When the plane touched down in Hillridge, everyone was there waiting at the gate. Kate and Ethan were there, as well as Miranda and Larry, and the whole McGuire clan. Lizzie looked around when she realized that someone was missing. Where was Gordo?

Lizzie ran over to her mom and dad and gave them hugs and then grabbed Matt and smothered him with kisses. Kate, Ethan, and Larry got quick hugs while Miranda got a huge one.

Lizzie smiled. "Everyone, this is Aidan. Aidan, this is my mom, dad, brother Matt, best friend Miranda, her boyfriend Larry, Kate, and her boyfriend Ethan.

"Ahem, fiance Ethan," Kate interrupted.

Lizzie squealed and gave Kate a huge hug. "Congratulations! Omigosh! That's so great! I am so happy for you!"

Hugs for Kate went all around and then handshakes went all around for Aidan.

"Your dad and I drove seperately so you could drive you car, honey," Mrs. McGuire said to Lizzie. "You guys can go ahead and get your bags from baggage claim and we'll see you at home. I need to start dinner and everything,"

"Sounds good Mom," Lizzie said giving her mom a hug.

Aidan and Lizzie drove Lizzie's 2006 BMW 325i back to Lizzie's house. As soon as they walked in the door, Mrs. McGuire said a quick hi and then said, "Matt, take Aidan to his room. Lizzie of course knows where hers is."

Matt took Aidan to the guest bedroom at the opposite end of the hall from Lizzie's as Lizzie took her bags to her room.

When Lizzie walked into her room, there was a vase with a bouquet of roses in it. On it was a note.

---Lizzie-

Welcome home.

Still waiting,

-Gordo---

Lizzie's heart panged as a tear formed in her eye. Was Gordo not coming home for Christmas? Or Hannukah, rather.

Lizzie flopped onto her bed and screamed into her pillow.

"Oh Gordo," Lizzie said aloud.

"Who's Gordo?"

Lizzie turned and saw Aidan standing in the doorway.

"Gordo," Lizzie said softly. "He's my best friend."