Saturday, December 17 – Part 2

Angst and crime will be over soon, I promise. Just keep telling yourself: The fuzzies are coming. The fuzzies are coming.

Dr. Lewis examined Tara thoroughly before pronouncing her fit enough to go home. “And when I say go home, Agent Williams, I mean go home and go to bed. Do you understand? No chasing bad guys, jumping out of cars, etc.”

“Yes. Don’t worry. Right now, I’m too sore to even put up a fight.”

Sue grinned. “Doctor, with Tara, you have to worry more about her getting carpal tunnel. She and her computer are best friends.”

“Funny, I thought that charming young man with the sexy accent in here seemed to be your best friend,” the doctor teased.

“Well, he ranks up there pretty high, too.” Tara smiled. “So, can I go?”

“Sure. I’ll leave some prescriptions for pain medicine. Are you taking her home?” she asked Sue.

“Yes, and I’ll stay with her until Bobby can get there.”

“Good. She shouldn’t be alone for the next couple of days. Make sure you tell him that, too. Although I didn’t sense he’s see that as an inconvenience. Merry Christmas, Tara. And, in the interest of the season, why don’t you give your guardian angels a break?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The bullet had shattered the arched picture window on the front of Myles’ home. It was a strange shot to take, Myles told them, since neither he nor Louisa had even been in the living room all morning. When it happened, D was in the kitchen making himself some breakfast and Myles and Louisa were in the study. Therefore, no one saw the car or the shooter.

Jack and Bobby began to canvass the neighborhood, hoping someone had seen the shooter. Unfortunately, in the kind of neighborhood where Myles lived, very few people were out of the house this early on a Saturday morning. Although a few had heard the shots and one man thought he’d witnessed a silver sedan drive away, no one had seen the shooter at all.

“No luck,” Jack reported to D.

“We need to take Louisa some place else if he knows she’s here,” D explained.

“Any ideas?”

“Another hotel,” Myles said. “But this time I choose. I’ll pay cash so it won’t show up on anyone’s credit card and use an alias.”

“So you’re keeping the little sheila with you for a while?” Bobby asked.

“I don’t want anything to happen to Louisa. D and I will make sure she’s safe.”

Jack crossed his arms. “What I don’t like is why would Taylor just take a pot shot? There isn’t a reason for it unless he wanted us away from somewhere else.”

Bobby’s face paled. “Or someone else.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bobby slammed his cell phone down on the seat. “There’s no answer in her hospital room.”

“Maybe they let her go home or sent her down for more tests,” Jack said. “Try Sue’s Blackberry. We’ll head to the hospital anyway.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara leaned reclined in Sue’s passenger side and willing the throbbing in her head to ease. Moving around took more energy than she’d imagined. Her own bed was sounding more and more appealing by the second. Being in the car was bringing back flashes from her trip with Brett Taylor.

Suddenly alert, Tara touched Sue’s leg to get her attention at the stop light. “I remember. He grabbed my cell phone and stuck it in his pocket. It’s a G.P.S. armed one. If we can get a position on it, then maybe we can locate him.”

“Here, use my Blackberry to call Jack or Bobby.”

“There’s a message on it from Bobby. It says, ‘Sue, have Tara call me right away.’ I wonder what’s up.” She typed in his number and pressed send.

Immediately, Bobby picked up. “Manning.”

“Bobby, it’s me. What’s up?”

>“Are you okay?

“Yeah, Sue’s taking me home. The doctor said I was fine. What’s wrong?”

>“We were afraid Taylor came after you at the hospital.”

“Me? Why?”

>“It’s a long story that I’ll explain when we get to your place.”

“Listen, I remembered something. Taylor yanked my cell phone out of my hand an stuffed it in his pocket. Remember, it has a G.P.S. in it so if you can get someone to trace it maybe we’ll get lucky and find him.”

>“I’ll get right on it. Go home and get some rest, now. Love you.”

“Love you, too. And stop worrying. You’re going to get wrinkles on that handsome face of yours.”

the fuzzies are coming, the fuzzies are coming .... its not workng, im still getting wrinkels from all my worrying!!!!

The fuzzies are coming, the fuzzies are coming - No, it's now working for me either!! All I can see is Taylor shooting at everybody!!!

Joy

Saturday, December 17 – Part 3

Sue assisted Tara in climbing out of the car and up the stairs to her apartment. Levi trailed obediently behind. “I can’t believe how glad I am to be home,” Tara said as she put her key into the lock. “It’s hard to believe that all that happened less than 24 hours ago.”

Both women stepped inside, removed their coats and hung them on the decorative hooks by the door.

“Why don’t you go get comfortable and I’ll bring you some lunch?” Sue suggested.

“I won’t even argue. Thanks. And could you bring one of those pain pills we picked up, too.”

“No problem.”

As Sue headed off to the kitchen, Tara rounded the corner to the living room. And screamed. Of course, Sue didn’t hear her, but Levi did and came bounding around the corner followed by his mistress.

“Hello Agent Williams,” a deep voice said from the corner. “So glad you’re home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Jack, since Tara is on her way home with Sue, mind if we stop at that toy store at the mini-mall on the corner over there?”

Jack pulled the car into the parking lot. “Taking the easy way out on the advent calendar thing.”

“I appreciate your suggestion, mate, but I don’t think Tara will be up for a trip to the zoo. I think she’ll this will be more her style. Why don’t you come in, too? Maybe you’ll find something for Sue.”

Shoppers filled the toy story all trying to find those last minute gifts. Bobby and Jack wandered the aisles. “Sparky, check these out,” Bobby said holding up a marshmallow shooter and nailing his friend in the forehead when he turned.

“You know, this means war.” Jack grabbed a foam dart gun and shot his friend repeatedly.

“Uh hum, may I help you gentleman find something,” a matronly woman said scowling at their antics.

“Sorry, ma’am,” Jack said immediately and set the gun down. Still embarrassed under her glare, he struggled to get the darts back in.

Bobby bailed him out. “We’re looking for your stuffed animals.”

“That would be on aisle 4.” Giving them one more stern look, she turned on her heel and vanished behind the Barbies.

Both men laughed and headed for the prey. Bobby studied the variety of animals that faced them. He wanted the perfect one. So intent was he on his task, that he didn’t see Jack slip up to the cash register and purchase a can of Silly String. Manning won’t know what hit him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Taylor,” Tara stated, stepping between Sue and the gun in his hand. “How did you get in here?”

“You’ve all underestimated me. I drew them all to Myles’ house, then double backed here. I knew you’d be home sometime today. I checked with a nurse at the hospital and pretended to simply be Bobby.”

The thought of him pretending to be her Bobby, sickened Tara further and she swayed. Sue grabbed her arm. “She needs to sit down. She’s been injured.”

“Let her. Make yourselves comfortable – at least for the time you have left. We have some business to attend to.”

Sue helped Tara to the couch, and reluctantly, Tara sank onto the plush cushions. “Let Sue go, Taylor. She hasn’t done anything.”

“I do regret that she’s here. I figured Manning would bring you home. Did he tire of you already?” When Tara didn’t answer, he continued, “But, no, Mrs. Hudson stays. I can’t let her go calling her hubby, now can I?”

“Alright, what do you want?” Tara asked.

“Simple really. First, take off your gun and slide it over here.” Tara leaned forward and took the gun from its ankle holster and passed it Taylor. “Now, you are going to call your boyfriend and Jack Hudson and get them to bring Louisa over here.”

“And why would they do that?”

“Because I’ll kill you both if they don’t.”

“Why Louisa?” Sue asked.

“Chavez, her former boyfriend, is my business partner in the banking scandal. He provided the funds to get things moving and I provided the brains. The fool wants her back, unharmed. He still loves her after all she’s done.” He tossed Tara the phone. “Now, call.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Little did Jack know, but Bobby had also picked up a can of Silly String at the register. Outside the store, a Silly String war erupted between the parked cars with both men advancing and retreating strategically. Finally, their cans were empty and they fell into the car seat laughing like teenagers. “That was great. Maybe we should go back and get a whole case,” Bobby said, sighing.

Bobb’s cell phone rang and he flipped it open. “Manning.” He listened then asked the caller to hold on. While pulling out paper and pen from his pocket, he turned to Jack. “They’ve got a fix on Tara’s phone.” He propped the pen in his hand, “Okay, give me the address.”

He wrote as the caller spoke: 13579 Worthington Way. “Jack! Step on it. That’s Tara’s address.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”This is not happening. This is not happening,” Bobby silently repeated over and over as he stared at the note in his hand. Back up had been called, and S.W.A.T. would meet them there. The ringing of his cell phone jolted him. “Manning.”

>“Bobby, it’s me.”

“Are you okay?”

>“Yes.”

He could hear the unmistakable catch in her voice. “Is Taylor with you?”

>“Yes, Sue’s here. Levi, too.”

“Good girl. Don’t let on we know. What does he want?”

>“I need you to bring Louisa here. I think she’ll be safer with you and me than with Myles.”

“Tara, luv, is Taylor armed?”

>“Yes, I do think you should hurry and bring her. It’s just a feeling I’ve got.”

“Are you in the living room?”

>“She can sleep in the living room on the couch, Bobby.” She forced herself to laugh as if Bobby had just said something witty. “You worry, too much.” Taylor made a cutting motion across his throat. “I need to go now, honey. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Bobby slammed the phone shut and hit the dash. “He’s got her and Sue and he’s armed.”

Jack’s face whitened and his jaw clinched involuntarily. “Are they in the living room?”

“Yes. He wants Louisa brought there.”

“Good, then that gives us a little time.”

“How can you even think logically right now? All I want to do is pound the man’s head into the nearest cement sidewalk.”

“I’ve got to focus. I don’t have a choice. That kind of anger only clouds our judgment. Bobby, we’re all Sue and Tara have.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taylor paced the room, but didn’t take his eyes off Tara long enough for her to get to her gun. He’d left it lying on the end table beside the chair. She imagined herself diving for it, but in her present condition, she simply didn’t trust herself. It would mean putting Sue’s life in danger. Jack and Bobby should be there by now. She pictured them putting on the bullet proof vests and getting their rifles out. She imagined they would break in her front door. Too bad, she liked her door.

She glanced at her friend sitting beside her and smiled weakly. She needed to get Sue out of the room. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Tara turned to Taylor. “Brett, do you mind if Sue gets me one of my pain pills? I can barely think right now.”

His eyes trailed from Tara to Sue to the kitchen. “Okay, but stay where I can see you.”

“Sue, can you make me a sandwich, too?”

“Make that two,” Taylor ordered. Silently, he reminded himself that a deaf woman with no weapon wasn’t any threat.

As soon as Sue left the room, Taylor sat down on the couch beside Tara and leered at her. “I’ve found you fascinating Agent Williams.” He ran the butt of the gun against her cheek. “You’re smart – almost as smart as I am. You’re strong. Independent. And I must say, beautiful.”

Tara would not take her eyes from his, but could feel his unarmed hand on her thigh. She froze, unable to determine the safest move.

“Taylor, if you’d like to leave this apartment with all your parts in tact, I suggest you remove your hand immediately,” Sue stated, standing behind the couch. In her hands, Tara noticed, Sue carried a steaming pan.

“And, how exactly, would you accomplish that?”

She signed to Levi and called, “Levi, attack!” Levi barred his teeth and growled menacingly. “Now, would you like me to use the sign for ‘neuter’?”

Taylor pulled away. “You forget, Mrs. Hudson, that I have the gun,” he said aiming it Levi.”

Sue tossed the boiling water directly at Taylor’s hands, and instantly, he dropped the gun. Tara lurched for it. Struggling to right herself, she trained the weapon on the writhing man at her feet. “Sue, get the guys in here.” Swaying slightly, she added, “Fast.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara fainted as soon as she heard Bobby’s voice. He caught her and carried her to bed while Jack arrested Taylor and passed him off to another agent.

Tenderly, Bobby brushed the hair from her forehead. Sue stood in the doorway and watched him. She recognized the pained expression on his face. She’d seen it in the mirror many times.

“I know how hard it is,” she said softly.

He turned to face her. “How hard what is?”

“To love someone so much and still have to watch them put themselves in danger. To watch them get injured. To think about them getting killed. Sometimes, I’d get so scared of loving Jack, that I’d want to run away.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Well, I wasn’t exactly the poster child for a risk-free life myself,” she chuckled. “But mostly, I love Jack enough to believe in him and in what he does. If the good guys won’t stand up to evil, who will?”

“Or the good sheilas?”

“Yeah.”

He fingered Tara’s hair and let he wisps fall back onto the pillow. “Thanks, Sue.”

“You know, she just over did it. He didn’t hurt her.”

Bobby nodded. “I know.”

“She’s going to be fine.”

“I know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone had finally cleared out of Tara’s apartment. Bobby had called Dr. Lewis who told him to just keep an eye on Tara. The pain medication and the dinner Lucy had brought over left Tara feeling much better. Lucy had also returned Bell, who Bobby believed, did as much for Tara’s well-being as any medicine.

Nestled with both Bobby and Bell on the couch watching “Miracle on 34th Street”, Tara sighed happily at the end. “I just love this movie,” Tara said. “I think deep down we all wish we could go on believing in Santa Claus forever. Sometimes, it would be nice to be a little girl without any grown up problems.”

“Like today?”

“I think today would definitely qualify.”

“Then, I have a present for you that will be just perfect.” Bobby slipped from the couch and pulled a large bag from her coat closet in the hall. “Close your eyes,” he ordered.

He placed the large fluffy object beside her, waking Bell in the process. Bell started barking at the intruder on the couch and Tara opened her eyes. She giggled as she watched the puppy dodge and parry the stuffed beast. “That, Bobby Manning, is perfect.” Snatching her gift out Bell’s mouth, she hugged the huge stuffed koala with a bright red bow to her chest. “But I think we’d better keep him away from Bell.”

“Him?”

“Of course. My very own Koala Boy.”

“What about the baby? Don’t you think it makes her a sheila?”

“That’s Bobby junior.”

Bobby patted the little bear. “Charming little bloke, isn’t he?”

“He certainly is.”

Phew - glad the bad guy has been captured. How wrong to assume a deaf woman without a gun is no threat!

Love the Koala!!!!

Another person underestimated Sue!!

Joy

Glad the guys came

I love the pluche

Phew- safe at last........ and ahhhhhh so cute.....

Hooray for Sue! Hooray for Koala boy! Hooray- the bad guy has been caught!

Fuzzies are coming...fuzzies are coming...

I'm really glad the suepence is finally over....

Now, I'm waiting for some fuzzies!!

I finally caught up in this story...and I cant wait for this story to update...that was too cute!

And ditto to Bell

Taylor really underestimated Sue, Tara and Levi, together they make a disarming trio!

I loved the Koala, what a perfect present.

I'm eagerly awaiting the fuzzies, although I've really enjoyed the plot too!

Take care,

Sairs

The FUZZY-THON begins today. No more angst (at least I don't plan it) only lots of fun and fuzzies to lighten your holiday stress. So, sit back and enjoy.

Sunday, December 18 – Part 1

Wrapped in a fluffy white robe, a disheveled Tara emerged from her bedroom just before noon.

“Mornin’, luv,” Bobby called.

“Don’t you mean afternoon? Why did you let me sleep so long? We missed church,” she said reaching for the coffee pot.

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “God gave you a skip.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep. He and I had a talk. If you woke up on your own, it meant we should go. You didn’t, so I took it that He gave you an excused absence. If you don’t like it, you’ll have to take it up with the Big Guy.”

She laughed and turned in his arms. “So, where’s the calendar?”

“Actually, Jack dropped it off this morning. I left it in his car yesterday.” He pulled away and went to retrieve it from the table. He passed her the card and sat down. “You can open today’s but you have to promise to keep it low key. Nothing requiring too much exertion.”


”Then you’d better hope the picture isn’t mistletoe,” she smirked.

Prying open the door, a smile spread across her face. “I know exactly what to do,” she told him. “You can pick me up here about 5:00.”

“Pick you up? I wasn’t planning on leaving, and low key, doesn’t mean we’re going anywhere. Does the word ‘concussion’ ring any bells?”

She placed her hand on Bobby’s shoulder. “I’m feeling much better. I’m not even dizzy. Go on home. Take a nap in your own bed. I’ll do the same.”

“You’ll do the same?” he teased. “Take a nap in my bed.” She slapped his arm. “Hey, you’re the one that said it.”

“Now, back to the subject. Bobby, I don’t want to go out, I need to. I promise that it won’t be too strenuous. Just relaxing and Christmassy.”

“Is Christmassy a word?”

“If it isn’t, it should be.”

I caught up again and I don't intend in falling behind any more!!! wow, talk about tension and sitting on the edge of my seat wanting more, more more!!!! I loved Sue and Tara saving the day -- not waiting for the guys to rescue them. And the koala toy -- a perfect choice. but I think my favourite out of the oodles I read was the guardian angels fulfilling the angel picture on the advent calendar. You are such a genius!

kav

I can't wait to see what Tara has in store for Bobby today!!

Joy

Sunday, December 18 – Part 2

Tara gave Bobby directions as they went, refusing to give out the final destination in the beginning. Eventually, Bobby figured out they were headed to Alexandria, Virginia’s Old Town. Tara loved the brick colonial buildings all festooned with boughs and boughs. Lights glittered along the cobblestone streets. Even the weather cooperated with snowflakes falling softly.

“Luv, what are your plans for the evening?”

“Today’s picture was a candle, so we’re going on a candlelight tour of the Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern, and the Lee-Fendall House.”

“Cool. Where do we start?”

“We pick up our tickets at the tavern, so if you can park near there, that would be great.”

Surprisingly, the Aussie found a parking spot quickly. He hurried around the car to open Tara’s door and help her out. She moved stiffly at first. “You sure you’re up to this?” he asked.

“Of course. I’m just take a while to get moving is all.” He offered her his arm and she gratefully accepted as they walked to Gadsby’s Tavern.

Inside the museum, also known as the City Hotel, the scent of fresh greens and flickering candlelight greeted them. Bobby accepted two cups of hot mulled cider from a bar maid who winked at him saucily and handed one to Tara.

“Good grief,” she said, “not only do women flirt with you everywhere we go, they also flirt with you everywhen.”

“What can I say? I’m irresistible.”

Their costumed host called for the group’s attention. He led them through the various seasonally decorated rooms as choral performers sang carols from the commons area.
“This is the highlight of the evening,” there host said, indicating the next door. “It’s the ballroom where President Washington enjoyed his Birthnight Ball and President Jefferson’s Inaugural Banquet was held. Please come in and enjoy the entertainment.

Harpsichord music struck a lively tune and four couples stepped onto the dance floor. Tara loved the ladies’ dresses with their layers and frills. “Oh, Bobby, isn’t it wonderful? I’d love to have a dress like that.”

Bobby took in the men wearing their long stocking, healed shoes, and powdered wigs. “All I can say is I’m glad I wasn’t born in the 1700’s. I’d rather be dead than wear that stuff.”

The cold air on the streets contrasted with the warmth of the tavern as their group headed for the next stop on the tour the Carlyle House Historic Park. Their host carried a box style lantern and explained that John Carlyle and his family will be celebrating a Christening with friends and family in the house he built in 1753.

Entering the large, elegant home, the host explained, “During the season beginning Christmas Eve and ending Twelfth Night, Virginians in the 18th took advantage of this winter down period, for planters and merchants like Carlyle to enjoy festive entertainments.”

Candles illuminated the house throughout. Every room was accented with boughs and candles. Tara gasped when they entered the dining room and saw the beautifully appointed dining table displaying a dessert buffet of plum puddings, cakes, and gelatins. “Now, this is my kind of dinner party,” Bobby whispered into her ear.

There host continued his recitation. “Desserts, being the most elegant and expensive fare for an evening party, illustrate the family’s wealth and position in Virginia society. Now, we’d like for you to enjoy some music by the string quartet and taste Martha Washington's great cake.”

Bobby secured two pieces for them as they listened to the music. Holding up a piece of the cake for her, he waited for her to open her mouth to place the piece inside. She licked the icing off the edges. “Mmm, delicious.”

“Yes, you are.” He bent and kissed her, lips barely brushing at first. The kiss deepened and the flavors of the cake only added a sweetness to their kiss.

When they pulled apart, some of the others who’d been watching, quickly averted their eyes. One older woman, however, approached them. “It’s so nice to see a couple in love as much as my Edward and I were. We could be in a crowd and still be the only two in a room.”

Tara had to lean more heavily on Bobby as they made their way to the last stop on the tour, the Lee-Fendall House. There guide has told them it was built in 1785 and had served as home to 37 members of the Lee family. He also told them that labor leader John L. Lewis also made it his home during the height of his power from 1937 to 1969.

The tour of the Lee-Fendall house ended all too soon for Tara. The early Victorian Christmas had been her favorite. She loved the greenery, the pine cones, ribbons, the gilded ornaments, and the paper angels. The holiday music transported them back in time. Bobby had taken a special interest in the antique toys on the tree.

“So what was your favorite part?” she asked him as they strolled along the street arm in arm.

“Watching you,” he admitted truthfully, pulling her around to face him. “I love to see your eyes light up.” Cupping her face with one gloved hand, he kissed her gently, reverently. “You make me see the world in a whole new way.”

She covered the hand on her cheek with her own. “I love you, Bobby Manning.”

Suddenly, she felt a wave of dizziness and had to grab hold of his waist. Bobby grasped her upper arms. “You okay?”

“I think I could sit down for minute.”

“I think you’re right.” He led her to a bench, and lowered her onto it before sitting beside her.

Slipping her arm in with his, she leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.”

“It’s my fault. I’m the one with the amazing ability to make women swoon,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

They sat there quietly for several minutes. Bobby knew the walk back to the car would take several blocks, and he contemplated leaving Tara on the bench to go get the car. Then, a new method of transportation afforded itself.

He raised his hand to hail a ride. Tara lifted her head at the whinnying of horses. “My lady,” the Aussie said, “your carriage awaits.”

The driver slowly made his way around Old Town. Tara and Bobby felt the magical effects of the carriage, the lights, and the place itself. Bobby fingered the box in pocket under the blanket on their laps. Then, decided against it. He pulled Tara tightly to him. Tonight was hers. He’d ask her on one his days.

She tilted her head up to him. “Thank you for the ride Prince Charming.”

“Does the prince get a better token that a word for his efforts? Perhaps he’ll be rewarded with a kiss – or two or three or four -- from the princess?”

“Perhaps -- when he sees the princess to her castle,” she teased, tracing her finger around his lips.

Snaking her hand behind his head, she pulled him towards him. Their lips met, tingled and exploded, intense and yielding.

The horse came to a stop when they reached the tavern. “Uh hum,” the driver finally interrupted.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize we were already here.”

“Obviously.”

Lovely fantastic fuzzies, what a way to start the day!

I loved the fuzzies

hoorah -- a fuzzfest -- and I have front row seats!!!!

This is so Bobby -- and he is irresistable! It's something Tara is just going to have to put up with.

That's an exquisite line.

I don't think I can form a coherent thought....

You got that right Bobby

kav

Monday, December 19 – Part 1

Bobby opened the little paper door on the advent calendar as soon as he got home Sunday night. A broad smile creased his face. He picked up Bell and nuzzled her softly. “Tomorrow, Daddy’s going to have some fun,” he told the puppy.

For once in his life, Bobby Manning went to bed excited about a Monday morning in the office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“G’day, mates!” Bobby called as he entered the bull pen. “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” He deposited the sack in his hands with a flourish on his desk.

Tara raised her eyebrows in question, but Myles was the first to speak. “Ladies and gentlemen, we seem to have our first new case of the week. It’s Monday morning and Bobby is not only early, but he’s in, dare I say, a rather chipper mood even without the aide of caffeine. Miss Williams, any evidence you’d like to submit explaining how this miracle has come to be?”

Tara shrugged. “Got me.”

“Jack? Sue? Lucy?” All three shook their heads negatively.

“All right, Manning, would you care to enlighten us?”

“Indeed I would Myles.” He reached into the bag and pulled out two crowns and placed them on the desk in front of him. Returning to the bag, he lifted a ball of mistletoe. “Today is our team’s first annual Mistletoe Challenge. Okayed by D as long as it doesn’t cause any sexual harassment charges, which I assured him it wouldn’t.”

Jack stepped from behind his desk and examined the items on the desk, half skeptically, half hopefully. “And what exactly is a Mistletoe Challenge?”

“I’m glad you asked Sparky.” He attached the ball of mistletoe to the center of the bull pen’s ceiling. Then, he opened the bag and removed two more items: a bell and heart shaped box and placed them on Lucy’s desk. After checking to make sure he had everyone’s curiosity sufficiently piqued, he explained, “In this heart here, anyone can place a creative kissing challenge. For example, you can place a challenge to give the shortest kiss or the sloppiest.”

“And who exactly will be doing the kissing?” Myles asked.

“Sorry, Myles, this is a couples only thing. Since both Jack and I are armed, I don’t think it would be safe for you to touch Sue or Tara, and Lucy can’t be your partner because she’s the judge,” he stated.

“I’m the judge?”

“Of course. Who better than our very own Cupid of Christmas, matchmaker extraordinaire and card carrying member of the romance novel society to judge a Mistletoe Challenge?“

“He’s got a point,” Sue said. “But how are Jack and I going to whip you two at this Challenge?” she teased.

“Little over confident, aren’t you Mrs. Hudson? Sparky might cave under pressure.”

“Jack never caves under pressure,” she replied saucily.

“Anyway, whenever Lucy rings this bell, the couple under the ball has to pick slip of paper and kiss according to the directions on the paper. Anyone can put a slip in during the day. Lucy will award points from 1 to 10 for the kiss based on creativity and technique.”

“And effect. Bobby, don’t forget that one,” she added.

“Of course, effect. The winners receive the title of Lord and Lady of Liplock and these two stunning crowns.” He held up the two paper objects. “More importantly, at the end of the day, the couple who looses the challenge has to buy dinner for the couple who wins. Of course the judge, and her assistant,” he turned towards Myles, “are welcome to join us in a celebratory feast.”

“Join you?” Jack asked. “Now who’s overconfident?”

“Time---and of course the kisses—will tell.”


Expect Part 2 later today or this evening.

CAN'T WAIT CAN'T WAIT

You had me

I want to know what the kissing challenges are.

Oh this is going to be good.

OMG! OMG!
I can't wait!!
but I kinda feel sorry for Myles...he won't be kissing anyone...

Now this is just tooo funny. A kissing contest.
Leave it to Bobby to think of that one.
Now just where and when is this Mistletoe Challenge going to be held?
Will others be included, or is it just to be J/S and B/T? Maybe they should work on including Donna and D. Since Jack and Sue are married, they are no doubt getting in some good practice. Since they appear to be going along with this, it doesn't look like Sue or Tara are feeling shy about it. I guess a chance to win a free dinner is a good incentive.

You know, I feel bad about Myles, too.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

This sounds like so much fun!!! We expect all participants to give their best!!!

I decided to just post a kiss every once and while throughout the day, just like it would be at the office. If you’re home wrapping like me, maybe you’ll want an occasional break.

Monday, December 19 – Kiss #1

“Oh and one more thing," Bobby added. "No extreme kissing challenges.”

“What’s an extreme kissing challenge?” Sue asked.

“You know, anything that requires physical danger like riding a unicycle or standing on your head. Tara’s just not up to that stuff --- yet.” He winked at her and she giggled, shaking her head in disbelief.

Lucy held up the heart box. “Well, people lets get going on those slips of paper. We need to get this Mistletoe Challenge rolling.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucy rang the bell approximately 15 minutes later when Sue stepped under the mistletoe. “Sue, it looks like you’re the first participant. Here’s your challenge. “Pretend you are a postal carrier and make a special delivery to your partner.”

“That’s yours, isn’t it?” she asked her friend.

“I never kiss and tell. Now, get on with the liplocking, dear.”

Sue puffed at her bangs and thought, “If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it well.” She picked up a large manilla envelope from her desk and eyed Jack across the room. He watched her in anticipation. She waved the envelope teasingly, then, with her best sultry walk, made her way over to him. She bit her lip, then licked them. “I have a special delivery for a very, very Special Agent Jack Hudson,” she whispered with her smile just barely hidden. She sat on his desk and crossed her legs. Grabbing his tie, she pulled him to her and kissed him long and thoroughly, oblivious to the laughter around them.

When they parted, she stood and looked around at her friends who were cheering. “Well, Lucy, what’s our score?”

“I’d have to give that one a 9.3,” she said examining her paper where she’s made a scoring chart. “A 10 in creativity. A 9.4 in technique, and a 8.5 in effect.”

“Only a 8.5 for effect? You're a tough judge.”

“Sorry, Sue, Jack could still speak when you got done."

Monday, December 19 - Kiss #2

Lucy waited a good hour for the steam to clear from the room after Sue and Jack’s first kiss before ringing the bell again. This time, she caught Bobby under the mistletoe. “Looks like it’s your turn,” Lucy told him. “You want to pick or should I?”

“Go ahead.”

“Here goes.” She drew the slip of paper from the heart-shaped container. “It says, perform a ‘Singing in the Rain’ kiss.”

Bobby burst out laughing. “Alrighty, let me get my prop.” He pulled an umbrella from his drawer and popped it open. “Tara?” he asked extending her hand to him. With a flourish, she opened her own Pooh umbrella. “Good thing we took those dancing lessons, luv,” he whispered.

Myles pulled up the song on the computer and soon Bobby and Tara were skipping arm and arm across the floor singing the lively tune, showing some of their well rehearsed dance steps. Swinging around a pole, Bobby grabbed Tara by the waist and pulled her in close to him. Framed by their umbrellas, he dipped her and their lips met, soft as rain, then thundered more urgently. He pulled away and kept his eyes locked on hers for the briefest of seconds before helping her upright.

“Okaaaaaaaay,” Lucy said, “let me check the score on that one. “Besides receiving bad luck for opening not one, but two umbrellas indoors, you receive a score of 9.4.
Creativity 9.2, Technique, 9.6, and Effect 9.5. “

“Only a 9.2 for creativity?” Tara asked.

“You didn’t come up with your own song did you? And Myles was actually the one who played it, so I was being generous.”

Bobby kissed Lucy on the cheek. “We’ll take a 9.4 any day, ma’am.”

“No charming the judge,” Jack complained.

Tara came to Bobby’s defense. “Like you wouldn’t do the same, mister-melt-the-girls-with-one-look.”

I am around wrapping presents today too. This is a fun way to get a break.
I'm realy for the next attempt. Sue and Jack are behind. They have some catching up to do.

Oreo, I just caught up on your posts and I'm having a ball!! I love the mistletoe challenge!!

Sue better practice some more if Jack can still talk after she kisses him!! And, Lucy is tough if she only gave Bobby and Tara a 9.2 for creativity!!

Can't wait for the next kiss!!

Joy

A superb challenge!

I'll be looking forward to more posts!

Sairs

Monday, December 19 - Kiss #3

D applauded from the doorway and all eyes turned in his direction. “Bobby, seems you have a new skill to add to your undercover repertoire. And Tara, for someone who broke her ankle in ballet class, you seem to have discovered your inner dancer.” Passing near her, he added, “Guess it just took finding the right partner, huh?”

Tara blushed and quickly went back to work.

“So, how’s the great Mistletoe Challenge going?”

Lucy stepped forward holding her clipboard. “Jack and Sue have a score of 9.3 and Bobby and Sue a 9.4. on their prelims. But another round begins soon.”

“Good thing it’s a slow day and we have a lot of paperwork from the weekend to catch up on,” D told them. “Where do I add my challenge?”

Lucy indicated the heart-shaped container, and D dropped in a slip. A few minutes later, Lucy rang the bell as Tara passed under the mistletoe.

“But Bobby and I just went,” she told Lucy.

“Are you complaining about kissing me, luv?” Bobby asked with a wink. “Cause I’d take every turn if we could.”

“No, it’s just. Oh, nevermind. Just draw me a challenge, Lucy. I’m ready.”

Lucy mixed up the papers and pulled one out. “Interesting. It says, ‘An FBI agent must be able to communicate in many ways. Using morse code – long and short kisses – deliver the following message to your partner.’” Lucy came close so Tara could see the message and not reveal it to Bobby.

Bobby approached Tara confidently. “Ready, luv. You can do this.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“I’ll understand if you can’t think and kiss me at the same time. I seem to have that effect on you.”

“Pucker up, Manning.” Tara started by wrapping her arms around Bobby’s neck and giving him a long, lingering, kiss followed by a quick kiss to his cheek. Immediately, she added another long one. She took a breath and kissed each of his cheeks. With a smile she quickly delivered three kisses to his lips, then breathed and repeated the three quick kisses.

“That’s the first word,” she told him.

Bobby didn’t hesitate. “That’s easy. It was the word ‘kiss’. Lead on, luv.”

Tara grabbed a stool for the next word. Now, nearly eye to eye with Bobby, she pulled him close and kissed his ear quickly, then trailed her lips to his and delivered a intense 30 second kiss. She followed that up with two more kisses to his neck. Leaning back, she opened her eyes to see if he was still with her. The next kiss was a short peck on the cheek, and after it, Tara gave him three more soft kisses on the lips along with a long, knock your socks off kiss. She ended the translation with a gentle kiss to each cheek.

“Did you get that, Bobby?”

“Uh, yeah. I think so,” he tried to sound confident but he looked skeptical.

Tara crossed her fingers. “Well?”

“I think you kissed me the word ‘Levi’. So the message is ‘Kiss Levi?’”

Tara hopped up and down and the team roared with laughter. “Sue, was that your idea?” Tara asked.

“I think he feels left out,” Sue admitted, petting the dogs head.

“He and Myles could have been partners,” Bobby teased. “They both have pedigrees.”

Lucy stepped to the middle of the room. “Here are the latest scores. For creativity, I’m giving Tara a 9.2. There are only so many ways to do those dots in Morse code. Now, if Bobby had actually kissed Levi, you would have gotten the 10.”

Tara slugged his arm as if she'd thought of that. Bobby started to protest, but Lucy held up her hand. “For technique, I’m giving you a 9.4. You handled the vertical challenge issue well. And for effect, I’m giving you a 9.0. I’m afraid that Bobby could still think coherently. Total score: 9.2. And remember, the decision of the judge is final.”

This mistletoe challenge is great! I'm loving it!

WOW!!

Lol "Kiss Levi" is nothin but classique!!

Hee Hee. Morse Code, huh. Works for me. Wonder what Sue and Jack will draw from the box?

Morse code kissing! LOL!

Sairs

I only just caught up on the kissing challenge, and it is lots of fun!!! How did you ever come up with an idea like that?!!!! Very clever, very funny and very, very fuzzie!!!!

That was pretty clever!! Why didn't Bobby kiss Levi?? They could have gotten the 10!!

Can't wait to see what's next!!!

Joy

Too funny! I love the Mistletoe Challenge, it's a very creative way for entertainment when you have a lot of paperwork!

Great job!

Monday, December 19 -Kiss #4

Just before lunch, Louisa Hildalgo entered the office sporting the traditional blue visitor’s tag on her lapel. Tara was the first to greet her. “Louisa, hi, is everything okay?”

“Yes. I’m supposed to …”

“… meet me here,” Myles interjected as he approached. “I offered to take Louisa home to her parent’s house today. We’re leaving after lunch.”

Lucy caught the tell-tale sparkle in Myles’ eye as he looked at the beautiful woman before him. “Let me just get my coat,” he told Louisa, who smiled back warmly if not a tad flirtatiously.

As he crossed the room, Lucy rang the bell. Myles halted under the mistletoe and looked around, puzzled. “Lucy, you seem to have made a mistake.”

“Louisa, we’re having an office Mistletoe Challenge and it seems Myles has been caught under the mistletoe without a partner. I’d hate for him to have to forfeit. Would you mind baling him out of this jamb?”

“That won’t be necessary…”

“I don’t mind, Myles. Honest. It sounds like fun,” she said, stepping in front of him.

“You don’t have to do this,” he said softly.

“No, but I’d like to.”

“If you’re sure,” he paused to see her nod affirmatively, “then draw the challenge Lucy.”

Lucy picked the slip that was lying on top. “It says, ‘Verbally explain and physically demonstrate the art of a perfect first kiss.’”

Myles cleared his throat nervously, and took a deep breath. Locking his eyes on Louisa calmed him somewhat. “A first kiss,” he explained, “should be gentle and never demanding.” He lifted his hand to cup Louisa’s cheek. “It should be slow to allow the natural electricity between you to spark between you.” He leaned in closer. “The perfect first kiss should hold only a hint of promise.” With those words, he kissed Louisa tenderly on her lips and allowed the kiss to linger there for a few moments before pulling away and smiling. Slightly dazed, Louisa smiled back.

“Wow,” Sue said, stunned.

Jack added, “Who would have thought Myles had that in him?”

Myles wrapped his arm around Louisa’s waist. “So, Lucy, how’d we do?”

“Well, for creativity, you get a 9.6, for technique, a 9.8 and for effect, I’d say you get a 10. Total score 9.8.”

“Myles got a better score that me!” Bobby protested.

“And me!” Jack added. “That’s impossible. Isn't it, Sue?”

Sue simply shrugged her shoulders.

“What I can I say? We Lelands have many unexpected talents. More importantly, I was inspired,” he said to Louisa. “Ready to go?”

Monday, December 19 – Kisses #5 and #6

As soon as they returned from lunch, Lucy rang the bell again. She’d caught Jack walking under the mistletoe. “Special Agent Hudson, are you up to the next Mistletoe Challenge?”

“Absolutely. Bring it on Luce,”

She mixed up the papers and read the challenge. “Every fairy tale contains a kiss. Re-inact your favorite one and make we can guess which one it is.”

Jack signed something to Sue which the other team members missed. Sue slipped out of one of her heeled shoes, limped to the other side of the room, and sat at her desk. Jack pretended to find the shoe and proceeded to try it on Lucy and Tara before reaching Sue. Kneeling before Sue, he slipped the shoe on her foot, and then stood slowly. Taking her hands in his, he lifted her to her feet. “You’re my perfect match – in every way,” he said, lifting her hands to his lips. Gently, he pressed a kiss to the back of each one. Bringing their clasped hands to his chest, he leaned over them and brushed her lips with his own, barely tasting their softness.

Although not going farther was one of the hardest things he’d ever done, he knew it was the kind of kiss that fairy tales are made of. When he pulled away, Sue sighed and leaned in to kiss him again, claiming his lips eagerly and passionately.

Embarrassed, she drew back wearing a lovely shade of rose to her cheeks.

“Sparky and Cinderella, they sort of go together, don’t they?” Bobby asked. Tara looked at him, puzzled. “You know, sparks and cinders.”

“Okay, people. Here are the results,” Lucy announced. “For creativity, I can only give you a 9.0 on that one. For techinique, a 9.8, but for effect, I’d have to say, you get a 9.9 Jack if you can get Sue to go after the kiss, after all the practice she’s had in resisting you.”

“He’s just worn her down,” Bobby teased. “What’s his total?”

“A 9.5.”

“Okay, Prince Charming and Lancelot, can I see you two for a minute?” D asked. “We’ve got a new case.”

It was over an hour before Jack and Bobby returned from meeting with D. Lucy kept a watchful eye until she again caught Bobby under the mistletoe and rang the bell. “Are you ready for your teams last challenge of the day? Remember, your average score is one tenth of a point behind Jack and Sue’s and five tenths behind Myles’.”

“Are you really going to count his score?”

“I haven’t decided yet for sure. Here’s your challenge. Lucy’s eyebrows shot up when she read the note. “It says, ‘Make it a play doctor kiss.’ Maybe this one should be disqualified.”

“No, no. I think I can make it work.”

“Bobby….” Tara warned.

“Don’t worry, luv. Your honor will remain in tact. Give me a couple of minutes, though.” Bobby hurried over to his desk and pulled out a large sheet of paper and a marker. He sat busily writing for several minutes while his teammates looked at one another in wonder. Finally, he rolled his chair out to the center of the room with the paper lying face down on his lap.

“G’day, Miss Williams. Are you ready for your eye exam?”

“Eye exam? Yes, certainly, Dr….Manning.”

Bobby held up the chart. “Let’s start with this line.”

Tara obediently read off the larger letters F, B, and I. As Bobby pointed to the subsequent lines, she continued reading the letters. The final line was so small Tara had to squint to see it. “Can you read this line, Miss Williams?” he asked with a wink.

“K-I-S-S-M-E.” Bobby’s gaze washed over her, respectful yet telling her he wanted her. Tara wasted no time delivering the kiss, a slow, tantalizing exploration.

“Okaaaaaaaaay,” Lucy interrupted. “This one will be fun to score. For creativity, I’ve got to give you 10, Bobby. For technique, I’d say a 9.6, and for effect…ah Bobby, are you with us here? I guess you get a 9.7. Total score is 9.7.”

“So Tara, when’s your next optometrist appointment?” Bobby asked.

“Next month, why?”

“Cause your sure not going alone.”


Only 2 more kisses to go.

Catch up time!

Taylor ...glad they got the creep. Sue and Tara made a good team

Mommy and baby koala ...

Carriage tour ... Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!!! You could have asked for a second tour :whistle:

Mistletoe challenge ... what a great idea

Myles and Louisa ... first kiss ///

Great story Oreo!

Marlo, I posted when you posted so don't miss kisses 5 and 6.

Thank you all for your comments. I've enjoyed the Mistletoe Challenge as much as you. I got to thinking about the next kiss so much that I passed the same street twice while I was out today.

Monday, December 19 – Kisses #7 and #8

A short time later, Lucy caught Jack crossing under the mistletoe. She hurried to ring the bell. “Last call for the Hudson team,” she told him. “Feeling lucky?”

“Always.”

“Good.” She pulled a slip out of the container. “Make your kiss into a knock-knock joke.”

“You’re joking.”

“Apparently not. But I hope you will be soon. At least knock-knocking.”

Jack shook his head in confusion. “I’ll need a little thinking time.” He headed to his desk and jotted notes on a tablet. “Okay, I’ve got it.”

He met Sue under the mistletoe. “Knock, knock,” he said.

“Who’s there?” she replied.

“Kiss.”

“Kiss, who?”

“Kiss me, of course.”

The joke was lame, and he knew it. Both of them struggled to fight their laughter and kiss with enough electricity to at least get some points. The fight ended: Laughter 2; Kiss 0.

Jack pulled Sue to his side and kissed her cheek. “Sorry, honey.” He said between chortles.

“A good laugh is worth it.”

“What am I going to do with you two?” Lucy asked. “This messes up the scoring all together. You didn’t even really kiss, so what do I have to score. If I had to say it right now, I’d say that both teams tied.”

“Tied?” Bobby shrieked.

Lucy shook her head sadly. “The only thing we can do is have a Kiss Off.”

D walked in the bull pen. “Lucy, is the Mistletoe Challenge still going on?”

“Yes, we’re about to have a Kiss Off because the team tied.”

“Then, perhaps you’d let a new team try.” He led Donna by the hand into the bullpen and under the mistletoe.

“It would be our pleasure.” Lucy drew the last slip from the bowl. “All it says is ‘A Forever Love’ kiss.”

“That, I think, I can manage,” he said huskily. “Stay right here,” he told Donna as he walked away from her to lean against Jack’s desk casually and spoke to the team members.

“Bobby and Tara, your love is new and fresh like spring. It will blossom into more than you can imagine.” He watched the two of them clasp hands. “Jack and Sue, your love is heating up all the time, developing and growing in whole new ways.” After Jack kissed Sue’s cheek, he faced Donna. “But neither of you know, yet, the love that comes from sharing your lives over days, over weeks, and over years. Love that is so deep that you know she holds your heart in her hands.” D crossed the room to Donna and took her hand, before he continued, “You can’t know the love that comes from watching your wife bring your child into the world or the pain the comes from trying to face the world alone.”

His eyes remained fixed on Donna’s and tears pooled in the corners. “Forever love may have begun as a spark, and it may flame from time to time into something bright and amazing, but it is made up of the embers that burn continually – honor, commitment, friendship, and love.” His eyes dropped to Donna’s full lips and she licked them in anticipation. Running his hand slowly up her arm, then around her neck, he pulled her gently towards him. “You’re my forever love,” he whispered. She sighed into his kiss. With a passion borne of years and many facets of love, the kiss exploded and flamed with intensity, leaving everyone in the room breathless.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lucy said reverently. “May I present to you the Lord and Lady of Liplock.”

Kiss 5: I don't recall Cinderella going after a kiss either, but then it's Prince Jack !!!

Kiss 6: At my next eye exam I'll be grinning like a fool reading the tiny letters!

Kiss 7: Jack ... i totally agree ...that was lame LOL

Kiss 8: D and Donna ...

That was outstanding. How appropriate that D and Donna joined the contest.

In those few moments, they demonstrated to the newlywed Hudsons and the newly-in- love Tara and Bobby, what love really is all about.

that was beautiful - D and donna definatly deserved to win and i think if i had been sue i would dragged jack for another kiss as well!!!

Congratulations English Chick! I don't know if I missed your news before, but how exciting!

I'm going to try to post Dec. 20 and Dec 21 of the advent calendar today if I can. We'll see though. Hope all of you are having a blessed Christmas preparation day!

Tuesday, December 20

After the excitement of the Mistletoe Challenge yesterday, the office seemed unusually quiet all day. Tara placed the advent calendar on her desk and looked at the tiny picture under door 20 again. She’d opened it last night, but had no idea what to do with it. Now, it was nearly 4:00 and she still was at a loss.

Typing the picture’s name into her browser, only one thing came up and that would never work – or would it? Perhaps, with their security clearance, they could pull it off. Picking up the phone she made a few phone calls. The most important one being to Stanley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ready to call it a day, luv?” Bobby asked a he approached.

Tara quickly clicked the internet window closed on her computer. “Almost. Give me a few more minutes to finish things up.”

“Who were you just talking to?”

“Stanley.”

“As in x-boyfriend Stanley?” Bobby asked.

“Yes, I needed his help with something,” Tara explained, detecting a hint of jealousy in Bobby’s voice.

“With?”

“Something.” Tara smiled up at Bobby sweetly.

“Couldn’t I help you?”

“Bobby….”

“Okay, call me when you’re ready to go.”

Tara gathered her things a few minutes later and carried them over to Bobby’s desk where he sat brooding. He knew he had no reason to worry or even be the slightest bit jealous, but it still unnerved him to hear that she was talking to Stanley.

“Ready for your surprise for the day, Koala Boy?”

“You talking to old Stanley wasn’t it?” he asked, helping her with her coat.

“Funny.” She turned to face him. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

“I’ll remember that line next time Darcy calls,” he teased.

“Don’t you dare. Come on let’s go.” She paused at the doorway. “And Bobby you’ll need your FBI badge.”

“Where are we going? The White House?”

“How’d you guess?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara found a parking place several blocks from the White House. They would have to walk quite a way, but neither of them minded. Snow swirled soflty around them and the lights around the mall were stunning. Walking hand in hand, they talked casually about yesterday’s Mistletoe Challenge, D and Donna’s relationship, and Myles interesting in Louisa.

“We are really going to the White House?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you need an invitation to get in there at Christmas,” he admitted truthfully.

“Or an ex-boyfriend who is dating the new Chief Chef Cris Comerford.”

“That’s why you called Stanley – to set up a date for us.”

“Of course.”

“And he was willing to help you?”

“Stanley and I didn’t part ways in a huge tear-filled explosion.”

“You’ve never actually said why you two broke up.”

“You’re right, I didn’t.”

“And you don’t intend to now, either?”

“You.”

“Me, what?”

“We broke up because he could tell I had feelings for you.”

“But you broke up a long time before we started dating.”

“I know.”

“Well, how could you resist my charm and good looks?” He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head.

“Apparently, I couldn’t.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After showing their FBI identification, Tara and Bobby were directed by the White House staff towards the kitchen. There they were met by the Executive Pastry Chef Thaddeus DuBois.

“You two are lucky there isn’t a big event planned for this evening,” he said warmly after they exchanged introductions. “Cris told me about your advent calendar surprises. She loved the idea and asked if I’d show you the Whitehouse Gingerbread House I made.” He started walking down the wide halls and Tara and Bobby followed. “I told her I’d love to. After we’re done, I’ve arranged a private tour of the rest of White House decorations with one of the guides. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely,” Tara told him. “Thank you.”

He led them into the State Dining Room where the stunning gingerbread house sat.



“That’s amazing!” Tara exclaimed.

"Amazing is an understatement," Bobby told him.

“It’s a view of the North Portico,” Thaddeus explained. “It took 100 pounds of gingerbread to make.”

“How long did this take?”

“I spent two months on the decoration surrounding the house like the pets, the trees, and the Marine Corp Band. The house took about two weeks to complete and that’s with four or five people working on it full time. It took two days to just put the walls together.”

Bobby took in the dimensions which he estimated at about four feet in length. “How much does this house weigh?”

Thaddeus laughed. “About 200 pounds. I used 150 pounds of dark and white chocolate alone.”

“So how’d you get it in here?” Bobby wondered.

“It is too large to construct in my pastry shop, so we contructed it in the China Room. We moved it –very carefully- in here on a cart.”

Tara bent to inspect the windows more closely. “It is simply magnificent. The windows even sparkle and there are lights inside.”

“You’re very observant. The windows are poured sugar,” Thaddeus explained. “I tossed sugar at them to make them have a frosted look. That way you can’t see the string of lights inside.”

“Who gets to eat it?” Bobby asked, hopefully.

Thaddeus laughed. “Sorry Bobby, after all of its weeks in the spotlight, it’s too dusty too eat.”

“Figures.”

The remaining kisses were perfect and the gingerbread house was superb!

Fantastic idea for the Advent Calender surprise! Any chance of a brief encounter with the president?

If not the President, perhaps they might meet Mrs. Bush.
That was a great idea that Tara had.

I don't know what else to do but fall down at your feet in awe. This is totally absolutely amazing and there are too many good bits to quote all the catchup posts I read. Man -- you have it all downpat -- the humour, romance and sheer fun (not to mention research!!!!)

I am humbly in awe, that's all I can say

kav

Oreo, those last posts were outstanding!!!
the kisses challange was brilliant, it's great that D and Donna won
they deserve it!!

I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!