working things out – especially if he didn't want to worry Sara about something.

For his part, Peter just wanted Neal to be happy; he was a gentle soul that life's hardships had almost succeeded in destroying and the ex-FBI agent had always felt a certain responsibility to look out for his best friend ever since that day all those years ago when he'd sprung him from Sing Sing.

'Uncle Peter?' Hope interrupted, pulling him out of his thoughts.

'What is it, Hope?' he asked, looking up at his goddaughter.

'Do you have that invoice for Mr. Albright? He's coming in right after lunch' she said, noticing a faraway look in his eyes.

'Yeah, yeah, right here' he said as he searched a pile of papers on his desk.

'Is anything wrong?' Hope asked.

'No, no, nothing's wrong. It's just... your dad did say he was coming by, right?' Peter asked with a look of concern.

'Yeah... for lunch. You sure you're alright?' she asked as she touched his shoulder.

'I just worry about him, that's all' he volunteered with a small smile. 'Old habits die hard.'

'He's fine. Dad's a lot more resilient that you give him credit for, you know' said Hope, wisely.

'Oh, yeah?' Peter answered with a crooked smile. 'And what makes you so smart, missy?'

Hope smiled a big old Caffrey smile. 'Hanging around you!' she said as she gave his shoulder a hug.

The little bell chimed announcing another visitor and both of them looked up to see the owner entering the gallery, looking sprightly in a finely tailored suit and wearing his signature fedora. He walked up to where his best friend and daughter stood, looking suspiciously guilty and he took off his hat, gesturing between the two of them as he spoke.

'Why do I have a feeling this is about me?' he said, in his own vain way.

'Oh, Daddy!' Hope answered dismissively as she walked up to give him a playful tap on the arm. 'Not everything's about you!'

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'That's a really big decision Neal' Peter said, between bites.

'Tell me about it!' Neal responded, cocking his eyebrow in response. 'But it seems like the right thing to do; Peter, I can't leave her to her own devices, she'll never get out of this mess by herself. And I've got Sara on board...'

Peter thought back to that night, so many years ago, when he'd debated whether or not to give in to Neal's scheme for early release so he could come work for the FBI. He remembered wavering and having that late night chat with El, as she pointed out that Neal had acted impulsively out of love and desperation for the woman he loved. Despite the years of push and pull and all those ups and downs in their relationship, he had no regrets; he was happy he'd let his heart guide him that night. Now, Neal was paying it forward, wanting to give this young girl every chance possible to make good; he hoped Neal wouldn't have as hard a time as he'd had with his CI.

'You know, you're facing years of heartache and disappointment, don't you?' Peter said, looking into his partner's eyes.

'Sounds like you're speaking from experience, Agent Burke' Neal answered, knowing full well that he was singlehandedly responsible for half of those grey hairs on Peter's head.

'No regrets, though... so I'd be hard pressed to advise you not to do it' Peter admitted wistfully.

Neal let out a gentle laugh, it was payback time. The months and years ahead would likely test his patience yet, he was sitting across from the man who'd never given up on him despite Neal's multiple efforts at driving him around the bend over the years.

'Thanks, Peter. I guess I needed to hear that from you' Neal said softly.

'Hope tells me you're going to St. Louis tomorrow' Peter said as he changed the subject.

'Yeah... I hope I don't live to regret it...' Neal said musingly.

'I think your only regret will be if you don't go' Peter answered wisely.

'Well, I'm going in without any expectations. I'm not anticipating some emotional scene where we throw ourselves into each others' arms. And Sara will be with me so...'

'You're giving yourself a chance to heal Neal; that's what's important' Peter said.

The two men exchanged looks, thankful to be in each other's lives and Peter realized that as much as Neal counted on him, he felt exactly the same way.

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On Wednesday evening, the extended Caffrey family, including Caitlin Somersby, headed out to White Plains District High School for the big basketball final. The school had taken advantage of the high profile event to host a carnival of sorts, complete with a hot dog stand, a Ferris wheel, a bake sale, a raffle table and some music and entertainment. Peppered amongst the many booths were kiosks from the various student clubs at the school including the Gay Straight Alliance which figured prominently with its brightly colored booth and friendly students.

That's exactly where Neal, Sara, Hope, Cameron, Caitlin and Mozzie found Liam alongside Cody and the rest of the students from the club, hanging out and obviously having a great time.

'Hey squirt!' Hope called out as she spotted her brother, decked out in a rainbow t-shirt and a big, broad smile.

'Hey!' he responded as he took in the sight of his sister holding a giant wad of cotton candy. 'Where did you get that?' he asked as he grabbed a fistful right out of her hand, Hope balking all the way.

'Get your own!' she responded with a laugh as she shoved him playfully.

Sara and Neal looked on, smiling, as they checked out the various items on the club's table.

'Can I go over there and get a hot dog?' Caitlin asked, pointing to the hot dog stand across the football field.

'Sure' answered Neal as he pulled out a five dollar bill. 'And get yourself a drink too.'

Caitlin looked unsure about taking the money from his hand. She wasn't used to being treated like part of a family. Usually, she was given a small allowance by her foster family for the month and told to 'deal with it'.

'Here, take it' Neal insisted. 'Hope and Liam do... without hesitation, I might add.'

Caitlin smiled in appreciation and took off running to the hot dog stand with a spring in her step.

'Honey, do you have adult sizes for these?' Sara asked Liam as she pointed to the colorful t-shirts with the slogan I'm Proud of my Gay Son. I want to get a couple for me and Daddy.'

'Me too' echoed Mozzie as he perused the stack of rainbow colored shirts.

'I would go with the extra large for Neal' they heard from behind them where Cody's parents had suddenly appeared.

'Here for the big game?' Neal asked as he shook Mike Miller's hand.

'You know it!' the man responded.

Liam seemed to realize the time and his eyes lit up as he turned to say goodbye to Cody. 'I've got to go and get ready for the big game' he said, butterflies in his stomach – although lately it was unclear whether those butterflies came about from gazing into Cody's big brown eyes or if he was nervous at the thought of staring down the court at the opposing team's basket.

Cody pulled him in for a quick hug. 'Good luck Liam! I'll be in the stands cheering you on' he said as Liam waved to his parents and disappeared into the nearby school.

'Where did Caitlin go?' Sara asked as she suddenly noticed the young girl wasn't standing nearby. Having to keep track of a third kid was going to take some getting used to – especially one as 'adventurous' as Caitlin Somersby.

They glanced across the field and noticed the young girl chatting up some cute guy. Her body language was all coyness and cuteness and Sara exchanged knowing glances with her husband.

'Oh, this is going to be fun!' she said in her usual acerbic way.

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It was almost midnight by the time the Caffreys made it home. After White Plains' decisive victory against the East Irvington Bears, they'd decided to all go out for burgers and shakes – 'all' being the Caffrey clan and the Miller family. Liam had won the league trophy for MVP and Cody reveled in his boyfriend's achievement by showing the award to the waiter who took their order – and anyone else who wandered past their table.

'My boyfriend just won MVP!' he said brightly to a woman nearby as everyone laughed.

The atmosphere had been carefree and everyone had been in a celebratory mood. It was interesting to watch Caitlin as she worked hard to blend in with the rest of the family; Neal and Sara had been pleasantly surprised to see that she was behaving in a very appropriate manner, not too bold and not too shy. They dropped her off at the group home, watching her crestfallen face and realizing that, if all went well, in a couple of weeks, they wouldn't have to leave her on her own any more.

Neal and Sara had a 7:15 flight to St. Louis the next day and Sara was pleased to see that despite their planned foray, Neal seemed relaxed – as a matter of fact, after their usual bedtime cuddle, he'd been the first to drift off, leaving her alone to ruminate about the big changes coming up in their lives.

Having a baby was unsettling for any couple, challenging everything you'd come to know but at least, with a newborn, you had a blank slate to work with, a little person to mold over time. Caitlin was almost an adult and yet Sara could see that she would require an awful lot of support and guidance; it was overwhelming to think that she and Neal were the ones who would be called upon to provide the tough love that would prepare her for success in the adult world.

She'd noticed how the teen had sought attention all throughout the evening, from boys and from her and Neal – they would have to work at finding ways to give her the validation she needed without giving in to her attempts at getting attention for inappropriate behavior. Neal was incredible with her – as he'd been with both their kids – playing to her strengths and giving her the confidence she needed in order not to act out. They were still at the starting line and Sara Ellis knew they were in for a bumpy ride raising this wild child and yet, she had confidence they would find a way to get through the next few years with a little luck and a lot of patience.

Sara turned in bed, watching as Neal slept peacefully. She hoped the next day would live up to his expectations and that he wouldn't come away feeling worse than before. She thought of Linda Bennett, at the other end of their journey, undoubtedly anxious about seeing her son after such a long time.

Not for the first time, Sara hoped she hadn't made a mistake masterminding their reunion. She curled up against Neal's back and waited for sleep to claim her.

TBC