Thanks for the inspiration... I had a hard time deciding which one to start with...
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“That’s not how Mommy does it.”

His pint-sized assistant chef watched every move with her eagle eye and had done nothing but complain from the moment he’d tied her little red apron around her waist.

“Okay – what does Mommy do differently?” He wasn’t a fool, if he wanted to get out of this kitchen any time soon he’d have to fold. A strong man always knew when he was bested.

“She shifts it first.”

“Shifts it?” Baffled, he looked at his daughter quizzically.

She giggled. “Silly Daddy. Everybody knows you gotta shift the flour into another bowl before you put it in the cake batter.”

Making a comical face that left her rolling on the floor, he stepped over her writhing form and fetched another bowl. “Shift it, huh?” It made no sense, but then the kitchen wasn’t usually his domain. He dumped the mixture from the earthenware bowl into the big red plastic bowl. “There, happy now?” he asked, whereupon the pint-sized version of his wife climbed back onto her stool, dropping her head into her hands she shook it woefully and asked in a tone perilously close to a whine, “Is Mommy ever going to come back home?”

“Ah… poor baby luv.” He said, tweaking her nose. “You miss your mommy, don’t you?” Bobby resisted the urge to sit on the other stool and drop his own head in his hands and whine for Tara to come home.

She had been asked to come teach a course on cyber tracking and firewalls at Quantico. It was a month long course and even that hadn’t actually been long enough so they asked if she’d rather have to spend another two weeks there, making it a six week course… or if she’d rather just stay and teach on the weekends too… meaning that she could finally go home to her husband and daughter and not have to go back and forth all month. Tara had made the difficult decision to stay and cram it all into the month, teaching even on Saturdays and Sundays. By the time she managed to be able to steal a couple minutes to call home, it was already after Katie’s bedtime and so mother and daughter had not been able even to speak to each other while she was gone.

Bobby could tell she was tired, he heard it in her voice, every night when she called. The team hadn’t been the same without her, trying to stay on top of their game even though they were missing the most important part. He missed her too, throughout their 6 years of marriage, neither of them slept well when they were apart. His nights were mostly sleepless although he supposed that could be because his squirming, wiggling sprite of a daughter had decided that since mommy was gone, she couldn’t sleep by herself and insisted on sleeping in their bed with him every night.

“Daddy?” He was jolted out of his misery by the sad look in his daughter’s green eyes. “You didn’t answer me.” Her lower lip trembled as it poked out into a pout. “When’s mommy coming home?” Her eyes welled up with tears.

That did it. He couldn’t stand to see Tara cry and he couldn’t stand to see Katie cry either. Probably because she did look exactly like Tara, except the eyes and dimples. He gathered her up in his arms, baking idea forgotten for now as he headed for the rocking chair in the living room. He cuddled his just turned four year old daughter in his arms as she buried her face in his shirt and cried. “Shh baby luv.” He soothed as they rocked. “Mommy will be home soon.” He murmured, kissing the top of her tousled head. Her tears slowed and she hiccupped a few times before she fell asleep in his arms. “Tara…” He whispered into the quiet house. “Come home soon…” He knew she would, but time was a huge thing for a just turned four little girl.

Katie loved the fact that while Mommy was gone, she got to go hang out with Auntie Donna while Daddy worked… it was more fun than being stuck at the FBI preschool. But even Donna had pulled him aside and shared concern that Katie seemed more worried than normal because of Tara’s prolonged absence. Bobby sighed, his heart heavy as he kissed the top of her head again before he went and put her in bed on her mother’s side of the bed, pulling the covers up around her and kissing her forehead. He made sure the Tigger nightlight was on in the corner before he grabbed the phone, closing the door behind him as he went to wait for Tara’s nightly call.

Bobby is so cute in daddy mode. I feel sad for their little girl. A month is a long time ...

Julie, I love the way you write.

I can tell from this first post you are going to convert me to a Bobby/Tara fan....and Katie...what a precious little girl. I love the name Katie! Now, I'm wondering what kind of trouble lies ahead for this lovely family.

Lynn

daddy bobby is cute

daddy bobby n the kitchen is even cuter

cath

Correction, Daddy Bobby trying to bake is much cuter.

I love how Bobby acts with Katie. I can totally see him in father-mode, his little girl curled up against him while she sleeps. Yup... wonderful vision.

I love Daddy bobby

Who wouldn't!

I can't wait for more.

I agree with everyone, Tara and Bobby's little girl seems so cute and Bobby in daddy-mode is way, way cute. Can't wait for more, post soon!!!!!!!!!

A Bobby / Tara story and they're parents! Wonderful! Can't wait for more!

Don't go getting too worried about trouble... This is meant to be light and cute and a proper ball of fluff! I mean... let's think about it for a second... Bobby... and Tara... with a just turned 4 little girl... And Bobby's been parenting for a while without Tara... Trouble just seems to find some people... but it's not always the freaky... creepy kind.
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Tara dismissed her last session of the day, make that evening. She groaned when she realized that yet again, she’d failed to send her evening class on a break before Katie had to go to bed. She secured her computers and equipment, locked the desk drawers and made her way to the room they’d provided for her. She changed quickly for bed, curling up on the hard bed with a picture of Bobby and Katie as she dialed him with one hand. She smiled when he answered. “Hey yourself, good looking.” She greeted him. “How’s baby luv?” she asked.

“Baby luv misses Mommy luv.” He said, smiling. “I miss Mommy luv too.” She could hear the pout in his voice.

“Oh Bobby!” Tara wanted to cry. She missed them both badly and she hadn’t been sleeping.

“Hey, what’s wrong, Tara luv?” He asked , concerned because tonight she actually sounded like she was about to cry.

“Everything.” She said softly. “I keep forgetting to send my evening session on a break so I can call before Katie goes to bed. You know I hate my chair at work, but it’s the only chair I wish I had here.” She sighed. “And I miss you.. Waking up in your arms every morning….”

“Me too.” Bobby said. “Katie won’t sleep in her own bed anymore, and Donna said she seems worried about something.” He filled her in on their daughter.

“That’s not like her.” Tara commented. “Usually she’s so happy to not have to go with us to the building when she gets time with Donna.”

“True, but she’s spent every day I have to work at D and Donna’s , since you’ve been gone.” Bobby pointed out. “She cried herself most of the way to sleep tonight, so she’s not in pajama’s yet, since she fell asleep before I could get her into the pajamas.”

Tara tsk-tsk’d at him. “Which means, Bobby Manning that she also is asleep without brushing her teeth as well. Whatever am I going to do with you?” she asked.

“Come home and deal with me?” Bobby suggested. “I can think of several things that you can do with me.” He said, his voice carrying the heavy suggestion of what it was they’d be doing the first night she was home.

“Good thing I’m alone in my room. You’re making me blush.” She commented.

“The way you used to when you used to steal looks at me before we were going out?” He asked. “You were so adorable when you’d blush and dive back behind your monitor.”

“I was so terrified of what would happen between us if you ever found out I liked you.” Tara remembered. “And then you kissed me.”

“We’ve never listened to Mojo Gogo the same way since.” Bobby said. “Tara, I miss you so much… the team misses you, the temporary people they keep bringing us aren’t you.” He sighed. “But I know you’re there teaching the course you are because you are you. And you are brilliant at your job.”

She flushed all over again at his praise. Tara had always known that Bobby thought highly of her skills and abilities, and he certainly wasn’t shy about praising her, but tonight she needed to hear it. “I miss you too, baby.” She said, swallowing hard, praying that the lump in her throat would go away. “But I’ll be home before you know it.” She smiled. “Saturday afternoon, I’m walking in that front door and you’ll be hard pressed to get me to leave that house until Monday morning when we go to work.”

“Katie and I are holding you to that.” He said softly. “You need to sleep, I should let you go.”

“Only because you need sleep too.” She pointed out. He chuckled. “Bobby… I love you.” She whispered, tears coming to her eyes because she had to hang up and wasn’t able to snuggle into him.

“I love you too, Tara luv.” He murmured. “Hey… just thought of something. Why don’t you call Donna’s tomorrow during your lunch, you’d be able to talk to Katie then.”

Tara brightened and smiled. “Oh, I think we’ve got a new brilliant star now.” She giggled. “That’s genius, Bobby… why didn’t we think of it before?” she asked.

Bobby shrugged before realizing that she couldn’t see it. “Because Katie didn’t cry herself to sleep before?”

“Maybe.” Tara couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought about it herself. “I can go to sleep feeling less like a horrid mother now.” She said. “Good night Bobby.”

“You’re not a horrid mother.” Bobby protested. “You’re wonderful and you have no right to bring that up when Katie’s asleep and can’t defend you to yourself.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “Good night Tara , sleep tight… I love you… oh… before I forget?”

She giggled. “What? You’ve never interrupted telling me how much you love me with a question before.” She commented.

“How do you shift flour?”

Oh, that is so cute!

Like the sound of that! I love that Katie has Bobby's dimples! And my heart is goint out to her...and her daddy. It makes me think of military families and what they go through when one of the parents are on assignment. Just saw an interview with a couple who both went to Iraq at the same time...for a year! And they have three children...one a baby. I don't think I could bear it!

kav

That was so tender, so real. I love theyve been married 6 years and still have that same spark they had when they first realized they were in love.

Then I had to laugh at the end. He would need to have explained the whole scenario to her and she would have demanded to know why he was asking such a question. She would laugh and it would probably help her to not be so blue over being away from home. Laughter is a wonderful cure for the blues. Then, of course, they would have repeated their "I love you" moments again before hanging up.

Such a contented picture you left for us, Julie!

Lynn

Tara, you're not a horrible mother, if you were, Katie wouldn't be missing you ... See? Isn't that logic?

Shift floor? ... Sounds like the kind of question my hubby or my son call me for when I go away for a week

a very sweet post

cath

I loved that!

I can't wait for more.

Jaynie

Katie has Bobby so wrapped around her little finger Love how you're writing Bobby as such a sweet loving daddy And the Bobby/Tara moments are so sweet. So sad to be away from each other for so long especially for poor little Katie. I can't imagine.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Only a little bit longer...


If I was Tara, I would start crying from laughing so hard! I guess it's good that even while she's away, Bobby will always have the ability to make her smile.

LYNN! stop reading my saved documents! Katie's had Bobby in the palm of her hand from the moment they found out she was coming... So, he's pretty firmly wrapped up. LOL And yes Kav... you should see that as an encouraging thing... since they're all to be stand alone features... well... you never know what you might get...
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After a long discussion where Tara patiently explained the benefits of sifting the flour, they said their I love you’s again and hung up. Bobby ran a hand down his face, baking a cake for her was going to be harder than he thought. He yawned as it had gotten rather late during his chat with Tara. He got up off the couch and went to go put the kitchen to rights again. He put the flour back in the canister since they had never done anything with it and washed up what little dishes they had used. There would be a different cake to make, perhaps not the same carrot cake that Tara loved to make, but maybe they could come up with a short cut that would be fun for Katie to help him make.

He turned the light out in the kitchen before going to the laundry room and putting the load of wash he’d done earlier into the dryer, Katie had gotten very difficult in her clothing choices since Tara had been gone and usually it was Tara who supervised the getting dressed process in the mornings with a somewhat no nonsense tact. Yesterday, Bobby was ashamed to admit that he’d dropped her off at Donna’s in a swimsuit, tutu and a pair of flip flops… in November. He’d packed actual clothes into her backpack though in case Donna could get her to wear something different and she’d come home dressed in a tee-shirt and a pair of overalls.

He changed for bed and went to get in, chuckling softly at the way Katie sprawled across the middle of the big bed. She still had a tendency to sleep the way she did when she was a baby, head buried and rear end up in the air. He shifted her back on to Tara’s pillow and covered her back up again before turning off the light , staring at the ceiling wishing that Tara was here. He wasn’t surprised though to eventually feel Katie snuggle up against him. She had the same homing device that Tara did, if asleep before he came to bed, Tara usually managed to snuggle up to him within 10 minutes. Bobby put an arm around her, stroking her hair gently as she slept before sleep finally came to him in the early hours of the morning.

so so sweeet and the flour thing is well funny

Wonderful post, so cute and amazing writing job! Let me just say, I LOVE THIS STORY! can't wait for more. Bobby is such a good dad, even if he let her out in "a swimsuit, tutu and a pair of flip flops… in November"

Did I already say I love Bobby in daddy mode?


Homing device? That's cute !!!

Adorable!

cath

Oh, I'm so sorry, Julie! I didn't mean to steal your thunder there! I'm going to have to watch where my fingers go on these keys. Sometimes they just take off on their own, you know?

But, you did take the name I was going to use for Jack and Sue's first daughter!

This was a beautiful post. I loved the clothes Bobby let Katie wear. That is so like a man! He can't force his child to put on the proper clothes. Or maybe I should say that is so like a four year old who, totally and completely, has her daddy wrapped around her finger!

Don't be ashamed to admit it Bobby...most men do that, including my son-in-law! But, at least he, Bobby, not my son-in-law, put regular clothes in the bag so another no nonsense mom, I'm sure in a firm, yet loving way, was able to persuade Katie to change into; and, had that magic way of making Katie think it was her idea.

I love tender moments like those in the bed...I love them, I love them, I love them.

Why, you ask? Because, as much as we long for, hope for, beg for, intimate, loving moments between Jack and Sue, or Bobby and Tara, or Myles and Lucy, these tender moments show us there is so much more to love than the physical side of love between a man and a woman! Fantastic post Julie!

Lynn

Oh I do love this Bobby....and There's nothing wrong with a little self-expression, is there?

kav

I just caught up on your story and it's wonderful already!! I love this loving family you have created with Bobby, Tara and Katie!!!

Joy

Loved this post! Bobby and little Katie are too cute together!

Ornella

No worries Lynn... I have a habit of reading some authors minds myself... And you can still use Katie as a name for Jack and Sue's daughter... I'm sure it's not the same exact name as Bobby and Tara used... And no Kav... there's nothing wrong with self expression...
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Bobby woke up slowly, feeling like someone was staring at him. His suspicions were confirmed when tiny little hands patted his face. “Daddy…?” he opened his eyes to see Katie sitting on his chest, staring worriedly into his face. “Daddy, it’s time to get up. I’m hungry.”

He grinned. “Are you now, baby luv?” He sat up, tumbling her down to the bed as he tickled her. Katie squirmed and giggled as she tried to avoid his tickling fingers.

“Daddy…” She giggled. “No fair…” She finally managed to squirm far enough away that he couldn’t get at her.

“Ok, ok…” He said. “Let’s get you dressed and go see what you’re hungry for.” Katie nodded and slid off the bed, scampering to her bedroom. “And no swimsuits…” Bobby called after her. He got out of bed slowly, stretching and wishing once again that Tara was here. He showered quickly before dressing for his day, going to check in on Katie and her progress in getting dressed.

His eyes narrowed as he watched his daughter. “Kathryn Vivian Manning.” He said firmly. “Just what do you think you’re wearing?”

Katie looked up at him, a guilty look on her face. “What Daddy?” She asked, turning puppy dog eyes on him.

Bobby had to bite back his laughter and arranged a serious look on his face. “I said No swimsuits.” he chided her gently. “Baby luv, its November and it’s cold outside. Daddy doesn’t want you to be sick when Mommy comes home, ok?” He turned to her closet and pulled out a long sleeve tee shirt. “Do you want to wear a skirt or pants today?” He asked her.

“Wanna wear a swimsuit and shorts.” She said stubbornly.

He sighed lightly and chose a pair of pants for her to wear before going over and kneeling beside the bed that his swimsuit clad daughter was sitting on. “Katie.” He said firmly, ignoring the sad look in her eyes. “We can only wear swimsuits in November when we go to visit Nana and Gramps in Australia.”

“Then let’s go.” She said, as though that solved the situation. “Go get Mommy back from Cantico and let’s go visit Nana and Gramps.”

“Sorry, Katie, baby.” He said softly. “It doesn’t work out like that this time.” She pouted again. “Mommy’s coming home on Saturday though… “ Her pout faded slightly but she still had a forlorn look on her face. He tilted her chin up so he could look her in the eye. “And if you’re a good girl and get dressed with no more pouting in the clothes that I’ve gotten out for you… you might just get a surprise today at Auntie Donna’s around lunchtime.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Tara would be calling anyway but figured that it was worth a shot. Katie loved surprises as much as Tara did.

Her eyes grew wide. “A surprise?” She asked. Bobby nodded. Katie squealed and threw her arms around his neck. “I promise… I’ll wear whatever you want.” She said, kissing him on the cheek.

Bobby chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Ok, then. Get dressed.” He said, realizing he’d just resorted to bribing his daughter with a call from her Mommy. “What do you want for breakfast… pancakes or French toast?”

Katie grinned at him. “It’s Thursday Daddy.” She said. “You know it’s French toast day.”

Bobby pouted. “Why you’re right.” He agreed. “It is French toast day.” He tweaked her nose and ruffled her hair before he went to go make French toast for their breakfast.

katie is a real sweetheart

cath

Aw, thanks Julie; that first paragraph took me down memory lane. Many a time we woke up to that very same thing...except multiply that times 3...(in 3 years)! And more often than not, my youngest would have a hot dog clutched in his little fist with one bite taken out of it.

Even though I'm divorced, those were good years and I look back on them fondly. Then my grandchildren used to do that to me when they, my daughter and son-in-law lived with me for a few years when they were 2-7, 0-4 and 0-2. That was a very special time. Thanks for reminding me!

The rest of the post....takes my breath away. I'm sitting here bawling, it touched me so.

And shame on you, Bobby, bribing your little girl...

Lynn

I just love Bobby and Katie.

Kim

The whole post was just so cute.

I especially loved this part. Kids do love routine.

Bribing your children isn't always bad, just as long as it doesn't happen too often... right?

Anyway, Cath is right. Katie is such a sweetheart.

I love Bobby as a dad!

Em

Such a cute scene between father and daughter!! Now, the only thing I hope is that Tara does indeed call Katie at Donna's!! If she doesn't get a chance to, Katie is going to be waiting for a surprise!!!

Joy

Wow! I am so hooked on your story. You've pulled me completely into Bobby and Tara's world (and little Katie's). There are so many touching lines and cute ones. I can't wait to see wehre you take this.

You guys are great!
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Tara woke up, tired and alone…. Far too alone for a married woman who’d not spent a night out of her husband’s company since the night before their wedding. Even when she had been in the hospital after Katie was born, Bobby stayed by her side the entire night, sleeping with his head on the bed next to her and holding her hand all night long. Every assignment that took one of them out of town… took both of them out of town, because they had insisted on it. Now that Katie was around, they didn’t get sent on the out of town assignments. The last month though had just about killed her. She was so glad she was going home on Saturday. She had something to tell Bobby… something that she couldn’t bring herself to say over the phone.

She got out of bed and dressed slowly, wishing she was at home making French toast for breakfast. She crossed another day off of the calendar she had put up on the back of the door. She smiled when she realized that she had today… and tomorrow… to teach and then she’d get a good night’s sleep on Friday… and get up first thing and be home to make them breakfast on Saturday. Tara went over to the window and looked out at the Quantico grounds. These grounds had become a home for her.. A safe place… a place where she could focus her mind and find clarity. She realized that while she was in training and anytime she used to doubt herself, she closed her eyes and she was back… practicing in Hogan’s Alley… working on her marksmenship at the shooting range… not anymore though.

Now, all she needed was a whiff of Bobby’s aftershave to send her right back to the safe place. The memory and feel of his arms around her was the clarifying peaceful place. Home. Katie. And always Bobby. Those were the things she needed… longed for. She leaned her head against the window, her heart beating a new mantra… two days… two days…
Her phone buzzed with a new text message and she smiled when she saw it was from Bobby. It was as though he knew she needed something from him this morning.

~~ Tara luv! ~~ I love you, just wanted to remind you to call Katie at Donna’s today. She deserves a surprise… and surprise, luv! It’s a call from you. Love you! Koala Boy.~~

She arched a brow at her phone, wondering just what Katie had done to earn a surprise. But then she laughed knowing it was more likely that there was something that Bobby had to bribe her to do today that was earning her the surprise. She laughed hard enough that tears came to her eyes, Bobby tried. She had to give him that… but 3 weeks of it was enough, this last week was probably the hardest week he’d ever had with their daughter. She wiped the tears from her eyes and sent him a text message back.

~~Koala Boy~~ I love you too! I miss you this morning… I will call Donna’s today. Now … just what did you have to bribe her to do? Got to run. Talk to you tonight! Love you! Tara luv~~

Tara put the phone on vibrate and strapped it to her hip as she grabbed her laptop and headed to find something for her own breakfast, wondering if they had French toast in the cafeteria this morning.

hope she doesn't get too distracted to call katie

cath

she had french toast too sweeet

Katie's Favorite French Toast

3 eggs
3/4 Cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Cinnamon
8 slices Bread.

Beat all ingredients except bread in a pie plate or other shallow baking dish. (Tara's note: Don't be alarmed... the cinnamon tends to clump but it will adhere nicely to the bread.) Dip bread, making sure that both sides are coated before placing on a skillet, griddle or your favorite method of frying up pancakes and French toast, that has been warmed up so that you hear a faint sizzle when you place the bread on it. Fry until golden and flip over to cook the other side.

Butter the cooked side while it is still on the griddle so that the butter melts on top. Repeat as needed until there is no more egg batter left. (Bobby's note: Tara can always get more French toast out of this mix than just 8 pieces, because she only coats the bread on each side. I prefer to let it soak it in, it can take a fair bit longer to cook because of how deeply the egg mixture has sunk in, but you get a nice soft, eggy piece of French toast.)

Serve with jam, jelly and Katie's other favorite, maple syrup.

Fantastic post and I love the recipe!

This was beautiful!

Something to tell Bobby?

More soon please!

Awesome challenge story so far MioneBristow! Can't wait for more!

I can't wait for Tara to get home on Saturday!!!

And, thanks for the recipe!! I'm hungry for French Toast now!!!

Joy

love the recipe and the comments from them very typical of them aswell

I adore the baby luv nickname. It's so perfectly Bobby. Love the contrast between then and now. I can't wait until she gets home to her family.

kav ( who is going to make French Toast for breakfast tomorrow...hmmm...raisn bread French toast)

Can't wait for Tara to get home. I want to know what she has to tell Bobby! Not sure if it's good or bad?

Loved the notes! This is great!!!

I'm thinking it's good... very good....