Part 5

Both CJ and Toby slept during the plane ride to Dayton. They didn't even wake up until the flight attendant let them know they were landing in five minutes.

"I guess I was tired," CJ smiled.

"Yeah, me too," Toby rubbed his eyes.

"Do you know how long it's been since I saw you in jeans?" She asked with a grin tucking the corner of her mouth.

"I try not to scare that many people by wearing them," He joked.

"Very funny," She chuckled.

"You hanging in there?" He looked over at her.

"Yeah," She took a deep breath then grabbed his hand. "Thank you for doing this."

"What are friends for," He smiled. They sat in silence as the plane landed. When they exited, CJ could see her mom waiting for her. She looked over at Toby who nodded for her to go over to her. CJ ran up to her mother and wrapped her arms around her.

"There's my girl," Anna Cregg said while hugging her back. CJ took her other arm and put it around Michael who was standing close.

"I'm so sorry mom," CJ cried.

"Toby, I didn't know you were coming," Michael said and shook his hand. "I'm glad to see you," He smiled.

"Thanks," Toby smiled back. "I'm sorry about your father."

"Thanks," Michael patted Toby on the back.

"Is this Toby?" Anna walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. "It's been so long since I saw you."

"It's good to see you," Toby hugged her back nervously.

"I'm glad you came."

"Well, you did ask me to," Toby smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"You asked Toby to come?" CJ asked wiping away some tears.

"Of course I did. He was the one man you ever brought home that I really liked," Anna declared.

"Thanks," Toby smiled.

"You two must be starving, Michael, help Toby get the bags. Claudia and I will go wait in the car."

"Okay," Michael smiled and walked with Toby over to get the luggage.

"Come on dear," Anna took CJ's hand and led her out to the car.

"It means a lot to her that you came," Michael said. "It means a lot to all of us."

"I kind of felt I would be intruding," Toby mentioned.

"Not at all. Like mom said, you're like a part of the family. I know Claudia feels good that you came too."

"I feel good too," Toby smiled. They got the rest of the bags and headed out to the car.

"There are my boys," Anna smiled. "I made a home cooked meal for you two."

"You didn't have to do that mom," CJ said.

"Cooking lets me let go. It helps me heal," She smiled weakly as Michael and Toby got in the back.

"That sounds good," CJ smiled.

"I hope you like Italian food Toby," Anna said.

"My favorite," He smiled.

"Great," Anna said as she drove off. "I hope you don't mind sleeping on a cot. I think we're out of beds."

"Thanks, but I have already made arrangements at the Sunbridge hotel."

"You're not staying at the house?" CJ turned around and looked at him.

"I'll be over most of the time, but you all should all have time to spend together. Just family."

"You are family Toby," Anna pointed out. "But I understand where you're coming from."

"Thanks," Toby smiled. CJ was still looking at him. Toby reached up and rubbed her shoulders to indicate that it was all right. She smiled and turned around.

TBC