The next morning came all too quickly. Amanda and Lee headed to Vienna and her mother’s house. Amanda fumbled with the key nervously until she finally managed to get it into the door. The house was silent, everyone was still asleep.

"I’ll start the coffee, that should get Mother up. Are you hungry?" Amanda asked.

"Hungry? I’m a nervous wreck. I couldn’t eat anything if I tried," Lee complained.

"Lee, it’s not going to be as bad as you think, really," Amanda said persuasively.

"Uh, huh," Lee replied unconvinced.

Amanda put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him. "I can’t believe you're going to let my mother get you so upset. She always liked you."

"Amanda, it’s not just your mother. It’s Phillip and Jamie and…our daughter," he finished softly, still not believing the words that rolled off of his tongue.

"We’re a family. It’s the way it should have been. They’re going to welcome you back with open arms. Besides, we have to be back at the Agency by nine. Mother can only give you the third degree for a couple of hours," Amanda teased with a smile.

"Thanks a lot for the reassurance," Lee sighed heavily.

Amanda handed him a cup of coffee as they sat down at the kitchen table, "Cream, no sugar."

"You remembered," he responded with a surprised voice.

She laughed, "Did you think I’d forget you? Lee, you’re my husband!"

Then there was a voice coming down the stairs. "Amanda, you’re up awfully early. What time did you get in last night anyway?"

Lee’s face was one of sheer horror. Amanda got up and met her mother in the living room.

"Amanda, isn’t that what you were wearing yesterday? You just got in didn’t you?"

She ignored the question. "Mother, there’s someone that I’d like you to meet."

"Yes, dear, your bodyguard right?" Dotty said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Not exactly," Amanda replied, "Mother, you remember Lee…"

With that Lee turned to face Dotty and cheerfully greeted her, "Good morning, Dotty."

Dotty stopped suddenly. She blinked a few times, and then looked at Amanda then back to Lee. Moments later her body went limp. Lee grabbed her just before she hit the floor. He carried her to the couch and looked at Amanda.

"So far I’d say this is going real well," he grimaced.

"I’ll get a cold cloth," Amanda said as she scurried to the sink and wet a cloth.

"Maybe we should call her doctor," Lee suggested nervously.

But Dotty was already coming around.

"Mother, are you feeling better?"

"Amanda, I just had the wildest dream…"

"Mother, it wasn’t a dream. It really is Lee. That’s why the Agency called me. He’s really alive."

Dotty started to sit up.

"Slowly, Mother," Amanda encouraged.

"Lee Stetson?" Dotty asked, still not believing her eyes.

Lee walked towards her slowly. "I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry."

Dotty reached her hand up to her son in law. "It’s you? It’s really you?" She looked up at Amanda with suspicious eyes. "This isn’t some kind of trick or something? You know, Amanda, you can never be so sure, he could be an impostor."

Amanda looked over to Lee and blushed. "No, Mother, it’s not a trick. The Agency has run every test in the book and I did a few of my own. It’s Lee."

Dotty’s head fell back against the couch. With a mix of disbelief and intrigue in her voice she said, "Well, Mr. Stetson, you always did make Amanda’s life complicated. So where exactly have you been hiding?"

Lee explained in brief what had happened to him over the last seven years. Dotty sat uncharacteristically quiet during the recitation. When he was done she reached over and hugged him.

"You’re going to make a little girl upstairs very happy," Dotty cried joyously.

"I hope I don’t let her down," Lee answered nervously.

"I don’t think that’s possible," Dotty suggested reassuringly.

Amanda brought over a cup of coffee to her mother. "Here you go, Mother. I’m going to go upstairs and wake up Leeann. Come on, Lee," Amanda held out her hand for her husband.

"Why don’t I wait down here with your mother?"

Amanda shook her head no. "Come on, Lee."

They walked up the stairs and Amanda opened her daughter’s door. She was sleeping soundly, cuddled with a brand new panda bear that must have been bought yesterday at the zoo. Amanda grinned brightly as Lee looked in on his daughter. Her soft brown curls fell around her shoulders.

"She’s so little," Lee whispered.

Amanda looked at Lee quizzically. "You think so? She’s grown like a weed the last few months."

Amanda walked into her room, and pulled the shade up, letting in the early morning light. "Leeann, time to rise and shine," Amanda whispered gently, placing her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

She stirred, yawning and stretching before she opened her eyes.

A tiny voice emerged from her, "Morning, Mommy. I missed you last night."

"I missed you too, sweetheart. But you had a fun time at the zoo. I see grandma bought you a panda bear," Amanda said to her daughter, kissing her forehead lightly.

"It’s a baby panda, Mom. To go with the big panda that daddy bought you before I was born," Leeann explained with glee.

Amanda smiled and looked at the door where Lee was listening. He had heard her too. She had told Leeann many bedtime stories about her dad. That was only one of them.

"Sweetheart," Amanda said, brushing Leeann’s hair from her face, "I have a big surprise for you."

Leeann sat up alertly. "A surprise? I love surprises."

Amanda grinned. "I think you’ll like this one a whole lot. Remember how we told you that your daddy died before you were born?"

Leeann just nodded.

"We were wrong; he was being held captive by some mean people. But he escaped."

"Is Daddy all right?" Leeann asked with a puzzled look on her face.

"Yes, sweetheart, not only is he all right, but he’d really like to meet you. But to tell you a secret, I think he’s kind of scared."

"Daddy, scared? But he’s such a brave man, you told me that yourself, Mom," Leeann replied defiantly.

Amanda chuckled as she tweaked her daughter's nose. "I know, but he’s never been around such a smart little girl before."

"So when can I meet him?" she asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling just like Lee’s.

"How about right now?"

"He’s here?"

Lee stepped into the room; his heart was in his throat and tears in his eyes. There were no words for what he felt. He couldn’t speak. He just sat down on the bed next to his little girl and wrapped her in his arms. For only the second time in her life, Amanda watched Lee cry. Tears came to her eyes as well. The last time Lee had cried openly was when he had found his parent’s killer. This time the tears were of joy. Tears poured from his eyes as he held her tightly. Finally getting a hold of his emotions, his grasp of the little body lightened.

"You are even prettier than your picture," Lee whispered.

Leeann wrinkled her nose and answered as only a child could. "You look a lot older than your pictures, Daddy."

Lee and Amanda both laughed. "I guess that’s true. But maybe we can get you some new pictures."

"I was named after you, Daddy," Leeann said proudly.

"I know that," he smiled at her precociousness. He couldn’t believe that he was sitting in this tiny room having a conversation with his daughter. She had Amanda’s smile and her dark hair, but she did have his eyes. He was falling in love with her already.

"How about you get dressed and come on downstairs? Daddy and I have to go back to his office in a few hours, but we can eat breakfast together."

"Can we go out for some donuts?" Leeann prodded excitedly.

"She’s my daughter all right! Donuts it is," Lee grinned without a thought.

"I’ll be right down," Leeann clamored as she bounced excitedly out of her bed.

As Lee and Amanda walked back down the stairs Amanda commented, "I see we’ll have to work on your parenting skills. Little girls don’t eat donuts for breakfast."

"If my daughter wants donuts for breakfast, donuts she gets!" Lee smirked.

End Chapter 9
 
 
 

TIME PASSES...          Part 10

It was Saturday morning when they finally headed home to Charlottesville. Lee was still overwhelmed at all the changes, not only in his life, but Amanda’s as well. She had moved on with her life, raising their daughter and going to law school while he rotted away in the Honduran jungle. Lee chatted with Amanda and Leeann on the two-hour trip home, trying to absorb everything.

Finally Amanda pulled up to the house. It was a two story colonial, tucked away in the woods on a large lot.

"Well, we’re home," Amanda smiled and slowed the car down in front of the house to let Lee get a look at it.

"Wow! That’s a lot bigger than the house in Arlington," Lee commented.

"Yeah, but it’s great for the holidays when the boys come home. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, family room with a two car garage and a study…"

"Mom’s the only one allowed in her study, she’s got all those expensive law books," Leeann added quickly.

"It’s really a beautiful place," Lee said in amazement as he quickly surveyed the neighborhood. The lots were all wooded; the houses were well kept and spacious, with large lawns and lots of trees.

"Mom, can I open the garage door?" Leeann questioned hopefully.

"Sure, sweetheart," she answered as she reached for the garage door remote.

As they drove into the garage Lee couldn’t believe his eyes. Amanda hadn’t said anything up to now. She wanted it to be a surprise. It certainly was. Even Leeann was grinning in the back seat.

"My ‘Vette’? That’s my Corvette? You still have my Corvette?" Lee repeated over and over in disbelief. He couldn’t believe she hadn’t gotten rid of it.

Amanda parked the car and turned to him holding one single key. "Never could sell it. The boys begged me give it to them, but for whatever reason I never could. As long as I had that, it was like you were still with me. It’s in perfect condition."

Lee was beaming. He leaned over to her and kissed her cheek gently. "You amaze me at times."

"Go on, I know your dying to get in it. Leeann, why don’t you go for a ride with daddy while I make some lunch. Just make sure he doesn’t get lost."

"OK, Mom!" Leeann grinned.

"You don’t mind?" Lee asked with concern.

"No, go ahead, there will be no living with you until you do. Just take it easy, OK?"

"You bet! Come on, Leeann," Lee said, still grinning from ear to ear.

* * *

It was about an hour later when Lee and Leeann came back in, both wearing broad smiles.

Amanda grinned back at them; the sight of Lee walking in the door with their little girl delighted her. Leeann scurried in giggling, tugging at Lee’s arm anxiously wanting to show him around the house.

"Mom, can I show Daddy my room?"

"Sure, sweetheart, but make it quick; lunch is almost ready," Amanda answered cheerfully.

After lunch, Leeann went outside to play in the backyard. Amanda got up and went over to the china cabinet, opened the door and reached in behind one of her serving platters.

"I’ve got something else for you," she said in almost a whisper.

"Another surprise? In the china cabinet?" Lee asked, bewildered.

She pulled out a small, but yet very familiar velvet box. Lee looked at her with knowing eyes. He stood up and crossed the room. Closing the distance between them, he took her in his arms.

"Kind of an odd place to keep them, I know, but whenever we had special occasions, you know: Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas, birthday parties, I used the good china. I would also take out our rings and wear mine for the day. That way you always were here with me," she sighed heavily. "Then, when the dishes were cleaned and put away, I’d put them back. Call me sentimental…" Her voice trailed off as tears filled her eyes.

Lee held her protectively until she regained her composure. Then with a gentle kiss to her cheek, he reached out for the box. "May I?" he asked with little control over his own voice.

She nodded.

He opened the box; inside were three rings. He carefully removed her wedding band and slid it on her finger; then he did the same with her engagement ring. When he finished he kissed her again. "This time is forever."

She nodded, then removed the remaining ring from the box and carefully slid it onto his hand. Looking up into his sparkling eyes, she returned his kiss and then looked back at her hand. "You’ve always been in my heart."

He nodded in silent understanding and their eyes turned towards the backyard. They moved over to the bay window, Amanda rested her head on his shoulder as they looked out and watched their daughter.

***
 

The weekend flew by quickly. Amanda and Leeann headed back to work and school on Monday leaving Lee to entertain himself. Lee met Amanda at work on Monday for lunch, and he met Leeann at the school bus stop in the afternoon. Tuesday, he headed out into town, to get to know his surroundings. He surprised Amanda at the college and took her to lunch again.

"You know, with all these lunches I’m going to get fat," she smiled as they walked back to the college hand in hand.

"I think you have a long way to go before you get fat," he commented as his eyes surveyed her trim body.

"Lee!" She swatted at him playfully, noticing how he was checking her out.

"Hey, I’m sorry. I can’t help it that I’m still in love with my wife," he replied without hesitation.

"Well, I’ve got to get to class. You’re going to take Leeann to her riding lesson today, right? If I can get back to Legal Aid this afternoon for an hour or so, I should be able to take tomorrow off."

"Promise?" Lee asked with delight, "Just you and me all day?"

"For part of the day, I’ve got some baking I need to do for Thanksgiving, but you're welcome to help," she reminded him of the impending holiday.

"Oh. Baking, huh?" he answered with disappointment.

"Yeah, plus Jamie is due in the afternoon and I'm sure Phillip will be down in the evening for dinner. Mother and Curt aren’t coming until Thursday morning."

"Amanda, I’ve hardly seen you since we’ve gotten here," Lee complained.

"Lee, I’m sorry, but I took off two days last week and with Thanksgiving and all, there’s a whole lot to do. Things will calm down next week, I promise. Now, I’m going to be late for my class. I’ll see you later, OK?" she said as she hurried into the building.

***

Wednesday proved to be more hectic than Amanda had imagined. Jamie arrived home before noon, eager to see Lee with his own eyes.

"Jamie? Is that you?" Lee asked, looking at the man standing in the doorway.

"Hi, Lee. It really is you," he answered pleasantly as he reached out his hand.

Lee took his hand, shook it heartily, then embraced his stepson with a bear hug.

"Well, considering what you’ve been through, you look pretty good. How are you adjusting to fatherhood and the new home?" he asked with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"It’s going to take some time," Lee chuckled. Jamie had always been very introspective. It was amazing how quickly he picked up on him being slightly ill at ease.

"A bit quieter than DC. I can’t believe you and mom were spies…"

"What? No hug for your hard working mother?" Amanda complained as she came into the room wearing an apron and carrying oven mitts.

"Hi, Mom," Jamie said as he hugged her.

"So are you hungry?" she asked.

"Yeah, I’m starved," he grinned.

Jamie and Amanda headed off into the kitchen. Lee followed, shaking his head and saying to himself, 'So much for a time alone with my wife.’

Leeann arrived home from school, eager to see her brother and show off for both him and Lee. Phillip arrived at dinnertime. Lee couldn’t believe the lanky kid was now taller than he was. Lee shook his head as he came into the kitchen.

"Lee Stetson," Phillip smiled.

"Amanda, what have you been feeding these boys anyway?" Lee greeted his oldest stepson.

"It’s great to see you, Lee." He looked at his mom’s bright face. Her expression was happier than he could remember it being in years. She had a sparkle in her eyes that had been missing for so long.

"Thanks, it’s hard to believe I’m actually here."

"I want to hear the scoop on what actually happened…"

"Phillip, I told you, most of that’s classified," Amanda said coming to Lee’s rescue.

"Aw, Mom!" Phillip complained.

"Go wash up for dinner. Lee will tell you and Jamie what he can after dinner. Now go," Amanda insisted.

"You OK?" she asked Lee.

"He’s taller than I am," Lee replied, shaking his head.

She laughed, "Yeah, funny how that seems to happen."

Thanksgiving Day brought Dotty and Curt down and the house was filled with noise and laughter. There was a lot to give thanks for on this special day. As the day wore on, Dotty and Curt got ready to take their leave.

"Mother, I really wish you two would stay the night. You can have our room, we can sleep on the sofa bed," Amanda suggested to her mother.

"Amanda, if we leave tonight, we won’t have to worry about the traffic in the morning," Dotty answered.

Curt laughed, "Amanda, if we spend the night, she won’t be able to get to the mall at sunrise."

"Goodnight, Mother, Curt. Thanks for coming down, I’ll talk to you this weekend when things get quieter." Amanda laughed, knowing Curt was right, her mother wouldn’t want to miss the early morning sales.

"So things will get quieter?" Lee asked teasingly.

"Goodnight, all," Dotty said in mock annoyance as she and Curt headed out the door.

Amanda finished up in the kitchen and the boys headed out back to shoot some hoops in the driveway. It seemed very quiet in the living room where Lee and Leeann were. Amanda peeked around the corner to find father and daughter asleep in the recliner with a book sitting on Lee’s chest.

"I guess there was a little too much excitement for the both of you," Amanda whispered to no one in particular as she reached down and picked up her daughter and carried her to bed.

End Chapter 10
 
 

TIME PASSES...       Part 11

The next week, Lee tried to get into the routine. He shopped during the day, replenishing his depleted wardrobe and did some Christmas shopping. Still, he found his days empty. Again Lee found himself at Amanda's office just around lunch time.

"Lee!" Amanda said in surprise as she looked up from her desk at Legal Aid. "What are you doing here?"

"I was in the neighborhood; I know you’re busy, but you still have to eat." He smiled sheepishly at her. He knew she had said she was going to work through lunch that day, but he could only do so much shopping and puttering around town. He was bored, stir crazy. He felt out of place and out of sorts.

She looked at her watch, then down at the growing pile of paperwork on her desk. She glanced back at Lee. "OK, but a quick lunch. I really need to get this done today. Not to mention, if you take me out to lunch every day, I’m going to have to start that diet."

"I wouldn’t worry about that. You look great. So where would you like to go?"

* * *

Lee had volunteered for the job of shuttling Leeann back and forth to her after school activities. While he enjoyed spending time with his daughter and getting to know her better, he still felt a void in his life. Amanda was busy with the end of the semester just days away and her work at Legal Aid, he found himself floundering in domesticity.

Lee kept putting off what he knew was inevitable. He wanted to be able to adjust to Amanda’s new life, but somehow he didn’t see how he would ever fit in. Finally he made a phone call.

"Desmond."

"Hi, Francine, it’s Lee."

"Hi, Lee. So how’s life in the suburbs?" she asked cordially.

"I’m getting into the routine," he replied casually.

"Glad to hear it. So what’s up?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing. What’s my status?" he asked.

"Your status?" she repeated, not entirely sure she knew what he was asking.

"Francine, when can I come back to work?" Lee finally asked point blank.

"Oh," Francine answered in surprise. When he had left, she hadn't been sure he would be returning at all. She had been shocked to find out that not only had Lee and Amanda been secretly married, but that Amanda had a child by him and gone on to law school.

"Is there a problem? Is my status ‘active’ or am I still on ‘administrative leave’?" he asked curiously.

"I can have you on active duty as soon as you want. I guess you and Amanda will need some time to get settled back here in DC. How’s the first of the year sound?" she suggested.

"First of the year sounds great," he agreed, knowing that would give him the next few weeks to find a new apartment and work things out with Amanda.

"I’ll see you then," Francine replied as she hung up the phone. She looked at the phone with an inquisitive thought, ‘So are you coming back solo or will Amanda be coming too?’ As much as she and Amanda hadn't gotten along in the past, she would love to have her back; the Agency could always use an attorney who knew what it was like to work as a field agent.

The next few days Lee was quiet, too quiet Amanda thought. She was worried about him and how he was adjusting to his new life. But she wanted to give him time and space. She didn’t want to crowd him. She knew all this was quite an adjustment for him to make. Overall he seemed to be handling things pretty well.

Friday night, Leeann headed off to her first slumber party. Amanda drove her over to her friends house. On her way home, she picked up a bottle of wine. This would be the first night that they would get to spend alone in the house. She wanted to make it special; she wanted this evening to be the romantic one she dreamed of all those years. She planned on a quiet evening: a soft flowing negligee, a warm fire and a nice bottle of wine and of course, just the two of them.

It was a cold night; Lee had a fire going when she walked in the door. She smiled at the ambiance. "Feels delightful in here," she grinned as she gave him a kiss hello.

"What do you have there?" he asked with interest.

"I thought you might enjoy a nice bottle of wine. How about you open it while I ‘change’?" she answered suggestively. However, his reaction was not the one she expected. He was looking serious she thought; no, he looked distracted.

"Maybe a little later," he said, reaching out for her hand. "We really haven’t had a chance to talk."

She whispered seductively into his ear. "We can talk later, I had plans for you tonight. Let me slip into something, shall I say, more comfortable?" she hinted with an enticingly devilish grin.

He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and make love to her. But he couldn’t put off telling her any longer. Lee sighed. "Amanda, we really need to talk."

She studied his face closely, something was wrong. She knew it. She had sensed something wasn’t right all week, but now there was no doubt in her mind. "What’s wrong?" she asked with a tremor in her voice.

He guided her to the couch and they sat down. He brushed her lips with his gently and smiled at her, "Amanda, nothing’s wrong. It’s just, well, I’m going crazy down here."

She interrupted him, "I know this is an adjustment. First it was Thanksgiving, now Christmas is just a week away. But I’ve got a winter break from the university and I’m scaling down at Legal Aid. I promise I’ll have more time to spend with you and Leeann."

"Amanda, it’s not just that. I’ve got to get back to work."

"Well, after the holidays you’ll find something. I know it won’t be easy, but you will…"

"Amanda, I don’t need to find a job, I already have one," he answered her quickly. He knew that if he didn’t tell her soon, he might lose his nerve just as he had the last few nights.

"You found a job? Oh, Lee, that’s wonderful. Doing what?" she asked excitedly.

She wasn’t following him, not yet at least. He sighed heavily. "Amanda, I talked with Francine the other day. My status has been changed to ‘active’. I’m going back to the Agency."

She scrunched her face, trying to comprehend what he just said. "Lee, they don’t have an office around here."

"Amanda, I’m going back to the DC office," he blurted out.

She stared at him, still not believing her ears. Finally it sunk in, hitting her like a ton of bricks. She was numb; anguish painted her face. When he left her the last time, it was due to circumstances out of his control. But now, not only was he leaving her willingly, but he was leaving his daughter as well. She tried to keep her emotions in check. She slowly rose from the couch and headed back into the kitchen, not saying a word. Nervously she started cleaning the already clean kitchen.

"Amanda, talk to me," Lee urged, but her penetrating silence continued. Finally he grabbed the sponge out of her hand and turned her around.

"Lee, please don’t do this, this is our home now," Amanda pleaded softly.

"I have to do this, it’s who I am."

"It’s who you were," she corrected. "Lee, you have to redefine yourself. You’ve been gone for seven years. You can’t expect to walk back into your life and pick up like you never left. Trust me, I know this isn’t easy, but please give ‘us’ more time."

Suddenly, Lee’s plans started spilling quickly from his lips, the plans he had gone over in his head the last few days.

"Amanda, I’m doing this for ‘us’. I’ll get an apartment up in DC or Northern Virginia. Whatever, it doesn’t matter. You and Leeann can move up after Christmas. We'll sell this house; we can buy another one. Hell, we can build one if you like. You can work for the Agency again; it can be like old times. Or if you don’t want to come back, there are plenty of Legal Aid clinics around, you won’t have any trouble finding another job…"

"You’ve got this all figured out don’t you?" Amanda suddenly erupted and shouted at him. "I should just drop everything I’ve worked for over the last few years and follow you back to DC? Don’t worry about Amanda, she won’t mind changing her life again. Just sell the house, move Leeann to an apartment in the middle of the city. She won’t miss her friends, or her yard, or the tree swing Phillip made for her. No, she won’t miss her riding lessons."

"Amanda, let’s be reasonable. I’m an intelligence operative."

"Lee, you’re also a husband and a father. Or did you forget that? Look at the ring on your finger. That represents your commitment to me," she admonished.

"Amanda, if I could do my job without moving the two of you, don’t you think I would? But I can’t. You’re a lawyer and a teacher. You won’t have any problem finding a job in DC if you don’t want to come back to the Agency with me. Leeann won’t have any trouble adjusting to the DC area; it was good enough for Phillip and Jamie. Plus, you’ll be closer to Phillip and your mother. If you think about this, it’s really the best for all concerned."

"It’s the best for you, and that’s all that really matters now doesn’t it?" she countered angrily.

"Amanda, please…" he beseeched her.

"Don’t 'Amanda, please' me. How long ago did you make this decision?"

"Amanda, what does that matter," he replied, not wanting to answer her question. He knew that it would only make her angrier.

"How long ago, Lee?" she demanded.

"I talked to Francine on Tuesday."

"Tuesday?" she shrieked. "Marriage is supposed to be a partnership. You didn’t even have the decency to consult me on this and you’re just getting around to telling me about this now? This decision affects you, me and OUR daughter."

"I’m sorry. It’s just that we’ve been so busy," Lee shrugged uncomfortably. He knew as well as she did that it was a blatant lie.

"Goodnight, Lee," Amanda snapped as she turned and headed up the stairs.

"Amanda, wait, we’re not finished…"

"I hope you're right about that, but I’m not so sure," she yelled down to him just moments before their bedroom door slammed.

Lee winced at the shuddering sound that reverberated so loudly that the bells from the Christmas decorations sitting on the mantel rang softly. He plopped down in the chair behind him, not knowing what else to do. He sure had made a mess of things. First Amanda had to deal with his so-called death. Then she had raised yet another child alone and now he was asking her, no he was telling her that they were moving back to DC.

Slowly he got up from the chair and climbed the stairs. He softly knocked on their bedroom door then opened it up and walked in. She was thumbing through a photo album, one that she had dug out for him to share in the first few years of Leeann’s life: pictures of her christening, her first birthday, her first pony ride. Pictures of events he wasn’t there for and would never be able to get back.

He swallowed hard, hoping that words would come to him, but none did.

She looked up at him. Tears filled her eyes, but stubbornly she wouldn’t let them fall.

"When do you leave?" she finally choked out.

"I’m going to head up on Monday, find a place for us to live," he answered in a low voice.

"So it’s a done deal then. I can’t talk you out of this?"

"Amanda, it’s what I do."

She closed the photo album carefully and gently caressed the cover. She shook her head slowly. "Our lives are here now. I can’t go back to that life."

He moved across the room cautiously and sat down on the bed next to her, "You were a fine agent and the best partner I ever had. We could do this together, be a team again…"

"That job nearly cost you your life. It took seven years from us, seven years that we can never get back. I think it’s time you take a hard look at where you’re going. You need to decide if Leeann and I fit into your future," she whispered tearfully.

"Of course you do," he stated emphatically.

"Are you sure about that? You’re awful willing to expose Leeann to the same threats and risks that made us marry secretly in the first place. Lee, I don’t think I can live through losing you again."

He pulled her into his arms. "That’s not going to happen," he answered firmly as he started to kiss her neck.

She pulled away abruptly. "Stop that! You can’t seduce your way out of this," she shouted as she stood up. She carried the photo album and placed it lovingly on the shelf in the corner of the room. "You don’t know what’s going to happen. I know the risks; I’ve lived it the last seven years. Leeann needs stability in her life. She has that here. If we moved back to DC you’d be coming and going at all hours of the day and night. She was cheated out of a father for the last six years…"

"That wasn’t my choice!" he interrupted angrily.

"But this is your choice. Don’t you see, you have a chance to make it right. Don’t go back to the Agency – please!" she pleaded.

"Amanda, I have no choice. I want to provide for my family. I want you and Leeann to be proud of me. Please tell me you understand."

"But I don’t understand. We don’t need the money; look around you, we’re perfectly comfortable here."

"Yes, you’ve done very well for yourself; raised our daughter single handedly, graduated from law school, and now you’re a successful lawyer and a professor at the university!" Lee shouted in frustration. She had accomplished all that and he had nothing to show for the last seven years of his life but the scars he bore physically and the many he hid psychologically.

Amanda turned to answer him, but Lee stormed out the door. She called his name, but he was too angry to stop. A few minutes later she heard the motor from his car and the squeal of his tires as he hurriedly drove down the driveway into the night.

End Chapter  11
 
 
 
 

TIME PASSES...                   Part 12

Lee left for DC that Monday. During this trip he noticed more than when he was brought back to the Agency by Francine. The last time, his only concern had been to see Amanda.

He was surprised that so many things had changed; not only were the faces at the Agency new, but admittedly, much younger. The city was also different than he remembered. There were new apartments and townhouses and condominiums on every corner, familiar landmarks no longer present. Lee not only had to think of his own preferences, but find a place a six year old girl who lived in the suburbs could adapt to city life. He needed to think about schools and the neighborhood. Then there was Amanda; she had made it clear that she would not be coming back with him to the Agency. Would she find a teaching job or prefer working for Legal Aid? What Lee had thought would be a quick and easy trip, ended up taking three days.

He finally returned to Charlottesville the day before Christmas. Amanda was at home baking cookies; Leeann was eagerly at her side helping, cookie batter smudging her face, and covering her apron and fingers.

"Hi, Daddy. We missed you," she greeted her father with a hug and kiss.

"I missed you too," Lee grinned, returning his daughter’s hug. Then he looked over at Amanda with uncertainty. He leaned down and kissed her tentatively on the cheek.

"Everything go all right up in DC?" she asked curiously. She had hoped he would change his mind while he was up there. She pulled the cookie tray out of the oven and waited for his response.

"I found an apartment for us if that’s what you mean. It’s on the second floor, overlooking a park. It’s in a quiet, upscale neighborhood," he started to explain.

She glanced quickly over at Leeann, shook her head at Lee trying to signal him.

"Daddy, why are you looking for an apartment?" Leeann questioned with a pout.

He looked over at Amanda in confusion. He hadn't realized that she hadn’t told Leeann his plans about their impending move.

Amanda sighed noticeably. Shutting off the oven, she bit her lip and hurried from the kitchen. She tried desperately to reach the safety of their bedroom before she allowed her tears to flow.

Lee had hoped that she would have had a change of heart over the last few days while he was away. Wasn’t the old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder? Obviously it hadn't worked in his favor this time.

"Leeann, why don’t you go clean up and then watch some TV. Your mom and I have to talk."

"Daddy, why is Mommy upset?"

Lee sighed. He didn’t know what to say to his daughter. If he couldn't get Amanda to understand, how could he possibly explain it to his six-year-old? He looked down at the little figure staring up at him. Her face was framed softly by her dark brown hair. Her green eyes, which normally twinkled up at him, were clouded in confusion.

He avoided the issue. "Sweetheart, please, go watch TV. Everything will be all right."

Leeann nodded and did what she was told without further protest. Lee headed upstairs. He knocked softly on the closed bedroom door and walked in. Amanda was looking out the window at the backyard. He glanced at the calming view. It really was beautiful, even in the cold, drab winter. The yard was dotted with a mixture of evergreen trees and hard woods. From one of the trees hung a thick rope with a large tire swing. Nearby, there was a play set for Leeann. Amanda had a small garden and flower beds in a sunny corner of the yard. Both gardens had long ago succumbed to winter’s grasp.

Amanda sobbed quietly as she looked out the window at the peaceful life she had so carefully cultivated for herself and Leeann.

"I didn’t realize you hadn’t told Leeann. I thought…" Lee stopped. Why should she have told Leeann? He was the one causing the upheaval. "Amanda, please don’t cry. The apartment won’t be that bad. We’ll find another house as perfect as this one, I promise," he whispered as he took her into his arms.

"Lee, it’s not just the house; it’s the Agency and the life that comes along with that. When I walked away from that seven years ago, I knew I couldn’t live that life again. I was hoping that you would change your mind. That’s why I didn’t say anything."

"You don’t have to come back to the Agency with me. But give me a chance to work things out for us."

Amanda pulled away. "Like the chance you gave us here? Lee, you’re asking an awful lot of me this time. I honestly don’t want to go back…"

"Amanda, be reasonable."

She took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and looked at him cautiously. "I think I have been more than reasonable, Lee. I’ve spent my whole life being reasonable; first it was Joe and now you. When does what I want matter? Or what’s best for our daughter? Or I guess that’s just it - it doesn’t."

Lee stood there silently. He didn’t know what to say.

Amanda walked into their bathroom. She splashed water on her face and started to head out the bedroom door.

"What are we going to tell Leeann? She knows something is wrong," Lee asked.

"I’m not telling her anything. It’s Christmas Eve Day. The boys will be here in a couple of hours, so will mother and Curt. You’re not going to ruin our daughter’s Christmas. We can talk about ‘your’ plans after the holidays. But as things stand right now, you’ll be going to DC alone. I love you, but this time I have to do what’s right for Leeann and myself."

"Amanda!" Lee balked.

She shook her head; her mind was made up and she headed back downstairs.

Lee sat on the edge of the bed, lost in his own thoughts. He never expected an ultimatum from her, he never expected to have to choose his career or his family.

* *

The holidays were tense. Everyone could sense it, even Leeann. Lee and Amanda put on the best show that they could, but after Christmas dinner when Amanda was alone in the kitchen with her mother, Dotty finally asked.

"What’s going on with you and Lee?"

"What do you mean, Mother?" Amanda hedged.

"I’m not blind, Amanda; I know when you’re happy, and clearly you’re not. You know it’s normal to have some rough spots to get over considering everything the two of you have gone through."

Amanda sat at the small kitchen table. She shook her head and looked down at the floor.

"Mother, I don’t know when it happened, everything has happened so quickly. But everything’s falling apart. Lee’s planning to go back…"

"To the Agency?" she said loudly.

"Mother, lower your voice," Amanda whispered as she nodded sadly. "Yes, he wants to go back to the way things were. He wants to move us back to DC, sell the house, quit my job…" her voice broke away, she tried desperately to hold back tears.

Dotty quickly rushed to her daughter’s side and held her close to her while she softly wept. Dotty sighed, wishing there was something she could do or say, but she knew that Lee and Amanda would have to work things out themselves.

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

Amanda sighed deeply. "That’s just it, Mother. I don’t know what to do. I want Leeann to get to know her dad. But you remember what that life was like. I was coming and going at all hours of the day and night. I can’t go back; I can’t live like that again. But to follow him up there…" she shook her head. "I don’t know if I could live on the sidelines any better. Whenever he’s late, I’d be worried to death. Not to mention the adjustments Leeann would have to make."

"When is this all supposed to happen?"

"Lee has already leased an apartment, he’s going back to work the first of the year."

"How does Leeann feel about all of this?"

"We haven’t told her much of anything. It’s all happened so suddenly, I just kept hoping he would come to his senses. He’s been out of the field for over seven years, Mother. But there’s no talking to him, he’s determined to ‘provide for his family’."

"Give it some time, Amanda. He’ll come around," Dotty advised, hoping that her words would give her daughter some needed encouragement.

"I wish I had your confidence." She sighed and stood up, wiping her tears away. She forced a grin on her face and with her mother by her side, headed back into the living room…

End Part 12
 
 
 
 
 

TIME PASSES...        Part 13 (Conclusion)

The new year arrived and Lee returned to the Agency. He stayed in DC during the week and came home on the weekends. His relationship with Amanda was strained at best. What was once a very close and intimate relationship had turned tense and cold. They hadn’t made love since before Christmas. Amanda rebuked any attempt on his part. When he tried to discuss his work with her, she stopped him. He wasn’t sure if she just didn’t care or if she didn’t want to know for safety sake.

His relationship with his daughter was just as fragile. Leeann was a bright and insightful child. She knew that he was the cause of her mother’s anguish. Lee just didn’t know how to reach either of them. Words were never his strong suit.

One Sunday night Amanda sat on the bed watching as Lee packed his bag to prepare for his early morning departure back to the city. He had been coming home every weekend but was beginning to dread them instead of looking forward to them. The strain in the house was palpable.

"Maybe you two could come up next weekend? Take a look around," Lee suggested hopefully.

"Can’t, I have the awards banquet to go to on Friday night. Besides, I thought you were going to Germany," Amanda reminded him.

"Germany isn’t definite yet."

"So you’ll come to the banquet?" she asked hopefully.

"Amanda, you know how I hate those stuffy things. Would anyone really notice if you missed it?"

"Lee, there are a whole lot of volunteers who work year round to help out in this community. The only recognition they get is this banquet. I’m on the planning committee; I have to show up. I’m going with or without you."

"OK, how about our anniversary weekend then? You could come up on Friday night and maybe your mother could watch Leeann on Saturday night. We could go out, anywhere you’d like and celebrate privately," he suggested with dwindling patience.

"I’ll think about it," she replied in a subdued voice.

"Amanda, work with me here. I’m beginning to think I’m the only one trying," he snapped, slamming his suitcase shut.

"Lee, I tried to tell you before you started this nonsense, we already have a very full life here. Leeann has friends and activities to go to on the weekend. I’ve got responsibilities here as well."

"So my job is nonsense now?"

"No, of course not. But this commuting thing certainly is. Leeann is so confused right now she’s having nightmares. I’m so confused I don’t know when you’re coming or going. You talked about leaving for Germany, I thought that was next weekend."

"I told you, Germany isn’t definite yet. Amanda," Lee started to turn to her, then hesitated. He finally shook his head and asked slowly, "Amanda, I want to work this out, but do you?"

She was silent. She wanted to blurt out ‘YES’ but the words wouldn’t come out of her lips. She longed for things to be the way they had been. But would they ever be able to achieve that again after all these years?

Her silence was like a knife, twisting in his stomach. "I see. Maybe I shouldn’t bother coming home on weekends anymore. They seem to do more harm than good anyway."

"Lee…" she started to say but he interrupted her.

"Don’t. Please, don’t say another word. I, um, I have an early appointment in DC. Since I’m already packed, maybe I’ll just head up tonight instead."

"Lee, don’t; it’s late," Amanda choked out.

"If that’s the only reason you can come up with, I don’t think we have anything more to talk about," Lee answered sadly. The hurt was obvious in his voice and eyes. He picked up his suitcase, grabbed his jacket out of the closet and left.

* * *

Late Tuesday night Lee finally got home after another dreary day sitting in his car, watching a suspect from a distance. It was a casual surveillance, nothing heavy. He hadn’t done anything ‘heavy’ since he got back, rookie assignments mostly. They were starting to grate on his nerves. He had hoped Francine would send him to Germany and he had eagerly volunteered. Lee was hoping to get a decent case to sink his teeth into to help him forget about his family problems. But so far, Francine seemed to be going out of her way to give him ‘the milk runs’, so to speak.

Lee poured himself a drink, looked into his barren refrigerator and slammed it with disgust. He headed into the living room of his new apartment. He felt like a stranger in someone else’s life. Other than a few pictures of Amanda and Leeann, there were little signs that made it his apartment. It was tastefully decorated, but it was just an apartment - not a home. He stared at the walls, trying to decipher if his life had any meaning anymore when the doorbell rang. Startled by the intrusion, it took him a few moments to answer the door.

He glimpsed through the peephole and was surprised to find Dotty on the other side of the door. He quickly opened it and let her in.

"Dotty, what are you doing over here so late? Is everything all right with Amanda, Leeann?" he asked, worried.

Dotty smiled at Lee’s concern. "Amanda? Oh, she’s fine. I'm just being the nosy mother-in-law. I’ve been dying to see your apartment. So I thought I’d drop off this casserole," Dotty answered as she gazed curiously around his apartment. She was pleased to see pictures of Amanda and Leeann scattered here and there.

Lee watched as she surveyed the room. "Where’s my manners?" he said as he took the casserole dish from her. "Let me put this is the oven, why don’t you have a look around?"

Dotty followed Lee into the kitchen. "It would be faster if you put it in the microwave. About fifteen minutes," she suggested.

"Thanks," Lee smiled gratefully.

After a quick trip around the apartment, Dotty commented. "Nice neighborhood, I noticed the park across the street."

Lee smiled uncomfortably. He wasn’t sure if Dotty had come on her own or if Amanda had suggested she come on a reconnaissance mission.

"I’m hoping Amanda and Leeann will come up next month for our anniversary to take a look around. Did she mention anything to you about watching Leeann that Saturday night?" Lee asked in a hopeful voice.

"Hmmm?" Dotty asked, not really paying attention to Lee. "No, no she hasn’t mentioned it, but that would be fine."

"Good. Can I get you something to drink?" Lee asked, embarrassed at his less than gracious social behavior.

"No, I just stopped by for a few minutes. Amanda tells me that you’re heading to Germany for a week or so."

"Actually, no. Looks like that won’t happen until next week, if at all," he said in a deflated tone.

"Oh good, then you’ll make the awards banquet." Dotty's expression brightened.

"No, I told Amanda I wouldn’t be down this weekend. I'm trying to get caught up on some paperwork at the office. You know how that can be," Lee explained nervously, hoping she would buy the blatant lie.

"Isn’t that something you could bring with you?"

Lee looked at his mother-in-law and sighed. "Dotty, most of it’s classified, I just can’t. Amanda understands."

"Lee, do you know who’s being recognized at the awards banquet on Friday night?" Dotty asked quietly.

Lee shrugged, "No, should I?"

"They are honoring your wife," she announced point blank.

"Amanda?"

"You sound surprised."

"I shouldn’t be, I know. But she never said a word," Lee answered self-consciously.

"She doesn’t know. The ‘Volunteer of the Year’ isn’t announced until that evening."

"I can’t believe I asked her not to go," Lee mumbled.

"What?"

"Never mind. How did you find out?"

"They called me; it’s customary that the family of the honoree attends. We were going down anyway. That’s really why I came over tonight. I wanted to make sure you were going to go. I’m sure Amanda would want you there," Dotty reminded him.

"I’m not so sure about that," Lee replied, nervously running his hand through his hair.

"Lee, I know you two are having a hard time readjusting to your current situation. But I’m sure in time you will find your way back to each other."

Lee sat there on the couch next to his mother-in-law. He stared into space, absorbed in doubts. "Dotty, I wish I had your confidence. All we do right now is fight. I don’t want to spoil her night."

Dotty put a comforting hand on Lee’s shoulder. "I think your absence on Friday night would hurt her more than you know." She paused, hoping Lee would answer her, but he was silent. "Here’s the address of the banquet. It’s black tie. Hope to see you there," Dotty replied as she got up and headed for the door.

"Thanks for the casserole," Lee said meekly as she walked down the corridor to the elevator.

* * *

Friday night came quickly. Dotty, Curt and both boys all made it to the banquet. Lee was no where to be seen. Amanda tried to hide her disappointment that he hadn't come. She had bought tickets for an entire table and left a message at his apartment Thursday night reminding him of the time and place. But he never returned her call.

Overall though, Amanda was pleased with the attendance; her committee had worked so hard in putting this dinner together. The tickets had sold out, the money priming the coffers for charity work for the coming year. After dinner the awards presentation started, honoring those who had so graciously volunteered their time over the past year to help the community in various ways. Amanda sat back and relaxed, watching many people whom she had had the pleasure of volunteering with over the past year being honored.

The end of the evening drew near. Leeann fidgeted restlessly on her chair next to Amanda. For a moment Amanda thought about leaving early, but then decided against it, thinking, ‘It would be rude to leave before the Volunteer of the Year was announced.’

The master of ceremonies thanked all the volunteers for their timeless devotion. Then the moment that everyone had come for finally arrived. He cleared his throat and said loudly,

"The ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award goes to: Amanda King."

Amanda started clapping, along with the rest of the audience. Leeann started jumping up and down on her chair. Phillip and Jamie stood up to escort her to the podium to accept her award. It wasn’t until that moment that Amanda realized whose name had actually been called.

She arrived at the podium - stunned. She accepted her award but was almost speechless. As the audience quieted down, Amanda looked out at them, then over to the table where her mother, Curt and Leeann were sitting. She looked down at her sons standing only a few feet from her. She thought to herself how perfect the evening would have been, if only Lee had been there. Tears filled her eyes as she swallowed hard and hastily began an impromptu thank you speech.

* * *

It was late when they finally got home. A large bouquet of long stem red roses adorned Amanda's dining room table.

"Oh, Mother, they’re beautiful," Amanda cried with joy at the sight. She rushed over and filled her lungs with their glorious scent.

Dotty smiled but shook her head. "They’re not from us. Maybe you should look at the card."

Amanda tore open the envelope and read the card quickly. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the name on the bottom. She smiled and whispered, barely audibly, "They’re from Lee."

Dotty smiled, glad that he had at least acknowledged her award. "I’m sure he would have been there if he could have been."

A voice came from the living room. "Actually, I was." Lee smiled as he walked into the room. "Never thought I’d see the day you were speechless," he grinned, looking as handsome as ever in a tuxedo. He came over, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I’m very proud to call you my wife."

"Hi, Daddy!" Leeann squealed in delight.

Lee loosened his grasp on Amanda enough to pick up his daughter with his other arm. "Hello, Munchkin. You had me a little concerned, jumping up and down on your chair like you did."

"Oh, Dad!" Leeann fussed.

Dotty grinned at Lee, pleased that he had come after all. "I think it’s way past somebody’s bedtime. How about we get you into your pajamas and into bed?"

"Mom?" Leeann protested loudly, but Amanda shook her head.

"Your grandmother is right. It’s late. We’ll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in," Amanda responded as she kissed her daughter on the forehead.

"I think we’ll turn in too," Jamie suggested as he elbowed his brother and headed towards the stairs.

"Night, Mom. Congratulations again," Phillip and Jamie called out as they promptly disappeared up the stairs.

"Well you sure do know how to clear a room," Amanda teased, looking up at Lee.

"And you seem to know how to bring them to their feet," Lee replied. "I’m sorry I was late. I rented a tux and when I went to pick it up, it was the wrong size…"

"It looks pretty good for the wrong size," Amanda commented as her hand gently reached for the lapel.

"I ended up buying one. Considering how busy you are, I thought I might need one."

Amanda blushed. "You never know when it will come in handy for embassy dinners and receptions."

"Ah, I don’t think I’ll be worrying about those anytime soon," Lee whispered as he led her to the sofa and sat down beside her.

"And why is that?" Amanda asked in confusion, not following his line of reasoning.

"Because I took myself off active field duty this morning," he said softly.

Amanda looked at him, not quite understanding. "You did what?"

"I’m not leaving the Agency totally, at least not yet," he explained briefly.

"I don’t understand. You hate working behind a desk."

"What I hate even more is being without you and Leeann. I hate what this job has done to us. Things have changed; it’s not the same without you. I had a long talk with Francine today. She doesn’t want me to leave, so we’re going to work something out. I'll do some consulting, maybe some training or recruiting. But it's not, and never will be 'the same' without you. And when it comes down to it, you and Leeann are much more important to me than the Agency or anything else." Lee paused expecting some kind of response. But Amanda sat there in stunned silence.

"Amanda," Lee continued on, "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realize that. I guess it's like Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' trying to find home; I had to figure it out on my own. Home is where you and Leeann are, which is here; it’s not in DC, not anymore."

Amanda looked at Lee incredulously, her eyes gazing deeply into his, hoping this was for real. Finally, she stammered, "You, you’re… serious? Francine agreed to this?"

Lee laughed, holding her hands tightly in his. "She actually suggested it. I went in this morning with my resignation. She refused to accept it. So now, the only thing standing in our way is that you have to agree to take me back."

"Take you back? If you remember I never asked or wanted you to leave in the first place. This is our home; you can come back anytime," Amanda reminded him with a grin.

"I'm glad you feel that way and I'm sorry for all the hurt I've caused you and Leeann. I will make it up to you both. Starting tonight, I'm Lee Stetson, full time husband and father."

"I can't believe this is really happening. So what’s the catch?" Amanda hesitated, this was everything she had wanted, but at the same time it seemed too good to be true.

"The catch?" Lee repeated. "Well, you’ll have to share your study. The Agency is going to set me up with a computer, put in a secure phone line…"

Amanda grinned again, then pulled him towards her in a bear hug. "That’s the only catch? You can HAVE my study!"

Lee pulled away slightly. "No, I’m kind of looking forward to sharing an office with you again, Mrs. Stetson."

He lifted her chin and initiated a tender kiss, which grew steadily with pent up passion. His hands caressed her softly. Amanda responded eagerly, relishing his warm, loving touch.

"I've missed you so much these last few weeks," Lee whispered huskily, barely moving his lips from her soft skin.

Amanda nodded in agreement, but then reluctantly pulled away. "Can you hold that thought for a few minutes?"

Lee glanced at her, puzzled at first; was she pulling away from him yet again? Then he gazed into Amanda's reassuring eyes and smiled. "We need to tuck somebody in, don’t we?"

Amanda nodded. "This won't take very long; it's late and our little girl is rather tired. Then I promise you my undivided attention."

"I hope you're not too tired?" Lee asked, with more than a hint of desire in his voice.

She stood up and reached for his hand. "Actually, I'm not tired at all. It's been quite an exciting evening, it might take me hours to fall asleep."

"Hours, huh? I think I can live with that. Perhaps I can think of something to keep you occupied. Do you think you could stand a little more excitement this evening?" Lee teased as he took Amanda's hand.

Amanda grinned broadly. "I think I might be able to handle that. Welcome home, Mr. Stetson."

"Glad to be home, Mrs. Stetson," he replied as they climbed the stairs together, arm in arm.

***

After they tucked Leeann in and read her a few pages of a bedtime story; she was soon fast asleep. Amanda and Lee then headed into their room hand in hand. Lee carefully locked the door behind him and pulled Amanda into a passionate embrace. His hands glided over her silky new dress; his lips fervently devoured her soft skin, his mouth working steadily down towards her breast.

"Lee, slow down," Amanda pulled his face back up to hers and they shared a long, lingering kiss. "We have all night, you know."

Lee reluctantly pulled away from her. He blushed slightly at his own impatience. He hadn't meant to be anything but loving. It was just that he missed her so.

"I'm sorry, Amanda," he said. "But you look so ravishing tonight, that dress is spectacular. I watched you up on that podium and wanted to shout to the world that you are my wife. And now that I have you alone, I want to take you into my arms and fulfill every last wish. I meant what I said before, I intend to make these last few weeks up to you."

Amanda could tell by the look in his eyes that he meant every syllable of every word. Lee stood in front of her, no longer confused or frustrated, but a man who again knew where he wanted to be. She smiled happily, her mother had been right after all; Lee would sort it out given some time.

"Lee, I'm so happy that we're finally going to be a real family. I never thought over the last seven years that this would actually happen. I've fantasized about it, dreamed it, wished for it, but now…" Her smile was like a candle flickering hope in the night.

"You know, Amanda, sometimes wishes do come true." Lee replied huskily. As he began trailing a series of small kisses down her neck.

"Lee," Amanda whispered softly. "Why don't you go downstairs and find that bottle of wine I bought just before Christmas? It should still be sitting in the wine rack. While you're gone, I'll change into something a little 'more comfortable'." She looked up at him with an alluring smile.

"Promise me you'll hurry?" he asked as his hands traced the smooth fabric of her dress.

"I promise," Amanda replied as Lee headed downstairs for the bottle of wine.

***

As Lee walked into the kitchen he nearly collided with Dotty who was raiding the refrigerator for a late night snack.

"Lee? What are you doing down here?" she asked, slightly startled and more than slightly concerned.

Lee couldn't help but smile. "I, ah, um, I'm looking for a bottle of wine and some wine glasses," he stammered uncomfortably, a noticeable blush creeping over his face.

"Well," Dotty replied, ignoring his embarrassment. "I can get you the wine glasses, but I haven't a clue as to what bottle of wine you're looking for."

She took two wine glasses out of the china cabinet as Lee rummaged through the wine rack, grabbing a corkscrew along with the vintage that Amanda had bought weeks ago.

"Here you go," Dotty said. "And don't tell Amanda that I was raiding the refrigerator at this hour. I'm supposed to be on a diet."

Lee smiled a conspiratory smile. "This will be our little secret."

Dotty nodded and watched as Lee strolled back up the stairs, his face was full of peace and joy. His eyes had regained the twinkle she remembered from years before. She smiled as she turned the light off and headed into the family room where Curt was already fast asleep.

***

Lee opened the door to their room; it was illuminated with the glow of several scented candles. The light flickered in the mirror, causing shadows to dance gracefully about the room. Amanda was just settling into bed wearing a long flowing nightgown. Its silky material clung alluringly to her body in all the right places.

"I didn't think you could look more beautiful than you did in that dress tonight," Lee replied, swallowing hard. "But I was wrong. You look stunning. Blue is definitely your color."

Amanda smiled. "I see you found the wine."

Lee nodded his head, never taking his eyes off her delicate frame as he crossed the room.

He put the glasses down on the nightstand, carefully worked the cork out of the bottle and poured them each a drink.

"To the volunteer of the year, my wife, Amanda King."

"Hmmm, now that you're back, I think I'll need to change that, I kind of like the name Amanda Stetson a little better."

"I'd like that."

"What else would you like?" Amanda asked in a sultry voice.

"I'd like to spend the rest of my life making love to you."

"I'll drink to that," Amanda smiled as their glasses met and they both quickly sipped at the effervescent liquid. "How about another toast? To the man of the hour - Lee Stetson - who makes my life complete."

"I'll drink to that."

They finished their glasses of wine and set them aside. Lee once again pulled her into his arms. His hands explored her body slowly, determinedly. Her body instantly reacted to his tender touch.

She in turned began to undress him, first removing his bow tie, then his tuxedo jacket. Piece by piece she slowly removed his suit. For the first time in all their married life, they had time. Tonight there would be no rushing. No wake up calls to make it home before someone noticed an empty bed. No mad dash for the Agency because another national crisis loomed overhead. Tonight they were truly partners, husband and wife, lovers. Tonight, finally and foremost they were to begin their life again - together forever…..

The end.
 

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