by Cindy Combs
"Oh yeah, Wyoming." Blair lifted an eyebrow at his father.
Mac rolled his eyes. "Those are beside the point. What do you three have to say for yourselves THIS time?"
Sam glanced at his brother and Jim before offering, "Ah, Happy Birthday?"
Mac couldn't stop the laugh that burst out of him. Joyously, he pulled both sons in for hugs.
That evening, Harry's cabin
The small cabin was crowded. Mac briefly reflected that the place had never seen so many people. He flashed a smile at his grandfather's picture, hoping the old man wouldn't have minded. Considering how grateful MacGyver was that his family and friends were safe, it was probably one of the best birthday parties he had ever had. He glanced around at the various groups.
Blair was sitting next to the fire with Daniel, Josiah, Nathan and JD. The three former anthropologists were telling stories about their adventures to the others. JD's eyes were huge, soaking up the tales.
In the kitchen, Jim was swapping military stories with Jack, Chris and Vin. Mac rarely saw Jim so relaxed. Buck had just joined them, refilling his bowl of Blair's chili. Earlier, Mac had enjoyed talking with the younger man. Buck's enthusiasm was contagious.
Then in the corner behind the couch, Sam and Ezra were talking. With a smile, Mac walked over to hear what was going on.
"...latest Clinton scandal." Sam waved his arms. "Even if I was on the U.S. political beat, the man's out of office. Who cares what he's doing? It's not going to change anything if I'm scrounging around for dirt on him in Israel. You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to stay on the India earthquake."
Ezra shook his head. "I do not envy you your position. Your skills are being wasted with such trite."
Sam swirled his glass, staring at the punch. "Yeah. I'm really thinking it may be time to switch jobs."
The dejection in Sam's voice caught Blair's attention. The guide turned his head towards his brother. "Switch jobs? You thinking about going back to being a stringer?"
"Maybe." Sam shrugged his shoulders. "Though I'm really getting disgusted with the state of journalism in general lately. I want to make a difference; instead, I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle against tabloid reporting."
"Have you ever considered a job in law enforcement?" Ezra asked. "You already have many of the talents and skills required for an outstanding ATF agent."
"Really?" Sam asked, his face lighting up with the compliment. Behind him, Mac's eyes grew wide.
Also picking up on the conversation, Chris turned. "Definitely. Just contact me when you're ready, and I can get you set up."
Seeing the look of panic on his father's face, Blair held back a smirk as he caught his partner's mirthful eyes. To keep from laughing, he stood up and walked over to the table. "Hey Mac, think you can postpone your heart attack long enough to blow out some candles?"
Realizing was his brother was doing, Sam joined him. Looking over the cake, he asked, "Should I grab the fire extinguisher?"
Mac gave his younger son a mock glare. "Just you wait; your day is coming."
Unperturbed, Sam grinned as Blair lit the candles. As everyone gathered around, Mac took a deep breath, paused, then blew out the flames.
"What did you wish for, Dad?" Sam asked.
Mac wrapped an arm around each of his sons. "Nothing. Everything I want is right here."
The End
Author's note, 2/3/02: FINALLY! I didn't think I was ever going to get this one done! Not sure what I'm working on next, but hopefully it won't take as long. Thank you all who wrote me -- I appreciate hearing from you.
Cindy