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Full Version: Option #2 - Recipe for Happiness - tracyfbeye
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2007 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Cookin' Up Summer Challenge 2007
Pages: 1, 2
tracyfbeye
She couldn’t wait to share her news. The temptation to step on the gas pedal so that she might reach her destination sooner was a strong one, but she resisted it. A traffic ticket would slow her down more than anything else could, and though she doubted it was possible, she didn’t want anything to put a damper on her mood. Besides, she was already late, and she knew that her friends would still be there waiting for her, even if she was the last to arrive.

Smiling as she thought about the event that had taken place before she’d left to spend an all-girls weekend with her two best friends, she wondered how they’d react when she told them…would they be surprised, or had they seen the signs before she’d been able to recognize them herself?

These women had been there for her in times that weren’t so happy; now that her dreams were coming true one by one, she was fairly bursting at the seams to share her good news with them. Glancing quickly at her directions, her smile widened as she realized her destination was right around the next corner.

She slowed the car as she passed several cottages, glancing down each driveway in search of the familiar cars. Coming to a curve, she looked down another gravel driveway and smiled when she saw Lucy and Sue's cars. Easing the car into the driveway, Tara's gaze fell upon the wooden cottage. Trees stood around it at every side and continued along the short driveway. Cutting the engine, she stepped out of the car, admiring not only the house, but the small flower bed that sat nearby. If there was any place that would make her relax, this was it.

Taking in the breathtaking beauty of the cottage's surroundings, and the cottage, Tara found herself thanking God for his beautiful creation. The cottages outer walls were covered in wood, from top to bottom. A long staircase led to a high porch where the front door stood prominently. After unloading her three suitcases from the back seat, she carried them to the front steps. Walking up each step, she silently listened to the sounds that surrounded the property. The singing of the birds that perched in one of the hundreds of trees, the quiet sounds of children playing in the distance, and the rustling of the leaves from the gentle wind.

After reaching the top step, Tara walked to the screen door and glanced in. "Anybody home," she called, hoping Lucy would hear her. Hearing a gleeful greeting, Tara smiled.

A few seconds later, Lucy appeared in the doorway, holding the door open to allow Tara in. "I thought you had gotten lost," she said, a smile lifting the corner of her lips.

Tara simply shook her head as she lugged the three suitcases through the doorway and paused. Immediately greeted by the strong smell of pine, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Opening her eyes, she copied every image to her memory. The hallway that led to what she suspected was the living room was well decorated with pictures of the ocean, trees, and sea shells. "I had no idea this place was going to be so beautiful," she breathed as she removed the running shoes that had been just a little too tight.

Lucy quickly stooped to gather two of the suitcases in her arms as she said, "I didn't want to talk it up too much."

Tara chuckled. "Well you certainly didn't. I was expecting a small, run down log cabin - which I would have been fine with, by the way."

Lucy shook her head, her jet-black hair flicking over her face. "I figured we should have the best." Walking a few feet ahead, Lucy and Tara made their way into the living room. "Isn't it just beautiful," Lucy asked as she pointed to the patio doors that lined the living room wall, exposing the setting sun along the ocean's horizon.

"Oh wow," Tara whispered as she set her gray suitcase against the hallway wall and proceeded to the patio doors. "It's so. . . breathtaking."

Lucy's chuckle came from the kitchen which sat opposite the living room. "Yeah, it's quite something. Do you want to unpack first or do you want to check out the ocean first?"

Tara smiled like a young child. "I want to check out the ocean first."

Lucy appeared in the living room and said, "Sue's already down there."

Sliding the door open, the two women stepped onto the porch that hugged nearly the entire cottage. Pausing to admire the pink, yellow, and blue specks that covered the sky above the setting sun, Tara revelled in the smell and sound of the ocean's waves lapping on the white sand.

While she would have enjoyed a simple weekend with her friends, Tara was thrilled that Lucy had gone to the extreme lengths of making her weekend perfect.

"Come on," Lucy urged as she opened the waist high gate that seperated the porch and the stairway down. Tara quickly followed, promising herself to find her camera and take a picture of the setting sun tomorrow night.

Immediately upon stepping off of the stairs, her feet sank into the cool, white sand. "Hey, Luce? How much do I owe you?"

Lucy's head shook quickly. "You're not paying. It's my treat."

Tara stopped. "Wait a second."

"What," Lucy asked, turning back.

"The agreement was that we would each pay our share."

"Well that part of the agreement is gone. The part that still stands is that you would supply us with our snacks for tonight."

Tara couldn't help but smile. "Why do you think I had that third suitcase?"




~ Tracy
learningtosign
great start, it sounds fab

cath
Kav
So what can't she wait to tell them?

kav
tracyfbeye
Posting quickly to have this story done by the deadline smile.gif





"You made it," Sue said, smiling brightly as she stood from the lawn chair and wrapping her arms around Tara.

Tara waited for a moment before pulling back and saying, "How could I miss it?" Sue's hands immediately went
back to their prior position, resting protectively over her swelled belly. "You look beautiful, by the way," Tara quickly added before turning back to the sunset.

Lucy's hand gently touched her shoulder as she said, "So we have a choice of three movies for tonight."

Tara turned to her. "Okay?"

"The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, or Titanic."

Sue came to her side and said, "Or we could talk." A knowing smile filled her face and Tara wondered just how much the blonde woman knew. Lucy nodded in agreement.

"Well, it doesn't matter to me. I've got enough pop and chips to last us 'til next week, and I don't want to bring any of them home, so maybe we should watch all three of them tonight."

Lucy laughed, her head falling back slightly. "Okay, okay. Let's do that - and talk."

After the sun had fallen behind the water, the three walked back to the cottage. After entering, Lucy quickly pulled the door closed and asked, "Which suitcase?"

"The red one," Tara said as she fell onto the love seat. "I claim the love seat."

Sue, who had slowly lowered herself onto the chair which sat against the living room wall, said, "That's fine with me. The less laying down I have to do the better."

Lucy walked into the room, carrying Tara's red bag. "Aw, is Jack making you lay around too much?"

Sue smiled. "He won't let me do anything. I need a glass of water, he's already gotten it. I want to make some dinner, he orders pizza." She couldn't help but chuckle. "Isn't he wonderful?"

Tara bit her bottom lip, fighting the urge to sigh loudly, the way she would during a romantic movie.

Lucy didn't bother trying. After releasing a long and dreamy sigh, she said, "Yes. And I could say I told you so but. . ." She stopped and smiled. "Alright," She lifted the suitcase onto the couch as she plopped onto it. "We have. . ." She looked up to Tara, a wide grin on her face. "You got 5 bags of Gummy Bears?"

Tara laughed as Lucy threw a bag to her. "I couldn't resist."



~ Tracy
learningtosign
looks like sue is happily married and expecting but what does tara want to tell them?

cath
australiagirl
Ohhhh what does Tara want to tell them huh???

Oh Sue, to have Jack tend to your every need, fainting.gif
maria2202
Awesome start! I look forward to the rest! broccoli1ani.gif

Sue is married to Jack and expecting yay.gif!!!!!!!!
Tara has something to tell the girls....now what could that be? hmmm.gif
Cindy01
Great story so far Tracy. I can't wait to find out what Tara has to tell them too. hmmm.gif

broccoli1ani.gif cheerleader.gif
carrijackfan
whats Taras news

bounces impatiently
tracyfbeye
Thank you for your kind replies.





Wiping the tears that coursed down her cheeks, Tara gave a watery smile. "That movie gets better every time." Lucy nodded, grabbing a kleenex from the box that had been handed around during the playing of 'The Notebook'.

"So do you guys want to talk now or watch the next movie," Lucy asked, her voice jumping with emotion as she pulled a handful of Sour Cream and Onion chips from one of the many open bags.

Sue slowly stood from the chair and stretched her arms into the air, then said, "I think I'd like to have a break to get some fruit." A smile played on her lips as Tara and Lucy exchanged a sarcastic look. "Alright, fine. I have a box of pudding in my bag."

Tara laughed as she stood to get a second chocolate bar, but stopped when she heard her cellphone ringing. Ducking quickly into the hallway, she grabbed her purse, quickly pulling out her flip phone. "Hello?"

"I miss you," the husky voice on the other end said.

Tara immediately smiled as she placed a hand over her mouth and stepped further into the darkness. "I miss you too," she whispered. Hearing Lucy and Sue's conversation in the other room caused Tara to speak a little louder. "How is Ryan?"

"He's fine. He's a little cranky though. What should I do?"

"Just give him his bottle."

"Aha! I knew I forgot something." Tara's eyes closed when she heard the quiet cooing of the baby in the background. Her heart filled with love as she listened to his soft cries. "Alright, I should probably go get that."

"Just give him a kiss for me. Please," she whispered, smiling as her eyes filled with tears that weren't from the previous moments. "I miss you both so much."

"Done. And we miss you too. I can't wait 'til that girl's night is over. . . and neither can Ryan. He wants his Mommy something fierce. Say, have you told the other Shiela's the news yet?"

"Um, no, not yet. But I will." Tara glanced over her shoulder to the living room when Sue and Lucy's voices stopped. "Well, I should get going. We have two more movies to watch before we can go to bed. Tell Ryan that I love him and that I'll be seeing him in a few days."

"And what should I tell your husband?"

A laugh escaped her lips louder than she had expected. "I'll save you the trouble and just say it to him myself. I love you and I miss you."

"I love you too, luv."

"Good night, Bobby."

"Good night, Tara. Don't have too much fun without me."

Tara smiled. "I won't. Good bye."

"Good bye."

With a quick motion, Tara closed the phone and placed it back in her purse. Quickly walking back to the living room, Tara avoided her friend's curious eyes and swiped a chocolate bar on the table before cuddling back into her previous position on the love seat. "Who's ready for Titanic?"

Lucy glanced at Sue with a glance that Tara was sure meant 'We'll get it out of her soon', then turned to the T.V. and loaded the next movie. The sudden jerk in her belly made her gasp. "Are you okay?" Lucy asked, quickly turning back.

Tara chuckled nervously, waving her hand. "I think I may have had one too many Gummy Bears. Go ahead, I'm fine."



~ Tracy
suesfan
Tracy, I just caught up on your posts!! What a wonderful story!! Sue and Jack are married and expecting!! Bobby and Tara are married and have one child!! I think I've already guessed what Tara has to tell the girls, but I'm waiting to see if I'm right!!!

Joy
Cindy01
QUOTE
Say, have you told the other Shiela's the news yet?"
I cheered when I read this....Tara is married to Bobby! Woohoo! yay.gif

I'm looking forward to Tara's conversation with the girls. biggrin.gif
eclipsse
All caught up!
Great lines!

QUOTE
Alright," She lifted the suitcase onto the couch as she plopped onto it. "We have. . ." She looked up to Tara, a wide grin on her face. "You got 5 bags of Gummy Bears?"


A girl after my own heart! rofl.gif

I wonder if Tara's news is that she is expecting again too? exclaim.gif
learningtosign
woohoo so tara and bobby already have one child and i think they are expecting again

cath
carrijackfan
baby maqnning number two is on the way yay and Tara bobby is always good
tracyfbeye
Thank you!




"That movie seemed alot shorter than I remember," Tara said as she stretched her arms, then her legs. While the love seat was extremely comfortable, staying in a confined space erked her muscles.

"That's because you slept through half of it," Sue said with a smile.

Tara glanced to her watch as she stated, "Well it is almost midnight. That's already past my bed time."

Lucy slowly pushed the blanket she had placed over herself during the movie and stood from the couch. "Oh, look at that moon."

Both Tara and Sue stood and went to the patio doors. "Wow," Tara breathed as her eyes fell on a full moon and the several stars that freckled the night sky. The glow of the lights was enough to make Tara glance away, to the water where the reflection of the moon and stars' rays penetrated the dark water.

"It's hard to believe people can think there isn't a god," Sue whispered quietly.

Tara stifled a yawn as she nodded in agreement. As beautiful as the sky, moon, and stars were, she was tired. "You know what, I might have to turn in now. I'm pretty tired."

Lucy smiled innocently. "Couldn't take it, huh?"

"Ask Bobby how nice I am in the morning if I don't get a good night's sleep," she said, chuckling at the thought.

"We'll be sure to do that."

"Oh, and by the way," Sue quipped. "Was that your husband who called?"

Tara nodded, looking out, though keeping her lips in Sue's view. "Yes. He said he can't wait 'til the girl's weekend is over."

Lucy chuckled as she turned back and walked to the couch, gathering her blanket into a ball. "And I bet Ryan feels the same way?"

"He probably can't wait to be back on schedule. Bobby forgot to give him his bottle - and he wondered why he was cranky."

Sue laughed, running a hand over her belly again. "You know, I can't wait to see how Jack is going to be with this baby." Her eyes moved lovingly over her unborn child. "He probably won't let him out of sight."

Tara stepped away from the door, giving a final glance to the rising moon. "I bet he'll make a really good Dad."

Sue nodded. "I think so too."

Lucy turned back to the other two woman and sighed loudly. "Tips and cards may be left on The Matchmaker's bed."

Tara chuckled, picking an empty bag of chips from the floor, but froze when another pain shot through her belly. Trying her best to disguise it, she turned her back to her friends and massaged the barely swollen area. "Not yet," she whispered as quietly as possible.

"Did you say something?"

Tara quickly straightened. "No, nothing." Heading to the kitchen, she inhaled deeply, trying to calm the child within her. She had done her best to hide the small swelling, but the baby was growing at record speed - even faster than Ryan had.

Constantly wearing jackets, holding blankets and pillows over her midsection, Tara hoped she could wait a while longer before telling her best friends, but she decided now would be the best time. While she didn't want to over ride Sue's wonderful news about her child which had been told months ago, she could barely keep her news inside anymore.

After placing the empty bag into the garbage, Tara walked back to the living room, already forming the words in her mind.



~ Tracy
Frwdgranny
Hi Tracy

I tried reading this the other day when you first posted, but couldn't find it. Now I see you've reposted and I'm playing catch up on 4 posts.
Post 1 - Very beautiful cottage! Would be nice to be there right now. smile.gif

Post 2 - Sue is married to Jack and pregnant! yay.gif

She must be pretty far along if she wants to sit in a straight chair against the wall! I do remember those days! smile.gif

Yes, wondering with all the others...what is Tara's news?

Post 3 - And Tara and Bobby are married and already have a little baby boy! Now how did they happen to marry before Jack and Sue? Oh, well, they might not have, just didn't get pregnant first. And I bet Tara must be pregnant again! exclaim.gif

Post 4 - Oh, just as we all suspected...she is pregnant. Sue and Lucy are going to be so happy for her! My first two were very close together, so, I know, Tara, you're going to have your hands full. Maybe she's going to have twins if they are growing very fast!

Great writing, as always, Tracy! clapgirl.gif

Lynn



Cindy01
yay.gif Another baby, how wonderful! rockingbaby.gif
learningtosign
they are going to be so excited for her

cath
eclipsse
Yaay - another baby!

Loved this:

QUOTE
Lucy turned back to the other two woman and sighed loudly. "Tips and cards may be left on The Matchmaker's bed."
carrijackfan
loving it ... just tell them Tara and lol at Lucy
Kav
Yep -- that's what I thought it was too. Looks like Sue and Tara have the recipe of happiness all figured out.

kav
tracyfbeye
Thank you all!





"Well, I'm ready to turn in," Sue said, running a hand over her mouth to hide the yawn that ended her sentence.

"Yeah, I guess I will too," Lucy agreed as she stood threw the remaining bags and boxes of snacks back into the red suitcase. "Thanks for supplying the food, Tara."

Tara nodded. "No problem. It was my only chance to eat myself out of house and home."

Sue slowly leaned against the wall, picking her purse from the floor and swinging it over her shoulder. "Alright, I will see you ladies in the morning."

"Um, Sue, wait. Please," Tara suddenly said, catching both Sue's and Lucy's attention.

"Okay?"

"Well," Tara began, slowly ringing her hands. "Sue, you have no idea how happy I am for you and Jack about the baby. And, Lucy, you know how happy I am that you and Myles are giving it a second chance." Lucy smiled and nodded. "So. . . I guess everybody has a bit of good news of their own, so I thought I would share some too."

Lucy and Sue exchanged a knowing glance before looking back to Tara.

"I'm pregnant."

Immediately her friends were upon her, hugging her and congratulating. For whatever reason that Tara thought they might be a bit dissapointed, the thoughts vanished as her friends told her how happy they were for her and that they couldn't wait to be "Aunts" again.

"So that's why you couldn't eat as many doughnuts as you used to, huh," Lucy asked with a grin. "That was the first sign."

Tara nodded. "I wondered if you guys knew."

"We suspected it," Sue said, smiling brightly. "We just didn't want to say anything until you did."

"Well, thank you. With your news a few months ago, and then Lucy's last week . . . I didn't want to make mine the most important."

Lucy and Sue both shook their heads quickly. "Tara, we are so happy for you! You should know by now that I thrive on good news," Lucy said, turning to Sue as she added, "I'm not even jealous of Sue's 'happily ever after'."

Tara placed a hand on her friend's arm. "Don't worry, Luce. If things don't work out with Myles again, I'll clobber him."

The three chuckled, knowing that Tara was most likely serious. "I think he's learned his lesson. Though, he may need some training from 'The Perfect Husbands'."

"I'll see what Jack can do," Sue said with a smile.

"And maybe Bobby can give him a few pointers."

After a few moments, the three headed off to their seperate rooms after a few more hugs and congratulations. While Tara unpacked her clothes into one of the drawers, she sent up a prayer of thanks for having such wonderful friends.



~ Tracy
Cindy01
That was lovely! cheerleader.gif They are such great friends to celebrate each other's good news like that! grouphug.gif
learningtosign
i knew they'd be happy and i hope lucy and myles work out, if not he'll have d, jack and bobby to deal with, as well as sue and tara

cath
lindylou
hearty.gif just caught this story tracy and its wonderful just cant wait for more perfect10.gif
Lin
Kav
I knew they would be happy and thrilled for her! Just like we are.

kav
carrijackfan
Tara and the thought of her hitting myles made me giggle - ow thst hurt local anaesthetic wearing off

um and the idea of J and B giving husband kessons lol
maria2202
yay.gif Tara and Bobby are having another baby! I love it!

Myles and Lucy are giving it another try! awesome cheerleader.gif

Bobby and Jack as Daddys....melting.gif
suesfan
How like Tara to think Lucy and Sue wouldn't be totally happy about her news!! Of course I knew they would be ecstatic, as they were!!!

I love that Myles and Lucy are trying again!!!

Joy
tracyfbeye
This story is almost done. Thank you for your wonderful replies!





The next morning, Tara opened the bedroom door and stepped out. Radiant sunlight poured in through the patio doors, lighting the living room without any need for lights with switches. Hundreds of seaguls that sat along the beach seemed to laugh and play as they danced along the waters edge, just in sight from the cottage. Several blue jays that sat on the fence railing on the deck squacked loudly, seemingly awaiting to be fed.

"Good morning," Sue said, appearing in the kitchen. The L-shape of the kitchen hid whomever was in the room, that is until they came to the doorway. "Did you sleep well?"

Tara nodded, her eyes barely moving to Sue as she took in the essense of beauty that surrounded both the inner and outer areas of the cottage. "I had no idea a morning could be this beautiful."

Sue nodded as she walked to her friend's side, admiring the ocean that sat nearby. "It's even more beautiful at 7 o'clock."

Tara chuckled, running a hand through her hair. "I'm sure it is but I'm also sure that you'll be the only one to see it."

Sue smiled, nodding in agreement. "Would you like to go for a walk on the beach?"

Immediately, Tara smiled, showing her enthusiasm. "Definately."

After writing a quick note to the yet awakened Lucy, the two left the cottage and began the slow walk down the beach. Tara rolled the bottoms of her jeans to her knees then waded into the cool water. She had forgotten how much she loved going to the beach when she was a child. Every Saturday, her family would go to the beach that sat miles away from their home and spent the day there. Closing her eyes, Tara imagined the good times - but opened her eyes to times that were equally as wonderful.

Sue, who had been watching her friend, asked, "Tara?"

"Yes?"

"Would you . . . describe what it sounds like here?"

A question passed her mind before Tara nodded. "Sure. Well. . ." She paused and closed her eyes again, allowing her mind to soak up all the sounds. "There are seaguls singing all around us. The waves make a quiet crashing noise as they fall against each other and the sand. Um. . . I can hear some kids laughing somewhere up the beach. And. . . I hear a boat that is starting. It's engine is revving up as it pushes into the water." Opening her eyes, she looked to her friend. "How was that?"

Sue gave a warm smile. "Thank you. It was very good. I could almost hear it."

"Honestly, I can't imagine what it must be like to not hear all of these wonderful sounds," Tara said, an edge of guilt to her tone.

Sue placed a hand on Tara's arm as she said, "Tara, don't spend your time feeling bad or you'll forget how good you have it. I mean, you have no idea how thankful I am that I can see all of this beauty - even if I can't hear it."

Tara couldn't help but pull her friend into a hug.

When they arrived back at the cottage about half an hour later, Tara stopped when she walked in. "Do you smell that?"

Sue closed the patio door behind her and stopped as well, lifting her head as if searching for a smell. "Yeah, I do. What is it?"

Walking the few feet to the kitchen, they found Lucy standing by the oven, the smell of freshly baked muffins enveloping the rooms. "Good morning, ladies. I saw your note and I figured we could all use a good, healthy morning meal."

Tara quickly went to the table where several warm muffins lay, inviting her to eat. "Oh, they look great. Thanks for doing this, Luce."

Lucy smiled. "No problem."

"What kind are they," Sue asked as she picked one of the muffins up.

"Blueberry-oat*. Go ahead: try one."

Immediately, Tara pulled off the cup and bit into the warm delicasy. "Oh, wow, it's delicious. Very soft. Great job."

Sue did the same. "It is very good. Thank you, Luce."

"It was my pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make a phone call. I promised Myles I'd call him first thing."

Sue chuckled as she grabbed a plate from a pile of three and placed 2 more muffins onto it. "We'll be outside."




~ Tracy
suesfan
Tracy, Sue asking Tara to describe the sounds she was hearing really made me stop and think!! Tara did a wonderful job of telling Sue how it sounded!! So like Sue to see the blessing of being able to see rather than dwelling on the fact of not being able to hear!!!

Joy
Cindy01
QUOTE(suesfan @ Aug 13 2007, 02:35 PM) *

Tracy, Sue asking Tara to describe the sounds she was hearing really made me stop and think!! Tara did a wonderful job of telling Sue how it sounded!! So like Sue to see the blessing of being able to see rather than dwelling on the fact of not being able to hear!!!

Joy


I agree! That was my favourite part too. Incredible writing Tracy!

And blueberry/oat muffins sound delicious!

Irene
hi lovely the story about the girls friendship.

bdw. no Jack and Sue momnet - they are so sweet!!!!!!!!!
learningtosign
beautiful post

cath
lindylou
bakingcookies.gif that was terrific how there friendship is even without there other halves
just great more soon please baking.gif
Lin
Kav
They have the enduring kind of friendship that will see them through everything.

kav
maria2202
Great post Tracy!!!!! I look forward to your next post!
tracyfbeye
Final few posts.




"I've waited so many years for this," Tara whispered as she thoughtfully chewed on a piece of the muffin. Her eyes moved from the dazzling water which seemed to have diamonds spewed across to the small trees that stood below them, swaying gently in the warm breeze.

"What have you waited for," Sue asked, curiously watching her friend.

"Oh, did I say that out loud?" Tara smiled. "I, uh. . . I've waited so long to be happy. You have no many years I've spent alone, feeling like I'd never get above the standard of 'quirky computer whiz'." She sighed heavily as she folded a muffin wrapper unconsiously in her hand. "And then Bobby came along. From the first minute I met him, I knew he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with."

Sue placed her arms on the table as she said, "And now you're the 'quirky computer whiz' who is finally living her 'Happily ever after'."

Tara chuckled quietly. "Yeah, I guess I am. But, look at you! I mean, you were the girl that everybody thought wouldn't get anywhere, am I right?"

Sue nodded. "Yes. My friend Judy was one of the only people who ever told me that they believed in me."

"And now look at you. Happily married with a baby on the way."

The smile that lifted Sue's lips competed with the brightness of the sun. "I still can't believe it. I keep feeling like I'm going to wake up one of these days and see that Jack and I aren't married."

Tara smiled as she placed a hand over her friends. "But that will never happen."

By the time Lucy had finished her long conversation with Myles, Tara and Sue decided, with Lucy's consent, decided to take a drive to the nearest convenience store and find some hot dogs for supper that night. After piling into the car and reading the directions, the three ladies drove to the store.

"You know, I can't remember the last time I roasted hot dogs over a fire," Tara commented as she picked up two packs of hot dogs from a freezer in the small store.

"I know, me too," Sue agreed, smiling as she held up a bag of marshmellows.

Lucy quickly rummaged through her purse as she mumbled, "I know I had a twenty in here somewhere."

Tara glanced to Sue then turned to Lucy, holding a twenty dollar bill in her hands. "Here, Luce." Lucy looked up, ready to argue. "Listen to me. You've already taken care of the cottage, the movies. . . it's our turn."

With a look to Sue that showed more gratitude than resentment, Lucy took the money and whispered a thank you.

Having gathered their desired food for the night, the woman checked out, then went back to the cottage, admiring the farms and other cottages that sat along the road all the way. "I still can't believe it goes from farms to cottages," Sue said as she took the plastic bag from the backseat and closed the door.

Lucy chuckled. "I know. It almost seems like you're in a completely different world down here."

"Oh, wow, it's already 12:45. No wonder I'm kinda hungry," Tara said, glancing to the watch on her arm as the three entered the cottage.

"Well, I brought a bag of hashbrowns and some eggs if you are interested."

"Sue Thomas, I told you not to bring anything," Lucy said as she placed her hands on her hips. Though the smile on her face distracted from her motherly posture.

Sue smiled. She placed a small cooler on the kitchen table, opened it, and pulled the two earlier described lunch materials. "Is anyone interested?"

"I sure am. I love hashbrowns and eggs. It'll be like brunch," Tara said with a smile.

"Lucy, you're out-voted. Now, you've been doing stuff none stop so far, so I want you to go in the other room, go watch something and I'll take care of lunch."

Before Lucy could disagree, Tara steered her to a chair in the living room. "Sit," She said, smiling as Lucy did so.

Within minutes, Sue had prepared a wonderful lunch. The smells wafted into the living room, signaling the other two woman for lunch. As they ate, Sue asked, "I have to ask: Lucy, did you really bring badminton?"

Smiling brightly, Lucy quickly nodded. "I sure did. When you told me how much you loved it I had to ask Grams for her set. So, if you're interested, we could try a game after lunch."

Tara's brow furrowed. "But, there are three of us. Aren't there only supposed to be two?"

Sue's smile widened. "Oh it is possible. We call it Triangle Badminton."



~ Tracy
Kav
I'm feeling rather deprived over here...I could roast a veggie dog with them...and maybe some smors? I like how they're working at keeping nourishing their friendship with this little girls getaway.

kav
LittleEm
clapgirl.gif This is a great story, Tracy! Girls weekends are the best... mines coming up! cheerleader.gif

Em
lindylou
bakingcookies.gif its great its more like a slumber party its great there friendship is perfect cant wait for more tracy bakingcookies.gif
Lin
eclipsse
Can't believe I missed a post!

Loved the bit where Tara described what she was hearing - wonderful moment!

Todays post - love their friendship, and Sue is right - Any meal that involves toasting things over fires has to include marshmallows! bbq-b.gif

Triangle badminton sounds intriguing...

Looking forward to the next post!
Cindy01
QUOTE
Sue's smile widened. "Oh it is possible. We call it Triangle Badminton."
biggrin.gif

Looks like they are having a great time! cheerleader.gif
maria2202
Triangle badminton...sounds like fun! dancingpin.gif

More please!
tracyfbeye
Second last post. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! They are so encouraging!





"I am so hot," Tara said, wiping a hand over her forehead.

Sue followed suit, walking through the patio doors into the air-conditioned living room. "I don't know if I've ever been so hot."

Lucy chuckled as she closed the patio door behind her after stepping in. "Oh, you are such girls."

Tara turned back quickly. "The only reason you're happy is because you won. Though I'm still not sure how anyone can win in 'Triangle Batminton'."

Sue laughed quietly. She ran a hand over her belly before settling into the love seat. "Luce, you didn't tell me you had brushed up on your skills."

Lucy smiled triumphantly as she walked to the kitchen and returned with three ice cold lemonades in frosty glasses. Handing them to both Tara and Sue, she said, "Well, I had a good trainer."

"Who, Myles?"

Lucy shook her head quickly as she took a sip of the pink mixture. "No. There was a guy named Alex at the place Grams lives. He gave me some pointers for it. Oh, and by the way, if things don't work out with Myles again, I've got a good second choice."

Tara tried to give a swift kick to her friends leg but missed when Lucy jumped onto the couch, giggling loudly.

"Well," Tara said, sinking into a chair. "No matter what happens, I hope you're happy. You've certainly done your job for us."

Lucy smiled. "I know. I'm hoping that some of my magical Matchmaking dust will somehow fall on me."

Sue gave a slight chuckle before drinking more of the lemonade.

"Hey," Tara suddenly said, her finger pointing into the air. "Did anyone else bring their bathing suits?"

"Yeah, I did," Lucy said, nodding.

"I did too, but you might have to pay me before I get into it."

Tara smiled as she stood. "I think we should go for a nice swim. I mean, come on, we have a wonderful supply of water right at our disposal."

Lucy stood from her seat on the chair. "I'll give it a go."

Sue slowly stood from her own resting place and nodded. "I'll go too."




~ Tracy
eclipsse
Lovely!

QUOTE
"Well," Tara said, sinking into a chair. "No matter what happens, I hope you're happy. You've certainly done your job for us."

Lucy smiled. "I know. I'm hoping that some of my magical Matchmaking dust will somehow fall on me."


This was just so sweet! clapgirl.gif
lindylou
bakingcookies.gif that was fantastic girl bonding wonder what there guys are up too bakingcookies.gif baking.gif
Lin
suesfan
What a great weekend this is turning out to be!! Lots of things to do and lots of bonding!!!

Joy
Cindy01
QUOTE
"Hey," Tara suddenly said, her finger pointing into the air. "Did anyone else bring their bathing suits?"

"Yeah, I did," Lucy said, nodding.

"I did too, but you might have to pay me before I get into it."
giggle.gif I'm glad the girls are having such a great time!
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