Donna looked impatiently at D. “So you just decided to bring him home and let me fix him?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

D smiled. “Oh, come on, honey. You know you’ve always had a knack for fixing the problems of our lovelorn boy in there.” He looked at her innocently until she smiled. “Besides… this time it’s about Tara.”

Her eyes widened. “You don’t mean…” She stared at him. “Bobby Manning… is stuck on Tara Williams?” she questioned him quietly.

He frowned at her. “Why is it that everyone’s surprised he’s interested in Tara? She’s a beautiful girl.”

Donna laughed softly and came over to hug him. “No, baby… you misunderstand me.” She kissed him softly. “Tara… is stuck on Bobby too.” She whispered against his lips. “But she is reluctant to let him know it… something about her kiss reminding him of Darcy.”

“Ah… see, that would fit with him telling me he blew it.” D nodded, kissing her again. “So… any ideas of how you’re going to fix him?” He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned up against the counter.

“Dimitrius Gans!” She shook her head at him, listening to the laughter that was coming from the family room. Tanya and Davey had immediately pulled Bobby into joining them in their computer game and from the sounds of things, Tanya was winning, in spite of Davey helping Bobby navigate the game. “You can’t just expect to bring him in and sit him down at my table in hopes that fried chicken and mashed potatoes will fix a broken heart.”

“I know that.” He defended himself. “The dessert is what fixes the broken heart part. The fried chicken fixes the hungry part.” He laughed when she swatted him and wiggled out of his arms to go check on the potatoes that were boiling on the back of the stove.

“Well, lucky for you I made plenty… although it means no cold chicken for your late night snacking.” She smirked at him. “Bobby always takes care of the leftovers.” She reminded him.

D groaned. “I forgot about that.” He said, sheepishly. “It’s been a while since he’s been over making sure our fridge doesn’t get bogged down with leftovers.”

“As for fixing him…” Donna shrugged as the phone rang and she picked up the cordless phone, checking the caller id. She grinned when she saw who it was. “Like I said, as for fixing him…” She clicked the answer button. “Hi, Tara sweetie. What’s going on?”

Okay, going for the safe bet here...it is Donna

I guessed correctly for once!

Lynn

i think donna is going to do some matchmaking

cath

Go Donna Go!!!!! Matchmake away!!!

Yay! Donna will manage to sort out this communication mess Bobby and Tara have created!

How opportune! Donna's going to get the two of them together, isn't she?

kav

I love D confident that if he takes Bobby home to Donna, Donna will fix him!! I think he's right!!!

Joy

hehe do you want dinner Tara thasts what she will say right

Now... the rest of that post should say: "Would you like to come over for dinner?"

Come on, ask her. You know you want to.

“Donna…” Tara sighed in relief that D hadn’t answered. “I don’t know what to do.” she whispered.

Donna motioned at D to check the potatoes and then get out of the kitchen and he grinned at her and did it. “It’s ok, sweetie. Tell me what’s going on.” She said, heading out the patio door for the quiet of the backyard.

So, for once in her life, Tara did. She told Donna everything… from the book… to the grocery store to how horrid she felt about ignoring him today and her dismay that she didn’t know what to do. She waited, holding her breath as she waited for Donna to say something after she’d finished.

Donna sighed. “Tara sweetie. You’ve got to follow your heart. Do you honestly believe that the book will have such power to cause havoc for you if you don’t try something out of it in the next couple weeks?”

“Yes… I can’t exactly say why but no Williams has ever not done it… Oh. I knew I should have tried one when I first got the book.” Tara rambled. “Why did I wait?” She moaned.

“Tara! Snap out of it sweetie.” Donna demanded gently. “Bring the book. We’ll go through it together and figure out which one won’t bring any harm for anyone. Ok?” She said.

“Oh, but I can’t come over and interrupt your evening.” Tara protested.

“Yes you can.” Donna reassured her. “There’s plenty of food.” She said, a plan formulating in her brain. “Just come.” She invited. “But hurry because the potatoes are almost done.”

Tara hung up the phone and sighed again, still staring at the ceiling. She finally dragged herself off the bed and ran a brush through her hair before changing into a pair of jeans and a tank top. She stared at herself in the mirror, touching up her make up. “Ok… you can do it… Donna will help just like you knew she would.” She told her self in the mirror before smiling and leaving the bathroom. She scooped up the book and grabbed her purse and keys before heading over to the Gans house.

Isn't Tara going to be surprised when she gets there?? And, Bobby, he's probably going to faint!!!

Joy

Yep!!!! Now hopefully things will get straightened out and they become an item like they are meant to be:) Go Donna...Go D!!!!!

Yes, I noticed she didn't say "hurry before the food's all gone", so it sounds like the woman might have a plan up her sleeve for matchmaking. MAybe if her skills work on Bobby and Tara, then they can try something for Jack and Sue... maybe even Lucy and Myles.

hehe sneaky Donna now have little enough food so they share

go donna

cath

Oh, this is delicious. Excited to hear Donna has a plan. I wonder what it is. Maybe Tara won't have to use the potion and, with Donna's help, she can break the spell that's been over the Williams women all these years!

Lynn

I can't wait to see what happens next!

This is going to be good...not that it isn't already...it's just getting...gooder.

kav

Tanya grinned widely when Tara arrived. “Oh! Goodie, Tara… you’re just in time to help me!” She said, grabbing the arm that wasn’t holding the book and trying to drag her into the family room.

“Tanya!” Donna said, from the doorway. “I just need to borrow her for a while.” Tanya pouted. “That’s enough young lady. If she wants to help you after dinner… she can. But for now, I need her in here.”

Tara laughed at the pout that stayed on Tanya’s face. “It’s ok, sweetie.” She said, giving her a one armed hug. “After… ok?” Tanya rolled her eyes and finally let go of Tara’s arm. She headed back into the family room while Tara went to the kitchen and welcomed Donna’s comforting hug. “Thank you.” She whispered, pulling away and setting the book on the table.

“Not a problem.” Donna told her, moving to the cutting board again so that she could finish chopping things for the salad. “So… flip open that book and find me a potion for a calm home… is there one of those?”

Tara smiled. “I think there’s something.” She said, her eyes lighting up as she started to flip through the book. “Do you think that will work?” She asked, scanning pages.

“Well… you said most of the potions say that you can’t make them for yourself… so it would stand to reason that you could make something for someone else.”

Tara nodded, still looking for what she wanted. “Ah… this might work.” She said, scanning the page. “Actually… it’s designed to provide tranquility to all who drink it…” She read it again. “Including the potion maker.” She looked up at Donna, grinning. “You’ve got lavender out in your garden, right?” Donna nodded. “And limes?”

Donna smiled. “I was wondering why I picked up an entire bag of limes at the store today.” She said, motioning to the fridge. “I must have been thinking about you. So… are you going to whip us up a little tranquility in a glass? We’ve got enough time before dinner.”

Tara got up from the table. “I just have to go get the lavender from your garden.” She did a happy jig in the middle of the kitchen. She frowned. “Do you think it will help? If I … find some tranquility?”

Donna nodded as Tara smiled again and left the kitchen to head out to the garden and get the lavender. “And my other dinner guest will help you solve the problems of your heart, Tara sweetie.” She murmured softly as she watched Tara through the kitchen window.

Some tranquility will be good for everyone... Maybe lessen the shock of Tara seeing Bobby at the table

i think she might need adose of tranquility when she sees bobby sitting there otherwise her heart might explode

cath

Awww, I love this!

Ah,peace and tranquility! I may need some this week, helping to cook for 110 kids and adults! Is this a tea recipe? I don't drink tea! Maybe I should learn?
And where is Bobby and D? In his study maybe? Surely she will find out he is there for dinner before actually sitting down to eat! And I wonder what is on Tanya's mind that she wanted to discuss with Tara! So much going on in that little post, Mione!

Lynn

Well, tranquillity is good as long as it doesn't put Bobby into a stupor of thought! That wouldn't get us anywhere.

kav

Nope... not a tea! Lynn- you're cooking? for a week? Fantastic! I was a camp cook for two summers during college. I often joke that I can cook for no less than 150. Oh... and it was a couple posts ago... Bobby's playing video games with Tanya and Davey in the family room... and Tanya was trying to get Tara to come into the family room? LOL And lavender really does soothe and add to tranquility... aromatherapy supports this... Citrus smells do have something to do with perking you up and clarity... I just didn't look it up too much...
***********************************************************************

Tranquility Potion #1

6 cups water
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup dried lavender or 1/3 cup fresh lavender flowers
1 tsp. grated lime zest
1 cup (~8 limes) fresh-squeezed lime juice
lime slices (optional)

In a 2 qt. Saucepan, combine 2 cups water, sugar, lavender and lime zest. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat and let syrup stand for 10 min. Strain and discard lavender

In large pitcher, stir syrup, lime juice and the remaining 4 cups water.
Serve over ice, with lime slices if desired.

Tara's Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandmother says: Lavender and Lime pair very well together to bring out the tranquility that Lavender can induce. Citrus helps to bring clarity. Use this lavender limeade whenever you deem necessary for tranquil spirits to prevail. We served this in the White House during the War Between the States to President Lincoln... God rest his soul.... when he was agonizing over that dreadful Gettysburg situation.....

Yup! There are 3 of us in the kitchen! I did a practice run on a 4-day camp with the Jr High youth mission trip 2 weeks ago (96 count) and now I'm going with the Sr High youth for a week! The hardest part is being on my feet from 5:30a-midnight! Oh, what I do for my grandkids. Have one in each level now! But I love it! Keeps me young!

I love limeade. I am definitely going to have to try this recipe...maybe I can get the other kitchen ladies to let me make it during the week. I have a feeling we'll be needing the tranquility!

Ah, yes, I remember the video games now....

No wonder Donna told Tanya later! I can just see Donna's expression to Tanya when she says

Lynn

Tranquility... maybe it can also lead to a cleared head so can approach her other ordeal. It's funny. Bobby's only a few feet away and she doesn't even know it.

I can't wait for dinner!! This is wonderful, and i love the way you are bringing Donna out more since she doesn't usually get much screen time and isn't often written about!!! Once again, you're doing a great job!

I just love Donna!! She already has a pretty cool head on her shoulders, but she definitely needs some help to bring tranquility to her home!! And, besides, maybe Tara can drink the limeade in the kitchen and Bobby in the family room, without the other one knowing they're there!! That way the drink will have time to work before they see each other!!!

Joy

Yay!!! They have wireless here at the church. I'm supposed to be resting while the rest of the kitchen crew is at Walmart...but, I couldn't resist! I totally agree with Joy, especially on the separate drink idea! How about it Mione?

Lynn

Tara came back in from the garden and set to work, juicing limes and gently rinsing the lavender flowers before she started the simple syrup heating on the stove. She laughed and talked with Donna… her earlier distress floating away with the heady aromas of lavender and citrus. She felt her mind clearing, and all she’d done is start to assemble the potion… She giggled… the potion was really nothing more than limeade with lavender. She wondered if her mother had ever realized that sprinkled throughout the more, potiony potions, there were simple recipes that her ancestors had used for ages.

Donna rested a hand on her arm. “Tara…?” She questioned, seeing the look on Tara’s face. “Are you still here?”

Tara smiled. “I am. Sorry about that.” She said. “It just dawned on me that the women in my family have been living in fear of what this… this book can do to them if they don’t follow things to the letter.” She took the syrup off the stove and strained it carefully, making sure that the lavender flowers didn’t fall in to the pitcher.

“What do you mean, sweetie? I’m not sure I understand.” Donna watched her closely.

“There are no men, in my family tree.” Tara said, her eyes narrowing as she thought about it. “There have been no marriages, no name changes. Just women, strong women who have taken chances on one moment… possibly a ripple from using one of the love potions.” She shrugged. “My family is purely matriarchal, one mother, one daughter on each branch. Yes there are men, but the only reason they’re listed is because they are a father. They didn’t marry us, raise us.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Yes, but it’s also sad. Everyone has made the first potion that the book has ‘suggested’ and never any more than that one, usually… unless there was something else that they needed to secure before passing the book on. Depending on when they made their potion… they were pregnant within a year and gave birth to their daughter, having no further success at love or promises of marriage until much later in life.” She frowned. “No wonder mother is so anxious for me to try a ‘recipe’… she can’t attempt to settle down until I do and start the cycle over again.” She laughed. “And I’m pushing it to the limit, being only a couple weeks away from my birthday.” She moved on to mixing the lime juice and rest of the water into the syrup. “By the time those men choose to stick around, they are not added to the family tree… there are no more children that come… no more than one granddaughter because the women in my family fear true love… they fear marriage.” She frowned again. “Because it limits their freedom?” She questioned in a whisper, sudden realization that she was completely right stealing over her.

“You’re going to change that, Tara.” Donna said softly, coming and putting an arm around her shoulders. “You’re not making the recipe that the book suggested. You’re going out on your own limb and making something that you want to.” She smiled when Tara looked at her. “You’ve waited so long because you want to break the cycle.” Donna pointed out gently. “You want your branch on the family tree to not say Tara Williams any more.”

Tara’s eyes widened as she listened to Donna, realizing that it was the truth and a smile slowly grew in her heart and appeared on her lips.

lovely chat between the two women

cath

very sweet and Donna youm know she wants it to say manning right

Two very sweet posts....I love it!!!!

More soon please

Now that gave me goosebumps! I think I need some of that calming lavendar limeade!

kav

I think we all want it to say Manning.

I love how Donna can relate to Tara and give advice accordingly!!! This is wonderful.

“You’re totally right, Donna.” She said. “I don’t want it to say Tara Williams… and I don’t just want one daughter… this needs to end… with me.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’m breaking this cycle of fear. I don’t care what this book has meant to my family, if I have a daughter, she will not be a Williams and she will not be made to fulfill some silly destiny.” She was feeling rather bold and in control of her future now.

“Good.” Donna smiled. “Those limes have some clarity boost.” She teased, turning back to the gravy. “Help me get dinner dished up, please. And we’ll need 6 glasses of tranquility… there’s someone else here for dinner too.”

Tara tilted her head and looked at her friend. “Really?” She asked. “There wasn’t any other cars around…”

“Oh, I expect that he parked up the block… he always used to. Said that he needed to walk off the food that he inhaled at my table before he could get in his car again.”

“Oh…” Tara said, getting the glasses down and setting them around the table. She held the platter while Donna dished up the fried chicken and set it on the table. She filled the glasses with ice and poured the limeade, setting the pitcher down on the table as well, in case anyone wanted more. “Looks like everything’s ready.” She told Donna who came over to set the mashed potatoes and gravy down.

“All but the biscuits.” Donna agreed. “Would you find my jelly dish in the cupboard and put some of that berry jam in it, please?”

Tara hurried to the cupboard and found the crystal dish that Donna was referring to and put the jam in it, setting it on the table with the butter. She smiled at D when he showed up in the door way.

“Hey Tippy.” He greeted her, ruffling her hair as she walked by. “How are you?”

She scowled at him as she tried to smooth down her hair. “Much better now, thank you very much.” She told him. She rolled her eyes and grinned at him. “Much much better.” She added.

“Good.” D said, crossing to wrap his arms around Donna’s waist and rest his chin on her shoulder, peering at the biscuits she was putting into the basket. “Dinner’s ready?” He asked, hopefully. She nodded. “I’ll tell them to wash up then.” He commented, brushing a kiss to her cheek before leaving. He grinned at Tara on his way by.

Tara could hear the general pandemonium that was happening in the family room as D told his kids to go wash up for dinner. She could still hear him talking to someone else as she turned to double check that everything was done and Donna didn’t need anymore help. Donna brushed her off and told her to go ahead and take a seat. Tara wrinkled her nose. “I’ll wait.” She smiled. “No need to rush through the evening.” She said lightly. She looked up when she heard footsteps approaching the kitchen again, expecting to see D return. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped when her eyes locked with the mesmerizing green eyes that haunted her dreams.

And????? You left off too soon. Much too soon. Really and truly way too soon.

kav

I'm with Kav...wayyyy to soon...please post more

i think your computer ate the rest of this post

cath

People are looking at me funny cuz i keep screaming, you can't leave it there!!!

I'm sitting here wishing I had a glass of limeade!! It sounds sooo good!!!

Interesting information about Tara's family tree!! And, I love the way Donna is encouraging her to break the cycle and do what she wants!!!

Mione, I'm with everyone else - what did you do with the rest of the post???

Joy

This is progressing very nicely. I love the tranquility potion and dinner sounds like it's going to be very interesting.

Take care,

Sairs

I... can't believe you left it there!

Hm... Tara's not holding anything too much of value to D and Donna, right? Otherwise, I can sense it being broken just by the look that Bobby is giving her, right now.

But... But... I can... and I did! I know that made some of you ... but I'll fix it... I promise... LOL
***********************************************************************

Bobby stopped, dead in his tracks, in the doorway. He stared at Tara, wondering if he’d conjured her there with his thoughts.

Tara finally found the ability to close her mouth and smiled softly at him. “Hi Bobby.” She said. “I guess they didn’t tell you I was here, did they?” She rolled her eyes at D when he smirked at her. “Just like they neglected to mention to me that you were here.”

Donna clucked disapprovingly behind her. “Now, Tara… sweetie. You know I promised to help.” She said, wrapping an arm around Tara’s shoulders as she smiled at Bobby. “And I did tell you that someone else was here. It’s not neglect on my part that you failed to ask who it was.”

Bobby grinned. “It smells great.” He said, stepping fully into the kitchen. It DID smell great, even though he knew Donna had made fried chicken for dinner… the smell of limes and something slightly flowery was taking over the room.

They were soon joined by the kids and everyone took their seats. Tara found herself sitting next to Bobby, stealing sideways glances at him as they passed the food around. She had to work very hard to control herself. Every time their hands brushed as they passed the food, a jolt of electricity shot through her. The conversation around the table was light hearted. She blushed slightly when D and Bobby complimented her on the limeade. She smiled and exchanged a glance with Donna. “Well… it’s an old family recipe.” She said, making Donna laugh.

The kids were excused back to the family room with their dessert while Donna dished up blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for the adults. Tara poured the coffee that had brewed during dinner. “Thanks luv.” Bobby said, taking the cup from her. She looked different tonight, he thought. Maybe a little more confident? He wondered as he took a sip of coffee before taking a bite of cobbler. “Ah… Donna… this is fantastic.” He said after he swallowed.

“I agree.” D said, taking his wife’s hand as she had moved to sit across from Tara now that the kids were gone. “I always love your cobbler. Is it almost time for peach yet?” He asked.

Donna laughed. “Yes, dear. Almost time for peach as well. But I needed to use up the last of last years blueberries before I go and freeze more from this year.”

“These are the berries from the backyard?” Tara questioned. She had seen the bushes out back when she’d gotten the lavender. Donna nodded. “I’d like to do that someday. Have a house where I can grow blueberries and stuff in the back yard.” She commented, unaware of how Bobby’s ears had perked up when she said that.

“I’ll help you put them in when you get to that place.” Donna promised. They chatted easily over the rest of dessert and coffee, until Donna excused herself to tell the kids to go to bed.

Tara looked up at the clock. “Oh, goodness. I had no idea it had gotten so late.” She said, apologetically to D. He shrugged. “I should really get going then.” She pushed her chair back and got up from the table.

“Me too.” Bobby said as he also rose. “Thanks for the invite.” He told D, smiling at Donna when she came back. “Thanks for putting up with me for dinner.” He said to her, making her laugh before she followed Tara out to the kitchen.

“Tara…” she said, as Tara picked up the book. “Are you okay with how tonight has turned out? I’m sorry we didn’t get much of a chance to talk.”

Tara smiled. “Our talk before dinner has done a lot of good.” She said, before hugging Donna. “Tonight has been much better than I could have hoped.”

Donna was prevented from answering when Bobby showed up in the doorway again. “Walk you out to your car?” He asked Tara, holding his breath anxiously.

“Drive you up the block to your car?” She countered, smiling softly at him. He laughed and nodded. “All right then, we should get going.” She hugged Donna again. “Thank you.” She whispered in her ear. She followed Bobby out to the living room, saying good night to D as they walked out the front door.

Donna wrapped her arms around D as they stood in doorway and watched them head down the front walk together, chatting quietly. “Think they’ll be okay now?” She whispered in his ear.

D gave her a squeeze and kissed her softly. “I think they’ll be more than okay.” He said confidently as he shut the door and locked it before drawing her fully into his arms and kissing her again.

i'm sure they will be more than ok now

cath

I'm sure they will more then OK too

Well, I'm sure they'll be okay, but more to the point does mione?

kav

I think everything will be okay, too. Tonight was a success, wasn't it?