Chapter 4: Wouldn't have missed it for the world

Early August 2002

In Cold Lake and with time to kill before his commercial flight home the next day ... officially off duty there was no reason Lorne couldn't make a couple of calls, see what he could organise. He had Elaine's approval – hell, she'd practically ordered him to find something to do, pointing out she'd be in bed before 9pm and he'd be bored by himself. It was still early - hardly lunch time and while Elaine puttered around doing whatever it was pregnant women did when they were puttering around, Evan sat in her living room and picked up the phone.

"Cade," he called the younger man first because Cade was the closest in location. If he couldn't swing a night out there was little hope anyone else would be able to.

"Evan, hey," Cade replied. "I was wondering when you were going to call – heard you were in town."

"Official business, now done," Evan explained. "You free for a few hours this evening, after 2100 hours? I thought it'd be good to get the boys together."

"I'm in," Cade agreed immediately. "Neil's a few hours away even by air but I'll give him a call anyway. Paul might be able to get a flight up from Winnipeg. Marcus maybe too, I can't remember what his flight schedule was like. I'll call him first – it'll take him a few hours to drive up from Edmonton if he is in town right now."

Even though all the Cougar's from Evan's class were located in Canada – Drew obviously being absent for the moment - in distance they were a long way away which made getting together in the one place difficult. Paul Merlin had stuck to search and rescue and was part of a team out of the 17 Wing – the 425 transport and rescue squadron – from Winnipeg CFB on the west coast. Neil was still out at Bagotville - east coast this time - with the 425 tactical fighter squadron. So far Evan hadn't heard anything about their smaller fighter pilot resources being engaged outside of Canada. Marcus worked for Air Canada, a Captain doing international and domestic flights around the country. He was based out of Edmonton though which made him the closest to Cold Lake, aside from Cade who'd remained there attached to the 410.

"Great," Evan grinned. "I'll just put my feet up here then - wait for you to get back to me."

"You do that buddy," Cade shot back. "Sounds like you've gotten too used to living the easy life."

Chuckling at the familiar dose of ribbing, Evan ended the call and did exactly what he'd said. He'd gotten up very early to make it to the airport for his flight, and with the time difference already felt like he'd done a full day. Yawning, he put his feet up on the table and just let himself drift.

"Are you awake?"

Evan cracked open an eye to see his sister standing in front of where he was sprawled on her couch. "Am now," he muttered. If the clock was to be believed he'd been asleep for a few hours and it was now late afternoon.

"Then you can come and see something," Elaine grabbed his hand and pulled insistently.

With a groan he let himself be prodded into full wakefulness and followed his sister down the hallway.

"Ah - I've already seen the spare room," he told her carefully.

"I know," Elaine pushed open the door of the small room, full of still unpacked boxes, furniture that didn't fit elsewhere and a collection of art stuff she had no where else to store. "What do you think?"

"Of what?" Evan frowned, looking down at his sister.

"The nursery silly," Elaine insisted, wrapping her hand around his elbow and bouncing a little.

"It's a little cluttered - I don't think he'll fit," Evan said seriously.

"Funny," Elaine smacked his arm, getting a chuckle in return. "And it could be a girl!"

"Could be ... but isn't," Evan insisted teasingly. Looking around, he nodded, imagining what it could be. "It's nice," he decided. "Good light," he nodded to the window, "cosy but not too small. With a little paint, some baby stuff - it'll be perfect."

"I think so too," Elaine smiled wistfully. "We'll do it up ... when Drew's home."

"Sounds like a plan," Evan said simply. He put an arm around her and hugged her close. "How about I take you out for dinner?" he offered after a few moments of silence.

"Really?" Elaine asked, surprised.

"Sure," Evan moved her out of the room towards the living area. "It's still early - I'll have you home long before bedtime."

"Okay," Elaine said softly. It was times like these she loved her brother so much it overwhelmed her. How did he always know just the right approach to take with her? She'd been all set to mope at home, to catalogue in her mind all the things Drew would miss in the month until he came home. Not that she wouldn't do that anyway, once Evan had gone back to the States ... but not tonight, and the reprieve lifted something inside her.

"Let's go then," Evan didn't let her stop to fuss with herself, quickly steering them both out the door.

While he'd been out with his sister Cade had called with a favourable report on the availability of the others. And so it was at just after 2100 hours that Evan walked into the local bar.

"There he is," Paul Merlin stood and held out a hand, shaking Evan's firmly. "Good to see you buddy."

"You too," Evan slapped a hand to the other man's shoulder before moving on. "Neil - you made it!"

"Yeah," Neil grinned happily, not even thinking to mention the flight he'd had to cage to get there, or the one he'd have to get up super early for the next day to make it back to duty on time. "Wouldn't have missed this for anything."

"Marcus," Evan turned to the only civilian in their group. The two exchanged handshakes and it was just Cade left for him to greet. "Bashful!" Lorne smirked as he said it loudly.

The others laughed as Cade mock punched Evan before shaking his head. "I know you got some fancy call sign from your Yank mates but you'll always be 'Love' to us, right boys?"

"I'm not listening," Evan put his hands over his ears as the others loudly agreed, laughing.

Settling down they all took seats around a large table, first round of drinks in hand. Lorne just sat for a moment looking at his friends. "Man, it's great to see all of you," he said sincerely.

"You too," Marcus returned. "The way Drew told it you were lucky to come back from Afghanistan at all."

"He's a drama queen," Evan insisted. "It wasn't that bad."

"Hey, what is it, two months of medical leave? That sounds pretty bad to me," Paul pointed out.

"Okay, sure, maybe I wasn't at my best, but I'm back to full fitness now," Evan offered lightly. "So, all's well that ends well, right?"

"Well, let me speak for all of us and say we're glad of it," Marcus said simply, raising his glass. "To pilots staying in their cockpits!"

Everyone laughed and then raised their glasses too.

"Hey, there's something else we have to toast too," Neil kept his beer high. "To your promotion Evan - congratulations."

"Major Love Lorne!" the rest replied while Evan cringed.

"I appreciate the attention guys," he shifted uncomfortably after the toast, belying that statement, "but it'd be much nicer if I could hear about what you've all been doing since I spoke to you last."

"Paul's got his own SARs squad now," Cade offered, smiling.

"Nice," Evan nodded approvingly. "I won't say about time even though we all know that's true."

"Thanks buddy," Paul accepted the others using that as an excuse for another toast with amusement. "We all know about Drew and Elaine expecting a baby but from what I hear, someone else at this table is newly on the expectant father list too."

Neil's face breaking out into what could only be described as a gleeful grin announced pretty clearly who that someone was. "We just found out last week," he offered, still grinning. "Sarah told Kate?" he asked Paul, speaking of their respective wives, and getting a nod of agreement. The two had gotten close over the years to the point that sometimes they shared the gossip before the boys even knew about it.

"To another Somerton!" Everyone took another long drink.

"Thanks," Neil was still smiling pretty big.

"And what about you?" Evan turned back to Cade. "You got any big news to share?"

"What, you mean apart from him being engaged?" Neil said, grinning as Evan shot him a stunned look. "Yeah, you're the last of the bachelors now buddy," he confirmed. "Kind of unexpected given you were the one with the 'Love' call sign."

"Yeah," Evan shrugged absently, turning to Cade. "Congratulations," he said sincerely, raising his bottle. "To the future Mrs Bashful Boston!"

They all completed the toast ... and their first round. "I'll get the second," Evan said, getting up and making his way to the bar.

He'd ordered and was waiting for the five beers when Marcus got up to join him. "You okay?" he asked simply.

"Sure, why wouldn't I be?" Evan frowned, confused.

"Because you liked the fact that Cade was keeping you company in your determined singlehood and now he's not," Marcus returned.

"I'm happy he's found someone," Evan insisted.

"Didn't say you weren't," Marcus agreed.

"And it's not putting pressure on me," Evan continued impatiently. "Nothing says I can't be single while the rest of you do your married with kids thing."

"Agreed ... but isn't it interesting you're thinking like that?" Marcus queried sagely.

"Look, it's not like I have any prospects right now, nor do I want any," Lorne said a little defensively, taking the beers the bartender gave him and leading the way back to their table. "I can't even tell you what I'll be doing next week – not exactly ideal for anything long term."

"You mean you still don't have a real job?" Neil joined in the conversation as Evan and Marcus sat down.

"Not yet," Evan took the subject change gratefully. "I'll probably hear something when I get back - now I've been medically cleared for full duty."

"You think they'll send you back ... to Afghanistan?" Paul asked.

"They might," Evan shrugged. "I can't say for sure ... and I don't know what affect the promotion will have on that. When I left my CO made it pretty clear I had a spot over there if I wanted it."

"And you want it," Marcus concluded.

"Yeah," Evan admitted. "I can make a difference over there, you know?"

"Janet wanted me to ask how Elaine's handling the extended absence," Marcus shifted topic slightly. Of the group he and his wife had probably spent the most time socially with Drew and Elaine, Elaine forming a friendship with Janet Price that mirrored the friendship between the men.

"She tells me she'd fine," Evan said, "but what else is she gonna say? I've managed to be there for a couple of her doctor's appointments – only quick fly in and fly outs – but that doesn't do much to fill the gap. It's tough but Elaine's doing okay. Wouldn't hurt for Janet to give her a call though."

"I'll pass that on," Marcus agreed.

"Thanks," Lorne acknowledged gratefully.

"So, how bad was it over there?" Paul asked seriously, bringing the conversation back to Afghanistan.

"It had its good points and its bad points," Evan admitted. He went on to tell them the full story of his run in with al-Qaida on the ground. "It doesn't make much of a dent, stopping that production. They've probably already got something else up and running."

"But if they're smart it won't be WP," Cade pointed out.

"Yeah, if they're smart," Evan agreed. He hoped it was true - that his involvement had resulted in a real improvement.

Conversation moved on after that, back to all the reasons they had to be grateful for the lives they were leading ... fiancés and wives, children growing up and on the way, and friends who mattered.

"We'll have to do this again when Drew gets back," Evan murmured, getting a here, here and raised bottles from everyone in response.

"To Drew," Cade proposed.

"To Drew."

Life it seemed had a way of delivering the highs to go along with the lows. Lorne was home the following weekend, still none the wiser about his next posting and wishing he could find out so he could move out of his Mom's house. Not that he minded living there with her – and he certainly couldn't justify getting a different place or staying on base over the weekend when she was so close to Travis. It probably had nothing to do with where he was living; he just wanted to be settled and was tired of doing what now felt like an easy job.

He'd taken to fixing a few things for his Mom – making up for all the times when he wasn't around – and was up on a ladder cleaning out gutters on Saturday morning when he heard his name called.

"Hey, Major!"

Swivelling and looking towards the ground Evan grinned. He was down the ladder and approaching their visitor within seconds. "Piper!" He hugged her quickly and then stepped back to get a good look at her. She was dressed in civvies and looked well, if a little tired. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

"Wanted to surprise you," Piper grinned, well pleased with herself. "Got the news our tour was over only a week ago. I'm not due back at Mountain Home for a week so I thought I'd stop by here on my way home."

"Well it's great to see you," Evan said seriously. "Did you see Drew before you left?"

"Yeah," Piper put a hand on Evan's forearm. "He really is doing okay Evan," she said earnestly. "Missing home and Elaine of course but he's not lying when he tells you he's handling it."

"Thanks," Evan nodded, putting a hand on her elbow and turning her towards the house. "Come in and meet my Mom."

Inside, his vision darkened from being out in the bright sunshine, Evan walked through to the living room where his Mom was busy grading some papers from school.

"Mom," he drew her attention, smiling when her expression got very interested once she realised he'd brought a girl into the house. "This is Piper – Captain Piper Jones. Piper, this is my Mom, Grace Lorne."

"Mrs Lorne," Piper moved forward and shook his Mom's hand.

"Grace, please," she replied with welcome. "You're in the air force too?" she asked curiously. She didn't often get the chance to meet her son's friends ... and certainly not in recent times.

"Hell no!" Piper grinned across at Evan. "U.S. Marine Corps and proud of it Ma'am."

"Huh – you wouldn't be saying that if they took away your jets," Evan pointed out. "Then you'd be lining up to join."

"You were over in Afghanistan with my son?" Grace couldn't conceive of what it took for a woman to undertake the role she knew Piper had – and her respect for Evan's friend grew even more having met her in person. It was hard not to imagine a romantic connection between the two – be it hope that he'd have the sense to pick someone like Piper or the strong bond she could see existing between the two - and she watched each of them carefully for clues to support that hope.

"That's right," Piper agreed casually.

"Piper took over the three eight nine when I got shipped back Mom," Evan explained. "Did a great job on all accounts. You on a rotation plan to go back in a few months?" he asked Piper.

"I don't know yet," Piper said evasively. "Actually, that's part of why I'm here. I was hoping that you might be able to spare a couple of days, come back to Idaho with me."

"Everything okay?" Evan frowned, concerned.

"Better than ... I hope," Piper returned, still evasive.

"I was just about to make coffee," Grace could see the other woman wanted to talk to her son and wanted to give them some space. "Can I get you something Piper?"

"That would be lovely Ma'am, thank you," Piper smiled.

"All right," Grace put a hand on Evan's shoulder as she passed.

"So tell me," Evan invited once they were alone.

"This is going to sound crazy but I'm getting married tomorrow ... I hope ... and I want you to stand up with me," Piper looked at him hopefully. "Will you?"

"You hope?" Evan's gaze narrowed as he considered his friend. "What does that mean?"

"Rob doesn't know yet," Piper admitted in a rush. "You know what it's like Evan – over there you get plenty of time to think about your priorities and recently I've been thinking about mine and I realised something. It's past time for me to create something more permanent here – I've been putting it off for my career for too many years and Rob has just let me. Now it feels like that was a mistake and I ... I don't want to waste any more time."

"Does he know you're coming home?" Evan asked.

"I thought the surprise might help," Piper said defensively.

"What, he's so happy to see you, you can slip in a marriage ceremony and he won't notice?" Evan asked incredulously.

"Okay, when you put it like that it sounds silly," Piper laughed. "Look, it's not like Rob doesn't want to marry me – he asked me after all. But he'd usually argue for the full deal, doesn't want me to miss out on anything, and I don't want that. If I don't give him time to think about it he's more likely to react with what he wants ... I need that."

"Understandable," Evan nodded.

"So, can you get away for the weekend?" Piper asked hopefully.

"For you, of course," Evan grinned. "Your timing is great from my perspective. I just passed my fitness test but they haven't reassigned me yet and I'm not back on duty until Monday afternoon."

"Thank you!" Piper jumped up and hugged him.

"All right, all right," Evan laughed, pretending to suffer through her affections until he looked up to see his Mom standing in the doorway, two mugs in hand. "Hey Mom – Piper's getting married tomorrow."

"That's wonderful," Grace buried her little flash of disappointment as she put the mugs down. "Congratulations dear."

"Thank you Ma'am," Piper smiled happily. "I booked tickets Evan – just in case - so we need to get to the airport before lunch time."

"Okay, I'll just go pack a bag," Evan said, getting up. "Talk to my Mom – be back in a sec."

Piper watched him disappear down the hall and then turned to Grace. "I hope you don't mind me stealing him away for a couple of days."

"I'm used to Evan coming and going all the time," Grace said good naturedly. "It's been a while since he lived here and I haven't gotten used to that."

"He looks well," Piper commented, remembering how he'd looked the last time she'd seen him – in a hospital bed in the Kandahar infirmary. "He's really fully recovered?"

"From the little he tells me, yes," Grace smiled. "If you know my son at all you'll know he's not renowned for talking about himself."

"No," Piper laughed. "It took him about two months to tell me he and Drew were related."

"That sounds like Evan," Grace shook her head. "The stories I could tell you about him as a boy."

"I'd love to hear some of them."

"No you wouldn't," Evan returned in time to hear the tail end of his Mom's words, "and luckily we don't have time anyway." Going to her he bent low, hugged and then kissed her cheek. "I'll see you Sunday night Mom, okay. I've got the phone if you need to contact me."

"Have a safe trip," Grace stood when Piper did. "Congratulations again Piper," she added.

"Thank you Ma'am," Piper replied. "It was wonderful to meet you," leaning closer conspiratorially she continued. "Evan's always been so well grounded and sure of himself – and wise, you know? Now I can see why."

"Oh, what a nice thing to say!" Grace smiled fondly, liking this friend of her son's even more.

"Okay, enough with the parental charming," Evan took Piper's arm and moved her towards the door. "See you later Mom."

"Bye dear," Grace chuckled as she watched them leave.

Flying into the domestic airport at Boise, Idaho a few hours later, Lorne looked around with interest. "Man, it feels like years since I've been here," he commented as they moved towards the hire cars.

"I know," Piper smiled as she took in the familiar sights.

Evan took care of the paperwork and the driving ... Piper probably wouldn't admit it but her attention was clearly on other, less practical matters.

"He's gonna go for this," Evan said reassuringly, eyes on the road as they drove down the I-84. Piper and Rob - Robert O'Hara - had a house in the small town of Grand View, only a short distance from the Mountain Home base.

"How can you say that - you've never met him!" Piper pointed out.

"Maybe not," Evan agreed, "but if he had the good sense to hook up with you then he must be a smart guy."

"Thanks," Piper almost sighed at the compliment. They shared a proper military friendship mostly composed of carefully worded insults to each other's affiliated organisation and teasing on the surface but Evan always knew when to leave that behind and say something meaningful and sincere. "I can't believe how nervous I am about this," she admitted.

"That's because it's important to you," Evan returned. Taking her direction he pulled off the highway and headed towards the town. "No matter how confident you are, that alone's gonna have you feeling jumpy."

"I should have done this years ago," Piper shook her head. "You always think you'll have time enough to do everything you want but the time has a way of slipping past. I'm lucky Rob is so patient and supportive."

"I'm sure he's proud of what you do Piper," Evan grinned as they reached the main street. "This is nice," he said, taken by the historic feel of the small town.

"You'd go crazy living here for more than a few days," Piper retorted. "Grand View – population 400."

"Doesn't mean I can't appreciate it while I'm here," Evan said lightly. "Okay, so which way now?"

Piper gave him directions until they pulled up outside a small house, grass struggling to grow in the front yard, paint peeling off the exterior, sedate car parked in the driveway. "Rob's really busy with his practice," she excused, referring to her fiancé's law business. "With the travel time into Boise and all the case work he does at home, neither of us have time for home maintenance."

"It's nice," Evan repeated his earlier words, switching off the engine. "Show time," he added.

"Right," Piper felt the rush of excitement and almost bounced out of the car. Her nerves were swamped by the joy of being home and only seconds away from seeing the man she'd loved exclusively for years.

Leaving Evan behind she rushed up the walk and to the front door, knocking rapidly. It had barely opened before she was throwing herself at the man who'd opened it. "Rob!" Pressing kisses to every inch of his face, Piper half laughed, half cried at how quickly he moved from stunned surprise to active participation. Losing herself in the moment she completely forgot everything around her, including Evan who walked slowly up the drive after her.

Lorne watched the scene fondly, hoping one of them would notice him before it got embarrassing. Clearing his throat loudly he waited.

"Oh, God, sorry!" Piper broke away from her fiancé, grabbing his arm to keep him close as she turned to Lorne. "Rob – this is ...,"

"Evan," Rob finished, stepping forward and holding out a hand. "I recognise you from Piper's descriptions. It's nice to meet you."

Evan had to look up a long way to greet Piper's fiancé – he was tall, easily six three, and looked fit, despite his desk job. Dark haired and blue eyed, Rob had a look about him that said he didn't suffer fools lightly. Evan already knew various details about him because while they'd been in Kandahar together Piper had talked about Rob, particularly after getting a letter or an email from home. Piper had described him as purposeful and confident and then laughed as she'd added that it meant he was stubborn and opinionated and never, ever gave in when he knew he was right. Lorne had silently decided he sounded exactly like the kind of man Piper needed – otherwise she'd run rings around and over him.

"You too," Evan shook hands firmly. "I can go find something else to do – give you guys a chance to reacquaint." He realised suddenly that turning up with Piper like this wasn't the best idea – surely the guy would be wondering why Piper would bring a friend back with her for a personal reunion.

"No!" Piper protested.

"It's okay," Rob said at the same time, "although I am wondering why you're here, no offence."

"None taken," Lorne said blandly. "Piper," his brow rose as he silently urged her to step up to the plate.

"Right," Piper turned to Rob resolutely. "I didn't tell you I was coming back because I wanted to surprise you."

"Well I'm certainly that, so mission accomplished," Rob leaned down, kissing her quickly. "And?"

"And I brought Evan because he's going to be our best man," Piper said rapidly.

"Sorry?" Rob frowned, confused.

"We're engaged, right?" Piper waited for Rob to nod. "So at some point that has to translate into actually getting married. I don't want to wait anymore Rob."

"You want to get married ... now?" Robe asked incredulously.

"Tomorrow will be soon enough," Piper allowed. "I did some research before I left Kandahar – we can get a license in Boise in the morning and then have the registrar marry us on the same day. Evan can be our witness." She waited for a response and then continued. "So ... what do you think?"

"I think you're possibly the smartest woman on the planet," Rob picked her up and hugged her, pulling her close to kiss her some more. "God I missed you."

Evan grinned, happy for both of them. "I'll just ...," he trailed off, realising neither of them were listening. "... go sit in the car," he muttered under his breath.

His second stint as best man couldn't have been more different from his first. No long lead up involving too much fascination with clothes and accessories. No speech to give ... no crowd of people to contend with. Just the duty of witnessing the love between two people and the commitment it had led to. After the magic words "man and wife" had been uttered Lorne had broken into a pleased grin, moving forward to congratulate Piper and Rob.

"I know you'll be very happy together," he told Piper after hugging her and shaking Rob's hand.

"I certainly plan to!" Piper laughed, her happiness beaming out of her for all to see. "Thanks for doing this Evan."

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world," Evan returned.

"We appreciate it just the same," Rob insisted.

"Okay – time to celebrate!" Piper kept her arm linked with her new husband's even as she grabbed Evan's hand and urged everyone forward.

"Did you have a nice time dear?" Grace asked when Evan walked in the door late Sunday night.

"Yeah," Evan grinned, taking a seat on the couch across from her. "It was all of the good things about a wedding without all the crap – don't tell Elaine I said that."

"Of course not," Grace smiled. "I liked your friend."

"She's a keeper," Evan agreed.

"It's a pity you didn't meet her years ago," Grace commented casually. "Does she have a sister ... or a friend just like her?"

"Mom," Evan laughed. "Piper and I would have only ever been friends regardless of when I met her – we know far too much about each other to be anything else. And I'm gonna have to deduct points for that less than subtle approach."

"I just want to ...," Grace trailed off. "She's the kind of girl I've always pictured you with," she admitted instead. "Someone who can share in what you do but still be feminine enough that you feel needed."

"Really?" Evan's brow rose as he considered that. "Piper's great Mom but there was never a spark. I'm more than happy with the friendship."

"I know," Grace couldn't help but think Evan was so busy being 'the friend' that he'd end up missing out on being 'the man'. She sighed. "You can't blame a mother for hoping though, can you?"

"I guess not," Evan put his feet on the table and just as quickly removed them when she frowned at him. "Want to watch a movie?" he asked, changing the subject. Picking up the remote he began switching through the channels looking for something interesting.

Grace smiled, content to spend this time with her son. She'd felt time rushing up to meet them for weeks – what was left of it before he'd be shipping off somewhere new again. "It's good to have you home," she said softly.

"Good to be home," Evan said absently.

Authors Note:

Apologies for the delay in posting another chapter - originally chapter 4 was something else but I decided at the last minute to add this new chapter. Thanks to MackenziesMomma for the comments a while back - you said something about a Cougar reunion and also something about finding out what type of man Piper would have gone for - I had a small para for each of those in the story but decided to expand on them and that ended up being a whole chapter! Hope everyone is still enjoying this Lorne series ... because I've finished revisiting what I had written of Forlorn Hope and am now moving into writing new stuff! Not sure if I should update the posted part of Forlorn Hope now or wait until after I've posted the rest of the background ... but don't anyone read it yet okay?! I shouldn't have any further delays so it won't be long now!