Drumstick

As Maggie got up and ran from the room, Garret's eyes widened. "Where on earth is she going?"

Laura grinned and shook her head. "I never try to guess anymore with that girl."

Garret remained standing, assuming Maggie would be back quickly, and he was right. As she handed him the package though, he blinked and hesitated before accepting it. What on earth? She'd given him some of her coloring pages before but that was all. Slowly, he opened the package, and when he saw what it was, his heart was struck way down deep. Deeply enough that only those who knew him well - those right here in this room - would be able to see it... would be able to see the tears that he kept so well hidden behind his eyes. 

He glanced down at Maggie. That innocent smile. Those hopeful eyes. What was it about her that touched him so? Looking back at the picture, he nodded. "I like it," he approved softly. He put his arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Thank you."

Just watching, Laura couldn't help her smile, nor her glance over to Nate. This man before them... was a completely different man than the one who had walked through their door that first time. She did recognize, though, that Garret needed an out before he felt too awkward. "Okay, who's ready to eat? Maggie, do you want the drumstick?"


"I know it." Jason smirked and tossed the napkin back to Kaylee, making her giggle. "I'm just lucky she remembers me at all." Truth be told, he had a real soft spot for his little sister, and he knew the only one who really knew that was Katie, since she'd felt it.

"You know she has a picture of you in her room," Cindy commented. "Hardly a day goes by that I don't find it somewhere else like the kitchen or living room because she's carried it around with her."

Jason just grinned and concentrated on trying to eat. He knew his mom wouldn't lie, but he also knew she wished he came to visit more. 
I gotta admit... It really is nice to have our private conversations back.

He glanced over to Katie, just barely able to feel the positive emotions she sent his way. And to be honest... he longed to feel them like he had before... to not be hindered, and to feel the full current again. He nudged her foot gently again, just enjoying their little hidden affection.


"Look, I was running out of options," Chance hissed. He paced on Destiny's back porch, his cell phone to his ear. He'd just gotten settled on the couch with her for the evening to watch a movie when he'd gotten a call he couldn't ignore.

"I know, I know." He sighed as he listened. "Well if you've got a better man, then go for it. You know I haven't liked this from day..." He stopped pacing and glared at the moonlit yard. "You need to let that one go. It's getting too hot right now. Just... Fine. Whatever. Figure out what you want me to do and I'll do it. But if I don't lay off, it's not gonna be good."

Ending the conversation, he sighed deeply before returning the phone to his pocket. He took a moment to pull himself together before going back inside and returning to the couch. Flopping down on top of Destiny, he kissed her lips passionately. "Mm... sorry about that. Now... where were we?"