THE ELIZABETH SERIES
CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO

NEW PROMISES

by JoLayne

RATING: PG
CHARACTERS: Methos, Duncan, Amanda, OCs Elizabeth, Claire, Dr. Bradford, Nick
SUMMARY: The St. Regis Hotel is the place to be.
DISCLAIMER: All characters and concepts you recognize from Highlander: The Series are owned by Panzer/Davis, and maybe Greg Widen. Just using them for fun, no profit is expected or pursued.

~~~~~

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013
NEW YORK CITY

CLIENT CONTACT

NAME: Elizabeth Gordon
DATE: 2-21-13

Elizabeth Gordon's husband, Daniel, called this agency today to say that his wife's medications prescribed by Dr. Bradford were lost and asked if she could get another prescription for them. Elizabeth is the patient of Dr. Julia Stone and Dr. Simon Bradford. Since there is a cancellation on Dr. Bradford's schedule, I made an appointment for her to see the doctor at 2 pm.

Marilee Winslow
Office Manager

~~~~~

Simon Bradford was even better looking than Elizabeth remembered with his long legs incased in somewhat tight pants, recently trimmed sandy hair, welcoming blue eyes, and a smile that was friendly but also quite knowing. She hoped the smile was because he knew she was immortal and not because he was about to show her up for doing something stupid. Not that she didn't feel silly for having bouts of uncontrolled anxiety, but she didn't need anyone else to tell her that. Her psychiatrist's welcome put her at ease right off, it was reassuring to be collected for her appointment by him instead of some young man barking a number into the waiting room. Elizabeth thought that maybe he was quite curious as to why she was back so soon and that was why he had come out of his office to get her. The fact that he dropped off some files at the front desk when he came for her didn't sway her hope that was the case. She hoped that the smile was because of their shared immortality and not because he thought her a loon, a klutz, or just plain stupid to have lost her medications so soon.

"Elizabeth, back so soon," Dr. Bradford smiled as he shook her hand.

She indicated her Styrofoam coffee cup and teased, "You have better coffee than Starbucks, what can I say?"

"Marilee," Bradford called to the woman at the desk. "Red letter day. A compliment on the coffee."

Marilee brightened and smiled to Elizabeth as she followed Dr. Bradford through the door leading to the offices. "You were kidding, right?" he asked cordially.

"Pretty much."

"Well, well. A joke from Elizabeth. Quite the turn around from when we first met."

Dr. Stone walked out of her office and then stopped for them. She smiled and then added recognition to her smile . "Elizabeth," she said mutely. "I didn't expect to see you today."

"Lost her meds. Needs another prescription," Bradford stated sterilely.

"Well," Elizabeth was quick to explain, fearing that she was perceived as a fool who couldn't hold onto a bottle of pills. "I didn't lose them... they were kind of taken from me."

"Were you mugged?" Stone asked with sudden concern.

"Kind of."

"This is what I'm going to get to the bottom of, Julia," Bradford said. "I'll put it in her chart for your review."

"You missed your appointment with me yesterday."

"I know. I'll explain why to him, but could I schedule another one with you?"

"Of course, talk with Marilee. I look forward to seeing you."

With that, Dr. Stone rushed off toward a back exit. Bradford turned to Elizabeth and said, "My chamber awaits," as he indicated his office at the end of the hall.

As she entered his office and took a seat, she watched Bradford make himself at home in his office. She wondered how old he was to use such an expression as 'chamber,' and for a fleeting, nefarious moment equated it with a bedchamber. His attractiveness was plain to her as she fidgeted in her chair and sipped the horrid coffee that a ton of cream and sugar couldn't help.

When he pulled out what she had come to know as her file, she asked, "So, how old are you?"

"This is about you, not me," he said with a smile, looking up from the open page of a chart with some scribbling on it. There was no way she could read what was handwritten, but at the top it read, MEDICATIONS.

"Do you all learn how to scribble in med school?"

"No, we just weren't encouraged to work on our penmanship. Have you taken any dosages of the medications I gave you?"

"One."

"When?"

Trying to think, she couldn't tell which day was which. "The days are all jumbled. The day you gave them to me. I took them then. Not since. I suppose I should tell you and get it over with. I accidently took a bottle of Sominex last night."

His eyes clouded over as he peered at her. "More is more, huh?" When it was obvious that she didn't know what in the world he meant, he said, "As opposed to 'less is more...'" He waved it off. "Never mind. Why the whole bottle?"

"It was unintentional, I was upset and wanted to sleep; a couple didn't seem to work."

There was a somber silence in the room as he continued to look at her. "Don't do that anymore."

"No problem," she quickly stated.

"Were you upset? Because of the mugging?"

"I wasn't mugged. I didn't need to come here just for pills, I came to warn you about what's up in the immortal world, about what happened to me, and... to get pills."

Bradford sat back in his chair, then leaned back comfortably. Since he was waiting, she tried to figure out how to explain the kidnaping, torture, and escape from Shiloh.

~~~~~

"There, there, Little One," Methos murmured to a moaning Claire. "Put your mind on something else and before you know it, the pain will be gone." Methos had hoped to save that sort of advice for when she turned and pain would be a major part of her life, not when she was only ten years old and still mortal.

Getting her dressed at the hospital for the cold winter air and back to the hotel without jarring her arm or head had been tricky. But, she was now safe in bed, wearing a sleeveless nightgown so the pins in her arm weren't accidently moved, and pillows had been situated around her. His daughter's slight cries of pain had ripped right through his heart and he wanted nothing more than to take the pain away from her. He looked at the pins, which had tack heads on them, sticking about a quarter inch out of her skin and again remembered what the doctor had told him just after Elizabeth had left for her doctor's appointment.

Dr. Freelow had said the best thing for Claire for the next couple of days would be to remain quiet and still. She will want to get up and, at times, play, but it would be best if the only moving she did was walking back and forth to the bathroom. Make sure she doesn't stay in one position for too long, Methos remembered him saying, and only after asking how long 'too long' was, the doctor had added, "more than four hours at a time." Freelow had also said that after a few days when her head was more clear, it would be good for Claire to walk around and start to find out how much she can do with her arm. She had been given a sling to keep her arm immobile even though she didn't have a cast. Methos looked in Claire's eyes to see if she was still rattled from the bump on her head. She didn't seem to have much focus on anything, but her pupils were normal. She seemed tired more than anything else.

"You just rest now. Would you like some soft music to help you sleep?"

"Where's Mom?" Claire urged, but her groggy voice gave away the fact that she needed a nap.

"She's at the doctor."

All of a sudden, Claire's eyes found focus, right on him. "What doctor? My doctor?"

"No, her doctor."

"What happened to her?" Claire lifted her head from the pillows and seemed concerned.

Methos gently lowered her shoulder to the bed. "Remember? She's seeing a shrink? She lost her medication and needs more. Nothing to worry about. She'll be home in no time."

"This isn't home, Dad."

"It is for now. Home is where we hang our hat."

Methos chuckled at Claire's furrowed brow. He thought she was going to comment on his 'old fashioned' lingo again, but instead she asked, "You're not lying, are you?"

"I'd never lie to you," Methos replied, taken aback.

"Are you and Mom really back together?" she asked as if in challenge, daring him to fool with her when she was encumbered with medical problems and young age.

Methos kept his smile as he slowly raised his left hand so she could see that he was wearing his wedding band. "Dad!" Claire whooped and held his hand, looking at the ring with a big smile on her face. Most kids would act that excited when they saw a new toy or puppy. Claire just wanted her parents back together. Methos had wanted that too, but had never wanted to admit it to himself.

From the time he had first fallen in love with Elizabeth, right through the period when he had lost her to James then went looking for a glimmer of hope that she was still alive, then falling into a comfortable, loving existence with her in Seacouver, California, and finally on board the Claire Elizabeth, he had never thought she would raise a sword against him. Now that he knew what she had been silently dealing with-Pyrius-he knew exactly what she had been up against. Pyrius had him for only three days, which were the longest three days of his long life. He had absolutely no control over Pyrius during those dark days. And he had been the one to make Pyrius so angry; Methos didn't want to think about how Elizabeth had handled him in her head when she had nothing to do with his wrath. Knowing how thoroughly that Pyrius had hated him, Methos loved Elizabeth even more because she hadn't taken his head right off the bat just to shut Pyrius up and give herself some peace. After she had freed him from the shackles in Shiloh... Methos accepted that Elizabeth was the only person on this earth he could really truly trust. She had no ulterior motives when it came to him, he knew that now. If only he could have seen that before all hell broke loose, or if she would have been straight with him about what she was handling on her own. Thinking about it now he realized he would have to reiterate that there should never be anything left unsaid between them. Even the mundane. Methos smiled as he envisioned the long monologues when he would ask her how her day went after she found a teaching job, and he couldn't wait.

Breaking him from his thoughts, Claire asked, "Where's Mom's ring?"

"That's for her to find."

Claire was sharp in her response, "Dad, be nice."

For a child to tell an adult, her father no less, to play nice... Methos knew she misunderstood him and maybe he had to rethink all the nasty things he had said to, and about, Elizabeth in the last few months. Well, he'll make it up to Elizabeth, to Claire, and to himself. "I'm being perfectly nice," he said as he tucked her in and kissed her softly on the forehead. "After she gets home and you're asleep-and make sure you go to sleep early-I'm going to have your mother find her wedding ring and then... I'll tell you more when you're thirty."

"I love you, Dad."

"I love you more, Little One," Methos cooed as he went to the door and looked back. "Why don't you take a nap, and we'll have something to eat when Mom gets back?"

"All right."

Methos waited for her to shut her eyes. To his surprise, it didn't take long. Claire looked so small, so young, so fragile, lying there with three pins sticking out of her arm. She was surrounded by pillows to keep her head and arm stable. He waited to hear her breathing even out and then fall into a soft sleepy rhythm.

When he went to turn on the stereo and flip through the FM stations, he noticed the grandfather clock and wondered what was taking Elizabeth so long. The appointment with Bradford had been last minute because of a cancellation of his and he didn't think it would take that long to get new pills. He had to admit that he didn't know the ins and outs of psychiatry, as he had never formerly asked for professional advise before, but after thinking about it, he was sure there were all sorts of bureaucratic hoops to jump through. How she explained what happened to her pills was something he wondered about. That her doctor was immortal made Methos feel better, as long as she didn't tell him too much about them, him. He could understand, and be rightfully horrified by what they had all gone through the past week. If anyone could help Elizabeth, it was that doctor, those pills, Claire getting better, and Methos showing her how much he loved her. That last thought made him think more about the plans he had mentally made for the evening. What he had to do was make some calls and prepare. He hoped he had brought it with him from France, and checked his baggage to see. If there was one thing that Elizabeth would love more than her wedding ring, it was that. He had to find it.

~~~~~

Dr. Bradford had been quite quiet during Elizabeth's slow and deliberate recital of what had happened to them in Shiloh and the reason she had lost her medication. Bradford had been so quiet listening to her that she wondered if he even believed her. She had let the silence in the room go on for long enough, and blurted out, "I can get others to tell you it happened if you don't believe me."

"No," he said, clearing his throat with a slight shake of his head. "I believe you. Who on earth would think up such a story? If you just wanted pills, there were other more convincing alibis to be had, and have been used. Believe me, I've heard them all. Or at least I thought I had... No..." He paused again and ran his hand through his sandy colored hair, which kind of messed it up. "How are you?"

Elizabeth chuckled, not knowing how to take that. "What do you mean?"

"After that ordeal, what are you feeling? How are you handling it?"

"It's funny..." She wanted to tell him exactly what she felt, but didn't know if she could explain.

"Hilarious, I'm sure. Be straight with me. What are your symptoms?"

"No, it's not... I'm not covering or anything. I want to be honest with you. I really do. I just don't know how to say it. In fact, I'm not sure I know."

"Have you experienced any panic since then?"

"Once. When I went outside the hospital to call here. I was right where I was when they took me."

"Uh hm..." he said as he pulled the legal pad near him and started writing on it.

"But the funny thing is," Elizabeth said to interrupt him from writing down something that wasn't really the truth. "I'm actually, kind of, okay."

"Really?" he asked seemingly surprised.

"Yeah. I mean, it was horrible and..." she didn't like that it was hard to talk to him about her marriage's current state as it was the most important thing in her life. "After being kidnaped, strapped to a chair with a blade at my neck, being ... in that room, killing a ton of mortals, my child with a head injury and broken arm, having a talk with my husband that I'd been hoping for and dreading that I'd say something wrong, again, the feeling of being utterly alone and unsafe outside the hospital when I called... I should be certifiable, but I'm not. I'm actually doing quite a bit better than I expected. I'm sure it's because Daniel and I are back together. At least, I hope it's not just a dream in the midst of this nightmare. Daniel was wonderful taking care of that social worker and the police, and he held me last night. He didn't have to, but he did." Elizabeth couldn't stop the smile from forming on her face. Just the thought of being in Methos' arms had given her such strength, she felt as if she could take on anything, with the exception of a crowd outside the hospital where she had been taken... "He told me he loves me this morning."

"So, he just needs to switch his position on his perception of what was in your head when you almost took his head, and you're all better?"

She didn't think she liked that snotty question and was going to respond, but he said, "I thought women, especially immortal women, were more modern than that. They don't live through their husbands' wants and needs."

"I don't. But it certainly makes life better."

"Hm..." he said, and wrote again on that pad.

Before she could ask him to explain why he was being this way, he asked, "Do you think your husband would be willing to go into couple therapy?"

Elizabeth laughed loudly, but then it died out when he was so serious looking. "I guess I don't know."

"I take from your outburst that you don't think he will."

"I don't know. Why? Do we need it?"

"You don't think you do? You think everything's peachy keen now and there are no unresolved issues that are lingering under the surface just waiting to bare teeth?"

"Actually... no, yes, and no."

"How can you be so sure? You did say you wanted to continue therapy, and that you would like to continue therapy with me. As an immortal, I can understand the issues that plague you. Also, as an immortal, I could probably listen to you both in therapy with a learned ear. You're husband wouldn't be open to this?"

"I'll ask him."

"How old is he?"

That question took her by surprise. "Why? How old are you?"

"This isn't about me. This is about you. Because it's about you, it's also about your husband."

"You'll have to ask him how old he is." Elizabeth instantly folded up when the prospect of slipping up and revealing her husband's age came to light. As always, she needed to protect him and his head. If this doctor was going to be obstinate, she could do well by looking somewhere else for help.

"All right. I would like to talk to him. I would like to hear his side of things. It can only help me form a way to help you both."

Elizabeth was certain with her response, "He doesn't need help."

"Really?" For the first time since she had described the chairs they were strapped into in Shiloh, Dr. Bradford's eyes widened. "Let's see. He married an immortal, which is... weird. His wife raised her sword against him, his wife slept with his best friend, his daughter has been seriously injured, he was kidnaped, almost beheaded, again... and you don't think that he needs to at least talk to someone?"

"Well, we talked most of that stuff out, and we're together again. He did it, too... he slept with my friend." In order to shift the subject, she added quickly, "Claire's going to be fine. Thank God," she added with a frantic hope, she wanted to close the session and leave. The last thing she wanted was for the doctor to fixate on the 'spouse swapping' that went on in Paris. In fact, it was also the last thing she wanted to think about, too. She was certain that Methos felt the same way. Did he?

"As much as I am positive your talk was good for both of you," Dr. Bradford said. "I'm only suggesting couple therapy as a way to make sure there isn't anything that needs to be confronted before you truly commit to one another again. If you don't wish to, that is certainly your prerogative. If he doesn't want to, that is also his decision, and I respect that. I'm not your father, your brother, your friend, or most importantly, your enemy. I'm your doctor, and I'm covering all bases to make sure you get the best care and treatment possible. With the events that have taken place-in a short period of time, mind you-I was just imagining that there were things you, and your husband, would like to talk about with an impartial person."

Elizabeth let that sink in. There might be things they could put out on the table and take care of. What if he wasn't as willing to let things go as he had said? What if he felt this way now, but a month, a year, down the line, Methos could start to wonder about things? She said, "I'll mention it to him. Thank you. I know you want to help. It's just weird that I really can tell you everything." Except for Methos' real name and age... "I've never really had that before. Even with girlfriends, like Amy and Amanda, there's always a barrier of some sort so I can't really tell them everything. The only person I can tell everything is my husband and... we might be unconsciously staying away from subjects we don't want to bring up."

"That is where I can come in, Elizabeth. I'll be expensive, but I'll be listening if you and Daniel wish to use me. For the time being, here are your new prescriptions," he said as he handed them to her, "and try not to lose them or overdose on over-the-counters anymore."

"Um, could I ask a favor?"

"Depends on what it is." He didn't seem to be challenging her, just trying to lighten the mood in the room.

"That one medication is liquid."

"The Paxil. I found it works better in liquid form with immortals."

"But, I get nervous and I spilled it on my friend's leg. I don't want that to happen anymore." She wondered if spilling that Paxil on Duncan's pants had been another reason why they were all still alive, well save Brynn and Terry. If Duncan hadn't been going to the hotel to change instead of at the hospital where the Crusaders had more than likely expected him to be, the Crusaders might have kidnaped him and they'd all have been beheaded together.

Because she felt the rise of emotion with the wonders of 20/20 hindsight, she looked at the doctor, who seemed to be looking for more of an explanation than she had just spilled it because she's a klutz. "It's quite the production to take it, if you didn't know that. You have to get that dropper in the bottle, make sure you have the right dose. It's little numbers on that dropper thingie... it's a mess. Can I take a pill instead?"

Bradford ripped up one of the light blue square sheets in his hand and wrote on a new square. "You'll have to take a double dose, in addition to the double dose you take because you're immortal. It might make you tired. That's something to monitor. Don't be driving any heavy machinery or walking around without a sword until you know how well your body takes to it."

Because his smile was light and there was a sort of wink in his voice, she smiled relieved and took the blue squared sheets from him. He told her, "Remember the dosages. Take the Paxil and Librium right away today and continue with the regiment tomorrow morning. The Ambien, take only if you feel you need it to sleep. Other than that, why don't you schedule for next week to see how you're doing, and of course, you can call anytime if there's a problem, especially if you feel doped up with the Paxil CR. It's a time release med, so it might not be too bad on your system."

"Thank you, doctor."

"Daniel could come to the next appointment if he wishes."

"I'll mention it, and I'm sure it will depend on if Claire is better. She shouldn't be left alone, and I'm not sure if anyone will be around to stay with her. You'll tell Dr. Stone that I'm transferring to you?"

"Yes."

"Tell her thank you. Some of those anxiety relieving techniques have helped."

"Will do. Good luck, Elizabeth."

When he shook her hand, and she had prescriptions for the pills she knew she needed in her hand, she felt better than she had since Methos told her that he had held her during the night.

~~~~~

Methos had just slapped some cologne on his cheeks in the bathroom when he felt the approach of an immortal. It was about time Elizabeth got home, he thought as he looked at his watch. It was close to seven, he had already ordered room service for Claire, played a word game while she ate, helped her to the bathroom, and had given her a book from her bag, which he hoped would hold her attention until she fell asleep so he and Elizabeth wouldn't be disturbed. Before opening the door for Elizabeth, he noticed that Claire was reading the Harry Potter book he had given her. He didn't know which of the seven it was, but was happy Claire was quite satisfied alone in her room. To his chagrin, she was still awake. When the doorbell rang, she looked up and asked, "Mom's home?"

"Yep."

Methos pulled open the door and was surprised to see Duncan, Amanda, and that blond guy that came to Shiloh with them waltz in. Methos checked the hall and saw that there was no Elizabeth. A bit disappointed, he told them, "Come on in," snarkily since they were already in the living room. The blond one, Nick, Methos suddenly remembered his name, yawned loudly as he sunk onto the sectional sofa. When Duncan and Amanda took seats on it as well, Methos wondered if he would have any success getting rid of them.

"Well, well, well," Amanda said, looking Methos up and down. "What are you all decked out for?"

Methos straightened the sleeves of his dark blue suit that Elizabeth had enjoyed the other morning. "None of your business," he said as he straightened his tie.

Amanda cooed as she lifted the chilling bottle of champagne from the ice bucket on the high table behind the sofa. "Oh, for sweet. You didn't have to just for us."

"Put that back," Methos snapped with good humor. It was good to see them again since the last time he had really seen Amanda she was strapped to a chair, but gods... he just wanted time alone with his wife...

"We were going to go to the hospital after we woke up to see Claire, but felt you and/or Liz here," Duncan explained. "If you want to be alone..."

"I do. Thanks, buddy," Methos said, still by the door. "Get lost."

"Did Claire have to stay another night in the hospital?" Amanda asked.

"No," Methos heard Claire holler from her room. "I'm in here, Aunt Mandy."

"Oh!" Amanda shrieked and lifted quickly from the couch as if there was a snake on it and stepped past Duncan's legs to swat Methos on the arm. "Why did you keep her a secret?"

"When did I have time to keep that covert?" Methos asked. Since he figured they were planted now, and he did want them to see Claire, he stepped away from the door as Amanda went in to hug Claire. "Be careful with her, she's got a bad arm." He said under his breath, "Thanks to you."

"Where's Liz?" Duncan asked as he walked to Claire's bedroom door and smiled and waved to her.

"What's it to you?" Methos had been happy to see his friends alive and well and hadn't expected his stomach to clench when Duncan asked about his wife. The fact that they had spent a night together filled his head and that was all he could see.

"Just wondering," Duncan said shrugging.

"I don't know where she is," Methos confessed, then his stomach tightened further. "She's not in danger is she? Why didn't I think of that? Her appointment was five hours ago."

"Appointment? Doctor appointment?"

"Yeah, Einstein. She lost her pills."

"What are you being snippy for?"

Methos stared at him wide eyed not sure why he had to ask, but then grumbled and walked to the phone. He dialed his cell number and waited with his fists clenched for Elizabeth to answer. He stared at Nick in the meantime to avoid looking at Duncan.

Nick, probably uncomfortable with the stare, said, "We've decided to make the hotel our headquarters."

"Liz," Methos barked into the phone when she finally answered. "Where the bloody hell are you?"

"You would not believe my afternoon. I just love this city," Elizabeth replied, but she didn't sound too happy. "I'll fill you in. I'm just down the street from the hotel."

"Good, we have company."

"Oh? That May woman?"

"No, she's in Florida, or on her way there." Methos remembered he had to call Margie to let her know a special guest was coming for the weekend. "Hurry up," he told her and then hung up. He continued his stare at Nick. "Headquarters for what?"

"Operation Kill Crusaders," Nick said proudly.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Methos warned and nodded to the bedroom. "No such talk while my daughter is around, you pinhead."

Nick ducked as if a brick flew past his head. "Sorry..."

Duncan smiled as Claire had said something to him, which Methos couldn't hear but it had "Maconi" in it. He moved closer to Methos and whispered, "Joe's in Paris with Liam and Guy. They're seeing the Board at midnight their time."

"Which was... an hour ago," Methos told him.

"Yeah. We haven't heard anything yet. Joe said he'd call my cell as soon as he left the meeting."

"How long do Board meetings go?" Methos asked.

Duncan shrugged, then they both looked to Nick. He grunted. "Yeah, like I've been to a Board meeting."

"I only know how long their kangaroo courts last. It would either be really quick, if they toss them out on their ear, or really long, if they choose to listen to what happened," Duncan said. "Hope they don't shoot Joe for what he's accusing them of."

"Mr. Optimism." Methos cringed when he thought about how close Joe had come to walking the Stairway to Heaven the last time he had a disagreement with the Watchers. He took a deep breath and tried to think of happy thoughts, such as Claire better and Elizabeth walking through that door to avoid focusing on the dreary circumstances around them.

"I faxed all the information I gathered in the van," Nick said as he got up from the couch and walked to them. "Amazing equipment the Watchers have. Just amazing."

"Yeah, I know," Methos said as he moved away. He felt the champagne to see if it was still cold impatient for Elizabeth to come and them all to leave.

"How do you know? You've had access to Watcher database?"

Methos tightened when Duncan started, "He was-" imagining he would spill the beans that he had once been Adam Pierson. Methos said quickly, "Friends with my Watcher. Amy Barstow. Remember? She was one of us unfortunates in the chairs."

When he saw Duncan's look, Methos realized he wasn't going to mention his past alias. For a moment, Methos felt bad for assuming Duncan had half a brain. But just for a bit.

"Do you think I can use your phone?" Nick asked. He took out his wallet. "I have a calling card. I want to see if Megan got to Phoenix yet."

"Whatever," Methos said. If they were going to stay, they might as well make themselves at home. Duncan sat down on the couch as Nick moved by him, then the Highlander turned on the telly and stopped channel surfing on ESPN. Amanda and Claire were still talking in her bedroom. Nick had disappeared into the master bedroom. Methos looked at Duncan and forgot about the unpleasantness and only saw his friend he enjoyed spending time with, and having on his side. Methos took a beer out of the fridge, then another, and joined Duncan on the couch.

"Thanks," Duncan said with a smile. He twisted off the cap and tossed it over his shoulder.

Methos chuckled. "I can tell you're not at home."

"February's a bad month for sports. There are none," Duncan commented. "No football, no baseball. Soccer is..."

Methos stated matter-of-fact before he swigged his beer and put his feet up on the coffee table, "I like baseball."

"You do?" Duncan seemed surprised. "Joe told me he tried to teach you the rules of baseball once but you didn't get it."

"There's a law against fooling with Joe's head?"

Duncan paused. "It is kind of fun once in a while, huh? Wonder how he's doing?"

"Why don't you go back to your room and call him?"

Duncan stared at Methos, considering what Methos had said as if he had alluded to the thought of leaving for the first time. "You want us to leave?"

"Yes," Methos said brightly.

"Fine," he said, handing his beer to Methos. "Let me collect the others and say hi to Claire."

"You're amiable this evening."

"Well, you might want to be alone with Liz."

"What do you care?"

"Huh?"

Methos shook his head and his eye landed on the TV showing a man and woman skating together. The woman's costume, which seemed to consist of two scraps of material got his attention. When she was lifted into the air by her partner and she spread her legs, Methos understood why figure skating was popular.

"Yeah, I care," Duncan said, taking Methos' attention from the TV. "I want her to be happy. Even in the sick corner of my mind, I want you to be happy, too."

"Gee, thanks," Methos purred as he batted his eyelashes at him.

"Just be nice to her."

Methos laughed. "I need you to tell me how to treat my wife?"

"Yes. Look how you've treated her for months."

"Excuse me, Highlander, but I wouldn't have been treating her that way if she hadn't raised a sword against me and slept with you know who."

"I think you would have acted just the same way if she hadn't."

"Hadn't what? Almost took my head or slept with you?"

"Could you hold it down a little bit?" Amanda asked at the door of Claire's bedroom. She moved into the room and took one of the two beers Methos was holding. "Claire's tired, and she's going to go to sleep." She sat down next to Methos and took a swallow of the beer. "Besides, I don't think I like what you were talking about."

"No, I'll just bet you don't," Methos said in a whisper as he took the fuller of the two beers from Amanda and gave her the other. "Considering what we were talking about was your husband sleeping with my wife."

Duncan sighed loudly as Amanda cringed. She said, "I would do well not thinking about that again, thank you very much."

"We straightened things out the past couple of days," Duncan said.

"Funny, so did Liz and I."

"Nothing funny about that," Duncan commented with a smile. "Good. I'm glad. Let's put that whole mess behind us, so we can take care of this other mess."

"What mess?" Amanda asked.

"Amanda! The Crusaders," Duncan whispered. "Have you forgotten?"

"Of course not, just don't change subjects, such unpleasant subjects, so fast. In fact, let's not talk about them at all." She sat down on the couch and stretch one long leg gracefully over the other.

"What do you want to talk about then, luv?" Methos downed his beer.

"Don't call her that," Duncan warned.

"It was just an expression." Methos didn't really care that he had riled the Highlander, and in fact, had hoped it would.

"I think we'd better go," Duncan groused. He started to the bedroom, probably to collect Nick, when he stopped.

Methos knew that he stopped because he too must have felt the approach of an immortal. Relieved that things would finally go his way, Methos went to the door and opened it. Elizabeth was just about the stick her keycard into the slide.

Elizabeth instantly smiled when she looked up at him and Methos took her into his arms. "What a day I had...," she murmured as she squeezed him back. "An hour and a half with Simon, 45 minutes at the pharmacy." She walked in and saw their guests. Elizabeth smiled brightly and said, "Hey all." She saw Duncan, who had edged his way back to them, probably forgetting to get the caller in the other room as soon as Elizabeth had showed up.

Methos didn't like it that Elizabeth put her arms around Duncan and seemed to coo, "Hey, good to see you. How ya doing?"

"I'm great," Duncan seemed to beam as he looked over Elizabeth's head straight at Methos.

"That's a little over two hours. Where else were you?" Methos asked. To his relief, Elizabeth let go of Duncan and turned to him.

"I was near Amy's hotel, so I thought I'd stop in and see how she's doing. The desk clerk was a Nazi, and after 20 minutes of going around in circles, he finally let me call up to the room. She wasn't there. She probably took the kids out for air after being cooped up for so long. Then," she recited excitedly and sat down by Amanda to grabbed her hand. "I wanted to get some reading material for Claire... she was released from the hospital, wasn't she?"

"She's sleeping in the other room," Amanda told her with a smile.

Elizabeth hugged Amanda. "Thank God. Is she all right?"

"She will be." Methos prodded her to explain why she had been gone for three more hours than she had accounted for, "And?"

Elizabeth got up and walked to Claire's bedroom door. She paused a moment to take in the sight of their sleeping daughter. Not wanting to disturb her, since she appeared to be sleeping peacefully, Elizabeth talked quieter as she moved back into the living room, and to Methos' pleasure, put her arm around his waist. "I was at a corner newsstand to get some magazines, and an old woman was mugged right in front of me. The bastard knocked her down. The poor woman might have broken her hip. A guy that was going to buy a Newsweek ran after the mugger, and caught him about a block away. He brought him back by his ear." Elizabeth chuckled. "It was kind of funny. He didn't even have a weapon; he had just rushed past the woman and started running when he had her purse. The city's still not totally full of creeps judging by the look of that guy who got her purse back. I helped the woman, Gladys, to a bench, and she seemed fine physically, but she was a mess emotionally. I could kind of get behind that, so I stayed with her until the police came. So, the guy who caught the mugger and I told the police what happened. Then, I got into a cab and of course, there was a traffic jam on 49^th so the cab was stalled. I decided to walk it, and then you called. So..." she said as the silence from the listeners took over. "What's new here? Is Claire really all right?"

"She's as fine as she can be." Methos kissed Elizabeth's forehead.

"Hey," she murmured as she noticed his outfit. "You going somewhere?"

"No."

"What are you all dressed up for?"

"You."

"Ah." She giggled. "Are we going somewhere?"

"No."

"Ah, then why is this suite full of people?"

"I've been trying to get rid of them," Methos said and smiled at Duncan.

Duncan walked to the door of the bedroom and called, "Time to go."

Elizabeth saw Nick walk out of the room. She looked up at Methos. "Who is that, and why was he in our bedroom?"

Duncan told her, "He's the reason we're all alive." He clapped Nick on the shoulder as Nick looked at them all, looking as if he was lost in the conversation.

"How's that?" Methos asked. It seemed to him that it was Elizabeth who had saved them. He hadn't really gotten the whole story about how Duncan had found them.

"He is the one who found an email he shouldn't have, did some detective work, and kidnaped me instead of the Crusaders."

Methos looked into Claire's room to see if she could hear this. She seemed asleep, so he sighed in relief and shut the door. When he turned back to them, he saw Elizabeth about to take Nick into her arms. She hugged the blond man and said, "That's how it happened. I was wondering about you. If they had gotten Duncan, we'd all be dead. They would have been able to decapitate us. Thank you."

Nick smiled embarrassed as he hugged her back. "My pleasure." Then he grimaced when Elizabeth's hand brushed against his upper left arm. "Still a little sore."

"From what?" Elizabeth asked as she stepped back from him, plainly knowing that she had caused the wince of pain.

"I got shot."

"I didn't do it, did I?" Elizabeth asked horrified.

"No, Liz. He was shot by Watchers," Duncan related. "Even after being shot, he did what needed to be done, and lost a good friend out of the deal. The Crusaders got wind of his interference and blew up a van his friend, Mike, was in."

Duncan seemed to look straight at Methos when he said that. Methos realized that this man did play a major part in why Methos still had his head. With this new-found information, he moved to Nick and grabbed his hand and shook it with respect. "Thank you very much, Nicholas. It is Nicholas?"

Nick nodded. "But only my grandma calls me that."

"We owe you," Methos said. "We owe you big. Thank you very much."

Nick, obviously not used to the switch in Methos' attitude toward him, just smiled as his face grew red.

There was a comfortable silence as everyone took each other in, and Methos actually enjoyed having his friends, and this new one, around him. But only for a bit. He saw Elizabeth in tight jeans and wanted them all to go. He was a bit miffed that she hadn't noticed that he was wearing his wedding ring, but there would be time for her to notice.

Elizabeth asked, "So, what's the plan? What was happening while I was gone?" as if she felt left out.

Amanda said, "Boys being boys. Thank God you came in when you did."

"Huh?"

"It was nothing," Methos told her. He looked pointedly at Duncan. "They were all just leaving."

"I can take the fiftieth hint. Come on, Amanda, Nick. I'm starving. Let's find a steakhouse."

"Steak?" Amanda stood up from the couch and moved to her man. "You fall right to sleep when you eat meat, Mac, darling. I know a great vegan place in the Village."

"I eat meat," Nick said.

"Then find a cow and broil it." Amanda snaked her arms around Duncan. "I want to get you alone anyway. I'd like some privacy with my husband tonight now that we've gotten our beauty rest."

Methos waved his arms for them all to go, happy that Amanda was finally on his same wavelength. He opened the door and motioned for them all to take the grand hint. Amanda brushed her hand against his cheek as she walked past and called out, "Tell Claire I'm going to have a great lunch with her and you, Liz, tomorrow around two."

"What about me?" Methos was pleased they were leaving and didn't mind small talk while they were all at the door.

"Girl talk. No men allowed." She smiled at Duncan over her shoulder, then took his collar and ushered him out behind her.

"See ya," Duncan said as he walked past Methos.

There was only one left. Nick asked, "Anyone know the city and where I can get a good meal? Or hotel room?"

"You're in a hotel, Nick," Methos said. "I'm sure they have food downstairs."

"You seem not to realize that I've been a lowly Field Watcher and can't really afford the food here now that I'm off the expense account. I already checked, and there are no rooms available here until next week."

When he looked longingly at the massive suite Elizabeth had, Methos took his wallet out of his back pocket and gave him two one hundred dollar bills. "See what you can find. The Y isn't too far away if nothing else. Or pick up a chick at a bar and stay at her place."

"Does the name Megan ring a bell?" Nick scoffed.

"No." Methos continued, ushering him to the door, "Tomorrow, I'll help you find someplace nice. Just for now, please leave us alone."

Nick laughed and took the money. "I'll pay you back."

"I refuse to accept it if you try, if you leave now." Methos said in a nice way, but urgently.

"Don't have to say it again."

"I've had to many times."

"And I've enjoyed playing with you." Nick smiled to Elizabeth, who was watching Claire from the now opened bedroom door. "You both have fun now."

Gladly, Methos shut the door behind them and took in the sight of his wife looking at their daughter. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist. Leaning his chin against her shoulder, he said, "She's going to be just fine."

"I wish she wasn't asleep," Elizabeth whispered, leaning back against him. "I'd like to ask her myself how she's feeling."

"You can in the morning."

They stood for a moment together watching their daughter, now safe, and hopefully healing. Methos said, "She's so like you."

"Oh?" Elizabeth asked inquiringly.

"She looks like you, too."

"I didn't have anything to do with that."

"Maybe it's like old married couples who start to look alike, or owners with pets they've had for years. She's your daughter, and she looks like you."

"So, I'm either an old woman or a dog?" She laughed as he kissed her on the cheek, then nuzzled her neck. Elizabeth held his hands and Methos was content to hold her and watch his daughter peacefully sleep. He felt her fingers touch his ring and then her head lifted from the comfortable spot on his shoulder. When she saw his wedding ring, she whipped around in his arms. "You're wearing it."

"Of course."

Her smile faded as she took his left hand in hers and looked at his wedding band as a long lost treasure. "I... threw... I lost mine. I'm so sorry."

"Yeah, but it's a good thing you have friends."

She looked confused by that. Methos let her ponder it as he shut Claire's bedroom door and moved to the ice bucket and champagne glasses. She looked awed when he looked back at her. "I didn't even see that before. It was there all the time?"

He was glad it was still somewhat chilled. "Too much commotion in the room." He poured two glasses and then walked back to her, handing her one. He clicked his glass to hers and said, "To us."

"Um, Methos..." Her glance shifted from him to the glass of bubbly. "I'm on meds, so I shouldn't drink. I know I'm immortal and it probably wouldn't hurt, but Simon did take great pains to tell me to lay off the alcohol until I know what these pills will do to me."

Methos smiled and lifted the bottle from the ice bucket to show her that it was bubbly white grape juice. "I already had that planned. In fact," Methos said as he took her in his arm and raised his glass to her lips. "I have quite an evening planned."

"I'm somewhat underdressed," she said before taking a sip.

"No matter. We'll not be in clothes for long."

"I love your thinking."

Methos was gratified by how he felt holding Elizabeth again with no hesitation about his own health and safety, but even more so when he felt her collapse against him and act as she had before Pyrius took over her head once again. As she rubbed his back, dropping her filled champagne glass, and her breath was a whisper against his ear, he could really imagine once again forging a long, satisfied life with her, in which every facet of his being would include her. He had those feelings before. He had always heard of immortals marrying, and he had always scoffed at the idea. Not only would one get bored after a while, but there was always the Game. He set his glass on the table and put his hands on Elizabeth's cheeks, which were red as she must have been crying. He looked into her eyes and knew that she was probably thinking the same thing. She had steered clear of immortals before meeting him. Her loving look let him know that this woman could always be trusted. If there were open lines of communication between them, and they didn't take each other for granted, they would make it through anything. After all, they had so far.

Then, as if his heart ripped open, there was a cry from the bedroom. Elizabeth's eyes widened, and she ran to Claire with him at her heels. "What's the matter?" she asked as she went right to Claire's bedside. Claire was trying to hold her shoulder, but her hand hit the pins, making her cry out again. Big tears were in her eyes, and Methos noticed that Claire was in a different position than she had been when she fell asleep.

"I moved and it hurts," Claire bawled.

"Oh, sweetie." Elizabeth sat on the bed and held Claire, careful of her arm as Methos sprawled across the other side of the wide bed. He put his hand on his child's leg, wanting to take the pain away, but could only watch as Claire simpered in Elizabeth's arms as she was gently rocked back and forth.

"I hate being sick," Claire moaned, then sniffed back her tears, she was holding her mother tight with her right arm.

"I know, it's not easy, honey," Elizabeth mumbled. "Just think about when you're better. You will get better. This is just temporary."

When Elizabeth glanced to Methos with a worried look on her face, he knew she was thinking as he was, that they hoped Claire would get well, and fast.

As mother and child rocked slowly and Claire's tears faded away, Methos knew that Claire was taken care of and wanted them to spend time alone to begin bonding once again. He had taken that away from both of them, and was glad that things were straightened out and it was behind them.

As Methos got off the bed without jostling it and walked to the door, Claire asked, "Where are you going, Dad?"

"Just in the other room, Little One."

"Then, why are you dressed up?"

"I'm wearing this for your mother, of course." Methos smiled as Claire looked at Elizabeth, then back at him, then rubbed her cheek with her right hand.

"And don't think I don't appreciate it," Elizabeth commented with a wink at him.

When Elizabeth smoothed Claire's long, black hair and repositioned her on the bed, Methos took the opportunity the diversion gave him to leave before Claire would ask him to stay. He wanted her to be tended, but Elizabeth could do that. He had another phone call to make and things to set up.

~~~~~

Elizabeth primped the pillows around Claire and lifted the covers to make her more comfortable. Jammed between Claire and the pillow under her left arm was a heavy hardcover book. She lifted the red book without a dust cover and said, "Ah, you're rereading Harry Potter."

"Prisoner of Azkaban. Still my favorite one."

"Ah, yes. Who can't love the Shrieking Shack twist at the end?" The series came back to Elizabeth's mind; how scared everyone has been of Sirius Black at the beginning of book three, and then after a long discussion, everyone found out that he was the good guy, Harry's godfather and only real family left. She couldn't help thinking there was a parallel with her own life with how Methos had felt about her. If only Sirius hadn't been killed off... well, that wasn't going to happen to her.

Elizabeth was glad that Claire was feeling better and lying comfortably on the pillows. "My favorite is Lupin," Claire said.

Elizabeth told her, "I like Snape."

Claire's nose screwed up. "How can you like Snape?"

"I feel sorry for him. Remember the flashback in book five?"

"No."

"James and Sirius were awful to him. And, as a joke while they were still in school, they were going to sic Lupin the werewolf on him."

"Oh yeah, but James saved him."

"I agree with Snape. He did it only to save his own butt. If the werewolf had killed or bitten Snape, it would have been James' fault. He could have been expelled, or worse. They were horrible to Snape, and Snape protected Harry. Remember at the first Quidditch match? It was Snape chanting the counter curse that Quirrel was reciting."

"Yeah, well..." Claire wasn't seeing her side of the argument at all. "Dad said that if someone's mean to you, you should be nice in return to see what happens. Snape didn't do that."

"He said that?"

"Yeah, when I asked how to make kids nicer to me."

"Kids have been mean to you?"

"Not all of them, but being the new kid in town isn't easy. I'd like to fit in somewhere. At least with Harry, he started school with people who were new to the school too and found friends right away. And stuck it to Draco. I really liked that part on the train to Hogwarts. He can choose his own friends, thank you very much. I wish I had that courage. No wonder he was in Griffindor house. I'd probably be in Ravenclaw.

"You have courage, my dear. Look how you're dealing with your arm. Look how you have made friends. You're a smart, beautiful girl who's going to be an ever greater woman."

"I have more brains than courage. Only because of Dad. I'm not going to have to have school for a while, am I?"

"Funny you should mention that..."

"Moooo-oom. I'm sick."

"While you're sitting around, you could be learning. I'm going to help with the schooling. It's very important."

"Can't I go to regular school? Where are we going to live? Here? Forever?"

"No. I would like to find a job, and then we'll live there, if we all agree that's where we want to live." Just that short layout of a future plan made Elizabeth hesitant. She hadn't spoken to Methos at all about the future, and didn't even really accept the gloriousness of the present. What if he had his own plans? She didn't want to lie to Claire or make her look forward to something that's not going to happen. Again.

"What job?"

"Teaching."

"You're a teacher?"

"I was before you were born. I'd like to get back to it."

"Cool. What did you teach?"

"I told you before."

"I forgot. What did you teach?"

"History."

"You did? Are you a good teacher?"

"I like to think so."

"Why did you stop?"

"I had better things to do." Elizabeth nuzzled her cheek and smiled.

"I did like having you at home. Is it really going to be like that again? You and Dad together, and we all live as a family in a house where I go to school again?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said comfortably. Whatever the future held, they were going to be together as a family.

"I love you, Mom."

Elizabeth was glad that when things were normal while Claire was growing up that the word love had been exchanged. Hugs were abundant. Elizabeth was looking forward to the day when things would go back to how they were in California, Seacouver, Sintra, or the yacht as much as Claire was. Methos was in the other room wearing his wedding ring and she suddenly had the overpowering urge to join him. "I love you too, are you comfortable now?"

Claire shrugged. "As I can be, I guess."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault. I slipped on the ice."

"I know. I just wish I had been there."

"How long do you think I'll have these pins?"

"What did the doctor say?"

"He talked to Dad. I don't know."

"Well, I'm sure it won't be long. Just remember not to touch or move them. I know you know that. Don't give me that look," she quickly said when Claire looked at her as if Elizabeth thought her a dope. "You'll be fine in no time."

Elizabeth wished her daughter could access the healing power that was bubbling just under the surface. The only way Claire's natural healing could happen would be for her to die. Shuddering at the horrible thought, Elizabeth peppered Claire's face with little kisses. "You'll heal. Don't worry." She kissed Claire's arm, careful not to get too close to the pins. "Like magic."

"I'm not five, mom. You don't have magic kisses."

"Bummer. Did you get some pain pills from the doctor?"

Claire shrugged and said, "I don't need one. Doesn't hurt anymore."

When Claire yawned, Elizabeth said, "I love you, Little One. Sleep well, but if you need absolutely anything, you just call for me." Elizabeth put the book on the bedside table and turned the lamp down to the first click, knowing that Claire never liked complete darkness.

"I will," Claire said as she closed her eyes.

Elizabeth waited until she knew Claire was back to sleep, happy that Claire and her were talking like they used to. She loved that child so much, and knew that Claire had held the hope that they'd be like this, as a family, again one day. She didn't seem to have turned away from her mom after what Elizabeth had done to break the unity of their family. For Claire to cling to that faith of having her parents back together might have had something to do with Methos being willing to come to New York in the first place for Elizabeth's birthday. Whatever his reason for bringing Claire to her, Elizabeth didn't care. It happened, and things occurred to make this moment possible. Elizabeth just hoped that all the bad was in the past and nothing would rear its ugly head just when she started to accept family life again. It was still so unbelievable to Elizabeth that it had happened, but Methos' strength and warmth during the day, and the fact that he had held her last night, meant everything to her, so she decided to throw caution to the wind and act like a wife, hoping that this wasn't just another dream she was having and Pyrius was going to turn up and kill it all.

The doorbell rang, and Elizabeth turned to look for Methos, who wasn't around. She went to the door and saw a hotel worker outside wearing a starch white coat. She opened the door to see he had a rolling cart, which he rolled past her into the room with a smile.

"What's all this?" she asked looking at the silver domes.

She reached for her purse, but the waiter said, "Dinner, I guess. Mr. Gordon said the tip should be added to the bill. Have a good evening, ma'am."

He was gone as quickly as he had arrived. Elizabeth looked over the silver domes on the cart and was just about to lift one when Methos came, still decked out in his suit, from the bathroom. "How's Claire?"

"She's fine. Asleep, or soon there. Thank you for giving us time together."

When Elizabeth dared to hold him around the waist, Methos kissed her and wrapped his arms around her in return. A giddiness enveloped her as Methos said, "You're welcome, my dear. Now's my turn to get one on one time with you."

"I still think I'm underdressed."

"Don't talk about getting out of those jeans," Methos commanded as he walked to the cart. "At least, not yet. I have a surprise for you."

"I don't know if my heart can take anymore."

Her heart had started to pound in her chest, but this was in a good way, from happiness and expectation of what could possibly happen during a night in Methos' arms. It wasn't like when she had panic episodes. Not at all. The flush of warmth that washed over her was also in a good way. It didn't make her start shaking uncontrollably, it was from Methos' look that was not filled with betrayal and even hatred as it had been in Paris. His look now was one of glee and companionship, and more than likely anticipation for her reaction to whatever surprise he had in store for her.

It didn't take long for her to find out what he had in mind. When he lifted the domes covering the goodies on the cart, she saw that they were indeed goodies. Good looking ones too. Not the full course meal she had expected, but popcorn, strawberries in whipped cream, different squares of different kinds of cheesecake, Cool Ranch Doritoes, ice cream in chilled bowls with an array of sauces in various bottles, and best of all, bonbons. He had moved everything to the coffee table in front of the sectional sofa and then walked to the fridge. "You don't mind if I drink even if you can't, do you?"

"Not at all. This spread is more appetizing than alcohol."

"It's all for you, your favorites, if I remember correctly," he said as he sprawled into the corner of the couch next to her. His hand rubbed the small of her back.

"All my favorites are in this suite."

She didn't know what to start with. She picked up a square of what looked to be raspberry cheesecake and offered it to him. "No," he said reaching over the back of the couch. "It's all for you. I'm fine with this." He lifted his beer and she saw he had retrieved the remote control.

"Hey, wait a minute. You give me this and you're going to watch TV?"

"We're going to watch TV," he corrected her.

"There's nothing on I want to watch."

He clicked the remote, then another one that was on the coffee table. Soon, the TV and VCR had turned on, and she was watching herself holding a baby and smiling at the camera. Elizabeth stopped chewing, which made the creamy cheesecake melt in her mouth. Claire had so much dark hair when she was given to them. She was sitting in the dining room of Casa Segura on the video, and this must have been taken just after Amanda left after dropping off Claire because she didn't want to raise her herself. Elizabeth had forgotten that Methos had crept around with a camcorder, and was touched that he had not only saved this, but he was sharing it with her now. He had to have brought it from Paris with him. He must have had it in Paris with him. The overwhelming thoughts of how he came by this tape were lost when the scene on TV shifted to their condo at Norton Place. Judging from the age of Claire in the video, this must have been taken just before she was kidnaped by James. Those were such happy days, but were also intense because Methos had dreamt over and over again that Elizabeth would be taken. Watching the images of sweetness on screen as Elizabeth, then Methos, were holding Claire, Elizabeth was reminded of how those days at Norton Place in Seacouver had been some of the best of their lives together. Duncan and Amanda were living not far away at his loft, Joe was in town a lot, there was beautiful weather, a great big condominium, Claire growing and learning more each day, Methos and Elizabeth totally in love, committed, and married. The only bad part had been Methos' dream of Pyrius taking Elizabeth's head. She wondered if they were still playing out parts of that dream.

Elizabeth grabbed the bowl of ice cream and a spoon. Suddenly, with Methos' quick editing cuts to the video, Claire was walking across a living room she couldn't place towards the camera with her arms wide and look of trepidation on her face. Methos' hand reached out from the left side and Claire walked to it, saying, "Papa! Papa!" She clamped onto his hand and stood for a moment as Elizabeth heard Methos say, "If only your mother could see this."

This was taken after she was with James. Elizabeth felt strangled as she tried to swallow the spoonful of ice cream. Methos' voice whispered in her ear, "Now you have." His hand was around her, and he slowly pulled her to his side on the couch. "I taped everything she did."

Elizabeth may have fed herself and Methos the ice cream, but her eyes were glued to Claire on screen; she watched her slowly age and walk more confidently, talk longer sentences, and visit many places that Elizabeth couldn't identify. She had never asked much about where he had taken Claire while she was with James, she hadn't really wanted to think about all she missed or where she was or what she had been doing. Methos hadn't offered any explanations, either. Those were also the days that Ludmilla was spying on him and killing innocents that had contact with him. As she watched Claire run across a stone square and then Methos had lifted the camera to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Elizabeth scanned the crowd to see if there was some indication of a madwoman immortal watching him. She had only seen Ludmilla that one time in a dark alley when she was almost decapitated by her, like Kevin and a lot of other people. She didn't spot her, and whenever Claire was on screen, she had Elizabeth's full attention.

Claire was in yet another new place, and from a quick scan across the window, she saw Big Ben in the distance. Claire was dancing to a commercial on the television, her back to Methos, who was more than likely sprawled on the couch with a beer as he recorded it. Claire started to spin with the music as she giggled, then tripped and her hand flung out, knocking a figurine from an end table. She was still on the ground, her finger in her mouth, as her wide eyes looked to the camera. "Not me fault," she said as she shrugged. Methos' laugh bounded in the background. Elizabeth knew she missed Methos' mouth with the last spoonful of ice cream, but he took hold of her hand and righted its trajectory to his mouth. She never turned her eyes from the screen.

"I have never once seen this tape," she told Methos, putting the bowl on the table and laying against his chest.

"It was in a warehouse in Portugal. I found it while I was cleaning up all traces of Methos."

The Watchers had found out David Sommers was Methos and he had decided it was time to kill off Methos. She didn't know now what was worse, that horrible day Duncan came to tell her that Methos had been taken or the day she raised her sword against him under the influence of Pyrius. She looked at Methos, and he smiled in return. He didn't seem to be thinking about anything but his and Claire's life together for that year Elizabeth was thought dead. She wished she could have been there. She missed so much with Claire. When she took Claire to Arizona with her, she had filled out a diary of everything Claire had done to tell Methos when he would return. Duncan had come instead with the appalling news.

Their reunion in Gettysburg had been wonderful, and Elizabeth looked to Methos wondering if this night would be even better. No matter what Methos wanted, she would give it to him and more. Methos stretched forward, taking Elizabeth with him, as he reached for the popcorn. He then sat back and popped a handful in his mouth as he watched the video. Claire was riding her horse, Santo, in California. The days at Canterbury Stables had also been filled with fun. Again, in a great house. Great friends. From the camera angles, and Methos on screen, this must have been one of the days that Dallas had been working the camera. Elizabeth didn't remember it being taken, but she did remember Claire's first rides on Santo. She was so little on him, even though he was still a pony. Methos rode up on Charles and had the reins of Sarah, Elizabeth's horse. She now remembered that was the first day that Claire rode alone up the trail up the mountain.

There were more scenes from Reading, one which Elizabeth had taken of Dallas and Methos cleaning out the stables. Methos had been telling her to put the camera down and help, just before he had come after her with a handful of straw that she remembered ended up down her shirt. As the camera had been lowered to the side and they were both laughing on TV, she caught a glimpse of Chuck Montgomery. He was the reason they had left their paradise behind.

"I'm going to have to edit that part out," Methos said grimly.

"You haven't seen this for a while?"

He slowly shook his head as he kept watching. Claire's birthday party with her small group of kindergarten friends. Christmas with lots of presents and there had been snow. She didn't want to watch if Antonio and Sofia would appear. Not that she wanted to forget that couple who were neighbors in Sintra, but there was so much to remember, forget, regret, and cherish. It would be too much right now if she saw them. Instead, she took the bonbons and laid comfortably back against Methos.

"I have to get these transferred to DVD. Tape is so fragile," Methos said before taking the last swallow of his beer.

"You'd better not bring Claire with you to whoever will do it. You look the same, yet she's aged ten years."

"I'll do it myself. When we're settled, I'll need a great computer system."

"You said 'these,' there are more tapes?"

"Of course. This is the only the best parts. The highlights. There are about fifteen of them in all. I don't know where the camcorders went, but those tapes were always kept safe after they were transferred to video."

"When we're settled," Elizabeth said as she savored the chocolate. "I like the sound of that. Any ideas where?"

"Wherever the sun will take us."

"You're not going to get addicted to the internet or something, are you? What will you need a 'great' computer for?"

"I'm going to do some writing again."

Interest peaked, Elizabeth sat up a bit to ask, "Really? Write what?"

"A text, a novel, a cook book, I don't know." He shrugged. "Watching that again, I really enjoyed writing those two textbooks. I've enjoyed putting pen to paper, since the beginning of time. I want to get back to it."

"You do have stories to tell."

"Most, I couldn't possibly without changing a slew of names, and I'll need you to let me know if I'm writing too personal, as you did the last time."

"I will do that. Count on it." She was elated that he had some sort of plans already, and she was included in them. Her soul was floating so high, she didn't know if her balloon was going to pop or not, but at the moment didn't want to think about it. She took in Methos' look in that dashing suit and put a chocolate in his mouth. She took the beer bottle from his hand and asked if he wanted another one.

"Don't even think of moving." His arm wrapped around her shoulders. His breath smelled of chocolate as he nibbled her ear.

"How about if I move here," she said as she sat astride him.

"I like how you move." His eyes were dancing at her as he swallowed.

"I like how you look."

"Really?" He asked in a low voice fill with mirth. "Tell me more."

Elizabeth reached over to get the bowl of strawberries in whipped cream and popped one of those in his mouth and took one for herself. Her fingers were full of the cream, so she dabbed it on Methos' nose. He sighed. "This is going to end up being about my nose, isn't it?"

"Yes, about your nose..." Elizabeth bent down and licked the cream off and kissed the tip of his nose. "It's the best part of your face." She kissed his cheek. "Oh, wait. Maybe it's your soft skin. Or maybe." His eyelids were next. "Your green eyes. But probably..." her kissed traced down his nose to his mouth. The bowl of strawberries had fallen from her hand, but she was in no mood to do anything about it. Methos had taken hold of her and spun her over to be under him as his leg planted between her knees. "Yep, it's your personality," she concluded with a giggle.

"What is?" He had hiked himself up to stare at her.

"Your best feature. So demanding, I just have to do your biding." As Elizabeth felt his silk tie across her chin, she started to undo it. "I have no choice."

"Work faster, woman."

She was a bit surprised that he was waiting for her to undo the tie. He waited as she started to unbutton his shirt. She wondered what he was waiting for. He wasn't totally still watching her though. The hand that wasn't holding him up was surveying her side and had found its way under her sweater. She noticed a gold chain against his skin when she got a few buttons undone. The anticipation of getting the load of clothes off Methos made her yank at the collar of his jacket. It was only then that Methos sat up astride her to take it off. Then, he just waited as he looked down at her. She took that to mean she should keep on with his disrobing, so she eagerly continued the task. He leaned down to kiss her as she did, and it wasn't until she had him unbuttoned to the waist that she felt it. Something was on the loop of the chain around his neck. Something shiny. Round. A band. Gold. Her heart almost stopped as she gawked at it, knowing what it was, but knowing it couldn't be.

Methos took off his shirt and tossed it on the floor as he got up and down onto his knees on the floor next to the couch. "Look at it," he told her lightly.

Her hand shook as she cried out when she took hold of what had to be her very own wedding ring. It wasn't just a newly purchased one. As soon as she held it, she knew it was hers. She had to check inside to make doubly sure. Methos brushed the tears from her eyes as she saw the ME engraved inside the band. "How? I stupidly threw it away."

"In front of a thoughtful friend. Amy gave it to me in Paris. She said we'd probably want this one day. She was right."

"Do you know how many nights I wanted to hurt myself for throwing this away on the street?"

"Do you know how much I want to take back what I said that more than likely made you do it? I know I've said that what's in the past is in the past, but I have to point out something." Methos yanked the chain and two links let loose. Soon, he was holding Elizabeth's ring in his hand. He pulled the chain out and let it drop and held the ring up to Elizabeth. "When I said that meeting you was the worst thing that ever happened to me... you know I just wanted to hurt you, right?"

"And you did."

"I could never have meant that. You mean everything to me."

Elizabeth crumbled and collapsed against him, the tears of relief and love flowing down her cheek, onto his shoulder. His hands were solidly on her back, then his arms pulled her against him. "If Mac hadn't been in the room, I might not have. It was pride. One of the deadly sins. Ah, hell. The only sin that wasn't involved was sloth, but even that was the case as I didn't do anything to let you know I knew I went too far. I really hate what I did, the things I said. I'm sorry."

With those words, and knowing that he meant them by the catch in his voice, she felt closer to him than she had in what seemed an eternity. The sense that all unpleasantness seemed to be behind them and she could act and rely on him as if they had been married for over ten years made her cry harder with joy. "Lust was involved?" she asked as a tease.

He grunted, "Oh yeah."

"For me or Amanda?"

"Amanda was a friend. I needed companionship that night. So did she. That's all it was. That's all it's ever been between us."

She lifted away from him to look into his eyes to know whether or not that was the truth. When she saw his look of complete seriousness, she wondered how she could have doubted him. She hoped the pills she took would make her think more clearly and not think the world was a cosmic joke and she was the butt of it.

Methos asked, "What about Mac, since we're clearing the air?"

"Mac?"

"Big man, long hair, holier than thou attitude. I'll be honest. It's not be easy being around him as of late."

He seemed to try to put a jolly spin on it, but she knew he was dead serious about that too. She had to be straight with him.

"Duncan is one of the best friends I've ever had. Thank you for introducing us. After thinking you would never want to look at me again, having nightmares, continuing to hear Pyrius once in a while, having thoughts that the world would be better without me in it, Duncan showed me a day and night that made me want to live again." From Methos' expression, she was probably letting out more than she should, certainly more than she intended to, but she had to be straight with him, Methos had said just that morning straight talk was mandatory for them to recreate what they once had. "It was love, Methos. But it wasn't like us. He showed me that someone cared about me." Her throat was stinging as she watched Methos' face. If he wasn't accepting this, she was doomed. But she had to be straight with him, even though the tears made it hard to see him. "I love Duncan. He's a good man, and I'm lucky he's on my side. It was nice. But it wasn't at all like it was with you. And it will never happen again. He showed me I was still a viable human being, someone who could love and needs respect. He showed me respect."

Methos' hands were as hot as her face when he brushed her tears away and her eyes cleared. Immediately, he kissed her softly. She opened her eyes wanting nothing more than to see him and how he had taken what she had just admitted. His eyes were closed, his eyebrows furrowed, as he leaned his head against hers. "I'm sorry, but it's the truth."

"I know it is. It was my fault. If I hadn't said that... done things that I did... would it have happened?"

"No. But it's not your fault. It just happened. It all started with me. I almost took your head. I deserve everything you did to me. Thank God you woke up!" she sobbed as she held him.

"It all started with my buying Bethany Stone without your opinion."

"You know what?" she asked as her crying jag ebbed and she took his face in her hands so he would look at her as he seemed to have folded up, his eyes were closed. "It's done. It doesn't matter."

"It will always matter."

"I love you and Claire more than anything else in this world and nothing will come between us again. I promised, and I will keep it. If any dead immortal starts talking to me, you're the first I'm tattling to."

Methos opened his eyes and said, "And I promise that if I see anything on e-bay I want to buy, I have to get a password from you in order to do it."

"Unless of course, it's a Christmas, birthday, or anniversary present, in which case I have every right to send it back."

When he smiled, she demanded, "Now, give me my ring so we can go in the other room."

He widened his eyes as he gazed at her with mock innocence. "To do what?"

"Whatever you desire, my master," she humbly vowed.

"But, I only want to sleep with my wife." Methos took her hand in his and then held her ring at the end of her left ring finger. Her hand was shaking, and she tried to steady it but couldn't. Methos rubbed his fingers against hers long enough for them to still. It was amazing what his touch could do for her. She moved her hand to put her finger through the ring, the waiting was too much. She hated waiting. She wanted their life to begin.

"Man and wife," he whispered as he got to his feet, pulling her up with him.

Elizabeth surprised Methos when she fumbled for his hand, took off his ring, then ceremoniously put it back on, instantly remembering when she had in the church in Sintra and in the church in Las Vegas. "I do," she said with gusto. That ring was never leaving his finger again, she promised herself, but stated aloud, "Husband and wife."

"I stand corrected, my lady." Suddenly, she was on his shoulder and Methos charged to the bedroom, them both laughing. In his hand was a bottle of chocolate sauce from the cart. Elizabeth giggled with anticipation, beating her hands excitedly against his butt as this just might be a night to beat all nights.

Continued