I tried to wait until I finished "We Never Sleep", but since I couldn't tonight (sleep or wait), I'm posting this little beginning of a story that I hope makes you smile and maybe laugh a little. Merry Christmas!


Miracle on 34th Street

“To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.” ~ Walter Chrysler

Quicken didn’t lie. Tara went over her checking and savings accounts again and again. There wouldn’t be enough money to fulfill her promise to herself. Between her car limping into the shop two days ago to the tune of $1500 and her sister needing to borrow another $500 so Tara’s nieces and nephews could have Santa deliver a bounty of presents on Christmas morning, there simply wouldn’t be enough.

For a fleeting second, she considered abandoning her promise. After all, she was the only one who knew about it. No one was hurt if she didn’t follow through. Then, she caught herself. No one was hurt except them. The ones she wanted to do this for. The ones who could have been him so easily 25 years ago if things hadn’t been changed.

Tara raked her hand through her whispy tendrils and sighed. “Okay, Tara girl, there’s only one thing to do. You’ve got to make a little miracle.”

i wonder what tara's promise is
update soon.

Wonderful!! You are starting a Christmas story. It sounds like it is going to be delightful.

That's me..........waiting for you to go on with this!!!

Jill

This is one of my favorite movies. I can't wait to see what you do with the title - nothing short of miraculous I'm sure!

It makes me wonder what her promise was and who he is.

This is me
Bouncing off the walls in glee
Please stop this painful spree
by posting more of your storee

kav

Great start! Looking forward to more!

great start, glad you couldn't wait to post

cath

Shall we expect more?

Part 1

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keeping secrets when you work at the FBI is virtually impossible, but Tara knew she had to do it. Her activities would be seriously frowned upon if her superiors found out. Still, she smiled as she filled out the forms on her computer, the white ball on the end of her Santa hat bobbing with in time with the carol playing in her headset. “Desperate times called for desperate measures,” she said quietly.

“And just how desperate are you, Tara?” Bobby asked. She jumped and he grinned. “Whoa, sheila. Hold your reindeers.” He perched on the corner of her desk. “Well?”

Tara hit send and closed the window. She removed the headset but forgot about the Santa hat and the two got tangled. Bobby immediately helped her free her from the wires and plopped the hat back on her head. “Like I said, ‘How desperate are you?’ Desperate enough to go out for pizza with me tonight.”

“Huh?”

“Pizza. You know the stuff they make in those big round pans with cheese on top.”

She giggled. “I’m sorry, Bobby. I was distracted.”

“Really? I never would have guessed. Now, are you going to wound me further or are you going to say yes to the pizza. I’ll throw in the Christmas movie of your choice.”

“Pizza sounds great, but are you sure you want to watch ‘Charlie Brown’s Christmas’ with me.”

He gave her a genuine dimpled grin and a wink. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll pick you up at 7:00.”

As he went back to his desk, she heard a beep signaling her she had a new e-mail. Clicking on the icon, she was surprised to see a reply from forms she’d just sent. She pushed back her chair, and slipped her arms into her coat.

“Where you headed?” Bobby asked, looking up in surprise.

“Tell Jack I took my lunch hour early. Call if you need me.”

Bobby glanced at his watch. “But it’s only 10:30.”

“So, I’ll be really hungry tonight. Be ready to buy a lot of pizza.”

He watched her leave and knew she was up to something. He had sensed from the moment he’d arrived that morning. He fought the temptation to sneak over to her computer and see what message she’d just gotten. “It won’t do any good,” he told himself. ”Tara probably has that thing locked more securely than Fort Knox. Besides, it’s December and people have a right to an occasional secret at Christmas. I know I do.”

He’d ask her tonight or maybe tomorrow what was going on if she still remained so illusive and jumpy. Chuckling to himself, he wondered when he began to feel most of the pages of his calendar, and he wondered how long he could go on with his own illusion that they were just friends. How Jack and Sue had done it so long, he‘d never know. Pizza nights and walks in the park that only ended with a hug good night were fast becoming not enough. No, somewhere along the way, his friendship with Tara had caught on fire – at least for him.



Tara double checked the doors to make sure they were locked as she drove through “this” part of town. Generally, she only came down here if she needed to talk to a snitch. But today, she was coming for an entirely different reason. She’d chosen the location because it was the least likely place to run into one of her team members. They’d never see her. They’d never know.

Pulling into the parking space, she applied a fresh coat of lipstick, checked her gun, and exited her car with a prayer that it would still be there when she came out. She made a mental note to take a cab next time. She hurried inside and found the personnel office.

“Hello, I’m Tara Wiliams. I have an appointment with Judy Camp.”

The woman behind the desk eyed her up and down and whistled. “Honey, are you sure you want to be here?”

“Yes, I am. Is Judy in? Could you tell her I’m here.”

“I’m Judy. You don’t think they’d give me a secretary, do you? Go on. Have a seat. Let me just pull up you application.” Tara marveled at how fast the mahogany colored woman’s hands flew over the keys on her keyboard despite her long pink nails. “Do you really work for the FBI, honey?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m a federal agent.”

“Then, what in heaven’s name are you doing looking for a job at Value-mart?”

Hooray! A Christmas story from Lorna!!! I can't wait for more!

what is she doing....and bobby you are so smitten....

A very nice start, can't wait to read more ...

Why does Tara need money that badly???

I'm all excited too, Oreo !!!!!!!!

And what's Bobby's Christmas secret, huh? You didn't think you could slip that one by, did you?

kav

Intriguing start Oreo! Can't wait to find out all about it!

It sounds to me like someone is trying to make a little extra Christmas money.

I am so excited Oreo!!!! I can't wait to find out all the secrets

Em

Thank you all for sharing your excitement with me about this story. I promise that there will be more laughs than tears.

Part 2

”Miracles, in a sense of phenomena we cannot explain, surround us on every hand; life itself is the miracle of miracles.”~C.S. Lewis

Shifting uneasily in the Value-Mart personnel office, Tara tugged at her skirt. “I had some unexpected expenses and need an extra job to buy Christmas gifts. It’s very important.”

“But here?” Judy looked down on the floor and killed something with her foot.

Tara smiled weakly. “I know it’s out of the way for me a bit, but believe me, this location suits me fine.”

“Do you have a gun?”

Tara blinked in surprise. “Yes, ma’am. Is that a plus or minus?”

Judy laughed. “I’d say around here, it’s a plus. Listen, Miss Williams . . .”

“Tara.”

She held up Tara's application. “We’re not in the habit of checking with IBM, Cal Tech or United States senators for job references, Tara. Can’t you see how overqualified you are? With this resume, couldn’t you get a job just about anywhere? Maybe NASA is hiring.”

Tara giggled. “I don’t want a job anywhere. I just want a simple seasonal job that would understand if my day job needed me. I don’t want to crack any cases, design any computer programs, shoot anyone, and I certainly don’t want to go to the moon. I just want to do a job and get a check. Ms. Camp, I’ve made a promise and I don’t want to break it. Trust me. I need this job. You won’t be disappointed with the quality of my work.”

Judy shook her head and clicked her fingers on the desk in thought. “Okay, what can it hurt? You start tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Is that a problem?”

“No, no, it’s fine. It’s just sooner than I was expecting, but that’s great. Thank you very much.”



The doorbell rang at promptly as 7:00, but Tara wasn’t ready yet. She hopped to the door trying to get her second shoe on and nearly fell into Bobby’s arms when she opened the door. He caught her and set her upright.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t be. The sheila’s are always falling for me.” His dimples deepened with his cocky smile and Tara feared she might fall into his arms again.

She rolled her eyes and turned away. “Do you mind waiting in the living room for a minute? I need to finish my make up.”

“I’ll wait, but you look beautiful without it.”

“Thanks, but just in case I meet the man of my dreams tonight, I’d like to be prepared.”

She didn’t see how her words stung him since she was already half-way down the hall when she said them. He began to second guess his plans immediately. What if she didn’t feel the same way? After all, he’d read Darcy wrong. Maybe, when it came to women his antennae was bent. ”Get a grip,” he mentally said, beginning his pep talk. “You two have joked like that for two months. How would she know you planned to kick it up a notch? How would she know you’ve already declared her the woman of your dreams, you drongo, since you haven’t let her in on your little secret.”

Feeling a little embarrassed that his conversation with himself had dragged on so long, he sat down on the couch. On the coffee table before him, Tara had papers scattered. He absentmindedly picked one up. It was her checking statement. He knew he shouldn’t pry, but he couldn’t help himself. “That’s what you get, luv, when you leave things lying around the house with a special agent coming over,” he mumbled. “We tend to be the naturally inquisitive sort.” He whistled when he saw the amount she’d had to spend to get her car fixed. “Poor Tara. That had to hurt.”

He dropped the paper when he heard her coming. “Ready? I’m starving.”

“That’s what happens when you eat lunch at 10:30.”

“Eat at 10:30?” she asked. “Oh yeah, when I left. But the truth is I didn’t eat anything.”

He took her coat from her hands and held it while she stuck her arms in the sleeves. “You haven’t eaten all day? What were you doing?”

She tilted her head to the side in thought. “I think I grabbed a bagel this morning. Yep, it was blueberry. It’s been a busy day. Now, are you going to feed me or what?”

He placed a hand on the small of her back and nudged her towards the open door. “Your wish is my command. Your chariot awaits.”

mmmmm very curious, very curious indeed.....

I'd think it would be funny if both Bobby and Tara would get a job there to make some extra money. It would be cute, too.

For some reason I had the feeling that I could see the wheels start to turn in Bobby's mind after he had a look at her checking statement. Please tell us more.

That was a great Lewis quote.

Poor Bobby, doubting his ability to attract and keep a woman! And I'm so glad that he's decided to

uh-oh. That's a very good point! I think Tara's in for trouble -- but the very best kind!

kav

Ooh! yay, a story from you!!!!!

oh bobby...you shouldn't snoop...that's not right.......i'm so happy that your writing a new story

I'm so excited for Bobby to "kick it up a notch" !

Em

With all these smiley's running around I feel like I'm getting a work-out while I read. This is shaping up to be a great story!

Great story so far...can't wait to see where you take this!

I wonder what this promise is that Tara has to fill...

Please post more soon!!

BLT

I'll take Bobby trouble for $200 Alex....




I'll take Bobby trouble over car trouble any day of the week.... bring it on!

Part 3

”Out of difficulties grow miracles.” ~ Jean De La Bruyere

Mittened hands flew to Tara’s face at the sight before her. “Bobby!” she squealed. “What’s this?”

“Your chariot. Well, actually it’s mine, but I did it for you. Do you like it?”

She stood transfixed before his car which was wrapped with layers of colored lights. Slowly, she walked around it. The doors, the windows, almost every inch was lit. “How did you do this? There aren’t any outlets in my parking lot.”

“Battery operated strings of lights.”

“Are we going to drive it that way?”

“We don’t need to. We have everything we need inside. Ready to get in?” Using his electric start, the engine roared to life. He reached in through a gap he’d left open on the window and pressed the button to lower it the rest of the way. “Sorry. The only way in is through this.” Before she could argue, he lifted her by the waist and directed her to put her feet through the window. Tara wiggled inside, although her giggling made the task nearly impossible. Watching Bobby fold his long legs inside only managed to produce more laughter from both of them.

Bobby quickly put up the window and turned up the heat. “I thought that would be easier than it was,” he admitted as he draped a blanket over both of them.

Tara rubbed her face. “I’ve been smiling so hard, my cheeks hurt. Thank you, Bobby. This is so sweet.”

“It’s your first Christmas surprise.”

“First?”

“They’ll be more as long as you agree.”

“To what?”

He suddenly felt nervous. He told himself the timing didn’t feel right. “I’ll tell you later.” Reaching over the back seat, he brought up a box of pizza. “It might be a little cold.”

She opened the box and took out a piece. “Actually, it’s still warm. Now, if you say you have a battery operated TV in the glove compartment, I think I’ll faint.”

“Do you doubt me, Tara?”

Again he reached into the backseat. This time he brought up a portable 9 inch DVD player and propped it on the dash. When he turned the machine on and pushed play, strains of Schoeder’s Beethoven filled the car.

“Charlie Brown, pizza, Christmas lights, and a great friend. What more could a girl want?” She snuggled under his arm and began to enjoy the movie, marveling at why Charlie Brown would ever go to Lucy for advice.

Bobby gulped down a slice of pizza and looked down at the woman tucked beside him. The glow of colored lights circling the car’s windows played on her creamy skin. Just as Charlie Brown selected the scrawny tree, he squeezed her shoulder. “Is that all I am, Tara? A friend?”

“What?” she asked. She pulled away from him and turned in her seat so she could see him. She was aware of his eyes on her face, then his finger traced a line over the curve of her cheek, and finally came to rest under her chin. For a long, exquisite moment they stared into one another’s eyes.

“I want more than Charlie Brown, pizza, Christmas lights and friendship,” he said softly.

“What do you want?” she croaked breathlessly.

“This.” His thumb grazed her lower lip. Then, as the Peanuts gang began to sing around the miraculously transformed spindly tree, his lips met hers, deliciously washing them both into a sea of sensation and an unwrapped future.

-sighs contently as she melts into a puddle- I don't think she'll argue much after that kiss.

oh wow...that was beautiful

I must admit, I have never thought of Charlie Brown as a romantic television special. But this post has me seeing it in a whole new light. The only thing more romantic than Bobby, Tara and Charlie Brown would be Jack, Sue and Charlie Brown!

Kim

**SIGH** love you!

melt !
that was so cute and perfect

So sweet and lovely!!

This was an amazing closing sentence!!!

And unwrapped presents are the best!!!

Jen

I love Charlie Brown! And your story too.

That was great!!!

Oreo, I was sad about We Never Sleep ending and then I found this!! I'm happy again!! Another story from you!! I love it!!!

"A sea of sensation and an unwrapped future" - that gives me delightful shivers!!!

Joy

I think I should just leave the mop by my computer... there's no sense putting it away just to get it back out again after a delicious post like that.

Well, Bobby, you didn't run around the bushes too long ... good for you !!!

And please, keep being nosy, may wou'll be able to help Tara.

Glad to see that you don't take after your best mate there Bobby! (clears throat) Ahem Jack....

Great story....can't wait for more!

BLT

I'm thinking that Tara is never going to be able to listen to Schroeder's Beethoven in quite the same way again.

Part 4

“We can see a thousand miracles around us every day. What is more supernatural than an egg yolk turning into a chicken?” ~S. Parkes Cadman

Somewhere around five in the morning, Tara came down from her cloud long enough to realize that what happened last night made today very complicated. She switched from swooning to worrying in a matter of seconds.

Switching on the table lamp, she sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes with her palms. Her mind on overdrive, she pummeled herself with unanswered questions. What were she and Bobby doing? They were special agents in the same unit – a unit which was more family than co-workers. This wasn’t just about what they wanted. Was it fair to divide their team up on a whim? She was no Darcy. Bobby’s feelings could change. They probably would change. After all, how could someone like him stay interested in her? What if they went through all the transfers and then realized it wouldn’t work? What if it did work? Who would have to leave? She sighed heavily. It would have to be her. She had cyber units trying to recruit her on a regular basis. At least they’d all be in the same building.



The phone beside her bed rang and she snatched it up. “Williams.”

“Morning, luv. Did I wake you?”

“Sadly, no.”

“Something bothering you?”

“What are we doing, Bobby? This is against the rules.”

“And since when has a little old rule ever stopped me,” he teased.

“Bobby, I’m serious.”

“I know you are. You ready for another surprise?”

“What?”

“Come open the front door, and I’ll show you.”

Throwing on her robe, she smoothed her hair with her hands and padded to the front door. She looked through the peep hole and saw the Australian balancing two coffee take-out cups, a bag of pastries, and a cell phone. She quickly unlocked the door and swung it open. He handed her the bag of pastries.

“I can’t believe you’re here. It’s not even six in the morning.”

He kissed her cheek. “I knew you wouldn’t be sleeping. You’d be worrying.”

Shock registered on her face. “How did you know that?”

“I know you,” he said casually as he dropped to the sofa and propped his feet on the coffee table.

She knocked them off and sat down beside him. The aroma of his aftershave mixed intoxicatingly with the coffee and Tara had to force her mind to focus. “We can’t do this,” she blurted out.

“You’re dumping me already?” he said with a cocky grin.

“You know what I’m talking about.”

He leaned forward and removed an apple turnover from the bag. “Here. You eat. I’ll talk.” She took a bite and the flaky pastry crumbled in her hand. “Some of the best things in life are pretty messy, aren’t they?” She rolled her eyes at him, but couldn’t respond since her mouth was full. He laughed and continued. “Tara, you can relax. I already talked to the assistant director.”

“You did?” she mumbled, spewing crumbs on him.

Chuckling, he brushed off the bits of pastry. “Yes, I did, and I’ve got good news. Apparently the no dating rule has changed. The ACLU recently won a case against a big city policy department that basically said that employers can’t dictate what employees do in their off time in their relationships unless they’ve proven to interfere with their performance on the job.”

“You mean . . .”

“That we can date.”

“What about Jack?”

“Do you want to date Jack, too?” he teased.

Tara slugged his arm. “Did you tell him this?”

“Nope, Sparky’s got to make the choice for himself.”

“I don’t understand. You know he wants Sue.”

Bobby “He wants the FBI and he wants the girl. At some point, he’s got to decide if he’s willing to give it all up for her,” he paused and his voice deepened. “I know because I made that choice already.”

Tara gulped down a swig of coffee. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes to seeing me tonight. I’ll make you dinner.”

Tara’s face fell. “Bobby, I can’t tonight. I already have plans.”

“May I ask what they are?”

“No,” she said more sternly than she meant to. She tried to soften her words by adding, “It’s Christmas. It’s the season of secrets.”

“Fair warning, luv, I’m no good with secrets. You can ask my mum. I always snuck a peek at my presents whenever I could.”

Oh, now this is intriguing that Bobby made the decision to not tell Jack. I think Bobby is right that Jack had to decide for himself.

Woohoo Another Bobby and Tara story! I love the date Bobby set up! That was wonderful.

awww loving this i want a bobby

oh Bobby is just adorable.....*awwww*