Bobby and Tara followed the others out to the cars, getting in before following Lucy’s lead as they headed towards the restaurant. “How’s Sophie?” Bobby asked, knowing how precious she was to Tara. Truth was… they’d initially come together when Sara Beth was diagnosed with the cancer. Tara had spent a long night, holding the little girl’s hand while Sue and Jack tried to get some sleep. Sophie had been Sara Beth’s roommate. And once Sara Beth was asleep, Sophie had needed some attention and Tara was happy to give it to her.

“It’s not good, Bobby.” Tara said softly. “They found another tumor and Sue thinks that they’re sending her to St. Jude’s this week.” She reached up and hastily wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall.

Bobby didn’t know what to say so he reached over and squeezed her hand, wanting so badly to pull her into his arms and console her… the way he had when she showed up on his doorstep at 5 AM, in need of something other than the ache in her heart over Sara Beth and Sophie. One thing had led to another… a kiss had led to their declarations of their true and honest feelings for each other and here they were… 18 months later and still together. Not as openly as they might hope… because they just hadn’t felt the time was right to fill the rest of the team in yet… but still together and in love. “I’m sorry luv.” He said, pulling away when the light turned green.

“I know.” Tara smiled at him. “It seems like it’s a never ending cycle.” He nodded and quickly found a parking place as they arrived at the restaurant. She took advantage of a clear distraction of Lucy’s attention by leaning forward quickly and kissing him. He barely had time to kiss her back before she pulled away, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “Well… let’s hope that Jack and Sue aren’t too long in showing up…” She murmured, her eyes meeting his.

“Back to my place?” he asked. “I hope you don’t mind but I called Charlie earlier while you were in the shower and he and Troy went to get your car and took it to the garage.”

She smiled. “Back to your place it is then.” She agreed.

“For the record, I did get a lecture about not calling him first.” Bobby grumbled, scowling at her when she giggled her way out of the car. He reached into the back and pulled out the present that she had wrapped the night before. “Think they’ll like it?” He asked, gently shifting the ribbons on it before he tucked it under his arm and let her lead the way into the restaurant.

“I know they’ll love it.” Tara said confidently. Sue was going to cry over it… she knew that too. But it would be a good cry. “They’ll think it was the perfect thing to get.” Bobby smiled and held the door for her as she walked in.

I love how he was there for her, she knew to go to him when she needed him.

LOL Bobby i know your trying to impress but leave the car fixing to someone who knows what htey are doing

I don't think I realized how long they've been together without telling the team. 18 months and they've still managed to keep it hidden? I give them a lot of credit.

Now... this present they're giving Sue... can I ask what it is?

I hope Bobby and Tara will feel the time is right soon to tell the team about their relationship!! There's so much love and caring there that they need to be able to be open about it!!!

Now, I wonder what they got Sue???

Joy

18 months?! Hmmm....I bet there were those life moment things happening during that time...Sarah Beth's fight with cancer, her eventual death...all not great for timing a marriage announcement, huh? But I think a baby shower might be just the spot...and you have me curious about what they got for the baby which is going to have Sue cry happy tears.

kav

There wasn’t much to be done by the time they got there. Lucy had by now … perfected the art of decorating quickly.

Bobby set their gift with the others at the end of the table and took a seat next to Tara, not even thinking about it as he covered her hand with his and laced their fingers together. He gave them a gentle squeeze, winking at her when she looked at him in surprise. “What?”

Her eyes flicked down to their hands and then back up to his eyes. His eyes followed hers before he met her gaze again. “Bobby…”

“Tara…” He glanced around quickly, noting that D, Lucy and Myles were talking while D was looking anxiously out the window in the hopes that Donna would show up soon with the rest of the shower stuff. The other friends that wanted to be here had sent presents to their house and Donna was going to bring them over as Sue had wanted to keep the day rather low key. Truth was… they still had a lot of Sara Beth’s things and Sue intended on using them again. But the team had decided that Hannah deserved to have a few special things of her own so that Sara Beth’s memories could be preserved for her parents. “It’s been 18 months and I know we haven’t talked much about it really…”

“Haven’t talked about it at all you mean.” Tara muttered at him, still looking at him in between glances over his shoulder at the others.

“Right… haven’t talked about it at all.” He nodded. “But why? Why haven’t we brought our love out? I love you… you love me…” He leaned into her ear, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent shivers down her spine. “I ask you to marry me every week… which reminds me… will you marry me?”

Tara pulled back slightly, studying him. “Later.” She murmured. “Ask again later.” Her eyes pleaded with him as she realized the truth of his words. He had asked her to marry him almost every week for the last 18 months. And she’d always chalked it up to teasing and jokingly said no every week without even realizing that he might have meant it. She licked her lips nervously before nodding slowly. “Out in the open it is…” She said softly, biting her lip.

He grinned at her and settled more fully into the seat, his hand clasping hers … in an obvious position on the table as they waited on Donna, Jack and Sue.

Tara i think you just gave him hope

And she thought he was only teasing... why?

Heck, I would have said yes no matter what!

Ditto

Hmmmmm. Methinks there's part of this story that we don't know yet, and I for one can't wait to find out just why Tara thought, before now, that he was kidding, and why they haven't told anyone yet that they're in love with one another. Hmmmmm . . .

I with you, Linny!! I would have told him yes even if I thought he was kidding!! I can't wait for the team's reaction!!!

Joy

I love the way you write Tara and Bobby, so CUTE!
awwwwww Tara should say yes, we'll find out later....
Can't wait for more, please post soon!!!

I would say 'yes' to anything he asks. Doing his laundry, driving him places, filing his taxes, marrying him... anything.

Paula

Donna arrived shortly, her eyes lingering on Bobby and Tara for more than a few moments after she greeted D and let him take the basket of gifts she was carrying from her. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips for a moment as Tara’s cheeks flushed under her scrutiny and Bobby’s squeeze of her hand. She refrained from commenting and turned her attention to what Lucy was jabbering at her about how she wanted to set the gifts up.

Everything was in place and looked wonderful by the time that Jack and Sue arrived. Sue commented on how lovely it looked as she sat down and they all took their places around the table. Sue’s brow furrowed slightly as she studied Bobby and Tara. “Anything special the two of you would like to mention?” She asked softly, smiling as everyone’s eyes swung in their direction.

“Uh…?” Tara looked at Bobby.

Bobby grinned at her and squeezed her hand. “Well actually… yes. We’ve been seeing each other for awhile.” He admitted.

“Seeing each other?” Myles questioned. “You “see” each other at work every day. How is that different?” He asked dryly, dodging the swat that Lucy aimed towards him.

“You know very well how that’s different.” Lucy chided him as everyone chuckled.

“Well…?” Jack asked.

“Well what?” Bobby looked at him.

“It’s actually a valid question.” Jack said with a smirk. “Seeing each other…? Are you dating…?” He prodded gently for an answer.

“And how long’s awhile?” D wanted to know.

Tara’s cheeks flushed pink again and she wanted to sink under the table but she took a deep breath and managed to stay firmly in her chair. “Um… yes. We’re dating. Seriously… serious relationship dating.” She said quietly, reaching for her water to take a drink. “And uh… awhile… well… “ She bit her lip before glancing up at Bobby.

“Eighteen months.” He finished the thought process… answering D’s question. “But we’re not here for this today.” He said, glancing around the table. “Today… we are here for Hannah.” He smiled when Sue nodded, taking his hint that the relationship between he and Tara shouldn’t be the main focus right now.

“That’s right. And I can’t wait to see what you all brought me.” Sue laughed. “I mean… Hannah.” They all joined in her laughter before the waitress came by to take their orders.

I'm glad Bobby and Tara admitted their secret to the team. It must have felt very freeing.



Can it be the main focus soon?

Paula

I love how Bobby brought the focus back to Hannah. Its good it got out but they are there for Sue and Jack

It's good to know that Bobby's on the ball, despite Tara's embarrassment to have it be brought up so bluntly. At least it's out in the open right now and they can finally breathe.

Yes . . . It's difficult to maintain a fuzzy post without oxygen . . . and of course, there will be lots of warm, fuzzy posts, won't there?

That was a lovely scene where Bobby and Tara announced their relationship, but didn't want to overshadow the real reason for the group getting together. I thought Myles was fantastic, he sometimes takes a while, doesn't he? Lucy's reaction was perfect too! And Donna is just so perceptive.

Fabulous post,

Sairs

KNowing Mione the way i do, there will be. She writes emotions beautifully and follows right into the Fuzzies.

Bobby and Tara's announcement was done perfectly!! They got the information out to the team without taking over the evening!! The questions will come later, but they are there for Jack, Sue and Hannah and I love that Bobby brought them back to that!!!

Joy

"You were right." Bobby said to Tara once they were in the car and headed to his place.

"Of course I was." She responded confidently, grinning at him. "Uh... Bobby...?" She raised an eyebrow at him, her smug grin fading. "What was I right about, exactly?"

He chuckled, his eyes focused on the road as he drove. "That Sue would cry." He said. "Over our gift."

"Right." Tara found it hard to swallow as she remembered Sue's reaction. "Then again... she cried over most of the gifts." She pointed out.

"Those little booties that D and Donna found were pretty tiny... pretty cute actually... with the little cupcakes knitted into them." Bobby said absently, pulling to a stop at a stop light. "But she cried harder over ours... even Jack cried over ours." He glanced at her.

"Good thing we went last." Tara observed. "There wasn't a dry eye at the table when Sue pulled the frame out." She reached to rub away a tear that was threatening to escape at the mere memory of the moment.

They had gone in together on the gift... planning it in advance. Tara had wanted to do something special... in keeping to Sue's insistance that they didn't need anything for Hannah. She had found a white knitted baby blanket at a bazaar. It had been knitted by a woman's prayer group and when she found out that it had been knit as a prayer blanket, she knew that Hannah had to have it. The women had knit it together, each woman taking a turn with it and doing her specialty stitches into it as she said a prayer for the unknown recipient... in this case, a baby whom they prayed for good health and multitudes of blessings on parents and child that they would be safe and loved and happy for their lifetime. After purchasing the blanket, she showed it to Bobby and lamented that there didn't seem to be much else that they could do. He sympathized with her feelings... he didn't have much interest in shopping for babies but certainly understood that she wanted to do more.

Wanted to make Jack and Sue understand that at least to her... to them... Sara Beth was a part of their lives and even though she had been taken from them... from the team... she was an active part of their memory and they would not forget her... would not replace her with Hannah Rose.

They had been driving to work on a Friday morning when they discovered that the radio station they normally listened to was having a radio-thon for St. Jude's. Tara's eyes had widened in delight and they listened to some of the stories and discussed just what they could do financially to participate and how they wanted to participate.

The secret of their shower gift for Hannah Rose had been harder to keep for them. After 18 months, it was second nature to keep their relationship secret... a new secret was just that... new.

"I thought they did a lovely job of writing out the certificate." Tara commented as Bobby drove on.

"They did." He agreed, smiling. He couldn't have been more impressed with it than if a kangaroo had allowed a dingo into it's pouch and they hopped off into the sunset together. "Partners in Hope." He said.

"That's right." Tara smiled. "That gift ... One Thousand dollars as a Partner in Hope to St. Judes in memory of Sara Beth Hudson from her baby sister Hannah Rose Hudson, with additional loving memory from Uncle Bobby and Auntie Tara." She sighed. "I hope the others decide to join in next year." She said.

"They will." Bobby nodded. "I know they will. Myles was going to call today actually."

"Great." Tara said. "We... of course... are going to do it every year, right?" She asked, waiting for him to smile and agreee. "Then I think we need to have a long conversation when we get home." She said softly.

"About what?" He asked casually, even though he suspected what she wanted to talk about.

"About when we're getting married."

Did he just propose? OMG!

Nope I am thinking more she did. All this talk of babies I am sure is making Tara want one of her own )

What a beautiful, thoughtful, loving gift!! I would have cried too!!!

I like Tara's thinking!! If they are going to do this every year together, it would be so much easier if they are married!!!

This is wonderful, Mione!!!

Joy

That was such a sweet and touching post mionebristow, I loved it!
I can't wait to see Bobby and Tara's conversation will be.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT POST!

Married? Yes... that's definately a talk that they need to have!

Bobby grinned at her, not saying anything until he’d pulled into his parking space and got out of the car, coming around to open her door for her. He kissed her quickly as soon as she was out of the car. “You meant that last statement?” He asked, shutting the door and wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they headed in.

Tara thought for a moment, looking up at him. “Yeah… “ She said. “Provided of course that you meant what you said earlier.” She clarified.

“Yeah… I did.” He nodded. “But why? Why now?” He’d been asking her to marry him since about their third week together and she’d turned him down every week. They made it to his door and he unlocked it, following her in.

“Why was it so easy for you to decide you wanted to marry me?” She countered with a question. “I honestly thought you were joking.” She said. His brow furrowed as he watched her, shrugging out of her coat. “Because you had a hard time deciding about Darcy.” She said softly.

“You’re not Darcy.” He stated, taking his coat off.

“No, I’m not… and once… you needed my kiss to decide you owed her another chance.”

Bobby felt his heart drop to the bottom of his stomach. "So you decided that I couldn't possibly be serious about it because of that?" He asked, reaching for her and walking her over to the couch where he pulled her into his arms.

"I wasn't sure..." She bit her lip. "Bobby... I showed up on your doorstep 18 months ago at 5 in the morning. Heartbroken because it wasn't fair that Sara Beth was fighting a ... a losing battle with a disease that shouldn't have gotten as far as it did." She said softly.

He nodded. "And I brought you in and asked what was the matter and you kissed me."

Tara chuckled. "Kissed you hard and with no mercy if I recall correctly." He laughed. "Ending up in your bed... in your arms and begging you to distract me."

"Which I was happy to oblige, even though it was a step that changed everything between us for good." He commented, kissing her forehead. "I don't regret anything about that day." He stated firmly.

She sighed. "Neither do I." She assured him. "But the timing was completely off again, because... Jack and Sue were off with Sara Beth for the next six months at St. Jude's and there just wasn't a proper moment to share it with them... let alone feel that it was right for me to be so delirously in love with you that we should announce it or move on our feelings for each other."

"And then she died and there wasn't really a good time then either." Bobby continued, his eyes caressing her as he studied her. "And then they found out about Hannah and it seemed improper to intrude on their impending joy to overcome their despair."

"Right." She said. "Which is why I have refused to answer the question. I wasn't sure... if we were ..." She shrugged, her eyes meeting his.

"But now you're sure?" He questioned.

"Yes." She said, leaning forward to kiss him softly, her lips gentle on his. "I'm sure."

"I love you." He murmured against her lips, kissing her again.

Awwww! I love Bobby and Tara.
I love Tara for considering Jack and Sue's feelings and everything that went on too and I love Bobby for understand and waiting for Tara.
They have such love. I can't wait for your next post and now they are gonna get married!

Tara's decision for waiting makes perfect sense, and now it makes perfect sense to move forward!!!

Joy

I am glad Tara finally came to that decision. Although I think Bobby was a little hurt at first. The fact that seh finally said yes, pushed that aside

So true.

There's so many layers to this story, mione and it's just beautiful. I had goosebumps when I read about the baby blanket -- what a perfect gift to give them! But then, the donation in Sarah Beth's name by her little sister....well, I was teary-eyed, never mind Jack and Sue! And now I understand more than ever why theirs has been a secret relationship for 18 months. I'm glad they chose to share their news today...and proud of Bobby for directing the attention back to the guest(s) of honour.

kav

Epilogue:

One year later.....

"Did you ever see anything so adorable?" Lucy asked, glancing at Sue.

"You mean Hannah and Jack or Bobby and Tara?" She asked with a grin.

Lucy chuckled. "All of them... Hannah's always adorable." She teased.

At eleven months old, Hannah Rose Hudson was never without her baby blanket. Her personality had been just as bubbly as her older sister's. Although much to Jack's great relief... she had fallen asleep quickly and seemed to sleep through the night almost right away. She was the darling of the team... the apple of their eyes.

Tara had breathed a huge sigh of relief on the day that Sophie's mom called to tell her that Sophie was in remission again and that the doctors felt confident that it would stay away this time. Ten months later, Sophie was still in remission and doing well.

Bobby and Tara had taken a vacation together to Australia so that she could meet his parents. Bobby had an ultimate goal with that trip and he succeeded in returning from Australia with Mrs. Manning at his side. The team was disappointed of course that they had married discreetly without telling anyone, but seeing as Bobby and Tara had been involved for 18 months, it was a little easier to understand.

And now, 11 months after their wedding, Tara was about ready to pop.

Bobby'd been popping his buttons ever since the day Tara had said she was pregnant. He popped even more of them when they found out that she was having twins.

Lucy's eyes widened as she watched them, seeing Tara grip Bobby's arm tightly. "Sue..." She touched her arm. "What's Tara saying?"

"It's time..." Sue's eyes widened. "It's time!" She grinned at Lucy as Bobby's eyes widened and Tara's words sunk into his brain. He rushed off into their house, allowing D and Myles to take Tara by the arms as they escorted her around the front into the car that was unblocked in the driveway as they waited for Bobby to come around with the bag, Myles handed him the keys and Bobby took off for the hospital.

"I suppose we should finish the party..." Lucy trailed off when Sue laughed. "What?"

"Yes... we should finish the baby shower for the woman that just went off to the hostpital in labor." She teased.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean. We should finish off some food and then clean up before we go to the hospital."

"Yeah..." Sue reached for the blankets that had just been given to the babies. "She might want these." She had explained the blanket that had been given to Hannah to her mother and she had been delighted when her mother volunteered to get her church group to make one. She smoothed the pale aqua and lilac blanket, intended for Jena. "I love the colors that Tara chose for their rooms and wardrobes." She commented. "Aqua and lilac.... pink and green..."

Lucy nodded as she picked up the pale pink and green blanket that her Grams had made in the same fashion with her prayer group. "And the names are purely Tara." She smiled.

Sue laughed and nodded. "Bobby doesn't care though... he likes the names." She pointed out.

Lucy nodded. "Lily Anne Manning." She stated. "Is going to be pretty in pink." She teased.

Sue rolled her eyes. "No... Jena Lynn Manning is going to be lovely in lilac." She countered, laughing when Jack deposited Hannah into her lap. "Hey baby girl." She smiled at the rosy cheeked cherub in her lap, cuddling her close and kissing the top of her head.

"We should get moving... babies don't always take a long time." Jack fretted, remembering how short the labor was with Hannah.

"Help Lucy put away the food then... and we can lock their house up before we can go." Sue urged. "They'll be willing to do that for us in seven months." She commented.

Jack's eyes swung around to hers. "What?" He questioned.

"You have two perfectly fine ears that you've passed on to our daughter. You know what I said." Sue smirked when he whooped and swooped in to kiss her before he headed to help with the clean up.

Lily Anne and Jena Lynn made their appearance into the world about eight hours later, beautiful, perfectly formed babies, who's mother cried at their first cry. Bobby would admit later to tears when he cut the umbilical cords before the babies were put on Tara's chest so that she could see them.

As far as Tara was concerned... April showers often brought more than just May flowers... especially when they were showers of blessing.

And she'd been blessed, over and over again by the storms and showers that were brought into her life. She smiled up at Bobby as he cuddled Lily close. "I love you." She said softly.

"In spite of what you said?" He smiled at her. "You really hurt my feelings." He pouted before leaning over to kiss her. "I love you too." His eyes held hers for a moment. "I'm so glad you finally said yes."

"Me too." She smiled again before pressing a gentle kiss to Jena's forehead. "Me too."

**********************
~Fin~

Mione, this is a beautiful story!! I love that Sue and Lucy had their mother and grandmother make blankets for Tara and Bobby's little girls!! What a wonderful tradition!!!

I think it is perfect that Bobby and Tara went to Australia to meet Bobby's parents and got married while they were there!! I know the team would have liked to be there for the ceremony, but Australia was a perfect choice!!!

And, Sue was priceless with the way she told Jack he's going to be a father again!! His reaction was so in character!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent with us once again!! Your stories are always a joy to read!!!

Joy

I think their getting married down under was perfect for them. Something private and well them. Hee hee twins, lets hope they have Bobby and Tara's energy

Getting married down under after meeting Bobby's parents? That sounds so perfect for those two! I bet it was really romantic too.



I loved this part so much! It was the perfect way for Sue to tell Jack about another baby.

Mione, this was just beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

Lindsy

That was a wonderful ending to a beautifully written and poignant story.

Thank you for sharing,

Sairs

Oh Mione..that was such a sweet story!!
Thanks for sharing...
Josy

Mione, I'm playing catch up on the Spring challenge stories and I have to tell you this one was a real jewel. You had me laughing and crying. It was sweet and tugged at the heart strings, but also very thought-provoking. Great characterization, too.

I hope you were showered with blessings as your wrote it.

Wonderful!

I love the way you write Bobby and Tara's relationship - it was so... them!

I also loved the way that Jack & Sue were dealing with the tragedy of their first child, and the team...

Fantastic as always, Mione!

Catching up with your story Mione.

Bobby and Tara

SaraBeth – Needing tissues was right. As Sairs commented, “That was a beautifully written post that captured a very emotional situation.”

You know, with Yannick having three daughters, I can see him wearing a tiara for real!

Another tear-jerker post with Jack watching Sue in the chapel and remembering how SaraBeth would only fall asleep when Jack told the chicken story. I agree with Regina…that is a special memory that Jack will take to his grave.

I can feel Tara’s heart breaking for little Sophie! And that Bobby was there for her after SaraBeth was diagnosed…its times like that you want to comfort those you love, so its no surprise that is when they declared their love for each other. And I, too, am curious what they got Jack and Sue for a shower gift.

Tara…Tara…Tara…what are you afraid of? Well, I guess whatever it was, she’s ready to put it behind her! I loved that Sue picked up on Bobby’s shift of focus to Hannah Rose to spare them anymore questions. Somehow, I think Sue knew all along they were dating.

A prayer shawl for a newborn and a gift to St. Jude's in Hannah's name in memory of SaraBeth. What a beautiful lasting legacy of remembrance and hope. Mione, this is an exquisite story! And Tara proposed!

Sometimes circumstances get in the way of happiness and you have to work thru them to get there. A new baby, a new beginning…the laying to rest of the Darcy thing Tara had…the timing is now right.

Oh, the epilogue had me in tears again. Joy said so eloquently what I'm feeling, so I'm just going to

Thank you for this beautiful, poignant, uplifting story, Mione! Just the read to send me off to dreamland!

Lynn

Mione, that was just...
I loved the way you showed Tara and Bobby's romance!!!
The only thing that I can say is for sharing such a beautiful story!!!
Any

An amazing story Mione!!!!!!! Loved it from start to finish!

That was just beautiful.


Hope ~