Thanksgiving was approaching quickly, and Leah was looking forward to it. She and Boomhauer were going back to Oklahoma to have dinner with her family, and Jillian was going to be there, too. Angela even had some of her boys' old baby things she was going to pass on to Leah.

Leah and Boomhauer discussed what to do about living separately. Leah was reluctant to sell her house, despite Boomhauer insisting she move in with him.

"Are you worried I'm going to change my mind?" he asked her.

In a way, she was. She had to be prepared for that outcome, and not having a place to live was one of those details. She could feel he still wasn't entirely happy about having a baby, and she was growing more wary over it.

He had sensed her hesitation, and lifted her chin to look at him.

"I love you," he said, with utmost sincerity. "I want us all to be together. As a family."

She believed him. He really knew how to convey every unspoken word when he looked into her eyes…

"Okay," she decided. "I have a few things to do before I put my house on the market. But maybe I can move in with you soon?"

"Why not right now?" he grinned.

He brought up a good point.

Mia generously offered to help her pack. A lot of Leah's things were to be donated, since she would have Boomhauer's now, but other things she was still planning on bringing over with her.

She and Mia were in the emptying kitchen, wrapping dishes in newspaper.

"I bet you're going to miss this house," Mia said.

"I am. I'm really proud of it. I did a lot of changes and improvements to it, and it was a big comfort to me, having a home where I could be happy again." She stacked a pile of wrapped plates into a cardboard box. "But now I'm entering the next chapter of my life, which is also exciting."

"What about your garden?"

"I'm going to move some of my flowers over to Jeffrey's, and start over once I'm there. He has a pretty nice garden already actually."

"Good! I can't wait to see what you do over there. Rose bushes in front of the hot tub, maybe?"

Leah laughed. "That's not a bad idea."

They worked through Leah's closet next, a space of mostly dresses and athletic wear.

"So, how are things going with you and Bill?" Leah asked.

"Good, always good. I sort of set his cousin Gilbert up with my cousin Raúl. They really hit it off."

"That's great," Leah smiled dreamily, "I love when people fall in love."

"So do I. Especially when it's me and Bill."

Leah knew Mia and Bill were a perfect match. She could see it in their auras and feel it in their energies. It was so wonderful that Bill had finally found somebody who made him happy, especially a remarkable person like Mia.

"What are your Thanksgiving plans?"

"Bill and I are going to my parents'. My whole family will be there. I think Gilbert is coming, too."

"When Jeffrey and I get back home, you and I should go Christmas shopping together."

"I'd love to!" Mia delighted. "I tend to go all out, so I hope you can keep up."

Much of Leah's house was packed to move or donate by the end of the day. She really was going to miss her house, but she was looking forward to living with Boomhauer.

And if shit went south and he decided he really didn't want to be a father, she would just move out. Easy, easy.

Right.

But his house was really becoming more of her home too as she got her things moved in. What was once a contemporary bachelor pad now had more homey charm, more touches of Leah's spiritualism and earthy nature.

They packed their bags for their trip to Oklahoma, and planned on getting more work at both houses done when they returned.

Boomhauer liked Leah's family a lot. He had met them all a couple times now and always had a good time with them. He especially liked Simon, who he spoke about cars with.

When Thanksgiving day came, and dinner was being set upon the table, Leah's father arrived with Jillian beside him. She was very lovely, with a gentle and kind face, and a very open quality to her. Leah could see why her dad fell so hard for someone like that. Leah even thought that Jillian and her mother would have been good friends.

Her father was absolutely joyous, no longer sitting darkly under a raincloud everywhere he went, but was once more booming with bright energy, commanding all attention and notice. He was how Leah remembered him, from when she was a little kid all the way up until the short months before her mother's death. She would forever be grateful to Jillian for that.

A wonderful and warmly comforting weekend passed, and soon it was time to go back home to Texas. Leah felt content and fulfilled from such a good time with her family, and was looking forward to seeing her Arlen family again, too.

She and Boomhauer said their goodbyes, and began driving back through the city.

"Leah," he began, his tone a little cautious, "Can we make a stop somewhere?"

"Sure! Where do you want to go?"

He hesitated, afraid he might upset her.

"Your mother's grave."

Leah fell completely silent, her cheerful expression entirely removed.

"Why?"

"I-, I'd like to visit her."

More quiet followed. Boomhauer wished he knew what she was thinking. Did he step over a line? Was he going too far?

In a small voice, she answered "Okay."

"Are you sure? If you don't want to, we-"

"No, I want to… I need to. Let's go."

He held her hand as they drove down the winding, worn down path of the cemetery.

It was very peaceful there, and very still, not even the slightest breeze seemed to pass through.

They walked along rows and rows of headstones, some with fresh flowers on them, some with little flags poked into the earth beside them.

Up ahead, under a tall, cascading willow tree, was a clean, white headstone. Boomhauer knew it belonged to Leah's mother before Leah even pointed it out.

Liliana Faye Costello

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"

The two of them kneeled down together, side by side. Leah clutched her hands into fists as they rested on her knees. She was trying hard not to cry.

A couple bouquets of flowers laid across the plot, probably left there by Leah's father or her brothers.

"We should have brought flowers," she whispered.

Boomhauer put his arm around her shoulders and held her.

"You're her flower."

Leah gave a watery chuckle and wiped at her eyes.

Boomhauer turned back to the headstone and began addressing Leah's mother.

"I know everyone called you Lily," he began, "and from what I've heard about you, you'd probably tell me to call you Lily, too. But I can't be that informal, so I'm going to call you 'Leah's mom.'"

Leah cried quietly beside him while she listened. He never let go of his comforting embrace around her.

He continued on. "Leah's mom, I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad to meet you. Leah is so incredible, and so amazing. I know you're proud of her. I'm so happy to have met her. She's the best thing that has ever happened to me. And she's-, we're going to have a baby. Can you believe that?"

Leah gasped a small sob. Her tears fell like thick raindrops, but she gave up trying to stop them.

Boomhauer's voice was shaky with emotion, but he kept himself going. "I'm glad Leah wanted to come see you today, because I have something I want to tell you. I want to ask Leah to marry me, and I would be honored to have your blessing."

It took a moment for Leah to realize what he just said. She turned to face him, her widened eyes sparkling with tears. His eyes held tears of his own while he pulled a small ring box from his coat pocket.

He pried back the lid, revealing a rose gold band inlaid with a small emerald in the center. It was Leah's birth stone.

She looked at the ring in shock, hardly daring to believe what was happening.

"Leah," he said tightly, "Will you marry me?"

More seconds filled with tension ticked by. Her eyes began swimming in tears again, and she nodded.

They both cried and smiled at the same time when Boomhauer put the ring on her finger.

"It's so beautiful," she said, admiring her hand. "And you remembered I don't like diamonds."

"Of course. It's a capitalist blood trade."

She chuckled again, and threw her arms around his neck.

"I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

They sat back and wiped their eyes again. Leah gazed happily at her mother's headstone now, tracing every etched letter into her thoughts.

"Thank you, Mom," she smiled, "I knew you would love Jeffrey, too."

They sat together under the shade of the willow tree for a while, enjoying the serenity and peace.

"So… What were you thinking in terms of weddings?" Boomhauer asked.

"Um…" Leah thought, "I guess I don't know. I don't really care what it's like. We can do whatever."

"Do you want the whole ceremony thing? Venues and receptions and all of that?"

"Gosh, no. That sounds so exhausting. I would want something more low key."

His eyes narrowed in consideration. "How low key?"

"Honestly, if we had a barbecue at home I think that sounds rather nice. Why? What did you want to do?"

He thought for a moment, wondering if his idea would go over well.

"Well, we could get married right now."

"Now?" she puzzled, "Really?"

"I mean… we could."

She considered it. Half-laughing, she said, "Okay."

"Really? You want to?"

"Yes." She smiled eagerly up at him.

"There's a same-day chapel I saw downtown."

"Perfect."

They went straight there after they said goodbye to Leah's mother. They both were expecting the chapel to be seedy and questionable, but they were pleasantly surprised at how clean and well kept it was inside.

An hour later, they departed the building as husband and wife.

Boomhauer kept smiling at her, so thrilled that this beautiful, amazing woman was his wife. He was actually looking forward to sharing the news with Hank, Dale, and Bill. He was looking forward to sharing the news with everyone, he wanted everyone to know how incredibly happy he was, and was going to be for the rest of his life.

They decided to stay in Oklahoma City for a few days getaway, a small celebration for themselves. They rented a nice hotel room, with the intent of exploring the city together, but it was a day or two before they even left the bedroom.

Leah's phone was off ever since they entered the chapel, and she kept it off for a couple of days, wanting to have undisturbed peace with her new husband.

When she turned it on again one morning, she saw she had a few missed calls from Mia.

Boomhauer was getting ready for the day in the bathroom while Leah sat on the bed. She decided to call Mia then, both to see what Mia was up to, and also to announce that she was now Mrs. Boomhauer.

Mia picked up after a few rings. Listlessly, she said, "Hello?"

Filled with energetic joy, Leah rambled on. "Hi, Mia! I saw you called me a few times. I'm sorry, I had my phone off for a few days. Guess what? I got married!"

"What? You did?"

"Yep! I'm Mrs. Boomhauer now! Isn't it great?"

"That's amazing! I'm so happy for you!"

"Thank you!" Leah beamed. "So, what's up? Why were you calling before?"

"Oh… just wanted to talk, that's all."

Mia sounded cheerful, but Leah wondered if there was a note of something off in her voice.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine! I'll see you when you get home, okay?"

Leah wasn't entirely convinced, but decided not to push the issue.

"Sounds great! See you in a few days!"

After they hung up, Leah reflected more on how Mia sounded.

Boomhauer finished getting ready and came back into the room.

"Has Bill or anybody tried calling at all?" Leah asked him.

"No. They know better." He zipped his suitcase back up. "Why?"

Thoughtfully she replied, "Nothing. Just wondering."

When the time came for their return back to Arlen, they were both looking forward to being home again. Boomhauer was certain his first can of Alamo would never taste better.

After unpacking, Leah rested inside while Boomhauer went out to the alley. Hank, Dale, and Bill were already out there, beers in hand.

"I got married," he announced. Simple and to the point.

"That's great news!" Hank cheered.

"Got an ol' ball-and-chain like the rest if us, eh?" Dale grinned. He clapped Boomhauer on the back.

"Congrats, Boomhauer," Bill sighed. He gave a small smile, but was otherwise miserable.

Boomhauer was about to ask him what was wrong when Octavio showed up, parking his car in Dale's driveway.

"Hope you don't mind Octavio joining us," Dale said, "He and I are still fine-tuning our business plans."

Octavio settled in beside then with his own Mexican brand beer.

"Yo."

After another beer down did something very strange happen. A car that was unfamiliar to Boomhauer pulled into Bill's driveway.

"Tiger Lady is back," muttered Dale. Hank looked disapprovingly across the street.

"Who-" Boomhauer began to ask, but his question was soon answered. Stepping out of the car, in skintight leggings and a very low cut blouse, was Bill's ex-wife, Lenore.

Boomhauer nearly choked on his beer.

She strutted over to them, looking coy and flirty.

"Hi, boys." she smirked. "Oh, my, Boomhauer! Is it ever nice to see you again."

The hungry look she examined him with made him shift uncomfortably.

Her prowling glance landed on Octavio. "And hmm… You are?"

"No hablo ingles."

Her smirk never wavered, however. Before departing back to Bill's house, she grabbed Bill tightly and put her tongue in his mouth. Everyone else looked awkwardly away.

"I'll see you later, Baby," she murmured.

After the door was firmly shut behind her, Boomhauer said, "What the fuck?"

What the hell happened while he was away?

"Bill dumped Mia," Dale answered simply.

"What?"

Hank looked annoyed. "Tell him, Bill, with your own asinine words."

Bill sighed.

"Mia was always too good for me. She was going to leave me someday. I always knew that. Then last week Lenore came to my house. She told me if I left Mia, she would get back together with me. Then I wouldn't be alone."

Hank and Dale both scoffed and shook their heads.

"So… You dumped Mia because you were afraid she was going to dump you someday?"

Bill nodded, not meeting Boomhauer's eye.

"Then you got back with Lenore because… you didn't want to be alone?"

He nodded again.

"Let me reiterate: what the fuck?"

Bill grumbled, "Sorry I'm not as perfect as you, Boomhauer."

"It's not about being perfect, Bill," Hank scolded, "It's about not being an idiot. Mia really liked you, maybe even loved you, there was no way she was going to leave you. You let that ball-breaker Lenore get into your head again, like she always does. Remember she saw how happy you were with Governor Richards? And she convinced you to dump the Governor just because she knew she had that power over you. She saw how happy you were with Mia, and what did she do? The exact same thing."

Bill closed his eyes and rubbed his face in frustration.

"Mia never would have been happy with me. She would have left me for someone better eventually. I can't be alone anymore, Hank. You know I can't handle it."

"You need to cut Lenore loose and beg for Mia's forgiveness."

Bill sighed.

"I can't."

Hank shook his head, thoroughly irritated. Boomhauer felt the same.

"Why won't you let yourself be happy?" he asked, his tone heated. "You were happy with Mia. She was happy with you. Why wasn't that enough for you?"

"It was enough for me. But someday she would see through what a fat, bald, loser I am and find someone else. I wouldn't be able to come back from that. You know how many times I tried killing myself in the past, and that was long before I ever met her."

"You know, I get really tired of your excuses, Bill," scorned Boomhauer. "You don't want to be happy for some reason, that's what it all comes down to. Mia would have never left you, end of story. I've heard her talk about you when she and Leah were hanging out together. There is no way she wasn't completely in love with you."

Bill buried his eyes in his hand. The words of wisdom from everybody was too much to bear.

"Well, if she's single," Octavio mentioned airily, "Maybe now I'll be able to get in that…"

Immediately Bill threw his beer can on the ground.

"You stay away from her!" he growled.

Octavio shrugged, entirely unfazed. "She's not your girlfriend anymore. I have no loyalty to you."

"Fuck you."

Dale spoke frankly. "He's right, Bill. Mia isn't your girlfriend. Lenore is."

"And believe me, no one wants to fuck that."

Bill loomed himself inches away from Octavio, seething with anger at Octavio's smirk.

"I'm going to beat your face in," Bill threatened.

"You can try, but that still won't get chica back."

Before Bill could say anything else, Lenore called him from across the alley.

"Bill, honey, is everything alright?"

"Answer your girlfriend, Bill," Dale goaded.

Bill scowled. "Fuck this."

He stormed away, back to his house, back to Lenore.

Boomhauer wondered if Mia told Leah yet. He would have to go tell Leah soon, when he went back home to her.

"Sorry about that, Boomhauer," Hank said. "You were probably expecting a happier celebration, coming home a newlywed and all."

Dale shook his head in disbelief. "God, isn't that so weird? Boomhauer getting married. Boomhauer having a kid. What's next? Boomhauer selling his car?"

"Never," Boomhauer firmly replied.

Later that evening he returned home across the street. Leah was busy in the kitchen making dinner, linguine pasta tossed in a creamy avocado sauce. Boomhauer hadn't eaten much meat for quite some time, and with all the delicious things Leah prepared, he hardly had a craving for it anymore.

He kissed her hello, like he always did, no matter how much time had passed since he last saw her.

"Did you hear from Mia?" he asked.

"I texted her when we got home, but that's about it. Why?"

"Well, I guess Bill broke up with her."

The pot she was holding clattered back onto the stove.

"What?"

"Yeah, I know."

"Why? What happened?"

Boomhauer shrugged. How could someone begin to describe Bill's convoluted way of thinking? He did the best he could as he explained what Bill told him.

"I don't believe it," Leah said distantly. "Oh, I bet that's why Mia was calling me…"

She hurried to her phone and called Mia, hoping Mia would pick up.

To her relief, Mia did.

"Hello?"

"Why didn't you tell me!"

Mia sighed.

"Sorry. You just sounded so happy, and you had just gotten married, I didn't want to bring you down."

"Oh, Mia! You could never bring me down! Where are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm at home."

Clearly she wasn't okay. That wasn't the best question to ask under these circumstances.

And Mia sounded very sad, even detached. Leah could hear the pain in her voice.

"I'm coming over tomorrow, okay? We can hang out!"

"Okay. That sounds nice."

When Leah went to Mia's house the next day, she could tell Mia hadn't been doing much since Bill broke her heart. It looked as though she mainly stayed in a nest on the couch day after day. She was taking the break up very hard.

Leah brought over things like chocolates and art supplies, and put on one of their favorite TV shows.

Mia absentmindedly drew goldfish, much like the one swimming in the fish tank next to the kitchen.

Quietly, Mia asked, "How is Bill?"

"Miserable."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes. Lenore won't be lasting long."

Mia sat back thoughtfully.

"Do you think you'd get back together with him?" asked Leah.

Mia didn't respond at first, but eventually figured out what she wanted to say.

"I'd have to see him make an effort to change." She sighed glumly. "Do you think he wants me back?"

"Very much so."

"I don't understand why he left me, or why he thought I would ever leave him."

"Well, he carries a lot of sadness. He has had a rough time with relationships. I don't think he is used to things going so well, or being so happy."

Mia sighed again, and returned to her drawing.

Leah wished she could take Mia's despair away. She hoped things would be better in time.

"I hope you will still want to come running with me in the mornings."

"I will," Mia said. "I think running will do me some good."

Leah was pleased her outlook was improving. She hoped Bill's would, too.