Since I stayed up past midnight reading Ickleails' excellent story, I can post the Dec. 8th part now. If we don't get a snow day tomorrow, I am going to be suffering from some serious sleep deprivation. Thank you all for your comments. My husband is away for the week at a conference, so writing this romance stuff has been very therapeutic.

December 8

Paperwork bored Bobby Manning to death. He leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on his desk. Carefully folding the piece of typing paper, he smoothed the edges of the newest Manning 747 and sent it flying towards Tara. It hit her computer terminal and she jerked her head up. Immediately, she turned to Bobby, whose dimples deepened with his grin.

Myles had witnessed the whole interchange. “Tara, will you take this adult with A.D.H.D. out of here and find him something with which to occupy his time, so the rest of us can go on taking care of national security.”

Bobby flopped his feet on the ground. “I’d love for Tara to help me occupy my time. What do you say?” he asked waggling his eyebrows.

She blushed and rolled her eyes. “I just finished my report, and I already talked to D. about Sue and I leaving early to do a little shopping. Maybe Jack has something for you to do.”

“Did I hear Bobby is looking for something to do?” Jack asked, holding up a file as he walked into the room.

Bobby’s eyes pleaded with Tara to bail him out, but she simply shrugged when Jack looked at her. He glanced at Sue who repeated Tara’s gesture. Jack smiled knowingly, “Here you go, Crash. A brand new case delivered to us straight from the mouth of Howie Fines.” Bobby moaned and took the file.

Tara turned off her computer and gathered her things. Before leaving with Sue, she planted a kiss on Bobby’s cheek. “Meet me at your place later. Have fun.”

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


Packed malls didn’t detour the determined shoppers. Tara knew exactly what she wanted to purchase and hunted for it diligently. The two women talked as they shopped.

“You think he’s ready for that kind of responsibility?” Sue asked Tara. “Are you sure he’ll make a good dad?”

“He’ll be great at it.”

“And you’re going to start tonight?”

“Yeah, I just need to find just the right one to get things started.”

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

The scent of fried chicken wafted from Bobby’s apartment before he even opened the door. Tired and hungry, Bobby smiled at the thought of having Tara there to greet him. He tried the knob and found she’d left the door unlocked. He made a mental note to remind her to keep it locked.

He pushed it open and found the table set for dinner with candles giving a soft glow to the room. On the sofa, he found Tara sleeping peacefully. Squatting next to her, he moved a loose tendril of hair from her cheek, and then brushed it with a whisper of a kiss. Her eyes batted open. “Hi, Sleeping Beauty.”

“Hi yourself Prince Charming. Sorry, I fell asleep waiting.” She pulled herself up. “Are you hungry?”

He licked his lips. “I thought food sounded good, but something else sounds better.” His finger traced her jawline.

Stilling his electric touch with her hand, she stood up and adjusted her pink sweater. She smiled sweetly at him. “All right, then, food it is. Why don’t you go change into something more comfortable?”

Going into the kitchen, she couldn’t believe how nervous she was about her surprise. She kept going over the details in her head. ”Would he like it? Is this the right time? What was I thinking?”

Soon their meal was over, and Bobby asked her if she wanted him to make a fire in the fire place. She watched him easily toss the logs on, his muscles roping under the jersey he’d put on earlier. She loved to watch him move, but especially liked watching his hands, so strong and yet, so gentle. He was a sexy man, she admitted to herself. His accent, his dimples, the way he moved, and even breathed made her pulse quicken.

“Tara? Did you hear me?” he asked, turning his head in her direction.

Her cheeks reddened. “Uh, sorry, I guess I zoned out a little.”

He chuckled softly, standing. “I asked if you heard a bell ringing. I thought I did.”

”It’s time.” she thought, ”the moment of truth.” He sat down on the couch beside her, and she faced him. She bit her lip nervously. “Bobby, have you ever wanted something to call your own?”

Bobby cocked his eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, it’s about your surprise for the day. I know we haven’t talked about this before, but I want to give you something you told me you really wanted someday. Wait here.”

Before Bobby could ask any more questions, she slipped away into his bedroom. Bobby swallowed the anxiety he felt. Did Tara take their trip to the hospital the wrong way? He said he wanted children, but he didn’t mean right away. Besides, they’d agreed to wait. He remembered the first time the subject came up.

Bobby was installing a new DVD player in Tara’s apartment. When he started to program it, everything went wrong. Finally, she’d convinced him to read the owner’s manual. Later that night, the conversation took an interesting turn. After spending several minutes kissing, she pulled away.

“Bobby,” she told him, “we need to talk about something. I know you’ve probably been with women before, but I’ve never …”

He smiled. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear that. You are a gift any man would treasure.”

Surprised, she continued, “When I was younger, it wasn’t like I really had convictions that way. It was just that I really wanted to be in love with the man, first. That just didn’t happen. But that’s not how I feel anymore. I mean, I… oh.. this is so hard.”

She was flustered and Bobby took her hand in his. “Go on. You’re doing great.”

Taking a deep breath, she started again. “Now, since I started going to church with Sue, and I’m beginning to have a relationship with God, I want to trust Him with that relationship. You know, it’s like the owner’s manual. I figure God made us, so He’s like the owner, and He knows how we will work best. If He said we should wait, then that’s what I want to do.”

It hadn’t been easy, but Bobby respected Tara. More importantly, he knew he had grown as well. He wanted to take care of her, protect her – physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. ”Maybe I’ll need to do some protecting her from herself tonight. I just hope I’m up to the challenge. This is getting harder every day. I’d better clear things up while I still have the chance.”

“Hey, luv, about last night…” he yelled into the bedroom.

“Wait, Bobby, I can’t hear you. I’ll be right out.”

He exhaled, relieved, when she carried out a silver glittery box topped with a large red bow and placed it at his feet.

“You don’t have to take the wrapping off. It’s a soap opera box.”

“A soap opera box?”

“Yeah, on soap operas they never unwrap stuff. They just lift off the lid. All you have to do is lift off the lid.”

Bobby paused. “Tara, did you hear that? It was a bell, just like before.”

“You’re hearing things. Just open the box.”

Carefully, he removed the lid and immediately heard an abundance of jingles when out popped a puppy. Beaming, he picked up the ivory canine and looked into its face. “Oh, you’re a cute little fellow.”

“Lady,” Tara corrected. “The puppy is a girl.” She rattled the jingle bells attached to her collar. “I named her Bell after today’s advent picture. It was either that or we were going to be bell ringers for the day.” Bobby wrinkled his nose, and Tara continued, “She’s a yellow lab. Do you really want her?”

Bell licked his face and he laughed heartily. “She’s perfect. You remembered that I’ve wanted a dog of my own ever since I met Levi. Thank you. This is great, but she’s going to need a mama.” Bell pounced on Tara and licked her face. Bobby kissed Tara’s cheek. “Looks like my little sheila already made her choice. She must be as smart as her mama.”

you named a dog after me??
I'm happy...I'll get Bobby to pet me and love me...

oh!! she's so cute!!!!

loved that post, I kept on waiting for the end to find out what the surprise was...
I knew It wouldn't the obvious one.

ahhhhhhhhhh ...... so cute ..... i really want one too but im not allowed!!!

I love how you are writing Tara and Bobby and their unfolding relationship.

A puppy a puppy a puppy..

can i say i am getting one after Christmas... it's been too long since i have had a dog and i miss having one...


and i am glad that you posted because you stayed up to read someone's story...
actually you were going to bed when i was going to work...scary isn't it

I was pleasantly surprised at the heated memory. I hope we see them come together at the end. That would be my Christmas present. I know I am getting ahead of the story.

Good Job Oreolover!

This is kind of a long post, so it's in two parts. I'll post part one tonight and part two in the tomorrow. You know, I didn't realize this when I started, but this story is actually more like 25 short stories. I'll have to figure out a way to shorten the posts.

December 9 - Part 1

“How could something so small cause this much destruction?” Bobby stared dismally at the dumped and shredded trash and garland pulled roughly from the oversized Christmas tree. Scooping Bell up, he nuzzled her neck. “If you did all this in one night, what are you planning to annihilate while I’m gone for the day?”

He set her back down and poured some Puppy Chow into the dish Tara had purchased for her. “You eat breakfast, little one, while I take a shower and stay out of trouble, okay?”

Bobby emerged from the shower and called for Bell. When she didn’t come, he wrapped a towel around his waist and rounded the corner wonder what kind of mischief she’d gotten into.

“Tara! What are you doing here?” he asked, self-consciously grasping the towel more securely about him.

She eyed his attire briefly and a crimson tint colored her cheeks. “Maybe you should get dressed before I explain.”

Ten minutes later, Bobby came out of the bedroom as he finished knotting his psycadelic tie. “Now, luv, to what do I owe this early morning visit?”

Tara sat cuddling Bell in her lap. “I came to take Bell to Puppy Pre-school.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

“No, I signed her up for doggy daycare at Dog-ma Inc. It’s only five minutes from our Hoover Building. Here’s their pamphlet.”

“Daycare for Dogs: Keeping Yuppy Puppies Happy,” he read as he perused the paper. Besides Puppy Pre-school, which was really obedience training, Dog-ma Inc. offered scheduled activities, playgrounds, jungle gyms, snacks, and even naptime.

“They even have a weekend ‘bed and breakfast’. Amazing.” He shook his head and handed the pamphlet back to Tara. “But, luv, this is $150 a week.”

“I know, but isn’t she worth it.” She hugged the puppy tightly. “I just wanted her not be lonely. I’ll split the cost with you.”

Bobby glanced around at the mess still strewn across his floor and then back at Tara nuzzling Bell. Maybe a few weeks of Puppy Pre-school would be money well spent.

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

Bobby decided that the tip from Howie Fines had called in did need investigating. Howie had overheard two guys talking about hitting a bank in Silver Springs planned for today. There had already been a bank robbery there, so Bobby and Myles went to speak to Howie while Tara alerted banks to be on high alert.

Jack secured the tapes from the first robbery, and he and Sue went over them. There were four suspects involved. Two posted themselves at the entrances, and the third, a woman, on a cell phone, approached the cashier, and passed her a note.

Sue studied her lips. “She just said that the men at the door have guns.” The teller handed over a satchel of money. “Jack, she just said, ‘Thanks. We’ll be back.’”

He snapped open his cell phone. “Bobby, we were just watching the tapes from the bank robbery the other day. She said cell phone girl said they’d be back. You two better head on over there. I’ll meet you there.”

Sue placed her hand on his arm. “Don’t you mean we’ll meet you.”

Jack started to argue, but tried a new tactic. “Sure, come along, Mrs. Hudson. I need someone to keep the car running and warm. In fact, let’s grab Tara and a surveillance van and we’ll make it a party.”

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

After hanging up from Jack, Myles and Bobby headed to the car to drive to Silver Springs Savings Bank. While Myles drove, Bobby flipped open his cell phone and made another call.

“Listen, Lucy, it looks like I won’t get back into the office any time soon. Could you do me a favor?”

“Sure, Bobby. What is it?”

“You know Tara and I have this calendar thing going. Well, today’s picture is of a dancer. I’m swamped here. Do you think you could use that creativity of yours and put together something fun for us tonight?”

“No problem. I’ll just let you know when and where and, of course, how much.”

“Of course. Thanks, sheila. I really appreciate it.”

Myles laughed beside him. “You’re a brave man, Koala Boy, turning carte blanc date planning over to Lucy. You may end up paying for a trip to dance on the streets of Paris.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easing into the parking lot, Tara parked the surveillance van where she had a good view of the bank’s front door. While she and Sue immediately set up the communications equipment, Jack left to meet with Bobby and Myles inside the bank.

The bank’s president nervously fiddled with a pencil during their entire conversation. Jack had to clasp his hands together not to grab the offending item from the man’s hands.

“Mr. Brockway, we’re going to set up surveillance around and throughout the bank. If they come, just have your tellers do what they say. We will get them coming out of the bank,” Jack explained. “Understand?”

The man nodded and the three agents departed to get geared up.

Jack had decided that Bobby and Myles would be inside the bank with Myles acting a teller and Bobby a customer. Jack would be positioned outside along with the other back up agents they’d called in. Since he and Sue had spent the most time viewing the tapes, he felt they were the team’s best chance of identifying the bank robbers early. He informed Sue that they were to be the eyes of the group.

“And how exactly am I supposed to do that from inside the van.” Unbeknownst to Tara, she had switched on the mic so the conversation transmitted to the rest of the team.

“She’s got a point there, Sparky,” Bobby said into his mic.

“She doesn’t need any encouragement from you,” Jack quipped back. He scowled at Tara who quickly signed “Sorry”.

“What if she is somewhere safe that still has a good vantage point like that bookstore across the street?” Myles suggested.

Tara relayed Bobby and Myles comments to Sue. Jack glanced to where Myles had indicated. It would work, but he still didn’t like it. However, he had to admit that Sue often saw what others missed and they needed her eyes. “All right,” he finally agreed. “That should work as long as Sue will stay there.”

“I will, Jack,” she promised.

“You'd better.”

December 9- Part 2

“Tara, I see her,” Sue said into her mic. “She and two men are getting out of a silver four door in the parking lot. They’re armed. They are parked right next to your van on the left.”

“Visual confirmation of armed suspects made,” Tara relayed to the rest of the team. “It’s show time.”

Jack watched the trio make walk briskly towards the entrance. The woman paused while the two men casually strolled through the bank doors and flanked the entrance posing as customers. Their guns bulged beneath their jackets, and Jack guessed they were out gunned.

“Please advise. They’re carrying automatics.”

Tara passed the message on to the team. Bobby reached under his jacket and unclicked the safety on his weapon. They would have to take them down before they had a chance to draw their guns. From behind the counter, Myles prepared his own Gloc and tucked it back neatly under the counter. Adjusting the Kevlar vest under his shirt, he took a deep breath and watched the woman enter. He recognized her from the digital photo Tara had shown them. She approached the counter, and he stepped forward. “May I help you, ma’am?”

She passed a note under the glass, and Myles quickly read it. “Make it fast,” she ordered.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, it will take a minute collect this sum. I’ll hurry.”

Tara heard the previously agreed on tip off and warned let the team that the now had them. Bobby’s eyes darted from the two men at the door to the woman with Myles. With the money satchel in hand, the woman headed towards the entrance, and Bobby fell in behind her. As the two of them reached the door, he acted like he was opening it for her. In the process, he leaned close to her ear. “FBI. Step out of the door and don’t make a sound.”

She appeared to comply, but stopped suddenly. “Frank! Now!” she screamed as she bolted towards the silver sedan. Bobby dashed after her in an instant and felled her in front of the surveillance van. Immediately, they were surrounded with back up, and Tara, too, whipped open the van's door with gun drawn.

Seeing Bobby unharmed, the smiled at him as he stood up with the cuffed woman. "Nice of you to drop in Agent Manning."

Inside, the man named Frank whipped out his semi-automatic, but before he could fire a shot, Myles dropped him with a shot through his chest. In what seemed like slow motion, the second man leveled his weapon directly at Myles. Their eyes met for a brief moment and the robber pulled the trigger. The gun jammed and the glass in the front of the bank shattered. Myles exhaled. “Thank God,” Myles breathed. “Jack must have shot through the window from his sniper position above the bookstore.”

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

Wrapping up the case had taken the rest of the afternoon. Back in the office, the team was debriefed individually and reports were filed. It was almost 6:30 when Lucy grabbed Bobby’s arm, and thrust a sack of Chinese food into his hand. “Here’s dinner. You and Tara have an hour to get to the address inside the sack. Hurry.” Lucy started out the door, but stopped and called back to him. “And Bobby, don’t forget your credit card.”

Bobby set the sack on his desk and pulled out the address. ”What was I thinking letting Lucy plan this?” he asked himself, shaking his head. “Too late now. Suck it up, Manning. On with the show.”

The General Tao’s chicken and Mongolian Beef tasted wonderful to the hungry couple. Tara fed Bobby with chopsticks as he drove. It wasn’t the safest way to travel, but they were pressured for time. Cracking open a fortune cookie, Tara read the contents aloud. “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

Bobby laughed heartily. “Remember that, luv, when we get to tonight’s destination.”

A few minutes later, Bobby parked the car in front of Nataha’s Ballroom Dance academy. “We’re really going in there?” Tara asked. Bobby couldn’t tell if she was hoping they would or hoping they wouldn’t.

“Yep. For the next two hours, we will be learning the art of ballroom dancing from Natasha herself.”

“You know, I’m not that much of a dancer,” Tara said looking down at the empty containers in her lap. “At least not that kind.”

Bobby took her hand. “Then, that makes two of us. Remember what the cookie said. Come on. It’ll be fun.”

Their dance instructor met them at the door. “Welcome. You must be Bobby and Tara. I’m Natasha. You may put your coats over there.” She indicated a bench set along the wall to the right. Across from it, a mirrored wall made the room look larger. Tara looked down at the worn wood floor. Obviously, many dancers had attended Natasha’s Ballroom Dance Academy. Natasha tapped her cane on the floor and Tara jumped. “Let’s get started.”


Natasha positioned Tara and Bobby across from one another. Bobby lifted his arms into what he thought would be an acceptable position and Tara instinctively placed hers in the proper places. “No, no, Bobby. You must keep your frame like so.” She moved his arms. Now, you will use your body to lead. You know, to tell Tara where you want to go.”

Bobby chuckled and added, “I guess the dance floor is the only place where the man calls all the shots.”

Tara purposely stepped on his foot. “Oh, I’m sorry, Bobby,” she intoned sweetly.

“Yeah, I can tell.”

Natasha tapped her cane again. “Pay attention, Bobby. You do have to lead. Men have to take charge in the dance, but it's their responsibility to make sure their partners know what they want to do next. You can let Tara what you want to do next, can’t you?”

Bobby swallowed, “Yea, sure.”

“All right, then, I’m going to start the music and lets see how you do."

A waltz began and Bobby tried to move Tara the way he’d seen it done in the movies. Natasha stopped the music. “Well, I see we have our work cut out for us.” Walking over to them, she explained. "Tara, you must be firm against Bobby, and Bobby, you have to push back. It's like a wrestling match that nobody wins."

Bobby laughed. “I guess I never thought about it like that.”

Natasha ignored him. “What do you think dance is Tara?”

“Dancers are supposed to make the impossible look easy, but it's basically two bodies talking and learning to move together."

Bobby raised an eyebrow and his dimples deepened with a smile.

‘Did those words just come out of my mouth?’ she thought, cheeks blushing a lovely shade of rose.

Unable to look Bobby in the eye, she glanced at Natasha for confirmation. “Excellent. Now, Bobby, here are some things you need to remember. First, don't clench your partner's hand, arm, or shoulder in a grip of death--a very light hold will suffice. Most turns are led with fingertip or palm contact.”

“Okay, no death grip,” he repeated.

“Second, dance with your body, not from your feet. Since you will always find your feet at the bottom of your legs, you're unlikely to learn anything useful by looking down. Instead, watch your partner.”

“Got it. Don’t look at your feet.”

“Third, maintain good frame. It’s important to keep your arms tense, but not too tense. You have to keep the proper distance.”

“Maintain the proper distance, check.”

Natasha cleared her throat. “The last and most important thing to remember is to make your partner look good and have fun.”

“Do you honestly think I can remember all that and have fun?”

“Believe it or not, you will,” Natasha smiled sweetly. “I will make sure of it.”

By the end of the two hours, Natasha had done just that. Tara, carried in the arms of Bobby, swirled around the room feeling lighter, more alive, than she ever had before. Putting on their coats, Natasha told them that they had promise. “With time, I could get the two of you into competition,” she assured them. Tara politely declined. “Then I leave you with one thought,” Natasha said, smiling at them warmly for the first time. Then with a wink she added, “Just remember: A couple that can dance together in here, can dance together out there.”

I starting laughing here 'cause I just knew it couldn't be what it appears to be.

and I was right...I think I have more catching up to do.

kav

Perfect to have Lucy plan that date, because neither Bobby or Tara would have! And I think Tara must have enjoyed being masterfully led around the ballroom by Bobby. And I do hope you show them as

And you totally freaked me out with the bank heist. I thought it was going to end tragically but you kept Myles, Jack, Bobby and Sue safe. Phew!!!

kav

from your speech me guess you where once or still is a fellow dancer...beautiful descriptions...and wonderful story

Puppy day care! That would be funny but I drop my dog off at doggy day care every work day... of course my doggy day care is not expensive as I pursuaded my mum, bless her, but I dread to think of the destruction, damage or mayhem my dog could cause if I left her home alone! So I think puppy pre-school is a wise decision for Bell!

I loved the ballroom dancing, over here in the UK at the moment we've had tv series called strictly come dancing, which has celebrities teamed up with professional ballroom dancers, lets just say I'm hooked on a Saturday night watching. Your descriptions were perfect, so I'm thinking you have ballroom dancing experience.

A fabulous story and I'm looking forward to tomorrow, I think Christmas will be here far too soon, because I'll have wished it away waiting for the next installment of your story... and please don't worry about the length, because to me they're perfect!



Take care,

Sairs

Puppy care ... too cute

Dance lesson ... that's what happen when you leave it to Lucy ...

Makes me want to sign up for ballroom lessons. Do they come with a dance partner included?

so true...it took forever to convince my other half but he finally did try we just got better...at everything!!

Great post!

December 10 - Part 1

“I just feel bad for her,” Sue explained to Jack while brushing her hair before bed. She placed the brush on her dresser and perched on the bed facing him. “She’s never been away from her family on Christmas before.”

Lazily, his finger traced circles on Sue’s wrist and hand. “Tara understands that each team always has to keep at least two agents in D.C. over Christmas. It was the luck of the draw. Maybe she and Bobby can take a long weekend in January.”

“It’s just sad she’ll be alone.”

Jack brushed the silky hair off his wife’s bare shoulder, his touch sending currents to through her body. His finger trailed along the edge of her spaghetti strapped cami. Noticing her shiver slightly, he leaned forward and softly kissed the creamy skin on her shoulder. He continued his assault on her neck and Sue fought to remember the subject. “What about Tara?” she breathed.

Jack pulled back and sighed. “Tara won’t be alone. She’s got Bobby. I, on the other hand, am feeling very lonely.” His eyes pleaded for her undivided attention.

“Oh, poor Jack,” she teased, placing her hands on his bare chest, “did you want a puppy, too?”

“I think you know exactly what I want.” He pressed his lips to hers as he lowered his wife to the down-filled pillows. Allowing his hands and lips to speak a language all their own, an explosion of love and passion combined and soon Sue forgot Tara even existed.

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

Busily, each team member finished up their reports from the previous day’s events with hopes of getting an early start on the weekend. Around 10:00 a.m., Demetrius Gans breezed in and handed a request to Jack. “This one’s a priority,” he explained. “You can decide who gets the command performance,” he said before heading back out.

Jack scanned the paper and told Levi to get Sue. Immediately, she came to his desk. “Have you been praying again?” he asked her.

Sue cocked her eyebrow in question and accepted the paper he held out to her. Reading it, a smile spread across her face. “It’s perfect.”

“I agree. Let’s go tell them.”

Tara sat at her desk typing notes into her computer. Huddled unnecessarily behind her, Bobby made continuous comments over her shoulder. His hot breath against her neck made if increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Jack cleared his throat and the Aussie immediately pushed his chair away from his companion. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“No problem, mate. We’re just finishing up those reports you wanted.”

“We have a surprise for you, two,” Sue said, smiling. “You’re going on a road trip.” Tara picked up on Sue’s excitement and bit her lip to keep from asking questions.

Jack slipped his arm around Sue’s waist. “It’s not a vacation, but I think it’ll do.”

“Spit it out, Sparky.”

“There’s a witness who needs to be escorted to D.C. this Monday for a trial beginning Wednesday. You remember Louisa Hidalgo?”

“Sure,” Tara said, “I guarded her until we arrested that weapons lord Marco Chavez. She turned him in.”

“Right. She’s been in a witness protection program since then.”

“And where do we need to go to pick up Ms. Hidalgo?” Bobby asked, standing up.

“Providence.”

Tara beamed, “As in where my parents live?”

She glanced at Bobby who grinned nervously. “Well, luv, I guess you’ll get to see your mum and dad after all.”

“We’ll get to see them, “ she corrected. “They can’t wait to meet you.”

“If you leave today, you’ll have the whole weekend. There’s one catch. Louisa doesn’t fly. She has severe panic attacks in planes, so you’ll have to drive.”

Bobby moaned. “How many hours is it Tara?”

“About eight to ten depending on traffic and the number of stops we make. If we leave by noon, we should make it by ten or so.”

“Then we best shoot through, luv. We need to pack and pick up Bell.”

Part 2 will come later today.

oh i am loving this....

meeting the in potential in laws....

Lovely twist and lets hope meeting the future inlaws goes well for Bobby and Bell!

Sairs

Road trip ten uninterrupted hours ... before meeting the parents ...

I know I am barely squeaking the rest of this one in on Dec. 10. According to my clock, I have 13 minutes left. I hope it's worth the wait.

December 10- Part 2

Traveling with a puppy certainly had its challenges. Bobby and Tara ended up making frequent stops for obvious reasons and eating at a drive-thru so as not to leave her alone in the car. Bell nestled on Tara’s lap while Bobby drove.

“Tell me about your parents, luv.”

“I’ve told you about them before.”

“I know, but tell me the things I need to know so I don’t make a fool of myself.”

“I’m not sure I can prevent that,” she teased. Bobby feigned being hurt. “Oh, Bobby, they’ll love you as much as I do. But I’ll refresh your memory about them anyway.”

Bell shifted and Tara paused while the puppy got comfortable again before she continued. “You remember that my dad is an ex-marine although it is my opinion I don’t think career military personnel are ever really ex anything. To this day, I think he’d bleed green. He might seem tough on the outside, but he’s a marshmallow on the inside.”

“I bet he’d love to hear you say that.”

“Well, we’ll let that be our little secret. I think he really wanted a boy, but instead got three girls. Not that he wanted us to be boys, but I just think he’d have liked to have one more.”

“I, for one, am very glad you are not a boy. What about your mom?”

“My mom loves to laugh, take long walks, and would rather garden than keep house. She teaches special ed at the elementary school.”

“What kind of teacher is she? The strict, tow the line kind? Or the fun, let’s learn together kind?”

“The second one, I’m sure. I think she must be a blast. She’s always coming up with these fun ways to teach things. She’s very creative and smart.”

“Sounds a lot like someone else I know,” Bobby said, giving her hand a squeeze.

“Thanks. I’d like to think I was a little like her.” Absent mindedly she stroked Bell soft coat. “You know one time she took her kids to the park and rolled down the hill right along with them?”

He laughed, “Yep, sounds like you. Will we see your sisters this weekend?”

“Mom said Angie and Mike will be over some time tomorrow. Of course, we won’t see Tracy. She lives too far away and always seems too busy with her own life.”

“Pointers?”

“Don’t talk politics with Mike or my dad. They’ll always take the other side just because they like to debate. And don’t let any of them know that I do anything dangerous.”

“Tara, please tell me they know what you do?”

“Sure, they know I’m an FBI agent. They just think I do computer stuff all the time.”

“So, last year when you got injured….”

“I didn’t tell them.”

“Tara…Tara…Tara, aren’t you the little sneak?”

“You’ll see. I’m just doing what I have to do. My dad’s over-protectiveness makes Jack’s look amateur.”

Bobby grinned, and then yawned broadly. “We need to get some petrol. After we stop, do you want to drive for awhile? I think I’m getting tired.”

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

Tara drove as they entered Rhode Island. Bobby dozed beside her with his head cocked at an odd angle and Bell tucked beneath his arm. He didn’t notice when she pulled off the interstate and onto the outskirts of Providence. While she’d moved around a lot growing up, living in six different states, she’d been in Providence all through high school, and now she felt like she was home.

She glanced at the clock on the dash. ”Good,” she thought, ”I still have a couple of hours to spare before my advent day is up.” Pulling onto a new street, she watched for the park entrance sign. She slowed upon approaching it and Bobby stirred.

“Are we there yet?”

She had to laugh at the question she and her sisters had gotten into so much trouble for always asking. “Yes and no,” she answered driving up a hill into the park.

“Huh?” He rubbed his eyes trying to clear the sleep-induced cobwebs in his brain.”

Tara pulled into a parking spot at the top of the bluff which overlooked the city and turned off the engine.

“Are we lost?” Bobby asked tentatively.

“No, this is where I want to be. Did you think I’d forgotten about my advent surprise?”

“The advent calendar? You might not have forgotten, but I sure did. So, what are we doing here?”

“Come on. I’ll show you.”

Tara unbuckled her seatbelt while Bobby placed the sleeping puppy in the seat and covered her with a towel. She opened her door and reached for a blanket in the back seat. “We won’t be gone long. She’ll be okay,” Tara assured him as the tall man unfolded himself from the seat. He inhaled the crisp air deeply and looked around at their surroundings. They were on top of bluff. The city’s lights flickered in the valley below. And, they weren’t alone.

Obviously, more than one teenager had discovered this spot and cars with steamed windows lined one side of the lot. He grinned, hoping Tara wanted to relive a few days of her youth.

Taking the Aussie’s hand in her own, Tara led him to a picnic table a few yards away from the car. Hastily, she spread the tartan blanket on the picnic table’s top, climbed onto it, then laid down facing the sky. “Join me,” she told him. Feeling silly, Bobby clumsily copied her and found himself looking up at the stars. She reached for his hand beside her. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

“They sure are. Sometimes, when you are always in the city, you forget how amazing a night sky filled with stars really is. I’m guessing your advent picture was a star.”

She nodded. “Did you ever say that little rhyme about the stars, Bobby? You know,
‘Star light,
Star bright,
First star I’ve seen tonight,
I wish I may.
I wish I might
have this wish,
I wish tonight.’ And then you’d close your eyes and make a wish on the star. ”

“I remember it. My mum taught us that one.”

“I used to come up here my senior year and look at the stars and say it.”

“Alone?”

“I know. Not very smart, and even a little silly. But do you know what I’d wish for?”

“I’m hoping you’ll tell me.”

“My senior year I met a guy named Matt second semester. He was a really nice guy – quiet and on the cross country team. We had chemistry together. He’d wait for me after class and walk me to my next class. He won a lot of meets, and I would always congratulate him. We started dating, but nothing serious.

Then, the speech and debate competitions started being held. I was on that team. I won a lot that year. At first, Matt would say, ‘Congratulations! I heard your name in the announcements. A couple of weeks later, it changed to, “I heard your name again.” I could tell he wasn’t happy.

To make a long story short, when another girl asked him to the prom, he accepted. He called and told me about it and asked if I was upset. Of course I was, but do you know what I said? I said, ‘No, I don’t have right to be upset. You can date who you want.’

So, the night of my prom, I came up here and wished on a star. I wished for a man who would make me feel loved, cherished, and desired. I wished for a man who would have integrity and honesty and passion about people and life. I wished for a man who would proud of me – all of me—including the brain God gave me.” Tara pushed herself up on her elbow so she could look into Bobby’s face in the moonlight. Tracing his slightly bearded jaw with her finger, she whispered, “I brought you hear because I just wanted you to know that you are a wish come true.”

Tentatively, she lowered her lips to his, grazing them with only a hint of promise. While one of his hands immediately tangled in her hair, the other held her tightly against him. She opened her lips to him, giving and taking, leading and following, lost in one another.

The jeering of a teenager through an open car window jerked them apart. “Hey, old folks!” he yelled. “Get a room!”

Laughing, they pulled themselves up from the table and headed to the car. Bobby wondered what time it was. If he was lucky, maybe they’d still get to steam up some windows.

Well worth the wait1

They were warming up my cold house.

See you tomorrow, oreolover

What a lovely way to start the day! The star wish was perfect and the teenager's jibe at the end was hilarious!

Fantastic work, I wait with anticipation for the 11th of December's post!

Take care,

Sairs

Brillant...



so romantic about without any big fuss, just plain and simple and very powerful- thank you...

i love your stories and i am loving this one...

Oreo, I just found your story and read it from the beginning!

What a wonderful tale!! I love the advent calendar idea!! I love Bell!! I love all the things that your imagination has come up with for the gifts. The dancing lesson was awesome!!

And, now Bobby is going to meet Tara's parents!! How great is that??

You also managed to sneak in some fuzzies for Jack and Sue!!

I can't wait for the next day to see what the calendar will bring!! You are really getting me in the Christmas spirit!!!

Joy

I'm glued, I'm happy Tara wish came thrue

That was beautiful ...

And Bobby? ... steaming window? ... How about something a bit more creative and confortable???

I may not get this days finished on time. I'm sorry. The weekend caught up with me. I'll finish it as soon as I can, but I have a big cookie order tomorrow, so I have to go get baking. Maybe I can get what's in my head into the computer between batches.

Thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it.

December 11-Part 1

At nearly midnight, Bobby and Tara pulled into the driveway in front the Williams colonial home. “Did I mention you’re sleeping in Tracy’s old room?” Tara asked gathering the sleeping puppy from the seat.

“And that is significant because…”

“Tracy really liked pink.”

Bobby moaned. “Thanks for the warning, luv.” Pulling their suitcases from the trunk, he followed Tara to the door which swung open before they even reached it. Tara rushed inside and was immediately engulfed in a hug by a petite brunette woman. Bobby tentatively moved in and set down the suitcases. A tall, well-built man thrust his hand towards Bobby. Accepting it warmly, Bobby marveled at the strength in the man’s handshake.

Tara’s mother stepped towards them and swatted her husband’s arm. “Bill, don’t pull that grip-of-death thing on poor Bobby.” Turning to Bobby, she hugged him as if they’d known one another forever, and then stepped back. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” Bobby said sincerely as Tara snaked her arm through his. “And this is Bell.”

Tara’s Mom, Carol, took the pup in her arms without hesitation. “Tara, you may not get to take her home. She is too cute for words.”

“Well, let’s not just stand in the doorway gawking at one another,” Bill said jokingly. “Come on in and have a seat.”

Conversations merged into one another for the next hour about their trip, Christmas plans, and how they came to own Bell. Bill thought Puppy Pre-school sounded absurd and Bobby laughed to himself at how earnestly and openly he expressed his opinions.

Casually, Bobby draped his arm around Tara as they sat on the couch. More than once Bobby caught Tara’s mom or dad looking at them. He recognized the expression on their faces. He’d seen it on Tara many times. They were dying to ask them questions about the two of them.

An hour and a half after arriving, he stifled a yawn, and Tara noticed. “Why don’t I take you to Tracy’s room? It’s been a long day.” Bobby accepted her offer and politely said good night to his hosts wanting to give Tara a little time alone with her folks.

“I told you it was pink.”

“When you said pink, I didn’t think you meant PINK.” He glanced around the room. The canopy bed sported layers of hot pink ruffles. Hot pink feathers wiggled on the lampshade on the nightstand. Pok-a-dotted walls stared back at him. “Well, I guess this should certainly help me get in touch with my feminine side.”

Tara giggled. “With that I’ll say good night.” On tiptoes, she kissed his cheek.

“Ah, luv, you missed,” he said pointing to his lips. He bent and kissed her memorably. “Night,” he whispered.

“Night. Sweet dreams.”

“With this much pink,” she heard him mumble as she walked away, “I’ll be dreaming in cotton candy.”

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

“Where’s Dad?”

“He went on to bed. Now, about Bobby…”

“Mom….”

“Tara, that is one fine specimen of a man,” her mom crooned. “And between that accent and those dimples, I don’t know how you even stay on your feet when he’s around.”

“Mother!”

“Honey, I may be your mother, but I’m still a woman. Now, I want to hear all about the two of you.”

Talking and giggling into the early morning hours, reluctantly they parted for bed. Tara sighed as she rounded the corner to her room. She flopped on her bed and breathed deeply. It was good to be home.

Oreo, what a great post!! I love Tara's parents and they certainly do seem to like Bobby!!

Can't wait for more!!

Joy

Well, I made it - barely- again. Whew.

December 11 - Part 2

The next day, Tara gave Bobby a tour of the house and the city. After lunch, her sister and brother-in-law, Angie and Mike, arrived loaded with gifts. The family had decided to celebrate at least part of their Christmas when everyone could be there. Bobby, Mike, and Bill ended up sitting together on one end of the living room talking about basketball and hockey while Tara, Angie, and Carol busied themselves in the kitchen making Christmas cookies.

“So, Angie, what did you think of Tara’s new main squeeze?” Carol asked. “Isn’t he a doll?”

“Don’t you mean Tara’s only main squeeze?” her sister teased. “He’s certainly easy on the eyes, but what else can he do, Tara?”

Tara propped herself up on a stool at the island. “What exactly are you asking?” Tara blushed.

Her sister giggled. “Good grief. I mean, how does he do at the important stuff. Like fixing the car? Cleaning the house? Walking the dog? Or …” she glanced down at the dough in her hands, “… making cookies?”

“Okay. I can answer that. Bobby can fix anything. His apartment is habitable enough for a bachelor. He walks the dog. After all, she really belongs to him. And he makes baking cookies a whole new experience.”

The sparkle in her eye did not go unnoticed by her mother’s uncanny ability to read her daughters. “I do believe there’s a story behind that.” Tara looked shocked. “Honey, you are not the only one who could have been an FBI agent. Now, I want to hear every detail.”

Of course Tara didn’t share every detail with her mom and sister, but she did tell them all about Bobby’s advent calendar idea and the last ten days. The women prodded her for more information every now and then.

“Oh, my, Tara, you’re a gonner,” her mother said with a sigh.

“What? Why?”

“You’ll have to marry him, because after dating someone like that, no one will ever match up,” her mother concluded. “Face it honey, your single days are coming to an end.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Bell pounced through the piles of torn gift wrapping and shredded ribbon lying strewn across the rug. Everyone laughed as she found her reflection in a silvery piece and cocked her head at her reflection. Engaging her own reflection in a game of tug and war, she ripped into the paper and rolled, coming up with a ribbon wrapped around her body. Bobby picked the puppy up and disentangled her from the bow, then handed her to Tara. “There’s still one more present to open.”

Tara glanced towards the tree. “No, there isn’t.”

He reached down into the folds of the couch and brought out a flat gift with no bow. “Your advent surprise for the day. Go on. Open it.”

Tara peeled off the paper and found a book inside. “You found the Night Before Christmas Pop-Up book I told you about! Angie, you remember this don’t you.” She held up the book for all to see. “We’d read it over and over, all year long. I told Bobby about how you could move the little tabs and make Santa go up and down the chimney or lift his hand to fill the stockings. Christmas just wasn’t ever the same without it.”

Bill smiled at Bobby. “You’ve certainly made my little girl happy.”

“We lost that book in a move. Wherever did you find one?” Carol asked.

“Ebay. I put in the title, about the year I thought Tara would have been when she read it, and the words pop-up. I took my chances on it being the right one.”

Tara thumbed through the pages and noticed a note tucked inside. She picked it up, but Bobby closed his hand over hers. Whispering into her ear, he told her to read it later.

After the night had wound down, Tara and Bobby cuddled on the couch in front of the fireplace. Bell napped on a pillow on the floor. Picking up the pop-up book, Tara asked, “Can I read the note now?”

“You sure there isn’t something else you’d like to do like pashing on?” he asked suggestively raising his eyebrows.

“Bobby Manning! This is my parents house!”

“Oh, all right. Open the note.”

Ripping the envelope carefully, she removed the small note inside and opened it. She started to read it and tears filled her eyes. “Here,” she said pushing the note into Bobby’s hands, “you read it to me.”

“You sure know how to make things hard on a guy.”

She elbowed him sharply in the ribs. “Read.”

“Okay, okay.” He opened the note. “Sometimes someday can’t come fast enough. When I got this book, I could just picture you reading it to our children someday. I think you’ll be as excited as them to pull the tabs and make the reindeer fly. I love that about you. I love that you see the world fresh and new every day no matter what kind of horrors we see. So, hold on to this book until someday is today.”

"Hold on to this book until someday is today" ....that is just SOOO romantic! Love those last couple posts. Tara's family seems nice and her mom sounds like a pistol! OK, Bobby....I think you may have an important question to ask our lovely Tara.....don't you? Please post more soon!

I think Tara's mom is right...no one will match
up for Bobby!!

December the 11th's posts were so worth waiting for! They were fantastic!

I loved Tara's family and her Mom is funny and I think she's definitely right, no one could ever compare to Bobby!

The ending to the second post was perfect! I will be patiently waiting for the 12th of December's post.

Keep up the absolutely fabulous work.

Take care,

Sairs

this is me!! thats just to beautiful for words, something so simple but so special

blubber, blubber,shuddering sob. You've turned me into a marshmallow! I had the whole weekend worth to catch up on. Printed it up and read it on the bus. Thank goodness I brought kleenex with me!!! I love this incredible story, Oreo. The whole advent calendar is wonderful...and I love that the things they do each day aren't necessarily expensive, but manage to draw them even closer each time. Now I just have to figure out how to get through my day as a of marshmallow goo.

kav

Bravo, bravo! Bobby has got this romance thing down perfectly!!!!

I love Tara's mother!! She's so wise!! How could you even look at anyone else after you had dated Bobby??

I loved the thought and love that went into Bobby's advent gift to Tara! The note was perfect!! What a romantic gesture!!

Can't wait for the next calendar gift!!

Joy

Tara's mom is so nice !!!

And she's right, Tara ... don't let Bobby go ...you'll never find another one !



And the book now they are only missing the kids !!! :whistle:

Tara's mom is clear sighted

But Bobby's gift was so sweet, especially when he said "So, hold on to this book until someday is today.”

I can’t believe I did this, but somewhere I lost Sunday. The dates on the advent calendar story are all right, but the days of the week are wrong. So, since this is fiction, I am taking poetic license and jumping from a Saturday to a Monday (that way it doesn’t look like I made Tara and Bobby skip church yesterday ). Ooops, sorry.

Monday – Decemeber 12 - Part 1

“Do you really have to leave so soon?” Carol Williams asked at breakfast Monday moring? It seems like you just got here.”

“Sorry, Mom, but yes, we do.”

Bobby forked a sausage from the platter. “We have a witness to escort back to D.C. She’s testifying on Wednesday. If we leave early enough, I think we can beat the snow storm.”

“You know Bobby, isn’t it unusual for someone who works on cyber crimes to escort a witness?”

“Cyber crimes?” Suddenly, gasped, having received a sharp kick in the shin from Tara.

Carol was instantly concerned. “Are you okay?”

Bobby’s eyes met Tara’s . “Fine. I just bit my tongue.”

Bill watched the nonverbal exchanged between his daughter and her boyfriend. Setting down his coffee cup, he leaned forward. “Bobby, we know why the FBI recruited our computer whiz of a daughter, but what about you? What’s your specialty?”

Hearing the question, he choked on his orange juice. Coughing and sputtering, he finally regained his composure.

“Having trouble with breakfast this morning, son?” Bill asked.

“Sorry,” he mumbled glancing at Tara. Imperceptibly, he shrugged. He had no choice but to answer the question. “I’m trained in explosives.”

“You disarm bombs?” Carol shrieked.

“I can, but I mostly I just use what I know about them in investigations.”

Before her father could ask what kind of investigations, Tara quickly added, “He was also a tracker on a S.W.A.T. team. Bobby grew up in the Outback.”

“Yeah, and I think it was the accent that got me in the Bureau,” Bobby said with a laugh. “It’s a real asset in undercover work. No one expects an Aussie FBI agent.”

He glanced at Tara who suddenly seem mesmerized by her scrambled eggs. Mentally, she was trying to brace herself for the barrage of questions that were about to come. She could hear them already. Do you do a lot of undercover work, Bobby? But I thought you and Tara were on the same team? What does a cyber crimes unit need with an explosives expert?

To her surprise, however, the questions didn’t come. Finally, she looked up in time to see her father glance at this watch. “Well, you two had best be getting on the road if you’re going to miss that storm.”

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

Steady snow falling slowed traffic to a crawl. It would have normally have taken Bobby and Tara less than thirty minutes to get to the safe house and it had now taken over an hour.

Bobby rubbed his neck. “At his rate, we won’t even make it back to D.C. by spring.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to drive all the way through?” Tara asked, pulling Bell up to her chest.

“Luv, I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to chance it. They really need her there.”

“Are you feeling okay?”

“Headache.”

“Turn left at the next light. I think the safe house is on the left.”

Bobby pulled the car in front of a brick brownstone and parked. Tara tucked Bell in her kennel and covered it with a blanket before climbing out into the frigid air. Together, they hurried up the staircase. Seeing the front door ajar, they flanked the doorway and flattened themselves against the wall with weapons ready. Bobby tapped on the door using the tip of his gun. Calling out the pre-arranged signal, he yelled, “Merry Christmas, Tony! I got the tickets.”

They waited for eternal seconds for an answer. When none came, on the count of three, they burst through the door prepared for anything. Bobby checked the rooms and Tara covered him. No one was there.

“Where in the paddock did they go?” Bobby asked.

Stepping over to the table in the tiny kitchen, Tara touched a coffee cup. “It’s still warm. They haven’t been gone long.”

Bobby pushed the curtain back on the window facing the back of the brownstone. “They’re down there!” he yelled. “Come on!”

Part 2 to follow shortly

Monday – December 12 - Part 2

Tara raced behind Bobby who through open the door into the alley. Bobby immediately saw and recognized the two agents who’d been guarding her lying lifelessly next to a sedan. Two men had a struggling Louisa Hildalgo by the arms and were trying to force her into their car. “Stop! FBI!” Bobby yelled from behind a trash bin.

One of the men turned in his direction and fired. Bobby heard the sound of the bullet ricochet off the metal. He looked for Tara and found her making her way towards the two men from the backside of the parked cars. Powerless to stop her and in the wrong position to help, Bobby was forced to merely watch.

Tara discharged her weapon into the arm one of the men who dropped into the front seat of the car. The second man fired in her direction, loosing hold of Louisa in the process. Louisa ran and tripped. In a fraction of a second, Tara dove on top of Louisa and Bobby dropped the second man with a shot to his chest.

Before they could stop him, the first man took off in the car. Bobby shot at the man’s tires, but the car did not stop. He ran over to Tara who was helping Louisa up. “Are you two okay?” he asked, breathing heavily.

“Yes, go see about them,” Tara ordered, inclining her head towards the fallen agents.

Bobby rushed to them and checked for a pulse. “They’re both alive. GSW’s to the abdomen.”

Sirens suddenly filled the air. The shots being fired had alerted neighbors who called the police. Paramedics raced to save the injured agents. After going over the events with the local police, Bobby and Tara explained how it was imperative they get Louisa some place safe. “I’m just not sure where that will be,” Tara thought.

Keeping a vigilant eye, Bobby and Tara led Louisa to the car. They tucked her safely in the back seat and introduced her to bell. “Where do you think we should go?” Bobby consulted Tara.

“I’m thinking a hotel maybe. Let’s try the Westin Providence. It’s really large, nice, and I think they even allow pets.”

Cranking up the heat, Bobby pulled out onto the street. “Louisa, do you know what happened?”

“I think it was all my fault,” she said softly.

“Why?”

“I was feeling homesick being Christmas and all. I got a hold of John’s cell phone and called home.”

“Agent Nelson’s?”

“Yeah. We’ve all been together for a long time now - months. They are like my brothers. I didn’t know that John or Phil would get hurt. The men came in through the front door. I guess they picked the lock or something. Next thing I knew, John and Phil were hauling me down the stairs. I feel so bad.”

Tara passed the young woman a tissue. “You didn’t know. But to be on the safe side, let’s not use the phone again, okay?”

“Do you think they’ll make it?”

Tara bit her lip thoughtfully. “I don’t know. We just need to pray that they do.” Tara reached for the switch to turn down the heat and Bobby stopped her. “Hey, Koala Boy, what’s up? This is Rhode Island not Queensland.”

“I’m still freezing,” he admitted.

With a sinking feeling, Tara touched his cheek. “You’ve got a fever. I’m afraid you’ve inherited my crud. Want me to drive?”

“No, I’ll be fine. The streets are really slick. Just keep directing me.”

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

There was only one room left at the Westin Providence, a junior suite with two queen beds. According to the clerk, there were only a handful of rooms left in the city because of the snow storm.

For once, Bobby willingly tipped the doorman to bring up their luggage. He wondered how Tara stayed on her feet that entire day when she was sick because he felt ready to drop. He looked around at the opulent hotel and thought about how much groveling they’d have to do to get this passed Randy. He swayed and Tara wrapped her arm around him. Once inside the room, she immediately helped him to a bed.

“I’ll call Jack and let him know what’s going on. You –,” she said pointing to Bobby, “get to bed."

"Alone?"

Tara marveled that even sick, he could flirt. "What do you think? Nice try, honey. Get some sleep. Louisa and I will be just fine.”

The separate seating area in the spacious room worked well. Bobby could sleep and she could make the arrangements she needed to. Placing her gun on top of the television consol, she picked up the phone and dialed. Jack told her he wanted them to stay put until the storm passed. “No problem,” she told him. “Bobby’s in no shape to go anywhere.”

Tara and Louisa ordered room service for lunch and watched “Miracle on 34th Street” on television. Occasionally, Tara would check the hallway, balcony, and of course, on Bobby. By evening, he emerged from the bedroom.

“Are you hungry?” Tara asked.

“Don’t even mention food.” He swayed in the doorway.

“Bobby, sit down before you fall down. You are way to tall for me to carry.”

“I figured I’d better spell you for a while.”

She placed a hand on his forehead and pulled it away. “No, Mr. Manning, I don’t think that’ll be happening. I can stay up tonight.” She stood and pulled out some more ibruprofen from her purse. Handing the pills and a glass to Bobby, she tried to erase the concerned expression on her face. “Do you feel like going back to bed?”

“No, I think I’d like to watch some TV for a while.”

“You’re in luck. The advent picture for today was an elfl and Will Farrell’s “Elf” is on next. I thought maybe you could use a little laugh.”

“If it doesn’t kill me,” he mumbled.

“Well, I was going to dress up in a cute little elf nightie, but I know that would kill you.”

“You are a mean, mean woman Tara Williams.”

Excellent as always, Bobby and his breakfast LOL! I'm sure Tara's dad suspects that her job is more dangerous than she is letting on!

Poor sick Bobby, at least he's got Tara to care for him.

I'm hoping they're going to stay nice and safe, because I don't want to think what might happen otherwise!!!

Looking forward to tomorrow already and it's only seven in the morning for me!

Take care,

Sairs

poor Bobby....
I think Tara will take good care of him!

Poor Bobby, I hope he rest enough to heale

Poor Bobby! First, the third degree from Tara's parents, getting sick!!

They make a good team though, even with Bobby sick!! Tara will take care of them!!

Great story, Oreo, can't wait for you to continue!!

Joy

No, no, no, no, no. Oh, sorry. I've just had to say that so many times today to the babies about not touching the tree, it's automatic. This day's post will probably end up a looooooooong one by the time I'm done. I hope you'll hang in there with me. Thank you all for being a bright spot for me this Christmas!

Tuesday, December 13- Part 1

During the movie, Tara slipped down to let Bell have a few moments outside. The puppy stepped gingerly on the cold, snowy pavement. Curious about the fluffy stuff, Bell stuck her nose into a pile of snow and shook her head to get the icy flakes off, then snapped at the flakes falling down. Tara laughed at her antics. “Come on, honey. Just do your business so we can get back to Daddy.”

As Tara kept an eye on Bell, she couldn’t help but go over the events of the last few hours. She sighed. Bobby was sick, maybe even worse than she was the other day, and she knew she couldn’t count on his help if push came to shove. Tara stomped her feet, trying to stay warm. Then, there was Louisa. She couldn’t blame the young woman for calling home, but could she trust her not to do something else to jeopardize their safety? A thought occurred to Tara and, scooping Bell into her arms, she hurried back into the hotel through the revolving doors. She had something to do which might just keep them all safe.

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

It was nearly 1:00 a.m when Jack rolled over and looked at the clock. He couldn’t sleep, so he carefully removed Sue’s arm from his chest and crawled out of bed. Making his way into the living room, he dropped into the recliner and flipped on the television and was assaulted by a barrage of infomercials.

He looked up when he heard Sue padding into the room after him. “What’s up?” she asked turning on a light.

“Couldn’t sleep.”

She sat down on the couch, pulled a quilt off the back, and wrapped herself in it. “You’re worried about Bobby and Tara, aren’t you?”

“A little. With Bobby sick, Tara is virtually on her own. There’s something that is bothering me about that whole thing and I can’t put my finger on it.”

“I know what you mean.”

“It’s bothering you, too?”

“Yeah.”

“What part?

“Why didn’t they just shoot Louisa? Where were they trying to take her?”

Jack jumped up and headed for the phone. “Sue, you’re a genius.”

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

As soon as Tara got back, she placed Bell in Bobby’s arms. “Where’s Louisa?”

Bobby nodded towards the bathroom. “Taking a bath.”

“Good.” Tara opened her laptop and began typing.

“Tara, luv, what are you doing?”

“Setting up some firewalls to alert us.”

“Alert us of what?”

“The stuff we need to know about.”

“Maybe this fever has fried my brain, but I’m not following you.”

“I’ll explain it to you when you’re not under the influence of ibruprofen. How are you doing anyway?” She walked over to him and placed a cool hand on his forehead. “You’re still cooking pretty good, and you’re looking tired. Why don’t you go back to bed?”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside him on the couch. “Tara, I’m sick, not dead. I want to know what’s going on in the pretty little brain of yours.”

“I’m not sure it was Louisa’s call that alerted those guys.”

“Oh? Then who?”

“I’m not sure, but the firewalls will let us know if they find us the same way I think they might have found her.” Lifting her hand to his cheek, she caressed it gently. “Now, will you please go back to bed?”

“Promise me you’ll come and get me if you need anything?”

“Bobby, you’re in no shape…”

“Promise.”

“We’ll be fine…”

“Promise or I stay up with you all night.”

Tara sighed, exasperated by his stubbornness. “All right, already. I promise.”

“Good, ‘cause I’m really getting sleepy. Night, luv.”

I wonder what Tara's pretty little brain has discovered! The plot gets thicker and thicker, and I'm with you for the long haul, however, long it is.

I was thrilled when I logged on to find that I'd got another post! You started my day well and now you're finishing it well too, thank you.

Sairs

What is Tara up to??? And what did Jack think of???

This just keeps getting better and better!! Can't wait for your next post!!

Joy

Tuesday, December 13 - Part 2

Bobby’s cell phone rang and Tara hurried to the bedroom to fish it out of his pants before it woke him. Seeing Jack’s number, she hurried into the other room and answered the phone.

>“Tara? I thought I dialed Bobby.”

“You did, but remember he’s sick. You know as in he needs lots of rest sick,” she stated slightly annoyed. “What’s up – besides you at …” She glanced at her watch. “…1:00 a.m.?”

>“Where’s Louisa right now?”

“She’s asleep in the other room.”

>“Do you trust her?”

“You mean do I think she was in what happened at he safe house?”

>“Yeah.”

“No, I don’t think she was part of it. But I also don’t think it was her call that alerted them.”

>“Why’s that?”

“There wasn’t enough time between her call and when they showed up. Even I couldn’t get coordinates that fast on a three minute phone call.”

>“Then, that leads me to my reason for calling. Whoever breeched the safe house wants Louisa alive. I checked and Chavez has tried to contact her parents at least a dozen of times. He keeps telling them to let her know he forgives her. I think that besides not wanting her to testify, he wants her back.”

“And if he has someone on the inside….”

>“Then they’ll find you and try to get her again.”

“I’m already ahead of you. I set up firewalls on the FBI mainframe that will alert us if anyone tries to find Bobby, Louisa, or myself. I also hacked into the hotels computer files and set up the same thing.”

>“And if they find you?”

“I’ll cross that bridge when and if it comes. Hopefully, we won’t have to do that.”

>“How sick is Bobby?”

“I wouldn’t want him firing a gun, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

>“I wish we could get you back up.”

“But you can’t. Alerting anyone else could get us all killed, and with the snow, we are pretty much stuck.”

>“Tara, be careful. Keep me informed. We’ll be praying for you guys.”

“Thanks.”

The definitive sound of the phone disconnecting made Tara suddenly feel overwhelmingly alone. She felt like the heavy responsibility for Louisa’s safety weighed her down. “It’s like the lead apron they make you wear at the dentist office when you get x-rays,” she told herself. Rubbing her stiff neck, she settled herself on the couch and picked up Bell. With remote in hand, she surfed through the channels to find something of interest. She needed a great movie to keep awake. It was going to be a long sleepless night.

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

She would never know how long the computer beeped before she was jerked out of her dream. ”I can’t believe I dozed off! On her feet in seconds, she rushed to the screen and read the message. Running into the bedroom, she flew to Bobby’s bed and shook him. He was burning up.

“Bobby, we’ve got to get out of here. They know where we are.”

“Huh? What? How?” he asked as her new penetrated his fever-fogged thoughts.

“The FBI mainframe. That’s were I put the firewall. Come on, honey, please get dressed.

She headed over to Louisa who had already awakened at Tara’s voice. “I heard you,” she mumbled. “I’ll hurry.”

Tara glanced at the clock. It was four in the morning. She grabbed more ibruprofen and a glass of water and thrust them at Bobby. “I need you as well as possible.”

He nodded and swallowed. Looking down at Tara, he saw the dark circles under her stressed eyes. “Where are we going?”

“I don’t know. Any ideas?”

The room rippled in his eyes and he sunk back onto the bed. “I hate to admit this, but I’m not reliable back up right now. You need help. We can’t go to the police or the Bureau, but you need someone who can fire a gun if need be.”

“I know where to go.”

”Where?”

“Home.”


Part 3 will follow in a little while.

Oreolover -

I just LOVE this story!! I can't wait to see how Tara is going to explain her gun and witness protection duty to her family. I have a feeling they are going to get to see her in a whole new light by the time this story is done! Fantastic plot! Can't wait to read more.....and yes that was a non-so-subtle hint!!!!!

Home, heh? Well, that ought to let Tara's family know once and for all what she does for a living!!!

Joy