FINDERS KEEPERS

By Meloira

February 13, 2000

Waving goodbye to each other had been difficult, but necessary. They’d both known time apart was inevitable and Rachel really couldn’t expect to watch him round the clock. He just hadn’t thought the separation would affect him so deeply. If the grub’s illness hadn’t demanded his full attention, Carl was sure he would have spent far too much time pacing.

Scowling at the clock above the lounge entrance, he resigned himself to waiting. Panic rose only to be quashed and the lateness of her flight did nothing to ease his worries. If the bloody plane didn’t bring Rachel soon he’d go up to the damn tower and direct traffic himself.

Rachel checked her watch for the millionth time since take-off. The idiotic delay had put them so far behind she knew Carl had probably worn a rut in the floor back in Bay City.

"Eager to be home I suppose," the woman to her right remarked. Rachel smiled at her traveling companion, glad she had lucked out and been given a seat next to someone with a small amount of civility.

"I guess it shows," Rachel replied. "I’ve been away for nearly two weeks and I’ve missed my family terribly. My husband and children and I haven’t spent this much time apart in a while."

"You sound like newlyweds." The woman had introduced herself as Julie just after they’d boarded the plane and settled in their seats. Rachel liked her from the moment she’d spoken, her faint English accent stirring Rachel’s homesickness. They’d taken up with one another quickly, exchanging pleasant snippets of conversation.

"It was awful being away so long. Elizabeth and Cory will be three this summer and already I’m wishing they’d remain little forever."

"Oh my, the terrible twos. You and your husband must have your hands full."

"We try our best, but sometimes they do get away with murder. Carl is a regular Mr. Mom with the grubs."

"Grubs?" Julie’s laughter was warm. "I’ve heard parents call their children by little pet names, but that one is quite unusual."

"I agree," Rachel replied. "Carl pinned it on them just after they were born and it’s stuck ever since."

"Carl?"

"My husband. I guess I’ve been so anxious to get home I left it out of the conversation. So Julie, you haven’t told me much about yourself. Are you visiting Bay City for business or pleasure?"

"A little of both," she replied, patting her neatly bound hair. "A friend lives there and I thought I’d drop in for a short visit before moving on."

"Moving on?"

"Chicago. Or the Pacific Coast. It’s been so long since I’ve taken a vacation, I’ve yet to decide what I’d like to do with myself."

Rachel was about to delve deeper into the other woman’s history when the garbled landing announcement came over the plane’s loudspeaker. Rachel nearly leapt out of her seat with joy.

"Finally! You know," Rachel leaned closer to Julie, "I thought I’d have to spend Valentine’s Day alone again. But now, I’m actually looking forward to it."

"How wonderful for you," Julie said, turning to look out the window.

"If you need anything while you’re in town just give me a call," Rachel told her as the engines geared up for landing. "My husband and I would be glad to help you any way we can."

As the plane began its descent, conversation over the droning of the engines became impossible. The two women, each lost in thought, prepared for what awaited on the ground.

Carl watched as ARRIVED lit up the screen next to Rachel’s flight number. Relief washed through him. She was home at last and nearly within reach. Mentally, Carl danced a jig and grinned smugly. His wife was in for a surprise.

"CARL!"

He braced himself in time to catch an armful of flying Rachel. Their lips met in a kiss that left them breathless when they pulled away.

"Never, ever, ever will we do this again Carl. I have missed you so much!"

He swung her around and smothered her with kisses. "I heartily agree my darling, but I must tell you, I missed you more."

"Impossible! I missed you so much I nearly went up to the cockpit and threatened the pilot." She giggled as his beard tickled a path up her neck. "I missed that too," she admitted in a breathy sigh.

"I missed you so much," he whispered in her ear, "I wanted to load our two little bundles onto the nearest plane bound for New York. Instead, I stayed home and played nursemaid to two very sick grubs who regurgitated everything they ingested."

"Oh, poor baby," she crooned. "Alright, you win, but only because my babies were sick. How are they?"

"Much, much better thank you. They’ve been two tiny terrors the last day or so, waiting for Mummy’s return."

"I missed them," she sighed, settling her head on his shoulder.

"And they missed you." He pulled her closer. "But I missed you more. Talking with you over the phone just isn’t the same. It lacks in … physicality."

Rachel shivered at his low, growly voice. "You’ll hear no argument from me. It’s just too bad we can’t be alone until tonight."

"Who says we can’t? The grubs are staying with the Carlinos and aren’t expecting you until tomorrow. In fact, only Paulina and myself knew you were coming home today."

She stood back and took his hand in hers. "I smell deception Carl."

"I like to think of it as subterfuge. Consider it my Valentine’s gift to you my darling."

"Hmm, an empty house, no kids, no interruptions. Nice gift."

"You always say I give the best presents."

"Then let’s get my things and go home. Oh wait." Rachel scanned their surroundings. "She must have left already."

"Who?"

"A friend I met on the plane. You can’t miss her. She’s rather nice looking with an unusual shade of brown hair. She helped the time pass quickly."

"Rachel, Rachel. Leave it to you to make friends with a total stranger. Your heart is far too large."

She brushed her lips against his. "I could say the same of you, but I’d rather go home. Come on." She tugged him to the baggage claim area, keeping his hand firmly clasped in her own.

Watching the joyous reunion from her hiding place, her heart twisted as the happy kissed their hellos.

Unable to watch any more, she gathered up her luggage and made it to the exit undetected. She’d had no idea when boarding the plane that she’d end up next to that woman. Rachel Hutchins was nice enough, for which she was glad. She’d hate it if she’d helped him return to a complete harridan.

Drawing her drab, sturdy trenchcoat around her, she stepped out into the cold air and shivered as she flagged down a waiting cab.

"Bay City Bellefleur please," she offered the driver and sat back against the seat. She caught her reflection in the rearview mirror and raised a hand to pat her always-neat bun. Not for the first time she was grateful she traveled well.

As she watched the scenery whiz by, she contemplated her reasons for coming to Bay City. Well, one reason. One need. She needed to see him again, be in the same room and breath the same air. She needed to see for herself that he was happy.

"We’re here lady."

Handing the driver a large bill, she followed the attendant as he wheeled her bags inside. The young desk clerk asked if she had reservations.

"Of course. The name is Jules Seagrave. Dr. Jules Seagrave."

The clerk found her reservation and they went through the obligatory processes. "I hope you enjoy your stay in Bay City Dr. Seagrave," he offered, handing her a keycard.

"So do I," she looked at his nametag, "Eric. So do I." A smile spread across her face at thoughts of what her trip held in store for her. "I know I will."