Part 4

                Michael grimaced as Liz tightened her grip on his hand.  Trying to get her to loosen up, he brought her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.  "Liz, you need to relax.  I know it's the first time we'll be back in Roswell, but you're parents are dying to see us again.  Jeffery has grown so much since their last visit."  Michael held the sleeping boy in his arms.  In a few weeks, he would be one year old and was Michael's pride and joy.  He never realized how wondering having a family could be.  The last year and a half had been hard at times.  Sometimes, Michael wondered why he even volunteered to follow Liz across the country. After Jeffery was born, he never asked that question again.  It was a struggle working, going to school, and caring for Jeffery, but with the Parkers help, Michael and Liz had both graduated from high school.  With the fall quickly approaching, Liz still hadn't decided where she wanted to go to college.  Michael had told her to pick her choice and he would follow her anywhere.  He didn't care where they lived.  Besides, he didn't have the money for college.  Liz had received numerous full scholarships and with her parents help, she had her choice.  Michael hoped to save up some money and take a few credits at a community college.  He needed to be working and bringing in money to take care of his family.  He also hoped that some of Liz's classes would coincide with his off time.  This way he could take care of Jeffery instead of putting him in daycare. 

                Liz smiled back at Michael.  The sight before her was adorable.  Their son was curled up on Michael's chest sleeping happily.  Although the plane ride to Roswell had be uneventful so far, Liz still had a feeling of dread returning to their old home.  She was afraid of the reaction from her friends and she was afraid of seeing Max again.  "I know and I'm excited to see them too, but what if we run into Max?  What if?"

                Michael didn't allow her to finish.  He quickly leaned over and kissed her deeply, shutting her up for now.  "There is nothing to worry about.  I spoke to Isabel and Tess convinced Max to go away for the week.  Our friends are excited to see us and they have completely forgiven us for taken off without a word.  Now stop worrying and enjoy the flight.  You're agitation is going to make Jeffery cranky.  You know how easily he can sense your emotions."

                Liz agreed and tried to close her eyes.  She prayed Michael was right.  Attempting to drift off, Liz grew excited about seeing Maria and Alex again.  Although she had written them and talk to them occasionally, they didn't know about Jeffery yet.  What a surprise!

                Two hours later, Michael pulled the rental car in front of the Café.  Michael stepped out of the car and began unhooking Jeffery from his baby seat.  Liz sat motionless, staring into the restaurant.  "Liz, we're here.  Do you plan on getting out of the car today?"  Michael picked up Jeffery than walked around to the passenger side of the car.  He opened her door and pulled her out.  "Come on.  Jeffery is going to want to eat soon."  With an arm around her shoulder and Jeffery in his arms, they walked into the Crashdown.  As they walked in, Michael couldn't believe their luck.  He had hoped to have some time to adjust before seeing their friends, but as fate would have it, they all sat in their normal booth and immediately turned around to see Michael and Liz walk through the door.

                "Oh my god, Liz!"  Maria jumped from her seat and immediately ran over to hug Liz. 

                "Michael!"  Isabel followed Maria's lead and rushed to Michael.  Kyle and Alex were right behind the girls and eager to finally see their friends.

                "Where have you been?

                "How are you?"

                "Are you home for good?"

                "What happened to you?"

                The questions kept coming and coming.  Both Michael and Liz felt overwhelmed by their friends' hello.  Jeffery, who had been sleeping until this point, felt his parents' distress and immediately started crying.  As Maria, Isabel, Alex, and Kyle heard the cry, the stepped away momentarily and stood shocked.  No one had noticed the small boy that Michael held when they walked in.  At the sound of the baby's cry, Mr. and Mrs. Parker came running into the diner. 

                "Michael, Liz!  We're so happy you made it.  Why is my grandson crying?"  Mrs. Parker immediately came over and snatched Jeffery from Michael.  "Oh my, you've gotten so big.  We missed you so much.  Oh Liz, he just gets cuter each time I see him.  He's going to break some hearts when he's older, I can already see it."

                Seeing their friends standing there, jaws dropped, Liz looked to Michael for assurance before turning back to their friends.  "Guys, I'd like you to meet our son, Jeffery Alexander Michael Guerin."  Liz waited for the reaction.

                Alex piped up quickly.  "You named him after me?"

                "I'm an aunt?"  Both Maria and Isabel replied at the same time.  Here each other, they turned and laughed.

                Mr. Parker could sense his daughter's slight distress.  "Well, why don't you kids sit down and talk.  I'm sure there is a lot to catch up on.  I'll grab the bags and put them upstairs, while your mom monopolizes our grandchild."

                "I'll help you Mr. Parker."

                "Michael, it's Jeff and no you won't.  Sit down and say hello.  I'll be fine."  With that, Mr. Parker disappeared outside to grab the bags while Mrs. Parker spoke briefly to Liz before whisking Jeffery away upstairs.

                Sitting down in a booth, Kyle finally allowed the shock to wear off.  "Wow, you're a mom.  Guerin is procreating?"

                Michael shot Kyle a dirty look before realizing that his friend was only talking in jest.  "Okay, before we play a million questions.  Why don't you let Liz and I explain a few things, then you can ask more questions.  First, Isabel, you are an aunt.  In a few weeks he'll be a year old.  He's already said his first words and is trying to walk."  Michael and Liz spent the next hour explaining a few details to their friends.   Isabel was ecstatic her hear about her nephew and that Michael graduated high school.  They talked about their life back east and told them all about Jeffery.  They left out the particular of where they lived and any information about future Max.  Luckily, no one questioned whether Michael was really the father.  After a little while, Mrs. Parker brought Jeffery back down.  He was fussy and began crying.  As soon as Michael picked him up, he settled down again.  Curiously, he began to study the faces of the strangers in front of him.  Maria and Isabel immediately began fawning over him.

                "He is so adorable.  God chica, I can't believe you're a mom or that you kept this from us.  By the way, you look great for some one who had a kid."  Maria was slightly angry with Liz, but it wouldn't last.  One look at Jeffery's cute face and all animosity was forgotten. 

                "Hey little guy.  I'm your aunt Isabel.  Oh, I can't wait to go shopping for you.  I'm going to spoil you rotten.  We'll have to go shopping at the large mall in Albuquerque.  They had some wonderful baby stores.  Can I hold him?"  Isabel was so excited to be an aunt.  She never knew if Michael, Max or herself would ever have children. Then the thought hit her.  "This is why you asked if Max would be around.  Isn't it?"

                Michael knew it wouldn't take Isabel too long to figure it out.  "Yeah, after everything that has happened and the things you've told me, we thought it would be best to avoid him.  We didn't know how he would react."  Silently, everyone nodded in agreement.  Max had become somewhat of a loose cannon.  It was probably best that he wasn't around. 

                The group continued to talk and catch up on all of the latest happenings.  As the hours passed, the jet lag began to set in.  Jeffery had fallen asleep long ago after being passed around to his aunts and uncles to hold him. He had been excited and giggling, mostly talking baby talk as he tried to talk to his aunts and uncles.  Michael began to notice Liz yawning every few minutes.

                "Hey, I think its time I got both of you to bed.  I rather not have to carry you both up."  Michael placed an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his embrace.  He watched her close her eyes.  "Okay guys.  I think we should call it a night.  We'll talk to you tomorrow."  Everyone said good night and Maria locked the door as she left.   Michael already knew that Liz had fallen asleep.  Gently he picked her and Jeffery up, grateful that neither one weighed much and made his way upstairs.  At the door to the apartment, Mrs. Parker saw him and immediately grabbed Jeffery, quietly telling him she'd place him in his crib.  Michael laid Liz down on the bed and began stripping her shoes, socks and pants off.  Although they had yet to make love, they were extremely comfortable with each other.  Looking down at her sleeping form, Michael could feel the desire rise within.  She was gorgeous and everything he wanted.  With a soft kiss to her lips, he stripped down to his boxers and slid in the bed behind her.  She immediately turned and snuggled up against him.  With one arm around her as she lay on his chest, Michael fell into a peaceful sleep, looking forward to seeing their friends and happy to be home.