Joe rolled over, stretching a bit in his sleep, unconsciously comforted by the closeness and warmth of his lover. Suddenly, he was wide awake, but stayed still. Never one to get up early without some sort of outside stimuli, he opened his eyes, scanning the pre-dawn room, seeking what had awoken him. He listened closely, but the room was quiet. Joe shifted slightly, bracing himself to react quickly if needed. Without moving, he checked on Levon, wanting to know for certain where his lover was in case whatever it was proved to be hostile. With a sigh, he realized what it was that had brought him out of sound sleep, and smiled.

Levon had rolled over with him, and had moved his right arm so that he could spoon in close behind Joe. The weight of Levon's cast, and the unfamiliar feel of it against the bare skin of Joe's abdomen, was what had woken him. Joe laughed silently at himself feeling silly, relieved that he hadn't woken Levon.

Careful not to disturb his partner, Joe rolled on to his back. Levon automatically moved to snuggle in closer, bringing his head to rest on Joe shoulder with a sleepy murmur of Joe's name. Joe brought one hand up to gently card through tousled blond curls.

Unable to just go back to sleep, he continued to play with Levon's hair for several minutes, reveling in the feel of the silken threads moving through his fingers. His thoughts drifted to when they'd come home the night before. Despite knowing how Carlo had felt before they'd gone to Andre's, and even knowing the reason why he felt the way he did, Joe couldn't quite shake his disappointment at how the evening had gone. It was foolish. He knew that. He wasn't even sure if he liked Carlo, so by all rights his opinion shouldn't matter. But it did.

Maria had seemed to accept Mike and Andre, and hadn't appeared to be bothered by the idea of alternative lifestyles, but Joe still harbored the fear that she might reject his relationship with Levon. He loved his sister, and wanted her to know just how much happiness he'd found with the man at his side, but wasn't sure if he was ready to risk rejection. He was ashamed of himself for not having the courage to tell her. He worried that Levon would think the reason he didn't tell her was that he was ashamed of him and their relationship.

Once they were back at the ranch, Joe hadn't been able to shake the melancholy that had come to dominant his mood. If he had been alone, Joe would have worked out until he exhausted himself, or drunk himself into a stupor. Fortunately, he hadn't been alone.

Levon had studied him for several minutes after they got home. He didn't say a word, just nodded once, like he'd come to some kind of decision, and led Joe to the bedroom. Cradling Joe's face with both hands, Levon kissed him the same way he had before they left for dinner; first on the forehead, then each cheek, and finally the lips.

"I understand, Joe." He had whispered.

"You understand?" Joe shook his head. He couldn't figure out how Levon could understand it, when he didn't. "What do you understand?"

Levon smiled, soft and warm. "I know you love me. Know you love them. Know that it ain't easy tryin' ta balance both." Levon's voice had been so tender, like a verbal caress. "Was one thing ta think 'bout it, to plan it. It's a whole 'nother can o' worms ta actually do it. I understand how hard that can make this."

Joe had opened his mouth to speak, but Levon stopped him placing his finger tips against Joe's lips. "I know yer not ashamed of me or us. I. Know. That."

Levon's fingers caressed his bottom lip. "Know yer scared that Maria might not accept you bein' with me. Know yer disappointed... with how the evenin' went, with Carlo, with yerself. And I know the only thing that really, really matters is that you love me, and I love you."

Joe had been amazed by the level of perception Levon had. He had been relieved that Levon harbored no doubts that Joe loved him. He never wanted Levon to ever doubt that. With tender care, Levon had stripped him, and made love to him. Affirming his words with actions.

Joe shivered remember the way Levon had made love to him. He'd never felt so cherished. His breathing quickened as he vividly remembered the way Levon's fingers glided over every inch of his body, his tongue following close behind. It was like his body was some kind of temple or god that Levon had decided to pay homage too.

Joe rethought that analogy. It was more like he was a banquet that Levon intended to indulge all of his senses in. Joe could still hear Levon's passion rough voice whispering words of love, describing what he saw, telling Joe how it felt to touch him, what it was like to taste him. He encouraged Joe to talk, telling him he wanted to hear his voice, asking him to tell him how he felt, begging Joe do it in as many languages as he knew. Somewhere along the line it went from Joe simply describing how it felt to directing his lover's actions.

He hadn't let Joe return the favor. He had gently, but thoroughly, taken command, making it impossible for Joe to think, to do anything more than enjoy it. It wasn't until Joe wrapped his arms around Levon, pulling him in close for another kiss that everything had stopped. Levon had gasped, a sound that despite his lust befuddled thinking, Joe realized had more to do with pain than passion.

Joe had cursed, realizing that in his haste he'd forgotten about Levon's cracked ribs. He wanted to stop. He didn't want to hurt his lover anymore than he already had. Joe shifted his grip to capture Levon's arms, and hold him away.

"We... need to stop."

"C'mon, I know ya don't really wanna quit." Levon's long-fingered, elegant hand stroked Joe's still rigid hard on.

Joe took a deep breath, trying to control his reaction to that touch. "Don't want to hurt you, Cowboy."

Levon grinned at him. "At this rate... would hurt more ta stop than it would ta keep goin'."

Joe shook his head, still unwilling. His pleasure wasn't worth Levon being in pain. Unfortunately, Joe had forgotten that his partner could be ingenious in getting what he wanted. Joe shivered again, remembering Levon's solution to the problem.

Over the course of the past year, they had tried out numerous positions, and techniques. One Levon enjoyed a great deal was being taken while he straddled Joe from above. Joe had never been taken that way.

Levon suggested it with a leer. "Bout time you learned ta ride anyway."

Joe hadn't been able to suppress the chuckle that escaped when Levon said that. He groaned when Levon's hand had moved way from his cock to fondle his balls. "C'mon, Joe. I promise I'll tell ya if it hurts." Levon cajoled, and placed a kiss on his chest, rekindling the mood with each touch. "An' this way you do all the work. I can jus' lay here an' enjoy myself."

"We stop if this hurts you." Joe wanted that to be clear. He could hear the capitulation in his voice, and knew his lover could too.

"If it hurts, we stop." Levon agreed with an eager grin, and resumed placing kisses across Joe's chest.

Joe had rolled them over, careful not to rest any of his weight against Levon. He proceeded to return the favor, sucking and laving Levon's nipples. He let his hand slide down Levon's stomach, to glide over his leaking cock. The little mews of pleasure that he heard were reassuring.

Joe snagged the lube from the nightstand and quickly prepared himself. At this rate neither of them would last long. Joe shifted so his weight was supported on his hands and knees. He dropped his head to kiss Levon deeply.

When he pulled back, he looked into those dark eyes he loved so much. "You sure?"

Levon smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure."

Joe lowered himself carefully on to his lover's hard shaft, using his quads to support his weight, not letting any more than necessary come to rest on Levon. He could understand why his lover liked this. In this position he could control the rate of penetration, the depth of each stroke, and the speed. Joe's breath had escaped in a rush caught off guard by just how good it felt. He leaned back, and nearly howled his pleasure when Levon's cock rubbed his prostate. He rocked back and forth, moving just enough to let it rub in short strokes.

He could feel small tremors starting to shake his lover. Joe figured that he had to be doing some trembling of his own. He felt so good he was sure he was throbbing in time with his racing pulse. Levon started a slow, sensuous roll of his hips, and Joe took the hint. He raised himself up and down, letting the strokes get longer and deeper, setting a steadily increasing pace.

"That's it, Joe. Ride me." Levon encouraged. He reached up and let his hands ghost over Joe. Mirroring that movement, Joe did the same to Levon, playing with his nipples. Levon sighed, and shivered.

Joe used his inner muscles to squeeze Levon's cock, and Levon tipped his head back, exposing the pulse points and tendons of his neck. "So... good. Joe... so... good."

Levon reached to stroke Joe's cock. Despite how good it felt, Joe opened his eyes when Levon's touch seemed a bit less sure than it had in the past. The cast on his lover's right arm encased close to half of his hand as well, coming across his palm, and around his thumb. Joe was glad Levon had the forethought to use his left hand since that cast would definitely not feel good against the most tender part of his anatomy. With his left hand Levon's touch wasn't quite as sure as it normally was with his right.

It still felt very good, and Levon's strokes were evening out, matching the pace Joe had set. Joe's head fell back, eyes closed, focusing on just how good it felt. The pad of Levon's thumb rubbed across the head of his cock on every up stroke, adding to his pleasure.

Joe could feel pressure building like a wave, moving up from his toes, through his spine, to the top of his head. He came with a shout, splattering cum on Levon's chest. Through the haze of his own pleasure, he could feel the pulse of Levon's. Levon's whole body tensed, and shuddered before relaxing, becoming nearly boneless after he released his own orgasm.

When he could breath again without gasping, Joe asked, "You okay?"

Levon didn't even bother to open his eyes. He raised one hand to pat Joe's thigh lazily. "Okay? No... much better'n that. Perfect. Never felt... better in my life."

Joe laughed, shaking his head, readily understanding. He couldn't remember ever feeling better either. Levon's accent had gotten thick, his drawl verged on being indecipherable, a sure sign that he wasn't going to be awake for much longer. Joe cleaned them up with the hand towel they kept in the bedroom for just such a need. He didn't remember anything after that.

Joe's attention shifted back to the present when Levon moved in his sleep, drawing his right leg up and bringing it to rest over Joe's. Joe bent his head to place a kiss in the blond head still using his shoulder for a pillow. He absently wished for better lighting so he could see Levon more clearly. Opportunities to observe his lover totally at ease were rare.

Levon moved restlessly a moment later, stretching slightly only to curl up again. Joe glanced at the clock. In another ten minutes it would be Levon's usual wake up time. [Wonder if I could convince him to sleep in. It's not like we have to be anywhere or do anything. He's still off on medical leave until next week, and I won't know what I'm doing today until Aunt Rosa calls.]

Turning off the alarm clock wouldn't help because Levon rarely used it. He set it for Joe, but never seemed to need it himself. Joe was still amazed that in the time they'd been together, Levon almost never over slept. [Hell, in the four years we've been working together, I can count on one hand the number of times he's been late for work.]

Levon sighed, and his breathing changed, letting Joe know he was awake. He shifted to pull away. Joe moved to stop him, unable to suppress the faint sound of dissatisfaction at having his lover moving away.

"Shhh... it's okay." Levon patted his hand, fingers moving to ghost over his forearm. Joe tightened his grip, but Levon continued to try and roll away. Levon snagged his pillow and brought it within Joe's reach. Joe was faintly amused when he now realized why it was he usually woke up cuddling Levon's pillow. [Must try to hang on to him every morning.]

"It's early yet." Levon's voice was a soft whisper in the dimly lit room, his tone soothing, offering reassurance. "Shhh... you can still sleep some more."

"I'm not asleep."

Levon jumped, clearly startled to hear Joe speak. Confused brown eyes rose to meet blue. Confusion quick silvered into concern. "Somethin' wrong?"

Joe smiled. "Everything is fine."

Levon frowned, not entirely convinced. "You don't get up early."

Joe shrugged one shoulder. [Can't really tell him I'm awake because his cast felt weird. And that I couldn't go back to sleep because I was thinking about what we did last night.] "Woke up a few minutes ago. I was just watching you sleep."

"And that was jus' so excitin' you couldn't go back ta sleep?" Levon's voice took on a teasing quality. "We're gonna have ta look into getting you a life if that's the case."

"Exciting? No." Joe grinned. "Fascinating? Definitely. It isn't every day I get to see an angel. My very own beautiful angel."

Even in the dim light Joe knew his lover was blushing. "Uh-hunh. Knew you needed yer eyes checked." Levon moved to slide away, but Joe reached out to stop him. "What?"

"Where are you going?"

"What ya mean?"

Joe shifted so that they were once again in close contact. "You don't have to get up." He raised a hand to play with Levon's early morning riot of curls. "Grady will be by to check on the horses." Joe gently encouraged Levon to lay his head back down on his shoulder. Knowing just how much his partner enjoyed having his hair played with Joe wasn't surprised when Levon all but purred under his gentle touch.

"You don't have to go to work. I don't have to be anywhere just yet. We don't have anyone expecting us. We can just stay here for a bit."

Levon laid his head down with a quiet sigh, snuggling in close. "So you wanna just lay here an' wallow. That it?"

"Something like that, yes."

"Okay."

Joe was surprised by Levon's easy acceptance, but decided not to question it. If he asked, then Levon would probably change his mind. [Would be best to just enjoy it.]

Joe sighed, and relaxed, letting himself enjoy being close to Levon.

Just lying in bed together wasn't something they did very often, but Joe was starting to think they should change that. [Something that feels this good should be done as often as possible.] He suggested as much to Levon.

Levon answered him with a faint chuckle. "I can just see us tryin' ta sell that ta Joanne." He raised himself up on one elbow so he could make eye contact. His expression was overly serious. "Sorry we're late Lieutenant, but we just had ta stay in bed an' cuddle."

Unable to maintain his solemn façade, Levon burst in to laughter, his whole body shaking with it. Joe laughed right along with him, delighting in hearing Levon laugh. His lover's good humor was infectious. Joe had to admit the whole idea of trying to tell their superior they were late because they were cuddling did seem ridiculous. [Her expression hearing us say that would be priceless.]

Levon raised a hand to wipe tears from his face. "God... would almost be... worth it. Just to see her face." His expression went impish. "Wanna?"

Joe shook his head. "I'm beginning to think keeping you in bed is a bad idea."

"Spoilsport." Levon sighed heavily. He laid his head again on Joe's shoulder. Joe pulled him closer. He couldn't seem to keep himself from playing with Levon's curls this morning. He was fascinated with how they wrapped themselves lovingly, almost possessively, around his fingers.

"I need a hair cut." Levon's statement caught him off guard.

"What?"

"Curls are getting outta hand. Need ta get 'em cut back a bit."

Joe's hand stilled. He hadn't really noticed until now, but Levon's hair was as long as he'd ever seen it. "I like your curls." Joe winced at the plaintive note he could hear in his voice.

Levon chuckled. "I know. S'why I put off cuttin' 'em." He shrugged one shoulder. "But they're startin' ta bug me."

Joe shifted, and rolled so he was laying on his side, facing Levon. "Not too short." The last thing he wanted was his lover to end up with a buzz cut.

Levon propped himself up on his elbow, and smiled. "Not too short."

"Good." Joe raised an eyebrow when he noticed the chain around Levon's neck. He'd spotted it last night, but had been too focused on other things to really give it much thought. He reached out to capture the clover shaped pendant.

"What's this?"

"Good luck charm."

"I've never seen you wear it before."

"That's 'cause I haven't." Levon shot a sheepish look at Joe. "Sort o' seemed like a good idea last night. Figured it couldn't hurt."

Joe nodded. He could understand wanting a bit of fortitude. [Could have done with some of that myself.] "Think it worked?"

Levon grinned. "We didn't have ta draw our guns, so I'd say it worked okay."

Joe snorted. "That's your definition of success?"

"What is it they say... any landing you can walk away from." Levon waggled his eyebrows. "We came away whole. Some days that's as good as it gets."

Joe rolled his eyes. "My partner, the eternal optimist."

Levon shrugged. "That would be me."

"You really think everything went okay?"

Levon pursed his lips in thought, brown eyes thoughtful. "I think that things went about as well as we could hope for. Found out why Carlo feels the way he does. And that he ain't really that hostile, he just hasn't had time ta really deal with it. Probably didn't know how, and he didn't have anyone ta talk to 'bout it. Little guidance there woulda gone a long way. I think he knows he could ask either of us for advice now. And I think he just might."

Levon sighed. "I missed out on what happened between you and Maria, so I can't really say how that went." He shot a questioning look toward Joe.

"It was like I said last night. I think she understands that I'm tolerant of alternative lifestyles, but doesn't realize I'm living one."

"You gonna tell her 'fore they leave?"

Joe took a deep breath, and considered that. Before all he'd planned was to test the waters, now it seemed like a good idea to go ahead and jump in. "I want to."

"Not much time left to do it."

"I know." Joe groaned, and rubbed his face with both hands. His family would be leaving in two days. If he was going to tell Maria it had to be soon.

"Two of you haven't really had any time alone since they got here. Might want ta see if you can schedule some for today."

Joe spread his fingers so that he could look at Levon through them. "You have some plan?"

"Not really. But she came all this way ta see you, I don't think it would be to hard ta talk her inta spending some time alone with her big brother."

"Any suggestions on how to tell her?"

"Not a one." Levon sighed. "I never had ta face this problem, Joe. Ain't got any siblings, or family, I need ta worry about."

"What about Mother Minnie?"

Levon laughed. "She's known for years that I got feelings for both sexes. Knew how I felt about you 'fore I did. Why'd you think she asked you ta look after me when she dies?"

Joe stared at him. "You know about that?"

"Yeah." Levon's expression was a mixture of amusement and affection. "She told me after I told her you and me had gotten together."

"You told her? When?"

"About a week or so after I gave you the pendant."

"All this time... she's known?" Joe frowned. "She never said anything to me. Never let on that she knew. She hasn't treated me any differently."

Levon shrugged. "Hell, Joe, she was treatin' you like were family before we was together. She likely didn't see the need ta say anythin'."

Joe shook his head. [Getting information from a Lundy is like pulling teeth. If you don't think to ask, they will never think to say anything.] "Why didn't you tell me you'd told her?"

Levon shrugged. "Didn't seem all that big a deal. Not really. She's okay with us. Woulda told you if she wasn't. An' I didn't want ya to feel like I was pushin' you ta tell your kin jus' 'cause I told mine."

Joe could understand that. His sense of fair play was just as strong as Levon's. If he had known earlier that Levon's grandmother knew, he would have had a hard time justifying not telling his family. And he knew how much Levon wanted for it to be his decision.

Joe clearly remembered Levon saying last night that it wasn't his place to tell Joe's family, and how willing his lover had been to leave if it would have made it easier for him to deal with his relatives. He would have felt more like a coward if he knew Levon had already taken a risk he couldn't seem to bring himself to take. [But he said she already knew he was bisexual.]

"How did she find out you weren't... well, that you weren't straight?"

Levon waved a hand in a meaningless, confused gesture. "Don't really know how she knew. Guess it was like with Rosa... I sort o' lit up when I talked a bit about a boy I'd met, or talked about him in ways a straight kid wouldn't. She sat me down when I was in high school and gave me the talk 'bout the birds and bees. Let me know that bein' attracted to another boy wasn't a bad thing. Told me lots o' people fell in love with members o' the same sex. Said it wasn't wrong, or perverted, jus' wasn't the most common choice. She told me I had ta be careful 'cause not everyone would be as acceptin'. Think she was more worried that I'd get hurt than anythin' else."

Joe smiled. He was immensely grateful that his lover had someone to talk to who had been open-minded. "Remind me to tell her what a great lady she is the next time we go to visit."

"Can do."

Joe nudged Levon with his elbow. "Any other secrets you'd care to share with me?"

"Not right this minute, but the day's young yet."

Joe moved to pounce on Levon, pinning him to the bed. "You are such a pain in my ass. You know that?"

Levon stretched, slow and sensuous, rubbing as much of himself as possible against Joe. "You gonna punish me for being a bad boy?" His voice was a husky whisper that sent shivers up and down Joe's spine.

Joe growled and bent his head to nibble on Levon's neck. He moved to the hollow of Levon's throat and suckled the spot that always made his lover go weak in the knees. "Yeah... I think... You need... to be punished."

"Hmmmm.... Okay." Levon wrapped his arms around Joe. "Do what ever... ya want with me."

[Now there is an invitation that is impossible to refuse.] Joe decided to make the most of that rare, total submission. Any more conversation would just have to wait.

A round of gentle but passionate lovemaking kept them busy for some time. While not quite as intense as the previous evening, Joe still found it very satisfying. It was such a heady feeling to have the freedom to leisurely explore every inch of Levon's body, to have permission to do anything he wanted, to know that Levon felt the same way he did. It helped to firmly establish the connection they'd made last night.

Joe had just settled in for some serious cuddling, with his now lightly dozing and completely sated lover, when the alarm clock went off. He reached for it, cursing as he did so. He slapped it off with more force than required to squelch the obnoxious buzz.

Levon opened sleepy eyes. "S'pose we outta get up?"

Joe sighed and snuggled in close, wrapping his arms around his lover. "Later. Much later."

Levon blinked, and yawned. He curled up with all the languid grace of a well-fed cat, snug and comfortable in Joe's arms. "'Kay."

Maria stared out the window of the cab lost in thought, essentially ignoring Rosa who sat next to her. She had called Rosa earlier that morning, and the two of them had eaten breakfast together. Carlo had wanted some time alone to think, and Maria was doing her best to give him the space he needed. So she and Rosa had arranged to meet up with Joe after breakfast. They would decide where to go and what to do once they were together. Carlo was on his own for the day.

They had been up late talking about his family. She never knew he had an older brother until then. No one in his family ever mentioned Greg, there were no pictures of him, and she had assumed that Carlo was the oldest, the only boy, because everyone in his family acted as though he was.

It was so confusing. She had trouble understanding how a family could just abandon one of its own, simply cast him out into the street. The story was tragic. She had always known that her husband was uncomfortable around homosexuals. But Maria had never really given the reason why a thought. [Half of Uncle Mikey's people say or do things that show they harbor similar feelings, but I seriously doubt that any of them have really met an openly gay man.] She had, perhaps naively, thought that with time she could change Carlo's opinion or influence his thinking. She had planned to introduce him to her friends who were gay, and had assumed that once he got to know them, he would learn to accept them. Now she was not so sure.

[Whatever Levon said last night certainly had an impact though, so the case is not hopeless.] Maria pursed her lips, briefly angry when she remembered that more than words had an impact. Carlo's split lip and bruised jaw were proof of that.

[I can not believe he hit Carlo.] Maria sighed, ignoring the concerned look Rosa sent her when she did. [On second thought... it isn't all that surprising given what Carlo told me.] She knew Levon was the sort of man who would stand up for his friends, it was a character trait she was counting on to keep her brother safe.

Based on his behavior last night, Levon obviously considered Mike and Andre friends. So did her brother. Hardly surprising, since Joe tended to take people as they came, deciding on an individual basis who he liked and who he didn't. Joe had always been open minded about other cultures and customs, so it wasn't a huge leap to being open minded about other people's sexual preference as well. [Their relationship would not have mattered to Joey. Once he decided he liked you, he liked you.]

In her heart she knew Carlo was lucky it was Levon who'd followed him into the rest room and not Joe. Joe would not have shown as much restraint as Levon had clearly done. [Joey would have hit him the minute he called Mike and Andre names. He wouldn't have waited for Carlo to take a swing at him.]

She knew better than to expect any friend of her brother's not to respond to a show of force with anything less than an equal show of force. [Carlo said he swung first, and that he deserved it. I will let it go because he is letting it go, so long as it does not happen again.] That was the only clear decision she'd managed to come to all morning.

Maria hadn't expected this vacation to be so loaded with emotional turmoil. [Carlo talked to Joey about leaving Uncle Mikey's outfit. He talked to Levon about a brother I never knew existed. I'm beginning to think we should have come here before we got married.] She sighed again.

Rosa looked over at her. "Are you all right, little one?" She asked in Italian.

"Yes, Aunt Rosa. Just... well, just a lot to think about." Maria answered in the same language. They often spoke to each other in Italian. It was a way to stay fluent, and as a means of keeping conversations in public private.

"Would it help to talk?"

Maria smiled. "You are offering a willing ear?"

Rosa nodded. "And a shoulder to cry on should you need it."

Maria leaned over and hugged Rosa. "Thank you, Aunt Rosa. It is not that bad."

"Perhaps you should talk to Joseph. He might be able to help better than I."

Maria pulled away with a frown. "He's never been married."

Rosa studied her for a moment. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but then seemed to reconsider. With a slight shake of her head, Rosa laughed softly. "No, your brother has not been officially married. But he has been through several relationships. Some of them were... well, shall we say... solely about mutual pleasure, while others were as committed as if he had been married. And he has had far more recent experience in matters of love than I. He might have a fresher, or should I say, younger perspective."

Rosa's expression took on wry note. "And, I suspect it is far easier for you to talk to Joseph. You are too used to hiding things from me."

"I don't hide things from you." Maria protested.

Rosa responded by arching one elegant eyebrow. "You may not hide... but you certainly do not volunteer."

Maria blushed, and dropped her gaze. There were things she didn't tell Rosa. Things she was either too embarrassed to tell her, or things she was certain Rosa wouldn't understand. The last thing she wanted was to argue with her aunt. Maria raised her head when Rosa slid a knuckle under her chin.

"This is not a bad thing, little one. You are an adult. How you handle your life is your choice. I am not trying to find fault. But if you need to talk about things, you must do it with someone you trust. Someone who's advice you would value, and opinion you respect. I believe your brother would be an excellent choice."

Maria smiled. "I'll talk to Joey." [Don't know when, but I'll talk to him.]

Rosa patted her hand. "Good."

The cab came to a stop in front of Levon's ranch, effectively ending their conversation. Maria paid the cab driver. Together she and Rosa headed for the front door. Joe met them there before they could raise a hand to knock.

"Good morning, Aunt Rosa." He bent to give her a quick kiss. "Hi ya, Sprite." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek as well.

Rosa looked past Joe. "And what have you done with Levon?"

Joe rolled his eyes, and pointed over his shoulder. "He's on the porch. Having his second cup of coffee." Joe heaved a dramatic sigh. "I think you like him better than you do me."

"Nonsense." Rosa patted Joe's arm as she walked past him. She looked over her shoulder and winked at him. "But you have to admit he is a very attractive man. If I was a bit younger or he was a bit older... ah what fun we could have."

"Aunt Rosa!" Maria hissed, caught between outrage and amusement. Joe on the other hand just laughed lightly.

"I have it on good authority that he likes brunettes." Joe offered with a cheeky grin. Rosa raised an eyebrow, and then a hand to pat her still naturally dark tresses. She had always been proud of the fact that she never had to color her hair. Maria knew that Rosa's hair could easily be considered her aunt's only vanity.

Rosa casually made here way through the living room and out the back door, leaving Joe and Maria alone. Maria fought the urge to roll her eyes. [Subtle as a sledgehammer. Thinks I should talk to Joey so she makes damn sure I'm alone with him. Wonder how long she'll be able to keep Levon on the porch. Knowing Aunt Rosa, she'll keep him busy for as long as she deems necessary.]

Joe raised an eyebrow at her. "Something wrong, Sprite?"

"Not exactly."

Joe pursed his lips. "Had to be something for Aunt Rosa to leave us alone."

Maria chuckled. "Subtle, isn't she?"

Joe laughed. He waved a hand toward the kitchen. "You want to have a cup of coffee and tell me all about it?"

"Sure." She followed him into the kitchen. She watched him pour a cup of coffee from a small pot on the counter. "What's with the two coffee pots?"

Joe shrugged. He pointed to the larger of the two pots. "That's Levon's. His coffee would work as a substitute for road tar." He held up the smaller pot. "This one is mine."

Maria looked at him in surprise. [He has his own coffee pot at Levon's house?] "Just how much time do you spend here, Joey?"

"Enough that if I want a cup of coffee, and I usually do want a cup, then I have to make sure I can make some that is drinkable." Joe poured himself a cup and proceeded to pull milk from the fridge. "Want some?"

Maria shook her head. "Black is fine."

Joe snorted. "Maybe I should have let you have a cup of Levon's coffee." Joe put sugar in his cup before sitting down at the kitchen table. "So... tell me why Aunt Rosa thinks you should talk to me."

"Carlo."

"I noticed he didn't come with you." Joe sighed. "What's the problem?"

"It isn't really a problem, Joey. Not really. More like I'm starting to realize that I might not have known everything about him when we got married."

She was angry when Joe laughed. "What's so funny?"

"I hate to be the one to break this to you, Sprite, but if you're really lucky, you'll still be learning things about him when you've been married twenty years." Joe smiled softly. "If he ends up being so uncomplicated that you have it all figured out before then, you won't be married twenty years, you'll be bored and looking for someone else. When he no longer surprises you, when you really do know everything, you'll end up taking him for granted, and that's a bad thing. Because you won't be seeing him, you'll be seeing the person you think he is. Follow me?"

Maria sipped her coffee. "I know what you're saying, but I didn't think it would be big stuff, Joey. I thought it would stuff like finding out he hated mushrooms." She gave an unladylike snort. "An older brother I didn't know about... a brother who died of AIDS, seems like a damn big deal. It's not the sort of surprise I was expecting."

"You didn't ask." Joe pointed out calmly.

She glared at him. "I shouldn't have to ask about stuff like that."

Joe raised his eyebrows. "Why not? You suddenly become clairvoyant?"

"You know what I mean." Maria hissed. "He should have told me."

"Oh, yeah. And just how many painful, emotional traumatic incidents from your life did you volunteer to tell him?"

"That's different."

"Suuure it is."

"It is different. I don't have anything in my past like that." Maria defended herself hotly.

"You should count your blessings. Not everyone had as good a childhood as we did." Joe's expression shifted, turning inward and sad. His eyes moved toward the window where Maria knew Joe could see Levon and Rosa talking.

"Levon had a rough childhood?" Maria hazarded as a guess. [It can't be thoughts of Aunt Rosa that caused him to look like he does.]

"Very." Joe shuddered once before bringing his attention back to Maria. "But that's his story, and it isn't why we're sitting here, or what we're supposed to be talking about."

Maria sighed. [So much for finding a nice side track to run down. Should have known he wouldn't let me avoid the issue for long.] "I'm just trying to reconcile what I thought I knew with what I now know."

"Ah." Joe nodded. "Not that easy."

"Carlo and I talked last night." Maria sipped her coffee. "I think, Joey, that might have been the first really substantive conversation we've ever had."

Joe frowned at her. "You didn't talk before you got married?"

"Not like we did last night. It wasn't bad, Joey. It was just... different." She sighed, trying to find a way to explain it. "He and I have always been able to talk. About anything, or so I thought. Course, I didn't realize then just how much I didn't know, or just how much wasn't being said. This was the first time we really focused on something that was so, well, so hard for him to handle."

"And?"

"What do you mean and?"

"How did it go?"

Maria shrugged. "I think it went well. I mean... we didn't end up screaming at each other if that's what you're asking me."

"I'm asking if you managed to honestly discuss his brother, and how he feels about it. I'm asking if you were able to be supportive, and understanding." Joe's tone was gentle, but firm.

Maria focused on her coffee cup. "I simply can't fathom how a father could throw his son out into the street." When she looked up, her eyes showing her distress at the thought. "His brother was fifteen, Joey. Out on his own, with no one to turn to. I just can't imagine how devastating that had to have been. Carlo wasn't even fourteen yet when it happened. I tried to picture what it would have been like if Uncle Mikey threw you out. I tried to imagine what I would have done."

Maria shook her head. "I would like to believe that I would have handled it better than Carlo did, but to be honest, I just don't know what I would have done. If Uncle Mikey had thrown you out, disowned you, I wouldn't have been able to argue with him." Maria shrugged one shoulder. "I've never been able to argue with him."

Joe reached across the table to capture her hand, and squeeze gently. "So you do understand?"

"Sort of. Not all of it but most of it. I understand the circumstances, and why he feels the way he does. And I am relieved to know that he wants to work on being more open minded. That is why he wanted to be alone today. He needed some time to sort through his thoughts and feelings. Come to terms with his past."

Maria sighed. "What I don't understand, and I may never understand, is how he could just abandon his brother. Even in the face of parental disapproval it just seems wrong." She looked at Joe, and smiled. "You're my brother, Joey. I love you. I don't think anything could ever make me disown or reject you. I might not have had the courage to buck Uncle Mikey's authority directly... I might never really have it, but I sure as hell would never leave you to die alone."

Joe flushed, obviously pleased by her declaration. "Please tell me you didn't rag on Carlo about not being there for his brother?"

"Wish I could." Maria grinned a little weakly. "Family, Joey. Family is everything. He needs to understand how I feel about that. I mean really understand, not just give it lip service. I'm not passing judgment on how he handled things back then. Really, I'm not. He was a kid then, but he's a man now, and how he intends to handle the future... well, we need to be able to agree on that."

She frowned fiercely remembering another aspect of her conversation with Carlo. "What if we have children, and one of them chooses to be with someone of the same sex? I don't want a child of mine to be afraid of his father. I don't want my child to be tossed out on the street, left with nothing but his or her body to sell. That. Is. Not. An. Option."

"You think Carlo would do that?"

"Honestly... no. I don't think he would." Maria sighed a bit in defeat. "But I don't KNOW that he wouldn't."

Joe nodded. "You want to be sure."

"Not just yes, but hell yes."

"Did you talk about that?"

Maria smiled wanly. "Yes. That's part of him wanting to learn to be more open minded and tolerant. He's willing to work on it. We even talked about seeing a counselor so he can deal with the unresolved issues he has about his brother. I'm just not sure if it will be enough. I won't ever be sure until we actually get to that bridge."

"You plan to get there together?"

Maria considered that for a moment. She knew Joe was asking if she thought she and Carlo were still prepared to go the distance. Given what she'd learned over the past few days, Maria had to admit that it was a valid question. "I still love him, and he is the man I want to grow old with. We both want our marriage to work. The only thing different is we just learned that it'll take more work than either of us really expected." [Wow. Guess I made more than one decision this morning after all.]

Joe studied her for a moment. "So, you wouldn't have a problem with a child of yours being gay? You'd be able to accept their being different?" He asked casually.

Maria rolled her eyes, disgusted with him for even asking. "No, I wouldn't have a problem with any of my children being different. Joey, I've got gay friends. So do you. I don't have a problem with them any more than you do."

She paused for a moment. "Although, I wouldn't wish for any child of mine to pick such a difficult path. I would want for them to take a route that has less inherent difficulties."

Maria studied her brother for a moment. She suddenly got the impression that his interest, in her answer to his last question, was a bit more intent than it should be for something asked in such an off hand fashion. [There is more going on here. Wonder what.]

Maria shrugged mentally. [He'll tell me when he's ready.] She continued speaking. "There aren't very many places that are open to or accepting of gay couples. All of my friends have horror stories of one kind or another. As I'm sure your friends do as well. To be honest, I was surprised to find Mike and Andre doing so well in Houston as an openly gay couple. Texas isn't exactly known for it's tolerance."

Joe smirked at her. "Oh, and Chicago is?"

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Joe shrugged. "Funny thing... Texas has turned out to be something so much different than what I expected. It's a lot more than what I thought it would be."

"Are you happy here?" She was curious. He seemed to be, but she just wanted to be sure.

Joe smiled, his joy readily apparent. "Most the time. I still miss the family, but not the way I did when I first moved. It took some getting used to, but I like Houston. I've made some very good friends here. Made a place for myself. Made a life on my own terms. One I can be proud of." Joe laughed softly. "Never thought I'd say it, but coming down here was the best thing I ever did."

She nodded, relieved to hear him say it. [There is hope for me when Carlo and I move. I have to remember that if Joey can make it on his own, so can I. Funny, I'm starting to wonder what living in California would be like. Maybe it will turn out to be better than I hope it will. It would give Carlo a chance to put some distance between him and his past, and a chance for both of us to focus on the future without interference from either his family or mine.]

Maria watched as Joe's expression turned serious again. He looked thoughtful, and a bit pensive. He began to play with the pendant, fingers sliding over its surface, and moving it back and forth along the chain. She hadn't really given it much thought until he started playing with it, but reviewing the past week, she realized she hadn't seen him without it since she'd arrived in Houston. It was a detail she mentally tucked away for later consideration, right now her focus was in finding out what had unexpectedly made him nervous.

"Joey?" She waited until he made eye contact. "Something wrong?"

"Wrong? No. It's just that there is something I want to tell you." Joe shifted uneasily in his seat. "Just not sure how to do it or if this is even the right time to do it."

"No time like the present. So I suppose now is as good a time as any. And as for how to say it... well, just spit it out." She smiled at him. "I'm a big girl, Joey. Trust me, I can handle it."

"Okay." Joe nodded once, and squared his shoulders. Maria recognized the expression on his face as being the one he always wore when he'd just committed himself to take action. [Didn't take that long for him to decide to tell me. Wonder just how long he's been thinking about whatever it is?]

"You said you wouldn't have a problem with one of your hypothetical children being gay. Did you mean it?"

"Yes. I meant it."

Joe nodded, and took a deep breath. "How would you feel if one of your siblings turned out to be gay?"

Maria stared at him for a long moment. "One of my... Joey, are you saying that you're gay?"

"No." He waited a beat. "I'm not gay. Technically, I'm bisexual. I'm currently involved with a man, and that fact would, in certain circles, make me gay."

[Damn. Don't pull any punches do you, Joey? I don't think I was ready for that. That'll teach me to be so casual about saying he could tell me anything.]

"You're involved with a man. What does that mean exactly?" Maria waved a hand, trying to figure out how to express herself. "Are you dating? Or are you just doing the wild thing until someone better comes along?" Her tone was flippant, and she knew her last question was out of line when Joe's eyes narrowed, and his expression hardened.

Maria was suddenly aware that her brother was a dangerous man. She had been reminded of it when they were in school and a local bully stole her lunch money. Joe had found out and cornered the bully. He'd broken the other boy's nose, and made him return her money. It was the first time she'd ever thought of him as being capable of violence. He would defend anyone important to him, and his expression made it obvious that who ever he was talking about was very important to him.

"I'm not condemning you, Joey." Maria was quick to state. "Or your relationship."

She shook her head in confusion. "Bear with me for a moment. This is a lot to take in. I mean, you used to play the field a lot in Chicago. It seemed like you were dating a new woman every week, most of whom the family never had the chance to meet. Every reference to any kind of romance, even here in Texas, always was about a woman. You never mentioned having any relationships with men. Ever."

Maria gave him a hard look. "Are you experimenting with this? Trying out some sort of new and forbidden pleasure? Or did you already know that you had... leanings, an inclination toward men before you left? And if you did, why in the hell didn't you tell me then?"

Joe sighed, and abruptly stood up. The action didn't surprise Maria, she was used to him needing to move when talking about things that were difficult for him. Carlo was the same way. Maria privately thought they both expended a lot of unnecessary energy but she never said so.

Joe paced across the kitchen once before coming back to face her. "I've always been interested in both sexes. I never said anything to you because when I left Chicago you weren't even twenty yet. And I was not going to talk to my baby sister about sex. It just wasn't a topic of conversation. Okay?"

Maria nodded. "Okay."

"And I'm not experimenting. I did that years ago. When I first realized I was interested in men. I'm not really proud of it, but you can safely say I played the field there too."

Maria sighed. "So, you've had this inclination, this attraction to both sexes for awhile?"

Joe nodded. "Pretty much since I hit puberty."

"I can see where this wouldn't have been a topic four years ago." She smiled at him, offering encouragement. "Aunt Teresa would have beat you to death if she thought you were trying to educate me about sex."

Joe smirked. "She would have skinned me alive." Aunt Teresa firmly believed sex was something that should only happen after marriage. And she wasn't at all shy about making sure everyone in the family knew how she felt.

"Why are you telling me this now?" Maria held up a hand forestalling his answer until she was finished. "I mean, you've been quiet about it this long, what's changed that you feel the need to tell me?"

"Because for the first time in my life I'm in a committed relationship. This isn't some fling, Sprite. I'm in love with him. I want to grow old with him, just like you want to do with Carlo."

She could see he was serious. She spoke softly, keeping her voice gentle. "You've been with this man for... for how long?"

"It will be a year in two weeks."

"A year?" Maria was stunned. [He's never had a relationship last longer than two months. Committed... hell, there's an understatement.] "My God, Joey, why didn't you say something sooner?"

Joe looked away. "I didn't want get the same reaction that Carlo's older brother got. And it was a very real possibility that could happen."

Maria swallowed hard. [Ah. Never really thought about it, but he's right. That could just as easily have been us. Not him and me but not all the family would be so accepting.]

"Does anyone else know?"

"You mean in the family?"

Maria frowned. He wouldn't have asked for clarification if someone else didn't already know. "Who did you tell?"

"Aunt Rosa."

Maria gasped. [That is certainly not something I'd have ever thought to tell Aunt Rosa.] "You told her??!"

"Not exactly. She sort of did the math and figured it out on her own."

Maria looked at him in confusion. "Did the math? Have we met the man your involved with?"

Joe nodded toward the window. "Levon."

Maria shook her head, dismayed that she had evidently overlooked the obvious. "How did I miss that?"

Joe smiled at her. "There wasn't really anything to miss, Sprite. Its not like I grabbed him and planted a huge kiss on him where you could see it."

"Then how did Aunt Rosa find out? Clearly, she saw something I didn't."

Joe shrugged one shoulder. He looked away as though unsure of what to say. "Aunt Rosa was there, with me, when I went up to see him after he got hurt. I... ah, needed to know that he was going to be okay, and we were probably less discrete."

Maria nodded. Had it been Carlo in the hospital, she had no doubt that everyone with in hearing distance would know just how important he was to her. In light of what she knew now, she was impressed with the restraint that Joe had shown. Nothing he'd done in the waiting room had been out of the ordinary for what she would have expected from her brother. At the time, all she had seen were the actions of a very concerned good friend.

It saddened her that he had felt the need to be discrete in her presence, to hide how he was really feeling, and that he had worried about her reaction to his relationship with Levon. [He really didn't need that added stress when he was worried about whether or not Levon would be all right. No wonder he asked me to leave. I wouldn't have been able to control myself either.]

"Aunt Rosa is okay with you being with a man?"

Joe chuckled. "Surprised me, but she's okay with it. Wouldn't really have expected her to be. I mean, she's well...she's--"

"I know." Maria rolled her eyes, understanding completely. "She's our aunt." [Not quite the same as being our parent, but close enough that talking about intimate details of our lives uncomfortable.] Maria pursed her lips. It really wasn't all that surprising. Rosa was without a doubt one of the most tolerant and open-minded people she'd ever met.

"Does Levon feel the same way you do? I mean, he does love you, right?" She didn't want her brother to be serious only to find out Levon was simply playing around. She didn't want him to be hurt that way. [Not that I really think Levon is the type to do that. He just doesn't strike me as the type to play fast and loose with other people's feelings, but one never knows.]

Joe raised an eyebrow. "That's your only concern with... this?"

Maria nodded. "That is my only concern. All I've ever wanted, Joey, is for you to be happy. You said you were happy here. I'm assuming that meant you were happy with him. You are, right?"

Joe smiled warmly. "Very."

"So... does he love you?"

Joe's smile broadened into a grin. "You could ask him yourself."

She gave him a dirty look. "I'm asking you. Tell me that the two of you have talked about this. Tell me that you are both on the same page."

"We've talked about it. Us. On more than one occasion I might add. And, yes, he feels the same way I do." Joe made eye contact and held it. "If I could marry him... I would do it in a heart beat."

Maria nodded. She took a breath. "One more question."

"Fire away."

"He's your partner, Joey. Uncle Mikey said he is good back up for you, smart and reliable, someone you could depend on. Thomas was impressed with how well he handled a gun, and Rafe has a very high opinion of him. When we stopped by the station, everyone we meet seemed to believe that you two were a great team. You watch out for each other. Keep each other from doing stupid things, or at the very least, keep each other from getting into trouble alone when either of you do something reckless."

"So far I haven't heard a question yet." Joe waved a hand telling her to get on with it.

"Doesn't the department have rules about being romantically involved with your partner? What's going to happen when they find out? Who's going to watch out for you if they split you two up? Who's going to make sure you're safe when you're out on the streets? "

"That's more than one question."

"Joey!" She glared at him. "I'm serious."

"It's okay, Sprite. The boss already knows."

"What do you mean she already knows?" Maria had met Joanne Beaumont at the hospital, and again when they visited the station. She'd been impressed with her calm demeanor in a crisis, her no nonsense approach, and her apparent ability take charge of her staff in a male dominated profession. Maria didn't think Beaumont would be the sort to bend the rules very often or for just anyone. "Is she going to..."

"Relax. It's okay. Levon told her a few months ago."

"She's okay with the two of you being involved?"

"Surprisingly... yeah." Joe shrugged. "She's okay with it."

"Does the rest of your squad know?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Joe shrugged again. "We haven't really figured out how to tell them yet. There is a lot to be considered before we take that step."

"Are both of you okay with that?" She asked just to be sure. Maria knew her brother wasn't the sort to feel comfortable hiding things. Not that he would broadcast his personal life for review, but in every other relationship that she knew of, he was never shy about doing all those things that marked him as being part of a couple. He was the sort of guy who held hands in public, opened the door for his girlfriend, smiled at that person in such away that everyone could tell that person was special. He maintained close physical proximity when he went somewhere with his date... in short all the usual things that said he was with the person next to him, and that person was with him. It had to be hard to curtail his natural inclinations.

Joe sighed. "It's how it has to be. At least for now. I don't think it bothers Levon much. He doesn't see it as lying. To him, our private lives are private, so no one else needs to know. The only person he ever thought really needed to know was Beaumont."

"And how do you feel?" She asked because it seemed as though he had deliberately avoided addressing all aspects of her previous question, and his answer hinted that he might feel differently than Levon. She suspected that he and Joe had different opinions on a lot of things.

Joe bit his lip, and his fingers fiddled with his pendant. "I don't like feeling like I'm keeping the best thing in my life a secret. Was one of the reasons I wanted to tell you about me and Levon."

Joe looked toward the floor, his expression rueful. "Truth is, I wouldn't mind if we could be... well, less circumspect. It would be nice to be able to be more open. To be able to... I don't know... touch a little more in public, nothing sexual mind you, neither of us is really into that, but I'd just like to be able to make contact without having to worry that I'm giving away more than I should. I wouldn't mind not having to be so guarded about what I say or how I say it."

"I would like our friends to be happy for us." He shrugged, eyes rising to meet hers. "But I am a realist, Sprite. Not everyone is openminded, or tolerant. Especially about this. "

[Hard to argue with that. Carlo's reaction last night was blatant proof of what Joey is saying. Much as I wish it were different, prejudice is still a very real issue.]

Maria nodded, indicating she understood what he was saying. "Fair enough." She paused for a second. "I don't think that now would be a good time to mention this to my husband." Maria winced. "It isn't that I'm not behind you... please don't misunderstand... it's just..."

Joe held up a hand and smoothly filled in the rest. "It's just that Carlo has a lot to deal with right now, and until he can get a handle on that, it wouldn't be wise to add to it." Joe smiled. "I sort of planned to tell you and let you decide what to tell him. Figured you would know better than I would when the timing would be right, and how best to approach him. It wasn't so important to me that he knew, as it was that you knew."

Maria got up and hugged her brother. "Thanks, Joey."

He returned her hug. "What for?"

"For trusting me. For being honest. For letting me handle my husband, and listening to me when I needed you to." She pulled away enough to be able to look up and make eye contact. "I am happy for you. And I am so glad you found someone to share your life with."

Joe smiled down at her. "I love you, Sprite."

"Love you too, Joey."

Anything else she might have added was cut off when the back door opened. Rosa entered, with Levon just a step behind. Maria shared a look and a smile with Joe, both of them acknowledging that Rosa's timing was as impeccable as ever. It was something of a family joke that Rosa was never too early or too late. She had left them alone to talk, and made sure they had enough time to discuss the issue without belaboring it. Rosa had probably planned her return so that she could calm things down if they had gotten out of hand.

Maria noted that Levon was quick to look toward Joe. His sharp brown eyes seemed to take in every thing with just a glance. Maria had no doubt that he could correctly read the situation, and wasn't surprised to see some silent communication going on between him and Joe. She was amazed to note that the two of them seemed to be capable of saying an awful lot without saying a word. That, more than anything else, convinced her of how well matched they were as a couple.

Even though she didn't know Levon well, Maria could tell he had been tense and ill at ease when he entered. The way he relaxed his shoulders, his expression becoming more open and less guarded, told her that somehow Joe must have assured Levon everything was okay between them. She couldn't help but wonder what he would have done if everything wasn't okay.

Maria harbored little doubt that Levon would be just as defensive of Joe as her brother was of him. She would love to know how Levon had felt about Joe wanting to share their relationship with his family. She seriously hoped that it hadn't caused problems for them. According to her friends, coming out to family had been the hardest thing they'd ever done.

[Levon hasn't said much about his family. I wonder if they know. Maybe I'll get a chance to spend some time alone with him. Although, Aunt Rosa knew a few days ago, and she's had ample time to grill him for details. Might be easier just to talk to her.]

Rosa eyed both Joe and Maria. Maria knew she was looking for telltale signs of discord. Rosa smiled, letting them both know that she was pleased they managed to talk without killing each other. [Wonder how much she heard from the porch. She might be surprised to find out that we talked about more than just me and Carlo. Then again, knowing Aunt Rosa, I doubt she's surprised by much of anything.]

"Well, Children, what shall we do today?" Rosa asked as she moved further into the room.

Joe looked toward Maria. "Was there anything you wanted to do that we haven't gotten to yet?"

Maria tipped her head, thinking about that. "Well, I wouldn't mind going to the races."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "We did the whole stock car thing."

Levon chuckled. "Not everything has ta have an engine ta be fun ta watch, Joe. She could mean horses, ya know?"

Joe shot him a dirty look. Levon waved it off with practiced ease. "Or she could wanna see the dogs do their thing."

Rosa looked intrigued. "There is a dog track here?"

Levon nodded. "Yep. Couple of 'em."

"I'd rather see horses." Maria stated. She'd been to see dog races and had enjoyed them until she found out that the greyhounds were often put down once they were no longer winning. It bothered her that such beautiful animals would so casually and thoughtlessly destroyed. She didn't want to be a party to that.

"Are there races going on today?" Joe directed his question toward Levon.

"Should be." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "I'd have ta call and check ta know for sure."

Levon stepped into the kitchen, moving past Joe and placing his cup in the sink. If Maria hadn't been watching for it she would have missed the slight brushing of their shoulders. It was light enough to have been accidental, but she was sure it had been on purpose. Maria thought that it might be some kind of physical confirmation of whatever they had silently "talked" about. [Would love to be a fly on the wall when the two of them get a chance to talk.]

After a momentary pause, Levon moved away and reached for the phone. Maria noticed that he wasn't limping as much as he had been. He was almost back to the natural, easy way he moved when they first met. Now that she knew just how important he was to Joe, Maria was even more relieved to see Levon was on his way to a full recovery.

Levon deftly dialed a number. Maria noticed that he didn't have to look it up. "Do you spend a lot of time at the track, Levon?"

"Nope."

"But you know the number." She pointed out dryly. [Why would he know the number if he doesn't spend time there?]

Levon grinned. "Used to work there."

Joe looked at him in surprise. "Doing what?"

"Stable hand." Levon held up a hand, cutting off any more conversation while he talked to whoever answered the phone. The discussion didn't last long, and Levon was able to find out quickly that there were races being held today and would begin in about an hour.

"Will you be coming with us?" Rosa asked.

Levon shot a quick glance toward Joe. Maria couldn't tell if he was asking for permission, or if he was hoping for an excuse not to go with them. Joe raised an eyebrow, and his lips curled into a smirk.

"Up to you, Cowboy."

"Well, since I don't have any plans for the day, don't see why I couldn't go along."

Rosa laughed, clearly pleased with Levon's decision. "Excellent."

Levon winked at her, before looking back at Joe. "Sides, somebody has ta keep you from losin' all yer money. You don't know a damn thing about horses."

Joe snorted. "What makes you think I'm even going to bet?"

Levon rolled his eyes. "Like you plan on just goin' ta watch. Please."

Maria chuckled. "I think he has your number, Joey." She knew she was meant to hear his retort when he muttered, "Has more than just my number, Sprite. Man has everything." He didn't sound upset by that. [Sounded down right pleased.]

Rosa worked hard to maintain her composure. It simply wouldn't do for her to be seen jumping up and down, screaming like a teenage girl at a rock concert. [God but this is so exciting.] This was the tenth race they'd seen, and each one was just as exciting as the last. Especially when she had a horse to cheer for in each race.

While he hadn't bet any money, Levon had been more than willing to advise her on which horses to choose. Admittedly not every horse he'd suggested had won or even placed, but using his advice she had won nearly one hundred dollars so far. From the minute the gates opened, Rosa was silently rooting for her horse. The only indication of how she felt was the death grip she had on Levon's arm, and she was certain he wouldn't tell. [Bless his heart.]

Joe and Maria had no such concerns about their dignity. Joe was screaming at the top of his lungs, and Maria was leaning against the rail as though she could physically move her horse faster from the stands. They had both placed their bets on their own, refusing to even ask for Levon's opinion. Levon had just shrugged, unperturbed by their rejection when he offered to help out.

Rosa knew better. She asked his opinion and his advice before placing any bets. Even though he didn't gamble, Levon knew horses. He also knew several of the jockeys. It struck her as foolish to let pride get in the way of using a knowledgeable resource. To her the whole point was to get your money back, not give it away, and that meant using all available resources. So far, five of the ten horses he'd recommended had placed, and three of those had come in first. That was far better than she would have done on her own.

She held her breath as the horses rounded the far turn. [Come on, come on.] Number six, Dancer's Charm, was in the lead. The horse she'd bet on was Dancer's Delight, number five who was running a close second. According to Levon, the two horses had the same sire, but different dames. She didn't totally understand why he thought one was better than the other, but she'd trusted his judgment so far and saw no reason to not to continue to do so.

As the horses came barreling done the final straightaway, Dancer's Delight inched forward until he was neck and neck with Dancer's Charm. [Come on. You can do it, baby. Come on.] She tightened her grip on Levon's arm, eyes never leaving her horse. She found herself fascinated by the display of power and determination as Dancer's Delight pushed himself harder. [Just a little further. You can do it.]

When Dancer's Delight crossed the finish line, leading by a nose, Rosa forgot herself and jumped up and down. She threw her arms around Levon and hugged him. "He did it! He did it! Did you see? He won."

Levon's chuckled. "Yeah, I saw it." He hugged her. "He did good."

Rosa pulled away and tried to compose herself. She cleared her throat and straightened her clothes. She steadfastly ignored the grin that Levon sent her way. When his grin became a smirk she slapped him lightly on the arm. "Shut up."

Levon gave her an innocent look. "I didn't say anythin'."

"You were thinking it."

Levon laughed. "How much ya win?"

Rosa glanced at the winner board, double checking to see who had been declared the official winner. She studied her ticket. She checked the board again. "Oh my!"

"What's the matter?"

She looked up at him amazed. "I just didn't realize what the odds were. I've... I've... It seems that... I've won two hundred dollars."

Joe looked at her. "For real?"

She held the ticket out to him. "For real."

He hugged her. "Way to go, Aunt Rosa."

"Did either of you win?" Rosa asked. She didn't know for certain which horses Joe and Maria had bet on, just that they had not picked the same ones she and Levon had chosen.

Maria threw her ticket away in disgust. "No. My horse didn't even place."

Joe held up his ticket. "Ten bucks." He'd bet on Dancer's Charm win. He still won because he'd covered his bet with another that had Dancer's Charm coming in second or third. He just didn't win as much as he would have had his horse come in first. Joe looked at Levon through narrowed eyes. "Do not say I told you so."

"Okay." Levon agreed mildly, brown eyes bright with amusement and satisfaction. "But ya should have listened ta me. Coulda won a lot more."

Joe sighed, and shook his head. "Didn't I just tell you..."

Rosa smoothly interrupted. "Come, Joseph, lets go cash these in. When we are done here, I'll buy dinner, since I was the big winner." She wrapped one hand around Joe's elbow and steered him toward the pay windows. [This will give Levon and Maria a chance to talk if they wish. Give them a chance to get to know one another without having to worry about an audience.]

Half way to the booth, Joe cast a worried glance back over his shoulder. Rosa looked up at him and knew he had just realized that he'd left Maria and Levon alone with each other. "Who is it that you don't trust?"

"Excuse me?"

She gave him a stern look. "You would not be checking up on them if you trusted them. So is it your sister or your lover that you don't trust?"

Joe sighed. "It isn't that I don't trust them. I just... well, I just don't want..." He waved a hand in a frustrated gesture clearly not sure of what words to use.

Rosa patted his arm. "Levon is a sensible man. He has talked to me, and he handled Carlo last night. There is no reason to think that he can not handle Maria."

Joe raised an eyebrow at that. "What if she can't handle him?"

Rosa laughed. "Oh please, Joseph. He is too wise a man to say or do anything that would upset her that badly. Remember dinner at the ranch?" She waited for him to nod. "He handled that very well. And he knows how important Maria is to you. Even I can see that he understands the value of family. You have picked a good man. Trust him to be able to judge the situation correctly. He will not let you down."

She studied him shrewdly. "Nor will Maria do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Levon."

He looked more than just surprised by that statement. He looked startled. "How did you know I'd even told her?"

[Wouldn't do to tell him that I didn't know for sure until just now.] Rosa shrugged. "It was a golden opportunity this morning. I knew you were smart enough to take advantage of it. And I am assuming that since she did not explode or say anything stupid when Levon and I entered the kitchen, that she is okay with what you had to tell her."

Joe smiled and shook his head. "Have I told you lately just how amazing you are?"

"No." She smiled back. "You are falling behind." She lightly slapped his arm. "See to it that you don't make a habit of doing that."

Joe chuckled. He bowed ever so slightly, and in Italian he told her. "I shall endeavor, Oh Wise One, not to do so in the future."

"You are a good boy." She nodded in approval, making him laugh loudly.

When he spoke again it was in English. "Why is it I'm only a good boy when I do what you tell me to?"

Rosa rolled her eyes. "I sincerely hope that was a rhetorical question."

Joe winked. "Naturally."

They had to wait in line several minutes to collect their winnings. All in all, Rosa was very pleased with how well she'd done. It really wasn't in her nature to gamble. She never bet more than she could afford to lose, which naturally kept her bets small. Rosa was quick to note that, although Joe had not asked Levon's advice on horses, he had learned to follow his partner's more frugal tendencies since none of the bets he placed were large. Collectively, Joe had not bet any more than Rosa had. While he hadn't won as much as she had, he did manage to break even. [I suppose that coming home with as much money as you left with could be considered a victory.]

"Let's get something to drink." Rosa suggested. She wanted Levon and Maria to have time to talk, and by her estimation, they hadn't been left alone long enough to really discuss much.

Joe hesitated, his eyes darting to where they had left Levon and Maria. Rosa smiled. "Do not worry, Joseph. They will be all right for a few more minutes."

He took a deep breath, and nodded. Rosa was impressed by the degree of trust he had in her judgment. She hoped that in this case his trust would not be misplaced.

Together they made their way to the drink stand. Rosa was delighted to find they had fresh squeezed lemonade. Joe got bottled water for himself, and picked up two iced teas for Levon and Maria.

They made their way back to Maria and Levon. Returning to their seats, Rosa was quick to note that Maria seemed relaxed, at ease. She was leaning casually against the rail while she talked to Levon. Rosa sighed when she got close enough to hear what was being said and realized they were talking about horses and the rules of racing.

Rosa shook her head slightly, disappointed. [I certainly hope they managed to talk about something more substantive while we were gone. A perfectly good opportunity and they waste it.]

She felt her annoyance slip away when Joe and Levon exchanged looks. [Ah... If all Maria and Levon talked about were horses then he wouldn't have anything to say to Joe. And it that look is anything to go by, then they have a lot to say to one another.]

She wondered what sort of information was passing between them. Whatever it was couldn't be bad because both men seemed comfortable. Rosa had no doubts that if Levon had been upset in any way by what Maria had to say, his conversation with Joe would not have stayed silent.

[Levon wouldn't force it, not in front of us, but Joseph would have. Wonder if Joseph would choose Levon over the family.] Rosa quickly banished her last thought and decided to simply be glad that it hadn't come to that. She wasn't entirely certain which one Joe would pick if forced to decide between one or the other.

[To choose the family would be foolish. He can't come back to Chicago, and so few of us come to visit. Infrequent visits are no substitute for someone who makes you feel complete on a daily basis. I certainly would not trade one for another.] She made a mental note to tell Joe that.

[Even if some of the family ultimately end up rejecting him because of his relationship with Levon, that would not be reason to end it. Especially when not all of us see it as wrong.] Rosa nodded her head decisively. Once they had a moment alone, she would make certain that Joe knew that.

They watched another two races before calling it a day. Maria wanted to stop by the hotel and check in with her husband. She also wanted to invite him to join them for dinner assuming he was willing to come with them. Rosa hoped that he had enough time to think things through. It had saddened her to hear of how his family had treated Carlo's older brother.

The trip to the hotel was uneventful. Levon and Joe offered to wait in the lobby while Maria went up to her room to talk to Carlo. Rosa opted to wait with them as well. She wanted to know what Maria and Levon had talked about.

Levon and Joe sat together on the love seat. Joe made himself comfortable, lounging in such a way that he was able to make physical contact with Levon. Nothing overt, but their shoulders touched, as did their thighs. Rosa picked one of the lobby's overstuffed chairs.

Rosa smiled at Levon before she asked, "So.... You and Maria talked, yes?"

Levon raised an eyebrow. He shot a wary glance toward Joe. Rosa did not miss the almost imperceptible nod that Joe gave him.

"Yep."

"About more than horses and racing, I hope."

"Uh-hunh."

"She asked you about your relationship with Joe?"

Levon nodded.

[God, this is like pulling teeth. It is going to take forever to find anything out at this rate.] She managed to suppress a grimace of annoyance. She couldn't quite contain the gesture of impatience though. "What did she say?"

Levon looked away. Rosa felt a moment of apprehension. Perhaps she had misread things at the track. Had she made a mistake leaving them alone? [Maybe Joseph had been right to be worried. Damn. I was so sure they would be able to talk without doing any damage.]

"Levon?"

He flashed a quick grin, eyes bright with amusement. "Said she was real happy Joe had found someone. Wished me luck. Then said she'd kill me if I did anythin' ta hurt him."

Rosa scowled at him, realizing he'd been teasing her. "That was not nice, Levon Lundy. Not nice at all." She reached over and slapped him hard on the arm.

"Hey!" He rubbed his arm with exaggerated care. Levon slid closer to Joe, putting himself out of her reach. "Joe, ya should a told me she could be mean." His voice was teasing, a barely contained smile made his lips twitch.

Joe wrapped a protective arm around Levon, drawing him even closer. "Don't worry, Cowboy, I'll protect you." He raised a hand to point a finger at Rosa. "You play nice young lady, or it will be some time alone in your room to think about it."

Rosa laughed. She held up both hands as a sign of surrender. "I'll be good."

"See that you are." Joe said with a faint smirk and a wink.

Even though Rosa knew Joe was just playing, she was surprised to note an undercurrent of seriousness in that statement. She decided that Joe might have already realized the right choice would be the man next to him should he ever be forced to choose between Levon and his family. [Good. One more thing settled.]

Maria and Carlo joined them a moment later. Levon and Joe immediately stood. Rosa hesitated before following them. She had a feeling that they wouldn't be going anywhere just yet. Carlo looked edgy and uncomfortable. Rosa was surprised to see him fidget. Carlo was a pacer like Joe, but he wasn't prone to other nervous gestures. She suspected if he were wearing a pendant like Joe's, he'd be playing with it.

Rosa noticed that Carlo was sporting a bruise on his jaw and a split lip. [Wonder when that happened. No one mentioned it last night. I hope he didn't get himself into trouble today.]

Carlo sighed. He squared his shoulders, and faced Joe and Levon directly. "I, ah... about last night... I'm sorry. My behavior was inexcusable."

"Don't worry 'bout it." Levon smiled slightly, putting Carlo at ease. "We all got our crosses ta bear."

Carlo focused on Levon. "You told them about Greg?"

"Jus' enough ta explain why ya had ta leave. Didn't go inta detail. Weren't my story ta tell. Figured ya could do that when you were ready."

Carlo nodded. He looked relieved and grateful. "I didn't mean to ruin the evening."

Levon waved a hand. "'No harm done."

Carlo's lips quirked in a half smile, and he raised a hand to gently touch his split lip. "Speak for yourself."

Joe frowned, blue eyes darting from Levon to Carlo. "You two do more than talk when you left the table?"

Levon shrugged. "We both got a little outta line. Like I said, no harm done."

Joe's eyes narrowed. He studied Levon. "You didn't tell me everything did you?" It really wasn't a question. Joe glared at Carlo. "What did you do?"

Carlo flinched away from Joe's harsh look. Joe's jaw tightened when Carlo didn't answer right away. "Don't make me ask again." Joe's voice was soft, but his tone was severe, and uncompromising.

Carlo looked away. He took a shaky breath. It was painfully obvious that he was unsure of how to proceed. Carlo looked very reluctant to say anything. Rosa was suddenly conscious of just how young he was. [Reminds me of a little boy looking for something to say that will keep him from getting in trouble.]

Carlo hesitantly spoke. "I took a swing at Levon."

"You did what?!" Joe was moving forward, hands raised ready to grab Carlo. Rosa moved to stop him, but Maria beat her to it, stepping between her brother and her husband.

"Joey!" Maria hissed. "Stop it." Rosa could see Maria's quick LaFiamma temper was starting to show in her flashing eyes. She would not let her brother hurt her husband. Whatever differences she and Carlo might have, Maria loved him the same way Joe loved Levon. It was only natural for her to defend him.

[This could get ugly if it goes any further.] Rosa didn't want this to be a moment that soured their entire trip.

Levon reached out and encircled one of Joe's wrists with his left hand. The blond Texan shook his head ever so slightly.

"Joe." Levon's voice was quiet, the tone placid. "Let it go."

"Jesus, Lundy! You were in the hospital just a few days ago. You're not exactly at your best, and he hit you. You want me to just let it go?"

"He didn't hit me, Joe. Just took a swing." Levon sighed softly. "Look... I said some things that were outta line. Pushed harder than I shoulda. Carlo let me know I went to far."

Levon tightened his grip on Joe's arm, keeping him still. "He didn't connect, Joe. I'm not hurt. Was me that split his lip. I oughtta be the one ta apologize ta him."

"He didn't hit you?"

"No." Levon let go of Joe. "Jus' tried to."

"Oh, and that is so much better." Joe glared at Levon, blue eyes flashing.

"Don't see what the big deal is. You tried to clean my clock the day we met."

"That's different." Joe flatly declared. "We're partners."

"Oh, and that is so much better." Levon managed to exactly copy Joe's earlier tone and inflection.

Joe hung his head. "You're a real pain in the ass, you know that?" Joe sounded more resigned than angry.

"So, I've been told." Levon agreed without rancor. "Now tell Carlo yer sorry for getting yer nose outta joint over nothin' and let's go eat dinner. I'm hungry."

Joe held out his hand to Carlo. "I'm sorry for making an issue of something the two of you have already settled."

When Carlo hesitantly reached out to take Joe's hand, Joe pulled him forward. "Just don't let it happen again." There was no mistaking the implied threat.

Carlo nodded. "I won't."

"Good." Joe nodded. "Let's go to dinner."

Rosa shook her head at how quickly disaster had been averted. She made a mental note to thank Levon later. [Who knew he could be so good at handling family disputes? Perhaps I should see if he'd be willing to come to Chicago and help out there as well.]

She traded bemused looks with Maria. Together they decided that if the men were willing to let bygones be bygones, then it would be best not to interfere. There was no reason to continue to stir up trouble if they could put it to rest as easily as it would appear they just had. [Please, Dear God, let it be put to rest.]

"Where are we going for dinner?" Maria asked, doing her best to sound as if the previous discussion had not happened. She stayed close to Carlo, keeping herself between her husband and her brother, just in case.

"What are you in the mood for?" Levon countered with a warm smile. "You name it an' I'm pretty sure we can find it."

"How about Thai?" Maria offered as a challenge.

Levon looked toward Joe. Joe nodded. "I know of a good Thai restaurant. It's not too far from here."

"Really?" Rosa was surprised. It wasn't something she expected to find in Houston. "As good as Lilly's cooking?"

Joe grinned. "Almost."

"Who's Lilly?" Levon asked as they headed for the Jimmy.

Joe slid into the driver's seat, and waited until everyone had buckled their seat belt before he answered. "Lilly is Uncle Franco's wife. He got married to her while he was in the service. She's is a native of Thailand. And I think it's safe to say she's not even five feet tall, but she's a spitfire. Has one hell of a temper."

Joe laughed lightly. "Lilly barely spoke English when she came to the states. She knew French, but whenever she lost her temper she'd slip back into Thai. Franco usually lost it about the same time she did and he'd be yelling back at her in Italian." Joe shook his head. "It's... ah, quite an experience trying to mediate a multi-lingual dispute."

Levon laughed. "I'm sure it is. Damn glad I've only had ta deal with arguments in English."

Levon shot a conspiratorial look over his shoulder toward Rosa. "Joe yells at me in Italian, but I jus' ignore him. Figure if it was real important, and he wanted me ta know what he was sayin', he'd put it in English."

Rosa chuckled, having no difficulty envisioning Joe losing his temper or Levon choosing to ignore any outburst he simply couldn't understand. "That is probably the best course of action."

Much to her relief, conversation stayed with lighter topics for the rest of the evening. Stories about the family mixed easily with talk of the day at the racetrack. No one mentioned previous disagreements. This meal was far more relaxed that the one they shared the previous evening.

As she packed her bag later that night, Rosa reflected that the evening had gone far better than she'd expected. She was pleased that they had managed to enjoy their last evening together. Rosa had wanted for this trip to end on a high note. Not have them at each other's throats.

Perhaps not all the issues had been settled, but enough of them had been addressed that it would be possible for them to continue moving forward. [Far from prefect, but better than nothing.] Ever practical, Rosa was willing to take what she could get. She'd learned a long time ago that it was foolish to do otherwise.

Tomorrow they would meet for breakfast and Joe would take them to the airport. Rosa sighed softly, glad that she was heading home. It had been good to see Joe. It had been vastly reassuring to learn that he was successful in making a life for himself, a life that included someone he loved. She was thrilled to know that he was happy in Houston, and she would miss him terribly. But Rosa also missed her home and her own bed.

[Visiting somewhere else if fine for the short run, but I much prefer my own place and my own things. It will be good to be back where I know my way around, and don't have to rely on someone else to get me there.]

She gently closed the lid on her suitcase, feeling a mix of emotions. Sad to be leaving behind a much loved member of her family, and yet eager to be back where she belonged. Firmly dismissing such thoughts, Rosa decided that she would simply have to plan another trip to Houston.

She laughed at herself as slid beneath the covers. [You haven't even left yet and already you are planning to come back. Good thing no one else in the family knows I'm just as prone to bouts of insanity as they are. Hmmm... maybe January would be a good time. It will certainly be warmer here than in Chicago. Yes. I'll have to look into travel arrangements when I get back.]

Part 7