Epilogue Part Two

I was sitting in my office when I heard a faint knock on my door.

"Come in," I called.

A smaller woman with graying hair and a warm smile entered. She was carrying a tray with my lunch and a few business reports.

"Thanks, Carol. Any new messages?"

She pulled out a few sticky notes that she'd jammed deep in her pockets, and started reading them off.

"You've got a meeting with that new millionaire that wants to install top-of-the-line security for his newly finished vacation home. He seems kind of annoying, but probably worth the hassle. Then there was a call about a glitch with a motion sensor. To be honest, I think Mr. Smith has been sleepwalking again, but what do I know?"

I shook my head and twitched a small smile. Even with her subtle quirks, Carol had been a nice addition to the company. And despite her unorthodox notetaking practices, the woman ran a pretty tight ship. And she kept people happy. Myself included.

"Oh, and you got a strange call from the states. Gruff sounding fellow who didn't say a whole lot. Just something about international business prospects." She scratched her head. "Is any of this sounding familiar? The guy said he knew you."

"He leave a name?"

"Yeah. Just his first name, I think. Something foreign sounding like Pablo or Pedro…"

I raised an eyebrow. "Pierre?"

"Yep, that's the one!"

I thanked Carol for lunch and the messages. Then she returned to her post at her desk, and I felt another smile cross my face. It was time to make an important international call.

That night at dinner, I pushed the food around on my plate absentmindedly. Michelle watched me curiously.

"Something happen at work today?" she asked before spooning some mashed potatoes into our daughter's mouth.

"Mmm."

"Is that a good "Mmm" or a bad "Mmm"?"

I snapped out of my daze. "Pretty sure it's a good "Mmm". Got an interesting call from the states today."

Michelle lifted an eyebrow. "Something I should be worried about?"

"Maybe." She frowned. "But only the kind of worry you get when we have visitors drop by."

"My parents?"

"Not this time, babe. Think linebacker types."

She jumped from her chair squealing. "Really? How many? Which ones?"

The baby startled and began crying.

"Oh, sorry sweetheart. Mommy just got a little excited." She pulled her out of the highchair and kissed her. Then she turned back to me. "You didn't answer my question. Who's all coming?"

"Tank for sure. Maybe Bobby and Lester too."

"What about Hector? I've really missed Hector."

"He might be busy. They're opening a new office in Seattle."

She nodded, a hint of disappointment crossing her face.

"They're bringing Ella out this time," I offered in consolation.

Michelle grinned. "This calls for cake!"

Two weeks later, I was parked outside the airport waiting for my friends to land. It had only been a couple of years since I'd seen them last, but it might as well have been a couple of decades. So much had changed for all of us.

Eventually three giants and a sweet older woman stepped through the automatic doors, rolling suitcases in toe. I was leaning against the SUV, arms crossed over my chest. Tank saw me first. I could tell he was fighting back a smile.

They made their way over to the vehicle, and I shook all their hands trying to keep with the plan of this being business related. Ella caved first. She flung her arms around me and planted a firm kiss on my mouth.

"Ricardo!" she exclaimed, my face still in her hands. "Handsome as ever. Life's been good to you, I think." She gave me a knowing nod.

"So it has." I smiled.

Tank gave a disgruntled sigh. "Sorry about the delay." He glared over at Lester. "Santos was running his mouth again about some unique weaponry. We had to have a little discussion with airport security to clear the air."

I laughed. "It's nice to know some things never change."

Bobbly looked around. "Where's the fam? I've been anxious to meet your little mini bomber."

"They're both back at the house. Michelle had a few last-minute things to finish up before you landed."

Lester made a face. "Michelle. We can still call her Bomber, right?"

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind. But I don't know that the name really fits anymore. She's got a different career now, and we haven't had a car go up in flames since we've been here."

"Well that's disappointing," Lester frowned. "You guys must be bored out of your minds."

There may have been a hint of truth to that statement. Our little security company was just that. Security. No undercover ops. No off-the-records jobs. Just high end security systems for the insanely wealthy.

Although we had been cultivating a relationship with local law enforcement recently. Doing the random undercover surveillance jobs here and there. Michelle liked the stakeouts. Said they reminded her of our first dates.

"It's not so bad. Turns out toddlers keep you pretty busy."

The guys all shook their heads, but Ella smiled. Then we all piled into the car and headed for home.

Michelle was still hanging up streamers when we walked through the door. Our house kind of resembled an over-the-hill birthday party. Black balloons and black streamers were strung up everywhere. Just one of the many reasons I didn't do parties. But I wouldn't dream of taking that kind of "fun" away from Michelle.

"The place looks great, babe," I said before giving her a quick kiss hello.

She pushed me away and ran toward our guests, her smile just a notch below the biggest I'd ever seen it.

"Ella!" she squealed before flinging her arms around her. "It's been way too long!"

Ella held up a finger before reaching down for her suitcase. She unzipped it and pulled out a small paper bag. When Michelle saw it, I thought she was going to hyperventilate from overexcitement.

"You didn't," she gasped. She opened the bag and stuck her face in to inhale the intoxicating aromas. "Ahhh," she sighed blissfully. "Nobody makes Boston Creams quite like the Tasty Pastry. Ella, you're the best!"

She turned to the guys and gave a frown. "Are we going to have to do this the hard way?" she asked putting her hands on her hips.

Lester stepped forward and pulled her into a giant bear hug. "Hell no, Bomber! Gosh it's good to see you!" He set her back on her feet and took a step back to look her over again. "You look like a tanned, tropical beach goddess. Guess the new climate's been good to you."

"Stop that, you charmer." She slapped his arm playfully before turning to Bobby. "You keeping all these mischief-makers in line?"

He shook his head and sighed. "If only it were that simple." Michelle pulled in him for a hug. Then she turned to Tank.

"Well don't look so offended, big guy. I saved the best for last." She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. He gave a slight smile. The Tank equivalent of a full-on grin.

"Now that that's all out of the way," Michelle said waving them all inside, "come on in and make yourself comfortable. You've all had a long day of travelling."

I helped take the suitcases down the hall to the spare rooms, and popped into our bedroom to check on the baby. We'd moved her into our room so that Ella could sleep in the nursery. Two beautiful blue eyes stared up at me from the crib.

"Hey baby girl," I said as I scooped her up into my arms. "We have some visitors. Want to come out and say hello?"

She smiled for a moment before grunting and wriggling in an attempt to get down. I set her on her feet and watched as she toddled off down the hall.

I followed her out and smiled once I set foot in the living room. Ella had already snatched her up and was kissing her chubby cheeks making her giggle in obvious delight.

"Auntie Ella loves you, beautiful little girl. Yes she does," Ella crooned. "She's just beautiful," she said turning toward Michelle. "Just look at those eyes! And that smile! I could eat her right up."

The men shifted around uncomfortably, apparently not sure what to do with all the fawning over the baby. Michelle had an amused smile on her face like she was enjoying their baby phobia.

"Do any of you want to hold her?" she asked, a hint of wicked in her grin.

They all waved their hands frantically. "Oh no, that's ok. Don't want to deprive Aunt Ella of any baby time."

My mouth twitched slightly.

"We decided to name her Rosalina. Rosie for short," Michelle added.

Rosie slid off Ella's lap and walked over to investigate the group of men. She paused in front of each one before finally holding her hands up to Tank.

"Up?" she asked waiting for Tank to oblige her request.

Lester and Bobby snickered. At least until Tank gave them a flash of a death glare. Then he turned back to Rosie and lifted her awkwardly into his lap. She started clapping her hands, and Tank breathed out a faint sigh.

"It's not so bad, is it Uncle Tank?" Michelle asked, amusement still lining her smile.

Tank had on his "forced to watch a chick flick" face. Pained and uncomfortable. I asked if anyone wanted beverages and quickly slipped into the kitchen in an effort to keep from full-on laughing. The gathering was perfect. And priceless.

Our visitors stayed for a few days. Michelle and Rosie played island tour guide while I put in half days at the office. Then we'd all come together in the evenings for dinners. Ella even volunteered to cook one night, which was delectable as always.

The last full day of their stay, the men and I all went out snorkeling and hiking. Michelle and Ella were turned loose with a credit card. A decision I hoped I wouldn't come to regret.

That night after everyone had gone to bed, Michelle sat next to me and took my hand. Her eyes were bright and vibrant like they always were, but I could see a small hint of sadness.

"Do you regret not staying?" she asked.

"No," I answered honestly.

"Not even a little?"

"Not for an instant."

"But you look so happy when you're with all of them. Like it's where you belong."

"I belong with you. And Rosie. I wouldn't have had either of you if I'd stayed. Life would've still been too complicated."

"So you'd choose boring little old me over your adrenaline filled life of adventure?"

"Always," I smiled before kissing her. "And babe, you are far from boring."

"Oh?" she asked curiously.

"Especially when you do that whole trick with your tongue."

She shook her head. "I have no idea what you're talking about." I felt a subtle shiver course through her body; she knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Here," I said before hitting the lights. "Let me help you remember."

The next afternoon we were back at the airport, preparing to say farewell to our friends. Ella practically bawled when she hugged Rosie for the last time. Even the guys had a hard time handing her back to Michelle.

Tank pulled me aside while the girls continued to blubber out their goodbyes. He handed me a small wrapped package and gave me a solid pat on the back.

"Lookin' good Rodriguez," he said gruffly. "Open that if you ever need a good pick-me-up."

I gave a small nod of acknowledgement. "Take care of yourself Tank." I handed him a small bag. "And give this to my mom the next time you see her. She still hasn't made it out here yet."

He nodded before grabbing a couple suitcases and heading through the sliding doors. Eventually the rest of their crew followed suit. Ella still blowing kisses to Rosie as the doors closed.

Michelle wiped her eyes again as we all piled back in the car. "I had the best time," she sniffled. "They'll come back again soon, right?"

"Ella said she was coming back next month. Just couldn't bear to be away from Rosie any longer than that."

Michelle smiled. "Good."

A few nights later, I was up late working on some last-minute client portfolios when I came across the gift Tank had left. Curiosity got the better of me, so I peeled off the paper. It was an unpackaged DVD. Rambo. I shook my head.

I took it out to the living room and started to open it to watch a few favorite scenes when a small piece of paper fell out of it onto the floor. It was a folded note. I opened it and started reading.

Rangeman,

Things really haven't been the same without you. But they're good. The company still runs like a well-oiled machine. Speaking of, thanks for the tip for the startup in Seattle. Turns out there's a decent market there for the type of services we provide.

Your business looks like it's doing well also. Whenever you're ready, just say the word, and we can look into a buy-out of some kind. Maybe make it a little easier to bring out more of the guys.

Guess that's all I really wanted to say other than one final thing. I'm glad you figured out your equation, man. Looks to me like you've ended up with nothing but the good stuff. Hope you enjoy the movie.

Tank

PS: Best not watch the movie with Bomber. She might not believe your whole macho thing anymore if she sees you cry at the end like you always do. Just sayin'. Love ya, man.

I refolded the note and looked again in the DVD case. Cleverly hidden inside was a copy of It's a Wonderful Life. I smiled to myself thinking that the sentiment couldn't be more accurate.