Wow, how beautiful and sweet.

Thanks for the wonderful replies y'all!

Upon returning from our absolutely wonderful night out together, Jack and I are greeted at the door by Levi. After leaning down to give his head a playful rub, I look up at Myles.

"How's Matthew? Did you have any problems?" I ask.

"No problems. He's fine. He's asleep again. He needed his diaper changed when he woke up. He took one bottle while you were gone. Burped well. Needed another diaper changed a little later." Myles informed me.

"Good! Thank you! You didn't stay outside too long with him did you? It's really cold, and it started snowing." I say.

"No, we didn't stay out too long." Myles answers.

"Good!" I say.

"Sue, Levi is obviously defective!" Myles says to me, exasperated.

"Did I read him right?" I ask Jack, with a confused look on my face. "Did he just say that Levi is defective?"

"That's what he said..." Jack says, just as confused as I am. "I'm not exactly sure what he means!"

"What do you mean defective?" Jack and I both ask, in confusion and with some concern.

"What I MEAN is that they say dogs are supposed to be chick magnets, but Levi didn't work! I was in the park, walking Levi and Matthew and not a single woman paid any attention to me at all!" Myles said forlornly.

"Aha, now I get it!" Jack says. "I should have known you had an ulterior motive when you offered to babysit Matthew and Levi! So, you were trying to use our dog to meet women?"

"So, what if I was?! Why should you care? You got to spend a romantic night out on the town with your beautiful wife!" Myles says.

"True!" Jack concedes. "And I thank you for that!" Jack says with a smile.

"It's not like it worked any way! As I said, no woman even acted slightly interested." Myles says, somberly.

"Myles, maybe the women thought you were already taken! You did have a baby with you. They probably assumed it was your baby and that you were already married." I say, trying to cheer him up.

"I suppose you're right." Myles says with a sigh.

Wow, this is even more serious than I thought! I really must get busy finding someone special for Myles before he becomes even more depressed!

Poor Myles -- perhaps he should have worn a sandwich sign -- babysitter for hire!
kav

So, Sue is on the lookout for someone for Myles. I wonder who she will think of.

Ah, Harvard, with a baby and a gorgeous dog ... any chick will be envying your wife. Sue, thinking cap, quick!

wonder who she has in mind

cath

How like Myles to think he can walk Levi, carrying Matthew, and women will come after him!! I love it!!!

Joy

Lucy and Tara have agreed to help me on my mission to find someone special for Myles. I'm not really sure Lucy could ever turn down a matchmaking opportunity and Tara's almost as bad, especially now that she's engaged to Bobby! There's just something about people who are in love; it makes them even more eager to help get other people together. Besides, both of them have a vested interest. They both are currently working with Myles and are hoping that finding him someone special will make him more bearable to work with! They both just finished with work, and are on their way over now.

Levi alerts me that someone is at the door. "Hey, how was work?" I ask, after I let Lucy and Tara in.

"It was a long, stressful day" Tara says with a sigh.

"Jack said to tell you he'll be a little late. He's got a few loose ends to tie up before he leaves. But he wanted me to remind you that he's bringing pizza home for dinner." says Lucy.

"Thanks! You want anything to drink before we get started?"

"Just water, please!" both Lucy and Tara say.

"Okay, coming right up!" I say, as I proceed to get them two glasses of water. "How have you been feeling, Luce?"

"Okay. The mood swings have pretty much subsided now, much to your brother's relief! I've been having strange cravings though, so he's been running to the store a lot to pick up stuff! He sure has been a trooper!" Lucy says.

"Glad to hear the mood swings are pretty much over!" I say.

"Yeah, you and everyone in the bullpen!" Tara says with a grin.

"What? I wasn't really THAT bad, was I?" Lucy asked, in surprise.

"Let's just say for a while there, we were afraid to ask you any questions, for fear of having our heads snapped off! We were also very glad that the FBI doesn't issue guns to their rotors!" Tara said with a laugh.

"Sorry! I guess I didn't realize I was that bad. It's amazing Paul put up with me!" Lucy said.

"Of course he put up with you, Luce! He loves you!" I say.

"I know! He's such a wonderful husband! But enough about me and my husband, how was your anniversary dinner, Sue?"

"Incredibly romantic! Jack made sure everything was absolutely perfect!"

"Oh, and he gave me this family ring," I say as I hold my hand so that both Tara and Lucy can see it. "It's my birthstone on one side, Jack's on the other, and then Matthew's in the center!"

"Oh, wow, that's so beautiful and sweet!" Luce and Tara say.

"I can't wait to be married!" Tara says with a dreamy look on her face.

"Speaking of which, how are the wedding plans going?" I ask.

"Planning a wedding is A LOT of work! So many decisions to make!" Tara says, in exasperation.

"Tell me about it!" both Luce and I say in unison.

"We've decided on a February wedding, and that's about all right now! We were debating between February and March, but it turns out Bobby's family can make it here from Australia in February, but not in March." Tara says.

"Oh my goodness! I'll be six months pregnant! Are you sure you want me to be in your wedding, Tara?" Lucy asks.

"Of course, I do! Sue was six months pregnant when she was in your wedding, and you still wanted her in your wedding, didn't you?" Tara asked.

"Well, of course, I did!" Lucy said.

"Well, then, it's settled!" Tara said.

So much to plan...weddings, babies, and of course the perfect woman for Myles. so he can have a wedding and babies too.

kav

so much planning to do

cath

Our team has moved right along with weddings, babies, etc., etc.!!! I love it!!!

Now, who can they find for Myles???

Joy

What a fun time for the team. I can just see these three ladies sitting around the table talking all of this out. I wonder what input Jack might have when he arrives with the pizza, which by the way is the perfect meal for planning matchmaking.

Joy, what makes you so sure that they are going to find someone for Myles? "

They say there's someone out there for everyone....

Tracy, this is a lot of fun. I love where the girls are now with their special men and babies and all that. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for the great comments, y'all!

"How about we get started on Operation Matchmaking Myles?" I say.

"Well, first thing's first!" says Tara, pen and paper in hand. "We should make a list of every woman who has shown any interest in Myles."

"That ought to be a short list!" Lucy says with a chuckle, interrupting Tara.

"Then, we can start listing any single women we know who might be a possibility, as well" Tara continues, unfazed by Lucy's interruption.

Both Tara and I look at each other, then Lucy, with grins. "What?" Lucy says in confusion.

"Well, obviously I'm not a possibility!" Lucy says, as realization dawns.

"What was it that attracted you to Myles, Luce?" Tara asks.

"I really don't know! I plead temporary insanity!" Lucy says with a grin.

"Lucy, that's not very nice!" I scold playfully.

"Well, he WAS a jerk! And if it weren't for you, I might have ended up married to him instead of your brother now! So, once again, let me thank you!" Lucy says.

"No problem!" I sign.

"Oh, what about Nora Albright, the author? She was very interested in him! I wonder what happened with her! Do you think you can work on tracking her down, Tara?" I ask.

"I'm on it, as soon as I can get home to my computer, I'll see what information I can come up with on her! She may very well be our best possibility!" Tara says, as she finishes writing Nora Albright at the top of the list.

Levi comes over and puts his paw on my leg to let me know that he has heard Jack drive up. I go to the door to let him in, knowing that his hands are full with the pizza he's brought home for dinner.

"Hey, honey!" I say to him, as I open the door.

"Oh, hey!" he says surprised, as he is fiddling with his keys to open the door.

"Here, I'll take those!" I say as I take the pizza boxes from him and put them on the coffee table.

"So, I hear your work day was long and stressful?" I say, as Jack and I head to the kitchen to get plates for our dinner.

"Yeah, I'm pretty worn out!" Jack says.

"I'm sorry!" I say, as I put my arms around his neck and kiss him.

"Well, maybe I'm not as worn out as I thought!" Jack says with a grin and a suggestive wink.

"Jack, we have guests!" I say, as I playfully slap his arm. After getting four plates for dinner, we head back to the living room to eat dinner with Tara and Lucy.

"So, you're busy with your matchmaking mission for Myles, huh?" Jack asks, as he rolls his eyes.

"Yes, and why are you rolling your eyes?" I ask.

"Oh, no reason!" he says. "I just still say it's an impossible mission!"

"Oh, what about that waitress at Bella Serra?" Tara asks.

"Tara, that was several years ago now. She probably doesn't even work there anymore. Besides, I think she may have lost all interest in him due to the 'pesky peccadillo pen incident'. Remember, her reaction when Myles walked into the restaurant with ink spots all over his face?" I say.

A huge grin spreads across all of our faces at the memory.

"THAT was so hilarious!" Jack exclaims, as he laughs and gives Lucy a high-five. "That was pure genius, Luce!"

"Well, it was pretty effective! You noticed he didn't bring up any of our peccadilloes again after that?" Lucy says.

"I still can't believe it took him so long to realize it!" Tara says.

"What about Candy in Transfers?" I ask.

"Candy in Transfers?" Tara asks, confused.

"Yes, remember when you all found out that I was possibly going to take another job, Myles said that he'd found it out from Candy in Transfers? He said that she had designs on him and that she thought he'd make quite a catch."

"Oh, yeah, I'll check with her on Monday." Lucy says.

"Well, since Myles is learning to sign, and he's picking it up so quickly, that give us more possibilities, as well. Like what about your friend Jennifer, the Assistant District Attorney?" Lucy asks.

"No, I don't think so!" I say.

"Why?" Lucy and Tara ask, confused.

"I made the mistake of mentioning to her how he treated me when I first started at the bureau."

"Oh, okay, well, what about Hannah?" Tara asks.

"I wouldn't even know how to get in touch with her, except through Randy. So, Lucy, you want to ask Randy about her?" I ask.

"I don't think so!" Lucy says.

"What, you aren't willing to take one for the team?" I ask.

"Ummm, no, besides, do you really think Myles would even consider dating someone who Randy Pitts dated?" Lucy asks.

"Probably not!" Tara and I both say in unison.

Levi puts his paw on my leg, once again. I look over at Jack who has just finished eating, and he says "Matthew's crying...I'll go check on him. You can continue on with your impossible mission." He then heads to the nursery, looking back briefly to grin at me.

"What about your friend Carol?" Lucy asks.

"She's definitely a possibility!" I say, as Tara adds her name to the list. "I haven't talked to her in a few weeks. I'll get in touch with her tomorrow. Can either of you think of anyone else now?"

"No!" both Tara and Lucy say.

"I need to go soon!" Tara says.

"Yeah, me too!" adds Lucy.

"And I need to go check on Jack and Matthew."

"Well, it's not a very long list!" Tara says. "But we have a few strong possibilities!"

"How about we get together again in a few days, and discuss what we've each found out?" I say.

"Sounds good! And I'll bring dinner!" Tara says.

"Thanks for the help! Have a good evening!" I say, as Tara and Lucy leave. I lock up and head for the bedroom.

As I approach Jack's and my bedroom, I abruptly stop at the doorway, in awe of the sight before me. Jack, exhausted from his long, hard day at work, has fallen asleep with Matthew lying upon his chest asleep. There is perhaps nothing more beautiful than a man, more specifically my husband, with his (or rather, our) baby lying upon his chest. I quietly turn around to retrieve my camera. Though I think this image, will be forever engrained in my mind -- I'm not taking any chances. I simply MUST get a picture!

I wanna see that picture!

Nice list. How about Arlene? Or Eleanor?

They came up with quite a good list of prospects.
That was definitely a Kodak moment that Sue encountered later in their room.

What a scrumptious ending to that post. Sounds like the girls might have to start thinking outside the box. I know -- Maybe they could take out an ad in the personals on Myles behalf, offering a trip to the Riveria for the lucky chosen lady!!!!!

kav

Eleanor might be a possibility!! I think I'm almost with Jack, what an impossible mission!!!

Jack asleep with Matthew asleep on his chest!! How cute is that!!!

Joy

maybe they should locate whatshername from the biolgy class!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sory can't remember name or eppy

cath

QUOTE(yhm @ Jul 25 2006, 08:46 PM)

I wanna see that picture!

Yhm, sorry, I'd show it to you if I could, but no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to pry it from Sue's hands! But trust me, it's a great picture!

QUOTE(yhm @ Jul 25 202:06, 08:46 PM)

Nice list. How about Arlene? Or Eleanor?

I thought about them, but, let's face it, they would have both been quickly rejected!

QUOTE(Kav @ Jul 26 2006, 07:32 AM)

What a scrumptious ending to that post.

Wow! Thanks, Kav!

QUOTE

Sounds like the girls might have to start thinking outside the box.  I know -- Maybe they could take out an ad in the personals on Myles behalf, offering a trip to the Riveria for the lucky chosen lady!!!!!    

kav

QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jul 26 2006, 08:13 AM)

maybe they should locate whatshername from the biolgy class!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sory can't remember name or eppy

cath

It was Katherine Proctor, 7th grade biology class, from the episode "Bad Girls". Yep, I did my research! I thought about her but figured that Myles would just reject her in retaliation for her rejecting him many years ago.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments! I'm really enjoying reading them!

Next story post should be up shortly.

Well, it’s been a few days since Tara, Lucy, and I last discussed matchmaking possibilities for Myles, and we’re meeting again tonight to discuss what we’ve each found out.

“Hey! How are you two doing?” I ask as they arrive.

“Okay!” they both answer.

“I brought Chinese food for dinner.” Tara says. “I hope that’s okay with everyone!”

“Sounds great!” both Lucy and I say.

Jack arrives home shortly after, and we all sit down to eat and discuss our findings.

“So, Tara, were you able to find out anything about Nora Albright?” I ask.

“Yes, I was. Unfortunately, for Myles, but fortunately for her, Nora Albright is now happily married.”

“Guess Harvard missed the boat on that one! You would think when a woman actually showed some interest in him, he might actually try to pursue her. Didn’t they actually go out on a date? Maybe, she lost interest in him after that.” Jack says.

“Jack!” I scold.

“I’m sorry, dear! I’ll stay out of it! Won’t even tell you I told you so!” he said with a smirk and a wink.

“Thanks, I appreciate that!” I say sarcastically.

“What did you find out about Candy in Transfers, Lucy?” Tara asks.

“Well, I talked to her, and she did confirm that she was interested in Myles years ago. But when he didn’t seem to take the hint that she was interested, she decided to move on with her life. She’s now happily engaged. She’s getting married in April.” Lucy says.

“Oh, and on the off-chance she was still there and that she might still be interested in Myles, I did check with Bella Serra. That waitress no longer works there, and nobody knows where she is now.”

“What about Carol, Sue?” Lucy asks.

“She’s dating.” I say.

“Really? Who? Anyone we know?” Lucy asks.

“Actually, she’s dating Troy!” I answer.

“I didn’t even know they knew each other!” Lucy says.

“They didn’t, until a few weeks ago. They met at an art exhibit. Troy had a painting on exhibit, and Carol had a sculpture on exhibit. They started talking to one another and really hit it off. They both love art and share other similar interests, as well. I hadn’t gotten a chance to talk to either of them for a few weeks, so I didn’t know until I contacted Carol a couple of days ago.” I said.

“Well, Troy should be really good for Carol. She deserves someone who will treat her really well after that monster of an ex-husband of hers!” Tara says.

“Yeah, I’m happy for Carol and Troy!” Lucy says.

“Me too! I think they’ll be very good for one another!” I say. “I’m just disappointed we haven’t found anyone for Myles. I’m worried about him! He seems very depressed lately.”

“I’m going to go check on Matthew.” Jack says, excusing himself.

He returns a few minutes later with Matthew, who is awake now.

“Is there anybody here who wants to hold Matthew?” he asks with a grin.

“Oh, I do!” both Lucy and Tara say in unison.

“I’ll let his Aunt Lucy hold him first and patiently wait my turn.” Tara volunteered.

Jack carefully hands Matthew to Lucy and then he joins me on the couch, as we watch with pride as both Lucy and Tara coo over our precious son.

“They sure do grow fast, don’t they?” Lucy asks. “Seems like it was just yesterday he was born. I can’t believe he’s already two months old!”

“Yep! And before you know it, Luce, you’ll be holding your own baby!” I say.

“I know!” Lucy says with one of her huge trademark grins, as she lovingly looks down at Matthew. “He just gets cuter all the time!” she says after looking up to make sure I can read her.

“Thank you!” I say and sign. “We think so, too!”

As I watch Lucy with my son, I think of what a great mother she’s going to be and how great a dad my brother will be. I’m looking forward to watching our children play and grow up together.

As Tara takes her turn holding Matthew, I also think of how much I look forward to the day when her and Bobby will be married and have children that mine and Jack’s and Lucy’s and Paul’s children can play with, as well.

I just hope that it won’t be too long before Myles can experience the joy of true love, marriage, and children, as well.

“Please, Lord, help me find someone for Myles! He’s been so depressed lately. He’s come a long way over the past few years, as you know. He’s so ready to settle down. He’s a good man now, and I believe he’ll make a good husband, and eventually, father, as well. Please give me wisdom that I may know Your will.” I silently pray.

“Well, as much as I would love to continue sitting here and holding and admiring sweet little Matthew, I need to get going.” Tara says, as she hands me Matthew. “Good night, little guy! Good night, Jack, Sue!”

“Yeah, I need to get going, too!” Lucy chimes in. “Good night, Matthew, Jack, Sue!”

“So, do you two have any other ideas for Myles now?” I ask.

“No, not right now! I’ll let you know if I come up with anything.” Lucy says.

“Ditto!” Tara adds. “What about you, Sue, any more ideas?”

“Well, Myles is accompanying me to a Deaf poetry reading tomorrow night, while Jack takes care of Matthew. Maybe he’ll meet someone there.”

Poor Myles - there has to be someone out there for him!!!

Joy

i like the carol/troy pairimg

cath

I liked the Carol / Troy pairing too. I'm hoping for more so please post soon.

Carol/Troy is a brilliant connection. But now you have me worried about Myles. How can it be so hard to find him someone special all his own????

kav

Thanks for the comments y'all! Glad you like the Carol/Troy pairing. Since Ivory asked so nicely, and because of the quickly approaching deadline, I'm posting again now. Kav, have faith!

Tracy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, Myles and I attended the Deaf poetry reading tonight. While I believe that he enjoyed himself, he didn’t meet a prospective special someone. I’m still not giving up hope yet, though!

As I head towards home after the event, I find myself inexplicably drawn once again to THAT church -- that church that I was drawn to over two years ago, that church where I met Deanne once again and my life was forever changed, for the better, by the hand of God.

As I enter the church with Levi, I see that there is only one other person present -- a woman and she seems upset. Her vivid red hair makes her hard to miss. I approach her cautiously, not wanting to startle her, but wanting to check that she is alright.

“Excuse me. Are you okay?” I ask as I stand next to the pew she is sitting on.

She doesn’t lift her head, but I can tell that she has spoken to me from her movement.

“I’m sorry! I’m deaf. I didn’t catch that, but if you look at me, I can read your lips.” I say.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” she says. “I didn’t realize!”

“That’s okay! You had no way of knowing. If you know how to sign, I sign, too.”

“I just said, yes, I guess I’m okay.” she says somberly, wiping tears from her face.

“Would you like someone to talk to, other than God, I mean? Not that God’s not a great listener, because He is! Sometimes it just helps to talk to a person, too.” I offer. “I’m Sue Hudson, by the way. This is my hearing dog, Levi.”

“He’s a beautiful dog!” she says. “Mind if I pet him?”

“Thank you! No, I don’t mind, and neither does he, go ahead.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, where are my manners? It’s nice to meet you Sue Hudson, I’m Leslie Warner” she says extending her hand to shake mine, she then moves down the pew and motions for me to sit next to her.

“Would you like someone to talk to?” I reiterate. “I may be deaf, but I’m a good listener.” I say with a smile.

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t want to burden you with my problems.” Leslie says.

“It’s no burden. God led me here for a reason. I’m not exactly sure why, but maybe it was to listen to your problems and see if there’s anything I can do to help.” I say.

“Thanks! I appreciate it! I’m new here, to Washington, D.C.” she says. “I’ve only been here a little over two weeks. I’ve had to adjust to a lot of changes recently. It’s kind of overwhelming at times!”

“I know the feeling!” I say, remembering when I first arrived here. “What brought you to Washington, D.C.?”

“Job” she briefly answers.

“Me, too.” I say.

“How long have you been here? And what do you do?” she asks.

“I moved here from Ohio between five and six years ago, to work with the FBI.”

“Wow! You work for the FBI?” she says, obviously impressed.

“Well, yes. I’m on maternity leave right now, and I’m not sure I’m going to return when it’s over. My husband, Jack, and I have a two month old son, Matthew. Would you like to see pictures of him?” I ask as I whip out my billfold, then pause. “I’m sorry, you probably aren’t interested.”

“No, I love babies! I’d love to see pictures!” she reassures me.

“This is his hospital picture.” I say.

“Oh, he’s adorable!” Leslie exclaims.

“He’s much cuter than the picture shows! And here he is at one month old. And here’s our Christmas family portrait. I have more, but I don’t want to bore you. I also have probably a thousand digital photos and snapshots at home! I get kind of carried away with taking pictures!”

“Wow! That’s your husband?” she asks blushing slightly. “Wow! Ummm...sorry!”

“That’s okay! I get that a lot! I’m very blessed! And he’s not only the best looking man on the face of the earth, he’s also romantic, kind, considerate, loving, caring, gentle, and about a million other things too! He’s a great husband!” I say.

“I hope I can find a wonderful husband like that one day soon!” Leslie says.

“I thank God every day for him and our son. But enough about me! We’re supposed to be talking about you! So what do you do?”

“I’m in Marketing. A few months ago, I decided to start looking for another job. I loved the people I was working with and for, but I hated the actual job. I decided I needed a change. So, I started a job search. I was offered a job at home, in Boston, and this job here. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made, but I prayed and prayed about it, and I thought the Lord meant for me to take the job here, but now I’m beginning to wonder if I was right.”

“Did you say that you’re from Boston?”

“Yes” Leslie says.

“You didn’t happen to go to Harvard, did you?” I ask.

“Yes! I graduated from Harvard Business School. Why?” she asks.

“Just curious” I say. Perhaps God led me here for more than one reason, I begin to think. “What’s making you wonder if you made the right decision?”

“Several things...first, the people I work with now. It’s not as if they’re rude, but sometimes it seems like they barely even notice I’m there. I guess I just miss the people I used to work with. I left all my family, my friends. I’ve been here over two weeks, and I still haven’t found a permanent place to live! I’m still staying in a hotel, close by work. And I haven’t made a single friend since I’ve been here!” she says.

“Yes, you have!”

“I have? Who?” she asks.

“Me!”

“Thank you! I appreciate you listening to my problems. You’ve been a lot of help. I’m starting to think maybe I did make the right decision after all!” she says.

“Listen, I need to get home soon, but here’s my number.” I say as I hand her a card with my number on it. "My husband and I could help you find a permanent place soon. We both know the area pretty well. Would you like to join us for dinner tomorrow night?" I ask her.

"That would be wonderful! I really appreciate it!" she says.

"No problem!" I say and sign.

"How do you sign that again?" she asks.

I show her how to sign it again, and she is successful after only one try. "Very good!" I say. "You're a quick study!"

"Thanks! I've always been fascinated with sign language. It's so beautiful! I learned a little when I was younger, from a cousin, who knew some. I know the alphabet, some of the numbers, the sign for thank you, the universal sign for 'I love you', and a few other signs I’ve picked up here and there. I would love to learn more, but I've never had the opportunity to take an actual class" she says.

"I would be happy to recommend a class here, if you would like!" I say.

"That would be wonderful!" she says.

"Now, I have a question for you..." I say.

"What?" she asks.

"How do you feel about sarcasm?" I ask with a grin.

"Huh?" she asks perplexed.

"How do you feel about sarcasm?" I repeat.

"Ohhh, well, I feel that sarcasm can be good, at times -- sometimes even necessary! Why do you ask?" she says.

"Oh boy, do I have someone I want you to meet!" I say.

"Who is that?" she asks, warily.

"A friend...a co-worker...do you mind if I ask him to join us for dinner tomorrow?" I ask.

"Him, huh?" she says, rolling her eyes. "You're one of those matchmaker types aren't, you?" she asks. "What have I gotten myself into?"

I giggle, and then say "You think I'm bad, you've got to meet my friend, and sister-in-law, Lucy! So, you mind if I ask my friend to join us for dinner?"

"Go ahead! Does this friend of yours have a name?" she asks.

"Myles" I answer and then I call Myles on my blackberry to ask him over for dinner tomorrow.

"Hmmm...Myles...nice name..." she says with a smile.

“Okay, it’s all set -- dinner, tomorrow night at 7 o’clock at my house. Call sometime tomorrow and I can give you directions.”

Leslie Leland ... gotta love how those Ls just roll off the tongue ...

loved it

this is looking hopeful

cath

I knew I could place my faith in your, tis*me! This does appear to be a match made in heaven...or will be when they meet.

kav

What a lovely turn of events. Leslie sounds delightful.

Thanks for the comments!

Myles and Leslie are both on their way over to have dinner with Jack and me tonight. I have a very good feeling about the two of them. I think they may very well be a match made in heaven.

Myles arrives first, with roses in hand. “I thought it might be nice to have some roses on the dinner table” he says.

“Thank you! I’ll go put them in a vase!” I say, and then go to the kitchen to find a vase to put them in.

I return to set the vase of flowers on the dining room table, just as Jack is answering the door to Leslie.

“Hi, Leslie! Leslie Warner, this is my husband Jack!”

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you” Jack says, as he shakes her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Jack” Leslie says.

“Can I take your coat?” Jack asks.

“Oh, yes, please!” Leslie responds, as she takes her coat off and hands it to Jack. “Thank you!”

“Leslie Warner, I’d like you to meet Myles Leland III. Myles, this is Leslie.”

“Hi, nice to meet you, Myles” Leslie says.

“Nice to meet you, Leslie” Myles responds.

“Wow! What beautiful roses!” Leslie exclaims.

“Myles brought them for us!” I say.

“What kind of roses are they?” she asks.

“Crimson Myles roses...they’re a hybrid Myles grows.” I say.

“Wow! I’m impressed! They really are beautiful!” she says.

“Thank you!” Myles says humbly.

“Myles, Leslie just moved here from Boston. She graduated from Harvard Business School” I say.

“Oh, really? I’m from Boston! I graduated from Harvard.” Myles says, impressed.

“Dinner is ready everyone!” I say.

We all sit down to enjoy dinner and conversation. By the end of the evening, it’s as if we have all been friends with Leslie for years. Myles and Leslie really hit it off! I had mentioned to Myles that Leslie was interested in taking ASL, and he offered to take her to his class tomorrow night. He also offered to help Jack and I find Leslie a permanent place to live.

Boy, that little church is a place of miracles, a little more than the rest!!!

Leslie sounds wonderful, and perfect for Myles!!!

Joy

Myles and Leslie seem to be hitting it off well.

looks like a match made in heaven

cath

As I suspected, this was by far my favorite Christmas to date! Jack and I, not to mention both sets of Matthew’s grandparents and his aunts and uncles, biological and “honorary”, all went over board with presents for Matthew! He probably has enough clothes, toys, stuffed animals, and books to open a small department store! Of course, I’m over-exaggerating, at least a little! There’s nothing quite like celebrating a baby’s first Christmas with them, especially when it’s your own baby! Jack loved that I was able to find the matching hockey jersey for Matthew! We both look forward to taking the family portrait with us all wearing our jerseys, though we don’t want to rush it! It will come all too soon! You don’t even want to know how many pictures I took! Let’s just say it was an embarrassingly large number!

For New Year’s, Jack and I plan on having a small get together at our house. It’s going to just be an informal party with appetizers and snack food to ring in the New Year with the team. Paul and Lucy, Bobby and Tara, D and Donna, and Myles and Leslie will be here. Myles and Leslie are now officially dating, and what a stunning couple they make! Myles asked me how I knew that he’d always been partial to red heads, and I told him the truth – I had no idea!

This will be the first time that most of the team will have the opportunity to meet Leslie, though they’ve heard plenty about her at work. True to our prediction, Myles has become much more bearable to work with, at least according to Tara and Lucy.

Myles was able to quickly help Leslie find an apartment that wasn’t too far from her work place. And she’s quickly learning sign language, having joined Myles in his class for the last two weeks. She has now come to the conclusion that she is definitely exactly where God wants her to be.

No -- but God did!

kav

I'm so glad you're taking such good care of our Myles...glad he found some happiness!

I am enjoying this, tis*me. Looks like Leslie is so right for our favorite Bostonian.

Okay, so I decided I'm going to go ahead and post the end now. I want to thank everyone for reading this story and leaving such wonderful replies! I really appreciate it!

I hope you like it!

Thanks,
Tracy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Five months later...

My baby Matthew is now seven months old. My, how time flies! He’s growing like a weed! He’s looking more and more like his daddy every day!

Bobby and Tara have been happily married for three months now. They had a beautiful Valentine's Day wedding. Both Lucy and I shared Matron of Honor duties. A cousin of Tara's was a bridesmaid. Jack, of course, was Bobby's Best Man, while D and Myles were groomsmen. Like I was at her wedding, Lucy was six months pregnant at Tara's wedding, and she had to wear high-heeled shoes. She kept complaining incessantly about it to me, until I reminded her that she did the same thing to me when I was six months pregnant and her Matron of Honor! She then apologized profusely to me for having put me through that pain!

Jack and I have a new nephew, and Matthew has a new cousin, and playmate. Lucy and my brother Paul's baby was born just last week. They named him Zachary William Thomas. They both really liked the name Zachary, and its meaning -- "God remembers". The name William was chosen because it was Lucy's father's name. Zachary is an adorable baby boy (not as adorable as Matthew, of course -- shhhhhhh, don't tell Paul and Lucy I said that though) with lots of curly black hair. Thankfully, Lucy's labor wasn't as long as mine, just eight hours as opposed to my twenty-six hour labor!

I'm hoping with this baby, the labor doesn't last as long as it did with Matthew, though he was most definitely worth it! Oh, yeah, I found out, just last week, the day after Lucy gave birth to Zachary, that Jack and I are expecting our second child! It was an unexpected blessing! We weren't planning on having another child so soon, but God had other plans, and we couldn't be happier! To everyone's surprise, the next day, Tara found out that her and Bobby are expecting their first child! So, the race is on to see which one of us will give birth first! I think the guys in the Hoover building are already placing odds on the outcome!

I decided not to go back to work after my maternity leave was over. Occasionally, I provide assistance, on an as-needed basis, but my work as mother and wife is completely fulfilling to me, and I haven't regretted my decision for one minute. Maybe one day, when our kids are in school, I'll consider entering the work force again, but for now, I'm perfectly content. Jack's salary is sufficient for us to live quite comfortably. And my co-workers, who are basically family and have been for quite some time now, well, I don't miss them at all, because we see each other almost as much as we did when we worked together, sometimes more. Our lives are becoming more intertwined all the time, with each marriage and birth in the group.

As for the mission I set out on last year, it was more than successful! Jack had deemed it impossible, something I like to remind him of whenever he gets a little too cocky for his own good. Myles and Leslie are perfect for each other! She brings out the best in him, and he treats her like a queen. After ringing in the New Year together, they started spending more and more time with one another -- taking more ASL classes together, going to social events together, gardening together, going to church together, etc. Myles proposed last month, and Leslie quite happily accepted. They are in the process of making wedding plans.

To be honest, I really had very little to do with finding that special someone for Myles, it was God's handiwork. I was just heeding God's still small voice leading me to that church once again, where I met Leslie and became friends with her. All I really did was introduce them. But if Myles and Leslie want to name their first-born child after me, in gratitude for my efforts, who am I to object? Unless, of course, their first-born child is a boy, because a boy named Sue would just be cruel!

"Hi, sweetheart!" Jack says, after arriving home from work. "Look what we got in the mail!"

"What is it?" I ask him.

"An invitation to Myles and Leslie's wedding." Jack responds.

"Oh, it is, is it?" I say with a smirk.

"What?" he asks, as he rolls his eyes.

"Oh, nothing!"

"Okay, you want me to admit it again, don't you? I was wrong! You were right! It was NOT an impossible mission! There, are you happy?" he asks with a smile on his face.

"Very!" I answer. "You see, honey, nothing is impossible with God!"

THE END

Congrats, Tracy, on the completion of another wonderful, heartwarming tale.

Great job, Tracy. What a tender story. I'll be looking for more writing from you for sure.

Great story! And Matthew will be a big brother soon!

Isn't this team great?!

Tracy, this is an absolutely delightful story!!! I love Leslie and I think she's perfect for Myles!!!

Thanks for sharing once again!!!

Joy

a beautiful ending

loved it

cath

Great ending!!! Nothing is impossible with God -- so much for Jack's impossible mission. Love how everyone is so settled in happy futures.

kav

Great story It would be cruel to name a boy sue. you got it from that song right. This definately was a fun story with lots of marriages and babies.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful replies!
Stephanie, yes, I put that in as a reference to Johnny Cash's song "A Boy Named Sue".

so cute.
love how sue was able to find someone for myles.
bet he'll great a father...especially since he makes a great uncle.