Author's Chapter Notes:

Ok everyone. Here's the dinner with John and Becky.

Michael hadn't been able to leave work right at five like he'd planned. So by the time he walked through the door at five forty-five, Sara was already dressed and ready to go. Seeing him flustered she gave a little chuckle, "Your late."

Putting his briefcase down by the desk he began to loosen his tie. "I know. Just give me a minute and I'll be ready."

Walking into the bedroom, he placed his tie and jacket into the closet and rushed into the bathroom for a quick shave. He worn a plain white shirt today but it would have to do for tonight because he didn't have time to change.

Taking one last look at himself in the mirror, he headed into the living room where Sara was waiting. Stopping just a few feet in front of her, "Ok. I think I'm ready," he smiled.

Closing the distance between them, she placed a hand on his chest, "Not quite yet…" Leaning forward, Sara brought her lips to his. After a moment she pulled back and looked up through lowered lashes. "That's better," she smiled. "Now were ready." Turning around she picked up her purse and a light jacket to ward off the evening chill and headed toward the door. Michael threw on a jacket as well and followed her.

~

They arrived with no time to spare. Hurrying up the walkway they stopped short once they reached the porch. After a moments pause, Michael reached over and rang the doorbell. Stepping back he placed a protective arm around Sara's waist and she leaned into him.

It wasn't long before they heard footsteps from inside and soon the door was swun open. "Michael. Sara. Come in, come in." John said with a bright smile. Sara moved first and Michael followed. Once in the foyer John closed the door and offered to take their jackets.

Jackets were safely tucked inside the closet they headed for the kitchen. Sara noticed that unlike last week, when summer had been the theme, now the house was fully decorated to celebrate the fall season with oranges, reds, and browns all around. They entered the kitchen and found Becky putting the finishing touches on dinner. As soon as she saw them, the welcoming smile Sara remembered from their first visit returned. "Welcome. I'm so glad you two could come tonight."

Sara returned the smile. It was pretty hard not to. "Is there anything we can do to help?" Sara asked.

"Oh no, dear. I think I've got everything under control." Turning back to the roast she was plating she addressed her husband, "John why don't you get the lemonade while I get everything out on the table."

John quickly moved into action and pulled four glasses out of the cabinet and brought them over to the table. He then went to the refrigerator and grabbed a large pitcher of what looked like fresh lemonade. "Would either of you like water instead? I can put a pitcher of that out as well."

Both quickly assured their host the lemonade was fine. Michael was slightly amused. He didn't think he'd ever been offered lemonade at a dinner party before tonight. Sara must have noticed his bemused expression because she reached over and have his hand a small squeeze. Giving a small squeeze in return he refocused his attention on his hosts.

Becky set the last dish on the table and motioned them over. "Well come on and have a seat or it'll get cold."

The table was round and the perfect size for four people. Sara sat next to Becky and Michael next to John and they began to dig in.

It'd been a while since Michael had had a home cooked meal. Neither he nor Sara did much cooking and although Linc did, when they all got together pizza was usually on order. Everything seemed to melt in his mouth and for a moment he was distracted enough to have missed Becky's question. "I'm sorry?" he said.

Becky seemed to be amused. "I asked how you like working for my husband."

A question he could answer. "I'm enjoying myself. It's been great to get back to what I love again."

"Yes I can imagine. John tells me your very good at what you do Michael. He says your one of the best structural engineers he's ever met."

It was her husband's turn to blush. And when Michael didn't comment either John jumped in, "Yes well… So Sara I heard you telling Matt and Vicki that you're a doctor. What's that like?"

Sara had been listening to Becky and although she appreciated the woman's directness and the obvious complement she was giving to Michael, she was glad John had changed the subject. "It can be very rewarding. I've always wanted to help people."

"Well I'm glad we have one like you who cares as a doctor here in our fair city." John smiled.

"Thank you."
There was slight laul in the conversation after that while everyone finished their plates and desert was served. As Becky sat back down she asked, "So tell me, how did you two meet?" Both of them paused with forks halfway to their mouths. Becky noticed their reactions and glanced over at her husband, "Did I say something wrong?"

Sara was the first to recover. Setting her fork down she looked over at Becky, "No. It's just…"

"Sara was the doctor at Fox River when I was there," Michael finished.

"Oh." Becky said. "That's very interesting."

Thoughts of this inevitable conversation had been playing through Sara's mind for a while now. She knew it was something people would ask and why shouldn't they. When you met a couple and got to know them a little, the question was always how did you meet? Now it was here and Sara knew she had to make a decision. Was she going to let Michael's words just hang there or was she going to try and explain how she'd fell for this wonderful man beside her. Becky and John had been so nice to them so she heard herself say, "Actually it is interesting. He came to the infirmary everyday and let me tell you, he can be very charming when he wants to be."

Everyone at the table seemed to be relaxing except for Michael. "I can see that." John said with a smile. "He can definitely charm our clients. I've seen him do it."

Sara reached down and placed a comforting hand on Michael's leg. Confident these people wouldn't judge, she continued. "Yes well I'd never been flattered by an inmate's attentions before but even then I knew he was different."

John spoke up then, "I have to say the more I get to know you Michael, the harder it is for me to see you behind bars. You are an incredibly intelligent man."

"Thank you," was all Michael said. Sara could still feel the tension in his leg muscles. His face was impassive but she knew his mind had to be racing.

They finished desert and John asked Michael to come with him into his study. Sara stayed behind and helped Becky clean up.

"I'm sorry if I made you both uncomfortable Sara. I didn't know it was a sensitive subject." Becky said as she loaded the dishwasher.

"No it's ok," Sara assured her. "I mean it is a sensitive subject, but people are going to ask so it's just something we're going to have to get used to."

"Still. I'm sorry."

Sara just nodded. Leaning back on the counter she decided to ask a question of her own. "Do you know why your husband decided to give Michael a chance?"

Closing the door on the dishwasher, Becky turned to face her. "You mean when no one else would?"

"Yes." Said said meekly.

Becky smiled.