[Sam260]

Carter frowned and shook his head as he answered his ringing cellphone, wrapping one arm protectively over his stomach and laying his head against Hector's chest "Hello father, how may I help you?" Carter answered and then turned his phone on speaker so him and Hector could both hear.

"Carter... It has been months since you have come by the house! Your OM and I have been missing you dreadfully. We are having a gathering this weekend - friends, family, all of their children - and we would love it if you came to join us... We would also like it if you invited Hector along as well. We do have family business to speak about, in regards to your impending marriage to Mr. Lexington." Michael said cordially.

Carter frowned heavily, feeling tears swell up in his eyes - he missed his family as well, especially his OM. "I..." he cleared his throat and inhaled shakily "I'm sorry that I haven't been around, lately, father. I will... I will have to speak with Hector about it, see what he thinks about the idea. I can't stay on the phone long, dad... I'm kind of in the middle of something that requires my full attention." Carter said quietly, trying so hard not to burst into tears.

Michael said he understood, said their goodbyes and love to one another and then Michael hung up. Carter tossed the phone onto the couch and curled up tighter against Hector's side, tears riding down his face and almost-silent sobs racking his body "We have to do something... He'll find out otherwise."