The Time Has Come

It was early morning and I stood in the Perch overlooking the frantic activities below and it was all I could do not to sigh in impatience as I waited for the results that would either make or break my day. Giving in to the impulse that overtook me every five minutes I glanced at my watch and shook my head tiredly as I realized that my suspicions were correct and only two minutes had passed since I had last looked. Deciding that profiling like a lifeless mannequin in front of a glass enclosed office was not exactly the best use of my time, I turned around and headed toward my data banks to review the mission logs just to verify that all was as it should be. As was always the case when my mind could not stay occupied on the business at hand they strayed to him...the one that has always fascinated me, intrigued me and beguiled me since the day I laid eyes on him. Smiling secretly to myself I bring his image to mind slowly...his beautiful eyes...his beloved face...his long lean body and my smile widens as I revel in the fact that the exquisite specimen that is Michael just happens to belong to me.

"I would apologize for being late, but I can tell you didn't notice."

The image of Michael fades and I sigh in disappointment. Closing my eyes briefly to refocus on the job at hand, I turn around to face Walter, who is leaning nonchalantly against the wall with his arms crossed in front of him with a knowing grin on his face. Not bothering to acknowledge his statement, I decide to get straight to business so that the both of us can go back to more pleasant things...like him to his toys and me to my daydreaming.

"Where's Jade?" I ask quietly.

"She's analyzing the results of the last mission." Walter tells me. "She should be here any minute."

"And so I am." Jade says as she walks in the door to stand next to Walter, a PDA held tightly in one hand.

"Do we know the results?" I ask her tensely as I glance away for a moment.

"We do." She replies calmly...too calmly. "See for yourself."

Apprehensive and hopeful at the same time I take the PDA she is now holding out to me and I quickly scan the contents for the results. The room is still and silent, as I continue to read. The three of us are well aware of the magnitude of what the intel on the PDA could mean and it's all I can do not to rush to the end of the long transmission to see what the results will be. Forcing myself to be patient and attempting to maintain some semblance of calm I continue scanning until I reach the end. Completing the review a few minutes later, I simply close my eyes and take a deep breath as I realize what's been handed to me.

"Well!" Walter almost shouts, his impatience getting the better of him as I continue to remain silent.

Lifting my head slowly I meet the agitated gazes of Walter and Jade and before I can contain it a wide smile breaks out on my face. My heart is soaring and I can barely contain my joy as I allow them to share in my good news.

"It was a success." I tell them.

First there is stunned silence as they digest my words, then there is laughter and happiness as they all but cheer in excitement at what this victory against the Collective means for me.

"Do you have everything prepared?" Jade asked me as her excitement for me threatens to bubble over.

"Yes." I tell her as I try to maintain some semblance of calm.

"Reservations?" She asks as she continues to drill me.

"Walter took care of them." I answer obediently, amused that Jade is doing a very good job of inserting herself into my role while she interrogates me on the status of what I have planned for so long.

"Good." Jade tells me satisfied. "There's only one thing left."

"That's right." Walter chimes in. "Hand over the key."

For a single moment in time I hesitate as I realize that the moment I've been waiting for has finally arrived. Unsure if this is the calm before the storm and not sure if I should really take this step now I pause as I reconsider. Walter and Jade must have read me more completely than I thought because the both of them started listing all the reasons why now was the time to do what I had planned.

"Don't even think about reneging." Jade commanded in her low husky voice.

"That's right, Sugar." Walter chimes in. "There will always be emergencies, last minute things to take care of. You deserve a break and you're going to get it. You promised the both of us that as soon as the Collective was subdued and the Section was restored to some semblance of order you would take some time for yourself. The successful completion of this last strike against them was to be the deciding factor. You've got it all right there in your hand. They can't do anything major for the time being. You've got to go now while you can."

"That's right, Nikita." Jade added as Walter ran out of steam. "I'll think you don't trust me if you don't let me do this. It's only for a few weeks and despite what you think, you need a break. You've sacrificed enough. Go."

Realizing that they want this for me as much as I want this for myself, I concede to their pleas amused at the fact that it didn't take much for me to give in. They are right and it's past time for me to see the man I love again. I've promised him in our many letters to each other that I would come to him when I could and now seems to be that time. Only a few weeks have passed since I've sent my last letter to him and in that time I've been busy remaining focused and reestablishing Section's presence in the anti-terrorist community. Things have gone well and for now the fervor and rise of new terrorist communities arising has died down for the moment. Now I can concentrate on other things, and the most important one to my heart is to pay a visit, albeit a short one to my family who I long to be with and who I know longs to be with me.

Although I know my last letter and gift reached him over three weeks ago, I haven't received a reply from him yet. I would be worried except that my weekly bunches of beautiful roses continue to show up with loving, if short notes from him as promised. I spoke with Walter about my concern and he simply told me not to worry, but that the letter would show up soon enough. Not wanting to fret about something I had no control over, I took Walter at his word and used the time I had on my hands to concentrate all my energies on organizing a surprise for him and Adam that will rival what he's given me so far. I know he will love it because it will be unexpected and the best gift I could ever give him. I smile in true excitement as I enter my quarters to retrieve my things, and smile as Walter and Jade follow closely behind me to make sure that I don't change my mind and decide to delay my long awaited trip to surprise Michael and Adam with the one thing they won't be expecting this soon...the gift of myself.

"Is this everything?" Walter asks as he grabs the two suitcases I've had packed for more than a week.

"That's everything." I tell him.

"Everything?" He asks pointedly as he looks at my bare left finger.

"That was the first thing to get packed, Walter." I say smugly, thankful for his reminder although it wasn't needed. What woman could forget such a beautiful keepsake from the man they love?

"I've done as you asked, and the chartered jet you'll be using is prepared and awaiting your arrival." Jade tells me as I scan my quarters to double check that I've packed everything. "The plane is in an anonymous name with one of our pilots installed who thinks he's transporting one of our intel couriers. Your guards have been informed that you will be away and the reservations for the jet and the rental car can't be traced back to anyone connected with the Section. I can't even divulge the location of where you will be because I made sure I didn't find out what it was. All the pilot has are coordinates and a flight pattern that will get you from one private airstrip to another where he will promptly drop you off and you will pick up your rental car using the identification I secured for you and drive wherever it is you need to drive to reach Michael and Adam. You'll return the same way in exactly fourteen days, where the plane will be waiting for you at a different airstrip which Walter will communicate to you a day or so before your return."

"Thank you." I say quietly, not at all surprised by Jade's complete thoroughness in assuring I'm safe although traveling alone, while understanding my need for anonymity and privacy.

"It's the least I can do." She says to me as she walks over to the bed and picks up the disguise she insisted I wear if I insist on going to see Michael without the protection of the men who are supposed to be a constant presence by my side.

I smile in true amusement as I take the suit from her and walk to the bathroom to put it on. A few moments later I emerge from the bathroom looking as if I've gained one hundred pounds overnight, and I have no fashion sense to help me in my mismatched brown skirt and blue shirt. I see Jade's smile and I realize that the mirror isn't lying to me and I look nothing like the woman who had entered the bathroom ten minutes ago. Sitting down at the dressing table, I wait patiently as Jade adjusts the red wig I'll be wearing as part of the disguise. Handing me the brown contact lenses to complete the disguise she plays with the wig some more until it meets with her satisfaction. Staring back at me is a complete stranger who looks nothing like the striking blue-eyed, blonde that is now known as the Head of Section One. Instead I look like an overweight, nondescript, unobtrusive redhead who most people wouldn't notice once let alone twice.

"Perfect." Jade says to me as I stand up to face the scrutiny of her and Walter.

"Sugar, I didn't know you could look so bad." Walter replies.

The three of us laugh and I shake my head at him as I turn away from them in preparation to take care of the last, yet most important detail before I leave. Taking the command key of the Section off of my nightstand where I laid it after changing, I hand it to Jade with words of instruction already flowing from my mouth.

"If there's an emergency."

"I can reach you through a secure channel on your phone or your PDA." Jade interrupts me indulgently. "Don't worry, Nikita. You won't be gone that long. We can handle it."

Nodding my head in agreement I let the subject rest, knowing that the Section would be fine and that Jade will contact me if I'm needed.

"Let's go, Sugar." Walter says as he walks over to the secondary secured exit of my quarters. "You've got a plane to catch."

Not having to be told twice, I grab my purse and I look around at my spacious quarters and my newest batch of red roses and I smile in anticipation of being able to see the generous man who loves me enough to give me such lovely gifts and thank him personally for being so wonderful to me. Returning Jade's tight hug and warm smile I finally exit the Section with Walter.

An hour later we are at the private airstrip, my bags are stowed, and I turn to give Walter a hug just before I board the plane.

"There's just one more thing, Sugar." He says to me quietly.

I wait patiently for him to continue and instead he gives me a wide grin before he extracts a thick white envelope from his pocket and hands it to me.

"It came in the mail five days ago." He informs me quietly. "I held on to it because I thought you might like some reading material and what better send off gift to give you then yet another one of those letters you cherish from Michael. I think I timed it just right and the day he should receive a reply to that letter in your hand, you'll be walking up to his front door with a smile on your face in greeting. I think Michael will like that better than any other paper reply you could give him."

"Walter you're the best." I say to him, my eyes tearing up in gratitude.

"Michael isn't the only romantic in the world you know." He says smugly. "Go on, Sugar. Go be with Michael and Adam for a little while. They need you right now and you need them. Don't think about this place."

Hugging him once again, I kiss him on his cheek and then I turn and enter the plane. I settle myself in one of the luxurious cabin chairs as the plane gets ready for take off and I fasten my seatbelt barely able to contain my growing excitement. As the plane begins to taxi down the runway, my heart begins to soar and take flight as well, as I finally accept that I'm on my way to the my Michael. Then I think of Adam and my heart begins to soar all over again as I envision playing with him, smothering him with kisses, and reading him a story before bedtime at night.

A few moments later the plane levels out, the seat belt light goes off, and it's then that I look down at my hands and gently tear open the flap of the envelope Walter held for safekeeping just for this moment. Appreciative of his thoughtfulness and more than excited at the prospect of where my destination will end up, I extract the sheets from the envelope and begin to read yet another one of his love letters to me.

More Thoughts of You

Nikita,

Hello Beloved. I find myself at a loss for words at the moment as I consider all that has transpired since the last time I wrote to you. Where do I begin? As I ask that question I realize there is really only one way for me to begin, and that is to tell you thank you. Thank you for being the beautiful woman that you are. Thank you for never changing, but remaining the same loving woman who will do anything for those she cares for. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love the gift you have given to me and to Adam. It was the best thing you could have done and I cherish it all the more because I know you gave it for the sheer joy of doing the one thing guaranteed to make me happy if it didn't include your presence here with me. I suppose all that talk about my being practical was your way of being humorous. Considering the fact that you decided to gift me with something so rare and extravagant I will of course have to return the favor. Somehow dozens of roses don't seem appropriate enough to express my gratitude so I thought maybe you would like your choice of islands as a preliminary gift. I won't take no for an answer so I expect a short list from you on this in your reply to me.

I know it's been almost a month since you've heard from me, and I'm sorry I couldn't respond sooner. I've been extremely busy with this new business I've embarked upon. Taking care of Adam during the day takes up a great deal of time so more often than not I spend the night hours working on security proposals, schemes, and plans for the new clients I've acquired. It's amazing how willing these companies are to conduct business with someone they have never seen. Ironic isn't it how these same people are the very ones seeking the services of a security consultant? I think I've made more money on pointing out that one dangerous and obvious flaw then I have on the full-fledged proposals on systems that simply need improvement. Nevertheless, I'm more than content to go on this way indefinitely for no other reason than it gives me all the time that I want and need to spend with my son. As I realize the time is soon approaching for me to put Adam in school, I know that soon we won't be able to be hermits secluded on our estate. I only hope that you will be able to come and be with us before that time ever occurs.

How are you, Beloved? It's a question I haven't asked of you lately for I was aware that your answer would break my heart all over again and do nothing but make me want to drop everything and head back to you so that I could erase every negative feeling and do all that was within my power to put a smile on your beautiful face. However, after your last letter I feel safe in asking the question once again because I know that while you are still missing me as I'm missing you, the job is not as loathsome as you once saw it. I'm glad about that because I know that the change in your feelings about being the Head of Section One is the first step needed to get the Section back on track, and bring you to me a lot sooner than I can begin to imagine. That thought makes me think of the surprise that Adam and I have planned for you whenever you do get the opportunity to come and be with us. It's something we know you'll love and it's one of many ways we intend to thank you for the beautiful gift the both of us enjoy so much.

As you may have guessed, your gift has done wonders for Adam and for me. I never realized how much I really missed playing until my fingers began to feel out the familiar notes of hauntingly beautiful songs Adam and I used to enjoy. The day I received it Adam and I picked out a special place in the music room for it as you instructed. Later that evening I took it up to Adam's room and began to play a few of his favorite pieces and for the first time in weeks he drifted off into peaceful dreams from which he didn't awaken until morning. I enjoyed the music as much as he did, and my night was almost as peaceful as his. The only thing missing was you there to share the moment with us. I don't think I've ever missed you more than I did at that moment when I opened the box to reveal the beautiful hand-crafted cello and you weren't here for me to show you how much I enjoyed what you did for the two of us.

My playing for him has become another one of my nightly fatherly duties, and I find myself smiling at the fact that you knew just what to send me to make me feel as if I was helping Adam in some way. I know that the music I play for him soothes his fears, and eases his pain so that soon everything he saw will become nothing but a hazy, blurry memory he won't even remember when he's older. He's becoming less solemn and more like the active little boy I ran to keep up with just so he would stay out of mischief. Now the only thing he seems to feel sad about is that you are missing from our life. We talk of you often and he tells me more often than not how much he misses you and wishes you were here with us. I tell him I feel the same, but I find that he refuses to accept my reasons for why you can't come to see us right now. He gives me that trusting look of his and politely demands that I fix it. It's all I can do not to smile at his seeming misconception in his belief that I alone can solve the problem and give him what he wants most. He won't accept my excuses and even becomes impatient with me when I begin my explanations once again. As soon as I'm done he gives me that same direct stare and tells me once again to fix it. Now I'm beginning to understand how you must have felt when I would do the same thing to you. No doubt you're laughing at the irony of the situation as you envision my beautiful son demanding that I fix something that I have no control over. I admit proudly and yet with a little disgruntlement that he is very much like me. I take comfort in the fact that just as you handle me so well, you will do the same with him and he will cheerfully do whatever is you ask of him for the sheer pleasure of making you happy. I can't wait to see that, Beloved. I think that watching the two of you together will be an unfailing source of entertainment. I'm glad that I can actually foresee a future for the three of us and I know that you are the one responsible for the change in my outlook on this new life I've embarked upon. That thought leads to others and again I find myself with the overwhelming urge to thank you once again.

I thank you for your honesty to me, your patience with me, but most of all I thank you for not giving up on me. After the words you wrote to me, I think I finally understand. The things you said to me helped more than you know and I can do nothing but close my eyes and consider your words. As I read the encouragement you poured out in your last letter I had to smile at the chiding tone I could hear clearly as you lectured me on my habit of becoming morbid and self-accusatory. I smile as I realize that you were right as usual, and that sinking deeper into depression because of choices I was forced to make was only an aid in keeping Adam from healing as he needed to. I think of what happened with Elena and Adam the first time and the second time, and I realize that no amount of guilt or self-deprecation could have prevented the events that took place. Losing Adam and Elena was something I wanted to deal with on my own, and I realize now that my unexplained actions were responsible for your reactions to what I said and did. I think of you during those times, I think of your support of me, and I find myself humbled by the love and understanding you continued to show me when I was less than forthcoming about what it was I was feeling. Then I think of the guilt and pain you felt at not being able to prevent the Section from hiding Adam from me and the guilt I must have made you feel by not reassuring you of my love for you refuses to go away. So I tell you now, Beloved, what I should have told you then... neither time did my love waver for you, nor did I ever blame you for something you had no way of preventing. Both of us have spent way too much time on going over something that neither of us could have foreseen. Indulging in 'what if' scenarios does nothing to help the situation and that's why I understand now what I didn't understand before...there is nothing to forgive...the two of us did all we could to keep the people we cared about safe. I feel a deep sadness in my heart that Elena is gone, but I rejoice that I have my son with me to raise on my own as I wish, and I have you, my wife, the woman I love more completely than even I thought possible. Now I understand that none of those feelings is wrong and that loving you makes the whole picture complete. For the first time in my life I can finally admit that I no longer feel as if I'm being punished for all the mistakes I've made. There's only one thing missing to solidify those thoughts and that's you, here with us, permanently.

I have more to tell you, Beloved but it's almost time for Adam's story again. I've promised him that I'll play to him before I read the story since he often falls asleep before the story finishes. Bedtime for him is no longer something he fears because of what he may see in his dreams during the night. Instead it's a quiet and fun time for both of us because we enjoy the simple pleasure of being in each other's company. Now how many people would be amused to know that I get long better with a four and half year old who talks only a little more than his father? Only you know how much that says about how far I've come out of the protective walls I built around myself. It's just one more thing in a list of things I have to thank you for when I finally do see you again. I hope to hear from you soon my love although I know that it may be a while before you have the time to sit down and write a letter when you're focusing all of your attention on eliminating the newest rise of terrorist attacks taking place in several parts of the country. I watch the news often and it doesn't take me long to read between the lines of the watered down reports that are given by uninformed newscasters and understand a lot more clearly what it is you're having to deal with. Take care, Nikita. I hate it that I can't be there to watch your back and protect you. While I know that there are others who are just as capable of doing that job, I'm arrogant enough to say that I don't believe anyone can do it as well as I can. My concern for you is eased somewhat in that in my absence both Walter and Jade will do all they can to take care of you. My confidence in their ability is absolute, and I can rest easier knowing that you're in the best hands possible second only to mine. Those thoughts ease my mind somewhat and I can do nothing but wait for news of you from Walter and hope that once this is all over you will allow yourself some time and come to me as you promised. Until then Adam and I will go on as we are and continue to wait for the day for you to arrive. I have to go now, Beloved. Take care of yourself and write to me when you can. I love you always.

Our Dream...A Reality

The flashing seatbelt light came on and a disembodied voice sounded over the intercom to warn me of our impending landing. I smile in satisfaction at the news and then look down once again to read for the fourth time the beautiful, uplifting letter from my Michael before I reluctantly fold it closed and place it in its envelope. I love it that I will be able to surprise him with the one thing he least expects in a shorter time than either one of us envisioned. I can hardly wait to see the delight in his eyes when he sees me again, and it's all I can do to restrain myself from going into the cockpit and shouting to the pilot to hurry. Instead I use the time to daydream and imagine father and son walking hand in hand on our estate, enjoying the beauty around them and thinking of me. My dream of the two of them is interrupted almost an hour later when the plane finally lands and taxis to a stop down the private runway.

Exiting the plane I gather my luggage and enter the small local airport and find that everything has been arranged for me just as Jade and Walter promised they would be. It only takes me half an hour to stow my luggage jump in the flashy sports car Jade secured for me and head in the direction of the man I love. The car eats up the miles and brings me closer and closer to where I've longed to be for months. A few hours later I check the map with the directions Walter has given me assuring myself I'm heading the right way before pulling off the interstate and stopping at the nearest gas station. Once the car has been filled up and the gas paid, I drive around the back near the outside bathroom and do what I've been longing to do since I first put it on. Thankful that this bathroom is clean and well kept, I shed my elaborate disguise and smile at myself in the mirror as I see the familiar face looking back at me instead of the face of a stranger. Not wanting to waste any more time I gather up my things exit the bathroom and double check to make sure that no one is in sight. Satisfied that so far I've gone undetected I stuff the disguise in the trunk, double check the map, and once again head out to the interstate as I try to contain my excitement at how close I am to Michael and Adam.

As I drive my thoughts once again turn to Michael's letter and I actually laugh out loud as I imagine Adam staring solemnly at his father, as he demands that Michael does something about my prolonged absence. I can barely contain my pleasure at the knowledge that Adam loves me enough to admit to his father that he misses me. As Michael once told me not so long ago my replacing Elena in Adam's eyes was never a requirement. Being myself was what Adam learned to love, and I'm still amazed at the swiftness with which it happened considering the time I spent with him was minimal at best. I think of the words filled with love and happiness from Michael, and I know that he is secretly delighted as well as relieved that Adam seems to have so easily accepted me as the woman in his and his father's life now. Knowing this makes me all the more anxious to reach them as fast as the car will take me.

Three hours later after following Walter's careful directions I turn down the long stretch of road that will lead me to my destination. The sun is slowly going behind the clouds and it's all I can do to curb my almost painful anticipation as I attempt to drive and look around at the glorious scenery around me at the same time. Everywhere I look there is lush green rolling hills, tall trees with thick foliage that line both sides of the road and effectively hide what Walter tells me are huge, elaborate, gorgeous mansions and estates that rival any I've ever seen. After almost another half an hour of driving I turn a curve and find myself facing a tall, black wrought iron gate that will lead me to the ones I've been longing to see for so long. Now that the moment is upon me, I find that I'm nervous and apprehensive. Shaking off the irrational emotion I take out my cell phone and place a call to the Section. As soon as he picks up I can barely contain the tremor in my voice as I reply to his brusque greeting.

"I'm here, Walter." I reply into the silence.

"You made good time, Sugar." Walter says quietly.

I can hear the smile in his voice as he chatters on while he tells me to hold on while he accesses his computer.

"Maybe I should just tell him I'm here." I say after a few minutes of listening to Walter speak nonsensical codes in my ear as he types.

"Nonsense." Walter says. "Michael will like receiving a welcome surprise for a change. I don't think he's ever had one. Besides you never know whether or not you'll ever be able to do this again. Now just give me a minute. I've been trying to figure out how to bypass his security system ever since you left, I think I'm almost there."

"Hurry, Walter." I reply as I become more and more anxious as the moments pass. "The surprise will be ruined if he spots me sitting here."

"Don't worry the cameras he's got hidden all around were the first thing to go." Walter assures me. "That part was fairly easy but getting you in is what's taking so long. I can only bypass his system for a few seconds so you're only going to have enough time to drive quickly through the gates before it comes back on again."

Sitting quietly I try to calm my racing pulse as I listen to Walter muttering to himself. Desperate to maintain some semblance of control I ask Walter about Section.

"Things are fine here, Sugar." Walter replies dryly. "Jade's got everything under control."

"Good." I state in relief, glad that there is one worry I don't have to be concerned about.

"Alright, Sugar." Walter states triumphantly. "After you hang up with me count down from thirty seconds and then the doors should open. Enjoy yourself."

"Thanks, Walter." I whisper before hanging up and counting down to the required time.

As promised the gates slowly open and I quickly drive through just before they begin to close again. I follow the long winding driveway, which turns out to be just short of a mile, before I finally see the roof of the house I've imagined so many times before. Slowing to a stop, I turn off the engine and exit the car, as I look around me in stunned surprise. The two-story brick house is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. There are tall white columns lining the front of a wonderfully detailed wide porch that goes all the way around the huge mansion. Flowers of every kind and hue scatter the green landscape in a riot of bright colors offsetting the lush green landscape that extends for miles in every direction. The tall stately trees surrounding the property add to the feeling of seclusion and privacy. Taking in the gorgeous scenery before me I can understand why Michael picked this place and I'm reminded of words he spoke to me so long ago during a private time during a mission. I can't help but smile as I remember the questions I asked of him then, and the answers he gave to me.

I used to dream that there were places like this somewhere. Safe...warm. Do you ever think of anything like that?

Yes.

You never talk about it.

Inside. Nobody can change it. It will always be what I need it to be.

Is it anything like this?

A little maybe... you're there.

I close my eyes as I realize that this is everything that he envisioned for not only Adam and himself, but for me as well. The surroundings embrace me as a safe haven and nothing interferes as I feel the peace and tranquility of the beauty around me. The soft hiss of one of the double doors opening causes me to open my eyes and I let out a deep breath as I slowly turn around to greet the man that I love more than life itself. The look on his face doesn't alter but his eyes widen in surprise, then he closes them as he exhales slowly before he opens them again and slowly walks toward me. I meet him halfway and reach out for him just as he wraps his arms tightly around my waist, buries his face in my neck, and lifts me off of my feet. His embrace is crushing and I can barely breathe but the feeling of his arms around me is glorious and I have no intention of allowing him to let me go just for the convenience of getting some air. No words are spoken between us and I hold him tighter to me as I inhale the familiar clean, loving scent that is and has always been Michael. I feel him reigning soft, delicate kisses down my neck and I return them as I bury my hands in his hair and finally bring his mouth to mine as he slowly lowers me to my feet once again. We kiss for what seems like an eternity and finally, reluctantly we draw apart to meet each other's eyes.

"Surprise." I say quietly and I'm rewarded with that sexy half-smile he always gives me when he's amused.

He threads his fingers through the new longer strands of my hair and then kisses my forehead gently guiding me toward the house. Just as we reach the front door which he left ajar, a dark head peeks around the corner and Adam emerges to greet me.

"Hi, Nikita." He greets me simply, already a tiny replica of the man Michael has turned out to be.

"Hi, Adam." I respond just as simply taking in the beauty of his sweet face.

My reward is his little hand stretched out to take my free one as he pulls me into the house. My eyes fill with tears and my heart expands as if it's going to burst at the poignancy of the wonderful greeting I've received from the men I love. I know that my heart is in my eyes as I turn to face Michael who is still holding me close to his side as he walks in with Adam and me.

"Welcome home." He says to me quietly before he leans over to lay a soft, fleeting kiss on my lips.

The three of us enter our home together and although my time with them may be short I make up my mind to enjoy every minute of it as I savor the beautiful homecoming I have been given. It's more wonderful than I could ever have imagined and for once I feel peace and happiness as I realize that I'm home at last.

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