"Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" Rachel asked Juliet. Rachel was hovering, even though she was trying her hardest not to, in the living room as Juliet carried a suitcase from her bedroom. Juliet smiled sadly, wishing it didn't hurt so much to say see you later. The last time they'd parted, Juliet had been gone for almost six years. She was such a huge part of Rachel and Julian's life now. Even though she'd only been back in the States for six months, Aunt Juliet's presence had become the norm, and it wouldn't feel right not having her there.

It had been a month since James appeared on their doorstep. He'd stayed at a motel the first week, but only to sleep, because he spent every waking hour of the day with Juliet, and that happened mostly at Rachel's house. Rachel saw the rhythm they fell into, so natural and complete, like they'd known each other for years. Juliet had to keep reminding her: they had. After that week, a time Rachel considered a trial period, she let James stay at the house. He became a part of their lives too, following the house rules and respecting Rachel's authority in all matters related to living there. She still didn't leave him alone with Julian, and James didn't blame her. He'd never even met his own daughter, much less cared for a child. He was grateful for the chance to watch, learn, and practice with Juliet and Rachel's help. Seeing how they took care of Julian was a comforting and educational experience.

Now he and Juliet were about to set off on a trip to meet Clementine. She was in Los Angeles, with Cassidy, and they'd set up a meeting over the phone. The hardest part for James would be showing up; the hardest part for Juliet was the leaving.

"Come here." Juliet said softly, setting the suitcase down and going to Rachel. She put her arms around her sister, and they squeezed each other tight.

"I'm gonna miss you." said Rachel. "Sooo much."

"Me too."

They let go, and James came into the room looking quite sheepish and guilty.

"You." Rachel said, pointing at him. "If you don't bring my sister back in one piece -"

"You'll kill me, I know." he said. "Believe me, I'm not lettin' her out of my sight."

"I'm not going to be gone forever." Juliet reminded her. "I'll be back before you know it."

"You promise?" said Rachel. "James, make her promise."

"I promise!" Juliet laughed.

"Well you better go say goodbye to Julian. He's probably going to give you a car, or something."

"I know." Juliet said sadly, her heart growing two sizes at the very thought of it.

They left the house with not only a pink Lamborghini, but a blue 1970 Chevelle with white stripes. James was now officially part of the family.

"Don't forget, you can call me every day if you want to." Rachel called out from the door. "In fact, call me even if you don't want to. I love you Jules! Good luck!"

"I love you too!"

Finally, James and Juliet made it to the car, another rental. With James in the driver's seat and Juliet beside him, they shared a kiss before James pulled out of the driveway and began the long drive west. They hadn't gone five blocks when James turned down a side street and parked the car next to the curb. They were in front of a fire hydrant, but James kept staring ahead, brow furrowed in deep thought.

"James?" Juliet said softly. His hands were clutching the steering wheel.

"Are we sure this is a good idea?" he asked, eyes turning toward Juliet.

Juliet opened her mouth to answer, but she held her tongue before saying anything. James cast his gaze downward again.

"I mean," said James. "Who knows what Cassidy's told her about dear old Dad? Does she even want to see me?"

"Yes." Juliet said without a hint of doubt.

James turned to her again, asking her with a look for a more convincing argument than that.

"You're a part of her, James. You're half of what made her. A mother could tell her daughter that her father is Hitler incarnate and that daughter would still want to meet him." said Juliet.

"And what if, like Hitler, he ain't really worth meetin'?"

"Well, you don't have to worry about that at all, do you? Since you are an amazing man, so worth meeting it's ridiculous?"

He took a deep breath, and some of the worry seemed to drain from his face, the creases in his forehead relaxing. He turned the key and got the car started again, and then turned to Juliet with an appreciative smile.

"You see? I knew there was a reason I kept you around."

Juliet let out a short laugh. "Is that it? I thought it was the sex."

"Good lord, don't say that word out loud." said James as he pulled away from the curb and made a quick u-turn. "Don't even think it. We've got a full day's drive ahead of us."

"I was willing to fly." Juliet reminded him, teasing.

"I know, I know." said James. "But it took me this long just to decide on going. I need these next few days to prepare."

"I understand." said Juliet.

James drove on, and after a few minutes he reached for Juliet's hand. He said a silent thank you that the car they had was an automatic. He'd be able to hold her hand the whole way if he wanted to. And he did.

* * *

A/N: Well, that's the end of this story. A couple people have expressed interest in a sequel, showing what happens when they arrive at Cassidy's. I can't promise it will be quick, but I do have ideas of how to continue, so hopefully you'll be seeing it soon!