Part 62
Maria's eyes were locked on her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she finished applying her lipstick. She put the cap back on the tube and rubbed her lips together before presenting them for inspection and nodding to herself in satisfaction. Yep, she decided, she still had it. She reached over to drop the tube in her bag and gave herself one more onceover to make sure she was ready just as the front door shut again.
Even though Michael had done the majority of the packing the night before he was busy going over everything to make sure nothing was missed. He had gotten up early; not waking her until he'd showered, dressed, and put the coffee on. She knew he didn't want to uproot her from this place and take her back out on the road, but it was the reality that they lived with. It was a weight he would carry until he found a way for them to have a life somewhere without being hunted. Stevens Sanctuary had provided them with a safe haven, but they had all known it was only temporary. The inevitable could only be put off for so long.
Her fingertips ghosted along the soft sleeve of the emerald green sweater she had decided on for the day. She shook her head and her freshly washed and styled hair settled, cascading over her shoulders. She smiled at the final result, pleased with the way her hair framed her face and highlighted her lips. While listening to her boyfriend moving around as he made the final preparations for their impending departure, she had made a decision.
She had soaked up the heat from the shower and vowed to make this as easy for him as possible. She would dress for him, smile for him, and when he took her hand to exit the cabin she was going to leave with him as if they were going on a date rather than heading out into the unknown. She was ready to go, ready to face anything just as long as she had Michael at her side.
She stepped out of the bathroom and did a quick sweep of the cabin, noting that the sheets had been stripped from the bed and the kitchen had been cleaned before her eyes landed on the Christmas tree. She was surprised to see that the lights had been plugged in and even more surprised to see Michael standing between the tree and the door. The worn coat Edward had given him that first day when he'd gone to wait for the tow truck driver was settled comfortably on his shoulders and his hands were shoved deeply in the pockets of his jeans.
She watched as he pursed his lips for a moment before exhaling quietly and locking his eyes on hers. He looked away as he pulled one of his hands free of his pocket, lifting it to brush his eyebrow with his thumb. He caught himself before he could complete the motion and his hand eased back into his pocket, the move carefully controlled. She couldn't stop the blush in response to his reaction to her appearance and she turned her own head to the side for a moment to collect herself.
Michael watched her gaze move around for a moment before finally coming to rest on the tree and like a moth to a flame, the twinkling lights drew her to stand at its side. She reached out to ever so gently brush her fingertips over the tips of one of the branches and he had a feeling that if it was possible she'd be packing it up and taking it with them.
"I don't remember turning the lights on," she murmured after a moment. She was memorizing the wonder before her; the feeling of the pliant needles, the fragrance of them, the oddly sweet scent that emanated from the trunk, and the beauty of something so simple as a tree whose branches had been lovingly intertwined with gently blinking lights and handmade ornaments.
He shrugged. "Probably 'cause you didn't." He didn't look at her when she turned her head in his direction, letting his gaze rest on the tree as she had done just a moment ago as he gestured at it awkwardly. "I figured you'd wanna pack the ornaments so they didn't get lost or broken."
Her eyes were drawn to his hand when he jerked it back to shove it through his hair before it returned to his pocket. She couldn't help wondering about it. She couldn't remember a time she'd ever seen him without any of his rings. He'd mentioned leaving it up at the house the night before but he hadn't seemed concerned about it in the least. They were probably his most prized possession and if they left the way he'd planned, he wouldn't have the opportunity to get them from the house.
"Here, I got the boxes they came in."
She accepted the first box and moved around the tree in search of the Santa ornament, carefully unhooking it and wrapping it in the tissue before easing it back into the box. She closed the lid and gave the box a shake, satisfied when it didn't move around too much. She held it out to him, trading one for the other and reaching for the next ornament only to pull her hand back when it wasn't where she had hung it.
"Well, where's…" she trailed off as she scanned the branches, smiling to herself when she finally located it. "There you are." She stretched up her tiptoes, using both hands to unhook it from the branch when it felt a little heavier than it had when she put it up. She carefully brought it down, blindly reaching for the tissue paper in the box Michael was still holding, and freezing when it reached eye level and the lights from the tree reflected off of the silver band dangling on the hook beside the snowflake.
Michael couldn't look away from her, mesmerized by the emotions racing across her animated features. He forced his body to remain motionless while he waited for her to speak, refusing to give in to the urge to fidget nervously.
"Michael…" His name was a whisper on her lips as she turned to face him fully, lifting her eyes to him and feeling her heart pound in response to the possessive look he wore.
"Wear my ring."
Only three words, yet she clearly heard the question, the demand, the declaration of love, the hope for a positive response, and the fear of rejection all rolled into them. Three little words and they carried so much weight. Three little words and they deserved a response just as powerful.
"Yes."
His arms opened to catch her when she threw herself at him, knowing without question that he would catch her. Her response was more than he had dared to hope for as her mouth crashed into his and he soaked up the love and acceptance emanating from her embrace.
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Max slouched down on the couch and propped his feet on the coffee table, his eyes resting on the sealed envelope he held. Their bags were packed and waiting by the door and they had already checked the cabin several times over to make sure everything belonging to them had been packed and that they hadn't missed anything while cleaning up after themselves.
Liz was taking her time in the shower and he wasn't inclined to rush her. They were still running ahead of schedule, even accounting for Michael's impatient nudging of the clock. It wouldn't be long before he was at their front door, but it would be long enough. He wasn't in any hurry personally. They were packed, the cabin had been cleaned, and he was just waiting for his wife to get ready to hit the road.
His wife. He smiled at that thought and his gaze dropped to his wedding band, catching himself unconsciously turning it on his finger with his thumb. How many times had he walked in on his dad while he was working on a case and caught him doing the exact same thing? Most of the time Dad had been caught up in his work, his thumb working his ring unconsciously, but once in a while Dad would be completely lost in thought, his eyes unfocused as he stared at his ring with a mysterious smile on his face.
He understood it now. Oh, their thoughts were probably completely different but he had a feeling if they were to ever vocalize them, there would be some pretty similar parallels. He could picture Mom sitting close by or standing in the doorway, a soft smile on her face as she watched Dad. His parents had always been close, attentive to each other, verbally and physically affectionate, and while that had grossed him out for a good part of his life growing up, he had eventually grown to appreciate it and hope to have that in his own relationship one day.
He had that with Liz and he had a feeling as the years passed those feelings would only deepen and hopefully they would expand to include children. His throat suddenly felt tight and he forced down the lump that had come out of nowhere as he thought about her words the night before. She had accepted his son; she had called Zan their son and asked about maybe one day being able to bring him home.
Could it ever be possible? Or was it a dream that would always remain just out of reach? He gnawed on his bottom lip as he considered the possibilities. A home somewhere, probably up in Canada, a decent job, and his family together. Right now that family was the people he was about to pile in the van with, but if one day he was able to have his parents and Zan back in his life… He swallowed hard. He'd never let them go again.
"Max?"
He turned his head to look at Liz and he shook his head at her. "It's not fair for you to look that good when we're about to have an antsy hybrid beating down our front door."
Liz smoothed her hands over the sides of the black turtleneck before hooking the thumb of her left hand in the back pocket of her black jeans. She dropped her head slightly and looked up at him through her eyelashes when he stood to cross the room and stand in front of her. His hands came up to frame her face and he was lowering his head to kiss her when the anticipated pounding on the front door started.
He paused for a heartbeat, his eyes lifting to hers and a slow smile graced his features when she giggled. The sound was so lighthearted, so carefree, and it took him back to when things had been so much simpler. Maybe they didn't know what they were heading into, but whatever it was, he swore to make the best of it. They were going to have their life together. They were going to have their normal. He didn't know how, but they were going to do it. The persistent knocking sounded again but he chose to ignore it for a moment longer. "Told you," he mumbled against her lips.
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Isabel ran her hands over her suitcase one more time before nodding and closing it, snapping the clasps closed and carrying it out of her bedroom. Kyle passed her, stuffing his face with another cookie, and took the suitcase from her. He carried it over and set it down beside the front door on his way into his own room.
"You aren't finished packing yet?" she asked, following him and frowning when she spotted the open suitcase lying on his bed.
"I've got it under control," he mumbled around the cookie he was busy chewing up.
She cringed when he wiped his hand on his jeans and she could swear she heard cookie crumbs dancing across the floor. She was shaking her head when he pulled the top dresser drawer free and turned to dump its contents into the suitcase.
"Um, Kyle…" He didn't intend to actually pack his things that way, did he?
"Um-hmm." He lined up the drawer and slid it back in before yanking out the next one and repeating the process all over again. He was well aware of every cringe that passed across her features, the fingernails that were digging into her palms and the disbelieving stare as she watched his every move. It was driving her nuts and he knew it. She'd be certifiable in no time.
"You'll get a much better fit for your things if you pack them differently." Isabel tried not to stare at the mismatched socks mixing in with everything else.
"I've been takin' care of myself long enough to know what does and doesn't work, Sugar Muffin."
"That name stays here, Kyle Valenti, do you understand me?"
He reached up to place a hand over his heart. "It deeply wounds me that you don't care for my pet name."
Isabel smiled slowly. "I'm not your pet and if you continue with this nonsense when we leave this cabin you will be deeply wounded."
"What's wrong with pet names?" He refrained from giving her the onceover in spite of the desire to do so. "Babe, baby, honey," he made a rolling motion with his hand. "You get the picture."
She nodded to herself. "I see, and which of those names would you like to be called?"
"Me?" He snorted and tossed the last of his clothes in the case and slammed it shut. "I'm a guy, we don't need pet names."
"But you think women do?"
He shrugged. "It's just more acceptable. What?" He held his hands up when he caught the glare she was sending in his direction. "I didn't make the rules. That's just the way it is."
"And since you're not the kinda guy who necessarily does things simply because it's what's accepted, you won't be maintaining that stance on pet names once we pull out of this driveway, will you?" She lifted an eyebrow when he seemed to be considering his options. "I can't imagine that Buddha would approve. Can you picture him calling any woman 'babe' or 'baby' or 'honey'?"
Kyle made a face. "I think that question might be somehow sacrilegious."
"This from a man who I know for a fact has prayed to get laid on a Friday night."
He grabbed his suitcase and carried it into the main room, tossing it to land right next to hers by the front door. "I've never claimed to be a saint. What do you think the chances are we can talk Michael into stoppin' at the first McDonalds we pass?"
"I'd say all he had for breakfast was coffee so it probably won't be too hard to convince him."
"Perfect, I could go for a breakfast platter right about now." He looked around and slapped his hands together. "Okay, I think we're about ready to roll. Just need to do a final sweep and make my room look like it's ready for a couple eight- or nine-year-olds and we'll be on our way." He hooked a thumb over his shoulder when a barrage of knocking alerted them to Michael's arrival. "And I'll just haul our stuff out and get it situated while you do that."
She rolled her eyes at him as he hurried to get into his coat and let him in and she smirked slightly when Michael neatly sidestepped him to avoid the suitcase he tried to hand off.
"Aren't you ready yet?" he growled as he gave Kyle a shove out the door. He ignored the sound of tripping, hissed swearing, and the final thump as the luggage was sacrificed in order for Kyle to maintain his footing.
"No problem, Sugar Muffin," he hollered back through the still open front door, "it's kinda like the three-second rule. I'll have your underwear outta the snow in no time and they'll be fit to wear." He grinned to himself as he collected the suitcases that hadn't opened and lugged them over to the van.
"How is it she hasn't killed you yet?" Max asked from his position. He was leaning up against the back of the van with the tailgate raised. "Seriously, I'd like to know."
Kyle shrugged and grinned. "How'd she get you into tights and an elf hat? She's Isabel."
"Yeah," he crossed his arms over his chest, "that really doesn't answer the question."
"It really bothers you, doesn't it?" He laughed and shook his head. "Some things are just a mystery, Evans. You're gonna have to deal with it and move on." He hauled Isabel's suitcase up into the back, shoving it in between the others and putting his shoulder into it to make it fit when he suddenly had a thought. He turned to hurry back inside. "Evans, finish this so I can…" His words faded into nothing as he ran as fast as he could, trying to get there before she finished changing his room back and found that stupid clown doll.
Max smirked when he heard his sister scream and before the words had the chance to evaporate on the air Kyle's name was shouted and he could hear the ire in her voice. "Yeah, let's see you walk away from this one without a mark, Secretary Boy," he muttered and reached for the second suitcase to toss it inside. He'd known Kyle was just waiting for the right opportunity to spring that creepy clown doll on Isabel, but somehow he had the feeling this wasn't what the guy had been planning.
Michael stepped out on the porch and snapped his fingers to get Max's attention. "Hey, you wanna get your head outta the clouds and focus? Get the girls and get in here. There's somethin' we need to discuss before we roll outta here."
"Another meeting?" Isabel muttered under her breath, her heart still pounding from the unexpected scare. She turned her head to glare at the clown, hating the way the painted mouth and too large eyes seemed to be mocking her.
"Yes, another meeting, wife of mine," Kyle said cheerfully as he threw himself down on the loveseat.
"Our divorce will be finalized in a matter of minutes so soak it up."
"Oh, I am." He grinned at her and reached over to grab one of the small pillows, placing it on his lap just as a safety precaution.
Isabel shook her head at him. "You do realize with one look I could decimate that pillow and anything else I choose, right?"
Kyle glanced down at the pillow and then at Michael. "Can she do that?"
"That was an indirect threat to your stones, does it matter?"
"Good point."
"Alright, we're all here," Max said as he ushered the girls inside and closed the door behind them. "What's up?"
"Just a quick pre-departure meeting," Michael answered. "We've had a little time off the road; time to decompress, time to fix some things that were well past their maintenance date, and time to make peace with past issues and our current situation. We're getting ready to get back in the van and head out into the unknown." His gaze moved around the room. "Again. We don't have any control over that and we don't have any control over what might happen. What we do have control over is how we handle any situations that arise as a result."
Kyle raised a hand, more in a bid for recognition than permission. "Is this about whether we're gonna handle decisions as a group?"
"Yes and no."
"We handle decisions as a group," Max spoke up. "We're all in this together and it's only right that everyone has a say in everyday things. But we need a clear chain of command if it all goes to hell and we have to make a decision at a moment's notice." He glanced at Michael and nodded. "You've carried the weight of pretty much every decision since we left and that hasn't been fair to you." He smiled slightly. "And at times it hasn't been fair to anyone else either."
"I'll second that," Kyle muttered under his breath.
Michael shot a penetrating glare around the room when the response drew quiet laughter from the girls.
"But for the most part you've been right. I don't know if it's genetic or what, but you've got a head for that stuff, so I say if it all goes to hell you call the shots."
Kyle nodded and his tone was serious when he said, "I'll second that too."
The girls all responded affirmatively and then Liz looked at Michael as she voiced the question that had to be asked. "And if something happens and you're unable to make that call?"
He looked at Max, waiting to see what he would say.
He was silent for several minutes before he came to a decision. "If it comes to that Kyle's qualified to make the call." He shook his head when the man in question cleared his throat. "Since we left Roswell you've been Michael's right hand. He's looked to you when he needed a second opinion, to bounce ideas off of, and you've never faltered. Tactically, you're the best choice as his backup. Now that we've cleared the air and I've got my head on straight, you might wanna look out 'cause I'll be paying a lot more attention to tactics and maneuvers than I ever have before."
Kyle nodded and leaned forward to shake Max's hand. "I look forward to the challenge, El Presidente."
"Okay, let's get outta here before you two decide to hug it out and I lose my appetite," Michael growled. He took Maria's hand and headed for the door, rolling his eyes at the turn the meeting had taken. He glanced up at the sky, taking in the streaks of predawn that were beginning to appear. If they were going to make it to the highway before the Stevens family were up and about they needed to move now. He wasn't interested in dragging out their goodbyes. As far as he was concerned they'd already been said and it was best for all of them if they didn't have to go over it again.
"I kinda thought we'd at least wait until daylight to make a break for it," Maria said as she slid into the front passenger's seat. She glanced at Michael when he grabbed the steering wheel and started to climb in behind it, biting back the giggle that threatened to break free when he immediately backed out again and glared at her over the console.
"What'd we say about the driver's seat?" he growled.
"That only the driver can change the seating position," Kyle responded dutifully as he piled in the very back next to Isabel.
Michael shot a look at him. "No one asked for your input, Secretary Boy."
"Thanks for that, Evans." The grumbled response was only for show because the new nickname had put a smile on Isabel's face. He'd let it pass. For now. He could always address it later.
"Well, I was sitting in the driver's seat," Maria said as she reached for the map to study it since he insisted on holding the door open.
He huffed in annoyance and reached down to jerk on the lever so he could push the seat back, ignoring Max's indignant protest when it invaded his legroom. "I suppose it's a safe bet you've already adjusted the radio too," he grunted as he landed in the seat and adjusted it again, this time to his satisfaction.
"I didn't think your choice was any way to start the morning." She continued viewing the map, easily feeling his stupefied gaze on her as he reached for the ignition and came up empty handed. Without looking at him she lifted her right hand and jingled the keys.
"Maria…" he growled warningly.
"Michael…" she teased, her lips lifting in a smile when she finally looked at him.
"Can we please just go?" Isabel pleaded from the back. "I can't handle the two of you flirting first thing in the morning."
Kyle dropped his head back against the seat and closed his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest and shifted around to get comfortable. "Well, at least you don't have to worry about losing your breakfast." He opened one eye to look at her. "You guys don't do that, right?"
Isabel lifted one perfect eyebrow as she slowly turned her head to look at him. "We don't do what?"
"Puke, barf, toss your cookies, blow chow, hurl, spew…" He just grinned when she narrowed her eyes at him. "No?"
Liz turned in her seat to look at Isabel. "I don't think anyone would protest if you wanted to gag him for a while."
"Um, hello?" Kyle raised his hand. "I'd protest."
She grinned and shook her head. "But you'd be gagged and I'm sure if Isabel was the one who silenced you there would be no protesting because it wouldn't be an option."
"Fine, shutting up. Let's head 'em up and roll 'em out, El Capitan!"
Michael and Maria exchanged a look as he slid the key into the ignition and turned it. He exhaled slowly when the engine came to life without the slightest hint of protest and he checked their surroundings one more time before putting the van in gear and heading up the driveway. All they had to do was make it past the main house and they were home free.
"My grandma drove faster than this," Kyle muttered under his breath. He slid further down in his seat when Michael's eyes locked on him in the rearview mirror. There was no proof that any of the hybrids could actually shoot laser beams from their eyes, but better to be safe than sorry, he thought. He glanced up at Isabel and he caught her wistful gaze as it lingered on the cabin that would soon be a memory and without thinking about it he reached over and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You're doing fine," Maria said quietly as she placed a hand on her boyfriend's tense arm. She felt him relax fractionally as he navigated the driveway, knowing how intimidating it was for someone who had grown up in a desert climate to drive in the wintry conditions. He would never admit it, but she knew it without him having to say a word. She also knew how much he wanted to escape without running into the Stevens' family, but the moment the porch light snapped on that flew out the window.
"It would appear our plan to escape without detection has just gone up in smoke," Liz said, trying hard not to laugh when she heard Michael's heavy sigh.
"It'd be rude to just drive by and not stop," Isabel put her two cents in.
"Oh, and look, there's George." Maria tugged on his arm. "Isabel's right, and it'd just be for a minute or two, Michael." She smiled when she saw Maggie appear next to her daddy, her hand held in his as she waved her free hand to get their attention. "And I know for a fact you can't resist your little Princess."
"Alright, alright, we'll stop, but just for a minute, and no one gets outta the van."
She faked a stern expression and looked at him as she snapped off a salute. "Aye aye, Captain." Of course, then she ruined it by giggling and was immediately joined by Liz and Isabel.
Michael grumbled under his breath as he slowed the van to a stop in front of the house just in time for Julia to come out behind them. She was wearing a coat in deference to the weather, but it was apparent by her sleeping clothes visible below it that she had been in a hurry and hadn't taken the time to get dressed. Brian wasn't far behind her, carrying a box in his hands, and Eddie was nowhere to be seen yet. This was just great, he fumed. He'd had everything set for a clean getaway; no messy goodbyes, no weepy girls, none of those uncomfortable 'moments', and especially no tears in a certain little girl's eyes. But no. No, that would've been too easy.
Max leaned forward and placed his hand on Michael's shoulder. "Easy," he murmured, "I've got this." He nodded at his wife and Liz reached for the handle, pulling it and putting her weight behind it as she gave the side door a push so that it slid open just as Julia reached them.
"Maggie and I made lunch for you," she said, motioning for her oldest son to join her. "You've got a decent drive ahead of you and you'll probably want to stop for lunch at some point. There are ham and turkey sandwiches, some drinks," she smiled at Michael, "a Snapple for Santa's special friend, and some of Santa's Christmas cookies as well."
"We appreciate it," Max said as he placed a hand under the box that had been handed up to Liz, balancing it and taking it from her so he could pass it back to Kyle. "Here, find a home for that."
Edward could hear the slight hitch in Julia's voice and he knew she was trying to force down the sadness she felt at their guests leaving. He cleared his throat to get Brian's attention and as soon as the boy turned to look at him he nodded, letting him know to join him. He handed George off to his son and lifted his sleepy little girl up into his arms, settling her against his side as he took the few steps down to join his wife. As much as she had wanted to come out to see their guests off she was having a hard time staying awake and her eyes closed about the same time her head landed on his shoulder. He took Julia's hand just as she sniffed and cleared her throat so she could speak.
"Maggie made one for your friend as well."
Liz smiled at the thoughtful gesture. "That's so sweet of you." She only wished that Alex was there to enjoy the sandwich. "Thank you."
"I know you kids need to get goin'," Edward said before things could be drawn out any longer. He could tell Michael was itching to get on the road and as for himself, well, he liked the kids and had enjoyed their company, but he was ready to have things fall back into their normal routine.
After everyone had said their goodbyes one last time Max and Liz reached for the door at the same time and they looked at each other when their hands collided. After a moment they started to laugh and Max held his hands up and moved to drop back into his seat.
"You know what, I think me and my hand will stay away from the door while you shut it."
"Are you gonna remind me of that every time I close this door?"
"Not every time, no," he said with a teasing grin.
"Can we go now?" Michael growled.
"On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again…" Kyle sang.
"KYLE!"
He rolled his eyes and slouched down in his seat when the rest of the van's occupants shared their lack of enthusiasm for his singing abilities.
Standing next to his wife, Edward chuckled quietly. "That is one vanload you couldn't pay me to take a road trip with."
"Oh, Edward," Julia chastised with a small laugh.
Michael was easing his foot off of the brake, ready to finally hit the end of the driveway and get on the road when the front door banged shut. He buried the flinch he could feel wanting to break free between his shoulder blades at the sound and kept his eyes focused on the snow-blanketed driveway. His gaze dropped to Maria's hand when it suddenly settled on his arm and he caught a blur of movement from the corner of his eye.
"Michael, wait."
In spite of his desire to keep going and make their escape he deferred to the request in her tone and the muscles in his leg tightened in response, depressing the brake and once again stopping the van. His back teeth were grinding with impatience as his eyes shifted to the boy and he gave an internal sigh when he saw the boy hold up the guitar case he was carrying. A few words that he couldn't make out were exchanged and a soft smile settled on Julia's face as she turned to look at Edward and spoke for a moment. The man's features gentled and he said something to her just before they turned back to their son and nodded.
The boy rushed over to the van, his steps eager yet cautious as he maneuvered the frozen ground. "I'm so glad you haven't left yet," he said breathlessly.
"Hey!" Michael made a grab for Maria's arm when she reached for the door handle. "No one gets outta the van, remember?"
She flashed a smile at him. "Extenuating circumstances and I'll only be a quick minute."
The light from the overhead dome light glinted off of the silver ring she wore on her left hand and he bit back the sharp protest that was lodged on his tongue. The sight of the ring, his ring, residing there caused a myriad of emotions that he didn't care to examine too closely to roll through him. He released a pent-up breath and nodded. "Fine, but hurry it up." The words were more for show than anything else because she was already on her way out of the van.
Maria closed the door, conscious of Eddie's awkwardness and seeing no reason to broadcast it. She could see him struggling to get his words out, an effort that was no doubt impeded by his older brother standing close by, watching him like a hawk.
"We… I mean, I…" the boy's voice cracked and his cheeks flushed when his brother snickered behind him. Instead of trying to repair his first speaking attempt he shoved the guitar case towards her. "Somethin' for the road. Thought maybe you'd like some music on the ride. Merry Christmas."
Maria hesitated to accept the guitar. "Eddie, that's your first guitar." She was touched by the offer, but she knew how important the instrument was to him. How important it would be to any musician. "It's a very special thing to hold onto." She stopped the flow of words when she caught his anxious demeanor, his fear that she wouldn't accept his gift. Rather than continue her current direction, she altered her response. "Are you sure?"
He smiled at her, his relief palpable. "I'm sure," he whispered, his movements a little more sure as he held the case out and she accepted it this time. He felt his face heat up when her fingers brushed his as she took possession of the guitar case.
"This's such a thoughtful gift and I'll always treasure it." She leaned forward to give him a kiss on the cheek, not commenting when the perpetual blush he wore around her deepened. "Keep singing, playing and writing music, Eddie." She patted the case with her free hand. "Thank you, and Merry Christmas." Once again she said goodbye to his family who were all still waiting to see them off and her eyes misted. "Thank you all."
From the drivers' seat Michael could see the change in her posture and he knew if he could see her face there would be fresh tears in her eyes that were just waiting to spill over. He leaned over, stretching his right arm out to grab the door handle and shove the door open. "C'mon, Dorothy, load Toto up and let's head for Kansas."
Max opened the sliding door to accept the guitar when she responded to Michael's gruff but gentle prodding. He handed it back to Kyle, letting Secretary Boy deal with the logistics of finding space for the case. He settled back into his seat and reached up to rap his knuckles against the roof of the van when Maria's door finally closed again. "We're good to go."
Michael squeezed Maria's hand when she reached for him and after a moment, when he was sure she had herself under control, he placed their joined hands on his thigh. He glanced out through her window, his eyes locking with Eddie's for a few seconds before he shot one of his patented Guerin smiles at him. He looked up, checking the rearview mirror and taking just a moment to let his gaze move over his family, and assured that they were ready to go, his foot eased up on the brake and they headed for the end of the driveway.
The silence was heavy, but contemplative rather than oppressive as they finally reached the end of the driveway and turned onto Old US 23. They were each lost in their thoughts and at the back of the van Kyle had to bite his tongue to keep from commenting on Maria having no idea what she'd just done to Eddie. He could save it for later; just another bit of ammunition for his arsenal. One just never knew when some tense moment would need to be broken by a bit of comedy.
"Okay, when're we stopping to grab breakfast?" he asked as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "I could seriously use a breakfast platter from Mickey D's about now."
"We're not," Michael decided and went on before a protest could break out. "Have a sandwich. Maxwell, where're we goin'?"
"That didn't feel like a very democratic vote to me," Kyle grumbled. "I'm pretty sure this isn't a case where it's all gone to hell and you're calling the shots."
"Is the breakfast platter that important to you?"
He turned his head to look at Isabel. "It's the principal of the matter, and yes, it is." His stomach growled, lending veracity to his claim.
Michael glanced up in the rearview mirror, listening to the conversation with half an ear while Max worked on pulling out the contents of the envelope. "Have a sandwich, Valenti."
"Okay," Max said after dumping the contents out in his lap and sorting through them, "we've got IDs, a couple maps, a license plate, a bumper sticker," he raised an eyebrow and showed it to Liz, "and what looks like an address."
"Well, if there are plates we'll need to switch them out with the ones on the van, right?" Isabel asked.
"Yeah," Michael shook his head at her reflection, "and it'll take all of two minutes."
"Then what would it hurt to stop at a McDonalds and order breakfast before we get on the road? I'm kinda in the mood for a McMuffin."
"I wouldn't mind some pancakes," Liz said, smiling at the bumper sticker she was holding.
"Breakfast Burrito," Max said as he leaned over the seat to hand the maps to Maria since she had been the primary navigator during their time on the road.
Michael rolled his eyes at the breakfast discussion and he sighed in annoyance when his stomach grumbled in response, reminding him that he hadn't eaten breakfast yet either.
"Probably couldn't hurt to just run through the drive-thru and pick something up before we get underway," Maria murmured for his ears only. "They're cheap and quick, and we could be back on the road in practically no time."
"Fine, Maria's hungry so we're gonna make a quick pit-stop," Michael announced. "Maxwell, how long does it take to read an address? Where're we goin'?"
Max chuckled at the impatience in his tone. "Toronto. Looks like we're headed to Toronto."