Disclaimer: I don't own any of the character of 7th Heaven except any that I create myself and If I did own them, Mary and Ben would have stayed together. Please enjoy and I am sorry for the delay. This does go back and forth between flashbacks and present time a few times, so just warning you about that and the flash backs have been taken from the show again.
-Kinkirk Residence-
24th August 2012
12:00pm
It was now around six weeks later and Mary was now 19 weeks pregnant which was around 5 months pregnant and already in maternity wear seeing as how she was carrying twins. She was lucky that the maternity wear was more fashionable then when her Mom was pregnant with her and her elder siblings. It was still very warm in California and It was getting a little hard for her now.. Due to the extra blood volume in her body to help her babies grow, she was feeling warmer anyway and the California heat wasn't doing anything to help that, so she knew she had to drink a lot of water to be able to better regulate her body temperature. She was so glad they were headed off to Buffalo for the week where it was starting to get a little cooler.. Maybe she would get a little bit of relief from the heat. It was almost unbearable for her and lower back, her legs and her feet were swollen and sore and in desperate need of a back and foot rub. She would get Ben on that soon, she thought to herself.
"Babe?", Ben asked her softly, "You ready to go?". He asked as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck, his hands going around her stomach protectively. "Yeah.. I am ready honey". She said as she turned to face him and kissed his lips. "I rang the airline and my doctor to make sure I could fly and they said I could.. The drive would have been way too long for me to make". It would have taken a day and and some hours to drive there and for Mary.. that would have been an even longer drive as she was feeling slightly uncomfortable and as she was drinking more and the babies were pressing on her bladder when they kicked and moved around, she was needing to use the bathroom more often as well. "I know.. They would have come here though if you couldn't get there, but I am glad we can go and see them, Maybe the cooler weather will be good for you sweetie", Ben said as he kissed her cheek softly, "I hope so.. I know having the air conditioner on all the time is not a good idea, but right now, it is all that is keeping me comfortable". She said as she frowned a little. She loved being pregnant but it sure was taking it's toll on her.
"Are we meeting Lucy, Kev and Savy at the airport?", She asked as he took their suitcase and headed downstairs with it, "Kevin is organising a rental van, so we can all head to the airport together.. They should be hear soon", He said as he tackled the heavy bags and put them near the door. "Now do you have everything you need sweetie?", He asked as he grabbed the carry on bag and checked it again. "Yes, I have everything", She said as she looked though her handbag which was her carry on bag and made sure everything she needed was there and nodded. "Yes..". She confirmed again. She felt the babies kicking at her bladder and sighed a litte as she realized she needed the bathroom again. "I'll be back babe". She headed into the downstairs bathroom and went and then washed up, smiling as she felt them kicking again, placing her hand on her stomach as she walked back into the hallway where she saw her sister, brother in law and niece standing in the living room with Ben.
"Hey Aunt Mary", Savannah said running over to her Aunt and hugging her as best she could, "Hey Sweetie", Mary said back with a big smile on her face. "You all ready to go see Nan and Pop and Aunt Patty". Savannah had taken to calling Patty-Mary just Patty as it was easier for her to say and Savannah was the only one Patty-Mary allowed to call her that. "Yup" She said excitedly as she bounded back over to her parents. "Okay.. Well let's get going, we don't want to be late", Kevin said as he clapped his hands together to get them all to move on out. "We just gotta make a quick stop to Mom and Dad's", Lucy explained softly, "Savannah won't go without saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad". Mary nodded understanding, she was feeling the same and had hoped they would be going to see them before they left too. "It's no problem, I didn't feel like I could go without saying goodbye to them as well.". She said with a smile as she grabbed her bag and headed out, making sure she had her water bottle with her. Ben locked up and they all piled into the van and headed over to Annie and Eric's.
-Camden Residence-
12:51pm
"Don't the kids go to Buffalo today?", Eric asked Annie as she looked in the fridge, making a list of what things she needed to get when she went down to the market. Annie looked up and nodded, "Yes, they are dropping by here first to say goodbye and to drop the keys in so we can keep an eye on their homes". She answered with a smile as she continued taking notes. Eric, ever the concerned parent asked, "Are you sure it is okay for Mary.. Our 5 months pregnant daughter with twins.. Our unborn grandchildren to be on an air-plane?". Annie smiled softly and walked over to him, kissing his cheek, "Yes.. Mary has spoken to her Doctor and even to Matt and She is healthy so there is no reason why she can't go on the plane". She said trying to reassure her husband. Eric was always the worrier in the family and it was the worry and stress that always make his heart issues come back and Annie was always making sure he was as relaxed as he could be and not worrying. "But", He started.. Annie cut him off, "Mary will be fine Eric.. She will be just fine".
Just then, they heard a horn sounding from outside, "That must be them", Annie said as she rushed outside to greet them, Eric following behind her. "Hey Guys", Annie said as she walked up over to the van. "Hi Nanny", came a little soft voice from the back. Annie smiled wider and opened the van door and leaned in to see Savannah, "Hi there honey.. You excited to see your other Nana and Pop?", She asked. Savannah nodded her head, "All ready.. ", came the response from their granddaughter. Eric came up behind them and smiled, still a little concerned, "Are you going to be okay Mary?". Mary shook her head in amusement and smirked, "Dad.. I will be fine.. I am cleared to fly, it is all okay, please don't worry". She said as she looked at him. Eric nodded and sighed a little, "Okay.. If you are sure". He said with another sigh. "I am very sure Dad". She said smiling and giggling a little.
Lucy looked at her mother and smiled softly as she took Mary's and her spare house keys and gave them to Annie, "Okay.. Here are our spare keys, So if you just wanna check on things and pick up the mail for us.. it would be wonderful please". Annie smiled as she took them, "Of course.. It is no problem at all". The girls both smiled gratefully at their mother, "Thanks Mom", They said at the same time. "Okay, well we better get going, we don't want to be late" Kevin said to them all. They all said their goodbyes and promised to phone their parents once they had landed. Once they reached the airport, Kevin parked the van and they all piled out and grabbed their bags. "I'll go grab a cart", Ben said as he spied some carts they could put their bags on, Kevin going over and grabbing another one as they had so many bags they needed to of them. Savannah had fallen asleep, so Lucy carried her into the airport while the men wheeled the carts and Mary followed behind Lucy and Savannah.
-On the plane-
Once they all went through security, they headed towards the plane and found their seats. Savannah was seated between her parents and Mary and Ben was seated in front of them. "Hey Luce", Mary said playfully, "Do you remember the time when we went to Buffalo when you first met Kevin and you were being a pest on the flight". Lucy giggled and smiled, sitting forward as she remembered. She wasn't as high maintenance now when she flies as she used to be and she could look back on that time and laugh. "Remember as well when someone", She said looking at Kevin, "Took my bag when you left it sitting in the middle of the room Mary". She said laughing again. "Ohh and when you told me that Kevin was as gorgeous as Brad Pitt and you are always free for Brad Pitt". Mary said chipping in as they continued in a fit of giggles. Savannah looked at her Mom and Aunt and then at her Dad and Uncle.. "What is so funny Daddy?", She asked in her sweet voice. Kevin smiled as he kissed his daughter's forehead, "Well, why don't we tell you baby girl".
- flash back-
April 2002
Lucy was hitting her call button repeatedly, feeling rather annoyed that the air hostess was ignoring her. Mary looked at her and scoffed a little, "You know, flight attendants have a lot more important things to on a plane then bring you nuts". Lucy looked at her and folded her arms, "No they don't". Just then one of the flight attendants came over to where Lucy and Mary were seated, pressing the call button off, "I'm sorry but the captain has put on the seatbelt sign indicating our final descent into Buffalo", She said as she pointed and indicated to Lucy. She then put Lucy's seat forward continuing, "I know I speak for all of us serving you today when I say, we really are going to miss you". Lucy was looking more annoyed and as the woman stood up, she asked her, "Can I get some peanuts?". The woman looked back at her and said, "I'm sorry, We've closed up the galley". Lucy looked at her, "I don't want a steak, I just want some more nuts". Mary looked down rolling her eyes a little in embarrassment.
The flight attendant stood up a little more, grateful she would be rid of her soon, "Is there anything else I can help you with", She said as politely as she could. Lucy spoke up, "Yeah, You could get me the blanket and pillow I asked for three hours ago". The woman just nodded and smiled, turning around, Lucy watching her as she went. She then turned back around to face Mary, "Hey, Can I help it if I'm high maintenance when I fly", She said seeing the look on her sisters face. She continued, "I get nervous and I need comforting things around me like a blanket or a pillow or nuts". Mary looked at her and spoke as she pointed towards the window, "Forget about the nuts, We're almost in Buffalo". Lucy looked a little nervous, "Why aren't you more excited?", Mary continued, and Lucy looked back at her and smirked a little, "Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be going with you for the weekend and I'm grateful that you sprung for my ticket, but it's not a vacation", She said, her hands in the air a little. "We're just going to the Colonel's so you can pack and ship the stuff you left behind".
Mary looked down and spoke softly, "This trip is more then that, it's a fresh start for me". She looked at Lucy and then back down again, Lucy repeating her last words, "Fresh start?". Mary nodded and looked back up and Lucy quickly realized what that meant, "Ohh No.. How could I be so stupid.. You'r not going back for your stuff, you're going back for Ben". Lucy looked at Mary and raised her eyebrows, "I'm right aren't I?.. This trip is about Ben". Mary turned to look at Lucy, "The trip is partly about Ben". Lucy smirked a little, "And I'll bet you he doesn't even know you're coming to Buffalo". She raised her eyebrows a little more, Mary responding, "Hey when he came to Glenoak, I didn't know he was coming to Glenoak". She tried to reason. Lucy scoffed, "And when he left Glenoak, he made it clear he didn't want to see you again". Mary looked down little smiling before gazing at Lucy, "Which is why I'm not telling him I'll be in Buffalo". Lucy shook her head and Mary continued, Just relax everything is gonna be fine.. I've got a plan". Lucy looked back at Mary, "Your plans always end badly". She couldn't help but comment.
"Not this time", Mary said and then all of a sudden the Pilot came on the line, "Yeah, We've got a little rough air up ahead on our approach to Buffalo, so make sure you got your seatbelts fastened, It's gonna be a bumpy ride all the way down". As the pilot said this, Lucy was quickly fastening her seatbelt and then grabbed the arm rests of her seat tightly. Mary giggled and smirked, "Are you okay?, She asked softly. Lucy replied looking a little tense, "I'd be better if I had nuts". Mary just chuckled again and went back to reading her magazine while Lucy tried to calm herself, breathing in and out slowly and deeply.
-end flash back-
Savannah was giggling hysterically at her mother, trying to control her giggles which made the rest of the Kinkirk's giggle as well. One Savannah was calm she spoke, "Mommy.. You are so funny.. ". She said as she almost keeled over in anther of giggles. Lucy smiled and laughed a little, "Well, that was when Mommy was not as relaxed as she is now". Savannah smiled and cuddled into her mother, "So.. What happens next, When do you meet Daddy?". Lucy smiled again, "It's coming up soon", She said as Mary began to tell the next part of the story, all of them listening in intently and funnily enough.. the same flight attendant was on duty and had recognised Lucy. She was listening in as well, pleasantly surprised at how Lucy's attitude to flying had changed since she last saw her, she also noticed Mary who she had worked with for a time and smiled wider as she noticed she was still with Ben and looked to be pregnant as well. She would have to go over and say Congratulations when she had a chance.
-flash back-
Mary and Lucy were at the baggage carousel, looking a little impatient as they waited for Lucy's bag, they saw a bag go around which was not Lucy's and Mary turned to her and spoke, "How many times are we gonna watch that bag go around?". Lucy looked at her, "Until it turns into my bag... the bag they apparently lost". Mary spoke again, "I don't really like this airline".. Lucy stared at her, "So, why did we fly them?". Mary shrugged sheepishly, "Well, they had a two for one ticket deal". Lucy looked a little offended, "So my ticket didn't cost you anything". Mary shook her head smiling. "Then why have I been thanking you for buying me a ticket when you didn't", Lucy said a little annoyed. "Because you're nice", was Mary's reply with a grin. Lucy piped up with, "They probably didn't lose my bag, my ticket which didn't cost me anything probably doesn't include luggage service". Mary looked at her sighing softly before Lucy continued on her rant.
"You know what", Lucy said as she ticked off a list on her fingers, "No peanuts, no blankets, the flight attendants were rude, the ride was bumpy, they lost my bag... these are signs of a doomed trip.. face it.. the universe knows what you're up to with Ben and the universe is not happy..". Mary scoffed as Lucy continued, "And for some reason.. the universe is taking it out on me", She said, raising her voice more, "So come on, you know.. let's just get on a plane and go back home before a cab runs me over". Mary finally spoke up, "We're not going home, I told you, I have a plan, I've got things to do". Lucy interrupted, "And people to stalk". Mary spoke softly, looking at her sister, 'It's love". Lucy replied, "It's a felony. Mary sighed and looked at Lucy, "I'm not leaving till I see Ben". Lucy rolled her eyes and spoke, "Fine, We'll stay.. just watch my bag while I go to the lost luggage department and beg for my suitcase back". She walked off in a huff leaving Mary standing there with her hands in her pocket. Mary looked at her watch and then picked her bags up, absently leaving Lucy's bag in the middle of the floor.
-End flash back-
"So you just left Lucy's bag in the middle of the airport terminal?", Ben asked curiously looking at his wife who shrugged and looked back at him. 'I didn't mean to". He raised his eyebrows at her, "Well, I had to find out where you were babe", She said as she leaned into him for a kiss. Savannah made an "Ewwww" noise as she watched her Aunt and Uncle kiss. Ben chuckled and said.. "One day you will feel differently about that kid". She shook her head, "No way Uncle Ben". She covered her eyes as they kissed again and snuggled into her parents, "So anyway.. back to the story.. Please". She said smiling softly. Lucy nodded as she continued the story, "Okay.. What happened next was this".
-flash back-
Lucy walked back over to where Mary was now sitting on her bag and spoke, "Okay, So the airline gave me a number to check the status of my bag, so we can go". Mary stood up smiling, "Great, let's get out of here", She answered back. "I made some phone calls and found out that Ben's not gonna be at the fire-house this weekend.. So.. We'll swing by the Colonel's and then well, you know". Lucy looked at her confused, "I don't.. swing by the Colonel's? We're not staying at the Colonel's?", She asked. Mary smiled wider, "No, we're staying at Wilson's old apartment. I'm friendly with his ex-landlady Mrs. Corning and when I told her I was coming for the weekend, she offered me Wilson's old apartment.. It's vacant". Lucy just looked at Mary like she was crazy to which Mary responded, "Come on, we're big girls now, we don't need to stay with our grandparents". Lucy just looked at her again, Mary sighing, "They know we're not staying.. They're okay with that". Lucy shook her head, "This is all part of your grand plan, right?.. The grand plan that has something but not everything to do with Ben?" Mary then nodded and smiled, "Ugh.. fine, whatever", Lucy said giving up.
Lucy choose that moment to look down and noticed her hand bag was not there, "Where's my bag?", She asked looking back at Mary who looked a little confused, "Lost.. remember". Lucy stared at her, "Not that bad the other bag, the bag I asked you to watch". Mary looked around and then back to Lucy, "I couldn't have been gone more then a minute", She said softly. Lucy sighed, feeling annoyed, Mary trying to make an excuse, "I had to make a phone call". Lucy sighed again, and then noticed one of the security people and walked over to him, "Excuse me, have you seen a small black bag?". The security guard answered back, "The police took it". "Your're not the police?", Lucy asked a little confused and rather annoyed. "No, I'm airport security, part of an interim private security team hired by the management to make this airport a safer place", he said responding to her. "That's all very informative but really, all I care about is my bag", Lucy said as Mary picked her bags up and headed over to Lucy.
The man continued, "Any bag left unattended in the terminal is confiscated an destroyed, it's a matter of national security", He finished. Lucy stumbled over a her words a bit, I.. doubt my make-up is a matter of national security so can I have my bag back please?". The man said one simple word, "No". Lucy was now getting more annoyed, "Yes". He answered, "No", again. Lucy stepped closer to him, "Give me back my bag", She said a little forcefully. The man just looked at her, "Ma'am please step back". He asked and she stood back a little, closer to Mary who was watching on in horror as Lucy spoke again, "You're not gonna give me my back back, are you?". He simply stated, "No I am not". Lucy threw her hands up, looking more annoyed, "Doomed, doomed, doomed", she said as she turned back towards Mary, "This whole trip is doomed", She said as her voice got louder, "Excuse me, Ma'am but what exactly is doomed?", He asked. Lucy spoke a bit more angrily "The flight I was on, this airport, this baggage carousel, me, her, you", She said louder and as he motioned for two other security guards to come over.
As the two other man walked over, Mary noticed them and tugged Lucy's arm, "Come on Lucy, let's go", She said as the men came over. The security guard she had been arguing with said, "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to step aside and take your shoes off, we need to wand you". Lucy looked a little in dignified, "Well I might step aside, but I'm not taking anything off". He asked her, "Are you refusing to be searched?". "Yes I am.. As an American law-abiding citizen, I'm refusing to be searched", She said speaking a little sarcastically. "Make a note that the suspect refused to be searched", He said speaking to one of the other men. Lucy looked at the men and then rolled her eyes as Mary whispered, "Lucy!". Lucy turned to look at her, "What!". She said feeling like she was right. She looked at the man again and said, "Ohh right... You know, I'm a terrorist, me.. Lucy Camden, leader of the al-Qaeda network, Glenoak division". As she was saying all this, Mary was uncomfortably scratching her neck, wishing the earth would swallow her whole.
"Okay, that's it, You're gonna have to come with us to the security office", He said as he pointed in the direction of the office. 'I didn't do anything". She said looking confused. "You threatened your flight, this airport, this baggage area, You refused to submit to a routine search and you said you were a terrorist.. Oh and you were rude to me". He said and then looked at Mary, "Are you with this woman?". Mary grimaced and shook her head a little, Lucy turning around, "If you say no, I'll kill you". She said feeling even more annoyed and frustrated now. "Ma'am", the man said as Lucy turned back around, "I really think things will go better for you if you would stop making threats". Before Lucy could say another word, Mary placed her hand on her shoulder and said a little forcefully, "Lucy.. shut up". The man then held out his hand for them to follow him, Mary picking her bags up as they were escorted to the security office.
-End flash back-
They were all in fits of laughter as Mary helped re-tell the story of how Lucy was asked to be searched and refused, Savannah looking at her mother, "Mommy.. I am only seven years old and I know not behave like that", She said putting her hands on her hips. They all laughed and Lucy said, "Yes, well your Daddy and I taught you well". She said as she pulled her daughter in for a hug. "So When do you meet Daddy?", She asked her eyes widening happily. Mary smiled, "Yes baby girl.. It is coming up very soon", She said as she leant around and tickled the young girl making her giggle. "Okay then.. more please". They nodded and Mary looked at her watch, "Still two hours to go.. That should be enough time", She said smiled softly as she continued on with the story.
-flash back-
Mary and Lucy sat on two chairs near airport security, with their arms folded, Mary sighing as she shook her head, "This is taking forever", Lucy looking at her, "It's not my fault". Mary looked at her, "Yes it is.. You shouldn't have antagonized the security people, and you shouldn't have said you were a terrorist". Lucy spat back defensively, "I was joking, Can't anyone take a joke?" Mary sighed, shaking her head, "You can't say jokes like that in an airport, they don't hear jokes, they hear threats". Lucy looked back at her sister, "So when did you become so knowledgeable about airport security?". Mary just shrugged her shoulders and Lucy continued, "You know whose fault this really is don't you?". Mary looked at her with her hands folded across her chest, "It's the idiot police officer who decided that my bag was a threat to national security.. Now I'd like to meet the pea-brain moron with a badge who decided my hair-dryer and make-up were a threat to anyone". She continued on with her rant, her own hands folded across her chest.
Just then a man's voice called out, "Ah.. that would be me" . Lucy looked surprised as did Mary and the both uncrossed their arms and looked around at the man who had spoken and was now walking towards them. Lucy sat up a little straighter with a small smile and her eyes wide as he stopped right near the girls. "Hi, I'm Officer Kinkirk.. or as my friends call me.. the pea-brained moron with a badge". Lucy kept looking at him, "You can call me Kevin if you'd like". Lucy just sat their smiling and Mary spoke up, "Look officer... Kevin.. Are we allowed to leave? My sister wasn't threatening anyone, She was just upset". She said softly to him. He looked at Mary, "You're free to go, You both passed the security check.. Sorry for the inconvenince, but these days, we have to take every threat seriously, even threats from beautiful girls". Lucy smiled wider and giggled softly to herself thinking how handsome he looked, especially in his uniform. She knew right then she had met someone really special.
Kevin continued, speaking softly as he looked at Lucy, thinking just how beautiful she was, "Actually.. I came up here to apologize in person about your bag, but in my own defence it was unattended for a while and I do have my orders". Mary nodded and spoke, "Yeah sure, no problem". He went on, "I have you're bag outside, I got to it before it was destroyed.. I was really lucky". Lucy had finally found her voice, "Yeah, lucky". Kevin grinned as he repeated, "Really lucky". They both just stared into each other's for a moment, not wanting or willing to look away before Mary spoke up, "Thank you very much, We should be going", She moved to grab her bags and stood up, "Maybe I can take you two out for dinner tonight, sort of an apology dinner, I can bring my brother along to you know, to even things out". He said hopfully, his eyes locked on Lucy still. Lucy smiled wider as he kept speaking, "I'd really like to make this up to you in some way. I know we just met but you can't get any safer then a police officer". He added hopeful that would be a bonus.
Mary smiled and politely declined, "Thanks, but no thanks... We have plans". Lucy took her eyes off Kevin and looked at her sister and then back to Kevin, "Excuse me", She said as she stood up and pulled Mary over to the side with her. "We have plans?", She asked when they were alone. Mary just looked at him, "Did you see him?.. He's gorgeous.. Like Brad Pitt gorgeous and for your information, when Brad Pitt asks you out, You never", She said emphasising the never, "Have plans.. You are always free for Brad Pitt.. We're free.. Get it?". Mary just kept staring at her, "Free as birds because that is the best-looking man who has flirted with me in over a year". She stopped for a moment, "No.. that is the best-looking man who has ever flirted with me. So we are going to accept his gracious invitation". Mary looked at her and said, "No.. I wanna see Ben". Lucy shook her head, "You don't even know where Ben is and I can't go alone, You have to come with me". Mary spoke a little forcefully, "No". Lucy got an idea, "I don't wanna do this, but you forced my hand, If you don't come with me tonight, I'm going to call Mom and Dad and tell them all about your plan". Mary shrugged, "You don't know anything". Lucy smirked, "I know you have a plan and they know that's not good.. It's never", Once again emphasising the never, "good". "I can't believe you'd call them", Mary said and Lucy grabbed Mary's chin by her hand and turned her face towards Kevin, they both looked and Kevin smiled. Okay, I get it.. He's gorgeous".
Lucy let go of her face and Mary spoke again, "But if we have time after dinner, you're coming to Ben's apartment with me". Lucy nodded in agreement, "Fine", She said as she pulled Mary's arm and headed back over to where Kevin was standing smiling wide. "Where shall we meet you?", She asked as he grinned back wide. He told her the time and location and they said their goodbyes, both Lucy and Kevin excited to see each other again. Lucy could sense he was different from anyone she had ever been with and she felt ready to move on from Jeremy, her former fiancé. Even though he had heard her call him a name, he joked with her and didn't take offence and still wanted to see her. Kevin was feeling a little excited and nervous at the same time. As soon as he heard her talking and saw he, he knew she was someone he wanted to get to know more and spend time with. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he felt his heart race when he thought of her. He had managed to convince his brother Ben to go out with him, either man unaware that Ben had already met the two girls and that one of the girls was the Mary Camden he was always talking about. Dinner was about to get stressful and none of the four were aware of how the night was going to pan out.
-end flashback-
Once again little Savannah Kinkirk was in fits of laughter, She couldn't believe what her Mommy had called her Daddy, "You really called Daddy that?", She said in between laughing. Mary smiled and nodded, "She really said that", She said as she reached over and pressed her fingers on her nose playfully, Ben was shocked that Mary had indeed planned to see him. "You really did have plans to see me?". He said looking a more then a little shocked. Mary turned to him nodding, "You know that.. I told you I had a choose for a few cities and I picked Buffalo hoping you would pick me too". She took his hand and smiled, lifting it to her mouth and kissing it. "I really regretted how we left things that night in Glenoak and I really wanted to start over with you". He smiled and leant forward, kissing her softly. "I love you Mary Annabelle Kinkirk", he whispered as he placed his hand on her stomach. "I love you too Benjamin Raymond Kinkirk". Lucy, Kevin and Savannah smiled before Savannah said, "I love you all too". They all smiled and gave her a big hug, before Lucy and Kevin spoke
"So.. Still think I am the best-looking man ever?", He said chuckling as he wrapped his arm around her neck, pulling her in close to lean against him. "Of course Kev", She said smiling, "Do you think I am beautiful still?". He looked at her and smiled, "I always have and always will Mrs Kinkirk" and he leant in for a kiss. Just then, they announced they were arriving in Buffalo and for them to put their seats in their upright positons and seatbelts on. Savannah scurried into her seat between her parents and Kevin did her belt up, Mary sighing softly as she tried to get her's on. "Let me help babe", Ben said as he adjusted the seatbelt and helped her buckle it up. "Thanks honey". She took his hand and smiled knowing soon they would be in Buffalo and would be with her in laws who she missed a lot.
-Meanwhile back in California-
It was nearing five in the afternoon and Eric was pacing. He didn't like that his almost five month pregnant daughter was flying almost five hours from California to New York, He didn't like it at all, but he didn't have any control over it. "Have you heard from the kids?", He called out from his study to Annie who was in the kitchen. Annie poked her head around the corner, "No, Not yet, but give them time to get off the plane and get their things and maybe even to get settled", She said chuckling at his impatience. "Well, let me know". He called out, "Will do". She replied as she went back to cooking dinner. As she cooked, David came down and he had a lot of bruises on his body. "David!", She exclaimed, "Where did you get all those bruises?". He looked at her and shrugged his shoulders, "I don't remember". She quickly reached for the phone and phoned Matt and Sarah who were settling well into their new home. "Camden Residence", Sarah said as she picked up the phone. "Hey Sarah, It's Annie.. I was wondering if I could ask you something?", She asked feeling a little worried.
"Sure.. ask away", Sarah said as she held the phone on her shoulder as she began to prepare dinner. "Well.. David has a lot of bruises again, I was wondering if you think we should take him to the hospital and get him checked". Sarah had become David's Paediatrician and knew all about his blood disorder and had taken it upon herself to make sure the family was all well informed of new treatments. As Annie and Sarah talked, David let out a little groan, rolling his eyes as Sam walked in. "Who's Mom talking to?", He asked curiously as he grabbed the juice from the fridge. "Sarah.. She wants to know if I have to go to the hospital again cause of these", David said as he showed his bruises to Sam. "If he is having more symptoms of bleeding like nose bleeds or his gums bleeding or feeling really lethargic, then I would take him now.. otherwise I would maybe just head down for a blood test in the morning", Sarah answered her as Matt walked into the room and kissed his wife and looked at her questioningly. She put her hand over the receiver and whispered, "It's your Mom, David has a lot of bruises again".
Annie asked David if he had any nose bleeds or anything else was wrong and he shook his head as he sat on bench stool. "No, he hasn't had any of those symptoms". She replied to Sarah. "Okay then, why don't we get blood taken tomorrow and I will get a rush order on the results and then we can talk about our options once we know the results", Sarah said looking at Matt to make sure he thought that was a good idea. He nodded his head and rubbed Sarah's arm, silently telling her that he trusted her with all of his family. "Okay, Thanks Sarah.. We'll see you tomorrow then". Sarah said goodbye and hung up sighing. She knew it was a possibility that David would relapse and his counts would go down again and didn't like discussing treatment to any family, but it was worse when it was her own family. As Annie hung up, Eric walked in, "Was that the girls?", He asked expectedly. "No.. it wasn't". Annie explained what was going on to Eric who nodded frowning. Now he had two of his children to be more worried about. "Try to stay calm Eric, there is no use stressing out". She said softly.
Up in the garage apartment, Ruthie was reading a letter from Martin, He was still away and she was missing him so much. She smiled though as he told her some silly stories and felt tears in her eyes as he wrote how much he missed her and loved her. Just as she got to a point where he said he was trying to organise a surprise for her, her cell phone rang. She picked it up, wondering who it could be when all of a sudden she heard a familiar voice on the other end, "I told you I was working on a surprise baby", He said through the phone line. She sat up, her lips turning up into a big grin as the tears threatened to fall, "Martin", She whispered happily.. "Wow, this is an amazing surprise". He had managed to get a phone call to her, The Marines could only make very limited phone calls back to their families, so most of their correspondence was through letters and she had missed his voice. "I can't believe you called baby". She said still a little shocked at it all. He chuckled and smiled, "I just missed you so much and guess what.. I have a bigger surprise lined up for you".
She felt her heart race and her stomach got butterflies, "What is it baby?", She asked. "I'll be home for Christmas". He said, his own heart racing inside as he thought about being home with his family and loved ones for the holidays. She couldn't help but let out a little squeal of delight. "Oh Martin.. that is wonderful.. I'm so happy.. When exactly?", She said, just wanting it to be sooner rather then later. "Late November or early December", He said, loving her reaction but having to move the phone away for a moment as she squealed. 'I can't wait baby", She said as she turned her head to look at the photo of them together at their wedding. "Neither can I.. I love you so much Ruthie", he whispered softly. "I love you too Martin". She wanted to tell him so much more, but as she went to open her mouth again, he spoke,"I'm sorry baby.. they want me to get off now, that's all the time I have". She nodded sadly, not wanting him to feel worse at having to end the phone call. "Okay baby, I miss you and love you so much". She said as she began to choke up. "I love you too honey".
He hung the phone up with a sad sigh, his heart breaking knowing she was going to be crying, and wanting nothing more then to be home with her in his arms, but knowing he was doing this for them and his and her family. As Ruthie heard the call end, she started to cry, the tears which were threatening to fall finally letting go and flowing down her cheeks. She was so excited to have in home in a matter of months but it was still so hard every-time she had to let him go knowing it could be the last time she would get to speak to him. She laid down and let herself cry for a little longer, unaware of what was going on in the main house or that her ex T-Bone had come back into town and was now listening to her crying at the bottom of the stairwell to the garage apartment. T-Bone still loved Ruthie and he was totally different from the geek he once was, sure he had made a mistake.. a few actually.. but who was counting and he knew that right now.. when she was lonely and vulnerable was the best time to try to convince her to give him another chance. As he backed out of the garage and walked out of the backyard, he made himself a promise.. Married or not.. he would have her back one way or another.
-Back in Buffalo-
Their plane touched down and they were now able to get off, Kevin picked Savannah up and carried her so she wouldn't get lost and held his wife's hand tight while Ben did the same with Mary. Once they got out into the airport itself, Savannah squealed happily as she saw her great grandparents, the Colonel and Grandma Ruth. "Look Mommy.. Look Daddy", She said as she pointed to them. All four of them looked to where she was pointing, surprised but happy that their grandparents were there to meet them. The Colonel and Ruth walked over to them and "Well Well.. Look who we have here", The Colonel said with a smile on his face. "Hi Colonel, Grandma Ruth", Mary said smiling wider as she leant into hug them both. Lucy followed and Ben and Kevin shook their hands. "We weren't expecting you", Lucy said as they all headed over to the baggage carousel, the woman who knew Mary and served Lucy on earlier Buffalo trip decided not to disturb them all and walked away seeing them chatting to an older couple.
"I know, You're father told us you would be here so we decided to meet you and take you back to the house and maybe tomorrow you can go visit your family", He said looking at Ben and Kevin. "Yes Sir, that is fine with us". They both said as Kevin pulled out his phone to call his mother to let her know they would be there tomorrow sometime. Once they got their bags, they all headed out, The Colonel's private car which would fit them all was out the front and they all piled inside. "So Savannah, I hear you are going back to school soon". She nodded a little shyly and smiled, "Yes Colonel, I start on the fourth", She said as she buckled her seatbelt up. She had remembered to call him Colonel like her mother and aunt told her to and she was quite proud of herself. "So Mary, Congratulations on the baby news", Ruth said as she reached out and took one of Mary's hands and one of Ben's hands in hers, squeezing softly. "Thanks Grandma Ruth, We are very excited". She said smiling. "I bet that father of your's didn't want you to fly out here either", The colonel added with a grin. Mary nodded, "No, he wasn't all that impressed.. Speaking of I should call them".
She took out her cell and pressed the number for home and put the cell to her ear, letting it dial and smiling as her father answered, "Hey Dad.. It's just me.. We are here in Buffalo and got a wonderful surprise at the airport" She said happily. "Let me guess. The Colonel and Mom", He said as he helped Annie with the rest of dinner. "Yeah, Thanks Dad.. It is great.. We are staying at their house tonight". Mary was always grateful that her grandparents took her in when she needed help and had forged a close bond with them both. She had a nice chat with her father and then hung up, smiling as she rested back against the seat of the car closing her eyes a little. It had been a long flight and she was a little sleepily and before she knew it, she had fallen sound asleep in the car, only waking up when Ben shook her lightly to say that they had finally arrived at her grandparents place. She sighed happily as she sat up and looked around, glad to be back in the place where she finally got her fresh start.
I am so sorry this one took so long to update. I had a bit of a writer's block this chapter and then just had so many things happening. I added The Colonel and Ruth in as I thought it wasn't a story if they were in Buffalo and didn't see their grandparents. I was going to originally make Patty-Mary and her girfriend pick them up but then I decided to add the Colonel and Ruth. The next chapter will be about spending the night there and then Margaret, Frank, Patty-Mary and Samantha getting ready for their visit. I hope you like that I tried to include a lot of the family again, It is a main story between Mary and Ben, but I do like the added little story-lines going on with other members of the family. Makes it feel more like the show I think so I hope you are all happy with Martin coming home and the little added tension with T-Bone that will be upcoming. I have decided to make him not as meek and geeky as in the show. Thanks Wisegirl10123, I hope you enjoy this chapter. :)