Part 12

ALL THE LOVE

All this world
Just made of breath
Every line gets done to death
Nothing's here to face it with
Except the love in me
-David Gray-

We pull up into the driveway of my childhood home at around four in the afternoon. I'm exhausted; we've been driving for what seems like forever. Glancing into the back of Jim's SUV, I take stock of what is essentially all I own. A few boxes, a couple suitcases, and some odds and ends. After today, there's not trace of me in Santa Fe. I'm officially free.

I've been in Santa Fe for the past week taking care of things- packing up my stuff, quitting my job, and finalizing my divorce. My divorce. It seems so surreal. I'm divorced.

Mom jumps out of the car and scurries into the house. I have to wonder about her enthusiasm. Jim just shakes his head and offers me a hand out of the backseat. I take it gratefully. At six months pregnant, moving with grace has become increasingly difficult. Jim uses his hand to guide me toward the house, smiling at me the whole time. I smile back. He's been so supportive through all of this.

"You feeling okay, Maria?" He gently rubs my back, looking at me with concern.

"Just tired."

"Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks for you, I'm sure. But it's all over now."

"It is." I smile even wider, eager to start my new life. The life I've always wanted. Jim ruffles my hair in a decidedly paternal gesture and I wrinkle my nose in response.

Opening the door, I jump about twelve feet into the air when I'm suddenly assaulted by my family.

"SURPRISE!"

"Oh my God!" I squeal as I take in the scene around me. Mom and Jim's living room is bursting in baby-themed cheer. Blue and pink streamers and balloons hang from every possible spot as well as some very unlikely places. The coffee table is heaped with brightly wrapped gifts. There's dainty appetizers spread out all over the room. Mom apparently hurried ahead to take her place with the other grandmothers: They are all standing guard over a large, brightly decorated cake. Liz and Isabel rush over to give me hugs. I'm willing to bet they're behind this whole stunt. Let's celebrate Maria's divorce with a baby shower! Hmm. I wonder at the logic in that but everything looks so festive and nice that I'm willing to let it slide.

"You guys!" I point at my two best friends and we all group hug. "This is all your doing, isn't it?"

Isabel beams at me. "We figured we had to celebrate somehow!"

"We're just happy that you're finally happy. We thought you deserved a party!" Liz smoothes my hair and pinches my cheeks.

"This is wonderful. Thank you." I can't help the few tears that spring in my eyes, only this time they're happy tears.
"Don't thank us just yet. Wait until you taste my wonderful Tabasco and chocolate cake." Isabel drags me further into the house.

"Mmm." I waggle my eyebrows. "Sweet and spicy!" Isabel rolls her eyes.

Looking around at the rest of my guests, I spy Jim, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Evans tucked into the back corner of the room, sipping beers. They raise them in greeting to me and I curtsey in response. Kyle is the next to assault me.

"Hey sis. Were you surprised?" He gives me a light punch in the arm.

"Shocked. I nearly had a heart attack." I give Kyle a kiss on the cheek in reward for his brotherly antics. He winces.

"Damn. We'd better try that again then." I punch him back for that one. He smirks and returns to his spot on the floor with Jesse and Max. The other two men wave up at me. I smile and wave back. I'm glad they're here. Especially Jesse. He was pretty upset with me after finding out. After all, he shares that lawyer, kindred spirit thing with Scott and never was too fond of Michael. Max and Kyle weren't much better. I felt horrible when I had to shuttle back and forth between Santa Fe. Without me around, the guys felt it necessary to get on Michael for "ruining my life". After a few choice words from me and a few evil threats from Isabel, they snapped out of it and accepted the situation.

Having noticed all the rest of my family, I scan the room in search of Michael. I can't imagine why he'd miss his own baby's shower or me finally coming home for good. I know he's had a hard time being around everyone else lately. He somehow decided to shoulder all the blame for everything, despite my protests otherwise. He thinks that everyone is horribly mad at him. Which they aren't. At least not anymore.

Where is he?

I feel my entire body light up when I notice him lurking, as usual, near the entrance to the kitchen. God, he's been like this ever since I came back from Santa Fe the first time. Even though everyone in Roswell now knows the true father of my baby, he still feels like we need to hide. There's no need anymore- I'm a 100% free woman now.

"Michael." I stride over to him, eager to feel him in my arms after a week apart. God, how I've missed him.

"Maria." He murmurs my name into my hair as he holds me close. His hand drifts from my back to my stomach; our baby kicks fervently. "How's my baby?"

"I'm wonderful." I smirk into his chest knowing full well what he meant. Michael chuckles and pulls back to look me in the eye. Seeing the mischief that no doubt resides there, he just shakes his head. "She's wonderful."

"She?" Michael furrows his eyebrows.

I shrug. "I have a feeling."

He smiles. A huge, broad, blissful smile that I don't see often enough. "Me too."

I tilt my head up so my lips are a centimeter away from his. The bastard makes no move to kiss me, simply dulls his smile into a smirk. "I'm a free woman now. Whatcha gonna do about it?"

"Plenty." He closes the minimal gap between our lips and I'm completely swept up in the feeling of us being together. I plan on kissing Michael forever and somehow that doesn't seem long enough. Before things get too carried away, which is always a very real possibility when I'm alone with Michael, I pull away.

"Let's go check out this party." I grab Michael's hand and attempt to drag him back into the living room with me.

"You go ahead."

Turning around, I read his expression easily. He's scared. This really needs to stop.

"Michael. They threw this party for us. For our baby. Not just me." I look him in the eyes so he knows how much I want him out there with me. This really is ridiculous. I haven't spent one night alone with Michael since I first came home. I can understand that he doesn't want me to spend the night at his apartment, my mom is still a very real threat to his life, but he wouldn't even climb through my window. Well, maybe a few times. But only for a few hours, never the entire night. It should worry me that I can't get any real sleep without Michael in my bed, but I try not to think about it.

He still looks uncertain, so I pull out all the stops on this one. "Michael, do you plan on spending the rest of your life with me and our child?"

Confused, he spits out, "Of course!"

"Well, then the rest of your life starts now." I quirk my eyebrow and dare him to challenge me.

Finally, he seems to understand. "Let's go." This time he drags me out into the living room.

Everyone has gathered closer to the couch, obviously ready for presents. There's exactly enough room at the center of the couch for Michael and I. Thankfully, Michael doesn't shy away from us being together in a crowd and plops us down. I squeeze his hand.

"Happy?" He whispers at me, a tiny smirk on his face.

"You have no idea." I rub his hand and smile back at him. He leans in a gives me a soft peck on the lips. In front of everyone! Our family lets out a collective 'aw' and Michael actually blushes. Isabel snaps everyone to attention.

"Presents! Let's open presents!" She plucks the first two off the pile and hands one to me and one to Michael. I unwrap my box to find a beautiful mobile with stars delicately dangling from a
pale blue moon. Mrs. Evans tells me Izzy suggested it and I thank the Evans for their thoughtfulness. Michael opens Kyle's present to find a colorful children's book, 'Buddha from the Beginning.' Lovely. Michael gives Kyle an odd look and barely manages out a thank you.

"Wait, there's more!" I have to give Kyle a suspicious glance. He looks way too eager about this next part. All eyes are on Michael as he pulls out a tiny t-shirt that declares 'My father is an alien' and has a bright green picture of a spaceship on it. Oh joy. That one obviously came from my mom's shop.

Michael growls. I can feel it straight to my core and I can't help but shiver. A growling Michael is one of my guilty pleasures. Still, I need to save Kyle's dumb ass from certain demise over that rather humorous gift. The adults all look at Kyle like he just committed a major social faux pas. Nothing new there. Jim is hiding his face under his hand and rubbing his forehead. The other aliens and their significant others are all suppressing giggles at the shirt. I place a comforting hand on Michael's arm that is ready to punch Kyle into oblivion. He calms immediately and settles for glaring at Kyle.

"What's next?" I look up at Isabel for a rescue. She jumps to the task and hands us more gifts.

A half an hour later, we're finished with the mound of presents. I repeatedly thank everyone for their generous, thoughtful gifts. Michael is even being considerate and smiling. He looks happy. Though I think he's still wondering what the hell half the stuff we got is for. He's completely lost about the Diaper Genie. I have the suspicion he forgot about that whole aspect of a baby.

Just as I'm about to suggest digging into the spread of food, Isabel again takes over.

"Max and Jesse!" She snaps her fingers and they jump to attention, obviously knowing their mission. Kyle laughs and makes a whipping motion into the air. "Kyle, you too!" He grumbles at her then wisely follows orders.

I look at Michael, wondering if he's in on this next surprise. He gives me a puzzled look. I lean into his chest and he encircles me in his arms. This whole party is wonderful but I'm so tired. I study Michael's face as he takes in our surroundings. A feel of peace suddenly washes over me as I realize this is it. This is all I've ever wanted. A family. Michael by my side forever. I went through so much to get this. I messed up royally, but somehow it's all worked out. I'll be eternally grateful for that. Michael turns to look at me and I know he feels the same. Giving me a light squeeze, he brushes a stray strand of hair off my face.

"I love you, Spaceboy." I stare up into those golden brown eyes that hold all the answer I need.

"I love you, too." He brushes a light kiss on my forehead and I snuggle closer to him. I catch Mom's eye and she winks at me.

I feel Michael tense up when Max and Jesse return to the room, each supporting an end of a rather large thin, rectangular box. It looks suspiciously like a painting. Kyle follows behind empty handed and glares at Isabel.

"Isabel! I told you no!" Michael suddenly jumps up from the couch, which sends me falling back into it. What the hell?

"Michael, I don't care. I know Maria won't mind." She smiles widely at me and at the same time stares evilly at Michael. It's amazing, really.

Panicked, Michael turns to me for help. "I wanted to give you this later. In private."

My heart picks up a little as I stare at the rectangle, wishing I had x-ray vision to see beneath the wrapping paper. A present for me? From Michael?

"But I think everyone would love to see it!" Isabel protests and Liz nods in agreement. Well, at least it's not something pornographic…Michael always wanted to paint me nude, though I doubt he would make it so large. Then again…

I really want that present now. But if it's going to make my Michael uncomfortable, I can wait. I reach up and clutch his hand. "Whatever you want me to do, Michael."

Looking at my pleading eyes, Michael sighs in defeat. "Fine." He rubs his eyebrow nervously, returning to his seat next to me. I squeal in delight. Woohoo! A present for me!

I jump up from the couch and go to tear at the paper. Isabel yells at me to be careful, so I slow down just a little. As I peel the last bit from the gift, I hear a collective gasp. What? I look at my side of the present and see only the back of a canvas. Everyone else is on the other side and thus got to see my painting, from my Michael, before me.

Quickly maneuvering my way to the other side of the canvas, I nearly collapse in awe. Thankfully, Kyle is still nearby so he supports me when my knees give out. I can see why everyone had that reaction. It's amazing and perfect. It's everything...it's us.

I can see why Michael wanted to do this in private. I'm sure I'm getting a few odd looks as the tears stream down my face, but I can't help it. Michael has painted everything I feel about our relationship…

The top of the canvas is a beautiful Antarian sunset that I recognize from numerous flashes. Deep red, orange, and purple swirl in a dark blue sky. At the bottom of the canvas he painted a dome representing Earth in rich blue, green, and brown. These opulent colors fade into the focus of the painting: a luminous white castle. He painted it so the castle looks as if is floats between the two worlds. It's what I've always imagined. Between here and out there, we exist in our own magnificent universe. I wordlessly look up at Michael who has materialized beside me.

"Michael…" I murmur, throwing myself into his arms. "It's perfect. How did you know?"

He molds himself to me, whispering his words in my ear so only I hear. "It was in my heart."

I wipe at the tears cascading down my face. Damn. More tears. I look around at everyone else in the room. The adults are curiously studying the painting. It's gorgeous, even if you don't know the significance behind it, but they don't understand my emotional reaction, I'm sure. I turn back to my Spaceboy. "It's us, isn't it?"

A small smile plays on his lips. "Yeah, it is. And our daughter."

I kiss Michael good, not caring about our large audience. When I finally pull away, he grants me a wide smirk. I hear a few catcalls, presumably from Kyle and maybe Max, but I don't even grace them with a response. How lucky am I? Six months ago I wasn't even living, I was surviving. I thought I would have to spend the rest of my life with a man I didn't really love. And now I'm in Michael's arms pregnant with his child.

I know this won't be easy, we still have so much to work through. But I know that I love Michael with all my heart and that will make whatever we have to face much easier. As long as I have my Spaceboy, I can do anything.

I glance back at the painting. It depicts the hazy, ethereal world between Michael and I. The empire we exist in where the stars always glitter and the street is paved in gold. Maybe it won't be like this forever, but I have a feeling it just might. Michael places his palm on my stomach and our baby kicks in response. This time around we have more to live for than just us. We're starting out right this time, building from the ground up. Maybe we'll succeed in creating our own personal heaven after all.

Staring at the painting, I decide it will be perfect on the wall of our daughter's nursery, much better than pastel circus animals. Our daughter. The product of a love that spans between Earth and some far off planet. The future has never looked so bright to me. I can't wait.


THE END