By Ellen Lindow
It was just before noon on Sunday. At least Helena thought of it as Sunday, since it was the day of the week she and John traditionally had "off" together-- if they could ever be considered to have a day off. Since the children were grown and gone they had developed the habit of sleeping late on this one day a week and lingering over coffee before John headed to the office for an hour or so. Then they would meet for a mid-day meal, and stroll around Alpha in the afternoon, or take in a movie, or simply visit the gardens and sit and talk together. Alex and Emma had both been firmly warned that there would be no babysitting done on their day off, although they did accept dinner invitations, and occasionally asked the children over for dinner when they were in the mood to cook together.
Kate joined them at the table for a cup of coffee as John and Helena finished their mid-day meal. They had only been speaking for a few minutes when Alan walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers. He looked around a moment and headed straight for their table.
John took a look at the flowers and said, "You and Emma have a fight?"
Alan looked surprised, then looked down at the flowers. "Oh, no. Nothing like that. Kate, is the stuff I asked for ready?"
"All set. The rice pudding just came out of the oven." Kate caught the eye of one of her kitchen workers, and gestured at Alan. The teen nodded and vanished into the back. "Everything is just like you asked for."
"Thanks," Alan grinned.
"Rice pudding and flowers. She must really be mad at you," John grinned, teasing his old friend.
Alan grinned easily, taking John's ribbing in stride. "No, it's-- a celebration really." His fair skin betrayed him and the others noticed him blushing.
Helena frowned. "I know it's not her birthday. And it's not your anniversary either."
They were interrupted as the teen Kate had signaled showed up with two covered trays stacked together. "Here you go, Mr. Carter."
"Thanks Bertie," Alan replied with a wink.
"How are you going to manage that and the flowers too?" Kate asked. She turned to the boy. "Bert, please take these to Mr. Carter's quarters."
"Yes ma'am." Bert hefted the trays and headed away.
"Okay, Alan," John said impatiently. "What's the occasion?"
Alan looked down and Kate prompted him, "Go on, Alan, tell him."
"It's Mother's Day, John. Our first with Preston. I just want Emma to know how much I appreciate her, and value our family." He shifted the colorful bouquet of flowers he was holding and pulled away one flower, wrapped in a separate sheet of Mylar. It was a single white rose. He laid it on the table next to Helena. "I got this for you, Helena."
"For me?" Helena asked in surprise.
"For being the mother of the mother of my son. Thank you." Alan leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek. He met her eyes briefly and smiled. Helena smiled back.
"I've got to go. Emma and Preston are waiting for me at home." He turned and headed for the door, a bounce in his step as he caught up with Bert and they excited the cafeteria together.
"Isn't that sweet?" Kate asked, without the usual sarcasm in her voice.
Helena lifted the whit rose and breathed in the delicate scent that somehow always reminded her of all they had left behind on Earth. "That man is definitely my favorite son-in-law."
"He's your only son-in-law," John reminded her.
"So he is," Helena responded. "And the perfect choice."
Ellen Lindow
May, 2000