FULL CIRCLE
Chapter 58
Rachelle had gotten up at her usual time to start coffee and breakfast before her hudband joined her. A quick check of Mikayla's room showed no sign of the little girl. She smiled as she headed downstairs, knowing Mikayla was probably watching cartoons.
She stuck her head in the living room to see Mikayla snuggled up on the couch with Miles who was keeping a firm grip on the remote control."Oh, dear. Did she wake you up?" Rachelle asked.
"In a manner of speaking, she did. I hope you don't mind but I made coffee. I felt I could use some," Miles answered. he peered at her with sleepy eyes and gestured to his mug on the end table.
"No, I don't mind at all. care for some breakfast? I'm making french toast for kayla," Rachelle said, shaking her head at the little girl.
"Breakfast sounds good," Miles replied. He settled Mikyla a little so he could sit up more.
"How long have you been up this time?" Rachelle was asking her daughter as she picked her up.
"She woke me up about 6:00," Miles spoke up and reached for his coffee cup.
"Mikayla Ann McCabe," Rachelle scolded as she headed for the kitchen still holding onto the little girl.
"Smiles call me a pest." She looke dup at her mother. "What a pest?"
"Someone who doesn't let her big brother sleep as long as he'd like," Rachelle answered. She set Mikayla down at the table and ruffled her hair. Then moving away, she set about getting breakfast ready for her hungry family.
After a few minutes Miles got up and headed for the kitchen to get more coffee. A few moments later John McCabe came downstairs and entered the kitchen. Catching sight of his son sitting there wearinng his pajamas, he looked questioningly at Rachelle but said nothing.
Rachelle turned from the stove and gave him a quick kiss. "Our little princess is being a pest this morning," she said softly.
"A pest, huh," he said, looking down at his daughter.
"I woke up Smiles," she said. "Mommy says I is a pest."
"Well, I guess that does make you a pest," John McCabe replied. He sat down at the table and after pouring himself a cup of coffee, reached for the morning newspaper.
"Some things never change," Miles thought as he sat watching his father. The second cup of coffee had woke him up more and he was looking forward to the french toast. He'd always loved french toast and briefly wondered if Rachelle was aware of that fact.
"Kayla, if you want syrup, I'll pour it," Rachelle was saying as she set a plate of french toast in front of Miles.
"Thank you," Miles said.
"Would you like any milk or orange juice?" she asked. "No, thank you. Coffee is fine," the young man answered.
"Syrup, Mommy," Mikayla was saying. Rachelle poured a small amount amount on her plate. Then she quicikly served her husband and herself.
Mr. McCabe put aside his paper and began eating. Rachelle kept a close eye on Mikayla and once their daughter was through eating, she wiped her sticky face and hands and got up to take her upstairs to get dressed.
"I trust you slept well until Kayla woke you up," Mr. McCabe said to his son. "I slept all right. I was just too tired to drive back to the hotel," Miles replied.
"Thank you for letting me borrow the sleepwear." "I think Rachelle borrowed them for you without my permission. It's all right though. What have you got planned for the weekend?" his father asked.
"A few things," Miles replied.
"Going to the cemetery?" the elder McCabe asked.
"Yeah," Miles said softly.
"You never did see her headstone. I think you'll like what it says," his father replied.
Miles got up and carried his empty plate and mug over to the sink. "I think I'd better get dressed and head out. It was good seeeing you, Dad."
"It was good to see you too, Miles. Be sure and tell your sister "goodbye" before you leave." Mr. McCabe said.
"I will," Miles said
"What time are you heading back home?" his father asked.
"Sunday afternoon I'm flying back to Bethesda," Miles answered. he headed up the stairs to get dressed and see his sister one last time.
Rachelle had gotten Mikayla dressed in a pair of pink capri pants and a pink T-shirt. They were heading for the stairs to say "goodbye" to John McCabe before he left for work. Seeing Miles starting to open the door to his room, sh said, "You aren't leaving so soon?"
"I really need to get going. I was nice meeting you, Rachelle and you too, Kid," Miles said. He smiled down at his sister.
"You're welcome to come back any time you want," Rachelle told him.
"Is that invitation from Dad or from you?" Miles asked.
"I think it's from all of us. I know Kayla would love to see you again," Rachelle answered. She watched as Miles entered his room before they continued on toward the stairs.
Miles quickly got dressed and headed downstairs and out to his car.