A long story

It didn't make Kip feel good - thinking of himself as broke, but it was the truth. Oh sure, he could go to the band and anyone there would help. Erik would bail him out like always. But Kip was tired of his own stupidity and he didn't want to accept that kind of help again.

Regardless, he does give Karla a little squeeze. He wasn't sure how else to tell her he was glad she was there, even though he was a miserable person to be around right now.

His aching stomach growls and he sighs. He knew he was hungry but he didn't feel like eating. He hated that, but it was true. He decides to ignore it.

"How... long are you staying?" he questions.


I guess I could come over if you want.
Jason sits back down at his desk, now that the brief emotional tug-o-war was over.

I don't want to impose though... I mean, with everyone still there.
He grins, his emotions rueful.
I know, I know, I wouldn't be imposing. But I don't wanna take time away from your dad or uncle either.

He grabs a file he'd been working on, only to stare at it for a moment then give up. He felt too tired to try and figure it all out and his head still hurt. Maybe Rick really was right.
I do have to talk to you about going to Texas though. I'm going very soon to visit my mom - didn't know if you were gonna come along or not.


Mick had just been on his way out of the house when he'd stopped and heard Eric's message. Now his original route is forgotten as he eases down at the table across from Rosetta. His own sigh is a weary one.

"I don't know what he's thinking and I don't understand either." He shrugs. "Love can be blind. All I can figure is that he was more lonely than we knew, Dana came along, took him by storm and now he can't see past her or the end of his nose... whichever is closer." He quirks an eyebrow at his own dry humor.

Rosetta's final question is a tough one though. It probably wouldn't have come up, had Jeff not given them a call earlier to let them know what had happened. They hadn't cared for Dana before - now there was a blatant distaste.

"I..." He shrugs again. "Saying we don't want Eric here is... something I didn't think was possible. I mean, he's your brother and we all still love him. It seems downright wrong to say he can't be here, especially since he's spent years helping support this place. Problem is, we don't want Dana here. But... maybe she will change. Maybe she's just never had a real family herself and so she's just trying to make herself feel better by putting other people down. I mean, it could be."

He had a bad feeling too though, and for some reason, he just didn't believe it was that simple. "I guess.... if we let them be here... and things get bad... we could always ask them to leave?"


It was another quiet day. While some restaurant owners would be bothered by this, Carson never was. God had always provided and He would continue to do so. It was also days like this that supported Carson's decision not to expand Mom and Pop's. He liked it small and friendly - but that did mean keeping a small customer base.

Scrubbing some pans in the kitchen, Carson's mind was a little clearer today. He had lots of unanswered questions, and he still did think about Mackenzie, but there was a little more peace in his soul today.

Hearing the timer ding, he leaves the dishes and retrieves the hot pizza as the cheese sizzled to perfection. Setting it on a new tray and slicing it with speed that showed he'd done this a bazillion times, he then hands it through the window to Aerith. "I'd tell you this goes to table five, but..." He looks around - there were only two customers at the moment and both were at table five. "...I think you probably remember that," he teases.

Dani smirks from where she's cleaning the counter. "If you get any funnier, we're gonna have to call this a comedy club."

"Ha...ha." Carson looks to Aerith and winks.


At first, no one notices that a new set of customers had arrived - four, to be exact. From the outside, one would see a happy little family. The woman who appeared to be the mother was medium-height and slender with long, curly blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail and held with an attractive gold clip. Though dressed casually, her clothing was smart - a collared button-up, purple shirt and fitted dark blue jeans. One would have difficulty guessing her age - they might say she was twenty-five, but on close inspection they might wonder if she was perhaps in her later thirties.

The man who appeared to be her husband was tall and clean-shaven with dark hair. A few gray specks indicated that maybe he was nearing forty. His glasses gave him an intelligent look, while his athletic build showed someone who paid attention to physical activities. A dark green polo shirt gave him a nice but casual look - if someone took a second glance, they might notice the expensive watch he wore. In jeans and loafers, he appeared comfortable, ready for either a business meeting or a walk in the park.

The first little girl was healthy and bright-eyed, looking to perhaps be around twelve years old. She bounced a little in front of her mother, showing her youthful energy. Short dark hair would instantly remind one of her father, and though wearing a girlish pink shirt and jeans with sparkles around the pockets, there was a glint in her eye that revealed a tomboyish spunk.

Lastly was the second little girl. She seemed quieter than the first - withdrawn, perhaps. Her own shirt and jeans spoke of the same casual niceness, except for the worn denim jacket she wore. Her blonde hair would make one think she looked like her mother, but on closer inspection, they might be confused, seeing neither mother or father in the girl's eyes or face. She was shorter than her sister... nine or ten years old perhaps. Her thin, pale features might make an observer wonder if she'd been sick.

Only if met and greeted personally would one maybe discover that the family was indeed a trio, with the second little girl having been adopted. They might be surprised to learn that both girls were, in fact, eleven, but nothing of size or demeanor would be mentioned. The family could be viewed as a well-off and happy, with college funds for both girls, a stay-at-home mom and a dad that didn't have to work weekends. They were picture-perfect. And yet... there was much more to their story than one could tell from a first glance. And that is why they were here.


The little bell alerts listening ears to the presence of customers and Carson looks up after teasing Aerith, only to have his face frozen in surprise. The Truman family? But... why?

Dani spots Mackenzie immediately and looks quickly to Carson with question. He'd given her the short version of the previous night, but she hadn't expected to see her niece, especially already today.

Carson shakes his head - he had no idea why they were here either. Backing away from the window, he takes off his apron and turns his baseball cap around the right way. Wiping his hands on a towel, he slings it over his shoulder - he was still on duty, family situation or not.

Approaching the family who stood just inside the door, he searches all their eyes for a moment, hesitantly. Mackenzie was being held in place by Ken, who had both hands on her shoulders. Her expression was one of sheepishness, or maybe apology, while there was that same old hopeful sparkle as she looked up at Carson.

Unsure what to say, Carson stops a few feet away. "G'day."

Ken's wife grins at his accent. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Banks."

"Carson, please," he responds quickly.

Ken extends his hand for a repeat of the strong handshake he'd offered the evening before. "I... hope you don't mind us coming."

"No... no, I don't mind. I'm just..." Carson sets his hands on his hips after the handshake, cocking his head. "A little confused, I guess."

Ken looks down as Mackenzie looks up at him pleadingly. He nods his consent and gives her shoulder a pat. She's quick to break away and step up to Carson, tilting her head back to look up at him. Locking eyes with him for a moment, without warning she throws her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry about last night," her muffled apology comes.

Blinking once and feeling his cheeks growing a bit warm, Carson awkwardly gives her back a few gentle pats. He wondered if she'd been punished for running away - at the very least, it was obvious she'd had a talking-to. "It's okay... it's all forgiven," he assures.

"Really?" She looks back up at him, arms still around his waist.

Carson can't help a crooked grin and gives her nose a teasing little tap. "Really."

A smile breaks forth on Mackenzie's face, making her look even more like a Banks.

"Mackenzie, honey, let the poor man breathe," Jeanette chides gently with humor.

Mackenzie grudgingly lets Carson go, backing up a couple steps.

Ken waves to the rest of the family. "Carson, I'd like you to officially meet my wife, Jeanette, and our other daughter, Tina."

Carson nods politely. "Nice to meet you both." He looks back to Ken, still questioning their presence.

"Lunch," Ken explains quickly. "We, um... didn't know what to do for lunch and... Mackenzie was kind enough to point out that this was the best place in town for pizza."

Carson chuckles. He still didn't understand though. "And you... still came... knowing it was..."

"If you're uncomfortable, we'll gladly go somewhere else," Ken offers. He shifts his weight, showing for the first time that he felt a little awkward himself. "We don't want to cause any discomfort - we'll completely understand if you'd rather this be it."

Though there was a part of Carson that would just as soon tell them they should leave, something told him not to. The family was obviously trying to help Mackenzie and make an effort to show no hard feelings - it was an evident display of an effort to form a relationship, whether it would last for just one day or longer. Carson bites his lower lip, then shakes his head. "Naw... you guys are welcome here. Come on over here to this table and we'll get you taken care of."

It was strange, seating the family. Mackenzie was his daughter... they had a brief history... yet in this setting, she belonged to Ken and Jeanette and had to be treated as an acquaintance, not his daughter. She, however, didn't seem to think it should be that way, choosing the seat on the outside so she could be next to Carson as he asked what they wanted to drink, and so she could have a clear view to the kitchen.

Getting back to the kitchen, Carson didn't care that Dani and Aerith were there. He leans back against the wall and closes his eyes, letting out a long, slow breath. "Lord have mercy."

Dani cringes a little. Part of her wanted to run out and say hi to Mackenzie, and part of her wanted to give her brother a hug. She chooses the latter. "It'll be okay," she assures, slipping her arms around him for a light hug. "Want me to do anything?"

"Nah." He gives her a little squeeze. "Thanks, though. I should probably see to the table myself. You should meet them too though... I know Mac would love to see you." His eyes roam to Aerith and he gives her a look of apology. "Just keep your eyes open for anything I miss," he muses ruefully. "My brain isn't going to be working for a while. I'm sure Mac would remember you too though, if you wanna say hi..."


...A little while later as Dani brings the drinks to the table, Mackenzie's eyes light up and she sits a little straighter. "Hi, Dani," she greets a little timidly.

Dani smiles broadly. "Hey there, Mackenzie. How ya doing?"

Mackenzie returns the smile and nods. "Good."

Dani turns her gaze to Ken and Jeanette as she sets down the drinks. "I'm Carson's sister," she explains. "Mackenzie and I met a while back... didn't we?"

Mackenzie nods again with enthusiasm. "That was when I got to stay with her and Dad."

"Ah, yes." Ken remembers the story that Mackenzie had told them numerous times about how she'd met Carson then had found her way back to him and was able to spend one night. "Well it's nice to meet you, Dani. I'm Ken, and this is my wife, Jeanette, and our other daughter, Tina."

Dani gives Tina a little wave, glad when the girl returns the wave along with an enthusiastic smile. "Alright, well I'm gonna go check on things in the kitchen. I'll see you in a little bit, okay, Mackenzie?"

"Okay." Mackenzie watches her walk away until she disappears from sight in the kitchen. Sighing a little, she looks at her pop and takes a sip but is less than enthusiastic, drawing back into her own little world.

Ken and Jeanette exchange a glance but don't say anything.



Alec checks the package again as he drives down the street. Yep, it was for Carson. He sighs. He knew Carson wasn't at home. He knew Misty wasn't at home. He checks the clock. He hadn't taken his lunch break yet. He could just swing on over to Mom and Pop's to take Carson his package and grab some food.

Tapping his thumb on the steering wheel, he contemplates his options. Technically, he should deliver the package to the house. But what would be the harm in taking it to the restaurant? It would save the hassle of filing a non-delivery and having to try again tomorrow when it would be the same situation until finally someone would have to come pick it up. It was smarter this way, rules or not, right? And he was hungry, so... why not?

Part of him knew better. Carson didn't want him around. And come to think of it, Alec wasn't so keen on the idea of being around him either. But there was something... something deep down... something that Alec didn't like exploring, even though it was there. It was something that would rather go and be rejected again by his brother, than hang out for lunch by himself. It was something that would rather take a very small chance at acceptance, than continue to keep his distance. Rebelliousness perhaps. Or perhaps something deeper.

Turning at the next corner, Alec heads for Mom and Pop's. Nothing wrong with killing two birds with one stone. It didn't take him long to reach the restaurant, and he noted there were only a few cars again. Must be a quiet week. Either that or he just kept missing the lunch rush. So much for trying to find a little excitement. Oh, well. He only had an hour anyway and then it was back to making deliveries.

After parking and getting out of the pickup, he tucks the small package under his arm and wanders inside, setting his sunglasses up on his head. Squinting a little to let his eyes adjust, he scans the interior.


Looking over her shoulder at the sound of the bell, Mackenzie's face automatically breaks into a smile. Without thinking about the talk Ken had given her about settling down and not being so overanxious, she waves. "Alec!"

Alec's eyes snap to the table where the family sat, and his own smile forms. "Hey, Blondie!"

She sticks her tongue out at him. "I told you that's not my name."

"You did." Alec ambles closer to the table, now his curiosity even greater than the day before. Mackenzie was here again. With a family? Was this her family? Had they adopted her? Why were they here now? What had happened last night? His smile turns into a silly grin and he gives her a teasing thump upside the head. "But that doesn't mean anything, does it?"

Her eyes narrow, though she can't help it that the smile is still showing through. "It means you're supposed to call me Mackenzie."

"Well that's not the color of your hair." Alec rolls his eyes and looks away to speak to an imaginary person. "Yeah, that's her, over there. The one with the mackenzie hair."

Mackenzie giggles. "So does that mean I can call you Blondie too?"

Alec snaps his gaze back to her and he quirks an eyebrow. "You start calling me Uncle Blondie and people are gonna start to think some pretty weird things about me."

Ken clearing his throat interrupts them and he looks to the two of them with question. "Mackenzie, you seem to know an awful lot of people around here."

"Oh." She bites her lip. She'd forgotten to tell him about Alec. "This is Alec." Her smile returns. "He's my uncle."

Ken and Jeanette's eyebrows rise and he studies Alec for a moment. "Oh, I see. I guess I didn't realize Carson had a brother."

Alec shrugs. "He doesn't like to claim me," he muses wryly. "And you are...?"

"I'm sorry." Ken introduces the family once more, explaining they had adopted Mackenzie.

"Sweet." Alec grins and pokes Mackenzie's shoulder. "And here I was feeling all sorry for you yesterday, thinking you were all by your lonesome."

She smirks at him. "You assumed."

Alec laughs outright. "I guess I did at that."

"Touché?"

His smile grows even wider, seeing she remembered the word. "Touché."

"Alec."

He swivels around at the stern tone of his brother, and his smile fades. "Carson."

"What are you doing here?"

"Package." Alec holds out the box. "I'll need a signature. And... a pizza for lunch."

Carson takes the box and the clipboard to sign, handing it back to Alec. He'd seen his brother enter, had seen him approach Mackenzie, and had seen the look of apprehension on Dani's face as she'd seen him too. "I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."

Alec's jaw tightens. "It's as quiet day. Looks like you could use another customer."

Carson points to the door.

Alec stands stubbornly for a moment, glancing down to Mackenzie, then back up again. "Guess I'm stepping in on your territory, eh, bro?"

Carson remains firm. "I don't want you near my family. Please leave."

Alec's eyes catch movement in the kitchen and he sees Dani watching from a distance. "Family" must apply to more than just Mackenzie. "Alright." He backs up a couple steps, his eyes growing dim. "I'll get lunch somewhere else." He gives Mackenzie a little wave. "Later, Blondie."

Not understanding what was going on, Mackenzie can just look at him, confused but trying to smile anyway. This was the second time her father had sent him away. "Bye, Alec."

Alec starts to say it was nice meeting the family, but an extra warning glance from Carson makes him close his mouth again and simply nod. Turning around, he heads out of the restaurant.

Carson remains composed as he turns his attention back to the table. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "Alec has... some problems, and I don't want him causing any trouble here."

Mackenzie furrows her brow. "But he-"

Ken put a hand over hers to hush her. "It's okay," he answers Carson. He didn't know everything, but he did know well enough that the family history here was not something to be taken lightly. Something made him trust that Carson had done what he thought best. "I understand."

Carson nods his thanks. "Well... the pizza should be ready soon."

Mackenzie suddenly gets up from the table. "I have to go to the bathroom."

"You know where it is." Carson thumbs down the hall.

Mackenzie takes off at a quick pace, disappearing from view.


Alec leans back against the pickup, not yet getting in. Folding his arms, he stares at the ground, then up at the sky, squinting through his sunglasses. It shouldn't bother him. None of this should. He shouldn't care about having seen Mackenzie. He shouldn't care about Carson kicking him out for a second time. He shouldn't care that Dani was there and didn't say a word to him. He should have known better than to come here in the first place.

Sighing, he turns around and opens the pickup door. He just needed to let the whole thing go.

"Alec!"

He stops short and spins around, eyes widening as he sees Mackenzie running up the alleyway. "What on earth... what?"

She stops a few feet away, short of breath. "I want to know why Dad told you to leave."

Alec leans on the open truck door and cocks his head. A little grin quirks the corner of his mouth, but he doesn't understand. "Why?"

"Well because I want to know why he doesn't want you talking to me."

"What makes you think that's what it is?"

"It is, isn't it? I can tell."

Alec shuts the truck door and turns to lean back against it again. "What do you care what he does with me?"

Mackenzie shrugs. "Because you're my uncle. And I like you."

Another little smile plays with Alec's mouth. "I think I like you too."

Mackenzie grins. "So why doesn't Dad want you around me?"

"Because you shouldn't like me, Kid. I'm a bad person. Didn't your dad say so yesterday?"

She takes a step closer and looks up at him, studying him. "I don't think he's right."

"What, you think he lied?"

"No. I just don't think he's right."

Alec shifts his weight uncomfortably. Why this little girl's care was troublesome, he wasn't sure. "Do they know you're out here?"

She shakes her head. "I snuck out the back when I said I had to go to the bathroom."

Alec laughs. "You little weasel. Your mom will go in there looking for you when you don't get back to the table."

"Then answer my question and they won't have to know." She crosses her arms, quirking an eyebrow. "If they find me out here, Dad will blame you."

Alec's mouth opens in surprised half-amusement. "You are a little weasel, aren't you?" He steps forward and squats down to be at her eye level. "Your dad wants me to leave because he is right. I am a bad person. I've done a lot of bad things and-"

"You still do?"

"Well, I... well... it..." Alec stammers for an answer. It was all gray to him. "I guess, it... well no, but-"

"Then you're not a bad person now," Mackenzie reasons.

"Look. Unless you want you and me both receiving your dad's wrath, just let it go."

"But-"

"Let it go." Alec looks at her sternly. "Please?" His tone softens. "For me?"

Her shoulders drop and she nods sadly. "Okay. Will I see you again?"

"Probably not." Alec stands again and forces a new smile. "But every time you catapult a straw wrapper into some old lady's hair, I'm sure you'll think of me."

She giggles and nods. "Yeah."

"Now get back inside before they think I nabbed you." Watching her run back down the alley, Alec feels something similar to a letdown after a high. And he wishes he'd never stopped here today...


...The pizza really was good, the family chatter was quiet but fun, and the lunch hour slowly passed. Carson watches from the kitchen, his eyes rarely moving from them unless Mackenzie looked his way and he tried to act busy so she'd go back to eating. She looked a little better today, but still awfully thin and pale. Carson had so very many questions that he dared not go ask. He had to keep reminding himself that it was none of his business. So he keeps his distance.


As plates are cleared away and the meal is over, Ken looks to his two daughters. "How would you two like to take a walk with Mom?"

Tina nods enthusiastically. "It's nice outside. I wanna go."

Mackenzie glances to the kitchen. "I... I want to stay here."

Jeanette reaches over and rubs her arm lovingly. "Come on - let's go get some fresh air. We'll come back."

"Promise?"

Jeanette smiles. "Cross my heart."

"Okay."

Within minutes, Ken is left alone. And as Carson comes to wipe down the table, he takes his opportunity. "Carson... do you have a moment?"

Carson had heard mention of a walk and seen the girls head outside, wondering why Ken remained. Now he knew though. It was quite obvious. And Carson wasn't so sure he really wanted to have an in-depth conversation. At the same time though, maybe he'd get some of his questions answered. "Um... yeah... yeah, I do." Sliding in across from Ken, he sets his towel aside and waits.

Ken smiles. "Thanks." He looks down at his almost-empty coke glass for a moment, then laughs lightly. "I guess I don't know where to start."

Carson was almost glad to see that Ken was feeling as awkward as he - at least he wasn't the only one. "The beginning? I'm assuming you're the family that was in the process of adopting Mackenzie the last time she pulled this stunt."

"Actually... no. We're not." Ken looks up at him, seeming to contemplate how much information he wanted to share. "I think it's only fair that you know. I was warned not to tell you for fear of you trying to interfere, but... I don't think you're that type of person."

Carson grows a little more on edge. "I know Mackenzie belongs to you. It's not my place to interfere. I'm... not sure I understand what you want to talk to me about though."

Ken sighs. "Mackenzie has always talked about you constantly. Jeanette and I hoped it was just a passing phase but..." He chuckles. "It hasn't passed. Of course, for her sake, we tried to get her to think about other things, hoping she'd learn to move on. And then yesterday... well, you know about that."

"Not so great for moving on, ay?"

"Not particularly." Ken stirs the ice around in his glass with the straw. "When we saw her with you last night... and then we talked to her about it... Jeanette and I realized that this wasn't just a simple phase. We debated again what we had before, about letting Mackenzie see you. At the same time though, we didn't want to invade your privacy or make things hard on you. We know you're in a very awkward position and it wasn't our intention to put you there."

Carson manages a little smile and he shrugs. "Some things can't be helped. I didn't think you were doing anything on purpose. So if you're worried about me making a fuss or calling social services or something, don't be. You're right, it is horribly awkward for me, but I don't want to do anything to make it harder on Mackenzie either."

Ken's expression relaxes a little as he smiles. "I think you and I already have a lot in common." He pauses, trying to get back on track. "Jeanette and I spent a lot of time in prayer last night and we decided that we'd allow Mackenzie to come see you once more before we left, just to make sure it was a pleasant experience she could remember, instead of her getting in trouble for it again. When the topic of lunch came up, well... it fit, so here we are."

"Ah." Now Carson understood at little better. He had to admit that he respected the couple for making that kind of decision. Some people in their position would try to shelter Mackenzie or be afraid of losing her to her real father. "Well, I kept my distance so I wouldn't pull Mackenzie's attention away."

"I could see that, and again, I apologize for the position we put you in. We... we weren't really sure what to do, but we felt God was leading us in this direction."

"Well..." Carson shrugs. "Can't argue with God."

Ken chuckles and shakes his head. "No, we sure can't." Taking a sip of pop, he regroups his thoughts. "It... it hasn't been an easy road for Mackenzie. She's... been struggling in many different ways. You may have noticed that she doesn't look well."

"I did."

"It goes back to the fact that Jeanette and I weren't the ones who initially adopted her." Ken swallows hard. "That other couple... they ended up not being legit. Somehow, someway, they were successful in the adoption."

Carson isn't sure he's going to like what comes next. "And?"

"They... were abusive." Ken sighs and returns his eyes to Carson's. "The father liked to slap people around. Mackenzie was malnourished and had been beaten several times by the time she got out of there. The emotional damage wasn't pretty either."

Carson could feel a piece of his heart shatter. To think of anyone harming Mackenzie... let alone abusing her in such a way... it was despicable.

Ken takes a few moments before he continues. "Apparently a teacher at Mackenzie's school noticed signs of abuse, and as soon as social services found out, they yanked her from the home. After that, they found out Mackenzie had run away several times, but the couple had found her themselves and had never even reported it. About that same time, Jeanette and I were considering adoption. We weren't able to have any more children, and we wanted Tina to have a playmate too. We got wind of Mackenzie - it was all really quite a God thing. It never should have happened as quickly or easily as it did, but everything just... fell into place. Truly the whole thing was as miracle - most people don't even believe us when we tell them about it because it's just not the way the system works. But I guess that's why Mackenzie is so special to us. We know that God put us in her life at the right time for a reason."

Carson leans back in his seat, not really sure how to respond. It was heart-wrenching to think of the abuse that had gone on, and he was so utterly thankful that it had been found out and that she'd been placed in a loving Christian home - that much was obvious. "She's had a rough time since then, ay?"

"Yeah. She got pretty sick for a while, but is slowly gaining her strength and color back. Unfortunately, the things she's gone through... they stole a lot of innocence from her. She had to grow up way too fast - even in the orphanage. I don't think she's ever been able to just... just be a kid and have fun. When we first brought her home, she even had a hard time playing with Tina - she just didn't know how. It's gotten easier, but there are still times she'd rather go for a quiet walk than play a game or watch a movie. That's not how a typical kid acts." Ken takes a napkin and wipes the table where a few wet rings from his glass had formed. "We've... had her to a few counselors, but she hasn't responded well to any of them. She has terrible nightmares at least a couple times a week still... and she's got problems with her anger as well."

Carson wasn't surprised at that one. "Yeah, she got pretty riled yesterday." Now it made a little more sense. She was so emotionally messed up that no wonder she got angry. "Is there anything else you can do?"

"We're in between counselors for a while - we decided to give her a break and just see if she'd be able to grow out of some of these things and learn to be a kid again. We were advised against that... told that she needed a strict regiment of counseling sessions, maybe even medication, and possibly a center for troubled youths." Ken shakes his head. "We just didn't feel any of that was right - not for Mackenzie. Maybe for some kids, but not her... she's got a way about her and a stubbornness that nothing seems to penetrate."

Carson's lips form a little wry grin. "Sorry. I think that's a Banks trait."

Ken chuckles. "I suppose it could be good in some situations, but at the moment, it's causing a lot of trouble."

"How is she at home generally?"

"Better than she was, I think. She has a temper tantrum a few times a week - most generally the day after she's had the bad nightmares. Grounding her never does any good - she actually likes quiet time alone. So it's been hard finding things to punish her with, as well as positive reinforcement. I won't lie to you - it's a struggle."

"And she and Tina?"

"They really get along better than we thought they would. Best buds most of the time. I don't think Mackenzie has ever lashed out at her before, and Tina doesn't understand why her sister gets so angry." Ken grins in wry amusement. "I know sometimes Tina tries to console Mackenzie after a punishment, and I've heard her telling Mackenzie that if she'd just do such-and-such differently then she'd be okay. I think it's been good for both girls to be together, despite the other problems."

Carson takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. It was a lot to process. On one hand, he was glad to know all of it... and on the other hand, there was a part of him that wished he was still in the dark. "Does she go to school?"

"Oh, yes. We thought about homeschooling her, but we wanted her to be able to make some friends and learn acceptable social skills. I think she must have had friends when she was littler or at the orphanage, but she never mentions anyone, so maybe she never was close to anyone - we don't know."

"How does she get along? I mean with so many problems?"

"Well, we've had her in a Christian school and the teachers have been extremely understanding. When Mackenzie has a bad day, they work with her instead of just automatically punishing her."

Carson nods. He liked the sound of that. But one thing still bothered him. "Ken, I... I appreciate knowing... all of this. But I... I guess I don't understand why you're telling me. I mean..." It was hard to explain his confusion. While he was happy that Ken apparently trusted him, he was still confused as to the need for him to know this information. "I'm Mackenzie's father but... I'm not involved in her life at all. You could just as easily have never come back here today."

Ken purses his lips. "Last night after you dropped Mackenzie off at the hotel, we had a long talk with her about running off without telling us. She got pretty upset once. But the more we talked to her, the more I noticed something about her. There was a... a life... a spark about her that we had never seen in her before. There was hope, Carson. After seeing you, she had something worth going after again. Perhaps it was the wrong thing at the time, but... at least it was something."

Carson shifts, a bit of discomfort returning. "I'm... not sure I understand."

Ken smiles. "I wish Mackenzie looked at me the way she looks at you."

"Oh." Carson swallows hard. He didn't know if he liked that or not. "I'm... I'm sorry."

"No, I think it's good. Jeanette and I love Mackenzie to death, just like we do Tina. We claim her as a daughter and always will. But we both realize that blood is thicker than water, and Mackenzie is just the type of child that cares about real family. Some kids don't as much and they can let it go. She can't. Maybe that's the kind of security she's looking for to help her through her struggles."

"What are you saying?"

Ken clears his throat. "I... we... I mean..." He sighs, trying to come up with the right wording. "How would you feel about seeing Mackenzie more often?"

A chill runs down Carson's spine. "I don't know. I... I'm not sure I follow."

"The business I'm involved in - it's an insurance company. They've offered me a package deal, involving a transfer. To... Lewis City."

Carson blinks. "As in... Lewis City, Nevada? As in and hour's drive from here?"

Ken nods. "Yes."

A new realization hits Carson. That's why Ken had told him all of this. He'd wanted Carson to know the background in preparation for this. He'd wanted Carson to be fully aware of the situation in order to say yes or no to the last question. "I still don't see..."

"We're in Arizona right now," Ken explains. "From there, it's easier to pull Mackenzie towards the future and help her move past her constant search for you. From Lewis City..."

"She'd be running away all the time."

Ken nods. "Some people would say it's a matter of discipline. It's more than that. Until last night, Jeanette and I had pretty much decided we'd stay in Arizona. But after seeing the way Mackenzie was... well quite frankly, we wondered if it would be better for her if we compromised, rather than constantly battling with her. However... after seeing you as well... I would never want to make a move without your consent. Neither of us want to make this more difficult for you and I know it's probably not easy for you."

"It's not," Carson admits. "Up until the last time she showed up, I didn't even know I was a father. I'm responsible but I'm not. I'm involved but I'm not." He shrugs. "I honestly don't know where or how I fit. It looks like she's got a great home with your family - I don't want to take that away from her."

Ken cocks his head. "Just for curiosity's sake, and only in theory, if you had the chance, would you take Mackenzie in?"

Carson searches Ken's eyes. "No." It wasn't like he hadn't thought about the question before - he had, even if he shouldn't have. "Misty and I... we both work full time - I'm here running this place constantly. We're not suffering, but I don't know we'd have the financial stability I'd wish for Mackenzie. And..." He sighs. "Misty and I are both Elite agents. I've got a past that's going to follow me the rest of my life. Having a kid around is just an invite for trouble and I'd never want to endanger Mackenzie. Not to mention, there are times when I might be called to a case in a minute's notice without a guarantee of when I'd be back or even what shape I'd be in when I got back - Misty too. I don't think that would be fair to a child to live like that - especially thrown into it when she's already eleven."

Ken nods slowly. "What about visits?"

"I... don't... think it would be a problem - I'd just worry it would make it harder on Mac."

"What if it helped her? To see you?"

"Then I guess... it... would be good?" Carson rubs his hands over his face before leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "What exactly do you want from me, Ken?"

Ken finishes off his pop before answering. "Well, I guess I'm not even sure of that myself at this point. But my goal is to raise Mackenzie and help her grow and be taken care of the way she needs to be. I love her and I never want to lose her. But I don't want to hinder her either. And if sharing her with her real father is what needs to happen then it won't be easy, but I'll do it."

"What if I said no?"

"Then we'll probably stay in Arizona. I wouldn't want to put Mackenzie in that position - so close to you without being able to see you."

"And if I said yes?"

"Then I'd accept my company's offer and we'd move."

Carson rests his chin in his hand and just looks at Ken for several moments. He really didn't know what to think at this point. "I just don't know if I'm ready to... I mean..."

Ken nods with understanding. "We wouldn't rush or push. We'd take it slowly. I'm not asking you to take your daughter to raise. I'm just asking if you'd be willing to be involved in her life."

Carson can feel the chills on his spine again. He didn't know. He just didn't know. Was it right? What did God want him to do? What should he do? What was best for Mackenzie? Was it wise? "I... think I'd need to talk to my wife about it before I gave you an answer."

"Of course." Ken was in total agreement.

"When do you need to know by?"

"A week?"

"Okay."

Ken hands Carson a business card with his phone number. "Call at any time, and... neither Jeanette or myself will be saying anything to Mackenzie."

Carson nods. "That's probably wise." Taking the card, he looks at it for a long moment. "Thank you... Ken. This, um... even if nothing comes of it, it... it means a lot. Most guys like me would never even get the choice. I appreciate what you've done... for me and for Mackenzie."

Ken smiles. "Thank God, not me. There's no way any of this could have happened without His help."

Carson returns the smile. "Agreed." Standing up, he tucks the business card in his pocket. "I thought I'd call Misty and see if she could take a minute from work to come see Mackenzie before you guys leave."

"That would be just fine. I'm sure Mackenzie would enjoy that."

Carson heads back to the kitchen, feeling a bit as if he was in a dream. This whole thing was a might overwhelming - it was going to take a lot of thought to sort through all of this. Getting to the phone, he dials Misty's cell phone so he doesn't have to go through Susanne or Rick. "Hey, Babe. Listen, um..." He bites his lip. "Mac's family is here. They... stopped by for lunch so Mac could see me again. It's um... a long story. But I was wondering if you wanted to come and see her before they leave... just so she can see ya?"