Lynne, I adored Myles' reaction to Tara wanting to go undercover, and how it caught everyone (especially him!) off guard. I'm glad you are back and posting--can't wait to read more!!

VERY FUNNY AND VERY MYLES AS WELL!!!! :laughs:
but what happened on sat night?
please let us know soon!

Saturday December 11th continued


Afternoon.

The more my thoughts circulated in my head the clearer they seemed to get. I perhaps did not have a claim on Tara at this moment in time but I was going to find out if there was a chance of it in the future. So I took Tara out for dinner before she had to get ready for tonight.

It was rather an awkward meal. Our thoughts were obviously preoccupied on tonight’s op but I certainly did not want to talk about that and neither did Tara apparently. Dinner was drawing to a close and I realized that I had not said any of the things I had really wanted to. So I gathered my courage and finally admitted to her that I cared for her more deeply than a mere friend should, that she had become very dear to me and that if she permitted it I would like to explore those feelings with her.

I have never been more nervous in my life awaiting her reply. I was certain she was going to refuse me. But suddenly she smiled and softly said “That would be lovely Myles”. I was ecstatic, which is very unlike me.

We shared our first gentle kiss in her doorway as I delivered her home. As I prepared to leave her I asked her to be careful tonight and she replied “I will be. I have too much to look forward to now not to be.”

Oh my, how sweet!!! I loved Tara's parting words. *sigh* Simply beautiful, and simple. It couldn't have been done better. The writing is very Myles-ish and believable. Keep it up, Smiler!

oh, wow! Lynn's back!


have fun?


oh, and somebody pass the smelling salts for rerio!

(webgoof waves the smelling salts under rerio's nose)

rerio: Wha-? Huh? Eeewww! I'm awake; I'm awake! Stop waving that obnoxious stuff around like that, or somebody's gonna get hurt!!!

This is great, Lynne! I just love how Tara has caught Myles unaware...it's really beautiful. Loved her reason for being careful on the op as well. Now...please keep her safe?

So long as it's not me!

Myles is such a sensitive soul at heart. Very sweet. Lucky Tara, what a catch!

Saturday December 11th continued

Night.

I feel like someone has ripped my insides out. The op was going well. Tara had made contact with our killer and we were just waiting on him making some sort of move. As planned Tara got him outside, claiming the need for fresh air. We were just moving into position, sure that he may try something in the apparently near deserted parking lot of the club, when suddenly he made a quick movement with his right arm and Tara collapsed, unconscious to the ground.

Time seemed to almost stop as the team moved quickly to prevent him from getting Tara into his nearby car. I can not even recall what my role was. It felt like I was having an out of body experience.








Sorry!! Don't kill me please?!

(Lynne ducks from flying beanies.)

You might duck, but I have really good aim and my beanie babies can change course mid-throw! That's right; they're heat-seeking beanies!! Be prepared to run!!

I just found this story today and I am speechless. It is sooooo good. I am loving it. People are looking at me like I am crazy because I am laughing at my computer. You really captured the characters wonderfully. Just don't let Lucy tell Tara any deep dark secrets about Myles....

Lynne -- get back here! NOW!!!!!
I know that there's a lot going on with Christmas preparations and all -- and it might have escaped your notice that you left Tara lying on the ground -- alive or dead? Knocked senseless? Stabbed? Drugged? WE DON'T KNOW BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO POST THR REST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kav

Oh my gosh!!! I hope she's ok!! I'm assuming that he drugged her with a "date rape drug". I'm hoping that's all it is, because if it's worse....

Poor Myles! He sounds too shocked to be able to process any of it. And, that means we're left in the dark!! Please add more, ASAP!

pass me some!!

*WG pitches a few*


hmmmm...got any of those doctor-sharks there rerio? the DOC for Tara..and the shark for the soon-to-not-be-smiling Smiler!


:laughs:

Not what I expected from the next post!


You can't runaway now! Whats happened to Tara?

Poor sensitive Myles!

Wow, that was scary but the good part is I'm thinking the team is there and can help her....PLEASE let that be right.

Also, a post really soon would be really nice as well.

Ok the lumps on my head are starting to hurt now from all those missiles fired my way. You lot certainly have a good throw and aim - getting me all the way in Scotland!

Remember if i'm badly injured i may not be able to finish my story by New Years. :whistle:

Here's the next bit.





Sunday December 12th

It’s 2am and I’m at the hospital. I have refused to move from Tara’s bedside until she wakes up from the coma she is in. I know the team thought this strange from me but I really do not care. I failed to protect her when I should have so the least I can do is be by her side when she comes round from whatever drug that monster injected into her.

I am so out of it that I cannot even remember what they called the drug. All I can think is that they should have let me shoot the monster before they took him away. Also, I didn’t get the chance to tell Tara how beautiful she looked tonight.


***********************************************************

Hospitals really are the worst of places! There is not a single solitary comfortable seat to be had, neither is there any decent food or coffee.

I feel a bit more hopeful today. I finally got to speak to a Doctor with a modicum of brains and he assures me, and the team that Tara should wake up once all the toxins from the drug have been flushed from her system by the drip they have her on. What a difference a brain makes?

The team all took it in turns to visit Tara today, although I got the distinct impression they were making sure I was ok too. They are FBI. They really should have been a bit more subtle than they were, but it is good to know they care. However it would have been even better if someone had thought to bring some real coffee and edible food with them.

I did notice an interesting development today. Jack and Sue visited the hospital together. There was still a distinct lack of interaction between them though so Jack obviously still has work to do there.



A/N Sorry about my lack of research re the drug Tara was injected with but my time is seriously stretched at the moment and i didn't want to leave you all hanging too long - besides i'm running out of time! That deadline is not far away!

Well after catching up- i am going to be tossing a few beanies your way as well- however as i am scottish as well my aim will be perfect.
mind you, tara is holding her own at this time so i wont be throeing too many.

Monday December 13th

Just as the Doctors predicted, Tara woke up. I have never been more relieved than when I woke from my doze at her bedside to the squeeze of her hand in mine and found two beautiful blue eyes looking back at me. The gentle smile on her face brought tears to my eyes and I could finally breath properly again. I’m glad no-one but Tara was there to witness this.

I found I could not restrain myself and wrapped her tightly in my arms. Overwhelmed with gladness just about describes my feelings just then.

My last lingering concerns were banished when the Doctors gave her a clear bill of health after examining her. She just needs some rest for a few days. I will personally see to that.

The team arrived en-mass to welcome Tara back to the land of the wakened. Giddy with relief, they got a bit rowdy and when Bobby started tickling Tara’s feet I had to send them all packing. If anyone is going to be attending to Tara’s feet in any way it will be me.

Afterwards we talked for a while before Tara drifted off to sleep. Unfortunately she woke with a nightmare. I willingly obliged when she requested that I hold her until she slept again. I can honestly say I have never felt more content. A truly perfect moment.

Tuesday December 14th

Breakthrough!

I arrived back at the hospital just before lunch, having been ordered home to clean up by Tara this morning. She was rather rude in her demand, claiming that my body odour was going to knock her out again if I was not careful. I really would have been offended had she not softened her words with the sweetest of kisses.

You know Diary, I’m not sure if Tara is being entirely a good influence on me, if I’m starting to use flowery feminine language like “sweetest”.

Anyway, I arrived back refreshed and less odour-offensive to find Bobby, Lucy, Jack and Sue there discussing where to go for lunch and Tara demanding they bring her something back (she must be feeling better if she has her appetite and attitude back). The atmosphere was quite jovial until Jack opened that large opening on his face and let his voice box work before engaging his brain first.

Someone had suggested pizza, Bobby I believe, and going to the place over in Georgetown that they like so much. Jack piped up with “Great! I haven’t been there since that night with Sue…..”

Well! Sue’s face flushed bright red and if looks could kill! She then stormed from the room.

A stunned silence followed and then let Jack take what he got – from a surprising source actually. I would have expected Bobby or Lucy to be the first to jump in, but no! The lovely Tara let him have it and I quote “Jack Hudson! You are the biggest idiot I have ever known. Not only do you go and insult and deeply hurt Sue that she is too mortified to even talk to you, but you go and carelessly bring it up again! Jack, where on earth has your brain cells gone! I thought you were one of the good guys! I thought you cared for Sue! If you do, I suggest you get your sorry butt out that door and go after her. You sit down with her and talk, properly, for the first time in weeks. If you would like my opinion and that of everyone else in this room, if you really want Sue I suggest you tell her so now because the way your going your not even going to keep her friendship! GO!”

At the end of her truly magnificent rant, Jack was speechless and promptly turned and left the room. I have not yet heard the outcome of any conversation between Jack and Sue yet but Lucy has advised me that Sue is not at home but had left a message to say she was with Jack and was ok.

Why did we not think of doing what Tara did before this? I believe our brains have been trained to think too deeply into things sometimes when sometimes a more straight forward approach would be more effective. Perhaps something Quantico may wish to take note of for training of new Agents. I must remember to email Garrett with that suggestion.

I hope that Jack has gotten the message loud and clear, and he straightens things out with Sue. I'm looking forward to more of this after the holidays, Lynne! You're doing a splended job Merry Christmas!

Way to go, Tara!!! About time someone said what needed to be said!

Glad to hear that!!!

Nicely done, Lynne!!! Looking forward to more!

Wednesday December 15th

Tara is now insisting on getting up and around the place on her own. She was most vocal about the “own” part when I happened to be carrying her to the ladies room. I do not know exactly why she was so upset when I threw back her covers and lifted her from the bed, incredibly gently may I add, and deposited her in the bathroom. In all my years on raids with the FBI, I do not think I have ever been so swiftly removed from a room before – and by a little bit of a woman too! I thought I was being incredibly restrained and gentlemanly in not mentioning how soft the skin of her back was against my fingertips.

Tara is now objecting to wearing those open-backed hospital gowns (personally I like them) and I was dispatched to retrieve a suitable hospital wardrobe from her apartment. I have since learned that Tara must own a full seasonal wardrobe, as the only suitable nightclothes I was able to obtain for her were all decorated with various images of Santa, Rudolph, angels, stars etc. These images also stared out at me from a drawer full of feminine items in her dresser. It has been a long time since I blushed but with the images that popped into my head just then I could not help it!

I think Tara was rather embarrassed also, as evidenced by the red colour adorning her beautiful face. You know it perfectly matched that flimsy little item I found….ahem! Perhaps not something I should be putting down in writing. Besides I know I will not have any difficulty in remembering those details.

To ease the awkward moment, I briefed Tara on the outcome of her little rant yesterday. Bobby took it upon himself to undertake a little surveillance operation last night after it was established that there had been no contact from Jack or Sue for several hours. His first stop had been Jack’s apartment to find no-one at home. He had then called in a favour at the Bureau and got some-one to track Sue’s blackberry and Jack’s cellphone. Both signals were found to be within the same vicinity at a coffee shop near the hospital.

After staking them out there until the shop closed, Bobby interrogated the boy serving in the coffee shop and was informed that they had been there the whole night talking, sometimes crying, sometimes laughing. Bobby did observe that Jack’s arm was around Sue’s shoulders as they left the shop.

Jack and Sue then retreated to Jack’s apartment, supposedly to talk some more. Lucy has confirmed that Sue did not return home until breakfast time this morning and would not talk about what had happened. Although Lucy did report that Sue had a permanent grin on her face the whole day.

Bobby was also unable to learn anything from Jack but he did have to ask Jack several times today to remove the silly grin from his face and to cease the happy sighs as it was distracting him from his paperwork. Both requests were unheeded and Bobby was unable to finish his paperwork until Jack and Sue left for dinner together.

Tara is extremely pleased with the outcome of her hard work.




A/N - I know i'm cutting things kind of close here and that i still have a lot of posts to do. I will try my hardest to finish it before the deadline, however if i fail in that goal i will ask for it to be moved to WIP and finish it there - do not fear!

Thanks for reading.

Lynne

xx

I just caught up and I love it!!! I am trying out including a quotation -- and since I'm really having a hard time figuring out how, I'm just including one...when there are so many more I would like to include!!! This is so Myles and so much fun and I now forgive you for causing harm to Tara -- atleast you didn't shoot her like so many are want to do with our dear Stfbeye characters!!!! I can't wait to read more -- and never fear -- you aren't nearly as behind in your entries as I am in mine.
Race ya!
Kav

YOU DID IT!!

Congrats Kav!


Love it Lynne!

ROFL!!!

Thursday December 16th

I have brought Tara home with me. The Doctors surprised us when they said she could go home today as it was not expected until tomorrow. Tara and I were chatting about her going home when I realized that I really did not like the thought of not being there should she need me and of not hearing her voice when I need her.

I offered her the choice of coming home with me or me going home with her. There was no hesitation in her answer to stay with me and I honestly thought I was going to melt when she said there was no place she would rather be. I think I was stunned at my response for a while and Tara must have gotten concerned because she obviously felt the need to administer some mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It got me breathing hard again but it certainly did not do anything for my brain function.

On our way home – God that sounds good! Tara wanted to stop at the Bullpen to say hello. Having learnt something about the workings of her mind over the last while I believe there was an alternative motive to this.

A- she wanted to ensure that nobody had messed with her computer.
B- to ensure that Bobby had not helped himself to her stationary.
C- to try and get some juicy information out of Jack and Sue.

She need not have worried as

A – we would not dare touch her computer!
B – Bobby did not want to be seen using white, fluffy angel pens.

Unfortunately she was thwarted on C as Jack and Sue were out for lunch. The very fact that they were out together again would have been enough for me but Tara wanted to see them for herself. She educated me on what you can tell from body language and the way people interact. I did remind her that I had received the same training she had on such things when I joined the FBI but her response was that women are always better at that stuff. Lucy agreed with her too!

Before a full-scale male vs. female argument could ensue, Garrett interrupted with some outstanding news! As it is the season of goodwill, and since we do not have any other cases and none on the horizon, we can all have a long weekend and are not needed back in the office until Tuesday.

On the drive home the wheels in my head began grinding. I had not yet decided what to get everyone for Christmas and with us all having a long weekend what would be more special than a “family” winter holiday. Tara was extremely tired tonight and therefore once she was sound asleep in bed it gave me plenty of time to make some calls and put the wheels in motion for my surprise.

I am positively gleeful at the thought of presenting my friends with this gift and cannot wait for the morning!

This is my favourite line....and I'm so proud of myself...I can do it!!!!!

Ahem -- now back to your story -- I want to know what the surprise is now!!! So post again today, okay??

And just where is Tara supposed to be sleeping when she's at Myles' house?!?

If we were racing -- you'd be half way round the track and I would still be lacing up my running shoes

Kav

A/N - i did some searching on the web for a winter resort not too far from DC and came up with one in the Shenandoah Valley. Not being from the US i have no idea if it would be possible to drive there in about half a day. If not i apologise and please allow some poetic liscence!

Kav - your going to have to hurry if you want to keep up!!!







Friday December 17th

I was not Mr Popular at 6am this morning when I called Jack, Sue and Lucy, Bobby, D and Donna to raise them from their beds to meet me for breakfast. I could not tell them the real reason over the telephone as it would have spoiled my surprise so I merely let them think that there was something wrong with Tara.

I was slightly more popular with Tara when I woke her up at 6.15am to get ready to go. I find her extremely distracting, especially all mussed and cozy in bed. Ahem, we almost missed my surprise!

Everyone arrived at the restaurant promptly at 7am. Actually, this is not strictly true, Bobby arrived about 7.15am grumbling all the way. We ordered breakfast while I was bombarded with questions about why we were all here as Tara was obviously fine. Although Bobby did kindly point out that she appeared to be suffering from what could only be called “whisker burns”. Someone really needs to take that man in hand so that he can learn to control that mouth of his!

To divert from this conversation I distributed envelopes to Jack, Sue, Bobby, Lucy, Donna and D. and Tara. I waited like an excited child as they peeled them open to reveal their Christmas cards and details of my gift to them. Inside each card I had invited them all to spend this long weekend with me at a lodge at Massanutten Resort, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. I also made Donna and D aware that I had arranged babysitting for Tanya and Davey with their Aunt so that they could enjoy their time together.

Stunned was the initial response from the group, however this was short-lived and I was quickly swamped with kisses and hugs from the girls. I had to request that Bobby refrain from doing the same.

Breakfast was quickly wound up amid excited arrangements for rushing home and leaving at 12pm. Including a quick shopping trip for the females; arranged once I informed them of the Christmas Ball on Saturday night. I fail to believe that not one of them had a suitable dress to take with them.

We all met at Lucy and Sue’s apartment as this was central for all of us and a lengthy discussion of who would share cars began. Bobby suggested the men went in one car and the women in the other as he did not think he could listen to “girl-talk” all the way there. This was quickly vetoed by Jack who said “that wouldn’t work for him as he didn’t want to be that far away from Sue this weekend.” Sue followed this comment up with a quick kiss and then there was a collective sigh from the females and stunned silence from the men. I do not think any of us could believe Jack could be quite so romantic. Also, it was the first time any of us had witnessed an intimate moment between Jack and Sue, although we all had had a good idea that their relationship had developed in this direction. Having noted Tara’s starry-eyed gaze on them, I do not think she will need any further proof that all is extremely well in the J/S camp.

The decision was then made that Tara and I would travel with Sue, Jack and Levi in the larger car and that Bobby and Lucy would ride with Donna and D.

We arrived at our lodge on the resort in the evening. I really have not seen a more stunning sight than the lodge nestled at the edge of the wood on the mountain, everything covered in a thick layer of snow. The lodge was lit to welcome us and a fire was burning making it seem very inviting and homely.

It was so lovely that no-one wanted to leave to go to the main lodge for dinner in the restaurant and as the kitchen was well stocked the ladies volunteered to cook for us that night. Although we did have to promise to return the favour before we head home.

After a truly sumptuous spread we settled down around the open fire to talk and even roasted a few marshmallows. I could have sat snuggled on that couch with Tara all night but eventually tiredness took effect as the conversations dwindled into a comfortable silence. It was then that we realized that there were only four bedrooms and we needed to decide who was going to share with whom.

Donna and D quickly claimed one room as their own and left the rest of us to debate the matter. Bobby, Jack and I just sat there looking at each other. I took the initiative and suggested that Bobby and Jack help me to clean up the empty cocoa cups. We converged in the kitchen and awkwardly danced around the issue. Obviously Jack knew who he’d rather be sharing with and so did I but I don’t think either of our relationships are quite that far developed and that would leave Bobby to share with Lucy. Although surprisingly he did not seem too perplexed by that idea.

After ten minutes we were still no further forward and the cocoa cups were well and truly cleaned. We decided to talk to the ladies and let them decide as we did not wish to presume anything.

On returning to the lounge we discovered a note that said they had made the decision for us. The three of them were sharing one room as there were two double-beds and we could argue over the other two rooms.

The subsequent coin-toss resulted in Myles Leland the Third having to share a room with Bobby and Jack getting a huge room all to himself.

hehehehe... so much for whatever ideas the guys might have had!

What a wonderful surprise for Myles to spring on everyone... a long weekend at a beautiful lodge in the mountains. Sounds absolutely fabulous!!!

Keep up the great work, Lynne!!!

I DID IT!!!

I caught up!! Woo hoo! Fantastic Lynne! Love all the developments.. and I volunteer to take Bobby in hand as Myles so elegantly put it.

Oh my.... no, the perverts out there? don't twist that comment around. :laughs:

Oh, but Jaycey!! It would be so, so easy...

Great job, Lynne! I love how the women worked things out while the men made fools of themselves. So true to real life! (Apologies, webgoof)

Saturday December 18th

Today was glorious. A huge breakfast was enjoyed by all and then we hit the slopes. I have not skied in years and I was rather shaky to begin with. After several tumbles, which were a source of great hilarity for my friends, I finally got my balance.

The afternoon was spent building a family of snowmen and a full-blown snowball war erupted when Bobby snuck up behind Lucy and tipped some snow down her neck.

I really had no idea how much fun a snowball fight could be. I will always remember the moment when Tara attempted to creep up behind me to take me by surprise. I think I surprised her more when I turned and grabbed her and we both tumbled into a pile of snow. Diary, I will not go into details as some things are too private to be put in writing but suffice to say that the rise in our body temperatures during that five minutes spent in the snow drift definitely melted some of the ice and warmed us up nicely.

This evening we attended the Christmas Ball at the main lodge. The ballroom was decked out in fantastic festive decorations and the snow falling outside the large windows along one side of the room made the evening magical. Or perhaps that was the company.

We really made a fine looking lot. All of the men looking rather dashing in tuxes Lucy informed me and the ladies looked simply gorgeous in their dresses. That shopping trip was obviously well worth it. I was not alone in admiring the ladies. I can honestly say that I have never seen D quite so starry-eyed with his wife. He did not let her out of his sight for more than five minutes the whole night.

Then there was Jack. When Sue appeared in her full-length, red satin dress I thought he was going to have another heart attack. He certainly stopped breathing for a while. Sue appeared to be having some respiratory problems too. I do not think they let each other out of touching distance the entire night.

Even Bobby seemed swept away by Lucy tonight and was incredibly attentive to her. Scurrying to refill her glass when needed and returning to the dance floor with her time and time again. That may be a pairing worth watching.

Beautiful does not even begin to do justice to the vision that was Tara Williams tonight. Her hair was up with little wispy curls framing her face and caressing her neck. My fingers itched to do the same all night however they were somewhat preoccupied with her creamy shoulders. What Tara did to that little black dress should be illegal. I had to use considerable will power to stop myself sweeping her off to the lodge where no other lecherous male would be able to ogle my treasure.

I did manage to sweep her off for some privacy before going to bed but I will not kiss and tell. It was a simply marvelous night and one I will always remember.

Sunday December 19th

Today began as promising as yesterday, with everyone attending a lovely Sunday Service at the main lodge. Some of the children staying at the lodge even took part in a Nativity play. It was very touching until Mary and the Angel Gabriel began a tug-of-war with Baby Jesus to shouts of “It’s my dolly! No it isn’t, it’s mine! Get your own!” Obviously a little sermon on sharing was required there but it did provide the rest of us with a few giggles.

Afterwards everyone took part in a skating session. Sue trying to teach Bobby some simple figure-skating jumps and spins was the highlight of the morning for me. Too funny, I believe is the appropriate phrase.

A horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, despite being accused of having wandering hands by Miss Williams. Could I help it if my hands happen to make contact with her under the blanket we were snuggled under? I could not see what they were up to so I’m really not at fault there.

Tara did not buy that excuse either.

We men folk provided dinner. Although it was not a patch on the spread the ladies dished up to us two nights ago, it was passable and filled a hole.

Some slopes were lit for night ski-ing and we decided to try it. We were all having a wonderful time when disaster struck. Sue and Tara were standing chatting before taking off down the slope when out of nowhere an idiotic snowboarder crashed into them and sent them both tumbling down the mountain.

We found them both in crumpled heaps at the bottom of the slope. After initial checks by Jack and I we were pretty sure that there was nothing broken but felt it would be a good idea to get them checked out by the in-house Doctor as a precaution. So Jack, Sue, Tara and I spent the rest of our evening in the medical center. Thankfully both Tara and Sue were given clean bills of health although warned that they may be rather sore for a few days as they will most likely develop extensive bruising. The Doctor suggested that Jack and I get some bed rest because we looked like we needed it.

At the Doctor’s suggestion that is exactly what we did and since there was no way Jack and I were going to rest without being near our respective better halves, a slight amendment to the room-sharing arrangements was required. Bobby and Lucy graciously agreed to share a room tonight to allow Jack to hover over Sue to his heart’s content and so that I could keep an extremely close eye on Tara. I’ve only just gotten her back on her feet after being drugged after all!




I'm getting there! Bear with me please!

You're doing a wonderful job, Lynne! Keep it up!!!
What an excellent line!!!
Hehe!

I love it! Only one little complaint...Aww, just a little bit, Myles? Please? It's your diary, it's not like anyone else is reading it! Oops...

Monday December 20th

Breakfast was a strange meal today. There were lots of long silences and long looks between couples usually followed by quick glances at everyone around the table to see if they’d noticed. There was also an inordinate amount of blushing going on from both females and males – and I include myself in this. Donna and D seemed to find the whole situation highly amusing but thankfully kept their thoughts to themselves.

The journey back to DC was fairly uneventful until Jack and Bobby managed to get us lost. Technically Jack got us lost as he was driving the lead vehicle but Bobby followed him on the wrong course. Neither did it help that Jack and Bobby had decided that they would not need the maps we had taken with us and had left them both back at the lodge.

On further consideration I feel our innocent Miss Sue Thomas may have been partly to blame as I have a feeling she may have been distracting our steadfast leader. I initially became suspicious of odd things happening in the front seats as the car violently jerked and swerved several times. These instances were quickly followed by frantic signing from Jack and the lovely Miss Thomas giggling in response. Jack did assure us that everything was under control but he was wrong about that as it was after one of these instances that Jack obviously took the wrong turning and this resulted in it taking us until midnight to get home!

I'm really enjoying the whole Tara/Myles & Jack/Sue romances. So funny, from Myles point of view. You are doing just fine, on the posts, you must be working really hard to get so many completed in such a short time. I for one appreciate your efforts. Looking forward to more.

Tuesday December 21st

We may have returned to work after a long weekend but obviously the criminal world has decided to start the holidays early as there was not a single case to be had. Long may it continue as it is giving me the opportunity to perfect my new favourite past-time – Tara gazing.

I think Ted Garrett was the busiest person in the Bureau today. Jack and Sue disappeared into his office early this morning and were there for almost an hour and a half. The excited signing Sue directed in Lucy’s direction afterwards and Jack’s happy grins obviously meant the meeting had gone well.

Tara and I then visited Ted’s inner sanctum. We felt it would be best to continue our relationship on the right foot, by getting the appropriate permission or worst-case scenario, finding out which one of us would need to transfer. It was the most nerve-wracking hour of my life. It felt like my whole life was hanging in the balance – my heart and my career. Very scary.

Ted did seem rather taken-aback when Tara and I first broached the subject with him. His response at the end of our discussion was to give him time to think about it, in light of some information he had just become privy to this morning.

Early afternoon Bobby and Lucy then made the long walk to Ted’s office. For the two biggest matchmakers and teasers in this office to begin a relationship under the radar of the rest of us was a bit of a shock. I do not know how they managed that!

They were barely in Ted’s office five minutes when Ted strode into the Bullpen demanding a team meeting in the conference room. His speech was very short, sharp and to the point. All he said was that it had come to his attention that there was obviously something strange in the air up in those mountains this weekend and it could cause him to lose at least half of his team. Something he would not be happy doing as he has fought hard to keep us all together thus far.

Therefore he is prepared to give us all a three month trial period and as long as our personal relationships with other members of the team remain outside of work and do not have any affect whatsoever on how we work as a team, then he is prepared to fight the rule that says we should be split up. We were warned that at the first sign of anyone not doing their job properly because of any personal relationship, the offending party would be transferred out quicker than we could blink.

On such a jovial note we all departed for dinner at our local pizzeria to celebrate and to spend a good couple of hours getting our own back on Bobby and Lucy. A good night was had by all.

This is a brilliant twist!!!! Ganging up on poor Garrett -- really what else could he do?

I just caught up with the last four posts -- and sadly, I have not graduated to multiple quoting yet -- that's a master's degree I'm not up to quite yet -- but I did have oodles of favourites so it's just as well. I love this so much. It's fun to view things -- especially the relationships from Myles' eyes.

And hey -- what about that switching over bedrooms? That was neatly done!

And thank you for keeping both Sue and Tara safe -- I'm sure their guys appreciate it -- unlike another author on the board at the moment who is wrecking havoc with a certain two people's love life!!! :whistle:

You lucy duck -- you have only three more posts to go!!! (though that's terribly sad for us, because then it will be over....unless you wanted to keep a Myles' running commentary forever?)
Kav

A/N - Thanks Kav for all your support. I'm glad to know your enjoying it coz i can't say that i am at the moment! I'm sweating something awful here trying to get it finished but trying to keep it semi-interesting too.



Wednesday December 22nd

I was left to my own devices after work today as Tara spent the evening shopping with Sue and Lucy. How can they spend so much time in those god-forsaken places called shops, especially at this time of year? They turn into asylums for the seasonally insane!

Pleading a case of temporary insanity I ventured to the mall myself to pick up a few last minute presents. After getting Tanya and Davey’s music store vouchers (what else do you get for today’s teenagers?) I was sauntering in the direction of a store where I wanted to get a little trinket for Tara when low and behold I bumped into a flushed and harried looking Bobby exiting Victoria’s Secrets. I do not think I have ever seen the suave Mr Manning lose his composure in quite such a way as he did when he saw me today. There was no way that potted plastic plant was going to hide his six-foot plus frame. He assures me that the item in the signature pink bag was a boring pair of pajamas for his mother. A likely story since I am not aware of any carrier who could get it to his mother in time for Christmas at this late date.

After leaving a still stuttering Bobby, I strolled towards my destination. I noticed Jack through the jeweler shop window examining trays of diamond rings. At this point I remembered my promise to make Jack pay for what we went through with the ladies earlier in the month. Do not let it be said that I do not take advantage of opportunities that are presented to me. I entered the store.

I watched an oblivious Jack for a few minutes and my observations told me that he had been there for a while. His hair was mussed as if he had been running his hands through it whilst trying to make the big decision, his tie had seen better days as had the poor saleswoman. She looked like she was about ready to pull her hair out or wring Jack’s neck – I’m not sure which. I decided to lend a hand and clamped a friendly hand on Jack’s shoulder. The look on his face was priceless and he instantly jumped in front of the many trays to hide them from my view. I think he forgot momentarily that I am a highly trained FBI Agent with keen observational skills.

I spent the next half hour offering Jack my unsolicited and invaluable opinion on some of the rings and watching him squirm every time I mentioned Sue’s name. At one point he actually attempted to convince me that he was purchasing such a ring for his mother! I expected Manning and Hudson to be a bit more original than that with all of the undercover work they have done!

When the saleswoman finally gave into the laughter that had been shaking her frame for about twenty minutes, and when Jack finally dropped his head into his hands in defeat and pleaded with me not to mention this to Sue as he wanted to surprise her, I knew my work here was done.

I headed home after getting Tara’s little something, thoroughly pleased with myself, having had an extremely enjoyable evening.

Lynne, you might be sweating this one, but we are sure loving it!!! Myles at the mall, catching Bobby and then Jack...PRICELESS!!!!! You're doing an awesome job!!!

Kav, I have no idea who that terrible author might be, but once you find out his or her name, be sure to let me know. :whistle:

Seasonally insane! I love it!! Smiler, don't worry; you're keeping it very interesting indeed. Poor Garrett losing his mind over all the romantic arrangements on the team...he's probably wishing everybody would just revert to professional acquaintance status! Bobby at VS....Jack at the jewelry store...Myles observations of both were just too funny! And what did Myles get for Tara, anyway?

Now you see that would be telling! Besides you won't have too much longer to wait to find out - i've only got a few posts and hours left!

Glad to know your all enjoying it.



Thursday December 23rd

I arrived at the Bullpen this morning anxious to see Tara. It’s amazing how quickly I have come to miss her when not in her company for even the shortest of time. I was immediately distressed when I arrived to find Tara in floods of tears, along with Sue and Lucy. I thought some-one had died!

It turns out that the tears were tears of happiness and excitement. It seems Mr Hudson has turned over a new leaf and no longer procrastinates for years over a decision.

Having set his mind on proposing to Sue he wasted no time in actually executing it. He collected her for breakfast this morning as normal but instead of going to their usual deli, he had arranged for their favourite pizza place (yes, the one where the argument happened!) to be decked out with flowers of all colours and type, and there in the middle of it all Jack got down on one knee and asked Sue to be his wife.

Through the hiccups, sighs and tears Tara was able to tell me that Jack had signed his proposal and that Sue had of course accepted and that it was the most romantic moment ever. Better than any romance novel. Lucy agreed with this opinion although I’m not sure how they can be so positive of this since as far as I’m aware they were not present at the momentous event. Lucy reliably informed me that Jack proposed there so that he could replace the bad memory of that night with a better one. More tears and sobs of happiness from all three ladies followed this statement.

Following this mind boggling account of the most romantic proposal known to human-kind I noticed D, Bobby and Jack watching with bemused expressions, although Jack’s face did have a certain glow that D and Bobby’s did not.

Once the effect of the ladies out-pouring of happiness wore off I was able to suitably congratulate Jack and Sue.

Needless to say after such news little work was done today. It’s just as well there was not much to be done. We did all agree to attend the midnight service at Sue’s church tomorrow night and Christmas Day arrangements were made.

For some reason we all wanted to stay in DC for Christmas so no-one is going home to spend it with our other families this year. It was agreed that since it was such a special Christmas this year that everyone except D would congregate at Lucy and Sue’s apartment for the gift giving and then D issued his and Donna’s invitation for us all to have Christmas dinner with his family. We all readily agreed to this but refused to allow Donna to provide and cook the whole meal so Sue divided up the tasks. That is how I became the designated eggnog maker and provider. There is only one problem with this picture. How the heck do you make eggnog?!




A/N - this was not a rhetorical question. I like Myles have no clue how eggnog is made! Some research is obviously required.

Another great entry, Smiler! And how smart of Jack to propose at the place where everything had gone wrong...brave, too...what if it hadn't worked? But it did, and everyone's happy.

Smiler, there's a recipe and instructions for making eggnog in the Dec 3 entry of my Christmas story, Beautiful, which can be found in the WIP section. I didn't know how to make eggnog, either, and so I looked it up on the Internet. As long as you don't double the whiskey (like poor Tara accidently did), it should work. According to the page I found it's a pretty strong recipe, so it might not be the best idea for kiddies.

I agree word for word with what everyone else has said -- it's not fair they stole my quotes and I can quote now (well singularily). I love the term seasonally inasane -- I'm going to store that one awy for use next year. The whole concept of Myles stumbling upon Bobby at VS -- my he's a fast worker -- Jacynthe is going to be jealous and Jack trying to pick out a ring. Priceless!! And I want to know what Myles has picked out for Tara -- it better not be a blender!!!! And me thinks Myles was just a little put out by how romantic Tara thought Jack's proposal was.
And I'm also terribly jealous of you because you're nearly done (and by the way it's been a brilliant job and very captivating -- so no worries) -- but I also realize that New Year's is earlier for you so you're closer to the deadline (haha). It's 11:00 a.m. here so I've got a good 13 hours left to go -- but I have 9 days to go -- and I tend to be longwinded and so it takes me about two hours to do a post so if you do the math.....
I will go away now.
Sorry
Kav
P.S. It wouldn't be so hard to meet deadlines if there weren't so many good stories to distract me!!!!

Thank you Rerio for letting me know about the eggnog recipe in your story. I have used that as the basis for the eggnog bit of this post so thanks again as it saved me time researching - it's 4.13pm here now and i'm going out later too so i really am running out of time!

Also Rerio, thank you for giving me the idea about the "not for kids" eggnog. I hope you don't mind that i went with that. Now that i'm almost finished this story i'm hoping to now go and read your story over in WIP and a lot of the other stories that i'm missing on this site.

Kav - i'm sorry for distracting you but you've been distracting me too - and you do have a while to go yet! I hope you finish in time!


Lynne

xx

Second to last post! Whew!!!!


Friday December 24th

Garrett let us go early today which I am very thankful for as it allowed me to spend the afternoon with Tara and gave me plenty of time to make the eggnog for tomorrow. Tara seemed a bit doubtful about making it the day before it was required but what could possibly go wrong with it and besides I will not have time to make it tomorrow.

As it was, it took me the better part of the day to get it just right. The first attempt had to get thrown away as a certain Ms Williams distracted me just at the crucial moment of mixing in the sugar to the egg whites. She blew in my ear and I could not let such provocation go by unchallenged. We could only have been distracted for about twenty minutes or so but by then the stiff egg whites were not looking quite so stiff.

Batch number two turned out just fine. Once I handcuffed Tara to the kitchen chair to keep her out of mischief. I did feel that one and a half cups of whiskey made it a tad strong and as there would be children in attendance tomorrow I proceeded to make another batch replacing the whiskey with ginger beer. I’m not sure about the taste or consistency of this but it’s the thought that counts I feel.

The free time before attending the service at Sue’s church was spent cleaning up the garbage can that used to be known as my kitchen. Oh! Making it up to Tara for handcuffing her to the chair also took some considerable time. Who needs whiskey-laced eggnog when you have Tara Williams? She is certainly intoxicating enough for me.

So perfect and so Myles!!!!

So jealous!

Practising brevity -- it's the only way mine will get done in time!

Kav

Well here it is - FINALLY! The last post! It's a wee bit long but i hope you enjoy.

Kav - i hope you don't mind that i vaguely mention Tanya's crush on Jack. This was intended to honour your "scathingly brilliant" Christmas stories.




Saturday December 25th

This was the best Christmas Day of my life.

To let me back up that bold statement please let me describe the day as it happened.

I picked Tara up early this morning eager to start the day with the most important person in my life. We arrived at Sue and Lucy’s to find Jack and Bobby already there. They must have been up at dawn to get there so early. Sue and Lucy dished up a breakfast feast and then the gift giving began.

The three ladies had purchased each other lots of feminine stuff such as perfume, lotions and potions and such like. They each also had a voucher for a Spa day which they agreed to spend together.

Bobby and Jack had bought each other tickets for a couple of football games for the new season but I got the impression that these were not a surprise and that some discussion beforehand had occurred.
Lucy gave Bobby a leather wallet and he seemed very touched when he looked inside it. Tara did tell me later on that it was a copy of a photo of Bobby and Lucy taken at the Christmas Ball at the lodge. It must hold special memories for them. In return Bobby gave Lucy a pair of delicate gold earrings but I did hear him whisper to her that there was another gift for her later on. I wonder what he was talking about?

Jack gave Sue a beautiful pendant. A truly exquisite pair of gold ice skates with small diamonds set into them. Sue presented Jack with a gents watch and when she whispered to him to turn it over, he read what must have been an inscription there and I swear there were tears in his eyes as he pulled her close and they got lost in their own moment.

I distributed my small gifts to everyone having already given them my gift of the weekend away and in return I was given lovely thoughtful gifts of CDs of classical music I love, two tickets for a play I have wanted to see for a while now and aftershave.

It was then left for Tara and I to exchange gifts. She gave me a stunning pair of gold cufflinks and a tie-pin to match but it was the card that accompanied it that really got me. It read:

My Dearest Myles,

What to give the man who has almost everything?

That was the question I asked myself over and over again when trying to choose your gift. The cufflinks and tie-pin set are just a small token given in the spirit of the season but I want to give you something that I have never given, nor will I ever give it, to another.

Myles, please accept my heart and soul, as they are yours. This is not a gift just for Christmas but one that will last for eternity as I know you will cherish it and keep it safe.

I love you Myles.

You are my heart. Forever.

Tara

xxxxxx

P.S. Merry Christmas, my darling. xxxxx


Well to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. By the time I had finished reading it I had tears streaming down my face as did my darling Tara. I pulled her into my arms and I never wanted to let her go. Then I remembered the gift I had purchased for her and it suddenly started to burn a hole in my pocket. I pulled back and sat Tara on the couch where I had been and got down on my knees in front of her. I pulled the ring box from my pocket and presented the diamond solitaire to her. Perhaps it would be best to note exactly what I said – for posterity’s sake:

“My Tara, I thought I would be moving too fast if I proposed to you so soon in our relationship. Therefore I was going to give your this ring as a promise from me to you that you are my future and that someday I intend to make the ultimate commitment to you. Now, knowing your feelings are as deep as my own I find I want to leap into that future right here and now with you. So my darling Tara, I love you and I need you more than my next breath and I would be honoured if you would agree to become my wife?”

I can honestly say I have never experienced a more sublimely happy moment as I did when Tara threw herself into my waiting arms shouting YES! YES! YES! And as we tumbled onto the floor she covered every available bit of my skin with sweet kisses.

Once we eventually surfaced we received congratulations from everyone and another female crying, oohing and aahing session began much to Bobby, Jack and I’s bemusement. We have come to the conclusion that we will never understand women.

After the emotions of the day, dinner at the Gans household was a joyous affair and my eggnog went down a storm. However I do think that Tanya Gans may have gotten confused between the adult and kids eggnog, as I’m sure I saw her swaying about a few times. Although strangely enough it was only whenever Jack spoke to her or was in her vicinity. Curious.

After dinner I was surprised once again as I was presented with another gift from the whole team. This was given as a special thank you for the weekend away that will always remain so very special to everyone. It was a stunning replica of the Swarovski Star on the tree at Rockerfeller Centre in New York City. Sue told me that as I put it on top of my tree each year I would think of my “family” and how truly magical this time of year is.

Well Diary, so far December 2004 has been an interesting month to say the least. As Christmas night draws to a close and as I watch my future wife sleep at my side in front of my fire, I feel as though a chapter of my life has now drawn to a close. I am about to embark on a whole new chapter and with Tara by my side and our “family” always there to support and love us, I sense life will be fuller and more exciting than ever before.

Therefore Diary, I say goodbye to you as I do not intend to miss out on life by spending so much time writing it down. I’m going to be living it.




A/N To everyone - thanks for reading and for all your fabulous feedback. It made a sometimes difficult task much easier at times. I wish you all a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2005.

Lynne

xxxxx

Wow...what a great ending!! You know, I don't think I've ever read an actual Myles proposal. In my own stories they always seem to skip that part. How lovely!



I like that. Great job, Lynne! You did it!!