Chapter Text
"Home is looking good already," said Amanda anxiously as the DC-10 touched ground in Dulles airport in Washington DC. "We've been gone nearly a month, but it seems longer, doesn't it?"
"Well," said Lee as he took Amanda's hand, "I don't know about the length of time, but it certainly wasn't the honeymoon I expected. That's one month of our lives I'd just as soon not remember--that is, except for our wedding and our first hours together afterward. It was hard to believe you might not be coming home with me. . ." murmured Lee as he moved his head back and forth and tightened his lips. "I never want to be that helpless to protect you again. But it's all in the past now, and you are here with me, nearly all well again, and I thank God for that."
"I love you," replied Amanda as she reached over and kissed him on the cheek quickly before joining the crowd in debarking.
They headed for baggage claim where, still cautious about exerting herself, Amanda watched the luggage while Lee went for the car. As familiar streets and scenes around Amanda's home became visible, she found herself deep in thought. I'm so anxious to see Mother and the boys...even my own kitchen. I wonder if Mother was able to handle everything while I was gone.
Then her thoughts turned to Lee. We agreed to keep our marriage a secret, but I don't know...I'm so happy, I want to tell everyone. How will I keep this from my mother? She can usually tell when I'm hiding something.
When they arrived at Amanda's home, Dotty was out, and the boys were at school. Amanda looked in each room and at the bulletin board by the telephone. "Everything looks like when I left. "Yeah, a different lifetime ago," Lee stated drily. "They just got back from California last week, themselves--and then only because you were afraid the boys were missing too much school. And if we hadn't come home a few days earlier than we'd planned, I'm sure your mother and the boys would have met us at the airport."
Lee took Amanda's luggage inside, then said, "Amanda, I think I'll give Billy a call and let him know we're back in DC."
"Melrose here," said Billy as he answered on the first ring.
"Hi Billy, I thought I'd check in. I brought Amanda home today. I plan to come in next week, but I think Amanda will need some more time...Yeah, she'll call you later." As Lee spoke, he was thinking, I don't want Amanda going back to work at all. Wonder how I can change her mind about working...
"I'm glad you're back," said Billy. "Tell Amanda I don't want her to return to work until she's fit, and her doctor says so."
"Thanks, I'll tell her...Anything going on I should know about?...Oh, never mind, I don't want to get interested in work until next week. I'll talk to you later then," said Lee.
"Okay, talk to you later ," Billy chuckled to his best agent.
Amanda had been listening and said, " I'll be ready to go back to work next week."
"Are you sure? You lost lots of blood, and you still look pale."
"I may look pale, but I feel all right."
"Please Amanda," he said as he came to stand near her and put his arm around her. "I'm worried about you."
Amanda looked into Lee's eyes and noted the serious expression on his face. She touched his face, then kissed his cheek. "Thanks for being concerned... I'll see how it goes this week here at home."
"Well, all right." After a pause, Lee asked, "Amanda, I know we thought it best to keep our marriage a secret, but do you really think this is going to work? I'm going to find it very difficult pretending you are just my partner when we're working closely together up there in the Q Bureau."
Amanda took Lee's hand and led him to the sofa in her living room. They sat down, and he put his arm around her, holding her close, while she held his hand next to her face. "It won't be any easier for me, you know," she said as she put her head on his shoulder.
They turned to face each other and kissed, then Lee held her close again. I'm happier than I ever thought possible. For the first time the possibility of having to live as a bachelor again is something I don't care for."
Amanda looked wistfully at Lee and nodded a couple times. "Why don't you stay for dinner? We can order a pizza or something if Mother doesn't have anything planned."
"I'd like that," said Lee, "but... do you think she'll be able to tell something's up?"
"Lee, she was with us most of the time in California. And you should have heard the hints she was dropping before we left on that trip. She suspects we're more than friends, so we may as well spend some time here at the house together so you can get to know the boys better."
"How do you think they'll like having a man around here?"
"They're teenagers, you know. Part of the time they'll act and respond to you like adults, and part of the time as children. Just be yourself and don't overdo your aim to please or to be friends--act the same way you did before we were married. The more you're around them, the more they'll accept and come to respect you." She gave him a big smile and said, "Anyone would like you when they really get to know you, and I know they'll grow to love you."
"I wish I had your confidence."
"I know it will be difficult at first, especially with Jamie, but when they begin to notice how you care about them as well as me, they'll come around. I just have to make sure they don't feel like they're on the back burner."
"No, I don't want them to feel like they have to compete with me for your attention. I suppose I should go to the apartment and get unpacked. Are you up to going with me? It's been a long day."
"I'm fine. Just let me leave a note for Mother to let her know I'm home and that you're coming to dinner."
***
"Well, Scarecrow is home. There's that silver 'Vette, and it's stopping at his place. Hey, there's a woman with him. The boss will want to check her out," said Arnie.
Arnie and Tux worked for Louie Danza, who had been freed from prison just two weeks before. Ten years ago, Scarecrow had been instrumental in putting him behind bars for attempting to bomb a building where the Vice President and several dignitaries from Europe were meeting. Louie had contacted his old buddies to watch Scarecrow's apartment nearly as soon as he was released. He didn't have any plans yet but wanted to get settled, get the stash of money the Russians had paid him ten years before, and then proceed with his revenge. In the back of Louie's mind was the worry that the Russians might learn of his freedom and come looking for him. They had paid him half a million dollars when the plot was planned, and he was to receive the other half of his fee after the completion of the job. Scarecrow had halted that task.
"Yeah," answered Louie to Arnie's call.
"Boss, Scarecrow is back home. We just saw him drive up to his apartment."
"It's about time," snorted Louie. "I wonder where in the hell he's been."
"Don't know. There's a dame with him," offered Arnie.
"That's nothin' new for him. He always was a woman chaser," stated Louie. "But it might give us somethin' extra to work with."
***
After making a second trip to the car for luggage and packages, Lee had the last of it in the apartment. Amanda immediately began dusting and helping him put things away.
"Stop it already, Amanda. You should be resting." He stepped over to her and put his arms around her, looked down at her, and said, "Welcome home, Mrs. Stetson--even if it is just my apartment."
"Mrs. Stetson. Mmmm, I like the sound of that," said Amanda as she put her arms around Lee's neck and pulled him close. They kissed and held each other close. "How about we take this to the bedroom and make up for some lost time," whispered Amanda.
"I...I don't think that's a good idea, Amanda. We still have to be careful of your wound."
"I'm healed, I'm healed...Well, okay, I suppose. You've had more of these than me," she admitted.
"Amanda, you know how I feel about this. I don't want to take any chances on hurting you. After you see the doctor for the last time, and he says the wound is completely healed, you won't be able to keep me away from you!"
"Is that a promise?"
"Cross my heart." He laughed and pulled her gingerly to him.
Amanda rolled her eyes, but appreciated his concern.
"I'll sort through this stuff and put it away later. Let’s get back to your house. Your kids and mom will be anxious to see how you are doing.."
"Yep, as I am them. . .The boys should be home from school."
When Dotty arrived home and read Amanda's note, she called out to the boys, "Phillip, Jamie, your mother's home, or she will be soon. Mr. Stetson is coming with her. He'll stay for dinner." It's about time, she thought.
"He's the guy she works with, isn't he?" asked Phillip. "He's got a neat car."
Jamie didn't say anything but looked out the window to see the silver 'Vette stop at the house. He wasn't sure whether he liked the way his mom enjoyed having this guy around." Amanda, uh...maybe I won't come in this time...I'll come over later." Lee actually looked and acted as if he were afraid, uncharacteristic to his precocious temperament.
"Stetson with cold feet?" commented Amanda. "Come on, Lee, they're your family now, too. You'll be fine."
"Yeah, like a fly under a magnifying glass. They're going to be watching my every move."
"They'll like you and learn to love you, I promise."
Lee shrugged his shoulders and followed her in. Dotty greeted Amanda with tentatively opened arms, afraid of hurting her. Amanda gently hugged her mother, then met the boys with a big kiss on each cheek. "Oh, it's so good to be home!" exclaimed Amanda.
"Hi, Mom," said Jamie, "I sure missed you this week."
"And I missed you, too," answered Amanda as they embraced again.
"Are you okay now, Mom?" asked Phillip.
As Amanda glanced at Lee, she responded, "Yes, I'm nearly completely healed. I have to see my doctor here yet, then I should get a clean bill of health."
"Well, if you have to get shot, Mom, it's pretty cool to get shot over a treasure," said Phillip.
"Yeah, but I think she should have gotten some of it to make up for getting hit," Jamie stated.
"Boys," Amanda laughed. "I suppose I should have been kidnapped aboard a pirate ship, too?"
"Sorry, Mom," Jamie grinned. "We're really glad you're back."
"But you have to admit it'd be a neat story," Phillip added.
"I know, sweetheart," Amanda returned his smile. "But I think I've had enough adventure to last me a long time."
"How are you, Lee?" asked Dotty. "I'm so glad you came back with Amanda. Thanks so much for staying with her in California when we had to come home."
"It was no problem. I was very concerned about her." Dotty gave him a big grin, then gave the same look to Amanda.
Lee cleared his throat and looked at the boys. "How are you guys doing?"
"Great!" Phillip answered. Jamie just shrugged his shoulders. "Well, why don't we all sit down for dinner now?" Dotty suggested. "Lee, you take the place next to Amanda."
After everyone was seated, Dotty suggested they each say a prayer of thanks. After a pause, Dotty began passing food. Pot roast tasted especially good to Amanda after weeks of hospital meals.
Lee ate his fill; homecooked food tasted so good to him. Marriage definitely has its benefits! he thought. "It seems to me you boys have grown six inches!" remarked Amanda. "How is school going?"
"My best friend Danny moved two weeks ago, and I sure miss him. He was the best player on our basketball team," said Jamie. "I didn't even get to say good-bye, since we were in California when he left." Amanda gave her youngest son a sympathetic look and stroked his hair in comfort.
"We have a different math teacher, and I don't like him," chimed in Phillip. "He gives us too much homework and calls on me everyday to answer questions."
"What happened to Mrs. Borden?" asked Amanda.
"She just had a baby, so she'll be gone quite awhile," answered Phillip. "You look thin, Mom. Did you lose weight?"
"Maybe a few pounds, but I'll gain those back fast with your grandma's good cooking."
"You're going to have to do the cooking tomorrow night, dear. Captain Curt is taking me up in his plane, and we're flying to Atlantic City for dinner. I'm so thrilled to be up in the clouds, soaring like an eagle." Dotty glided around the room with her arms outstretched, imitating a bird.
"That's wonderful, Mother. Have you been seeing a lot of Captain Curt?"
"Oh, I've seen him a few times since we got back. He's so much fun."
Lee listened with interest to the family talk wondering when he'd feel comfortable enough to chime in.
Amanda instinctively glanced at Lee, hoping she could get him involved in the chatter. "I'm sort of anxious to get back to work next week. Aren't you, Lee?" asked Amanda. Recognizing a nudge when he heard one, he offered, "Yes, it's been a long vacation, though certainly not the best I've had. After your accident, my plans sort of changed."
"You never told us where were you vacationing when you heard about her accident?" said Phillip.
Amanda looked at him questioningly.
"Uh," Lee killed time by clearing his throat, an action that did not go unnoticed by Dotty., "Well, I was on a fishing trip nearby, visiting an old friend, so...I just changed locations."
"It was pretty nice, seeing a familiar face every day," said Amanda as she placed her hand on Lee's and smiled at him. Lee returned a grin. "All of your faces," she added quickly. "I'm glad you could come stay for awhile. I know it helped me get better faster."
Jamie frowned at the overture. "May I be excused, Mom?"
"Don't you want dessert, Jamie? It's chocolate pie," coaxed Amanda.
"No thanks, I'm full," he replied
"All right then, you may be excused," answered Amanda aware of how quiet her normally talkative son had been.
Phillip seemed to take Lee's presence in stride, and managed some small talk about a basketball game he'd watched the week before. Amanda tried to conceal a smile as she watched two of her favorite people both work to overcome their shyness.
Dotty was beside herself with happiness and enthusiasm at the thought of Amanda finally dating a man who seemed to care about her like she did him. She suggested, "Why don't you and Lee take your coffee in the living room, and I'll clean up here before my date with Curt." She looked a little guilty as she explained, "Well, I didn't know you'd be home tonight, so..." She gave Amanda that *knowing* look.
"That's all right, Mother. Have a good time." She turned to her sons. Jamie had been hanging back near the stairs to see what was going on without having to be involved. "Do you boys have homework tonight? If not, why don't you help your grandma clear the table, then join Lee and me? I've really missed both of you."
"Okay, Mom," said Phillip. "I do have to work on a report about something in Germany, but it's not due for two weeks."
"How about you, Jamie?"
"Well, I should study my spelling words."
"Why don't you bring your list of words here, and I'll give them to you?" suggested Amanda.
"That's okay. I'll study them in my room," Jamie said hastily as he climbed the stairs.
Amanda and Lee exchanged looks, and she shrugged her shoulders.
From his travels, Lee knew quite a bit about Germany, so he decided to use it to further break the ice "What is your report about, Phillip?"
"I don't know for sure, but I think it will be about the Octoberfest in Munich. I've been reading about it."
"Maybe I can answer some questions you might have; I've attended a couple times," offered Lee.
"Really? What's it like?" asked Phillip eagerly.
"Well, it's a huge celebration. Several beer companies each have their own beer halls--the Germans are big beer drinkers. Each beer company also has its own logo, which is on its beer mugs--when I was there, you could buy one to keep for six dollars. The halls are very large, and there is a raised platform in the middle of the building, where the band provides music. The room is filled with tables and chairs which fill quickly. The activities last very late into the night for adults. There is a huge midway with rides and games of all kinds for everyone. I saw the biggest ferris wheel I've ever seen at the Octoberfest.
"That should give you an idea of what it's like," Lee summed up.
"Yeah, what you told me is more interesting than what I've read. See ya later," said Phillip as he went upstairs to write the information down.
"You're making headway with him." Amanda smiled.
"I was glad to help."
Amanda's mind went back to the time when they were in Germany. "I remember the Octoberfest and the Glockenspiel in Munich. I wish Mother and the boys had gotten to see both of them. The Alps were so beautiful, and Salzburg. What good memories."
"We'll get back there one of these days, Amanda, and this time we'll spend all our time together," promised Lee.
"Sounds pretty good. But for now, would you like to watch a movie?" asked Amanda.
"Sure. Do you have a western?"
"I think so...Here's one with John Wayne. He's one of your favorites, isn't he?" asked Amanda.
"Yes, he is."
Amanda inserted the tape into the VCR, and they got comfortable on the sofa.
"You know, Amanda, I didn't make any points with Jamie today," said Lee.
"I know, but he'll come around. Let's watch the movie and try not to worry about it tonight." She cuddled up next to Lee on the sofa, with her head on his shoulder. Before the movie was over, she had fallen asleep. It had been a long day for her, catching an early flight to DC from California, and the wait at the airport terminal didn't help, either.
As the movie ended, Lee whispered, "Amanda, it's getting late. I'd better be going."
Amanda awoke with a start. She looked around the room, surprised the movie was over. "Lee, I'm sorry I went to sleep. Is the movie over? Was it good? Where are the boys? Where's Mother?"
"The movie was good, and I enjoyed watching with you--even though I guess I wasn't very good company," teased Lee. "I think the boys have gone to bed, and your mother isn't home yet."
"Lee, I'm sorry...bet I'm the first woman to go to sleep on you before..."
Lee smiled his reply, "Probably and under other circumstances, I would be greatly intimidated and feel rejected, but this case is definitely out of the ordinary. Add to that a big day coming home, so you're off the hook--this time. But, you'd better not pull that a few weeks from now."
"I'll remember that," Amanda teased back.
"Hmmm, I think I'd better leave...What about tomorrow?" asked Lee.
"Come over when you can. I've been spoiled with having you so near these past weeks." "Good night, Amanda," said Lee as he kissed her tenderly. "See you in the morning."
"Yeah," replied Amanda, wondering how long it was going to be before they would be able to stop the charade.