The sun was sinking into the horizon and the wind had picked up. November was chilly this year and Elizabeth was glad to see the lights on as the motorcade pulled up to the townhouse. Home.

Henry came out to greet her and whistled as she handed him the shopping bags. "Babe do we need to talk about you overspending on the credit card?"

She shot him a withering look. "I told you I was having a weak moment and that we can go through this. I want to talk to Allie first and as I said we can give some a t Christmas and on her birthday. We can also return what we don't need. And I told you - I know I was losing it. I panic bought because I didn't know exactly what to get. So, I bought everything- mea culpa. "

The couple thanked Matt and Ted for their service and asked if they would like some Thai food a little later. Both men smiled at the generosity and accepted. The entire DS staff loved working for the McCords and had learned to say thank you to the offers of food and their kindness. They knew it made Elizabeth happy to treat those who kept her family safe and she knew she could be a pain sometimes. The team could tell her horror stories but decided against it. She was good hearted as was the whole family. There were awkward moments but never for too long Matt and Ted took up their posts, mouths watering.

Henry and Elizabeth decided to put the easel in the basement; the smaller items they took to their bedroom. Henry helped his wife out of her coat and she toed off her shoes bliss. She wiggled her toes and happily found her dark blue mules such a difference in comfort level. She could feel her feet utter their thanks.

Henry examined the purchases while his wife found her softest jeans, and her Harvard Law just kidding sweatshirt. She ran a brush through her hair and clipped it back. Reading glasses on and she felt like herself again.

"What do you think Henry?" She stood next to him. He took her in his arms and then gently lifted her chin. He smiled warmly at her "beautiful. You look better every day my love"

She blushed and swatted his arm. " Not me Henry - the stuff. How did I do?"

Henry kissed her quickly and then they both looked at the items on the bed.

"I think if you give her the sketchbook and the pastels tonight and this book- that's enough. You know what she needs. She needs you to be present with her "

She nodded sadly " yeah. I blew that - but I can fix it. I can refocus and listen and watch her find her happiness Henry. "

Her husband gently caressed her face and wiped away a stray tear that was slowly making its way down her cheek.

"You never cease to amaze me. You have such a big heart. You make a mistake or miss something and there you are asking for ways to make it right. If the whole world was more like you sweetheart, we would have about 90 percent less despair. "

She laid against his chest. " so you aren't disappointed in me for letting this job come first for a while and blowing it with her?"

He spoke earnestly " I was, but I knew that you would figure it out and fix it and I knew you needed to do that on your own or it wouldn't be genuine. So here's where I say I am proud of you tonight and why don't you go chat with her while I order the food. Jason and Stevie are in their rooms studying and I am going down to my office to read some essays. Dinner should be about an hour." He gave her a little tap on the butt with his hand and she smiled.

She grabbed the sketchbook and the pastels and headed down to Allie's door.

...

Allison McCord woke up to the sounds of her family arriving home and using the house. Someone was in the shower. She knew Stevie liked to shower after classes so she could relax and study in the evenings. The loud car doors meant mom was home, for now at any rate. The sounds of video games meant Jason was taking a break, or ignoring his homework. She sighed, the nap had left her with a bit of confusion and a headache. She supposed she better find out if she was cooking tonight or if it was dad's turn she could dive into her French lit assignment and do some chemistry.

Longingly she looked at her sketchbook. That was always much more fun than chemistry- but she knew if she bombed her class work she'd never get to go to college and her parents and teachers would have questions.

So the knock on the door startled her as did the knocker. "Mom. Did I forget to do something ?"

Elizabeth took a long look at her beautiful daughter. The air in the room was stuffy, Allie wasn't dressed up and her face looked a little red and puffy. Oh my girl. Her maternal instincts were on fire. Who or what upset my daughter ?

She knew with teenagers she had to play it cool. She smiled at Allie. "Can I come in?"

"It's your house ". Ouch. Its me. I upset my daughter. She's been crying because of how I hurt her." Elizabeth took a deep breath and she placed her right hand against her roiling stomach. Whenever she felt horrible about something her stomach would pain her. " Noodle I just wanted to apologize for being so out of touch with you lately. I know you are disappointed in me and I wanted to make it up to you. I know it can't happen overnight but as I said the other morning - you are cherished and I thought tonight we could have Thai - dads ordering it. And well- I was listening when you told me you were into fashion and well- " stop rambling idiot and give her the gift. " i told Blake no interruptions tonight. I went shopping. I hope this is something you can use. Maybe even teach me a little. Awkwardly she held out her package. "It's not a bribe. It's just supposed to be something to show you that I am capable of waking up and respecting who you are. I want to get to know you Noodle. You were right. Complete strangers shouldn't know more about you than your own mother."

Allison knew her mother was feeling awkward and awful - and she decided to trust her attempts to make nice. They couldn't be in a fight forever. So she took the gift and looked up at her mom. "Can I open it now?"

Elizabeth nodded vigorously and her hair bounced around her shoulders. Eagerly Allie sat on her bed and took off the tissue paper.

WoW. Two sketchbooks and some high end pastels. What did this mean?

"How did you know I needed pastels?"

Elizabeth grinned. " I didn't. I went to the Art supply store on Smith Street and looked around and asked questions. I wanted to be supportive. I know how to coach soccer. Art lessons - we will have to hire someone or find a class - Mama can't draw past super basic doodles. I mean I am better than kindergarten but only just. Maybe you could teach me something? Show me your sketches?

Her eyes were bright with effort and apology. Allie felt her heart tug. " you really told Blake not to bug you tonight because you want to spend time with me?"

Elizabeth popped the p on her "Yup". It's been too long Allie. You aren't a cousin I talk to twice a year. You are my baby girl - who's almost fully grown and I have spent the last year and a half pretty much working non stop. How I did that and lost sight of you and what you have done with yourself. That's on me. Because you and your siblings and your dad - that's who I want to spend time with." Elizabeth knew her voice was choked up and she felt the tears coming. She decided it was good for Allie to see her remorse.

It seemed to work. Allison threw herself at her mom and gave her a bone crunching hug. " I miss you momma" she sobbed. Elizabeth noted how strong her daughter was and she felt her constrict and she returned the hug. She allowed her head to rest on top of her daughter's and the two of them stood like that sniffling and letting all the emotion drain from their bodies.

Elizabeth ran her hand over Allie's back. "It's gonna be OK. I got you noodle. I am the worlds biggest jerk but tonight we change that OK? "

Allison looked up at her mother her dark eyes shining. "Can you help me with my chemistry and my french lit homework tonight? ". Elizabeth chuckled " oui oui ma chérie, but I warn you I am a little rusty with both."

Henry's loud whistle could be heard from downstairs. " McCords. The food is five minutes out. "

Allison smiled " how come we all can't whistle like that?" Elizabeth grinned. " I have been trying to do it for over 25 years and it's hopeless. Come on. We'll eat, we'll study and then we can do something fun before bed. " Mother and daughter headed for the stairs.

Stevie had come out of her room and she oohed. "Mom is home tonight? Really home? " Jason chimed in. " wow the sweatshirt AND jeans? Did you kill all the other world leaders because it's only Wednesday- or did Dalton decide 18 months of Bess McCord was enough?" He ducked as Elizabeth pretended to smack him.

"I realized I had been neglecting you guys so I told the Blake I needed a night off. And it's not just for one night. My kids need me everyday. So I am officially on notice. We are going to did a way to make me more accessible. You guys can come visit me for coffee breaks or even come study in my office, and I will check my texts more often. If the world is ready to blow up I will get better at letting you all know that it could be a crappy week. We will do better at having Mom and Dad unavailable at the same time.

I need more movie nights and dinners or breakfasts at home. More dates with dad. Otherwise Team McCord will fall apart. Now let's get to the table of your dad will roast us all."

...

After a noisy technology free dinner it seemed everyone in the family was feeling better. It was amazing what thirty minutes of connection could do for a family and Elizabeth was feeling much more like herself. Henry said that he and Jason would tidy up because Stevie had exams and Mom and Noodle had things to do.

Jason moved to protest but it was pointless. Henry asked the boy if he preferred to clean up on takeout night or if he would rather cook and clean tomorrow. Jason could be dense but he knew a deal when he saw it.

Allie wanted to work in her room so Elizabeth grabbed a pint of pistachio gelato and two spoons. Allison grinned " no forks tonight?" Her tone was light. Elizabeth lifted her right foot to pretend to kick Allie. "Move it. We have work to do. "

About 8 pm mother and daughter declared that the assignments and studying were the best that could be done. Two chapter summaries were written for french lit- complete with the accents and the grammar check, ten equations had been balanced and a pint of pistachio had been devoured.

Elizabeth lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. "Ok. I am officially toast kiddo. Please tell me we can look at your sketches now and that I can look at your column for the school paper"

Allison flopped down next to her. "Don't edit me like you do to Dad. Be nice." She handed her mom some printed pages and Elizabeth tried to read them laying down. "Crap I need my glasses on and to sit up. And I am always nice when I edit your father."

Allison might not have resembles Elizabeth physically but she had the snort down pat.

"Mom we hear you. You are a genius. You grade papers like a fiend. Stevie used to hope she would never end up in one of your classes. That was part of the reason she chose Lovell. Also, Dad would look so tired after a session with you. He would say you were absolutely vicious and he was grateful but boy, were you tough. "

Elizabeth looked bemused. "Really? Because I had no idea. Seems like I need to read the Slam book you all should write about me. What else is wrong with me?"

Allison sat up and moved over to her purple beanbag chair. This allowed her mother to stretch out on the bed on her stomach and she began reading. Her glasses slid down her nose a little and her lips moved slightly which Allison hadn't remembered as something her mother did. Briefly she wondered what else her mother did when she was thinking. The whole family knew that Elizabeth was gifted. She was smart and funny and when she knew something was wrong she worked passionately to fix it.

Which is how she was now - being blown away by the depth of passion and personality in the op Ed on make up. How to be stylish for different budgets and different views on makeup. Allison didn't make anyone feel excluded - she did the opposite. Anyone who wanted to wear makeup - light and natural or heavy and dramatic could relate to this article. It was well written, it explained how to get started and it explained how accessible it was to use products from Wal Mart or Wal greens as compared to hitting the stores in DuPont circle and near K street, New York and abroad. With all of that - the article wasn't too long and it was actually interesting to her as a middle aged woman.

She peered over her glasses at her sixteen year old. "Allison Emily McCord you are a wonderful writer. Clearly your father and I have been underestimating you and for that I will be apologizing for a long time to come. My gosh my girl. I knew you were a good kid, a gorgeous young woman, a nice person and a good student but holy crap Noodle. You are more ready for college than I noticed. I am embarrassed for not waking up sooner."

The girl looked down at her lap, cheeks flushing at the praise. Inside herself she was glowing. My mom is proud of me. Of Me. Not who she thought I was.

Suddenly tears were squeezing out of her eyes.

Elizabeth was at her feet in a nanosecond "Baby what's wrong?" Her voice was husky and laced with concern.

The young woman raised her gaze. " You approve of me. Of ME. Of my interests. You are starting to see me as more than your middle kid. More than just the kid who has dark hair and needs food and clothes and provides calm between the two giants in this family - Stevie and Jase. I always felt like I could disappear and you guys would never really notice."

Now Elizabeth was standing and she lifted Allison out of the beanbag, she squeezed her way into the purple ball and sat Allison into her body. Her face was again full of anguish and tears.

"Oh Noodle. Never. Never. I am so sorry. So sorry. Oh my darling daughter." She pulled Allie even closed into her chest and breathed in her scent. It was heady- a mix of pistachios and spices from dinner, a little BO from a long day of school and stress. The faint scent of her own skin cream, a little vanilla and nectarine, and the school scents of pencils, ink and plastic. Each of my children is so precious to me. How is it they feel so untethered.

Allie lifted her head. "It's so nice to cuddle with you."

Elizabeth smoothed her daughters tendrils behind her ear.

" I am grateful for that fight Allison. I am ashamed to say that time was passing so fast I was missing it. I am going to reset as much as I can. I am going to talk to your father. You need your space and your friends and I encourage you to be a young adult. But all of my kids need me and I need to know who you are. Big stuff and small stuff."

Allison stood up and stretched and leant a hand to help her mom out of the beanbag chair.

"Can I bring my sketches down to the table and show you?"

Her mother nodded. " I'll make tea."

Allison gathered her things and Elizabeth made sure to grab the empty tub of gelato and the spoons.

Henry was playing video games withJason and Stevie was half watching and also flipping through a magazine.

"Should I make tea for everyone?" The chorus of " no let's do hot cocoa instead and popcorn " was not objectionable and so she began. Stevie hopped up to help.

Soon mom and the whole family was at the table. Elizabeth mentioned that they were looking at sketches and surprisingly even Jason was agreeable.

They were all blown away by the colours and mixed playfulness and practicality of the clothing and the variety of the models.

Allison had white girls, black girls, Asian ones, girls in hijabs and some in wheelchairs and with crutches. Some of them had short hair, some long, some short. And some of her models were plus sized and had rounder shapes.

Henry spoke up as he rubbed his wife's back. He had heard some tears and he could see the fine lines on Elizabeth's face. He knew that the past couple of weeks she had felt completely undone by the realization that she didn't know her middle child's dreams and desires. It hadn't helped that Anton Gorev had been murdered, and that Ivan had killed himself and that Will had shown up and been a challenge.

Elizabeth took Henry's hand and gave his fingers a kiss.

Plans were made for Mom and Allie to go to the mall on the weekend even if it had to be Sunday. And if the world blew up and she was sent away - Elizabeth swore she would would go as soon as possible.

Allison said she could accept that. She also said that she wanted to research fashion design in college and Elizabeth sighed. "You'll want Europe or New York and I am gonna miss you so much."

Allison smiled "Possibly, but there are schools in LA- so California visits for you guys. And there are a few schools within a few hours of here. I haven't decided yet "

Jason began making plans for an extra bedroom and Stevie said she was headed to bed. Elizabeth and Henry hugged all three kids - who affirmed that celebrate Allie night had been needed. Jason mentioned that his football debut might be happening soon and Elizabeth swore she would watch from behind her hands. Stevie mentioned going out for drinks with Elizabeth who laughed. " You are 21 now so that's OK, but still a bit scary to me. Two drinks tops."

The family turned out lights and made sure the dishwasher was running.

Henry and Elizabeth went to their room and changed into pajamas. Elizabeth sat at her vanity and put on some hand cream.

Henry invited her to come and snuggle. He had needs too he said.

She laughed again "Professor that's so funny. Because I have needs too. It's been a very emotional evening."She smiled at him as she kicked off her navy mules and climbed under the covers.

Henry began rubbing her shoulders and she sighed. He nibbled the side of her neck and she felt the comfort of a seduction with the beat husband a woman could have begin to warm her core.

They made love gently and completely melted into one another. After 25 odd years they knew each other without thinking.

Sated, Elizabeth lay on his chest and played with his chest hair. "Babe, maybe we should try something new. I would hate for you to drift away from me."

He kissed the shining blonde hair atop her head and sighed.

" Tell you what Mrs McCord- we have an amazing thing going. But if you want to get more adventurous we can hit the adult fun store and try out some new toys."

She lifted her head and smiled wickedly.

"We could ditch the detail and sneak out, and we grab fro yo afterwards!"

They lay back and turned off the lights. He could tell that she was still stewing.

Henry chuckled. "You are a good mom you know. All parents miss stuff. That's life babe- what you did was allow yourself to be humbled and make amends. It's why I love you so much. You go headfirst into awkward and figure it out. Our family is always better when you do that."

She sighed. "Thank you. My stomach is still bugging me though."

"Tell you what- I will go grab some Tums. That Thai food was a bit spicy. We are getting older."

She sat up " We are getting better. We just need some assistance - like tums and A5-3-5".

He laughed. They took the tums and laid back down.

"I love You super Dad".

"Me too Madam Secretary"

...TBC. Happy Mother's Day. Please review. ...