Lee Stetson's efforts to massage the knots out of his wife's tired muscles were rewarded with her murmured approval. Luxuriating in the feel of her husband’s hands, Amanda sighed into the pillow. "Once again your fingers have done their magic."

"This is one of the best evenings we've had since Aspen," Lee murmured against her hair.

"True. Sometimes I feel like our marriage could be described by that old song Precious and Few," Amanda whispered back before he silenced her with a kiss.

"You know, that bed in there's a lot more comfortable," he suggested slyly.

"Hmm, think we can untangle ourselves and cover the distance before you get the urge to kiss me again?"

Lee laughed. "Not a chance."

Relishing the simple freedom of touching her husband without having to watch for prying eyes, Amanda accepted Lee's outstretched hand. As he helped her off the couch, he once more pulled her tightly into his arms, and she gasped for breath.

"You know," he remarked, "lately you've been much more awake at the end of my back rubs than you were when we were dating."

"Oh, really? I haven't noticed any difference," she maintained innocently.

"You'd almost be asleep by the time I finished."

The innocent look changed to a smug grin. "I said I didn't notice any difference. I didn't say you wouldn't."

For a moment he gave her a blank look. Then comprehension dawned and he sputtered, "You little sneak. It was all an act!"

"Not an act," Amanda corrected as she planted her forefinger on his chest. "A self-protection mechanism."

She grasped his wrist with her other hand. "These hands make my best intentions at self-discipline disappear. Manual 1, Section 6, page 24 states: At times, pretending to be knocked out, asleep, or dead will derail your opponent's immediate objectives long enough for you to construct a plan of escape.'"

Lee looked incredulous. "There's no such article in any of the Agency handbooks."

Amanda pursed her lips to stymie a smile. "No, but there is in the Guide To Dating Secret Agents Too Handsome And Charming For Their Own Good, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill 1986."

Lee's stunned silence lasted for a split second. Then in one swift move he grabbed for his wife, but the past year of dating, followed by bouts of married playfulness, had honed Amanda's avoidance skills. With a laugh, she dashed to the other side of the couch and gave him an "If you want me, you're going to have to catch me" grin.

Slowly he stalked her, his eyes gleaming. "You're the fastest person I've ever met. If you ever develop a good right hook, they'll never see it coming." Implementing a surprise tactic of his own, he vaulted the couch and snatched her off her feet.

"No fair hopping obstacles," she protested as they playfully wrestled the short distance to the bedroom.

Lee flung himself onto the bed and brought her down on top of him. "All's fair in love and war." He studied the glowing face above him and placed his hand on the nape of her neck. "Maybe when we've been married for thirty years I won't take the short cut, but now we have to grab every second."

Their lingering kiss was rudely interrupted by doorbell accompanied by an insistent knocking.

Practiced instinct at keeping their personal lives a secret sent Amanda rolling across the bed as both of them scrambled to their feet.

They looked at each other first in shock and then in disgust. Finally, Lee sighed heavily. "Who the hell could that be?"

Amanda shook her head in bewilderment and resignation. She tucked in her shirt and straightened her hair while Lee stormed towards the front door muttering to himself.

With a frustrated scowl, Lee peered through the peephole.

"Great," was his only comment as he opened the door.

"Good. You're awake. I thought you might be asleep," Francine Desmond chattered cheerfully. Looking past him, she spied Amanda. "Oh dear, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Not waiting for a reply, she placed a folder in Lee's hands. "Duffy report. The Pentagon sent the wrong figures yesterday." Seeing the coming protest, she lifted her hands. "The corrections are due by 9 a.m. tomorrow. I know it's Saturday, but National Security doesn't take weekends off. I was going to finish them after my date with Jonathan, but since it is your assignment... that is, unless I've interrupted something..." A catty smile crossed her features.

"At least you waited until after our dinner." Lee's didn't bother to hide his sarcasm.

"No problem." Francine's grin widened. "Gotta run. Don't want to keep Jonathan waiting." She paused for a split second. "A couple of hours should do the trick, and then you two can take up wherever you left off, playing cards, watching T.V. or... whatever."

Returning her smirk with one of his own, Lee slammed the door shut. He waved the report in Amanda's dismayed face. "Can you believe this?"

Shaking her head, she gathered pencils and paper.

"Damn it," he continued. "This is ridiculous. You're my wife, and I have more trouble getting you in bed than any...." Catching himself abruptly in the middle of his tirade, he glanced quickly over at Amanda, hoping fervently for once she'd ignored his outburst.

By the look on her face he knew she hadn't. Her expression never changed as she finished his sentence. "... any other woman you've known?"

Laying the papers down on the table, he looked at her remorsefully. "I'm sorry. That just slipped out." Groping for words, he sank down into the nearest chair. "It's just so frustrating. Here I am married, and my love life's wackier than ever."

Her irritation dwindled at his resemblance to a defeated little boy trying to be good but still managing to get into trouble.

Easing her way onto his lap, she gave him a hug. "I guess in some ways that's a very round-about compliment... or at least it was when we were dating. Trouble is... we're not dating anymore, and we’re still taking cold showers."

As he let out a sigh, she picked up the report disdainfully. "Ironic isn't it? Work brought us together and now it's keeping us apart."

Lee nodded as he held her close. "Think we can finish and still be awake enough to deal with the shower problem before you have to go home?"

Amanda chuckled. "Let's give it a shot."

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

Monday morning's staff meeting began with both Francine and Amanda arriving uncharacteristically late. Lee's concern was not lessened when Francine entered unusually chipper, while Amanda seemed subdued. At the meeting's conclusion, Lee noted a crowd gathering around Francine. He saw Amanda mingle among them briefly, a forced smile in place. As he watched, she backed away unnoticed from the happy group. The smile faded as she turned and left the conference room.

Frowning, Lee sprinted down the hall after her. "Hey, what's up?"

"Could we wait and discuss this in the Q-Bureau, please," she asked quietly.

Nodding in agreement, he respected her silence until they reached the upstairs office they shared.

Amanda placed her purse on the desk and turned to him. "She got an engagement ring Friday night."

Lee regarded her thoughtfully. "So? They've done this before." Off her hurt expression, he chose his next words very carefully. "Did she give you a hard time about the other night?"

She sighed, feeling more like an upset schoolgirl than a trained government agent. "She was too excited about her news." A sad smile flickered across her features. "It's hard, Lee. It’s not fair that we have to keep our marriage a secret. When we are alone, half the time we're interrupted by work or family. Watching Francine wave her ring around just reminded me how I have to keep mine in a drawer at home."

She blinked back tears of frustration as Lee reached for her.

"That's not all," she continued. "Mother talked my ear off this morning about how great and wonderful Curt is. Then she started asking if you were showing any signs of giving up your bachelorhood." Exasperated, she pulled away and walked to the other side of the room. "Ever since she found your socks and underwear in our wash, she's given me knowing looks." She paused for a second then chuckled at the absurdity of it all. "I'm not sure how much longer I can take this. It's driving me nuts."

"I know. It's been harder than either of us ever imagined. If it wasn't for the boys' safety, I'd post announcements all over the Agency's bulletin boards." He paused and gave her a sweet smile. "Let them all know what a lucky man I am. Then I'd go home, get a few clothes, and find a place for my toothbrush next to yours."

Amanda looked sheepish. "Thanks. I needed to hear that. I'd rather have you secretly than not at all."

Lee smiled his agreement. The rattling of the Q-Bureau doorknob broke the spell as Billy hollered. "Scarecrow? Amanda? You in there?"

Walking rapidly to the door, Lee unlocked it and pulled it open. "Yeah, sorry Billy. Didn't realize I'd locked it. Must've had my mind on something else."

Billy shot him an enigmatic glance, but didn't comment. "I'm not up to par myself today. Didn't get my updates in time to decently prepare for that meeting. To top it off," he continued, "a friend's father was buried Saturday, and her apartment was burglarized during the funeral. They got away with her grandmother's silver and jewelry."

"That's awful," Lee and Amanda chorused.

Billy quickly regained his office mentality. "Amanda, I want you to check clearances for the Pakistani ambassador's dinner this Friday. Scarecrow, you've got party security."

Lee rolled his eyes.

"Deal with it, Scarecrow. Francine isn't much use right now, so you get the detail." Turning to go, he hesitated for just a moment. "Sorry Francine dumped that report on you." He looked up at his favorite team and probed gently. "If you ever have any questions concerning the Agency and your... relationship, I'll keep it confidential and try to help. Balancing this crazy business and personal lives is tough." Off their surprised expressions, he closed the door.

"Can we take him up on his offer?" Amanda asked wistfully.

"One day we will," Lee promised. "But let's not do it in an emotional state we'll regret later." He gave her a reassuring hug. "Think your mother'll watch the boys so you can be background security?"

"I'll ask. Just another thing to be considered." As Lee looked at her questioningly, she elaborated. "Who baby sits if Mother marries and moves out?"

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

The week flew by with the couple barely crossing paths. The normal security staff was hit with a stomach virus so Amanda scurried for new clearances.

By Friday, they were frazzled by the job and Francine's daily engagement updates. Finally, the loose ends were finished, and they grabbed lunch while heading back to the office.

"Think we're ready for tonight?" Amanda inquired as she balanced their take-out order on her lap.

"As much as we can be," Lee said as he tried to settle his burger on his lap and juggle his Coke while negotiating the road.

Amanda eyed him and the traffic worriedly. "How about we pull over and eat? We don't have to race back to the Agency."

"Relax. I've got everything under control. Just gotta adjust..." His sentence was cut short when a small red sports car whipped in front of them. Lee slammed on his brakes, and his Coke did a 180 right into his lap and onto Amanda's skirt.

Lee let loose with a colorful description of the man's driving abilities, then glanced over at his wife rather abashedly and tried to save face.

"Okay, so why don't we eat when we stop to change clothes. Where do you want to go first…your place or mine?" Lee gave Amanda his most dazzling smile. She wasn’t impressed.

"How 'bout just your apartment? I can rinse my skirt out and dry it with your hair dryer. You got more of it than I did."

Lee's smile faded into a tight grimace as he headed the car towards home.

As they unlocked the door to Lee's apartment, the manager came up the stairs.

"Man, what happened to you?"

"Got in a fight with a soft drink -- and lost." Lee squirmed in his wet pants and shirt.

"Hey, did you ever find out which cousins of yours were trying to visit back in February when you were on vacation?" the man asked, ignoring Lee's obvious discomfort.

Lee gave him a confused stare. "Cousins?"

"Yeah, remember I told you I found two young guys at your door. Said they were your cousins and were supposed to get something from your place. I told them you were gone for a few days. Asked if I had a key 'cause they'd forgotten theirs. Also wanted to know the day you were returning. I didn't feel right about lettin' 'em in without an okay from you. Finally they just said they'd come back. I told you, but you seemed real preoccupied at the time."

Nodding, Lee glanced at Amanda. "I had my mind on other things. What did they look like?"

The superintendent gave a general description neither Lee nor Amanda could definitely place as any of his family. Shrugging, the man walked on down the hall and the Stetsons entered Lee's apartment in perplexed silence.

While Lee made his two-hour message check, Amanda wondered out loud about the visitors. "It could have been Nicky and Scott, but wouldn't Rose have called so you'd know they were coming?"

"You'd think so. She knows I'd want to see them. What could they possibly have needed?"

He shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Remind me to give Murphy or Rose a call. If it was one of the guys, you'd think they would've mentioned something when we were in Aspen." As he started towards the bedroom to hang up his wet coat and tie, his wife slyly intercepted him.

"Need a hand with that, Cowboy?" she inquired, reaching to unbutton his shirt.

Taken off guard, Lee stared as she worked her way down his chest. "I have very few opportunities to act like a wife. So... if you'll get out of these clothes, I'll rinse your shirt while I clean up my skirt." She gave him a triumphant smirk. "Let Francine brag about her engagement. I get to undress Lee Stetson. Now you tell me. Who has the better deal?"

Grinning, Lee pulled her close. "I know I do. I'd suggest taking advantage of this opportunity, but it is only two in the afternoon."

"Since when do your hormones watch a clock?" Amanda teased.

Laughing loudly, he raised his hands in surrender. "Touché."

A short while later, he snuggled her deeper into his arms. "I'm beginning to get a different take on that near-accident. I owe that jerk a thank you."

"Well, situations are usually what you make of them," she philosophized. "And I'd say we've definitely made the best of this one. Any reason for us to even go back to the office?"

"Not really. I'll call and update Billy. Tell him I'm taking you home, and we'll see him tonight."

"Sounds like a plan to me, but you don't have to do it right this minute do you?" Amanda lifted her head off the pillow and outlined his chin with her finger.

"Nope, it can wait until..."

His explanation was interrupted by the insistent buzzing of his doorbell.

Amanda's head collapsed on his shoulder. "Not again," he blurted out. "Is there a beacon directing people to our door?" Grumbling, he grabbed his robe.

"Lee, aren't you going to get dressed?"

"I'm here to change clothes, remember?" he called back over his shoulder as he shut the bedroom door.

"Yes?" he questioned abruptly as he jerked opened the door and found himself glaring at a startled Billy and Francine.

"This is the second time you've answered the door in a bad mood," Francine remarked. She scrutinized Lee from top to bottom. "Have I just not noticed this before, or is it becoming a bad habit?"

"Francine," Billy warned.

"I was changing clothes. It's been a frustrating afternoon."

"Sorry to interrupt, Scarecrow," Billy soothed, "but the three of us need to talk. Can we come in?"

Momentarily Lee was stunned as the reality of the situation dawned on him. "Uh, yeah," He left the door barely ajar and retreated quickly. There was just enough time to grab Amanda's blouse and slip and stuff them behind throw pillows as he kicked her skirt under the couch as Billy and Francine hesitantly entered.

Looking around Francine noted Lee's clothes strewn on the floor. "Why is it that men equate floors with dirty clothes baskets?"

"Quiet, Francine," Billy frowned. "It's been a long day."

Turning to a flustered but somewhat calmer Lee, he handed him a folder. "These updates came in about an hour ago. When you didn't come back to the office, I checked messaging and found out you and Amanda came here." Looking around the apartment, he inquired, "Where is she?"

"Uh... I'm not sure," Lee stammered. "I dumped a Coke on us. She set my shirt to soak in the bathroom so she's probably there." Motioning towards the kitchen, he added, "I was getting a drink when you knocked."

"Well, when Amanda comes out please go over this with her," Billy requested as he turned to go. "Come on Francine. We have work to do."

"Billy, don't you remember? Smyth wanted a conference call between the three of us?" Francine reminded him.

"Oh, yeah." Billy glanced at the closed bedroom door before his gaze lingered briefly on the far end table.

"Lee, we need your phones," Francine persisted. "I'll take the bedroom. Billy, you can stay in here."

"No!" Billy and Lee chorused and then looked at each other in surprise.

Lee tried vainly to gather his thoughts.. "There's one in the kitchen. Do I need to be in on this conversation?"

Noting Lee's mind was definitely somewhere other than their conversation, Billy stated. "Yes. I'll stay here. Francine, you take the kitchen."

As Lee entered the bedroom, he quickly glanced around. Amanda was nowhere in sight. Lifting the portable phone from its cradle, he moved into the bathroom. No Amanda. Confused, he turned his attention back to the ongoing telephone conference when he heard Smyth calling his name. He hung up immediately at the conversation’s end.

Thinking fast for some way to keep up his cover story, Lee stopped momentarily to flush the toilet. Hopefully, Billy and Francine would assume Amanda was in the bathroom. Returning to the living room, he escorted the two agents to the door, explaining that Amanda had a slightly upset stomach.

After they were gone, Lee continued his search of the bedroom and noticed the top bed sheet was missing. Looking around, his eyes stopped at his closet door. Sliding it open, he found his wife leaning against the wall wrapped in the sheet.

"I'm a married woman doing absolutely nothing wrong. Yet I'm standing in my husband's closet with a sheet wrapped around me trying to be invisible. What's wrong with this picture?"

Lee grinned and helped her maneuver around his shoes as she left her hiding place.

"That was close. I nearly died when Francine started towards that door. I barely had time to hide your clothes."

"My clothes?" Amanda echoed. As she realized the significance of his words, she ran to the living room. "Where?"

"Skirt's under the couch. Blouse and slip under the pillows."

Retrieving her clothes, Amanda paused. "Well, you did a great job for the time you had." Reaching down she pulled out her pantyhose from under the couch's far end table. "Must have fallen off the armrest. Think either of them noticed?"

"I don't know. Bet Francine would've let me know if she had."

His eyes followed his wife as she marched towards the pantry. "Where are you going?"

"To set up the iron. If I come home with these wrinkled clothes, I'll face another interrogation."

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

"Water fight!" Jamie yelled, drenching his brother.

"You little worm!" Phillip retorted as he took aim with the hose. Unfortunately, just as Jamie ducked, Lee came around the corner carrying dry shammies for the windows. Phillip bull’s-eyed Lee’s chest, sending the rags flying.

Lee looked up in bewilderment. "What the..."

"Oh man. I'm dead now," moaned Phillip as Amanda came out of the house. "Jamie started it, Mom."

Amanda noticed out of the corner of her eye Lee reaching for the other hose and sneaking up behind Phillip. Playing along, she attempted to keep her son's attention. "Next time be more careful."

"But Mom..." Phillip's wail turned into a shriek as Lee stuck the hose down his back.

He spun around in amazement to find Lee laughing down at him. Pointing his finger at the teenager's face, Lee glared in mock anger. "Never take you eyes off of the person you just blasted."

Phillip started to protest, but seeing the smiles on both his Mom and Lee's faces, he threw up his hands in surrender.

Just then, Dotty appeared to round up the boys for baseball pictures and get Amanda's request from the market for dinner.

A little later, Amanda surveyed their work and pronounced it one of the best window washings she'd ever seen.

"Good. I'm glad it's all done," Lee stated. "Between being stuck in a monkey suit all last night at the ambassador's party and you working me like a slave all morning..."

"Aw, poor baby," Amanda soothed with a laugh. "Is there any way I can make you feel better?"

"Thought you’d never ask," he grinned as he led his wife upstairs toward the bathroom.

"Mmm," Amanda murmured a few minutes later as warm water cascaded over her while Lee kissed the back of her neck. "I never knew clean up could be so much fun."

"It's like you said, we have to make the most of a situation," Lee reminded.

Glancing at his watch hanging from the shower accessory rack, she came to a start. "Rats! We didn't put your clothes in the dryer. If we don't do it now, you won't have anything to wear when Mother and the boys get home."

"I make a towel look very good," Lee teased.

Amanda looked at him appreciatively. "Personally I prefer you without the towel, but until we let this family in on your new status, I think clothing is the way to go."

Slipping from the shower and wrapping a towel around her head, she grabbed her robe and the wet clothes as she headed downstairs toward the utility room. She'd just turned the dryer on when a noise from the driveway got her attention. Looking outside apprehensively, she grimaced. "Can't Mother and the boys ever stay any place as long as expected?"

"They're back!" she announced as she tore up the stairs.

For a moment, Lee just stared at her. "Looks like I will be greeting them with a towel."

Amanda thought frantically for any alternative. Suddenly snapping her fingers, she raced from the room. "Stay right there."

Assessing his condition, Lee commented dryly, "Well, climbing down the trellis is definitely out."

Hurrying back, Amanda flung a man's maroon bathrobe at Lee. "Here, put this on. I just heard the back door open."

As he tied the belt, Lee noticed the initials D.W. He frowned suspiciously. "And whose is this?"

"Dean's."

Remembering the time Amanda had outfitted him in Dean's plaid jacket, he probed further. "Would you mind telling me why we're married and none of my clothes are here, but this is the second time you've pulled an item from your ex-boyfriend's wardrobe out of your closet?"

Amanda gave him a direct stare. "Sure, if you'll explain that white robe with 'Crystal' written on it."

Lee winced at the memory.

"Look you go back in the bathroom and start the shower up again. Come down in about 15 minutes," Amanda instructed as she left the room.

Downstairs she found Dotty putting away the groceries. "Mother, you're home earlier than expected."

Dotty took a second to note her daughter's attire, or lack of it. "I read the wrong date for the pictures. Why aren't you dressed?" Looking up at the ceiling, she raised her eyebrows. "Did we interrupt something?"

Feigning innocence, Amanda ignored the question's implications. "I just got out of the shower. Lee is in there now. We gotta talk to the boys about what a mess they make in their bathroom. I was too embarrassed to even let Lee near it." Amanda maneuvered around the kitchen casually putting away groceries. "I loaned him that robe you were going to give Dean. I hope you don't mind. The water fight with the boys soaked him."

"Amanda, do you think it's wise to let a new boyfriend know you kept an old boyfriend's clothing?" Dotty inquired skeptically.

"You kept it, Mother. I didn't."

Dotty glanced once again at her daughter and then up the stairs. "Do you suppose this is how Lee's underwear and socks found their way into our laundry? I mean... maybe he took another shower and left with fewer clothes than when he came."

Shrugging her shoulders, Amanda sat down on a kitchen stool as her mother turned to leave the room and met Lee on the landing.

"Hi, Dotty. Are my clothes ready?"

"You'll have to check with Amanda. I only see your clothes after they come out of our dryer." Smiling sweetly she proceeded up the stairs before calling over her shoulder, "Any time you want to start the hamburgers is fine with me."

Lee locked eyes with Amanda as she gave him a "don't even ask" wave of her hand.

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

The next afternoon Dotty and Curt went to an air show while Lee took the boys to shoot some baskets. "Sure you won't come with us?" he asked Amanda as the boys piled into the station wagon.

"Nope. I'm kinda glad Joe backed out of this weekend. You need more time alone with them."

Looking up, he noticed the boys arguing over the front seat.

"Have fun," his wife sweetly suggested.

Grinning, he yelled at the brothers. "Jamie sits up front on the way there. Phillip, you get it coming home." He turned to give Amanda a quick kiss. "Wish me luck."

A little while later, while playing two-on-one, Lee was glad to note that Jamie's original jealousy towards him was vanishing. Amanda was right. He did need more time alone with the boys. There was still a lot about them he didn't know.

For a moment Lee's concentration wandered from the game as the loss of his own father flashed through his mind. Not only had he missed his input as a child, but he had no acceptable fatherly role model to imitate. From his uncle, he'd learned discipline, but growing boys needed much more than rules and regulations. They needed a man's love and guidance on a consistent basis, and he was baffled how to achieve that without living with them.

A sudden move by Jamie brought him back to the present. With youthful flexibility, Jamie jumped out of reach and made a daring toss towards the basket. All three of them watched the ball hit the backboard, roll around the rim, and fell into the basket.

Phillip slapped his brother on the back. "All right, Jamie!"

Jamie grinned from ear to ear at his brother's praise and then looked over at Lee.

Lee agreed. "Keep it up. You're giving me a great workout."

Energized, the boys played more boldly. They were within one point of tying Lee when Jamie threw the ball over Phillip's head and into some bushes.

"Your ball. You go get it," Phillip demanded. "I was wide open. We could have been tied."

As Jamie ran after the ball, Lee walked over to Phillip. "Hey, take it easy. Okay? The game's not over."

Phillip shrugged in agreement. His reply was cut off by the sound of Jamie screaming.

"Help! Get 'em off me!"

Dashing over, they saw Jamie thrashing around in the shrubbery. Suddenly Lee grabbed Phillip and pulled him to a stop. "Stay here," he ordered.

Watching Lee, Phillip noticed a buzzing sound along with swarming flying insects. "Bees," he muttered as Lee pulled Jamie out of the bushes and half dragged, half carried him onto the basketball court. At first Phillip thought Lee was carrying him towards the car, but he turned suddenly and headed for the stands.

Ignoring Lee's instructions to stay put, he ran over.

"They're still on me," Jamie cried, grabbing his shirt.

Lee pulled the T-shirt none-too-gently over the boy’s head.

"Do you feel anymore, son?" Lee demanded as he held the whimpering Jamie and tried to look him over at the same time.

"No," Jamie said through his tears. "But it hurts."

"I'll bet it does. A couple of them got me too. They really sting."

Glancing up, Lee noticed Phillip standing close by with a scared look on his face. "Ground hornets. Mean suckers." Lee noted Jamie's welts with concern. "Has he ever been stung before?"

"Yeah. A couple of bees got him last summer. He got welts but nothing like this."

"I wanna go home," Jamie sniffled.

Lee lifted the boy into his arms and directed Phillip to grab his shirt. "We're on our way."

Lee cursed himself for not choosing a park closer to home as they settled Jamie in the back of the car. "Keep an eye on him, Phillip, while I call your mom."

Grateful he'd had a phone installed in Amanda's car, Lee dialed the number as he maneuvered onto the freeway.

Suddenly Phillip yelled, "He's breathing funny."

"What?" Lee demanded.

"He's breathing funny. Kinda gasping. Jamie? Jamie, are you okay?" Phillip asked desperately.

Fear gripped Lee as he crossed lanes towards a nearby hospital. Dialing 911, he asked the operator to notify Parkland General that he had a 13-year-old boy stung numerous times by hornets who was having trouble breathing. His ETA was about five minutes. Then he dialed Amanda and briefed her on the situation.

"He's going to be okay," he told Phillip. "They'll give him a shot at the hospital and he'll be okay." Lee hoped he sounded more reassuring than he felt.

"What's wrong with him?"

"I think he's having an allergic reaction."

"People can die from that can't they?" Phillip asked desperately.

Lee saw the fear in the boy’s eyes. "Not if they get help," he stated as he pulled up to the Emergency Room's doors.

As he lifted Jamie from the car, Lee quietly panicked at how still he lay in his arms. His breathing was very shallow and irregular. Lee shouted for someone's attention as he burst into the ER with Phillip right at his heels. Orderlies directed him into a room where he laid his stepson on an examining table.

Lee backed off while a small med team swarmed around Jamie barking orders. Glancing around for Phillip, he found him standing forlornly in a nearby corner. Lee pulled him close as they stood by and watched helplessly.

After what felt like eternity, the doctor came over. "He's going to be okay."

Suddenly Lee wished he had a chair as he gave Phillip a bear hug.

"I want to keep him a couple of hours for observation," the doctor continued. "I don't expect problems. Glad you were nearby. Anaphylactic shock isn't something to take lightly."

"Could he have died?" Phillip asked hesitantly.

The doctor glanced at Lee before answering. "Yes... without the right treatment. From now on he'll need to carry some medicine with him. Look... why don't you two stay with him, and I'll send someone in with the paperwork?"

Lee gently sat on the bedside of a very uncomfortable Jamie and laid his hand on the boy's arm. "You gave us quite a scare, but the doc says you're going to be fine."

"It doesn't hurt as bad now," Jamie answered shakily.

"Boy, you should have seen them follow you and Lee out of those bushes. They were everywhere," Phillip blurted out. Stopping suddenly, he turned to Lee. "Why didn't you go right to the car?"

"Hornets have a definite flight pattern. The car was directly in that pattern. I would have just carried them over to it."

Impressed with Lee’s knowledge, Phillip looked at his brother and raised his eyebrows.

"Phillip noticed your breathing trouble." Jamie smiled his thanks. "He also disobeyed me and didn't stay where I told him to," Lee continued.

Taken back, Phillip started to protest but Lee cut in. "What if I hadn't been able to shake the hornets? You're wearing a red shirt. They're attracted to that color. What if they'd gone after you? Then I would've had two boys to take care of?" Phillip began to look sufficiently remorseful. "It's important to follow directions in an emergency situation." He lightened up a little. "You're just like your mom. She never learned to stay put either."

Phillip smiled gingerly when he saw the look of forgiveness in Lee's eyes. He started to reply when a nurse's aide walked in.

"Hi, you're looking better young man." She turned to Lee. "There's some paperwork that needs to be done. Are you his father or a member of the family?"

Caught off guard, Lee found himself speechless.

"I'm Jamie's father."

The boys and Lee turned in surprise as both Amanda and Joe King entered the room. Amanda rushed to her son's bedside.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" she asked.

"Mom... Dad?" Jamie whispered.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Phillip echoed his brother's surprise.

"I stopped by the house when I got back into town." Joe turned angry eyes on Lee. "What the hell is the meaning of this, Stetson?" he barked. "How bad is Jamie hurt?"

"Joe!" Amanda admonished hastily.

Lee gritted his teeth and explained the situation as evenly as possible.

Joe was still agitated. "Why weren't you more careful?"

Unnerved by his father's reaction, Jamie cried out. "It's not Lee's fault. He came and got me as soon as he knew I was in trouble. He got stung too."

"Yeah, Dad," Phillip piped up, looking anxiously between the two men. "Lee did everything he could."

As she held Jamie, Amanda watched Lee's jaw twitch. Trying to distract her husband, she asked, "Are you okay? Did you see a doctor?"

Still glowering at Joe, Lee mumbled, " yeah, I'm fine. I'll get something at the drug store."

Standing a little outside the group, the nervous aide loudly cleared his throat. "Excuse me, but there are some papers to sign. Would one of the parents like to come with me?" She looked from Lee to Joe. "I guess that would be you, Sir."

Joe nodded and was about to leave, but turned back again. "Why didn't you go to the park near the house?"

Lee's patience had worn thin. "The basketball court is being fixed," he shot back. He looked over at Jamie and Amanda. "I'm going home. I'm not needed here." Brushing past Joe, he headed down the hall.

"Lee, wait," Amanda called out as she chased him down.

"Look, I gotta get out of here, before I say something you won’t like," Lee informed her as she grabbed his arm.

"I know. I know. Joe shouldn't have said those things."

"Yeah, Joe was wrong, but it doesn't stop him from being able to brush me aside, now does it?"

It took a moment for his words to register and for her to see a new dimension to the previous events.

"Look. We need to talk about this..." she began.

"No! All we do is talk. We need to do something about this," Lee stated emphatically.

Amanda inched closer and placed her hands on his chest. "I know, but not here. Please? Go to the house and wait for Mother and Curt? Let them know what's going on. Please be there when I bring Jamie home."

Running his hands through his hair, Lee reluctantly agreed. "What about Joe? He's not going to like it."

"Don't worry about him," Amanda answered firmly. "He'll either change his attitude, or he won't come in."

Lee looked at her, surprised at the determination in her voice. He sighed as he gave her a hug before heading to his car.

Dotty and Curt still hadn't returned when Joe and Amanda brought the boys home. Not until Joe's car pulled out of the driveway did Lee join his family in the boys' room. Then pulling up a chair, he sat down next to Jamie's bed. "You know, Sport, you were really brave through all of this."

"It wasn't your fault. None of us knew the hornets were there," Jamie insisted. He hesitated a second. "Will you still do stuff with us?"

"You bet," Lee grinned and gave him a wink. "All this means is now we know you have a problem so we'll keep the right medicine on hand."

Jamie looked relieved. "They said I was stung ten times. Feels more like a hundred."

"Yeah, the ones on my arms felt like flame throwers." Lee agreed.

"Well, I think those old hornets were watching the game and were rooting for Lee," Phillip observed from his twin bed.

"What in the world are you talking about?" Amanda demanded, worried about another possible conflict.

Phillip answered. "All we needed was a couple more points to win. Mom, Jamie and I were hot, and Lee was getting tired."

"They were hot," was Lee’s even reply before picking up a pillow and hurling it at his oldest stepson. "But I was just getting my second wind."

A light macho banter started between him and the boys that Amanda relished. According to Phillip's account, Lee was something of a hero. His story had gone a long way toward calming Joe. In Amanda's opinion, Joe had left quickly to avoid giving Lee an apology.

A little while later they were all downstairs enjoying a movie and some ice cream when Dotty and Curt arrived. Seeing their grandmother, the boys began clamoring for her attention, eager to tell her about the day's adventure. The movie was forgotten, but Dotty was too distracted to really listen to their news.

"I'm so glad we caught everyone here," she began. "Curt and I had an exciting day..."

"We had some excitement too, Grandma," Phillip interrupted. "Jamie..."

"Just a minute, dear," Dotty said firmly. "If I don't say something soon, I'm going to burst."

Off of Phillip's downcast look, Curt added, "Trust me, she will definitely burst."

"Well, come on, Mother, out with it. I've had enough suspense for one day," Amanda declared.

Dotty gave her daughter a curious look. "Well, in a couple of weeks you boys won't have to share a room anymore."

"We're adding on to the house?" Jamie asked puzzled.

"No, Sweetheart." Taking a deep breath, Dotty looked over at her daughter. "Curt asked me to marry him."

Lee glanced at Amanda as the boys gave their grandmother a surprised look. He saw a flicker of resignation cross his wife's eyes before she broke into a joyful grin. "Well, congratulations. I figured this would be coming soon."

Following her lead, Lee rose and gave Curt a handshake and Dotty a hug. "You're getting a great lady, Curt."

Curt turned to the boys. "I don't think your mom needs a stepfather, but I'm hoping you two could still use a granddad."

The boys looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "We don't know much about grandfathers," Phillip explained.

"Well, then, do you think we could learn together?" Curt asked.

The boys shared a glance, then nodded in unison.

"Guess you're moving out, huh, Grandma," Jamie concluded with a concerned frown on his face.

"Yes, but I'll only be about 30 minutes away," Dotty consoled. "Also, Curt takes some weekend trips in his planes, and we'd like you two to come with us sometime."

"Hey, plane rides," Phillip jumped in. "I can live with that."

Reaching over to give her two grandsons a hug, Dotty was surprised when Jamie held up his hands to ward her off. "Now it's time to tell you about our excitement," he explained.

After the hornet tale was told, the boys along with Dotty and Amanda headed upstairs to get Jamie some more medicine, leaving Lee and Curt alone in the den.

For a short time both men sat silent. Finally Lee spoke. "Well, this has been a good ending to a rather harrowing day."

"I think the boys took it pretty well. Dotty figured Amanda wouldn't be too surprised, but you can't tell about kids. They've had their mom and grandmother all to themselves for quite a while now," Curt added. Watching Lee closely, he continued. "Hope I'm not out of line, Lee, but Dotty keeps wondering about you and Amanda. We thought the weekend trips with the boys would give you more private time."

Lee smiled, mostly to himself. "That would be nice."

"You've never been married either, have you?" Curt probed.

"No," Lee replied, surprised at how good it felt discussing his family with another man.

"From the minute Dotty and I met there was something between us. Didn't appreciate it at first, but she is persistent." Chuckling, he continued. "Gave me just enough rope to hang myself. I'm still not sure what hit me, but it feels very good and very right."

Lee rubbed his hands along the chair's armrests. "Must run in the family. Amanda's turned my life around." Grinning at the older man, he added, "and I didn't always like it either."

"We could break into this family thing together." The older man hinted. "You know, two newly-married ex-bachelors going for a beer... helping each other get their bearings." Noticing Lee's lack of resistance, Curt suggested, "Might want to give it some consideration."

The older man's kindness touched Lee. "I've been giving it a lot of consideration. Thanks for the offer."

Later that night Amanda glanced at her bedside clock for the umpteenth time. The dial said midnight, but she wasn't any sleepier than when Lee had left at nine. There was so much she needed to discuss with him; but she didn't want to leave Jamie, and Dotty was all wedding plans. It had been hard listening to her mother and keeping her own mouth shut. Even harder not having Lee to comfort her about Jamie's accident. They could have lost a son, but once again secrecy isolated them.

Slowly, a tapping sound invaded her thoughts. As it became more insistent, she realized it came from her window and included a muffled voice. Amanda rushed over and raised the shade to find Lee's face staring back.

"Are you crazy?" she demanded, opening the window.

"Not as crazy as the first two times I did this. I'm glad I reinforced the trellis."

Amanda's concerns washed away as she helped him in and enveloped him in a hug. "I'm so glad you're here."

Lee's answer was muffled by her hair. "I know. I was miserable at the apartment... kept pacing the floor. Even called Murph to tell him about what happened. Then I went for a drive and knew I had to see you." He gently cupped her face in his hands. "We've got to talk. We can't keep waiting until it's convenient."

"What if someone hears us?" Misery was evident in her voice.

"Then we'll tell them we're married."

Off her shocked expression, he explained, "Would you rather them find out during a medical emergency like today or if you get pregnant? Then we'd have to lay both a marriage and a new sibling on the boys." As she shook her head "no", Lee guided her over to the bed.

Amanda sat silently for a moment before she leaned on Lee's shoulder. "I'd hoped we could just ease our way into this, but things get complicated every day."

Lee held her close and whispered into her ear. "Let's get more comfortable." Settling them comfortably under the covers, he wished he could just enjoy holding his wife, but instead started the conversation. "Jamie really scared me today. Things were going great. Then he went in those bushes, and the world crashed down around us."

Amanda pulled back and studied him closely. .

"They felt like our kids today," he began. "Not yours and Joe's... ours. Then the forms had to be signed and reality set in. I couldn't sign them without revealing our secret. Then Joe came in and I was suddenly an outsider again."

Amanda knew he was right. "We've been afraid of Agency dangers, and yet if Jamie hadn't been treated in time, he could have died."

"I'm willing to bet more people are injured by accidents than hurt by enemies of their secret agent parents," Lee ruefully suggested. "Amanda, the boys already know what we do for a living. If one of them was killed, would it really make any difference how it happened?"

"No," Amanda whispered thoughtfully.

"There aren't any guarantees. What if I died tomorrow?" he added. "Your memories of our relationship would make it seem more like an affair than a marriage." Stroking her face, he looked deep into her eyes. "I love you, Amanda Stetson. I married you because I want to live with you the rest of my life and be the best father I can to those boys."

Amanda sighed deeply. "You're right. But with Mother getting married, is this the right time?"

Rolling onto his back, Lee stared at the ceiling. "I don't know that we have much of a choice. Billy called tonight. I'm due for a major security check."

"What? You had one of those last year. That's why we filed our taxes before we got married... so a basic inspection wouldn't show anything."

"I know, but they're overhauling the system. Doing it by birthday and year. I'd much rather Billy find out from us. We're going to need his help."

"Will they allow us to still work together?" Amanda asked in a small, worried voice.

"There's no firm policy against it, but with Smyth, who knows? I want to meet with Billy tomorrow. If we're lucky, maybe we can break the news to the family tomorrow night."

Amanda snuggled deeper into Lee's arms. Once the Agency and their family knew of their marriage there would be no turning back to the present fragile security.

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

The next morning, Billy agreed to see them immediately after the staff meeting. Entering the office, the older man directed the pair towards his couch as he pulled up a chair for himself.

Momentarily Lee was at a loss for words as a last rush of apprehension struck him. Then smiling at both his supervisor and wife, he reached over and enclosed Amanda's hand in his as he began relating the events of the past fours months.

To his surprise, Billy looked relieved. Bolstered by his boss's expression, Lee continued. "I hope your offer to help still stands."

Amanda jumped in. "There must have been times you and Jeannie were concerned about your family's safety."

Billy nodded. "Leaving the field made it easier, but sometimes my house still has to be watched. We also have the 'safe houses' when it gets too hot." He added hastily, "Which doesn't happen very often."

"Why do you think marriage endangers your family any more than working together? Remember when Phillip was kidnapped because they thought he was Lee's son? What about when Joe came back from Estoccia?"

"But Sir," Amanda interrupted. "Those incidents were why we were worried..."

"I understand. However, wasn't the Agency there when you needed us?" The couple reluctantly nodded their agreement.

Billy felt more like a parent than a boss as he watched his two favorite operatives closely. "We can only protect the ones we love so much. The rest we leave up to God and hope He's on our side. But," he smiled broadly, "right now I just want to tell you how pleased I am with your news."

"Thanks," Lee grinned. "Sorry we kept it a secret. It just seemed the right thing to do at the time."

His boss nodded his head in understanding.

"What about us working together?" Amanda asked cautiously.

"Some of our best overseas teams are husband and wife." Billy stated.

"Yeah, but the Agency's always trying to pull them apart when things get too hot," Lee reminded his superior.

"We do that anyway between regular partners."

"But Smyth..." Lee challenged.

"You leave Smyth to me," the older agent admonished. "Stemwinder proved he's fallible. Give me the chance to remind him of that."

The couple smiled in relief.

A small cloud passed briefly across Billy's face. "Has the family been told?"

"No, Sir. We wanted to know where we stood here first," Amanda explained.

Billy extracted a legal document from his coat and handed it to Lee.

Lee studied it for a moment. "This is our wedding license," he exclaimed. He looked up at his friend. "You already knew?"

Billy nodded. "As of last Friday. That's why I called you about your security check. I was hoping you'd come to me before I had to confront you."

"What are you doing with this?" Amanda looked bewildered. "Lee, didn't they send you a copy in the mail? I told you to watch for it. Remember?"

"Now I do, but I was so worried about you I totally forgot."

"I found it last Friday in a box of evidence. We were mopping up after a bust on a scam operation." Leaning forward, Billy started his explanation. "Seems your judge's clerk wasn't quite the wonderful little old lady she made herself out to be."

"Mrs. Bowman?" Amanda asked in amazement.

"Come on. She had trouble working the camera," Lee objected.

"Yeah, great act. Her husband's a con man and used her experience working as a secretary for a couple of judges and at a couple of city offices for his hits. Remember I told you a friend of ours had been ripped off during a funeral? Well, the next weekend a friend of Smyth's, Ambassador Rogers, was robbed while on his honeymoon. This time they also took some important documents."

"And that brought the Agency in," Lee concluded.

Billy nodded. "Computer cross-referencing showed a link between robberies and legal documents filed from your judge's office. We set up a sting and got lucky when they hit one of the apartments we staked out."

"The 'Cousins'!" Lee and Amanda exclaimed.

Billy looked puzzled.

"My landlord said some cousins of mine were trying to get into my apartment last February," Lee explained. "We've been wracking our brains trying to figure out who they might have been."

Billy smiled wryly. "And this explains it. Sounds like you were lucky. After the heist, we followed the trail backwards and came up with the secretary." He shook his head. "Hard to believe, I know, but Mrs. Bowman got her guy a gopher job at the county clerk's office. When the Judge signed a wedding or death certificate they'd find out when the people would be gone and do a hit. Usually they went ahead and filed the papers, but someone got sloppy and just threw a bunch in a box. Fortunately the ambassador's documents were also there."

"So," Lee demanded. "What does this mean?"

Amanda answered weakly, "I think it means our marriage was never registered.

Billy gave her a nod of reluctant agreement. "And therefore, not legally binding."

"Oh, come on," Lee stated in disbelief. He gave a short laugh and stood up. "Of course it is."

Taking a deep breath, Billy explained. "Normally marriage licenses have to be filed ten working days after the ceremony…death certificates four days after for insurance claims. However, since some of these date back eight months, that sets up a legal nightmare. The Judge went to the governor who granted a stay. The death certificates will automatically be backdated and filed. However, tracking down the living is more difficult. The governor has given each couple six weeks after they've been notified to have a new ceremony before declaring the marriage non-binding."

"Why can't he just back date the marriages too?" Lee demanded.

"Too much legal wrangling when you're dealing with living, breathing people. Be glad for what you've got."

Seeing the frustration building in Lee, and Amanda's concern, Billy tried to lighten the moment. Going over to Amanda, he sat down beside her. "You realize you have an opportunity here, don't you?"

She looked confused. Billy glanced up at Lee and then continued. "If he hasn't been what you hoped for, then this is your chance to start over." Amanda's eyes became saucers, and Lee looked at his boss incredulously. "Since you haven't told your family, I'm the only one who knows about this wedding."

"My three cousins know," Lee snapped testily.

"I'll get to you in a minute, Scarecrow." Turning back, Billy continued the act. "I understand what he can be like, and I wouldn't blame you for having second thoughts."

Amanda was totally flustered. "Of course I want to keep him," she sputtered. "I just got him... or thought I did."

Billy patted her hand. "I just wanted to make sure."

Standing up he walked over to a speechless Lee and shook his hand. "You're a lucky man, Scarecrow."

"Wait a minute," Lee finally gasped out. "Aren't you going to ask me if I want to stay married?"

Billy tried to appear stern. "Of course not," he snapped. "You'd be crazy to give her up."

He held Lee's glare for several seconds before turning around and winking at Amanda. She caught the gesture and her expression shifted to a suppressed smile.

Catching his wife's expression, Lee looked back down at his boss and noted the teasing gleam behind the glare. Realizing he'd been had, his shoulders sagged in relief as he ran his hand through his hair.

Billy gently pushed Amanda in Lee's direction. "I hope this time I get an invitation."

"Yes, Sir," Amanda responded. "You sure will."

"You know," Billy pointed out, "once this news gets out, the rumor mill will go into overtime."

Lee and Amanda nodded their agreement and then briefed their friend on the highlights of the past year.

When he'd heard it all, Billy shook his head. "You mean he proposed to you while you were being held by terrorists? So much for your Romeo image, Scarecrow."

"Hey, I made the most of what I had. Didn't even know if we'd make it out of that one," Lee explained quickly without noticing the flash of curiosity that crossed Amanda s face.

"And when Amanda was shot..." Billy started.

"We were on our honeymoon," Lee finished. "You're right, Billy. Both California and yesterday weren't Agency connected. Those things could've happened to anybody."

Billy nodded. "It was something you had to learn for yourselves or never be truly convinced." Then an expression of delight lit his face. "Now comes the fun part."

The Stetsons watched curiously as Billy opened the door and called Francine over.

"Something important has come up, and you have the right experience," he informed her in his most official tone.

Exuding extreme personal confidence, Francine beamed. "Of course."

"You've spent a great deal of time lately dealing with Agency paperwork... getting vacation time for a honeymoon, insurance adjustments, and changing your name on records." Billy held up his hand to stop her protests. "These two got married last February, but there's a problem with their license so they have to do it again."

"What... " Francine mouthed as Lee put his arm around Amanda and held her close.

"Go over with the Stetsons what they need to know," Billy directed as Francine slowly sank into a chair. "I need a cup of coffee." Pausing just before he shut the door, Billy stifled a laugh at the ensuing conversation.

"You married... a housewife?"

"Yep," Lee replied with a wide grin. "Housewife and agent."

Smiling to himself, Billy walked over to the coffee machine and mentally wagered the time it would take the news to spread. This was turning into a very good day.

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

Knowing Lee and Amanda wouldn't get any work done at the office, Billy sent them out on some "spring cleaning." For the first time in years, Lee didn't complain.

"One more to go," Lee observed between stops. "I hope the family is as understanding as Billy.

"Yeah," Amanda grinned. "Francine's face made his day."

Lee smiled. "It sure did."

Amanda frowned thoughtfully. "You know, I'd forgotten about what you said right before you asked me to marry you."

Lee chuckled. "I'm not surprised. There was a lot going on. Does it matter?"

Amanda smiled. "I'm curious. First you tell me you love me and then say you're running off somewhere. Then you ask me to marry you when you think we're in a situation we're not going to get out of." She paused for a moment to study Lee's quizzical expression. "So... did you propose because if we got out you wanted to get married or did you think it was a safe bet that you wouldn't have to follow through?"

"Whaaat?" Lee protested indignantly before catching the gleam in her eye and shaking his head. "Okay, okay. Seems like I need a crisis to get me off my backside, but now I can't figure out what took me so long." He paused for a moment then got back on track. "This last check is located near my apartment. Let's stop by and get me some clothes. If things go okay, maybe I can spend the night at your house tonight."

"Our house," Amanda corrected, laying a hand on his arm.

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

After entering his apartment, Lee checked his answering machine. To his surprise, Andy's voice greeted him.

Hi there. Thought I might catch ya before work. I'm headed out to the ranch in a couple weeks. I was hopin' to talk you into joining me early for the reunion. Get in a little fishin', maybe even have a birthday party for you. Talked to Murph last night after you called.

Beep. Beep.

Me again. He said you were 'bout ready to tell people you got hitched. Oops, hope no one but you is listening to this. Anyway, seeing how we'll probably never believe you're married unless we see it with our own eyes, I think you and Amanda should join us and get married again with cake and everything. You know how Mom loves weddings. Skip and Murph think it's a great idea. Bye.

Amanda visibly brightened at the idea. "Getting away does sound nice."

"We could still have a reception for our friends here when we get back," Lee added. "That would make the wedding a lot simpler. I even thought of going on a cruise just to get out of the Agency reach."

"Naw," Amanda teased. "We got married once before on a cruise, and the wedding night wasn't anything to talk about."

"I had no idea you wanted to... talk," Lee sputtered in surprise.

Amanda sighed. "Well, I did think we were legally married."

"Are you suggesting... " Lee probed, intensely curious.

Amanda picked up Lee's shaving bag and headed out the door. "I guess we'll never know. The attraction was already there... just unexplored."

Following her out, Lee shook his head. No... not possible. However, marriage had revealed Amanda wasn't quite as naive as he'd originally suspected. Still... No, he told himself but not so confidently as before.

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

That evening, after dinner, they rounded up Dotty and the boys for a conference.

"What's up?" Phillip asked, clicking off the TV.

For the next thirty minutes the couple explained to a spellbound audience how they'd met and their Agency involvement. The boys already knew what they did, but they'd never been told all the particulars.

When they were done, Dotty slammed her hand down on the chair arm. "I knew it!" she exclaimed. "You've been involved for quite some time, haven't you?"

Taking deep breaths, Lee and Amanda nodded "yes" together.

"And they're spies, Grandma," Phillip put in, reminding his grandmother of what he felt was the more important revelation.

Dotty fixed her grandson with a curious stare. "You knew, didn't you?" Phillip shrugged and she turned to Jamie. "You too?" Jamie smiled. Dotty turned back to her daughter. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"The less you knew, the less danger you were in," Lee explained.

"The boys only knew because of unforeseen circumstances," Amanda apologized. "We had to swear them to secrecy.

"And they've done a great job of keeping that secret too," Lee complimented. Both boys smiled self-consciously.

"Last fall," Dotty began, "when you ran away and all those people came to the house..."

"Yes, Mother," Amanda acknowledged. "I went off with Lee. We had to clear his name from a Soviet sting."

"Wow, what happened?" Jamie asked wide-eyed.

"Sorry, the case isn't declassified," Lee told him.

The conversation continued as Amanda revealed finally how Lee was the one who'd convinced Pretzel the Clown to come to Jamie's birthday party and had flown in Mr. Galaxy from Taiwan for Phillip. Both boys were properly impressed.

"Lee's done a lot for our family behind the scenes these past few years, boys," Amanda stated warmly. "It's one of the reasons I fell in love with him and agreed to marry him last October."

"You've been engaged all this time?" Hurt was evident in Dotty's voice.

Amanda started to speak but Lee interrupted. "We were afraid the agency might break us up as a team if they found out and were concerned about your safety. Jamie's accident made us realize we can't protect you three from everything. It also made me realize how much I want to be an everyday part of your lives."

He took a deep breath, then plunged ahead. "We wish we’d done a lot of things differently like... not getting married secretly last February."

For a moment the room was still. Three pairs of startled eyes stared back at Lee and Amanda. Finally Dotty, slowly began to smile. "Was this Lee's fishing trip?"

Lee looked dumbfounded, but Amanda blushed. "You were right, Mother. He did catch something."

"Mom..." Phillip questioned, "was that when you were shot?"

Amanda nodded.

"Wow, bummer of a honeymoon," he announced.

"Unfortunately, we just found out our license was never registered. We have six weeks to have another ceremony or the marriage is annulled," Lee explained.

"So... you're already our step-dad," Phillip asked.

"Yeah, Sport, for better or worse."

For a moment the boys looked at each other. Then Jamie turned back to the group. "It's better."

"Yeah, it's kinda neat to have a spy for a dad," Phillip followed up. "And man can you ever drive!"

"Now, guys. Nothing's changed about that part," Amanda admonished. "Nobody can know about our jobs, Mother."

Dotty signaled her agreement. "Well, this answers the laundry questions. When are you moving in?"

Lee smiled at Amanda. "I was hoping tonight.... Why don't you boys run out to the car and get my bags?"

After Phillip and Jamie left the room, Dotty gave both of them a hug. "Maybe now my rose bushes at the bottom of the trellis will quit getting trampled."

Lee grinned ruefully. "It's a safe bet. From now on I'm using the stairs."

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

The next few days whirled by with the couple fending off Agency discussions of their past and future weddings and working on Lee's transition into the family.

After a particularly hectic Thursday afternoon, Amanda greeted Lee's proposal of dinner out with enthusiasm, but was quite unprepared for what he'd planned. Instead of a favorite restaurant, they arrived at the D.C. Railways, a restaurant on a train, which ran a loop into D.C. and back from its Alexandria station. Shortly, they were enjoying cocktails in a private dining car while watching the Virginia countryside as seemingly telepathic waiters served their dinner.

Amanda laid her hand on her stomach. "That was incredible. I couldn't eat another bite." Beaming at her husband, she reached over and took his hand. "I couldn't have asked for a better evening. Thank you."

"Well, it's not over yet," Lee remarked slyly. They waited quietly as the waiter cleared the table and dimmed the lights as he left. Lee then led her over to a cushioned love seat and drew her close. As Amanda sighed contentedly, Lee rehearsed the next few moments in his mind.

Finally, he gently unwound her from his arms and sat back slightly. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said the other day... about when I told you I loved you and proposed. Billy's right. My image of a Romeo leaves a lot to be desired."

Amanda protested. "Oh, Sweetheart. I was just kidding. I didn't..."

"I know, but you were right. You've put up with a lot. Just being able to hold you hand in public these past few days has shown me how much you've missed... in our dating... our honeymoon... not to mention our marriage."

Lee took a deep breath. To Amanda's amazement his eyes looked moist. He reached in his coat pocket and brought out an old but beautiful, slender velvet jewelry box. She watched as he tenderly traced his fingers over its top before handing it to her.

Amanda slowly opened the lid to find a very delicate gold bracelet with four small pearls. Its elegance lay in its simplicity. "Oh Lee, it's beautiful."

"It was my grandmother's," he explained simply. "Aunt Katie found it in the back of her dresser a few weeks after the funeral." From his coat pocket, he removed an envelope with a faded "Lee" written across it in bygone penmanship. "She found this note inside. I meant to give it to you on our honeymoon but..." His voice trailed off as he handed it to her.

Amanda laid the bracelet and box on her lap as she carefully opened the paper. What she read brought tears to her eyes.

My dearest Lee,

Amanda s voice shook. "Oh, Lee, I... "

Lee interrupted gently. "You've done more to make a lonely little boy's dreams come true than I ever believed possible. I'm just sorry you've had to put up with so much. You’ve missed out on a lot of romance, and I want to try and make it up to you. That's why we’re on this train. It's where we began." Slipping off the sofa and onto one knee, Lee put the bracelet on her wrist and cupped her hands in his. "Almost nine months ago I said you were the best, the bravest, the most beautiful woman I'd ever known. I meant every word, but a lady deserves better surroundings when someone asks her to marry him so... Amanda Stetson, will you marry me... again?"

Amanda gave him a watery smile. "Oh yes, I'll marry you. We really are the luckiest two people in the whole world."

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

In the following days, Lee and Amanda drew solace from that special evening as events leading up to the two weddings grew more hectic with each passing day.

It was decided that Lee, Amanda and the boys would leave for Santa Fe the Sunday morning after Curt and Dotty's Saturday afternoon vows. The newlyweds would fly in and join the family at the ranch the following Thursday for the wedding on Saturday. Then, while Lee and Amanda honeymooned, Dotty and Curt would take the boys to the Grand Canyon.

Aunt Katie was ecstatic to hear the wedding news and not too surprised to hear about the initial secrecy. At first, Lee and Amanda were concerned when she offered to do the groundwork for flowers and catering, but stopped their protest when she promised to do only a few telephone calls.

Their D.C. friends were disappointed but understanding about the wedding's location. The situation brightened when Harry Thornton and his new wife planned a reception the weekend after they returned. Also, Billy and Jeannie decided to couple the wedding with a visit to an aunt in nearby Taos.

Dotty and Curt's wedding went without incident, except for Lee barely making it in time, due to a last-minute case wrap up. Amanda was glad for the change in their wedding location. Lee’s difficulty in breaking away as all too familiar and made Amanda glad they’d decided to repeat their vows in New Mexico.

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

"About time you guys got here," Andy shouted from the porch as the Stetsons poured out of the van. "Thought Murph got lost."

"The plane was late," Murphy shot back amidst hugs and handshakes.

Andy slapped the boys' backs. "You two are with me in the bunk house. Right now, your folks have a room inside 'til everyone starts arriving. Then Lee might find himself baching it again for a few nights."

"I thought this was going to be a small gathering," Lee stated as he picked up baggage and headed for the house.

"It was," Skip replied grinning. "But it seems more than just us guys wanted to see you hitched. Besides, the reunion's in a few weeks anyway. People are just coming in early."

Before Lee could reply, Aunt Kate emerged from the house and enveloped both him and Amanda in a tight hug. "So glad you're here. Let's get you freshened up before we make plans."

While they waited for refreshments, Amanda watched Andy, Michelle, and the boys saddle up for a much ballyhooed trail ride to the canyon where the four cousins had once found some cattle rustlers. Amanda had smiled and Lee's eyes rolled at the yarns his older cousin wove, especially the one about hunting an albino ground squirrel.

The ranch's peaceful atmosphere was already helping them relax, a premise Andy attributed directly to Uncle Jake's absence. A few weeks earlier, Jake had experienced chest pains so Clayton and Kate had switched locations with him and Cassie so he could be closer to a doctor and wouldn't have the rigors and excitement of the ranch and company.

Coming up behind his wife, Lee encircled her with his arms. "Every time I come here it's like the first time. I forget how big and blue the sky is and how fresh the air smells."

Amanda agreed. "Remember the first time we came? You were trying to keep me calm by describing this place. You said the sky was so vast you could get lost in it."

Lee hugged her tighter and laughed. "Look at those boys hanging on to Andy's every word. I was a little concerned when Jamie seemed skittish around the horseflies, but he's fine now. Determined not to look like a tenderfoot." Lee paused for a second. "Hey, isn't Skip going with them?"

"Aunt Katie sent him to town on errands." They glanced up to see Melanie come up behind them. "Murph and Sherry took him when they went for groceries. I passed on the long ride," she told them with a laugh as she rested her hands on her swollen abdomen.

Amanda smiled as she and Mel exchanged welcoming hugs.

"Come on in out of the sun," Aunt Katie called cheerfully from the kitchen door.

They left the yard and settled in the living room while Melanie went upstairs to check on Peter, who was supposed to be taking nap. Aunt Katie came in to talk with Lee and Amanda, coffee and cookies all ready. "Now, you two tell me what you want, and we'll see how it fits with the information I've dug up this week."

"Now, Aunt Katie," Lee began to protest. "We told you not to worry yourself until we arrived."

"I know, but it's been such fun I couldn't stop," she grinned gleefully.

Amanda smiled at the woman's disarming way. "Well, we thought we'd be married in the den. I'm wearing the same suit I wore before..."

"Oh, my dear," Katie interrupted hastily. "You really need a new dress, don't you think?"

Amanda hesitated. She really had thought of getting something new, but there just hadn’t been any time. Katie picked up on her dilemma and took hold of Amanda's hand. "It won't be any trouble, Amanda," she assured. "There's a woman in the city who has a small shop with wonderful dresses. Not too frilly and very reasonable."

Amanda wavered for a moment, but the kindness and warmth in Katie's face convinced her. Lee reached over and gave her other hand a squeeze. "Sounds like a great idea, and don’t worry about being too ‘reasonable’. Get whatever you want.."

Amanda glance at him gratefully, then continued. "Um, where were we? Flowers and food... " A slight frown creased her brow, as she looked at Lee for help.

Lee addressed his aunt. "You did great with Murphy and Sherry's wedding, but we won't have near the crowd."

"Well," the older woman began slowly. "There'll be Beth and Addison, Robbie, Jonathan and Eleanor. Thelma, of course, can't make that long trip from Hawaii." Katie paused and thought for a moment. "Robert McCall will be here, if at all possible. Jake not being around will make that easier. And of course, Scott and Nicky want to come." She laughed at the surprised expression on Lee's face, then resumed ticking off her list. "Allie said he could make it. Jeffers and Mickey are coming in tomorrow." Suddenly, she looked at Lee. "What about your uncle?"

Lee squirmed under her gaze. "He's on assignment somewhere. I left a message with his secretary."

"I'm sure he'll be here if he can, dear." Trying to smile more confidently than she felt, she continued with her information. "I have a friend who's a professional photographer. She has a beautiful Spanish style home about 20 minutes from here in the mountains with a lovely garden patio. She'll give us a great deal on the pictures." Katie hesitated a moment, then went on a bit tentatively. "We could have the wedding on the patio, if you like. It would be so much prettier than the den. We can stop by after meeting with Pastor Kelly tomorrow afternoon."

Lee and Amanda smiled at each other. "That sounds wonderful," Amanda told her. "We just don't want this to be a lot of fuss for anybody."

Katie smiled broadly. "Are you kidding? This is a pleasure." Her face grew hopeful. "By the way, she's thinking about renting out her detached formal dining and living room to small weddings for their receptions so she can control the setting of her pictures. She was wondering if you two would mind being a trial run."

"Why not," Lee laughed and shook his head. "We're breaking new ground in every other area."

Aunt Katie beamed for a moment, then grew a bit more serious. "There's one more thing." She looked intently at both of them. "Robbie, Beth, Thelma, Jonathan and I want to give you this wedding as our gift." Seeing the predicted protest coming, she held up her hand to silence them. "You're combining two homes, so you probably already have two of anything anybody might buy for you."

"Aunt Katie... " Lee reached out to take his aunt's hand. "We can't let you do that. We came out here only because you promised we could keep it simple and not put a lot of people out."

"I know," Aunt Katie said softly. She let her gaze move between Lee and Amanda. "That was the original plan, but I began to think about Mother. She'd be so pleased to know you think enough of this place to be married here." Her eyes moistened and her voice trembled slightly. "Then there's Jenny. She missed so much of your life, Lee. It's always been a thorn in my side that we didn't take you in when she died. I don't even pretend one day can make up for past mistakes, but this is one time we can step in for our sister." She squeezed his hand and looked imploringly at him. "Please, let us do this for her."

Lee felt his throat tighten as he glanced over at Amanda. She gave him a watery smile and nodded. Clearing his throat, Lee leaned over and planted a kiss on the older woman's cheek.

"Thanks, Aunt Katie. I can't think of a gift we'd appreciate more."

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

The next day passed quickly. Later that night, after the boys were in bed and dreaming of the next day's fishing trip, the adults gathered on the porch.

"So," Murphy began. "How'd it go today? You guys were gone longer than we expected."

"Yeah," Skip added. "I thought maybe ol' Pastor Kelly started tellin' tales on Lee and scared Amanda away."

Lee threw a mock punch at his laughing cousin.

"He'd have more to tell on you, Skipper," Andy reminded them. "He always liked Lee."

"He's a pretty good guy," Lee informed them.

"It was great," Amanda commented. "He met with each of us individually and then all together. The boys were a little uncomfortable at first but, they came out smiling. Then we went out to the photographer’s house, and it's lovely. I also made an appointment tomorrow with a caterer."

"You still free for fishing tomorrow?" Skip asked Lee.

"Sure am," Lee grinned. "There's a trout out there with my name on it."

A laugh from the group was cut short by Skip's next question.

"Hey, what are your honeymoon plans?"

Lee's face grew worried. "Why do you want to know?"

Before Skip answered, Melanie cut in. "Don't worry, Lee. He doesn't have any hijinks planned." Then looking directly at her husband, she added, "Do you, Addison?"

"Heck, no," Skip replied with exaggerated innocence. "I'm just curious. However," he added with a flourish, "we do need a bachelor party. The plane hunt got in the way of Murph's."

"And whose fault was that?" Murphy pointed out.

Skip raised his hands. "Guilty. So now I want to make amends."

"Just what do you have in mind?" Amanda asked, showing more concern than she intended.

"Oh, I don t know." Skip frowned. "Hey, why don't we go up to some of our old haunts Wednesday. We could pack a lunch and drive the jeep to the bottom of the mountain and hike up. We'd have time to look around and still get back by mid afternoon. Maybe we'll even see Andy's albino squirrel."

Plans were made and shortly after, the group broke up for bed. Murphy went to check the corral gate. Knowing he and Lee hadn't had any private time together, Amanda suggested Lee join him.

"Everything okay out here?" Lee asked his cousin.

"Yeah, guess it was shadows."

Both men leaned against the fence and looked up at the stars. Murphy finally spoke. "Okay, call me nosy, but where are you two going?" He crossed his heart. "I won't tell Skip."

Lee grinned. "It's okay. Amanda planned this one. Mine didn't turn out so great." Then in a somber voice he added, "Hopefully we’ll have better luck this time."

Murphy respected the following silence. The memories were still too fresh. After a few moments, Lee shook himself out of his thoughts and continued.

"We'll spend a few days in Santa Fe. I told her we would go anywhere she wanted, but she didn't want much travel. Dotty and Curt are coming in Thursday. They'll fly out Saturday afternoon with the boys for the Grand Canyon. They're due back in Santa Fe Wednesday morning. Then we're all going to drive up to Durango. We've got rooms at a mountain lodge. Plan to take a jeep ride and see Mesa Verde. Then it's back to the ranch Saturday, and Curt will fly us home on Sunday."

Murphy whistled softly. "Wow, that's a full load. I thought you'd go to some secluded spot, miles away from anyone."

"Originally that's what we wanted, but with Jamie's ordeal and two weddings, the boys have had a lot of adjustments. We'll get some time alone when Joe takes them camping this summer and to visit his folks. Dotty and Curt have promised them some of their weekend trips. Maybe we'll have multiple honeymoons." He grinned.

Murphy laughed. "You have a way with working romantic weekends into your schedule."

Lee's face clouded. "Amanda deserves it. Sometimes... " He groped for the right words. "Have you ever thought you were so lucky you must be dreaming and any moment someone's going to wake you up?"

"You bet," Murphy declared. "Sherry knows my faults and loves me anyway."

"You know," Lee commented, slapping his cousin's shoulder, "I think going up the mountain is a good idea. It'll be fun reliving old times."

* * *

The next day, after an early breakfast, the men and boys rode out at sunrise with a couple of packhorses carrying lunch grub and fishing equipment.

Mid-morning the women and Michelle headed down to Santa Fe. While Katie and Amanda took care of wedding business, the others were going shopping and then planned to treat Amanda to lunch at one of the nicer restaurants.

Amanda was delighted at the caterer’s suggestion of fresh flowers on the wedding cake and a chocolate birthday cake for the groom's cake.

As the two women walked to meet the rest of the group, Aunt Katie slipped her hand into Amanda's and motioned to a secluded bench on the Santa Fe river walk.

"Sit with me just a moment," she requested. "We're a little early and haven't had a moment alone."

After a minute, Aunt Katie spoke. "Do you remember the first time you came here, and I told you no matter what yours and Lee's relationship was, I was grateful he came back?"

Amanda smiled and nodded at the memory. It seemed they'd had more difficulty understanding their feelings for each other than others had interpreting them.

"We're delighted you've joined the family," Aunt Katie continued. Amanda blushed slightly. "Lee's made a wonderful choice."

"Thank you," Amanda responded almost shyly.

Katie took hold of Amanda's wrist and smiled warmly. "Lee gave you the bracelet."

"Yes. He meant to give it to me on our first honeymoon." Amanda paused and then proceeded haltingly. "The note that came with it... it was so personal and heartfelt. His grandmother wanted so much for him. I just hope I can live up to her wishes."

"You already have, my dear," Aunt Katie shared softly. "I can almost see Lee's defenses coming down. When he looks at you, his eyes are full of trust. That's hard for him to give."

"Thanks." Amanda sighed with relief. "Being given the bracelet was a compliment but rather overwhelming."

Katie gave Amanda's hand a firm squeeze. "If you ever need an ear, I'm as close as the phone." Amanda gave her a quick hug. "Now," she added, "there's one more thing we need to talk about. Are you going to have someone stand up with you? We'll need to order her some flowers if you do."

Amanda gave her a rather perplexed look. "I've been thinking about it, and don't know what to do. I don t want to have to choose between Melanie and Sherry. I haven't really known them for that long anyway. I don't even know who I'd ask if we were back home. Our relationship has been so secret, I don't have any women friends who haven't been surprised by it."

"Well, don't worry about it," the older woman reassured her. "We'll order a simple bouquet just in case."

• * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That evening the men returned tired but jubilant in their success. Everyone had managed to catch at least a one fish, and Skip had survived having his waders filled with ice cold mountain water after loosing his footing on some mossy rocks. As they took the appropriate pictures and gave the required compliments, Amanda felt a little more relaxed about the next day's bachelor outing.

The following morning after the jeep pulled out for the mountains, a rental car drove around the back driveway. Amanda and Katie turned from petting a new foal to see an older man and woman alight. At first glance, Amanda thought it must be someone on ranch business, but a closer look made her gasp before they hurried to meet the new arrivals.

"It's Robert McCall and Emily Farnsworth," she informed Katie. "Now I know who I'll ask to be my maid of honor."

Meanwhile, the four musketeers were enjoying retracing their steps of the night they'd found the rustlers, Murphy's and Lee's rescue from the pit, and the salvage events before Murphy's wedding.

"I know one thing," Skip stated. "I'm getting all of us home safe and sound. If I bring back a beat up crew like at Murph's wedding, Amanda will skin me alive. It must be the extra X chromosome women have that allows them to smile, and at the same time give you a 'you're dead meat' look." Peering over at Lee he added, "and your wife has it perfected."

Lee laughed loudly. "True! Amanda’s formidable when riled and more bullheaded than I am."

"Sounds like a match made in heaven," Andy teased.

"It's as close as I'll ever come," Lee joked. "What about you? We can't have one renegade bachelor in our group now that the rest of us are honorable men!"

"What do you mean renegade? I have a job, an apartment, my dog... and my freedom. I'm the only one here who didn't have to check with a wife to see if I could go on a fishing trip. Nope I'm doing just fine," he finished with a flourishing bow before sitting down on a nearby stump.

"What about Caitlin?" Murphy grinned. "You almost acted like a gentleman around her at Disneyland."

Andy lost some of his bravado. "Aw, we've written a couple of times, but half a continent kinda keeps things low key."

"That's a pretty poor excuse," Skip laughed.

"Hey, Lee's supposed to be on the hot seat, not me," Andy protested. "Why don't we walk up to that outcrop over there and take a last look down at the ranch. Who knows, the next time we're here, we might be bringing up some kiddos."

"A new generation of musketeers, eh?" Skip suggested..

For a minute the four men pondered his statement while they looked at each other and the land. It was time for a new generation to explore these mountains and believe they were the first to discover certain nooks and crannies, and these four would be the ones at home awaiting the return of horse and rider at the end of the day.

They headed out, but Murphy remembered his camera and went back to get it. The others continued up the trail until Andy stopped suddenly.

"There it is. Behind that log!" he exclaimed excitedly. "I just saw the white ground squirrel." Feeling exonerated, Andy began stalking it. "Come on guys. I've taken your jokes, so now you come see my squirrel."

"Are you sure is wasn't the light reflecting off a white rock?" Lee suggested skeptically.

"Rocks don't move," Andy whispered tensely. "Now come on!"

Shrugging their shoulders, Lee and Skip followed.

"Nothing's moving," Lee stated.

Andy started to protest, but Skip grabbed his arm. "Look! Over there. Something white just ran into those rocks."

Now equally excited, they began circling the boulders. Lee was skeptical but curious. This was so much like the old days of sharing mountain discoveries, he couldn't hang back. He wished Murphy would hurry up. He was going to miss all the fun.

"I bet it lives under there," Andy suggested.

Suddenly all three of them saw movement. As they peered into a crevice their eyes widened.

"That's no squirrel!" Lee yelled.

It was the last thing any of them remembered before heading down the mountain at a fast lope.

"I don't believe this," Lee complained, holding onto the jeep's frame and trying not to gag. "The first time I try to get married, I get shot in the ribs. Now I get shot by a skunk."

"Maybe it's a sign," Andy suggested with a feeble attempt at humor. "Maybe someone is trying to tell you to rejoin me in the bachelor status."

"The only status you're going to have when Amanda gets a whiff of her groom is dead, and this time I'm in the clear," Skip gloated.

"I think I'm the only one who was in the clear," Murphy laughed. He was trying to steer the jeep onto the flatter lands and pick up speed. Fortunately it was a breezy day, but a little extra velocity wouldn't hurt. "The three of you did make a funny sight high-tailing it down that trail. I thought you were being chased by old Grissle Foot."

"Anybody ever kill that old bear?" Skip yelled over the wind.

"Naw, showed up at a ranch about ten miles from here last winter. Nobody saw him, just his tracks with that funny front paw," Andy explained, glad the subject had changed.

"Yeah," Skip added, "I think I'd rather face that bear than Amanda and Aunt Katie when we get home."

Andy groaned and looked sheepishly over at Lee who glared back. He wasn't really angry. He'd begun to see Andy's point about humor. From a woman's viewpoint, there were a lot of pitfalls to bachelor parties, but being sprayed by a skunk had to be novel. If he could stop trying to gag, he might even chuckle himself, but for the moment he wanted Andy to suffer a little longer.

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

Later that evening, after watching his clothes burned and suffering through a bath in tomato juice, Lee joined Amanda and Emily out on the porch.

"Sorry about the welcome this afternoon," Lee apologized. "I seem to get into trouble right before my weddings."

"Sounds like that's a good reason to make this time the last," Emily teased.

"I'm getting a little chilled," Amanda said, rubbing her arms. "I'll be back in a minute."

As Amanda left, Lee perched up on the porch railing. "You were one of the first to train me for the Agency, Emily. Got any words of wisdom for marriage?"

Emily thought for a moment and then joined him at the rail. "Up until now Amanda has been your partner. Now it's time for you to be hers."

Seeing Lee's puzzled expression, she continued gently. "For the past four years Amanda has supported and worked with you. You're a better agent because of her loyalty and help. She's also stood beside you while you dealt with some of the personal problems of your past. Now it's time for you to be her partner. Family life, especially with teenagers, will as foreign to you as the Agency was to her. Let her guide you, but always be there to back her up. Watch for ways to help her just like she's done for you. Remember, you had to overcome your past to have a relationship. Amanda will have to overcome hers to make the marriage work."

"What do you mean?" Lee asked cautiously.

"It's marriage that hurt Amanda. You stuffed your hurts down deep and so has she. You can put much of yours behind you, but she still has to deal with her ex-husband. Don't be surprised if some day you say something, and it's Joe's voice she hears."

A thoughtful expression passed over Lee's face. "Thanks. I hadn't thought of that."

At that moment Amanda returned. "Why don't we take Emily out to the corral to see the stars?" she suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Lee replied as he motioned towards the steps. "Ladies first."

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

Thursday proved rather hectic with the last minute additional family members arriving and preparations for Friday's rehearsal. Dotty and Curt came in early that afternoon, and Amanda was happy to see the sparkle in her mother's eyes that had disappeared with her father s death.

Later that afternoon, Lee and Murphy walked out to the barn to check on Jamie and Phillip. Michelle had returned to the house announcing they were getting too rowdy. As they approached the barn's backside, they heard Jamie yell, "Get it off of me. Get it off."

"Stay still," Phillip shouted back. "I can't get it."

They hurried around the corner just in time to see Phillip swat a tarantula off of Jamie's neck. Lee ran over to Jamie while Murphy moved the offending spider to a less noticeable location. Lee gave Jamie a quick check.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so," was the trembled reply as Lee gave him a quick hug. "It reminded me of the hornets."

"They aren't poisonous and usually don't bite," Murphy explained, "but they're awful ugly and can give you a bad scare if they creep up on you." Feeling the situation was best left in Lee's hands, he excused himself and left.

Lee led the boys over to a bench under a nearby tree. "What happened?"

"Jamie was sitting on those bales of hay when I noticed the spider on the barn wall. It kinda fell on his back," Phillip explained.

"I think I'll go in now," Jamie whispered. Standing up he looked at Lee. "Would you tell Grandpa Michaels I think I'll pass on helping him work in the barn today?"

"Sure," Lee agreed, "but I hope it isn't because of the spider." Jamie hesitated momentarily. "Come here, Jamie. You too, Phillip. I want to tell you something."

Curious, the boys sat down next to him. "Everyone gets scared. What's important is how you manage the fear. If a horse had just thrown you, I'd put you back in a saddle as soon as possible. Had it happen to me once."

"But that tarantula was so..."

"Ugly!" Phillip finished for his brother.

"Yeah, but they serve a good purpose around here."

"Really? What?" Jamie sounded suspicious.

"They eat lots of insects that could get to be a problem."

Jamie silently pondered Lee's words.

"I know you were scared pretty bad by those hornets," Lee told him, "but don't let one bad experience keep you from having fun. I know you and Phillip have had a great time this week working with Grandpa around the ranch. He says you two are great hands."

"He did?" chorused the boys.

"Sure did," Lee responded, noting how both kids sat up a little straighter.

"Okay, I'll think about it," Jamie remarked getting up to leave. Pausing for a moment, he turned back. "Do you think I looked like a baby to Murphy?"

"No way. Murphy understands what it's like to be scared."

Lee took a deep breath and decided it was time to change the subject and get Jamie thinking of more pleasant things. "Now, that brings me to something else," Lee stated. "Have you thought about the suggestion the pastor gave us?" They nodded. "What do you think?"

Walking off a few feet the boys conferred and came back. "We wanna do it."

"You want to tell your mom or make it a surprise?" Lee grinned.

"Make it a surprise!" they both confirmed.

"Okay." Lee put his arms around both boys and led them towards the house. "I'll go call Pastor Kelly and tell him the news."

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

Friday and the rehearsal passed without incident, and Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. The wedding was set for 10:30, with a light lunch afterward. Just as Lee and Murphy were set to leave, a black car drove up. As they watched, its lone occupant emerged... Charles Stetson.

"Well, I'll be..." Murphy heard Lee mutter as he walked towards his uncle.

"Am I on time?" the Colonel inquired. "The message just said what day, not the time."

"Yes, Sir," Lee responded, amazed at how glad he was to see his guardian. "You can ride over with us. Amanda's already there."

"Well, then let's get going," his uncle ordered. "I'm glad you didn't let her get away, boy. Good women and good recruits are worth whatever it takes to get them and keep them loyal."

An hour later Lee was standing nervously between the pastor and Murphy as he looked out over a sea of smiling faces. As his eyes landed on Billy and Jeannie Melrose, his boss gave him a thumbs up. Lee smiled back gratefully.

As the music began, he watched Emily walk down the aisle. Her eyes were moist as she flashed him a loving grin. Next came Amanda, escorted by Jamie and Phillip. She gave Lee a warm smile as he stared transfixed at her. He hadn’t thought it was possible, but she looked even more beautiful than before.

The vows were simple. Amanda kept her composure until the pastor asked Jamie and Phillip to come forward and stand between their mother and Lee. Tears quickly replaced her curious look as the pastor led Lee and the boys in vows. Lee accepted the boys as his own in equal standing with any child he and Amanda might have, and the boys vowed to respect Lee as their mother's partner in running their household and raising them. After kissing the bride, Lee, Amanda, and the boys turned and faced their friends and family as the pastor presented Mr. and Mrs. Lee Stetson and sons.

Epilogue

As a low fire danced in the fireplace, Lee drew Amanda deeper into his arms as they watched the brilliant colors of the desert's mountain sunset through their balcony door.

"I don't think today could have gone better," Amanda murmured into his chest.

"I don't either," Lee sighed. "This was even better than the first time."

"Tomorrow's your birthday. Anything special you want to do to celebrate?"

"Yeah." Lee smiled down at her. "I want to walk around Santa Fe wearing our rings and acting like typical newlyweds. I'll be the envy of every guy who sees you."

Suddenly Amanda sat up in the bed looking sheepish. "Oh, my gosh. I forgot to get your birthday present from Mother."

Lee laughed as he pulled her back to him. "Are you kidding? For this birthday I got a family. It's something I've wanted for almost thirty years. However," he continued, "I do have something for you I meant to give you on our first wedding night. Somehow I just never got around to it."

"Hmm, wonder why," Amanda teased as he left the bed to look through his suitcase.

Lee brought out four black books and handed them to her. "Recognize these?"

"Yeah," she said, surprised. "We used them to notify your girlfriends about Tin Man. How could I forget the little moons and musical notes?"

Lee grimaced at the memory. "I've transferred all the business info I need, and I thought we might have a page burning party. Any relationship I had with these women is ancient history."

Amanda moved her hands gently over the books. "Sharing my life with you was the last thing I thought possible back then. I didn't think I could ever measure up to..."

Lee's fingers touched her chin and turned it slightly. "Amanda," he said softly. "All the women in those books added together don't equal you, and individually none of them even came close. T.P. and Billy were right. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."

Bending down, he gave her a long slow kiss before pulling back and looking deeply into her eyes. "Those books are yours to do with whatever you want, but as far as I’m concerned they’d make great fuel for the fire."

Amanda nodded and handed the books back to her husband. "Why don’t you do the honors?"

Quickly and deftly Lee removed the offending pages and tossed them into the fire. Then walking over to the trashcan he deposited the notebooks themselves. Looking over at his wife, he explained. "We can always buy new ones."

Amanda smiled her agreement and patted the bed next to her. As he gathered her to him once again, they turned their attention from the burning pages to each other. There they found relief from the night's chill, not from the fire itself, but from the warmth of their love and devotion, which had overcome the past and was laying the foundation for their future.

THE END