I like that tradition Tara . . . Its one I would love to do myself. Although no bobby to join me and I don't think we have pumpkin patches

That sounds like a very Tara tradition. And I'm glad that Bobby offered to go along. A hayride could be very romantic after all!

Lindsy

I can really see Tara having this tradition every year!! It sounds like a lot of fun, especially this year, going with Bobby!!!

I love how Bobby nudged Tara up a step so she would be as tall as he is!!!

Joy

Lovely tradition...and so Tara
Josy

Oh what fun Tara. Especially with Bobby along. And did I hear a hayride is included in this day of fun?

I love how you brought them back to that front stoop -- and gave them a chance to do it right. And guess what -- as I'm reading this I'm watching the show and I just drooled over that scene. Did you notice how Tara really leaned into Bobby -- I mean she met him more than half way and that bemused, besotted, toe curled look on her face! I just hate to watch them bumble their way out of it....but now I think I can bear it because I'll have more of this story setting things to right.

kav

Tara was up early.

She just couldn’t sleep. Everything about yesterday was so perfect. It was like nothing at all had ever happened between them. She busied herself making pancake batter and some bacon. She’d always thought that baking the bacon made it so much easier to deal with, even if it did take longer to do.

Once the batter was made, she fluttered back to shower and get dressed. Dressed warmly in jeans and a turtleneck with a heavy sweater over the top of it, she felt ready to have a good time with Bobby again as she put her shoes on.

A knock on the door had her rushing to it.

Bobby had never seen something so lovely.

He smiled at her when she opened the door, cheeks pink and slightly out of breath from her mad dash to answer the door. “Good morning.” he said to her.

“Morning.” She returned, standing aside to let him in. Tara had barely shut the door behind him when he caught her hand as she turned and pulled her to him, his lips meeting hers in a sweet good morning kiss. “Mmm… Good morning….” She murmured against his lips before she pulled away. “That is certainly a very good way to start the morning.”

Bobby grinned at her. “Yeah… I figured it would be.” He gave her a bit of a hug before letting go of her completely to take his jacket off. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Why Bobby Manning…” Tara glanced at the clock and then back at him. “You’re early.” She said. “You said eight was too early…” She raised an eyebrow at him.

His ears turned a bit red. “Ah well…” He shrugged. “I … I couldn’t wait to see you.”

Tara’s insides turned all melty and she happily could have settled into a puddle of goo in the middle of her living room floor. She smiled at him. “We’re having pancakes.” She told him when she re-gained use of her verbal skills.

He followed her into the kitchen. “I love pancakes.” He said, seeing that she had everything all laid out and ready to work with. “Can I help with anything?”

“No… I have it all taken care of… coffee’s ready if you want to have some.” She offered, motioning with the spatula towards the coffee pot. “And there’s cream in the fridge.” He smiled delightedly at her before retrieving a mug and pouring a cup of coffee for himself before motioning at her. She shook her head. “I’ll have some later.”

She was starting to pour batter circles in the pan when he came over by her and leaned up against the counter to watch her. He set his coffee aside and couldn’t resist slipping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “There…” He sighed.

“Yeah…” Tara smiled to herself. There was something that felt very right about being snuggled close in Bobby’s arms as she made pancakes.

Something that if she allowed herself to dream about it… she could see it happening every weekend for the rest of her life.

Totally right -- what a perfect picture of domestic bliss. I think I'll make pancakes in honour of the occasion.

kav

Oh what a sweet, sweet dream!

Lindsy

been dreaming about that for years hun, lol although not the pancake part . . . i don't want to scare him away with my cooking

Very lovely scene...
Josy

Breakfast was soon finished and Bobby complimented her on her pancakes by eating several.

Tara blushed softly. “Well… I don’t really cook all that much… but pancakes are one of the few things that I’ve mastered well.” She smiled at him when he nodded and took another swig of his coffee.

It wasn’t long at all until the dishes were safely in the dishwasher and he held her coat for her as they left the apartment. They chatted easily on the way out to the pumpkin patch that Tara frequented.

“So… have you ever carved a pumpkin before, Bobby?” She asked, glancing out the window at the golden leaves that were fluttering gently in the wind.

“No… that wasn’t part of our traditions back home in Oz.” He said. “I’m looking forward to a pumpkin carving lesson.” He grinned at her.

“Oh… that can be arranged.” Tara grinned. “And then we’ll roast the seeds.” He was surprised to learn about that and badgered her with more questions until she motioned to where he needed to get off of the highway and go towards the fields.

“So what’s first?” He asked, reaching for her hand and tugging her a little closer to him as they picked their way carefully across the muddy expanse that was the parking area.

Tara tilted her head to one side before looking up at him. “Well… they have a barn that they display several carved pumpkins in. Would you like to go there first? We can use it as a design book to see what shape of pumpkin we really want to get in the field.”

“Sounds fun.” Bobby grinned before his eye caught sight of a sign. “Doughnuts too?” He asked, looking down at her.

“You just ate pancakes.” Tara protested. “We have to wait until after. Trust me.”

“Okay luv…” Bobby agreed as they veered towards the barn that Tara said had the carvings in it. “I suppose that I can wait for a doughnut.”

Tara giggled and relaxed against him as he abandoned her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders as they entered the barn’s double doors.

LOL donuts Bobby, you don't get enough of them at work, lol

Hmmm...roasted pumpkin seeds! You're making me feel so autumny! Sigh, even only I had a Bobby to take me to a pumpking patch! Glad I get to come along with them. I think I smell the donuts too.

kav

Even though I'm not too fond of roasting pumpkin seeds (it's not something we usually did and I'm not too fond of the taste), I do LOVE to carve a pumpkin... and if Kav gets a Bobby to go pumpkining with, I get one to help me carve mine!

Lindsy

Can I have a Bobby too?? I'll be ready to get a pumpkin ( I never did - was not in our tradition I believed) anytime!!
Josy

I want a Bobby too!! And, a pumpkin patch, and donuts, and pancakes, and a hug from Bobby, and a kiss from Bobby, and a pumpkin carving lesson...........I want everything!!!

Mione, this is definitely putting me in a Fall mood!!!

Joy

They had a great time.

Looking at all the different carved pumpkins had given them some great ideas for their pumpkins once they started carving them.

They went on the hay ride out to the pumpkin patch… holding hands an stealing kisses the whole way there. Which led to more kiss stealing while they trampled around in the muddy field and searched for the perfect orange globes to take home with them.

“You neglected to mention the mud.” Bobby told Tara, raising an eyebrow at her.

“I would have thought you could have known.” She retorted, laughing at him. “Tell you what… we can stop by your place so that you can change before we go back to my place.”

He grinned at her. “Ah… it’ll be okay.” He said. “I have a duffle bag in the trunk with a change of clothes.”

“Good… then we won’t have to waste any time before carving.” Tara rolled her eyes at him before stopping next to her favorite shaped pumpkin. “Found mine.” She stated firmly.

Bobby glanced at it for a moment before smiling again. “Guess I need to find mine.” He said.

“That would be nice.” Tara teased before picking up her pumpkin and lugging it with her as she followed him across the field. “That one’s nice…” she commented when he stopped to look at a pumpkin.

“I was thinking that.” Bobby smiled before he bent to pick it up. They made their way back over to catch the next hayride back to the stand to buy their pumpkins.

Bobby was thrilled with the pumpkin doughnuts and hot apple cider that they were able to have after they paid for their pumpkins. “These are great.” He said, mumbling around a mouthful of doughnut. Tara giggled before turning back to the woman and purchasing a dozen of the spicy pumpkin cake doughnuts. He raised an eyebrow at her.

“I love them.” Tara admitted. “I buy a dozen every year to take home after I have my free one.” Her cheeks flushed a soft pink. “I like to cut a couple of them up to make bread pudding.”

“Sounds great.” Bobby grinned at her before leaning down and kissing her, tasting the sweet stickiness of the glaze that had been left behind on her lips. “Hope you’re planning on sharing.”

“Hmm…” Tara pondered the idea for a moment. “I suppose that I could share in exchange for a few more kisses like that.” She smiled at him.

His eyes went slightly round before he managed to wink at her.

“But we have to carve the pumpkins first.” She reminded him.

“But of course…” He chuckled and managed to pick up both pumpkins in his arms. “Ready if you are.”

“Ready for anything.” Tara grinned at him as they left the stand area and headed back to the car.

That was so delightful. Bobby and Tara just had the perfect day.

I have never had a pumpkin doughnut and I'm feeling very deprived. I absolutely love pumpkin bread, pie, etc. How have I never had or even seen a pumpkin doughnut? Now I'm craving one but am on a diet and can't have one

Hmm Tara I think I would have purchased two dozen just in case

I have the feeling that if Tara doesn't watch, her donuts are going to go missing and then Bobby will have to go all the way back out to the pumkin farm to get her another dozen.

Lindsy

Mione, that was delightful!! I feel like I was out there too, picking a pumpkin, eating pumpkin donuts and drinking apple cider!! I would love to try some of Tara's pumpkin bread pudding!!!

So, Tara's ready for anything, heh?? I can't wait!!!

Joy

Oh Minone, now I am starving for pumpkin donuts...should I go to my local donut shop and grab one??
Can I have a Bobby instead?? I don't mind buying a dozen of pumpkins donuts
Lovely scene
Josy

“So that was your big autumn tradition, eh Tara Luv?” Bobby asked as he shifted on Tara’s couch, making sure she was comfortable.

“Mmm hmm…” Tara murmured, raising her head slightly so that he could settle back in against the armrest of her sofa as they sat in front of the fire. She smiled at the two jack-o-lanterns that were winking merrily at her as their votive candles flickered away inside them. “You did a very good job on yours, Bobby.”

“Oh, I like the cute little ears you put on yours.” He said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as she settled back down against him.

“Those are sideburns.” She commented. “See the sneer of his Elvis lip?”

Bobby chuckled. “Well now darlin’ I guess that’s true.” He said, imitating Elvis’ accent for her. Tara giggled. “Can I be your lovin’ teddy bear?” He teased in the same voice.

“You are going to be my hunk a hunk o burnin’ love.” Tara grinned at him, shifting to look at him. “But you ain’t nothin but a hound dog, Bobby Manning… if you think you’re going to get out of paying up on those kisses that you owe me for a taste of that bread pudding on the counter.” She looked at him innocently. “It’s almost cool by now…”

“Hmm…” Bobby smiled, tucking a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “Are you demanding payment before I get to taste the goods?”

“I was actually thinking you could taste the goods first…” Tara murmured before she leaned in and kissed him. His hands moved to tangle in her hair, his palms cupping her cheeks as their tongues mated in the space between their lips before she sighed softly and let go of the control she was taking over the kiss.

He nipped a small tasting bite across her lower lip… soothing it at once with a swipe of his intruding tongue before they pulled away to take a much needed breath. “That was a nice sample tasting…” He mumbled.

“Just wait until it’s flavored with pumpkin…” Tara sighed. “I’ve had the best time today with you.”

“Me too… well… the best time with you today.” Bobby smiled pressing a kiss to her forehead before she snuggled up to him again. “Now… what about that bread pudding…?”

Tara laughed. “You and your stomach…” She shook her head. “I have no hope at all about coming first on the list, do I…? I’ll always be second to your stomach…”

Bobby pouted. “Oh no… you’re definitely first.” He said. “Besides… you feed my stomach.” He winked at her. “But I love you.”

Tara’s smile grew on her lips. “I… I love you too, Bobby.” She said softly. His smile grew to match hers and before he let her go so that she could dish up bread pudding for them, he leaned forward again and kissed her. His lips felt so good against hers and she couldn’t help but wrap her arms around his neck, and kiss him back with just as much intensity as he was kissing her.

She could really get used to adding Bobby’s kisses to her daily to-do list.

Sorry no can do Tara . . . Bobby's kisses are already on my daily, nearly hourly to do list )

That was scrumptious...and not just for the donuts! I think I'll have to go to Tim Horton's and have a pumpkin donut in honour of this story -- which is turning out not to be good for my waistline...especially since I'm intrigued at the thought of bread pudding made with donuts. Can you do that?

You've captured the playfulness and passion of new love perfectly.

kav

Sweet O Sweet
Josy

Sorry Treenie, but I think Tara got to him first.

Bobby and Tara being all lovey-dovey makes me feel all warm and gooey inside.

Lindsy

Kav- to answer your question, yes... you can use doughnuts in your bread pudding. Just substitute cake doughnuts for the bread and reduce the amount of sugar in the custard part - unless you get unglazed cake doughnuts. I adore pumpkin cake doughnuts... the store around here that sells them only sells them from October to December... and of course, this year I'm getting my Atkins dietary lifestyle going - so this is killing me! Tara wants me to point out to you all that if for some reason, you can only get plain cake doughnuts, you can put a 1/2 cup of pumpkin in your custard so that you get some pumpkin flavor in your bread pudding. She, of course puts it in with the pumpkin ones too and sometimes puts dried cranberries in it instead of raisins. Anyway... bread pudding discussion aside... this is it... I hope you've enjoyed it...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~

Seven Years Later.......


“Mummy…?”

Tara looked down and smiled. “Yes, sweets?”

“Are we almost there yet?”

Tara looked over at Bobby and smiled. “Why aren’t you asking your Daddy?” She turned in her seat to look at their daughter.

“He says that I’m not ‘posed to ask too many questions when he’s drivin’.” Lacey scrunched up her nose and looked at Tara.

“Bobby Manning… you did NOT tell our daughter that, did you?” Tara asked.

Bobby chuckled before his laughter died on his lips at a glare from Tara. “Ah… Tara luv… I might have said that one time…” He said hastily.

“Daddy didn’t mean it, Lace…” Tara reassured their five year old.

“But are we almost there yet?”

“What do you think?” Tara asked her. “What do you remember from coming out here last year?”

“I ‘member the scarecrow… and the giant pumpkin…” Lacey scrunched up her face even more as she tried to remember.

“And the doughnuts.” Bobby put in, winking at Tara before glancing in the mirror to look at Lacey.

“Daddy…” She shook her head. “Too many doughnuts isn’t good for you.” She said primly.

Bobby laughed. His sweet little girl was very much like her mother. Cute… little… blonde tousled hair that insisted on sticking out every which way in the mornings. And she’d taken up the mantle of trying to reign in his doughnut intake.

“She’s got a good point, babe.” Tara pointed out, grinning at him. “Good remembering, sweets.” She said to Lacey. “We’re almost there…” She said. “Look…” She pointed Lacey’s gaze out the window. “There’s the scarecrow.”

Lacey crowed with happiness. “Goodie.” She giggled.

“Admit it, Lacey o’ mine… you’re looking forward to the doughnuts too.” Bobby teased.

“No…” She shook her head.

“No?” Tara was mildly surprised. Lacey had inherited the combined sweet tooth of both her parents and usually she really was looking forward to sweets.

“No.” Lacey shook her head pointedly. “Mummy’s punkin doughnut bread puddin’ is what I want.” She said, bringing a smile to her daddy’s face.

“You’ve got an excellent point there, Lacey luv…” Bobby smiled before reaching over to pat Tara’s hand. “I enjoy her bread pudding too.”

Tara smiled contentedly. Seven years ago, her life had taken a dramatic upturn. And she wouldn’t have traded a moment of it for anything.

They were soon parking the car and as she waited for Lacey to get out of the car so that she could hold her hand as they walked across the parking lot, she caught Bobby’s eye and smiled at him. “I love you.” She said to him, across the roof of the car.

“I love you too.” He said, smiling back at her.

“Mummy…?” Lacey asked, looking up at her and taking her hand before insisting that they wait for Bobby to come and hold her other hand. “Tell me about when you and Daddy fell in love, please?”

Lacey loved the story and never failed to ask for it so far on a trip to the pumpkin patch.

Tara smiled down at her and knelt down for a moment to make sure that the stocking cap was securely situated on Lacey’s head before smiling up at Bobby. “Well, Lacey…” She said, standing up again and taking her hand while they started to walk.

“It happened one autumn… seven years ago, actually….”


~Fin~

7163 words

That was a great ending hun, even if it was an ending and I hate endings, lol

Mione, I love this story!! It makes me want to go to the pumpkin patch (I wonder if they sell pumpkin donuts?), drink cider, take a hayride, find a pumpkin to carve, find a Bobby of my own so we can have a Lacey of our own!!!

Thanks so much for sharing once again!!!

Joy

Loved it!

Mione...I really enjoyed your story...you got me craving for pumpkin donuts MIAM!!
Thanks for sharing
Josy

Mmmm... all this talk about pumpkin donuts makes me want to make pumpkin bread. YUM!!!

I'm with Treenie. I don't really like endings, though i suppose this had to end at one point. I like how they returned to that pumpkin patch, sharing their little tradition with their daughter.

Lindsy

Iagree with Linny and Treenie -- this ended way too early -- like seven years too early! Somehow this story has brought all the sights and smells and feeling of autumn to me. I can even smell burning leaves! (at least I hope it isn't my toast!!!) I love your description of Lacey

kav

Beautiful Mione!!!
Thanks for share!!

Tere

Mione, I've just read your wonderful story from beginning to end, it was fabulous! Thank you as always for sharing.

I loved the pumpkin patch idea... we don't have them over here. I've tried to grow pumpkins but had little success... guess the British climate isn't condusive to pumpkins!

Although I do like pumpkin pie, made that several times with my class at school - I was expecting it to be savoury the first time I tried to make it but found it is delicious - I shared with my colleagues too, started a mini revolution on pumpkin pie! We Brits can be a little slow on trying new delicacies!

Once again thanks for sharing, I adored reading every word.

Take care,

Sairs

Now you've got me wanting to jump on the pumpkin bandwagon, too! Very sweet ending to a sweet story. Now . . . I've gotta get home and start dragging out my Fall decorations before it gets too late! You've put me in the mood for all things autumn!!

I loved this too!

Thanks mione for a great story. Bobby and Tar's special autumn was so much fun and then sharing it with the wee one reminded me so much of the fun things I miss doing with my kids. They are all in NY and I miss going to the pumpkin patch or having them come home from a local farmer that let them help him pick some. I would get lots of extra pumpkins to make pumpkin pies, and breads and one of our favorite things to do was roasting the pumpkin seeds. Yummy!

P1-1 – Oh, what a fuzzy warm feeling this first post has left me with…I can’t get those green eyes…twinkling green eyes... out of my mind, which is quite a coup, Mione, b/c you know I’m a chocolaty-kind-of-eye-gal!

P1-5 – Ah, my stomach did a flip flop when I read “masculinity” and then I slid to the floor at the impromptu kiss!

P1-12 – I’m beside myself at this sudden turn of events, so, I'll just say I agree with Regina here and say me too! P2-18 – I loved Tara’s reacting and teasing nature. Amazing how a little encouragement like Bobby’s kiss can make her forget all the insecurities about her love life and create hope for something between her and the one she has been so obviously focused on since that concert kiss.

P2-26 – I love elevator kisses and dead-zone kisses.

And then flowers. I pick daisies too! Or a mixture of daisies and sunflowers!

Reading on to what kind Mione thinks Bobby thinks Tara would like!

Lynn

P3-32 – Oh, Lindsy and the rest of us were both right! Lilies and daisies! But chocolate walls? I would have thought they would have been a twinkling green color!

My heart is flip-floping wildly too!

P3-39 – Oh Mione, you even make holding hands a fuzzilicious post! Kav said it all in her comment! Bravo!

P3-45 – Ah, others said it…this is such a sweet, old-fashioned romance, Miione. You’re capturing those wonderful moments of tender love in bloom which you just know is going to blossom into all its full glory! I can’t wait…Oh, I don’t have to…

P4-50 – Going to a pumpkin farm to pick one out to bring home to carve…what a so Tara thing! And going on a hay ride? Oh, I’m in heaven at the prospect of riding on the wagon all around the field, going over lots of furrows, bumping up/down/sideways, bouncing in Bobby’s arms; b/c, of course, he will want to hold her to keep her from bouncing off the wagon. I remember those days well.

Lynn

P4-57 – Well, I just couldn’t resist…I have to quote this…. Yes, I’m in that fuzzy state of dreamland too, Tara! You make me want to have some pancakes, Mione, and I don’t even like them, would rather use my calories on something less cake-like, like eggs and toast with that crispy bacon. Hmmm, I think I’m going to fix me some. But first, I have to finish this story.

P5-62 – So Bobby wants a donut after just eating a big breakfast. Just like him…bottomless pit!

P5-68 – Hmmm, never had pumpkin bread pudding. Sounds scrumptious! So does exchanging some pudding for kisses!

P5-74 – Oh my goodness! That "I love you" came out of the blue! Well, not exactly out of the blue…out of….out of Bobby’s mouth! Oh, what a beautiful way to wind down this story Mione, with only one more post to go! But it still was a surprise! A very pleasant, nice, wonderful, surprise. Now let’s see what happens next.

P6-79 – Ah, I’m crying tears of happiness at this wonderful family scene, taking Lacy to the pumpkin patch. Wonderful story, Mione, I absolutely loved it. Just the perfect way to start my day off.

Oh, and thanks for the pumpkin bread pudding recipe, of sort…I’ve never made bread pudding. But I’m going to make this. It actually sounds better than pumpkin pie!

Lynn

Many of my thoughts have already been covered. I'll just add that how much I like the way you move the story by blending dialogue and action. Nice job.

Mione, I printed the rest of your and got to read it last night. Wow, what sweet dream I had! I loved how you used the theme and their date at the pumpkin patch. The epilogue was the icing on the cake.

Thank you for sharing! Bravo!

Aww that was so sweet.



Hope ~