I never really had him
Part 2
The debriefings were over. Everyone was getting back pay. The Maqui had been pardoned. Starfleet was offering everyone a job who requested one. And everyone was allowed to go home. Finally. After 7 years Kathryn was finally going to be able to go home.
Kathryn stood in front of her home. Her eyes were wide, tears were streaming down her face, and she could smell chocolate brownies cooking. She inhaled the scent, put her shoulders back and began walking towards the door. She got to the stairs just before her sister Pheobe jetted out the front door toppling her over.
They both laughed and hugged on the ground. Tears streaming from both of their faces. They were interrupted by a "ahem" by Gretchen Janeway. Kathryn leapt to her feet and embraced her mom in a few short seconds. Gretchen's arms covered Kathryn completely.
After a few minutes Gretchen unclasped her arms from Kathryn and took a good look at her daughter. "Kathryn, your skin and bones, but don't worry I made some of your favorite brownies."
"Thanks mom, you have no idea how good it feels to finally be home."
"I can only imagine dear."
Kathryn began stuffing her face with the brownies. Even Pheobe was impressed at how many she could stuff in her mouth at one time. Gretchen laughed as the two siblings fought for control of the brownie plate. When the plate was finally picked clean, Kathryn gave her mother a hug.
What was that for Kathryn?"
"I missed you."
"I missed you too dear, and so did your sister." Pheobe nodded.
Gretchen took some dinner out of the oven as Pheobe took the plate to the sink.
Pheobe eyed her sister for a second. "Kathryn is something wrong?"
"No Phoebe I am just getting used to being home."
"Kathryn, I hope this isn't out of line, but I figured that you would be wearing a wedding ring by now."
Kathryn couldn't help but laugh. "Why on earth would you think that Pheobe?"
"Well, we got your letters from Voyager and we assumed from the way you talked about your first officer that he would be here with you, and you would be addressing him as your husband.
Kathryn pushed away some tears from coming into view.
"Pheobe Chakotay and I are merely co-workers.
"Nothing more and nothing less."