Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

Chapter 6

When Michael sat foot into the mansion, the nervousness he had felt before disappeared. He was home. This was his home. Not his house at the lake. There hadn't been a moment in the last few months when his heart had been as happy as it was now.

His eyes glanced around when he and Stevie walked from the entrance hall to the room where Devon's banquet would be held. Nothing had changed while he was gone. Everything still looked the same. As if it had only been a day since he had left.

In the past, he had dreaded the numerous dinner parties, banquets, and charity events which were frequently held at the mansion. Devon had heard all kinds of excuses which Michael had used to avoid having to attend. Occasionally, his boss had been lenient and had accepted Michael's pleas. He had forgiven Michael more than once for having accidently forgotten a banquet where his presence would have been required. Was it irony that he was now looking forward to being a guest at a dinner party? An event which he would have called unnecessary and boring only a few months ago?

Stevie's hand clutched his hand tightly as if she was afraid, he'd run off without her. The fear that Michael would leave her the minute they arrived at this beautiful villa agonized her mind. She tried to smile so that no one would see how uncomfortable she was feeling. Michael loved her. He wouldn't give up what they had, would he?

Though her face didn't show any signs of discomfort, it was obvious to him that Stevie would rather be anywhere else but here. He pressed her hand encouragingly wishing she wouldn't feel so anxious. It was a dinner for Devon's birthday. Nothing else. They would leave afterwards and return to their home. And by this time tomorrow, they'd sit on their porch and enjoy the view while they would make plans for the next day.

XXX

Bonnie was standing on top of the stairs overlooking the entrance hall and the arrival of the guests. She was waiting for Michael to show up, hoping he hadn't changed his mind about attending the dinner. Finally, she spotted a man with curly hair next to a petite blonde woman walking into the hall and heading to the banquet room. He was there! Her plan had worked. It wasn't her intention that he would return to the Foundation. This wasn't why she had convinced Devon to have a birthday dinner. She didn't want Michael to give up his new life. The life he deserved to live after having been forced to take on a new identity when he had joined their team. It wouldn't be fair to Michael now and Bonnie wasn't that egoistic. All she wanted him to do was spend a few minutes with KITT, talk to him, and help her convince KITT that he still had a purpose even if Michael wasn't around.

Devon was talking to his guests in the banquet room when he saw Michael and Stevie walk in. His face lit up when he noticed who had just arrived. Immediately, he headed over to them to welcome Michael at his former home.

"Michael, Stevie, I'm so glad you came. It's so wonderful to see you." Devon kissed Stevie's cheek and smiled at Michael before he welcomed him with a hug. The Foundation hadn't been the same since he was gone. A family member was missing, and they weren't complete without him.

"Happy Birthday, Devon." Michael returned his hug, realizing how much he had missed Devon. "Thanks for the invitation."

"Of course, my dear boy." In the past, Devon had celebrated his birthday only with Michael, Bonnie, and RC. This year, Bonnie had talked him into inviting guests to a birthday dinner. He had objected at first, as he wasn't in a mood to celebrate. But Bonnie had been persistant and finally, he had given in to her.

"Happy Birthday, Devon", Stevie said quietly. She looked around nervously, still worried that this was a trap to lure Michael away from her.

Devon noticed how desperately she tried to hide the worried look on her face. He reassuringly rested his hand on her shoulder to let her know that she had no reason to be afraid. He had accepted Michael's decision and he wouldn't dare to ask him to come back to the Foundation.

"Michael! You're here!" RC was so excited to see his friend that he almost ran down a few guests. "I've missed you. It ain't the same without you around. And Bonnie's become bossier than ever."

"That's not true, RC. You are just not used to real work." Bonnie joined them and gave Stevie and Michael a hug. "Welcome back, Michael. Let me look at you. You are still tall."

"And you are still beautiful." He replied, remembering their conversation when he had visited her at the University of San Francisco shortly before she returned to the Foundation. "I've missed you guys too."

Stevie had dreaded this moment and was relieved when Devon cleared his throat and interrupted the emotional reunion. "Well, now that everyone is here, I'd suggest we eat. Reginald has told me several times that he is starved and I reckon you and Stevie must be hungry as well. Follow me."