People have turned off the TV to check out this place
Part Nine: The Big Moment. A couple of days later, the gang from New York flew to Baltimore. Ben and K.C. had brought little Michael with them and Mare and Mike went along for the ride, too. While they were on the plane, they all talked about how much they wanted to see everybody in Baltimore and what the future would hold for them. Mike had invited Lennie, Anita, Adam, and Olivet to join them. Those four would be coming to Baltimore later on that day (it just so happened that their vacation time all started at the same time. Coincidence? :).). No sooner were they up in the air, then the plane touched down at the airport at Baltimore. Everyone got off the plane and went directly to the terminal to collect their bags. However, before they made it to the carousel, they were greeted by a very enthusiastic and happy bunch of friends. "Mare and K.C.! Oh my god! You're here!", Olga screamed. "Olga, keep your voice down. No need to sound like a banshee.", Alice jokingly ordered. "Anyway, I'm so happy to see you all.", Alice screamed just as loudly. Hugs were happening galore and everyone was laughing and talking all at the same time. Tim had come with Alice. He drove her here in their car. Olga had come with Mike. Mike was still outside parking his car. So, Olga went over to the other Mike and said, "Well, Mikey Logan. Have we got a surprise for you." "Oh yeah, I can only imagine what it might be.", Mike joked. "Yeah, well. So, I hear that you and Mare are dating up quite the storm. Is this serious?", Olga asked. "Oh, I think it is. It definitely is.", Mike replied. "I'm so happy for you two. You two are perfect for each other. So, when's the wedding?", Olga teased. "You women never quit, do you?", Mike teased right back with the happiest grin on his face. Meanwhile, Mare was talking with Alice and finding out how her friend was coping with the pregnancy. Alice's rosy cheeks were so wonderful to see and Mare always marveled at Alice's hair. It was reddish brown with dark red highlights and she had the most beautiful brown eyes. Whenever she smiled, she had the cutest dimple in her right cheek (happy now, Alice? :)). Pregnancy definitely agreed with her, although you would never know it by the way Alice was complaining about the aches and pains. However, when Alice looked over at her husband, Tim, who was talking with Ben and K.C. while holding Michael, she knew she was the luckiest woman in the world to be carrying his child. Ben and Tim were sharing stories about what was going on in both New York and Baltimore. Little Michael was pawing away at Tim's cheek and Tim just ate it up like a little kid. "Just wait until your little one does that to you.", K.C. teased. "I know. It will be heaven.", Tim said as he looked over and grinned at Alice. "So, Tim, I've been reading in the news that Baltimore is now sixth on the crime rate list. Why do you think that is?", Ben asked. "Darling, we're in an airport and little Michael is right here. Can't you wait until later to talk about business.", K.C. asked. "Oh right, whatever was I thinking.", Ben replied as he hugged K.C. to his side and kissed her on the cheek. Michael was gurgling away in happiness at the sight of his two parents and at his Uncle Tim. Uncle Tim was just grinning out so much happiness all around him. Just when the last of the luggage had been taken off the carousel. Mike finally came through the entrance over to the assembled group. "Hey guys. I'm here. Now, where is this other Mike?", Mike asked. Mike Logan stepped away from Olga and walked over to Mike Kellerman. Everyone kind of stood off to the side while the two Mikes faced one another. You could have heard a pin drop as the two Mikes were checking one another out. It was almost like a showdown at the O.K. corral. Olga and Mare were the most worried of the whole bunch. After what seemed an eternity, both Mikes smiled at each other at the same time. "Yeah, you pass muster.", Mike L said. "Hey, you're passable yourself.", Mike K said. "I think that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, pal.", Mike L said. "You said it, man.", Mike K said. Then they reached out and shook each others' hands. Olga and Mare were so happy that they rushed to their respective Mikes and gave them a big kiss. "Yay! No bloodshed or gore to clean up.", Tim teased. "You just don't know when to stop, do you?", Alice asked. "What?", Tim asked as he looked at Alice in puzzlement. "Well, I think this calls for a celebration lunch at the Waterfront.", K.C. suggested. "Sounds wonderful, sweetheart. Michael, would you like that, too?", Ben asked. Michael answered by reaching out and tugging his father's hair. Meanwhile, the two Mikes were introducing their significant others to each other. "Okay, troops, let's get this show on the road.", Olga answered. "Finally, the voice of reason. No wonder I'm crazy about her.", Mike K said and then he hugged Olga to him. Everyone else found their partner and they all worked together to get the luggage all put together and out the door. A few minutes later, they were all out in the sunshine. They were discussing who should go in whose car. It was decided that K.C., Ben, and Michael would go in Alice and Tim's car. Mare, Olga, and Mike L would go in Mike K's car. Finally, they were all in their cars and they were off to their celebratory lunch. *************************************************************************** Author's Notes Okay, so the two Mikeys have met. However, there are still some more surprises left in order. Keep your eyes peeled for them. Let me know what you think. ***************************************************************************Go forward to part 10.