I've been tagged.

Ladies and Gentlemen of Blogland, I've been tagged. I was just meandering through Blogland, over on Quirkychild's blog, and found out.."ooh gollee gee, she tagged me!" So now, I must do this cute little survey for you all. Suffer through, okay? :)


My Only Real Jobs:

Babysitting: Babysitting is the job of champions. All geniuses and world leaders have already caught onto this. If you've never babysat, you'd better get on board. You'll never get another job without the experience. Believe me! And to top it all, it's good birth control!!

Driving my mother crazy: I never thought this to be a "real" job, but she insists it is. This I've realized really is a job I do well. Besides, as I've gotten up well into my late teen years, this is my favorite job. A simple wise-crack can get me a crack back..it's fun. haha. J/K I love & respect my mom. I still do drive her crazy though!!

Student: Being a student is a job. Reguardless of what you've been told!!

Movies I could watch over and over:

"Sergeant Bilko"- It's a HILARIOUS military comedy. If you haven't see it, I totally suggest you go grab it. It does have a lot of cursing, which isn't good, but really cannot be avoided in the world we live in. Steve Martin is hilarious in it, and it's just a great movie.

"Save the Last Dance" Beside being filled with incredibly hott guys. Yes, I said HOTT guys, it's got tight dance moves and even tighter acting. Again, a lot of cursing, but the plot is cute.

"Finding Nemo" Quirky mentioned this in her survey too. I LOVED LOVED LOVEDDD this movie. It's so cute. I love Dory, and her incredible ability to forget everything, aside from what is important. Gotta love the cute little lyrics that get stuck in your head. It's a "Great children's movie!" as the four-year-old I babysit would say. Of course, everytime they watch it, I hear maniacal laughter at the part where the shark eats the mother and baby fish!!

Places I've lived

Easy answer here, PA. That's the only place I've ever lived. Although I've lived in several different cities. All around the same place though...Yea, this answer is boring. Which is why I'm moving on...

TV shows I watch

Ah..I don't watch much television..when I do it's children's television shows/movies with the kids in the morning or night time re-runs..

Top Five:

Dora the Explorer- Mucho fun!! I love Dora. So do the girls I babysit, and I can sing every song & get Swiper to leave with the best of them.

Roseanne- I love this show. haha The way they make family life real, is incredible. No fronts, just them. Great show, hilariously funny.

ER- Now..I don't usually watch the new ones, I watch the re-runs. I love the old crew, and some on the new crew. But the new ones are too much like soap operas. I like medicine!!

Anything to do with the YANKEES!! Yankee games, Yankee classic Games, Yankees Road Trip..you get the idea. I just love the yankees.

My Own- My new favorite show on MTV. Gotta love when people think that real people are like celebrities!! haha ::shakes head: Oh well, it's fun to watch them make fools of themselves. :)


Places my family vacations

Knoebels- Knoebels, a place for family fun!! It's here in PA, about an hour and a half from where I live. Great little amusement park, extreme fun and extremely decent prices!!

Williamsburg- Went last year..we camped out at a convenient campground, that we'll most likely never again camp at! Our camp site was feet from the train track. Trains went by every two/three hours at night. haha. But Colonial Williamsburg is great!!

Gettysburg- When I get imput on family vacations I ask for someplace historical. So Gettysburg is awesome too!!

YANKEE GAMES- We love the Bronx, NY! haha Went twice last summer & will be going more this year. Gotta love the thrill of being in the Bronx!!

Websites I frequent

Steeple Hill/E-Harlequin (www.eharlequin.com)

Myspace (www.myspace.com/jolene4)

Blogger (obviously)

My website (www.freewebs.com/missjomarie18)

Yahoo groups..(www.yahoo.com)

Foods I like

Lasagna is the top fav. I love it soooo much. I hardly ever get it..but, when I do..YUMMMMM

Mexican food...YUM I love mexican food.

CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! What girl doesn't love chocolate? Well..I really don't care if you don't. I love it. haha.

Strawberries. Definitely my favorite fruit ever. And mixed with chocolate. Man, even better..Yep..this concludes pick Jolene's already tired brain. I'm sure you're all excited.

VACATION

What are ya gonna do now?

Go to DISNEYWORLD!

I'm going to Disney, I'm going to Disney, I'm going to DISNEEEYYY!!!

Okay, I'll stop rubbing in the fact that I'm leaving 20 degree wintery weather to hit the 80 degree winter of Florida! heh I'm going in two days. I decided that I should probably warm you that I won't be around for 10 days, so you don't think that I ran off to chase my muse! It's a graduation gift from my godparents, and they are letting me bring a person of my choice. So, my sister is going with me. We're gonna have our own hotel room, isn't that just great?! ::Dances: Anyhow..yea, I wanted to let you know, because...well other than being really excited for me. You can pray that we have a safe trip down & back and an excellent time in between. :) It'll be a much needed break from school and responsibility. Leaving all children at home. ::nods: No babysitting in FLORIDA!

Okay, so that's about the whole post. I'll stop babbling on & on now and leave you to your reading!

Until then, LOVE YOU ALL

Jo-Marie :) ;)

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Chapter 5

With a swift knock on the door, she stuck her key into the key hole and cracked the door to her sister and cousin's apartment. "Everybody decent?" she called, slinging her overnight bag over her shoulder.

"Should hope so." said Cherlin with a laugh as she opened the door for Charity the rest of the way.

"Yeah, really, what would I be doing here if they weren't?" called Andre from his place on the sofa.

"What are you doing here? I thought this was a ladies night!" she accused, looking around for her sister.

"I think he snuck or begged his way in." added Lidia as she came around the corner carrying a glass of soda.

Jazelle walked into the room behind her with a bowl of popcorn, "He whined and whined, Cherlin said fine eventually. I told him okay, as long as he leaves at a decent hour. We need our beauty sleep.." she paused and glared at Andre, "No wise cracks."

"I wasn't gonna' say a thing." he said throwing his hands up.

Charity shook her head, "You guys are too much, okay all ready for 'watch as many creepy chick flicks as we can until we pass out' night."

Cherlin laughed, "We're still waiting for people."

She glanced around and noted that Keely and Bethany were still absent. She nodded, hoping Cherlin's brother wouldn't show up with his guitar for an impromptu show. "What's Robert up to tonight?" she asked finally, crossing her fingers mentally that she'd say he was on tour.

"He'll be over later, ten to one." replied Cherlin.

"Oh great, I'll have to get my ear plugs out." said Jazelle, grinning as she plopped down on the sofa next to Andre.

The doorbell gonged, "I'll get it." said Charity, ignoring the rest of them for a moment as she opened the door. "Hey Beth."

"I'm so glad you're here! There was this guy outside...he has a flat tire..and two little kids. He needs to use the phone. Come on!!" she yelled, motioning to whomever resided down the street.

Before she knew what was happening, in marched Alex Harper. Behind him, as if tiny troops in a three man army, Cole and Ava marched in.

"So we meet again, Charity." Alex grinned before looking around, "May I use the phone?"

"Certainly." with that word spoken, her sister ran off in search of the phone.

She waved at Cole and Ava, signing and speaking greetings to the two. In the time it took for Jazelle to find the phone, she'd introduced Alex and the children to all of her friends. Bethany stood near the door looking quite proud of herself,whether for bringing to object of her brain's affections or helping a stranded, really cute man. The world would never know.

"I'll only be a minute." said Alex, pulling a card from his pocket and dialing the number.

Cole stood in his spot, while Ava worked the room. Everyone seemed attracted to the two youngsters, and the two hardly wanted to leave when Alex had vacated the phone. Nevertheless, their uncle pulled them out of the house when the tow truck arrived and the three disappeared from sight.

With a sigh, Charity closed the door behind them and turned to a room full of expectant faces. "What?" she asked, taking the seat her sister had vacated on the couch.

--

Alex kept a hold of both kids as they stood waiting for the tow truck outside of Charity's sister's house. Ava pouted pointing toward the closed door to the apartment, as if she wanted to go back. Cole stared up at the two of them his eyes taking in every detail and movement.

Ava's hands were flying, "Can't I stay with Charity?"

"No, Ava, you may not stay with Miss Douglas, we're going home." he signed, nodding his head decisively.

Cole frowned as well, his lip sticking out only a fraction less than his sister's. "I like Miss Douglas." his soft words made Alex stand straight.

It'd taken the boy an incredibly long time to even say he liked the uncle who'd basically raised him, and even then Alex wasn't quite sure the boy liked him most times. Ava was still casting hopeful glances over his shoulder, most likely wishing that Charity would come to their rescue again. He felt a bit of resentment toward the perky beautician/yankee fan. Finally, to his utter happiness, the tow truck rounded the corner and helped him fix the car. He nodded his thanks, and pressed his credit card into the man's hand. Soon enough he was buckling the kids into their safety seats, and driving away.

Both kids were pouting still when they reached their home, but he really didn't mind. With both arms he hefted their tiny bodies into the elevator and took them toward their apartment. When he reached the big wooden door, he slid his key into the keyhole and walked in.

"Mommy's home!" the two words stopped him in his tracks. There stood his sister, Gloria, looking more strung out than he'd ever seen her before.

Cole tightened his hold on Alex's neck, while Ava clamored to get down and hug her mother. The girl was less prone to the danger that Gloria had brought to her children, than Cole was. Every muscle in his body tightened at the sight of her and he could hardly keep from letting out with all of the frustration that had built since he'd seen her two years ago.

After Ava had clung to her mother in a hug, he whispered to Cole, "Take Ava into the playroom."

Cole nodded with solemn eyes, went over steering clear of his mother and made eye contact with Ava. With one hand he signed for her to follow, and she did. When the door the playroom had shut, Alex marched closer to his sister.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded through clenched teeth.

"Lighten up bro, came to get my babies back. Thought you could use a break. Besides, I got married now, see? It's all better. Larry can help me with the kids, you don't hafta take care of them anymore." her words were slurred, and she held up a boney hand sporting a cheap ring.

"You can't take them, Gloria. You're so high you might as well be flying around the room." he resisted the urge to rub the bridge of his nose showing the tension she'd brought along with her. How did his life spin so far out of control? Minutes ago his worst problem was the kids wanting to see Charity.

"Come on, bro, just for the night. I miss my babies." she shot him her worst puppy dog look.

"You should have thought of that before you found your dealer earlier, Gloria. Go get yourself cleaned up, then we'll talk." He ushered her out of the room and toward the door.

"You cannot keep me away from my own children, Alex! So help me I'll get them back!" she squealed as he closed the door in her face and dead bolted it. She pounded the door twice with her tiny fists, and soon the threat was gone.

He sank down onto the couch leaning his head into both hands, wishing all of his problems would disappear. The feel of tiny hands on his back jarred him from his thoughts and he looked up to see Cole and Ava standing on the couch beside him with solemn eyes. "Come here." he whispered and signed, pulling the two of them close. What would it take to keep them safe and healthy? His heart pounded as he held them close, anything it took, he'd see it happened.

Pinned by Love

Chapter 3

"Beast! Beast! Beast!" the crowd cheered his stage name as he stomped back toward his dressing room. To some wrestlers, the ones he'd fought tonight would be unstoppable, to his crushable in thirty minutes or less. Come to think of it, he should have named himself "Convenient", because thats exactly what he was.

"Great match tonight, Bry." commented one of the other wrestler's as he walked toward his own dressing room.

"Thanks." he said, shrugging as he opened the door to his dressing room.

Before long, a short knock was sounding on the door.

"Come in!" he called, hoping it wouldn't be someone to disturb his rest.

"Mr. Everett, it's Shirley. It seems you have some visitors. This is Gabriel Sheridan and his mom, Karena." the blonde receptionist stepped out of the way to reveal an excited looking six-year old boy with dark hair and blue eyes. Behind him, stood a petite woman with the same blue eyes and dark hair.

"Hello, come right in." suddenly the gruffness was gone from his voice as he ushered them into his dressing room. This was the boy who'd taken the time to write a note to him, worshipped him as his idol.

The boy zipped right into the room, followed at a much slower pace by his mother. "It's great to be here, Mr. Everett, really! Thank you!" the boys eyes glittered and his smile nearly reached his ears.

"I always take time for my fans, Gabe. I really liked your letter too." he smiled down at the excited boy.

"You really didn't have to, and that's something to be appreciated about your character, Mr. Everett." said his mother with a shy smile. She tugged a camera from her purse, and looked up at him, "Would you mind if I got a shot of the two of you together?"

"Sure, why not?" he grinned again at the tiny woman, and took a seat on the couch. "C'mon Gabe."

"Oh boy!" the little boy climbed up beside him and his smile widened, if that was even possible.

With a genuine smile he carried out the rest of the visit, but couldn't help feeling it was somehow significant in his life.

--

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game.."

Chapter 4

They were losing in the bottom of the seventh, and Charity couldn't contain her anger anymore. With both hands she cast her styrofoam cup away, and stood to her feet. "You aren't gonna blow this one guys! Let's go! Get your head in the game!"

A firm hand grasped her arm, and she was being forced back into her seat. "Thank you for that inspirational speech, but some of us like keeping our hearing." Andre said, before releasing her.

"He's just jealous that you don't yell at him like that." her sister cackled, with the same mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Like she doesn't yell at me ever!" he accused, turning toward Jazelle now.

"She yells at me too." nodded Bethany, her blonde hair blowing in the breeze.

"I'm this close to yelling at you all." cautioned Lidia, holding up two fingers to show just how close.

"Everyone needs to take a deep breath or something..."Keely decided holding up both hands to halt their steady arguments. All eyes turned to her, and she smiled sweetly to keep the peace.

"I think Keely's right." Jazelle put in turning toward second base with a smile.

Charity sighed, glancing out at the players who so desperately needed a jolt, she felt just as down as they did right now. Shrugging, she stood, "I'm going to get something to drink, anyone need anything?"

"Popcorn." put in Jazelle, without moving her eyes off of the action on the field.

"A date.." Bethany decided, her blue eyes twinkling as if she'd told a joke.

"Shut up." she quipped, turning on her heel and half walking, half jogging down the stairs.

Standing in line got boring pretty quick, and she found herself chewing on her fingernail listening for announcements. The commotion behind her had her spinning however, when she heard a child's cries. Something about the child involved was familiar, his dark mocha colored skin and eyes stood out to her. It was the little boy Julie had brought into the shop for a hair cut the day before. Standing beside the little boy was his double, only taller and older. In the man's arms was a child who was throwing herself around. The tiny girl, dressed delicately in pink and lace was little Ava. Sighing, she took herself out of her place in line. "Hello." she said, hurriedly getting out of the way of foot traffic.

"Hi." the man's reply was short and clipped, and he didn't seem to mind.

"I was just wondering if I could do anything to help you seem to have a problem.." her voice trailed off as she realized just how stupid she sounded.

"Well, I guess." he glanced down at Cole. "You're the beautician right?" his eyes were just as wary as Cole's.

"Yes, I met them yesterday with Julie." a smile broke out on her face as Ava stopped whining and fixed her big brown eyes on her.

"Well see...they both need to use the restroom, but Ava will not go into the men's room. I very well cannot go into the women's room, and she cannot go alone." he stood at attention as if he were being questioned by military police or something.

"There's a simple solution to that." she decided aloud.

"Oh? And what is it?"

"I'll take her into the women's room for you, and meet you both right here." she signed the words and spoke them for Ava's benefit hoping the girl would agree. Ava nodded readily, and almost reluctantly, the man handed over the little girl.

Her heart lept with joy when Ava smiled at her, and brushed a chubby little hand down her cheek. She'd always wanted children, yet it seemed the right man for her was lost forever or never coming. Shrugging it off for the moment, she helped the little girl with the daunting task of using the bathroom and finished with holding her to the sink to let her wash her hands.

"Thank you." signed Ava as she walked out of the bathroom.

She smiled at the little girl on her hip, "Anytime."

--

Alex found himself frantically searching the crowd passing him five minutes later, he knew that Ava would be quite fine. However, he couldn't help but feel a bit jumpy at the idea of letting a deaf child go with an unknowing beautician. Especially one he didn't know. Finally, the tiny beautician came into view, Ava still on her hip. The two were carrying on a conversation in sign language, and he was sure his mouth hung open as he watched.

The woman's long dark hair was captivated in a pony tail, and a Yankee hat was firmly clamped down atop it. Her blue eyes twinkled animatedly, and her smile was so wide it nearly took over her face. He felt a crack in the ice around his heart for the first time since he'd laid eyes on his niece and nephew. No, he tramped down those feelings. He would not let another woman in. Not someone else to hurt him, never again.

"Thank you." he said when they finally approached.

Her smile widened, which seemed impossible to him, yet she handed over Ava. "Not a problem. I'm Charity Douglas by the way." She shook his empty hand in her tiny one.

"Alex Harper." he said, his voice sounding flat to his own ears.

Cole had since wrapped one arm around his leg, and stared up at the woman.

"Hiya Cole!" she exclaimed, crouching down before the shy little boy.

"Hi." said Cole, his voice sounding just as excited as his uncles.

"Well, I'm glad I could help. I'd better get back in there to my friends. Nice meeting you, Alex." she shone one more smile on them and then with a wave she was gone.

Immediately, Cole released his leg and reasserted his quiet independance. "Let's go." he called, taking off with short yet fast steps.

Following the boy, he bit his tongue to keep from yelling at him, and simply watched him like a hawk. He'd been trained for such things, hadn't he? Yes. There was no reason he couldn't let the little boy think he had his freedom, yet keep him in his care. He felt like he was being watched, but instead of finding the gaze of anyone, he kept his head down. Soon enough he could take the kids home, get them in bed, and pretend his heart never knew the difference. Until then, he was stuck trying to keep his eyes off of a certain beautician.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game.."

Chapter 3

The darkness still hovered around Charity's small shop, her dream come to life. Her own salon, the large windows were half frosted to give the shop a pretty appearance while allowing for privacy. The words "Yankee Style" were scrawled on the side in flowing blue writing. She smiled to herself as she pushed the key into the lock and walked inside, with the touch of a button track lighting flashed on all around the open space. The cherry wood floors gleamed beneath her feet, almost twinkling with excitement for a new day of work, like she was most days. Shrugging out of her sweater, she went to work cleaning for a bit before the rest of the staff came in.

Another smile tugged at her lips as she ran a damp cloth down the wall closest to her. Some of her friends had come in and air brushed the walls, so every wall looked like it had been graffitied. The bell rang above the door, and she spun to see who it was even though she knew already. "Morning, Mindy." she called, before abandoning the cloth into the laundry.

"Hey Chari, what's up?" Mindy smiled her usual greeting, and went to work mopping up the floor.

"Nothing, nothing at all." she replied, flipping through the appointment book casually as she carried on a conversation with one of her trusted employees.

Before long, the shop was flowing with customers, young and old alike. She smiled as one of her oldest and dearest clients walked through the door. Julie Thomas was a seventy year old woman with a bright smile and an equally bright personality. She seemed to buzz with energy, and today she brought along two tiny children. "Good morning!" she called with her usual pep.

"Morning, Julie, what can we do for you today?" she asked, standing behind the counter.

"Well, let's see, I watch these two youngsters here, and it's come to my attention that they need hair cuts. Their uncle has given me permission to bring em' in, and so that's just what I'm here for." she smiled down at the children.

The little boy simply nodded and popped a thumb in his mouth, warily gazing around the place, his eyes landing on Charity and holding her's.

The little girl seemed more Julie's style, she couldn't stand still. The hand Julie had firmly around hers was being used as a helpful guide to twirling like a ballerina.

"Well hello there." said Charity, crouching down to child level at the side of the desk.

"Hi." said the shy, wary little boy.

The little girl smiled, yet she said nothing only reguarded Charity with sparkling eyes before looking up at her babysitter. "What is her name?" she signed with chubby little hands.

Charity felt a tug in her heart for the little girl, without hesitating, she reached out a hand and touched the little girls shoulder, "I'm Charity." she signed slowly.

The girl's eyes brightened even more, "You sign?"

Charity nodded at the little bundle of energy.

"I'm Ava." she signed back.

A fresh sense of purpose grasped her heart, and she stood to her feet, "Well let's get moving then, shall we?" she said it aloud and signed it for Ava's benefit.

"This is Cole," explained Julie, for the shy boy who now scuffed the floor with a tiny sneaker.

"Hiya Cole." she said, lifting him into the chair.

His big brown eyes were solemn, and his mouth showed not a hint of a smile. This was one serious little boy, and he could be no older than five, she assumed.

"How about a hair cut, then a lollipop?" she asked, hoping to garner some sort of reaction from the boy.

"No lollipop." he said gruffly, his little arms folding before him.

"Okay, no lollipop." she agreed, and went on cutting.

Before long both children were finished, Julie paid Holly, the desk clerk and took off with a wave yelling Thank you behind them. The door closed behind the three, and Charity watched as they walked toward Julie's car. Something about those children was familiar, however she had no clue what it was. Shrugging it off, she went back to work, and to counting down the hours until the game.

--

Alex looked down at the freshly clean faces of his nephew and niece, Cole blinked up at him. "What?" he asked, glancing into the expectant faces.

"We want to come too." pleaded Ava, with both hands and a pout to back it up.

"No, I will not lug the two of you to Yankee Stadium." he said with firmness looking toward Miss Julie for help.

She clucked her tongue, "Don't bring me into this, young man."

He rolled his eyes involuntarily and looked back at the expectant faces, Ava's chocolate brown eyes sparkled with ready-to-cry tears. Cole's eyes seemed hollow still, and that nearly made him shudder. The boy was fearful of people in general, even more fearful of attachment. He didn't give hugs, nor did he smile, or say things Ava did all of the time. Like "I love you." Although, Alex himself didn't say it, so he couldn't really fault the kid for it. Could he? "Okay, as long as you promise to be on your best behavior." he sighed.

Ava pumped a fist in the air, while bringing her other hand to her chin to sign 'thank you.'

Cole simply nodded his head, and turned to grab his baseball glove.

Miss Julie caught his eye over the children's heads and smiled approvingly. He sighed, he could play major league baseball and not be phased. Or stand down a sniper at ten feet, but stand up to his niece and nephew. Never. That said something for his character, right? Some tough guy. He groaned, and grabbed his cap shoving it down on his head. Better get ready for the ride of his life.

The sun was slowly sliding down when the game started, Cole sat wide-eyed at his right, and Ava bounced happily in his lap. Alex could hear the twittering of the same group of people behind him, he found it odd five girls and one guy seeing games together? He perused them out of the corner of his eye, not a normal combination either. It seemed someone had grabbed a few people from here or there and plopped them down into seats beside each other in the Bronx. Yet, they seemed to be having the time of their lives.

Just as he was turning his gaze back to the field, Ava reached up and tapped him.

"What is it?" he signed, hoping she didn't need to use the facilities quite so soon.

She pointed a chubby finger at the girl in the middle of the group, laughing it up with her friends.

"Don't point, Ava Grace." he cautioned, pulling her finger down.

Cole straightened in his seat, locking stern eyes on Alex. "She sees our hair-cutter." he explained in tight words, that sounded more suited for a forty year old accountant than a four year old.

He looked at the woman Ava had been pointing too, she was the one destined to take a baseball in the face at the last game he'd seen. Shrugging off the coincidence, he faced forward. "That's very nice that your hair-cutter is a yankee fan." he put in, hoping it would ease the children.

Cole shrugged, "Real nice."

Ava shrugged imitating her brother, "Nice" she signed.

He cast another glance over his shoulder, funny that's just what he was thinking.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game.."

Chapter 2

Taking a deep breath, Charity smiled, "That was a great game, wasn't it?"

"Of course, any game they win is a great game." cracked Jazelle, smiling as well.

"What game?" Bethany stuffed her cowboy hat further down on her brow as she walked down the sidewalk ahead of them.

Behind her they all groaned.

"Really, is it necessary to bring her?" asked Lidia, gesturing to Bethany with a look of contempt on her face.

"Yes, she's my best friend..like a sister to me. Okay, so she doesn't know ANYTHING about baseball, but...she wants to come. So..here she is." Charity back peddled, hoping Lidia wouldn't further question Bethany's place in the group.

"Aw, come on girls, lighten up on Bethie." Andre chipped in a smile on his face as he strolled behind them.

"Yeah, she's really a nice kid...aside from the cowgirl hat in the Bronx!" exclaimed Jazelle, tugging the hat off of Bethany's head. With the breeze, she let her hand dangle the dark hat over the street filled with buzzing cars and lots of traffic.

"HEY! That's not even right!" fought Bethany, tugging on Jazelle's arm and rescuing her precious hat.

"Come on, Jazzi, be nice." called Keely.

"Nice? Nice isn't in her vocabulary." shot Andre.

"Shut up!" Jazelle called back.

"Make me!" he called back.

"I say BOTH of you should shut up, I'm getting a headache!" Lidia rolled her eyes and shot evil glares at them both.

Keely bit her lip to keep from laughing, but Charity couldn't help it. She bursted into laughter, "Sorry, but you all sound about eight years old." she said, hoping they didn't gang up on her. With that, Keely and Bethany joined in. Charity shrugged and kept laughing as finally the rest of them softened up and began laughing as well. "Where to now?" she asked finally, surveying the traffic speeding past them.

"My house?" Jazzi piped up, gesturing toward her street.

"Sounds good." said Keely.

"What sounds even better is some relaxation time, is it hot out here or is that just me?" asked Andre, fanning himself with his hand.

"Sure is, y'all I don't know if I can stand one more second of this heat." put in Bethany with a fake drawl.

"That has to stop. Immediately." decided Lidia, looking over at Bethany as they crossed the street.

Bethany bit her lip and looked around at them, her blue eyes worried.

"Oh she's just kidding." Andre was quick to pipe up.

"No! I'm not!" added Lidia, shooting a death glare at the wanna-be-cowgirl.

"Home at last!" shouted Charity over the fight hoping to get their attention and take away the tension between them.

"Yee-haw!" drawled Bethany.

"OYE VEY!" groaned Jazzi and Lidia in unison.

"Inside, all of ya'!" shouted Keely, herding them into Jazelle's house.

--

Harper let his bum leg drag behind him, uncaring of the stares and muffled laughs. Who cared anymore? He didn't. Deciding to walk to the stadium hadn't been the best decision he'd made in his life. Probably ranked second to joining the military instead of staying in pro-ball. Shrugging it off, he kept walking fighting off the temptation to sit for a while and rest.

Finally the end goal was in sight, the tall, red brick apartment building couldn't look any more welcoming. Walking up the stairs, he opened the heavy glass door and hobbled into the hall way. He slipped into the elevator and pressed the button for the second floor. With a ding the doors swooshed open, and he slid past them hobbling toward his apartment. "I'm home!" he called, closing the door behind him.

Before he'd even gotten the words out, two tiny bodies slammed into his legs. He smiled down at the two without a word, signing hello to them.

"Hiya!" exclaimed four year old Cole, a large smile spreading his face.

Two year old Ava tried to imitate her brother, yet hardly a sound escaped her tiny rosebud lips. A protective surge raced through his veins, and he knelt hugging the two to himself. He'd been taking care of his niece and nephew for most of Cole's young life, and all of Ava's. Apparently his sister hadn't turned out the best, he still refused to believe that she was beyond coming back to take care of her own children. Shrugging away from that course of thought mentally, he enjoyed the moment. "How was your day with Miss Julie?" he asked both in words and with his hands.

Ava nodded excitedly, pulling on his hand, while her more reserved older brother explained. "We played with some puppets she brought, and she gave us apples."

"Well that sounds like a good day." he put in setting a hand on Cole's slim shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess..." Cole's words trailed off as he got a far away look in his brown eyes.

The less than subdued Ava was again tugging at his hand, then she was racing across the room showing him with quick jerky movements the array of puppets that littered the living room floor. "And Miss Julie, let us make up stories.." she was signing, her hands moving quicker than she ever could.

"That's great baby." he signed, smiling at his little niece as she gloried in his attention.

"They were really good, Alex." said Miss Julie from her seat on the couch, she was smiling down at Ava. Miss Julie was an older woman who he'd met when he first moved into the apartment building with a year-old Cole. She'd been the nicest, kindest human being he'd ever met. Right away, she'd taken a liking to Cole, explaining that her own grandchildren lived far away. He'd known then that he'd be all right, and when Ava had come along a few years later, Miss Julie had been happy to take classes to learn ASL.

Smiling now, he patted the woman's wrinkled hand, "Thank you for caring for them, Miss Julie."

"Never a problem, I just love having them around Alex."

"Me too." he agreed, and went back to watching them. This was his family, and his life. Nothing else, no wanting for anything.

"Take me Out To the Ball Game..

This is a story mainly comprised of some of my best friends as characters. It's the beginning of my sports romance series..Let me know what you think!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game..

Chapter 1

Charity Douglas pulled her yankee cap down over her eyes to shield the sun, "Whatcha think of the new center fielder?" she asked the girls as she glanced out at him.

"Eh, he's okay, I suppose if you like them from 'the other side." commented her long-time friend Lidia.

"Other side or not, he's gonna' fill the gap we need." put in her sister Jazzelle as she slid past her to take her seat.

"What do you think, Beth?" asked Charity bending at the waist to view her friend who sat near the end of the row.

"What is it your talking about?" questioned the blonde beauty, peeking over the corner of her book.

"Baseball, you know, that game where they hit the round white thing with a big wooden bat? What we're watching?" Jazelle pleaded with Bethany to understand.

Bethany gave a non-chalant shrug, "Whatever, I'm here to see the guys, not that baseball stuff." She giggled and went back to reading.

"She's hopeless!" Lidia decided, throwing her hands up in the air.

Jazelle and Lidia went back to talking about the starting line up, but Charity couldn't help but let her eyes wander around the stadium. A feeling of glory and awe that was Yankee stadium swept into her body, the love of the game penetrating any annoyance. She loved everything about baseball, especially the New York Yankees. Sighing, she let her eyes wander again, however where they settled was no the field.

"Hey, check it out, new ticket holder." she hissed to the friends she'd long ago adopted as sisters.

"Oooh he's cute." Bethany nearly sprang from her chair.

"Shut up, do you want him to hear you?" called Lidia, her eyes rolling involuntarily.

"I think all of you should shut up, we come here to watch baseball not check out the men." Andre spun in his seat nearly upending his soda.

"You start checking out men and we'll have a problem." interjected Jazelle, her smile mischievous as she crossed her arms and glanced toward second base.

"Back! With snacks!" Keely moved to take the seat next to Bethany, and passed a bucket of popcorn down. "What's going on? Anything?"

"Nothing more than all of them squaking about some new guy.." Andre muttered turning around.

"Hey, that guy looks familiar.." Bethany called from her seat, pointing a finger at Andre.

"You're kidding?!" Lidia rolled her eyes again.

"No, I'm not..who is he?" asked Bethany, her blue eyes wide as she stared.

"Will you all shut up, it's starting!" exclaimed Charity, on the edge of her seat.

The announcer's voice cackled through the speaker system, and everyone rose to their feet for the national anthem. The flag cracked sharply in the breeze as every eye fixated on the striped symbol of the nation. Her heart felt ready to burst as she took a deep breath when the song ended. "Here we go!" she called, sitting back in her chair. Her eyes were automatically locked on third base.

"She's gone to A-rod land already.." Lidia shook her head in dismay.

"Hey, she's got the right, this is HIS turf." Jazelle laughed, pointing toward third base.

"Again I say, SHUT UP! My word, you'd think we came here to man hunt." Andre turned around.

"We didn't?" Bethany asked, dropping her book.

"NO!" they answered in unison.

Keely patted Bethany's shoulder, "It's okay, Beth, they still like you. Their just trying to watch the game."

"Okay.." Bethany's voice cut off as a foul ball was cracked their way.

"I got it!" cheered Charity, jumping up from her seat, glove poised.

However, the thud of the baseball in a glove, was not her glove.

"There you are ma'am." said a rough voice, a tall man dropped the baseball into her glove and hobbled back to his seat a few rows in front of them.

"What in the world was that?" she asked her friends, looking down at her glove.

"I believe that is a baseball, sister dear." answered Jazelle with a smile on her face as she watched the man retreat to his seat.

"I think she meant him." pointed Lidia, smiling.

"He is cute!" exclaimed Keely, elbowing Bethany.

Andre growled trying to sound ferocious as he turned around.

Charity couldn't help but feel annoyed with the man. Since when did she need saving from a baseball? Did the man think she was totally incompetant? She felt like growling as well or going down there and straightening him out.

Groaning, she crossed her arms and focused on the game. No, she would not make a spectacle of herself, nor would she miss A-rod's at bats.
--
Alexander Harper stood in the seventh inning stretch, and did just that. He inhaled, taking deep breaths of the stadium air. It was nice to be back, even better to feel okay about it. He looked down at his bum leg and frowned, okay so maybe he wasn't feeling okay about it. Saving that poor girl from that foul ball had been nice, it almost felt like reliving the glory days. He glanced back at her and her full row of friends now, their laughter and talking was so animated he almost wished...NO! He would not let himself hope for friends again.

"Harper? That you?" asked a familiar voice from beside him.

"Hey Andrews, what's crackin'?" he tried to pull on his best fake of his old personality for his old team mate.

"Nothing but my bones, old man, nothing but bones." Andrews chuckled, and pulled him into a haphazard hug. "You ever meet my family?" he asked, gesturing to the people to his left.

"Uh..no I don't think I have."

"This is my wife, Tricia, and our kids Stacy and Pete." Andrews smiled like he couldn't stop, and Harper could hardly blame him. The smiles the three of them showered on Peter Andrews could hardly be described as anything but pure love.

Something deep inside of him ached for that, yet he simply extended his hand, "Alexander Harper."

"Nice to meet you finally." Tricia smiled at him,her green eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Your Alex Harper? You played with my dad!" little Pete, who seemed no older than six beamed up at him.

"Sure did." he said, trying to sound like he was enjoying the trip back to the glory days.

"Well looks like their getting back to it, good to see you again man. Call sometime." Pete slapped a business card into his hand and he and his family back-tracked toward their seats once more.

He breathed deep, "Oh yeah, take me out to the ball game sure had a nice ring to it before all of this."

"Pinned By Love"

Chapter 2, Part 2

Karena tugged a shirt over her head and glanced at her reflection in the mirror on her dresser. Would this be good enough for a wrestling match? Shrugging one shoulder, she grabbed a tube of lipstick off of the dresser and applied it to her lips. Nodding, she ran a brush through her shoulder length hair, she was ready to go. Just as she grabbed her purse and tossed the strap over her shoulder, her son bounced into the room like a jumping bean.

"Let's hit the road, Mom! We're gonna be late!" he exclaimed, tugging on her hand with both of his.

"Okay, okay, calm down Gabe, let me shut the lights off at least." she smiled down at her over excited son as she turned off her bedroom light.

"Hurry! If we miss it tonight that's it!" her dramatic son ranted, casting a sad look on her with his big blue eyes.

Finally they were walking toward the car, or more exactly she was being dragged. Her son had gone from excited to overjoyed. Thankfully, she got him roped into his seat belt. Sliding into the driver's seat, she looked at his huge smile in the rearview mirror. Without further delay, she started the car and started toward the arena. It was a good thing Bryant Everett had done, inviting her son and herself to the arena to watch him wrestle. Not many stars did such things, she knew that as her childhood idol had ignored all of her fan mail. Where Bryant Everett had taken the time to send passes and a letter to Gabe. Smiling herself now, she settled in for the five minute ride to the arena.

The parking lot was packed with cars, people stretched from the doors all the way around the building. Karena looked down at her crest-fallen son, and squeezed his hand in encouragement. With a few steps they came to the end of the line, and Gabe seemed hardly able to contain his growing anticipation.

The excited mumble of the crowd grew louder as the doors opened, and the line dwindled as they found their seats. A man directed Karena and Gabe to seats close to the ring, and her son exclaimed excitedly when he saw how close they were.

"Man, I'll be able to touch him!"

"Right, keep your hands in your lap, Gabriel. No touching anyone, respect personal space." she said calmly, rubbing her son's back.

It wasn't long before the lights were dimming and the sound equiptment was put to use with loud music. Karena found herself keeping a tight rein on her son's hand as she viewed the many people milling about. However, when all of the action began, everyone was in their seat and playing the captive audience. Cheering and hollering to beat the band, she couldn't see what they found so invigorating about the violence, but her son's eyes twinkled with mirth. But, that hardly competed with the moment her son's favorite wrestler began stalking into the ring. Bryant "The Beast" Everett, was tall, one of the tallest men she'd ever seen in her life. At nearly seven feet tall, he towered over his opponent. Dark hair, the color of the darkest midnight hung down to his shoulders. A days growth of beard gave him the rough appearance she supposed a beast would need.

Her son joined in with the cheering, hooting, and hollering. Yet, she found herself enthralled with the man her son hero-worshipped. Shrugging, she settled into the seat beside her son and found herself equally excited to be here for the first time that night.

"Requested Story...Still unnamed.."

Chapter 2, Part 2

Sawyer frowned at Gianna Oakley's back, as he watched her ascend the stairs into his mother's apartment building. What was wrong with her? Sure city women were snippy, but was she the queen of them or what? Shrugging it off, he clicked to his horse and turned around toward town hoping to let him cool down a bit before the long ride back to the ranch. Soon, he was near the general store, so he hopped down from White Lightening's back, and tied his reins onto the post. "Be back in a bit, Lightening." he said to the horse, who nodded as if he understood.

Dust kicked up around him as he walked up the pathway to the general store, the bell clanged as he opened the door. Everything was normal, and yet why did it suddenly feel different? It had only been a ride, a simple ride around the town. Nothing unnatural. It seemed he could feel the breeze through the hole in his heart, it was one he knew only God could fill. However, he was in no hurry to run back to the God who did nothing but sit back and watch him suffer.

"Did you all see the new woman in town?" asked Hank, a hired hand from the Gillbert's ranch.

Another hand let out a whistle, "Sure is a perty little thing." he commented, tipping his hat.

Lana, the owner of the store shook her head and tut-tutted them. "Her name is Gianna Oakley, comes from New York. I hear she got plump tired of the big city, and it's ways. Startin' over here, and Sawyer was takin' her on a tour of the town just a little.."

"Bit ago." he finished, nodding to Lana, as if thanking her for sharing his business with virtually the whole town. Once one person knew, it was inevitable. The gossip vine ran thick through their little community. It was one of those given things.

"What's she like?" asked Steve, his blue eyes glistening as he looked from the apartment building in the distance back to Sawyer.

"Like any other city lady, bitter yet pretty as a peach, I suppose." was his clipped retort as he grabbed an apple and a bottle of water. With one hand he slapped down the money to pay for the two items. "Have a good day now, y'all." he drawled, walking out without another word. He didn't support gossip, especially when it included him. His ears burned with what he knew was their talk about him. However,did he care? Not much. He had a ranch to get back to, now that he knew Mom's friend wasn't close to her age, he most definitely wouldn't be taking her anywhere again. Especially when only a few hours with her had him feeling so empty and washed up that he looked toward the sky. Shaking his head, he looked at White Lightening who seemed to feel everything he felt. The horse neighed appropriately. "Let's get home, WL." he stated, untying the reins and climbing back up into the saddle. Things were far too complicated in town, he'd much rather stay on the ranch where it was just him, his land, and the animals.

"Pinned by Love"

Chapter 2, Part 1

Gabriel watched his mother walk inside from the cold, with a bunch of letters in her hands.

"Gabe, there's something here for you." she said, a smile on her face.

He felt his heart do a dance, he loved getting mail! "Thank you!" he cheered, latching onto his mother's knees. His friends always complained about not getting any letters, he'd tried once or twice to write them letters, but it took too long! He'd definitely rather be playing with his cars, dinosaurs or watching wrestling.

Quickly, he opened the envelope, two long skinny pieces of paper fell out of the envelope. A letter, that was in some sort of weird handwriting, and two pieces of paper covered in slippery stuff. Frowning, he examined the contents of the envelope one by one. He noticed some letters, and tried to put together the big words to make sense of the letter but he couldn't. "Mama?" he asked, standing and running into the kitchen where she sat at the big table reading her own letters.

"What is it Gabe?" she asked, turning her chair to see him.

He handed her the letter, "Too many big words."

Mama took the letter into her soft, warm hands, her smile turned to a frown and then tears started to drip down her cheeks.

"Mama! Mama! What's wrong? Is those big words bad?" he asked, tugging on her shirt.

"Are..and no, baby. These big words are good. This is a letter from Bryant Everett, saying you and I have two free tickets to his next match. As well as two backstage passes." she smiled as she wiped away her own tears.

Tears? He danced around the kitchen with a happy feeling in his heart. HE was going to see Bryant Everett! He had no idea what backstage was, but it sounded pretty good as long as Bryant Everett would be there. "When can we go, Mama? When?" he asked finally, hoping she'd say tomorrow.

"Where are the tickets?" she asked, her smile widening as he did his dance.

"In there!" he yipped, running into the living room at full speed and landing on his knees on the wood floor. With both hands he scooped up the envelope, tickets and what he supposed were backstage passes. As fast as lightening, he zipped back into the kitchen colliding with the refridgerator in his haste. With a laugh he fell back on his bottom and bounced right back up onto his feet. "Here, here, here!" he chanted, handing the tickets to her.

"These are open ended tickets." she explained as she read the tickets.

"Mama, big words, I don't understand big words." he complained, frowning at her.

"Sorry, that means we can go whenever he has a match and we can go." she smiled at him, "Let me check the calendar and Mr. Everett's and then we'll plan it. Is that a date?"

"A date? But..you're my Mooooom!"

She chuckled, poking at his belly, "And don't you think of any other dates for a long time, buster."

"The name is Gabriel!" he called over his shoulder as he left her to her letters again. But he just couldn't wait to get to school tomorrow to tell all of his classmates that HE was going to see Bryan Everett. In real life! Doing a jump kick in the air he yipped again. This was way too exciting!

"Daddy's Girl-The epilogue"

Epilogue

Years Later..

Eva Daniels donned her cap and gown and smiled at her mother, "Well this is it."

Her mother sniffled, dabbing her eyes with the corner of a handkerchief and nodded. "My baby is graduating highschool!"

Her father chuckled, wrapping an arm around her mother's waist, "Ah, it's okay, she's doing just fine. Look at her, and you have to make it through this graduation you've got five more to attend." With a wink, he led both of them to the car.

"When do I graduate?" asked her twelve year old sister, Elizabeth.

"Like thirty years if you keep failing grades." quipped her eight year old brother, Michael.

"The Daniels Family Van is pulling out!" shouted her father and the five year old twins, Jared and Kyle came running.

"One minute I almost forgot!" her mother announced, hopping out of the front seat and dragging Eva along with her.

"Hurry up, we'll be late!" Michael informed them.

"Oh you can't read a book, but you can tell time?" Elizabeth poked her younger brother.

"Shut up!" he shouted.

"All of you be quiet and get buckled." her father said decisively.

"Where are we going?" asked Eva finally, as her mother dragged her through their maze of a house.

"I needed to give you this, before you graduated. I promised your Dad I would when you were just a tiny baby. Now, it's time to give it to you." with a nod, her mother opened the door to Eva's bedroom.

"My bedroom? I already know everything thats in here. Is this a joke?" she quirked an eyebrow at her mother who shook her head back and forth and went straight for the corner.

"This, this is it." she nodded now, curls moving up and down with her head as she reached around the large old chest and grabbed a key. "This was the first gift I ever gave you, but it's been set aside for you until now." With a twist of the key, the old rusty lock groaned and opened. Inside, lay pictures, lots of white tulle and who knew what on the bottom. "Most of this was Elizabeth's, your first mother's."

"Oh thank you!" she exclaimed hugging her mother tightly, her first mother had died soon after child birth. According to the tale both of her parents were fond of telling, while taking care of her they'd fallen in love. Two years later they'd married, and now here they were. A family.

"I figured, before you knew where you were going in life, you'd need to know where you'd been." with a smile, and more tears her mother hugged her back.

"A cry fest, so that's why we're going to be late?" her father asked from the door.

"Yes, a cry fest do you have a problem with that?" quipped her mother, standing and ushering her father into the hug as well.

"Of course I have a problem with that, I wasn't invited!"

The three broke into laughter, and Eva treasured it all in her heart. She was and forever would be, Daddy's girl.


The End

"Daddy's Girl"

I figured, since there was such a good response to the story, and since I've already completed the story I'll finish this one today.




Chapter 10, Part 2

Grayson held Raeanne in his arms, for how long he had no idea, but when her mother happened to walk up the stairs he grudgingly released her.

"My, my aren't you two cozy?" asked Janice with a wink.

"Um...I suppose." he answered, feeling the heat of embarrassment rush to his neck.

Raeanne's green eyes were wide, and rimmed in red from her tears, however she'd never looked better to him. "Thanks for ruining the moment, Mom." she quipped, laughing merrily.

"Anytime, that's my job." Janice winked again and took off in the direction she'd come. Most likely gone to find her husband and report the sightings.

"So where do we go from here?" asked Raeanne, her eyes sparkling with merriment and trust as she looked up at him.

"Well, I was thinking downstairs to combat the verbal assault that's on its way. Then possibly to pick up Eva from her play pen along side the couch. Maybe some dinner after that?" he grinned at her and extended a hand.

"Sure thing."

Together they descended the steps, and ended up having a long conversation with Rae's parents. With both hands, he picked up the babbling Eva from her playpen.

"We'll be back later!" called Raeanne as she closed the front door behind them.

"Well that was fun." he commented strapping Eva into her carseat.

"Oh, talking to Mom and Dad is the tip of the ice berg, just you wait and see how much fun Raeanne McGinty can be." she stuck her tongue out and got into the front seat.

"I'm beginning to think this might not have been the best idea." he prodded back as he got into his seat.

"Oh you'll see alright, Mr. Daniels." her big green eyes took in the sight of him, full smile fixated on him. Eva babbled from the backseat. Once more he felt like the strongest, most capable man on earth, and it was beginning to feel good.

He threw his head back and laughed, and with a touch of the gas they were off toward their happily ever after.

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 10, Part 1


Raeanne paced the floor of her bedroom at her parents house. "How could I be such an idiot?!" she demanded of herself pointedly asking her image in the mirror. "He would never have known. Never." Tears coursed tiny trails down her cheeks, and she groaned at the sign of weakness. No, no, no! This was all wrong. She would not give in to the temptation of liking a man again, she'd promised herself that after Evan. After losing her son, it had become quite apparent that she could do nothing on her own or with help for that matter. Throwing her hands up carelessly now, she kept on pacing.
A sharp knock rattled the door, "Rae?" the soft voice belonged to Grayson.
"Go away." she said, her voice brooking no argument.
"I'm not going away until we talk." he shot back, for being a boring business man she had to give it to him. He did that well, that inflection in his voice that said 'you cannot make me move.' He had all of the makings of a great father. Too bad...No! She would not allow herself to take the bunny trails off the main road here.
"Well then I suppose you'll be here for a long while, did you pack a suitcase?" she asked, relying on her sarcasm to get her through slamming her hearts door again.
"I'm beginning to think I should have." he answered, though there was no humor in his voice.
Break down and he'll leave, she decided groaning against her own thoughts. Tears streamed faster now, and she wished that she'd stayed away in the first place. Left that first day after the funeral, but no she had to see Eva. Had to stick her nose into Gray and Eva's lives. Had to get attached! "Fine, Grayson, what do you want?" she asked finally, sliding to sit on the floor in front of the door.
"I want to know if what you said is true, Rae." she couldn't hear the pity in his voice, much as she hated to admit it. He didn't seem to be pitying her.
"Of course it's true, fine Grayson you asked for it. I love you, alright? Is that better? Now you can leave. Thanks for stopping by." with the words out of her mouth she broke down, tears flying in all directions and heaving sobs wracked her body.
"I'm not leaving, let me in Raeanne. Please?" he twisted the door knob, but she pressed hard against the door.
"No." she said among sobs and sniffles.
"Not just in there, let me in, into your life Raeanne. I want to be part of it, the truth is...I love you too. I don't know where it came from or how it happened.." his words were one jumbled mess but they were the greatest thing she'd ever heard.
With abandon, she rose and flung the door open. "You mean it?" she asked, feeling like an idiot as she wiped her puffy red eyes.
He nodded and opened his arms, "I mean it."
--

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 9, Part 2

Grayson grabbed the phone, then set it down again. Growling to himself as he realized that was the fifteenth time that had happened tonight. What an idiot! He berated himself. Whining from upstairs in the nursery had him forgetting his own stupidity and the phone. "Daddy's coming." he called, his heart in his throat as he looked at that precious growing baby in her crib.

Her wide green eyes blinked up at him, and she cooed. He was grinning like an idiot, and feeling like the strongest man on earth. What was it about his daughter that could make him forget all of his troubles? Even that spit-fire of a sister-in-law who invaded his thoughts more than usual as of late. Eva kicked her feet and waved her hands around as her little face scrunched up in a pout as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Okay, okay, let's see here." Lifting her out of the crib, he set her on the changing table wishing for the thousanth time that disposable diapers disposed of themselves! Shrugging that thought off for a day he felt like an inventor, he grabbed a new diaper and applied it like a pro. His mother-in-law had been helping with a lot of the tiny things he hadn't known. Looking at his watch, he headed down stairs with her and set up a bottle to warm. Rocking her back and forth soothingly, he smiled down at her. "It's all going to be okay, you know that, Eva?"

Her tears stopped, and she cooed again. His smile widened as she looked up at him as if he alone could save the world. He was in awe and wonder once more, but his awe was silenced by a knock at the door. Turning off the stove, he walked over to the door and opened it.

"Hi Gray, Hey Eva." Raeanne stood on the doorstep looking like sunshine and rainbows mixed into one.

"Hey Rae." he answered, stepping back to let her in.

"What are you two up to?" she asked, looking down at Eva taking time to greet her, then she glanced up at him.

The air caught in his throat and he began choking, like an idiot.

"Are you okay?" she asked, taking Eva and patting him on the back.

He nodded twice to let her know, but she kept her hand there moving it in soothing circles. "I'm fine." he answered in a breathless voice.

"Don't sound fine." she answered, her fire every inch back in her.

Shrugging it off, he walked back into the kitchen and retrieved Eva's cooled bottle. Handing it to Rae, he turned his attention to the dishes. He wouldn't think about the fire mixed with compassion and who knows what else in her eyes. Or the way she was singing softly to his daughter, making their house feel so much like a home again. No, he wouldn't think of any of that. He'd think on how fortunate his daughter was to have an aunt who loved her. How fortunate his deceased wife had been with her family so close and forgiving, and how he had no right to intrude.

"Don't think like that." came a soft voice from behind him, that had him stopping in his tracks.

"Oh man..did I say that aloud?" he asked, groaning and smacking himself in the forehead.

"We don't just stick around for Eva, Grayson. We love you too." her eyes locked with his and the fire he'd been thinking on earlier seemed to spark between them. "I love you." she whispered. Then her mouth became a great big O, same as her eyes, and she shoved Eva back into his arms. "I've got to go!" she exclaimed as she ran backward out the door, and all too soon he heard her car's motor racing.

He still stood in the kitchen in the same spot, stunned into silence. She loved him? He looked down at Eva, who was sleeping now, and should be put in her crib. However, his feet felt cemented to the floor. What now?

Requested Story

Chapter 2, Part 1

Gianna gazed around the tiny town, "That's it?" she asked, hopeful that he was hiding something up his sleeve. Anything. They'd ridden to the end of the road, she'd glimpsed several farms, lots of tiny shops, and the town square-which is where she lived.

He shrugged, "Everything but Hartford Ranch."

"Can I see that?" she questioned. A ranch would be nice, wouldn't it? She was sick of city living, and had seen plenty of ranches in movies and television shows. She just loved westerns.

"Sure, I suppose. Hartford Ranch belongs to myself, and mother of course." he said, she could hear the pride in his words.

He loved his ranch, his job, and his horse. Whom he'd mentioned had been an eighteenth birthday present from his deceased father. She liked sitting on a horse, could get used to it, she was sure.

They'd been riding a long time before they came to a large sign which read, "Hartford Ranch" in what looked like rope. She smiled, exactly as she'd expected! As they rode up the dirt road, she glimpsed the acres of land he kept, and a large ranch style house painted a bright white. "It's beautiful." she breathed.

"And all mine, more importantly." he said cockily.

She glanced at the back of his head, noting this about the man. He wasn't a very personable man, he snapped a lot. When Mrs. Hartford had said she had a son who'd be happy to show Gianna around, she'd hardly thought the man would be this snippy. Obviously he didn't take after his mother, who seemed an angel on earth. "Thank God for that, right?" she asked, monitoring his reaction.

"No, I thank my father for that. He started this place, I keep it up. My father and myself. There is no God, Miss Oakley, or haven't you been informed of that?" he climbed down off of the horse and his eyes held malice.

She swallowed hard, "Oh." was the only response she could come up with.

"Exactly. Now, let's show you around so I can take you back to Mom's, shall we?" he extended his hand to help her down.

"No, no, I think I've seen quite enough, Mr. Hartford. I'd rather go home now." she thought back to the tall building which seemed lovingly decorated. The bright, God-fearing woman who lent her smile and her hand without a question asked. She looked at that woman's son, cynical, sarcastic, and cocky. Sure he was handsome, but was that a filler for arrogance? No.

"Home?"

"Back to the apartment building, I mean. Can't go back to the city." just as she heard her words out loud, she wished she hadn't said them.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked as he climbed back into the sadle and turned the horse back the way they'd come.

"Nothing, just..the city is so busy, loud, and crazy. I'm glad for a change of pace and scenery." she hedged, hoping God would forgive her for lying to the Hartfords, and whomever else she had to.

"I've been to the city a few times, I know what you mean. It's better here in G...well you know, the country."

The air crackled with something she didn't know what, but it wasn't her normal silence. Goodness knew, she knew silence! Better than she knew herself. The rest of the ride was taken in silence, and when the apartments came into view she felt like getting down on her knees and worshipping God. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Hartford. Goodbye." she said as she climbed down off the horse with as much respect as she could muster. Walking inside, she vowed not to look back at him or his horse. Just her luck, the first man she saw that was her age, was a bad one. Just her luck!

--

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 9, Part 1

Raeanne watched as Grayson and Eva drove away, after the hugging and crying fest had ended. A smile pasted to her face, she closed the door and locked it. Her mother walked up behind her, laying a hand on her shoulder and offering a cup of hot chocolate. "Thank you." she whispered, before taking a seat in the now darkened living room. Her father had gone up to his study before Gray had left, so they were alone. Her heart feeling lighter than ever she sat staring at her mother in the silence of the room.

"I can't believe you waited this long to tell me, baby." said her mother, sitting on the chair beside her's and laying a hand on Rae's.

"It wasn't something I was proud of, Mama." she replied, feeling all of ten years old again.

"No, but you can tell me anything. You know that, Raeanne."

"I never felt that way, about the bad things. I may as well confess as long as we're confessing." she whispered into the dark, her heart feeling tight again as she let the secret she held closest to her heart.

Her mother turned so fast her cocoa lapped at the edges of her world's greatest mom mug. "What do you mean, Rae Rae?"

"I mean..I've always felt less than Lizzy. She was always smarter, prettier, well behaved, your golden child. She was an on-earth angel, my sister was. She had a good job, a loving husband, a beautiful baby on the way. Even dead I can't compare to her." she looked away from her mother now as she set her cocoa on the end table to dry the coming tears.

With one hand, her mother grabbed her hand and turned her toward her. "You listen here Raeanne. Those may have been the things you've been feeling, but their definitely far from the truth, baby. You are just as special, beautiful, smart, and behaved as your sister ever was. You have a successful art career, and your work is so beautiful. You've always been a free spirit, and sometimes that has gotten you into trouble, yes. But that doesn't mean your father and I are any less proud of you, or love you any less." her mother said it with such a confidence, that it sounded as if the truth had poured out of her mother's mouth.

Tears were spilling everywhere, from her mother's eyes from her own, so many that it made her laugh. "Look at me, I'm a mess!" she exclaimed, wiping at her eyes.

Her mother chuckled, "I know, you should have warned me that tonight would be a cry-fest. I would have stocked up on tissues."

She wrapped her arms around her mom, "I love you mama."

"I love you too,baby. No more secrets, okay?" she asked, pulling away to look Rae in the eyes.

Nodding, Rae wiped her eyes and stared into her mother's. "No more secrets."

--

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 8, Part 2

Raeanne arrived at her parents house, out of breath but still a smile held her face captive. She could hear Gray's footfalls from around the corner. Her heart beat faster, but surely that was just from the race from Gray's house to home. Nodding, she walked up the stairs on legs that felt like jelly, and opened the door. On the couch sat her parents watching an old western movie, Eva was asleep in her play pen. Smiling, she walked in and kissed first her mother then her father on the cheek and took a seat across from them.

"Hello to you too." said a shocked looking mom, as she looked toward the door to see Grayson stumbling in.

"What were you two up to?" asked her father, his eyes centered on her.

"We ran over, literally." she quipped, smiling at her dad.

Her parents exchanged a look that said, What is going on here?

"I'll tell you what's going on." she said finally, reaching over and turning off the television.

Both of their eyes widened, and Grayson dragged a chair over from the dining room table.

"Must be something big if you're both in on it." said her mother, a twinkle in her eye thinking most likely that it was something good.

Yet for the first time in her life, Rae didn't feel ashamed of her past. It was just that, her past. "Actually, Mom, Dad, this has nothing to do with Grayson, he stumbled into some things of Lizzy's. This is about my past. I couldn't tell you before, I made Lizzy keep it a secret. I lied to you, hid from you, and cheated Lizzy out of an honest relationship with you. For that I am deeply, deeply sorry. My past is already forgiven by God, but I came tonight to ask for your forgiveness." she began, taking a deep fortifying breath and looking over at Grayson for some help.

He nodded and mouthed, You can do it.

Nodding back, she looked at her open-mouthed,waiting parents. "I was pregnant, while I was in college. When I found out, I panicked and Lizzy helped me. She supported me financially, she visited me, and made sure I was all right. Lizzy was the best. However, Evan was a still born. It broke my heart, and he's buried here. In the same cemetary as Lizzy." Tears began to well again, in the memory and now the freedom she felt with the secret of years off of her chest.

Her mother was the first to respond, she got up off the couch, tears running down her cheeks and pulled her into a hug. Sighing in the comfort of her mother's arms, she let the tears flow. Her father was next, and he joined them, wrapping his arms around them in something of a group hug. All three of them in tears, they pulled away. Grayson flashed her a thumbs up, and wiped his eyes. She smiled at him, "And thank you, Grayson." she whispered.

He nodded, "Anytime."