~24~

"Theresa?" Luis blinked in disbelief.

"I know it's late," Theresa spoke apologetically, looking uncertain. "But technically, it IS still Thanksgiving."

The uncharacteristic tentativeness did him in, finally spurring him into action as he moved to take his little sister into his arms. "Mama will be so happy you're here."

Luis's hug was tight and fierce, making Theresa squeak as she asked, "Mama? What about my big brother?"

Luis held her at arms' length, meeting her eyes as he solemnly told her, "You know I'm always happy to see you." He pulled her back into his arms for another quick hug, kissing the top of her glossy dark head. "You're my little sister."

Theresa giggled girlishly. "That wasn't always the case. Right, Paloma?"

"Si," Paloma smiled back. "Always, Luis?" she teased, walking into her sister's open arms. "I can't believe you're here. Don't tell me. Your Prince Charming finally made it to the castle and slayed the Dragon."

"Not quite," Theresa's dark eyes danced as she watched Luis roll his eyes. "Not unless Julian Crane fits your description."

"Julian?" Luis remarked with interest. "I have to hear this."

"There's nothing to hear really," Theresa shrugged, her eyes still sparkling. "Except that I needed Alistair gone, and Julian arranged for it to happen."

Luis's brows climbed to his hairline.

"Don't worry, Luis. It was all perfectly legal, no criminal investigations need to be launched," Theresa smiled. "Thanks to a little 'emergency' engineered by Julian and Fox at one of Crane's overseas offices, my husband will be very busy for at least the next few days, and I decided it was the perfect time to pay my family a visit. Sorry we're so late."

"Wait a minute," Paloma dark eyes peered over Theresa's shoulder. "The kids are with you?"

"Outside in the car," Theresa nodded. "Jane fell asleep on the way over here, and I told Little Ethan to wait a few minutes. Just in case."

"Just in case?" Luis questioned her when Paloma had gone, not even bothering to throw a coat on over her pajamas. "Theresa, you're always welcome here, you know that. We love you."

Theresa squeezed the hand that Luis offered her, tears brimming in her eyes. "I know. I do. It's just…I know how you feel about Alistair and Ethan and the rest of the Cranes, and I know you think I should divorce him and try my luck winning custody of Little Ethan and Jane in court, but I can't do it, Luis. I can't leave my children in that house. I've seen what it can do. I won't," she vowed, one crystal tear slipping down her cheek as Luis gave her hand a gentle tug, wrapping his arms protectively around her again.

"Shh," Luis soothed, stroking her hair, the gesture comforting. "It's okay. We'll find a way. Soon," he promised, kissing her forehead as he gently brushed away the evidence of her tears. "You'll all be home," he pledged, smiling as Little Ethan burst through the front door, Paloma trailing behind him holding a sleepy, tousled haired Jane, at the same moment their parents emerged from deep within the house, and an exultant 'Dios Mio!' escaped from his mother's lips.

Home where they belonged.

Aww...she made it!

Told you Julian had a heart. And Fox?

Good to see them working together on something positive for a change, huh?

Now...if only Luis would follow his little sister's advice and get his fine ass over to that B & B and play the part of Sher's knight in shining armor. She's in desperate need of it, don't you think, Shaun?

Posting this now in case things follow the usual order when it snows down here in the South, and everything basically grinds to a halt (you know it's true). I just hope I have electricity in the morning, and I don't have to drain my laptop dry (I've almost hit my net allowance on it anyway). Reverting back to the old dial-up sucks, but it's better than nothing. Trust me.

Feedback is loved and adored.

Thanks so much for reading!