oh... you know me... I may not be able to write life threatening... oh my goodness who took Tara... kind of angst... but my stories always have some strange relationship angst between them... But then again... as you also know... their love is deeper than the ocean... Think that song by Randy Travis... Happy Wednesday before Christmas!
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Wednesday 12/13… 9 am… bullpen

Tara walked into the bullpen feeling a bit blue. Although Bobby and she had wordlessly apologized for Sunday afternoon on Monday, she still felt a tad out of sorts about the whole thing. There was something he wasn’t telling her. So, late last night, she’d figured out what they needed to do. She needed to offer him the rest of her childhood details. By removing that stumbling block from their relationship, maybe he’d open up about his secret.

She smiled briefly as she looked around and saw she was alone. She didn’t want anyone to see her with the bulky package she’d brought to work. She had no problem owning up to who brought it all in, she just didn’t want them to see her fixing his desk. She quickly arranged it on his desk, giggling when she recalled the look on the cashier’s face as she checked out last night. She couldn’t wait to see Bobby’s reaction.

Sue and Lucy came in together, fingers flying rapidly as they finished a conversation they’d started in the car. Levi skidded to a stop in front of Tara, waiting for permission to approach. Tara knelt down and gave him a big grin, giggling when he inched closer and started licking her face. “Oh, hey Tara.” Lucy said. “You’re here early.” She commented with a frown.

Tara turned her face up, eyes closed, trying to get out of Levi’s tongue range. “Oh, well…” she shrugged while still giggling. “I haven’t been sleeping well this week.” She admitted.

Sue frowned. “That’s unusual for you.” She pointed out. “Are you sure you’re not coming down with something?” she asked, concerned.

Tara nodded. “No, I’m fine.” She looked down at Levi and scratched behind his ears. “I just had a bit of an argument with Bobby on Sunday and it’s been driving me slightly nuts every time I try to sleep.”

“Is everything ok?” Lucy asked.

“Sure!” Tara grinned. “It’s A-OK!” she chirped, motioning towards his desk. They looked over and looked back at her with brows raised.

“And just what is that?” Sue asked.

Tara smiled again. “That!” she pointed. “Is just a little something I like to call ‘Operation Chips Ahoy!’ It was something we’d talked about doing at Thanksgiving but haven’t gotten around to actually doing.” She told them.

D, Myles and Jack’s voices floated down the hall into the bullpen. Lucy and Tara looked at each other and giggled. Sue looked at them confused until Lucy signed that they guys were coming. Sue giggled as well and waited for them to come in. they entered the bullpen and stopped short, staring at the pile of packages on Bobby’s desk. Myles rolled his eyes and continued on to his desk. Jack raised a brow at it and shook his head, choosing to go and kiss Sue and give her a quick hug before sitting down. D looked at Bobby’s desk and then over at Tara, surmising that she’d been responsible. “So, Tippy…. It’s a little early for holiday gifts, isn’t it?”

Tara grinned. “Maybe. But that’s not a holiday gift.” She told him.

D smirked and continued on to his desk, settling in to wait for Bobby’s reaction. He didn’t have to wait long before they heard Bobby’s cheerful voice belting ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ on his way to the bullpen.

Bobby walked into the bullpen and grinned at them all. “G’day Mates!” he said cheerfully.

Jack arched a brow in his direction. “So, Crash…?” he asked. “What’s put you in such a good mood today?”

Bobby grinned wider. “Do I have to have a reason for being in a good mood?” he asked. “It’s not like I’ve been in the same mood as Myles lately.” He shot a look at his desk partner.

Myles rolled his eyes and took a deep breath as if he was going to protest, but Lucy interrupted. “It’s true Myles.” She glared at him and he lowered his gaze back to his desk. “But that doesn’t excuse you from explaining why you’re in a good mood today, Bobby.”

Bobby shook his head. “Nope, don’t have to share my reasons. Let’s just settle for the fact that Christmas is 12 days away and good on ya.” He smiled. He looked over at Tara. “So, my true love… how are you on the first day of Christmas?”

Tara smiled. “I’m good.” She stretched up and brushed a kiss on his cheek. Bobby smiled down on her as she turned and walked over to the coffeepot.

He turned to his desk and looked at it for a moment. “So, who decided that my desk should be adorned with packages of all sizes today?” he asked his team. Bobby was quite amused. He glanced quickly and counted 10 packages, wrapped in festive paper and adorned with bows and ribbons.

Lucy and Sue exchanged a knowing glance and looked over at Tara, who shook her head at them. “I guess you’ll never know until you start opening packages.” Lucy told him. Sue nodded her agreement and Levi padded over to nudge him towards his seat.

Bobby smiled. “Guess that’s the truth.” He said, as he sat down at his desk and reached for the first package. He fingered the wrapping for a while, noticing that it was printed with a Mickey Mouse theme. Bobby looked quickly at Tara and she stared back at him with a nonchalant look. Bobby smirked and undid the tape on the package. He started to chuckle when he saw that he was holding a package of milk chocolate dipped Chips Ahoy. “Tara luv…” he trailed off in a fit of laughter as he reached for the next package. Bobby opened all of the packages on his desk and sat there looking at the array of cookies and hot chocolate on his desk. “Wow Tara. I had no idea that they actually made this many kinds of Chips Ahoy.” He looked at her.

The team crowded around, puzzled as to the cookies he’d been given. “Ok, so you’ve given him cookies and hot chocolate…” Jack started, scratching his head. “Why?” he looked from Bobby to Tara and back again.

Bobby chuckled and reached for Tara’s hand. He pressed a kiss to the back of it and looked up at her while answering Jack. “Well, see… it’s like this. You used to be able to bite into a Chips Ahoy and always hit a chip. But lately… you can bite in and not hit one. So, Tara and I decided that we’d run our own comprehensive study into the chip ratio of the cookies.” He looked back at Jack. “And yes, it’s a private party so no, you can’t come help, Sparky.” He grinned.

The team laughed and went back to their desks. Tara wrapped her arms around Bobby’s shoulders as she stood behind him. “So, I was thinking tonight would be a good night for our investigation.” She whispered in his ear. Bobby turned his head and looked at her, patiently waiting for her to finish. “We have some other things to talk about tonight.” She kissed his lips quickly. “Like the rest of my childhood?” she suggested.

Bobby pursed his lips and slowly nodded. “I think you’re right. Cookies and hot chocolate will be a necessity for us to have that conversation.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips. “Deal.” He murmured as she pulled away and headed back to her desk.

That was all just so cute! Loved it!

Cute! I'm a little worried about their talk, though...


Ornella

Yippeee!!!! aaalways puts me in a good mood:)
hope for a lots of fuzzies after their little talk

hmmm.... dunno about a timeline for fuzzy wuzzies after their little chat... talk to the muse! However I will prepare you for TARA ANGST! tissues are a requirement as you read the next two posts... the 2nd of which will be on Friday... that is if how many times I had to take off my glasses and rub my eyes while writing them... and when I re-read them to make sure I'm still writing in the proper attitude... It will get better though and really fuzzy.... If you're looking for hope for the future, re-read Christmas Carol... don't forget about the 'previews' that you got there....
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12/13… 8 pm… Tara’s

Tara and Bobby settled down on her couch, the packages of cookies between them and hot chocolate in their mugs. Bobby reached for a cookie and bit into it. He chewed thoughtfully for a moment. He wrinkled his nose at her. “Nope, no chip in that bite.” He said.

Tara grinned and grabbed her own cookie and took a bite. “Well… guess what?” she asked as she chewed. “Got one.” She frowned slightly as she looked at the package. “Oh… chocolate chunk.” She looked up at Bobby. “Guess size does matter.” She said, shrugging as she tossed the package back down.

Bobby chuckled as he reached for another cookie. “Now, Tara luv, I know you didn’t just bring me here to discuss cookies all night.” His green eyes bored into hers, urging her to spill her tale. “If I recall, you said something about letting me in on the rest of your childhood?”

Tara smiled. “Shoot. Did I bribe you with cookies for that?” she teased. She took a sip of her hot chocolate as if steeling herself for the story. She took a deep breath and looked back up at him. “Ok…” Tara, said, licking her lips. “It starts a lot farther back. When my daddy came home from the war… he… well, my mama used to say that he was a lot more closed off and quiet. See, his only brother had died in the war and his parents died while he was still over there. So all he had left to come back to was my mama. She’d been living in Oregon at his parent’s house the whole time he was gone. Her parents were in Seattle. So he came back and she was worried she’d lose him. So they tried for a baby, she got pregnant but unfortunately, they lost that baby when she was 3 months pregnant.”

Tara looked down at her hands and sipped her hot chocolate before continuing. “Joshua James Williams, my older brother who wasn’t even born but was everything I could never be to my father.” She said bitterly. Bobby watched as the tears welled up and slipped down her cheeks. She swiped at them hastily. “All daddy ever wanted was a son. But instead, they buried him and resumed their lives. Mama was really surprised a month later when she was pregnant again.” She smiled at him. “Me. I know it made mama happy that I was coming. She used to tell me so. Usually when she was trying to make me feel better after something daddy said. But, hey… when only one of your parents reciprocates your love, you take whatever reasoning is offered. So my whole life, not only did the kids pick on me, and teachers didn’t understand me, but my own father didn’t even want to acknowledge my existence.”

Tara buried her face in her hand. Bobby moved quickly to remove her hot chocolate to safety before he pulled her into his arms. “Bobby, why couldn’t he just tell me, just once? That he loved me? I’d even have settled for that he liked me a little.” Tara buried her head in his shoulder and cried. Bobby’s eyes narrowed as he rocked gently back and forth, rubbing her back and murmuring soothing noises. Tara’s sobs subsided and she pushed back from his shoulder. She looked up at him, her pain, compartmentalized in a far off portion of her brain since she was 13, was ripped freshly open and evident in her eyes.

Bobby gave her a wry smile and gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, wiping away the last of her tears. “Ah, Tara luv…” he murmured. “Sounds like you and I are perfectly matched in more than one way.” He commented, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Tara smiled gently. ‘Until Mum met Pop, you know, my stepdad. I felt the same way about Mac.” He looked down at her. “I guess though… Good thing Mum was married to him and they had me. I’m only able to work for the FBI because my biological parent was American, giving me dual citizenship and the right to choose at 18, which one I wanted to be. Aren’t you glad I chose the right one?” he asked, grinning at her.

Tara leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Yes. But we’re not to your story yet.” She chided. Bobby chuckled and dipped his head. Tara grinned and twisted to re-arrange herself in his arms so that she was encircled by his strong arms. “So that’s pretty much how life was. But as I learned in Sunday school, honoring and loving your parents pretty much went hand in hand. So, I loved my dad, even when it was hard.” Tara took a deep breath. “Remember what I told you at the cemetery on Veteran’s Day? About how I had to love him for who he once was and not for what he was at the end?” She barely caught Bobby’s whispered answer. Tara thought it sounded rather strangled and twisted to look up at him. She was quite stunned to see such a dark scowl on his face.

“He didn’t …?” Bobby snarled as his arms tightened protectively around her.

Tara frowned slightly as she tried to follow his unfinished thought process. “Oh!” her eyes widened. “Oh, gads… no Bobby, he wasn’t like that. You don’t have him to thank for my strong abstinence policy. God’s been saving me for something special.” She ducked her head shyly. “For someONE special.” She added, looking back up at him.

Bobby sighed and his shoulders slumped. “Why do I get the feeling he’s still going to be very glad that he’s already in Arlington by the time you finish telling me your story?” he asked, brushing a kiss to the top of her head.

Tara shrugged. “Because he should be.” She took another deep breath before she continued. “So that is how I grew up. Ignored by him and loved and cherished by my mama… until 1986.” She paused again. Neither of them noticed that the candles burning on the bookshelf had picked up extra sparkle. Tara looked up at him again. “I only got shipped to Seattle because even at 12, I was too snoopy for my own good. They were in the habit of heading to the casino every once in a while.” Tara wasn’t looking at Bobby anymore so she didn’t see him wince and bite his lip. “Anything I know about my mother’s death I only know because I was hiding behind the couch when he was on the phone.” Tara shuddered as she recalled the phone call she wasn’t supposed to have overheard. “See, they went to the casino on Tuesday night. They often left me alone when they’d go out for the evening. I went to bed, got up… no one home… unusual but perhaps they’d drank too much and they’d stayed. Went to school, came home… no one… homework, dinner… Bobby, I did it all over again. No one called, no one was home. When I came home on Friday afternoon, daddy was there, bandaged and bruised. He said mama died and the funeral was the next day. That was the most he’d ever talked to me. We buried mama on a Saturday and a week later I was on a train north to Gram.” She sighed. “I wish I’d never overheard that phone call.”

Bobby kissed her temple. “What phone call, luv?”

“He was on the phone with his best friend. Talking about the accident. He’d been drinking more than mama had but he was really ticked at her for playing and flirting with the dealer and the other players. She was winning but he was mad and too proud. So he refused to let her drive. On the way home in the S curves, he went off road and crashed into a tree. It was an isolated road and in 1986, not many people had cell phones.” She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “Bobby, he swapped seats with her. She’d died instantly when they hit the tree. He made it seem like she’d been driving, so when they investigated, they found that the only person she harmed was herself and it cost her… her life. He was laughing about it on the phone. I heard every word and he knew it as soon as I stood up with tears in my eyes. I was gone within the week and he’d signed up with the Oregon National Guard.”

“Aw, now Tara luv…” Bobby said. “Maybe he just sent you up there so you wouldn’t be alone.” He suggested.

Tara shook her head and pulled away so she could turn to face him. “I’m telling you, Bobby… he didn’t even care I existed. Think about what I just said. NO ONE bothered to tell me that they were in the hospital. I was alone from after dinner Tuesday until Friday afternoon. I was 12! And after he joined the Guard, he didn’t update his benefits paperwork. Since it all listed mama and no other beneficiaries, I didn’t qualify for the death benefits. He’s the reason I did homework by flashlight selling apples every fall. He didn’t care. The state took the house because there were no listed survivors. He didn’t care.” She whispered. “He just didn’t care…” Her tears began to fall again as she looked at him. “I was glad he died in the war. But then I was ashamed because he was my dad and I shouldn’t feel that way.” Bobby pulled her back into his arms and held her while she cried.

o my, poor tara...i got near the tears when i read this post... her father looks like so I hope that when bobby will tell her his secret, she won't
or too much...

Poor Tara

Poor Tara! Alone for days. I bet she was scared to death.

it's ok.... just remember... you were warned of Tara anguish... I guess I should update that to include Bobby anguish too.... Have no fear... when we struggle, our 's are never too far or near.....
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Bobby held her in his arms, trying to soothe her tears but wondering how he could possibly tell her about his secret. He hadn’t known she had such a painful history with casinos and gambling. He shut his eyes and prayed quickly for the strength to tell her. ‘Come on Manning.’ He coached himself. ‘You know what you want to ask her soon and you know you couldn’t possibly lead her down that road without letting her know what she may be up against.’ He sighed. He rubbed Tara’s back gently. He heard her tears subsiding and knew he had to tell her soon. “Tara luv?” he asked softly.

Tara looked up at him, through a tangle of bangs and tears. “What?” she asked.

“I have a few things to tell you as well, if you’re ready to hear them.” He said, looking down at the coffee table.

Tara’s brow furrowed. ‘Why won’t he look at me?’ she wondered. She reached a hand up and brushed it across his cheek. “If you think you need to share with me tonight, this is certainly the right time.” She said softly. She was worried about the change of expression that swept his face. “Bobby… what’s wrong?”

When Bobby finally met her eyes, she was taken aback at the emotions she was seeing in his eyes. “Tara…” he rasped. He stopped and cleared his throat, pinching the bridge of his nose as he started to feel a headache coming. “Tara luv, there’s no easy way to say what I need to tell you.” He paused, tears coming to his eyes. She looked at him curiously but didn’t say anything, sensing that he needed to be able to say what he had to say in his own way. He tried again. “The meetings I go to on Sundays…” he paused, looking at her. “They’re not the kind of meetings that I’ve led you to believe.”

Tara’s face paled. Surely he wasn’t telling her what she thought he was. ‘No… not like Stanley did.’ Her brain moaned. “Bobby…?” she whispered, not quite sure if she wanted to hear what he was doing. Unconsciously, she grabbed a fistful of his shirt, as she just knew she needed something to hold onto.

Bobby’s mind jumped into action and showed him how she could misconstrue what he’d said. His eyes widened. “No… Tara… nothing like that. They are actual meetings but not with snitches or any undercover.” He looked away again and then back at her. “I’m a recovering gambler.” He told her simply. “I go to Gamblers Anonymous every Sunday night. I got myself in bad trouble a while ago and then when I went undercover when we were trying to get Marino.” He waited to get her reaction.

“Who else knows?” she asked in a strangled tone. Tara knew she just couldn’t stand it if they all had known about his secret and they just didn’t tell her.

“Just Jack.” Bobby said. “He bailed me out last time, gave me a loan to pay things off and said it was because he could see the character of the man when he looked at me.”

“And are you still paying him back?” Tara asked, biting her lip.

Bobby shook his head. “He was paid off over the summer.” He was surprised to see Tara’s emotions change from sad and overwhelmed to angry and hurt.

Tara bounded out of his embrace like she’d been scalded. “I can’t believe you.” She hissed. “All this time… all these months we’ve been together and you couldn’t say anything? ANYTHING?” she turned her back on him. “We were partners long before that and you couldn’t spill a single word…?” she whirled around and raised tortured eyes to meet his gaze. “And yet after all I told you tonight, you still can only come up with…” she trailed off.

Bobby took a step towards her. “Tara…” he said as he reached out for her. “Tara, let me explain.” He begged.

Tara stepped a step backwards, staring at him with wide eyes. “Don’t…” she whispered. He reached for her arm anyway. “Stop it…” she hissed. “You lied to me about your meetings?” tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to take over again. She wrenched her arm out of his reach and stomped over to the door, pulling it open. Tara took a deep breath. “You need to go NOW.” She said, coldly.

Bobby looked at her, his own tears streaming down his face. “Tara… “ He said. She glared at him. “We agreed to not let the sun go down on our anger.” He reminded her, knowing it was a lame attempt at trying to calm her.

Tara’s face grew clouded and she glared at him even harder. “Well… isn’t it just so lucky for you that the sun went down a long time ago and I wasn’t angry yet.” She said, sarcastically. “Oh, wait… so you’re going to go with that we shouldn’t let the sun rise on our anger too, right?” she threw at him. Bobby made a little… sure, why not… motion with his shoulders. Tara’s eyes narrowed and she brushed at the tears she felt slipping down her cheeks. “Well… we probably shouldn’t so it’s fortunate for you that this isn’t anger.” She swallowed hard and broke her gaze away from his. “Just go Bobby.” She felt him walk up behind her. “DON’T TOUCH ME!” she bit out. “Just go… and try to figure out what this is for me if it isn’t anger. I know you’re not that stupid.” She hissed as he walked out the door. Tara looked up at him for a moment before slamming the door in his face and throwing all the locks into place. She looked up at the ceiling. “Dear God… why that? Why does he have to have the one fault that can bring me so much pain?” she whispered as she slid down the door and settled on the floor with a thump. Tara huddled in a lump, knees up to her chin and buried her face in her arms and wailed out her pain and frustration.

Bobby stood outside the door for a moment, tears running down his cheeks as he heard her wail on the other side of the door. He was frustrated that he couldn’t do anything to help her. He placed his hand on her door and said his own prayer that she’d be able to forgive him, somehow. He bowed his head in shame as he thought about how much hurt he’d just given out. All the pain she’d showed him earlier tonight that he’d managed to replace with good thoughts and love, he’d ripped away and left her open and her heart bleeding, like ripping a bandage off of a scabbed over wound. “Way to go Crash. Break the true love of your life’s heart while you’re at it.” he muttered as he mentally slapped himself upside the head and whispered ‘Drongo’ inside his brain. He turned and sadly went out to his car. He found he couldn’t go anywhere for a while because his tears made it too hard for him to see. He rested his head on the steering wheel and sobbed out his own pain and frustration.

Julie shimmered into a light existence, just enough to provide a soothing presence but not be actually seen by Tara. She went over and put her arm around her, absorbing the pain that Tara was feeling. She’d been wrong about how Tara would take Bobby’s news. She’d clearly misjudged the depth of feeling that Tara had, it was a much deeper love than she'd first seen. She rested her hand gently on Tara’s head and whispered under her breath. “Give your pain to God, Tara. He’d never give you more than you could handle.” She felt Tara’s tears lessen slightly. “Romans 8:28 and 8:38-39.” She hissed into the air, knowing the suggestion would find it’s way into Tara’s mind and she’d look it up. “Oh, and 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.” Julie smiled as she felt the jolt of realization hit Tara’s mind. She made sure to leave just a hint of the pain so that Tara would be sure to turn to her Bible in search of healing as she shimmered out of the apartment to go in search of Bobby.

Tara raised her head from her knees, amazed at how her heart seemed to be trying to rid itself of the pain and refill itself with love. She shook her head; she didn’t want to do that just yet. She ignored the thoughts of verses that tried to pull themselves to the forefront. She glared at the stack of cookie packages on her couch and decided to leave them for now, she was wavering between tossing them all out or sitting down and eating them all, best to leave them for morning. She flipped off the lights and went and crawled into bed without changing, tears coming at the remnants of pain that still remained in her heart.

Julie shimmered down to find Bobby still sitting in his car. She sat in the passenger seat and rested her hand on his arm. “You needed to tell her.” She whispered. Bobby’s tears lessened as he realized that it was something that had to be done. He’d known that a while ago and had determined that whatever course Tara ended up taking with her knowledge would have to be fine. He just wished that he didn’t feel like it would be the path that led to him being unemployed and without the love of his life. Julie’s hand bounced up at the wave of realization that swept his body. She patted his arm lightly, recalling how much his love for Tara bound all of his emotions in check. “Give it to God Bobby. Bring it and lay it at his feet.” She thought for a moment. She usually hated to give two people so connected the same Bible verses but tonight it seemed necessary. “Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 13:6-7. Read them.” She hissed lightly. “Soon!” she added urgently as she shimmered out of the car and headed home as he turned the car onto the road and headed to his place.

Julie said her own prayer for Tara and Bobby as she floated into her apartment. This was one of the main reasons she was on this assignment. She’d been shown the alternate file if no one was here to take care of the healing process for them. She’d shuddered at the sight of Bobby down on his luck, out of a job and once again firmly entrenched in his gambling addiction. Tara had fared no better, ending up with an apartment full of puppies that she trained to be hearing dogs in her spare time, but ended up loving them so much she could never bear to give them away. She was alone with her broken heart and guilt at how much she’d cost Bobby. That Bobby and Tara had never recovered from this night. And in the end, died alone and feeling unloved, with the sting of regret and guilt until their dying days. “Just like in the song, Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley.” She murmured under her breath as she glanced over the new information waiting on her fax machine. She looked at her goldfish. “Two people alone with broken hearts, drinking themselves to their death and found with pictures of each other clutched in their fists.” She told him. She’d always chuckled over the line ‘and the angels sang a whiskey lullaby.’ She hadn’t figured out where that line came from but since she knew that Trinity had been assigned to Brad Paisley while he was working on the song, she could only assume that Trin had decided to have a little fun with him and cause a little discord upstairs. “Hmm… Lucy and Sue prayed for Myles today. I have to agree he needs to get his priorities straight. He has to tell them if he wants them to know.” She frowned. “Does he need to tell them to find his peace though?” she tapped her finger on her chin. She started to grin as a plan began to come to her and she sat down at the table and started to sketch out a plan.
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to view lyrics to 'Whiskey Lullaby' :

http://www.lyricsbase.com/lyrics/bradpaisl...keylullaby.html

So much pain between Bobby and Tara and in each of them. Glad they have their own angel.

this is so sad....but I'm sure you're going to fix that with julie, right?

Well, that just rips my heart out. And I can't get over the previous post either -- where I discovered that they chocolate dip chips a hoys in the states! I'm stunned.

kav

Limited edition Kav... Tell you what... and I'm completely serious here... if you pm me your address... I'll send you some.... kinda like a bribe to keep you writing me more Bobby and Tara.... (bribe or not... let me know!) of course I'd be fixing it... And Jules is already involved.... Things work in mysterious ways you know....
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Thursday 12/14… 11:30 am … bullpen.

Sue and Lucy were worried. Not only had Myles taken a turn for the worse in his attitude, but also Bobby and Tara weren’t looking at each other, let alone talking to each other. Sue pursed her lips as she looked at them. “Lucy… Look at Tara, don’t her eyes look a little puffy to you?” she asked, shifting her eyes over towards Tara.

Lucy’s eyes narrowed and she frowned. “Yeah, Sue… I’d say you’re right with that one. When I get my hands on that Bobby Manning, he’s going to wish he hadn’t made her cry.” She said, exasperated that they once again needed to fix one of their favorite couples.

Sue sighed. “That’s just the thing, Lucy. Look at him. He looks like a…” she paused, trying to find the right phrase. She smiled faintly as she continued. “Bobby looks like a dingo stole his baby.” She looked at Lucy with wide eyes.

Lucy stifled a giggle. “As funny as that is to hear that phrase from you instead of him… I hate the fact that you’re right. His eyes look a little puffy too.” She regarded Bobby seriously. “Maybe Jack should take him out to lunch. We could ask D to take one for the team and take Myles out. Maybe we’re going about all this intel seeking the wrong way.” She said. “Not that I think prayer is out dated or that it won’t work. Because I do believe those prayers we prayed last night will be answered. But I can’t stand here and do nothing. They all look perfectly miserable and pitiful.”

Sue nodded. “I know, it’s hard to be patient.” She said, glancing towards Jack’s desk. “Trust me… I know patience.” She grinned at Lucy.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Fine, Oh, wise Queen of the patient. The question truly is whether or not we tell D and Jack what to do or allow them to choose which of the three they want. We could handle any of them, you know. If they want to take charge of Tara instead then they should.” GREAT IDEA Sue signed. Lucy sighed. “Or we could tell them they’re being taken out individually and they need to pick which set of us they want to go with.” She giggled.

“Let’s go conference with D and Jack really quick. Between you and me though, I don’t think we should take Myles. He seemed rather upset with you on Saturday. It would be in his best interest to be with D or Jack. We can handle either of the other two.” Sue told her.

Lucy frowned slightly but nodded. “I guess. I might have a tendency to come across as a tad bit bossy and nosy. Myles really does have a big privacy thing.” She looked over at the three of them as they bent to their desks, ignoring everything going on around the. “I’ll go get D and take him to the conference room. You can get Jack.” She told Sue before turning and walking over to D.

Sue grinned. “I’ll do no such thing. Levi…” she called her service dog. Levi bounded to her excitedly. “Go get Jack.” She told him. Levi barked once and bounded over to Jack, laying his head on Jack’s knee. Jack looked down and grinned. He looked up at Sue and caught her sign. CONFERENCE ROOM YOU. She jerked her head towards the hallway. Jack nodded and got up to meet her in the hallway.

Lucy sat on the corner of D’s desk waiting for him to finish his call home to Donna. D finished his call and looked up at her. “Yes, Lucy?” he asked.

Lucy grinned. “Come to the conference room with us. We need to devise a plan of attack for the three stooges over there.” She said, jerking her head towards the middle of the bullpen.

D looked around her and saw Bobby, Tara and Myles all engrossed in their reports, writing and typing but not looking at each other or anyone. They certainly were dedicated to the job today. D scratched his head and arched a brow at Lucy. “What’s wrong with not talking while you’re working? I find it helps make the day go faster, sometimes.” He told her, teasingly.

Lucy sighed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with it. But Tara and Bobby haven’t spoken a word to each other all day. And if you look close enough, both of them have red puffy eyes for no apparent reason.” She pointed out. D nodded. “So come on, before Jack and Sue set the conference room on fire with the heat of their kisses.” She grinned.

D laughed. “Ok, ok. You’ve got an excellent point. Let’s go talk about them behind their backs.” He said,still laughing as he followed Lucy out the back door and into the conference room.

so sad sad for Bobby and Tara

I'm so sad for Bobby and Tara!
And very curious about Myles' sulkier behaviour. (does the word 'sulkier' even exist?)

Beautiful couple of posts!

Ornella

My sister in law was right... she did get the perfect tree! And since I can see lots of presents under it for me... I'll give the wonderful gift that keeps on giving to you! ..... Another post! YAY!!!!
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Jack looked up when they walked in. “So, what’s up ladies.” He asked, looking from Sue to Lucy and back again.

Sue sighed. “Something’s not right with those three in there.” She said soberly. “So we figured we could divide and conquer. You know, take them out to lunch individually and torture them with kindness so that they have to spill their guts.”

D smiled. “I don’t know if they’ll spill their guts or not, but you’re right. They’d do better with one on one lunches today.”

“Well, except for one of them will actually get a two on one because Sue and I are going together.” Lucy said. “In fact, we were just going to grab Tara and make the two of you fight over Bobby and Myles but we decided to play fair. We feel we shouldn’t have lunch with Myles due to him not really caring for me as a person right now.” She said.

Jack nodded. “So you two will go to lunch with either Bobby or Tara.” He frowned slightly. “You said that they both have red puffy eyes and haven’t spoken a word to each other all day?” he quizzed Sue.

Sue nodded vigorously. “Not just to each other, but to anyone. Tara’s been hunkered down behind that computer all day, she barely glanced up at all when Levi went over.” She said. Levi barked his confirmation, Tara had barely acknowledged his existence, even when he’d gone right up to her and laid his head on her leg. “It’s not like her. The last time she was like this was when they had that misunderstanding last month. This is entirely something different.”

D frowned. “Right. Last time they made that vow to never let the sun set on their anger. So what’s going on now?”

“I don’t think it’s anger this time. Tara has this defeated edge about her today and Bobby’s awfully jumpy.” Lucy said. “He keeps jerking up as he’s working, like he’s expecting to hear some awful news or something.”

“He looks like a dingo stole his baby.” Sue put in. they all smiled at the usage of one of Bobby’s favorite phrases.

Jack’s eyes narrowed as he thought about possible reasons for the two of them to be acting the way they were. His eyes widened as the reason came to him. “Uh, guys.” He said. “I think I’m going to have to claim Tara on this one.”

D looked at Lucy. “You know, you wouldn’t have to go with Sue. You could go with whoever is lunching with Bobby.” He told her.

Sue smiled. “Is there something you’re trying to say, D?” she asked.

D shook his head. “Who me?” he teased. “I was merely saying that since Lucy shouldn’t be around Myles, she should go with whoever takes Bobby.” He looked at Sue. “You know you have a special knack with Myles, right?”

Sue grinned and nodded. “True. In interest of a spectacular holiday season, D… would you like to take Bobby to lunch and allow Lucy to tag along? Levi and I can absolutely handle Myles.” She said. “Just don’t forget 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 when you talk to the two of them.”

D and Jack looked confused. “What’s that verse say?” Jack questioned.

Sue smiled as she began to sign and speak. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” She looked at Jack. “It’s one of my favorite parts of the love passage in chapter 13. I just get the feeling that Tara and Bobby need reminded about all the great things that love can do.” She thought for a moment. “I might need more of that verse to deal with Myles. We’ll see how it goes.” She scratched her head for a moment. “So should I take him to the frou frou French place?” she asked.

They all grinned and shared a chuckle as they went out to collect their lunch partners.

Interesting lunchtime

great post! I love it when the team does everything to make bobby and tara's relationship better. I'm sure theyre going to be very helpful!!!
Keep going!!!

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D and Lucy stood in front of Bobby’s desk, watching him work. “I don’t know D.” Lucy said somberly, but loud enough for Bobby to hear her. “Someone’s replaced our fun-loving Aussie with some strange yabbo version.”

D scratched his head. “You think he’s the yabbo version? I was kind of leaning towards drongo edition.” He looked at Bobby closely and they took a step closer. Bobby didn’t look up.

“Maybe a dingo got him.” Lucy commented, arching a brow when they still got no response from him.

“Maybe you’re right, Lucy. There is only one thing to do about an agent in such a state.” D said.

Bobby finally looked up at them and waited patiently. Lucy smiled at him. “Yep, D I’m telling you there is absolutely only one thing to do when a special agent gets themselves in such a vulnerable emotional state.” She cocked her head to one side and regarded Bobby carefully. “Take him to Slappy’s.” Lucy finished.

D grinned. “Slappy’s sounds like a good idea. Bobby, grab your coat. We’re taking you to lunch.” He stood and looked at Bobby, waiting for him to protest.

Bobby started to protest; he certainly didn’t feel like he’d ever be able to eat again. Lucy shot him a no arguments look and he closed his mouth. He nodded and grabbed his coat. “Oh, well… if you really need to take someone to lunch.” He said, shrugging his shoulders. D and Lucy exchanged knowing glances as they escorted Bobby down the hall, talking around him about nonsense. Not just any nonsense, but the kind that is talked about in order to cause the other party to begin speaking. Bobby allowed a small smile to crease his lips. ‘Maybe today won’t end up as badly as it started.’ He thought as he followed them out of the building, continuing on to Slappy’s.

Seems I've driven you all away again with my stunning words.... guess I'll keep posting...
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Sue waited patiently by Myles’s desk as he finished up a phone call. When he didn’t look at her, she motioned for Levi to get his attention. Myles looked up at her, his annoyance clear on his face. “Myles…” she said. “Levi wants to take you to lunch today. He’s suggested the frou frou French place.” She smiled at him. “Won’t you please join us?”

Myles looked around. “Where’s your other partner in crime?” he asked, coldly.

“Would that be Jack? Or Lucy?” she asked innocently. Myles rolled his eyes at her. “They have other assignments for lunch.” She said lightly.

Myles allowed a small smile to cross his lips. “Well, if Levi is so insistent that I join you, who am I to argue with his impeccable taste in luncheon spots.” He said, looking at Levi. Levi barked twice as if to encourage Myles to accept because it wasn’t an offer that would last long. Myles looked back at Sue. “Oh all right.” He said, as he stood and shrugged into his coat. “Milady?” he asked, offering Sue his arm to escort her from the bullpen.

Sue dropped a quick curtsey as she accepted his offered arm. “Why thank you, kind sir.” She giggled as they walked out of the bullpen.

All this lunching is making me hungry! And I'm curious to know just what they're all going to find out.

Happy Christmas

kav

Happy Christmas... See... it's only 9 here in Oregon... but it's Christmas Day officially in DC....
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Jack watched the others leave the bullpen. He just knew in the sinking pit of his stomach that he was partly involved in Tara’s unhappiness today. “Lord, give me the strength to get through this.” He prayed under his breath. He watched her for a moment. Tara raised her head up and looked around, completely surprised that she was the only one in the bullpen. A slight frown creased her lips and caused her to furrow her brow. "Tara!” Jack called as he walked towards her. She looked at him with thinly veiled anger. Jack’s face fell; he had been right about her holding him responsible. “Uh, I was just wondering if you’d accompany me to lunch today.” He said.

Tara looked at him, weighing her options. “Why?” she asked, suspiciously. She was guarding her heart closely today, there was no way that she was going to allow anyone to get into her spaces today and find out what was wrong.

Jack smiled quietly. “Well… because I think I know what’s wrong with you and Bobby today.” He looked at her with a steady gaze. “And because I think I know what you’re feeling because you might be mad at me since I couldn’t say anything.” He pursed his lips. “And because out of everyone, I’m the only one you can be 100% open with regarding this situation.” He concluded, softly.

Tara’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh Jack…” she trailed off as she buried her face in her hands.

Jack moved to her side and pulled her into a hug. “Hey… Hey there… come on…” he murmured. “Let’s go to lunch and we can talk it all over and maybe figure out something to make you feel better.” He suggested.

Tara pulled away and grabbed a tissue so she could wipe away her tears. “Ok, Jack… you win. Let me grab my purse.” She gave him a watery smile. Jack returned her smile and waited for her. “Can we go to the café at the Jeffersonian?” she asked.

Jack smiled and gave her a wink. “Wherever you’d like to go.” He said as he draped a hand over her shoulders and escorted her from the bullpen.

Ok... well... since you're all still opening presents or waiting until I feed you more 'lunch'.... here's your Christmas post. Safe and happy holiday to you and yours... keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I drive to Seattle this afternoon.... I'll catch you all tomorrow when I get to work. much comfort and joy and very much love!
***********************************************************************

Jack and Tara never made it to the Jeffersonian, choosing instead to grab hot dogs from a vendor and finding a bench in the park to sit on. Jack watched Tara as she ate. “You know Tara, I never figured you for someone who’d hold a guy’s past against him.” He told her, taking a bite of his own hot dog.

Tara looked at him and took a swig of her soda. “You’re right. I wouldn’t and I don’t. But you don’t understand. My mother died after an evening of gambling and my father covered it up by switching seats with her so he wouldn’t go to jail for drunk driving.” Tara said softly. “I was 12 and I have hated gambling with a passion since then. I only held my tongue when we sent Bobby undercover because the agent in me wanted to get Marino.” She looked down at the ground. “Jack, does it really make me a horrible person for reacting so strongly?”

Jack crumpled his hot dog wrapper and put his arm around her shoulder, like a big brother would. “No, Tara. It doesn’t.” he said, gently. “But what did you do to him? He’s never been this jumpy.”

Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes. “I threw him out. I wouldn’t let him touch me and I certainly didn’t kiss him good night. I even slammed the door in his face.” She said, regretting her actions as she stated them for Jack. “I just don’t understand the need for so much subterfuge.” She narrowed her eyes at him and arched a brow.

Jack sighed. “There’s a big stigma involved with gambling and the bureau. If anyone were to find out about his situation, there’d be a very good chance that he could end up without special agent status. He’d be downstairs in fingerprinting so fast you wouldn’t even have time to blink.” He said. “And that’s only if they decided he could still work for the government.”

Tara sighed. “I figured as much this morning when I was trying so hard to mad at him. I just had this horrible feeling that I was dooming him to some terrible fate if I was mad at him.” She looked up at him. “I was really mad at you though, I’m more hurt by Bobby.” She said.

Jack frowned slightly. “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I really. I just couldn’t deal with the fact that he didn’t trust me enough to tell me.”

Jack slowly nodded. “Now… that IS probably my fault. I think I scared him into that last time it happened.” He looked down at Tara. “I’m sorry. When you started dating I tried to help him figure out when to tell you… But as you know, I’ve been a little wrapped up in my own relationship with Sue to really help out.”

Tara grinned. “Uh huh. Just a little?” she teased. Her expression turned a little somber. “Jack, what am I supposed to do though?”

“Ah…” Jack started. “Oh, Sue said there was a verse that you might find helpful.” He reached inside his jacket pocket for the thin Bible that he’d started carrying. He was continually amazed at how often he reached for it. The things he was learning from going to Bible study with Sue, never failed to fill him with some wisdom that had gone unnoticed by him. Jack flipped through the pages. “Ah, there.” He said, pointing at the verses that Sue had suggested.

Tara took the Bible from him and read it quickly. “Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.” She murmured. “Gads… I’ve been such a dweeb.”

Jack smiled. “No… just a woman scorned.” He teased. “I looked at it earlier. I have to admit I was a little more intrigued by the verse before that.” He said, taking the Bible back. “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Tara brightened. “So…” she trailed off. Jack smiled at her again, nodding slightly. “So, because the love I share with Bobby is what it is… we should adopt a method of really slow fuses and make sure to keep no records.” She looked down at her hands. “Sometimes he throws Darcy in my face. So I figure out some way to rub it in that my boyfriend dumped me for his pregnant mistress as opposed to someone who was cheating on him for several months. Because, actually, when Stanley and I broke up, she wasn’t pregnant yet, he was just throwing it in my face that he didn’t need me to have a good time.”

Jack patted her on the back awkwardly. “Ouch.” He commented, wincing. “That’s got to be a painful conversation.”

Tara shrugged. “You know…” she trailed off, her mind in a totally different place. “Hey, can I see your Bible again?” Jack nodded and handed it over. Tara flipped back to Romans. She scanned the page quickly. “Here it is. For some reason I’ve had verses dragging themselves through my brain. That one that you showed me is one of them. So there’ two more. I have no idea where the idea came from.” She said. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” She smiled at Jack. “That’s Romans 8:28. Fits pretty well, eh?” he nodded. “The other set is Romans 8:38-39.” She glanced over it first.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present or things to come or powers. No height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” She handed the Bible back to Jack.

“So where does the last passage fit?” Jack questioned her, eager to get insight from another.

Tara pursed her lips and considered his question. “Well, I suppose that you could look at it through our eyes. There are certain things that we are bonded to such as the love of God. So, I’ll never be able to separate Bobby from the love of God, even if I feel he’s not worthy of it. And he’ll never separate me from God’s love.” She looked down at her hands again. “God’s given him forgiveness. I love him for who he is, not who he was.” She laughed. “That’s completely opposite of my father.” She snorted derisively.

Jack frowned. “Your father?”

Tara nodded. “Yeah, I love him for who he was, a Vietnam War veteran who refused to leave Asia without locating his baby brother’s remains. Not for who he turned out to be a drunk driver who switched seats with his wife rather than face the drunk driving charges. A man who chose not to change his beneficiary information so when he died in the Gulf war, the military was completely unaware of his daughters existence.” She shrugged. “If he would have gone to jail, I still would have ended up selling apples and doing homework by flashlight. But at least we would have been able to sell the house instead of the state taking it.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Tara.” Jack said, squeezing her shoulder a little tighter. “That’s why you have a contact with the Arlington Ladies, isn’t it?”

Tara nodded. “Yeah, when I finally showed up, they showed me so much love and compassion. They didn’t even know me, but they listened and comforted me when I needed a hug. Much like all of you do.”

Jack grinned. “Good. Glad to hear that you appreciate us.” He teased.

Tara grinned back. “So anyway… in figuring this out today… that’s exactly what I have to do with Bobby. I love him for who he is not who he was. Jack, I love him so much, my heart was aching last night. It hurt so bad.” She said, tears welling up in her eyes again. She wiped at the stray tears that managed to escape.

“Tara, have you fully checked out the advantages of being the cornerstone agent?” Jack wondered aloud. Tara frowned and shrugged. “Maybe there’s something in there about being able to put a waiver on the teams files saying that personal questions on the habits of our teammates are wrongful inquiries and do not have to be answered?” he suggested.

Tara squealed. "Jack, you just might be a genius!" She threw her arms around him and gave him a tight hug. Pushing back from him, she giggled. "There's got to be something priviledged to being a cornerstoned team and to being the cornerstone agent. You can't tell me that the extent of my privilege is limited to allowing my teammates to date." She stood up and pulled him on his hand, trying to get him up from his seat. "Oh, crap." she said, her face falling. "No wonder he's been so jumpy today." she sighed.

Jack looked confused. "I don't get it."

"The cornerstone agent thing." Tara rolled her eyes and frowned. "I have the ability to request immediate transfers for anyone on the team that I don't care to deal with." Jack looked at her. "If I was really ticked at him, and didn't want him around, I could do it." she explained patiently.

Jack took her hand and patted it. "But you're not that person, Tara Williams." he told her. "You are certain to alway use your status for the good of the team, not the detriment." he said, pulling her close for a quick hug and pressing a big-brotherly kiss to her temple.

Tara giggled and pulled away from him, retaining her grip on his hand. "Come on, Sparky. Let's get back so I can check into it. Maybe I'm still in time to save my relationship." Jack laughed and allowed Tara to drag him back to the building and up to the bullpen.

Saving would be good. ANd i know its hard Tara but you have to trust Bobby. It wont be easy but its a two way street.He has to understand where your coming from and you have to try and let him in.

And i think in a way you need to apologize too

I'm relieved

wow, four posts in a row, what a wonderful gift!! I'm sure the team is gonna be very successful!!

Great conversation between Jack and Tara! I love the way you weaved the verses in there!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Jack's a good friend -- the right combination of listener and advisor. Now hopefully Bobby will be willing to listen to Tara

kav

Happy Boxing Day!
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Sue watched Myles as he fidgeted with his salad fork. “You know Myles, a girl could get the wrong impression from you.” She commented. Myles looked up with a startled look on his face. “You know, that you’re only putting up with me because Levi wanted to take you to lunch.”

Myles frowned slightly. “I apologize for not being the best lunch companion today. But you already knew what mood I’ve been in this year.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her.

Sue gave him a little wry smile and nodded. “I suppose you could say that’s why we’re here. Levi thinks you have something that you need to share with someone before it makes you crazy.” She said softly.

Myles couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped him at her kindness. “I… well… “ He stuttered, relieved that their lunches were delivered, saving him from having to answer.

Sue let his lack of response slide as they began eating. She caught him, more than once, looking at her with the look of one who has a question on the tip of their tongue but are unwilling to ask it. Sue smiled at him. “Yes, Myles?” she asked, raising a brow at his startled look. “I know you have a question. Please ask it.”

Myles finished the bite he was working on. “I don’t understand you, Sue Thomas.” He started. “After all the challenges that you’ve faced… I don’t understand how you can be the person that you are.” He was surprised to feel tears well up in his eyes. “And Tara, after what she shared with us about her childhood on Thanksgiving… my heart broke for her. How in the world did she turn out to be such a well-adjusted, happy person? I look at Anne and myself the way we were raised…” he trailed off as he looked at Sue. Myles shook his head. “How did two people who grew up with everything afforded to them should they want it, turn out to be such cold, self centered people who are missing something. I couldn’t even begin to tell you what is missing. By comparison, you and Tara have overcome so many challenges and obstacles to being happy, but yet you are.” Tears fell freely down his face. “Sue, what do you and Tara have that we don’t?”

Sue felt her own tears well up and spill over as Myles began to chip away at his personal iceberg that had formed where his heart should be. She shook her head at him. “I don’t pretend to have all the answers for you Myles. But if it wasn’t for my faith and Tara’s too. I don’t think you’d know either of us. My faith has allowed me to rise above my circumstance. And this year, you can see how that faith and dedication has paid off, I’m finally getting to celebrate the holidays on the arm of the man I’ve loved for years.” She wiped away a few tears. “In a way, Tara’s life can be explained by a look at a verse in Romans. Romans 8:31.” She looked at him, and began to sign as she spoke. “What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Myles frowned slightly. “Oh, well that’s all fine and dandy for the two of you, but what about me?” he shook his head. “I don’t share the same belief.” He murmured.

“Myles… you know we’re here for you, all of us.” Sue chided him gently. “We’d all be more than delighted to go over things with you, if it would help you find peace.” She reached over and patted his hand. “That’s what you’re looking for, right? Peace…?”

Myles looked at her wide-eyed for a brief moment before something shuttered closed behind his eyes and he looked away. “I think it’s time we headed back to work.” He muttered.

Sue looked at him appraisingly. “If that’s what you’d like. Don’t forget what I told you, we’d be happy to discuss things with you at length.” She stood and shrugged into her coat as he held it for her. She put money down on the table to cover the bill and followed him out of the restaurant and back to the bullpen.

Well, I'm glad Myles is talking. And he chose the right person. Sue was a good, intuitive listener and I like that she didn't push. Very accepting, but hopeful which is just what Myles needed right then.

kav

Well you know... even still... Sue didn't actually choose Myles... D chose Bobby... But it is nice of him to finally start letting me in to determine what the issue is with him. He's so icebergish.... Oh... now to Bobby's lunch with D and Lucy
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D sat down across from Bobby as they waited for Lucy to join them with their order. "So, Bobby... what's going on?" he asked, as Bobby's emotions chased each other across his face.

Bobby sighed. "D, I don't know how to explain it." he said with a shrug. He looked down at his hands and started playing with the sugar packets. D looked at him but didn't say anything.

Lucy came to join them and they all dug into their burgers and fries. Lucy looked at Bobby over her burger. "So, Bobby... what's got you so down today?" she asked.

Bobby grimaced as he chewed. His mind raced, trying to figure out how to explain without letting too much loose. He swallowed and took a sip of his soda before speaking. "Well, to put it mildly, Tara told me about her childhood again last night. It was time for me to share something from my past too." he said. D nodded, chewing on a fry.

Lucy studied him. "It didn't go very well, did it?" she observed.

Bobby shook his head. "Let's just say that my past is too closely related to hers and it hurt her that I'd kept it from her." Bobby frowned and shredded a napkin.

D winced. "I can see how that would be very painful for Tara to process." He reached over and tapped Bobby's arm. "For you as well." Bobby looked at him and dipped his head in gratitude.

Lucy's eyes had filled with tears. "Oh Bobby..." she said, before needing to wipe her eyes.

Bobby rubbed his palm over his eyes. "So D... How am I... or ... What should I ...?" he stopped in frustration, unable to figure out what he was trying to say.

D smiled a knowing smile. "Ah... you know, I'd long discovered that there are still things that will always be a learning curve. And the curve changes depending on the woman and the situation." Bobby groaned and rolled his eyes.

Lucy smiled. "You know Bobby..." she said, pursing her lips as she looked at him. Bobby sat up and fixed his gaze on her. "There's a verse you should keep handy. You'll find it will keep you grounded together." Bobby made a go on motion with his hand, leaning forward and listening intently. Lucy retrieved her Bible from her purse and flipped to the verse Sue had suggested. She slid the Bible across the table to Bobby and pointed to it. "1 Corinthians 13:6-7. You might be encouraged by verse 5, but I think these are most appropriate for the two of you." She exchanged a hopeful look with D as Bobby started to read.

Bobby hung on every word in front of him like a drowning man clings to a life saving ring. He read the words over and again. He raised his eyes to meet theirs. "You think this will help?" he rasped, overcome with his emotions.

D nodded. "I know Tara's having the same thing shared with her." He tilted his head to look at Bobby. "Jack took her out to lunch. Sue was going to try and get somewhere with Myles."

Bobby's mood brightened visibly. "Sparky took Tara out?" he asked. Lucy frowned and slowly nodded her head, trying to figure out what was making him happier. "Good. That's really good." he said, starting to eat again. He wiped his fingers and flipped to read a verse in Romans. He processed what it said and grinned. His grin fell flat when he remembered she was still mad at him. "So what do I do?" he asked.

Lucy took her Bible back and saw what he'd read. She looked at him thoughtfully. "Bobby, does your heart race when you're with Tara?" D's eyes widened at the question, but he realized what she was getting at so simply nodded to himself.

Bobby sighed. "Faster than Howie Fines can spill what he knows." he admitted.

Lucy and D chuckled. "Well, I know for a fact that Tara's heart is set to racing when she's with you. She told me so." Lucy said with a smile.

"What does that mean?" Bobby wondered.

D grinned. "Oh yes, Ms. Lucy. Pray tell, what does it all mean?" he teased.

Lucy scrunched her nose at him before she smiled and looked back at Bobby. "When two hearts race, both win." she said simply.

Bobby's jaw dropped for a moment as he considered her statement. A slow lazy grin crept across his face. "That's deep Luce. Real deep." he said admiringly. "So any suggestions?"

Lucy grinned. "A girl always likes flowers to show up at work." she said.

Bobby leaned over her as he stood up and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Perfect." he commented as he walked away, dialing the florist.

D and Lucy looked at each other and shrugged. "You're pretty good at this, Ms. Dotson." D told her as they slid out of the booth.

Lucy blushed. "Thanks." she said as they re-joined Bobby outside and headed back to work.

That's beautiful Great story!

Flowers are always good.

kav

Beautiful post

!!!!!!
I'm happy for d and myles; sure it will goes as good for tara!?

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Saturday 12/16... Tara's... 4 pm

Tara sung along to the music on the CD. For the first time in a long time, she finally felt free. Free to be who she wanted and free to be open with whom she wanted. She stopped mid-vacuum to dance to the music. After a rocky mid-week meltdown, she was back on track with Bobby, thanks to their friends and some well thought of wisdom from the Bible. She finished her housework and checked the gift bag she was giving Bobby today; to make sure everything that she intended to give him was in it. "He's gonna kill me." she muttered as she looked at the array of holiday socks she was planning on making him wear in the days leading to Christmas... one pair for each day left. "But he loves me, so he'll like it!" she giggled before twirling away. Her thoughts returned to the last couple days...

Last night, they'd finally been able to set things right and proper between them.

Thursday, Tara had been too deeply involved in her research on her cornerstone status to pay much attention to him after lunch. She had been startled out of her intense stare on the monitor by the huge, lovely flower arrangement that he had delivered. It was truly beautiful and she couldn't stop staring at it for at least 15 minutes. She'd glanced around her monitor to sign a quick THANK YOU before she got back into her research. Bobby had sighed audibly and the team cracked up laughing at the immediate release of the tension. Well, except Myles, he smiled thinly and scowled at them for disrupting the quiet in the bullpen.

Friday, she'd been rushing around to get the appropriate forms so she could get them signed and have them listed in the files. Jack had covered for her with the team and by the time all the i's were dotted and the t's were crossed, it was time to leave. She'd hurried back into the bullpen, pleased to see he was still there... seeing as she'd hitched a ride with Jack this morning in hopes that the day could end like it was going to. She noticed how sparkly everything seemed in the bullpen and couldn't help but sigh at how wonderful he looked. She walked up to his desk and sat on the corner of it. Bobby looked up and studied her with a wary eye. He'd looked so sad that what could she do but slip into his lap, take his face in her hands and kiss his doubts away. Bobby was surprised at first but soon realized that she was trying to apologize for the hell he'd been through. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. "Tara..." he whispered. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I'd really like it if we could truly start living our relationship in accordance with that verse that we read yesterday."

Tara's eyes popped open and she pushed back to look at him. "Wait, you were shown the 1 Corinthians passage too?"

Bobby chuckled. "We have very wise and resourceful friends."

Tara grinned back at him. "You know, some might call it meddling." She rolled her eyes. "But that's not why I came to visit." she reached behind her and handed him the file she'd been carrying.

Bobby looked at her before flipping the file open and reading the paperwork. His eyes widened as he looked back at her. "Really?" he asked, the wariness that had been in his eyes gone.

Tara smiled before nodding. "Yep. You are the first recipient of a personal life and living habits waiver. Courtesy of your friendly neighborhood cornerstone agent." she was prevented from finishing her news as he leaned in and captured her lips for a tender kiss. She giggled as she pulled away. "No fair tickling." she laughed. Bobby grinned at her. "Anyway..." She stopped him from trying to kiss her again with a well placed finger on his lips. "Your past and any details are off limits for use in a polygraph or any other internal affairs investigation. Jack has one about life and habits of his teammates, namely you and I have one as well regarding this particular line of questioning. She'd let him kiss her then and they were both suitably embarrassed to be caught kissing by Julie when she showed up to clean. She'd bid them a cheery good-night, hardly able to contain her joy at how well her intervention had worked.

Bobby and Tara had gone for dinner and a movie before cruising to look at Christmas lights again before he took her home, where he kissed her good night.... several times... and headed off to his place, whistling Jingle Bells.

Tara was startled out of her recollections by the door opening. She grinned as Bobby came in the door and caught her around the waist, turning her so he could give her a kiss.

Happy sigh --- they're talking and ...all's right in my world.

kav

because I am in a delightfully fuzzy mood.... and I need to force myself to get this thing wrapped up..... how about another thursday post?
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"Mmm... Missed that." Tara whispered as she pulled away.

Bobby smiled and kissed her forehead. "Me too."

Tara laughed as she grabbed the bag on the table. "I know its still the week before Christmas, but I noticed that you don't show enough holiday spirit." She handed him the bag, puzzled when he didn't open it right away.

"Wait." he said, turning back and opening the door. He quickly picked up the gift bag he left outside and thrust it at her. "Guess great minds think alike." he commented.

Tara grinned at him. "Thanks. You go first though."

She watched as he pulled the tissue out of the bag. She had to go and sit on the couch while she giggled madly at the dumbfounded look on his face as he pulled all 9 pairs of socks out of the bag and looked at her with a raised brow. "One for every day, eh?" he asked, grinning at her. Tara could barely manage a nod. "Only you, Tara luv. Only you." he smiled and surprised her by removing his shoes and changing his socks. "No time like the present to enjoy a present like this." he quipped.

Tara rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her own present. Her eyes got wide and she gasped as she drew the holiday attired stuffed Tigger from the bag. "Thanks Bobby." she said. "How'd you know that I wanted him?"

Bobby tapped his forehead as he came to sit by her. "Doesn't take a genius luv." he said as he pressed a kiss to her lips. "Thank you for the socks. I'm assuming I only have to wear the the 9 days before Christmas, right?"

Tara grinned. "Until I give you more next year." she quipped, laughing at his stunned look. "We'll talk about it later. Thank you very much for Tigg. I adore it." she kissed him and sighed as she relaxed in his arms.

Bobby kissed the top of her head. "So, what's the plan today Tara luv?"

Tara craned her neck to look up at him and shrugged. "Wherever the holiday winds take us, Koala Boy. I'm a completely open book. Presents are wrapped, dinner stuff is prepped. It's the week before Christmas and I'm all yours." She paused and studied him carefully. "Always have been." She finished softly.

Bobby smiled. "I know we addressed it last night, but I need to make sure you know I'd never intentionally hurt you. I just had no idea about that part of your past." he said, caressing her cheek gently. "I promise, from here on out to be open with you and let you know if I'm ever struggling."

Tara smiled. "I know. I want to go with you sometime. Maybe after the first of the year?" she suggested. Bobby raised a brow. "I mean, don't they have opportunity for your family or supporters to come in and..." she frowned. "Well, you know... support you?"

Bobby smiled at her. "I'll look into it. I'd be very happy to have you accompany me. I want to show off my incredibly strong woman who's willing to see past all my faults and the pain my past brings her to accept me for who I am." He leaned down and captured her lips. "Well... looks like I'm pretty ready for the big day as well. So why don't we stay in and catch up on holiday movies. If anyone calls, we can hang out with them. But..." he shrugged.

"Oh, I like your style, Koala Boy." Tara said as she sealed the deal with a kiss and settled in for a cozy day at home.

Now I'm truly happy! I've been absent from this board for a couple of days and when I finally catch up with this wonderful story the awful argument between Bobby and Tara is just an old memory!
Two down, one to go! Will Myles find the peace is craving for?

Ornella

I love it when problems are solved - in fictional and nonfictional world.

ok... here's the thing... you're going to be experiencing miracles from here on out... for the first time ever... right here in this very story.... I'm going to post the very last thing I've written... You would not believe the writers block I've had on this one... scratch that... I'm sure most of you would! I blame Myles. If he wouldn't have kept me in the dark so long... I'm sure I would have written the next part already... but as it stands... this is seriously the first time I've ever posted everything without a back up cushion... so we'll see what I get written for you today so I can post on Saturday and Sunday.... I get a free writing day on Monday because I don't have to work and all the libraries are closed.... Stupid New Years Day! And due to no New Years Eve plans... I think I'll spend the evening with Bobby and Tara as well.... **Sheesh** why do these people think it's a good thing for us not to have training or to work on holidays? as a worker on assignment.... I don't get paid for holidays so that means unless we have some storms where they are willing to let us work OT... I have 2 weeks coming up with only 4 day work weeks.... meaning not very much paycheck... Oh well.... on with the story! (thanks for reading while I ramble...)
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Sunday 12/17... Tara's... 5 pm

Sue and Lucy were patiently standing by in the living room, waiting for Tara to finish her call to Bobby. "Look, Lucy..." Sue pointed at the decorations on the entertainment center. "I wonder how Tara got them to glow and shimmer like that. Do you think it's a battery?"

Lucy shrugged. "I dunno. I can't see anything connected." she said. "Kinda peaceful, don't you think?"

Sue smiled. "You're right. I've been feeling so much more at peace since we got here."

They both looked at Tara when she entered and handed out their bowls of ice cream. "I told Bobby what you said about Jack and the hockey jersey." she teased Sue.

Sue laughed and took a bite. "So what's Bobby doing at the mall the weekend before Christmas?"

Tara had to think fast, but as much as she knew... he was headed to his GA meeting. The background noise sure did sound like the mall not his car radio. She frowned. "He didn't say." She absentmindedly took a bite of her ice cream.

Lucy got a knowing grin. "I'll bet I know what he's doing at the mall." she said slyly.

Tara looked at her confused. Sue got the same grin on her face. "Yeah, Lucy... you're probably right. Bobby's looking for something shiny." she teased.

Tara frowned. "Why would he be looking for more tinsel? We've both had our places decorated for weeks." she said, still frowning.

Sue and Lucy burst into laughter. "No... girl. Don't you remember what kind of shiny we were looking at last week?" Lucy wheezed out between giggles.

Tara's eyes grew wide and she felt for the chair behind her. She sat down weakly and looked into her ice cream bowl, suddenly not feeling like finishing it. "You don't really think...?" She trailed off.

Sue and Lucy exchanged worried glances. "Tara..." Sue came over and sat at her feet, looking up at her. "You are in LOVE with Bobby, aren't you?" She asked, deciding to sign certain words to prove her point. Tara nodded. "And you can't IMAGINE your LIFE without him, right?" Tara thought for a moment before shaking her head. "See... NO PROBLEM." Sue patted her gently on the leg.

Lucy frowned. "Tara, you told me once that Bobby makes your heart race."

Tara smiled but shook her head. "I believe I told you that he makes my heart bounce like a thousand Tiggers. But... sure... fine... he makes my heart race." Sue laughed.

Lucy scowled at Sue, but laughed all the same. "Ok, so he makes your heart race and you make his heart race, to quote. 'Faster than Howie can spill what he knows.' ." She grinned at Tara.

"I don't get it." Sue admitted.

"Yeah, me either." Tara said.

Lucy smiled smugly and rolled her eyes. "When two hearts race, both win." She sat down and looked at them with wide eyes as she ate her ice cream.

Tara laughed. "Where'd you get that? On a fortune cookie?" she asked. "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the random deepness, but I know you got that from somewhere."

Sue giggled. "I agree with Tara. I know I've read that somewhere."

Lucy grinned. "Why can't you two just accept the fact that I'm deep?" She complained, mock glaring at them when they only laughed harder. "Fine!" She said, wrinkling her nose at them. "It's from a Dove candy wrapper." She rolled her eyes and joined in the laughter.

"So... Tara... if you were to be proposed to... How do you think Bobby will do it?" Sue asked as she finished her ice cream.

Tara thought for a moment. Her eyes grew soft as she started to tell them about the music and what she always thought would be part of the proposal from the man she truly loved.

As they talked into the evening, deciding what would be needed for the cookie party on Tuesday night, the shimmery glow faded slightly as Julie shimmered her way out of Tara's apartment. She'd had a buzz on her pager that let her know Bobby's eye had been properly caught by the ring Tara had picked out last weekend. She clapped her hands gleefully and pulled out her to do list so she could check off the related things to Bobby and Tara. She sighed as she realized the bulk of the list that remained had to do with the quagmire that was Myles Leland III. She added her prayers to those of his teammates that she would be able to unlock whatever wall he was hiding behind to protect himself.

Hi, I've just caught up with your wonderful story and I've enjoyed reading every single word, thus far. I love the magical touch you've incorporated with Julie and Trinity as well as the wonderful Christmas spirit, although Myles does seem to be lacking at the moment, although I'm sure by the end he will be as merry as the rest.

I'm really looking forward to seeing where you're going with this.

Take care,

Sairs

Bobby's going to propose? Thank you girls for the hint. Now I know I have bring a mop with me next time I read this thread - just in case I end in a puddle on a floor.

I think Myles needs to meet a woman of his dreams soon. I'm sure there is one on this planet for him. What about some romantic chance encounter? I'm all about hints today. Can't help if I'm such a lunatic romantic...

WOOHOO! Bobby bought the ring! Bobby bought the right ring! I'm so excited!


Ornella

NOT A POST! NOT A POST!!!

LeviCool... didn't you read my Christmas Carol? there's big hints in that one....

I see I need to refresh my brain.

yep!
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Tuesday... 12/19... 6pm...Sue and Lucy's.....

When the team arrived at Sue and Lucy's, Sue was hard at work rolling out and cutting out sugar cookies. They'd be baking while they were eating dinner so that they would cool in time to be decorated. Tara and Donna slipped into the kitchen to put cookie dough into the fridge and add grocery bags of frosting and sprinkles to the plastic container on the counter.

The guys were in charge of making sure the pizza and other stuff for dinner was delivered. Bobby joked about wanting anchovies and pineapple on half of the pizza. Myles rolled his eyes. "Absolutely not!" he said. "No one wants to eat that on their pizza."

Tanya giggled. "Not anchovies, but pineapple and olive with pepperoni is good." She received a look of exasperation from Myles.

Tara saw that Myles was gearing up to take some frustration out on the poor teenager and stepped in. "Hey Tanya and Davey, I thought you might not want to put up with us tonight while we're decorating cookies. So I brought some things for you guys to be busy with, wanna come help me set them up?" Tanya nodded and Davey scrambled out of his chair to go to the living room with Tara.

Bobby followed to the doorway and watched her as she set up her laptop for Davey to play games on and plugged in a portable DVD player for Tanya to watch a stack of movies on. D came up behind him and looked around him. "She sure does think of a lot, doesn't she?" he commented.

Bobby grinned down at him. "That's my Tara luv. You bet she's gonna think of everything." he said. D slapped him on the back and went to find Donna.

Tara looked up when she felt his eyes on her and grinned. "What?" she asked. Bobby shook his head. Tara finished what she was doing and walked up to him. She slid her arms around his waist and hugged him. "Really... what were you thinking?" she asked, looking up at him.

Bobby smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You're brilliant, you know that?" he motioned towards the things that were set up for the kids. "No one else thought about that kind of thing." He tipped her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "It's very thoughtful and shows how remarkable you are." He leaned down and captured her lips for a tender kiss.

Myles walked by and jostled them. "Honestly! You'd think the two of you could at least stay separated until after dinner." He said as he walked by.

Bobby and Tara separated and turned to look after him before they looked at each other and dissolved into laughter. "He really needs to get his holiday priorities straight." Bobby said, shaking his head in amazement. Tara giggled and they went back to join the rest of the team for dinner.

That was a lovely scene with them preparing, I loved how Tara thought of everything. I think Bobby appreciated that too! Shame about Myles... Hopefully the Christmas Spirit will grab him and shake him a little so that he's fully spirited by the time Christmas arrives!

Looking forward to more.

Sairs

I agree... Myles does need to have a bit of a shake up... perhaps a little bit of intervention? time will tell....
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After a dinner of pizza and salad, the adults all crowded into the kitchen. They quickly divvied up the cookie dough and shared direction of how each dough needed to be handled. Sue and Jack took control of shaping the bon bon cookies around small clusters of mint chocolate chips. The chocolate dough would hold it’s shape and they would dip them into melted white chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed candy canes when they were done. Jack had Sue in tears, laughing at how misshapen his cookies turned out. She painstakingly reshaped every single one of them.

D and Donna took charge of the Russian Teacakes. These walnut filled, buttery cookies would be rolled in powdered sugar after baking to become little snowy snowballs. Jack watched a D deftly rolled several perfect cookies and placed them on the pan. “Wow, D!” Jack whistled. “I had no idea you were that skilled with cookies. I’m jealous.” He said.

D laughed. “Please don’t make Donna tell you about how long it’s taken for me to be able to roll perfect cookies.” He begged.

Donna laughed. “Oh, Sweetie!” She brushed a kiss on his cheek as she turned to Sue and Tara. “It’s only taken 10 years, and he’s been trying to help for the last 12 years.” She whispered loudly. They all burst into laughter at D’s wounded look. Donna laughed loudly at his look until he took advantage of her distraction, kissing her soundly until she stopped laughing.

Tara eagerly stepped up and took point on the thumbprint cookies, Bobby at her side. The process was a little more involved and most likely a whole lot messier than any of the other cookies. She figured Myles would turn up his nose at getting that hands on with the whole thing. She watched carefully as Bobby rolled the dough into balls, amazed at how carefully he treated the dough. She was thrilled when all of them were perfectly shaped and she didn’t have to spend any time re-rolling them. She rolled up her sleeves and got busy dipping them into the beaten egg whites and placing them in a shallow pan of chopped walnuts. She felt Bobby press a kiss to the top of her head as he walked behind her to take care of placing the nutty cookies on the baking tray. ‘What?” she asked, looking up at him with a grin.

“Nothing.” He said. “Just thinking about how much I like spending time with you in the kitchen.” He leaned down and captured her lips. At the catcalls behind them, Tara turned red and pulled away, biting her lip and working, very focused on the cookies in the egg bath. Bobby chuckled and kept putting cookies on the pan.

That left Myles and Lucy to battle the ancient cookie press as they worked with the Spritz cookie dough. Myles scowled at the kitchen utensil, but muttered a quick thanks under his breath at the fact that he didn’t have to actually touch cookie dough. Lucy and Myles bickered over the thickness of the cookies and the spacing on the tray. Myles glared at her, but Lucy just held his gaze, not backing down either. Finally, Myles brandished the cookie press at her. “Look here, I’m the one operating this piece of kitchen machinery and I’ll be the one to determine how thick or how far apart on the pan they will be.” He said loftily, looking down his nose at her. “Why don’t you just stick more of those candies on that last batch of trees I pressed.” He snapped crossly.

Lucy winced but wisely held her tongue, pushing a candy in with a little more force than she’d intended. She bit her lip and took a deep breath. “You know? Myles, you’re doing fine. I’ll put sugar or candy on those right before we bake them. Excuse me.” She glanced around the room quickly before slipping away to the bathroom. She refused to give into the tears of frustration that were threatening to fall. She changed her mind and went into the bedroom instead, resisting the urge to slam the door. Instead, she closed it and threw a teddy bear at the back of it. Lucy sat down on her bed and grabbed a pillow to muffle her scream of frustration. 'Why does that man have to be so prickly?' She wondered. She sighed as she slipped to her knees beside the bed and prayed a quick prayer for sanity and for patience to be able to deal with Myles for the rest of the evening. She added a prayer that he would find some measure of peace and joy this year so that he’d stop being so horrible to everyone. When she felt she could face everyone again with the graciousness that had been drummed into her from the time she was a little girl, she returned to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Myles had continued to make cookies, ignoring the pointed looks and stares of his teammates. He set the cookie press down and waited for Lucy to return. Lucy returned and wordlessly handed him a shaker filled with green sugar, indicating he should start sprinkling. He scowled at her for this redistribution of her part of the cookies but did as she suggested without commenting.

Tara stifled a giggle as Bobby attempted to use his thumb to make the hollow for the jam. He looked at her crossly when his thumb decimated the cookie, leaving it very flat and not at all hollowed. “What am I supposed to do now?” he whined.

“Oh hush, you silly koala.” Tara said with a roll of her eyes. Bobby looked on as she quickly wet her fingers a bit and pushed the sides back up so that there was a well in the top of the cookie. “See? No harm done.” She grinned as she captured his hand. He looked at her curiously as she stuck her tongue out in concentration as she studied and sized up his fingers. “Yep, that’s what I thought.” She said. He frowned slightly. “You can use your pinky to make the well. The others are just too big for this batch of cookies.” She grinned at him. “See? I don’t even get to use my thumb.” She showed him how her thumb did the same thing and quickly fixed it. Bobby rolled his eyes but helped her ‘print’ the rest of the cookies and put the raspberry jam in the centers.