"Take Me Out..Period."

Chapter 6

Bethanie looked over at T.C. as she sat on the horse he'd saddled for her. The breeze blew past his ranch home, through the large trees, and she could feel herself drifting back to strong, sweet memories of country living.

"You okay?" he asked, a concerned look pasted on his handsome face as he rode to her side.

"Perfect." she smiled at him, watching as the concerned look drifted away.

"You are." winking, he took off on horseback leaving her in the dust.

"HEY! Come back here!" she shouted, clicking to the horse and going after him.

The scenery passed in a blurr as she focused in on T.C., and she realized that somehow that was more than a thought about the here and now. It was almost as if that's what her life was coming to. Shaking her head, she frowned. Hadn't she promised herself no commitments? No commitments meant no broken heart, it meant no breaking up or divorce. The sky above was a brilliant blue, with puffy clouds that resembled cotton candy. It was as if God, is His infinite wisdom and mercy was telling her to trust.

T.C. came to a stop in front of her, and turned to face her, "You keep up well."

"Thanks, I know." smiling at him, she took off her cowboy hat and swatted it against her leg. "This is fun."

"I love it." he smiled as well.

Jumping off the horse, he came to her side and helped her down as well before leading her to the hill nearest the river. Together they sat on the overhang, looking down at the river below and then up toward the sky where the sun was beginning its descent. Bethanie breathed deep of the fresh air and focused her attention on the man beside her. "What's your dream, T.C?"

"My dream?" he looked stunned as he took his hat off and lay it beside him.

"Yes, you know something you aspire toward."

Sitting back with his weight resting on his hands, T.C. moved his eyes heavenward as he thought. Bethanie couldn't help but smile at the way thoughtfulness wrinkled his nose just a bit, his eyebrows hung low over his eyes. Every inch cowboy, and both eyes placed exactly where they should be. On God.

"To raise my daughters correctly." he finally uttered.

Something inside of her lept at the mention of his daughters, they were simply adorable. She smiled at him, "Their adorable you know."

"Yes, I know, they take after their mother." he winked, before his eyes probed deeper into her's, "So what are your dreams, Bethanie?"

Somehow she didn't see that turning around on her, but instead of getting flustered she thought, really thought. "To find the man God pre-destined for me, and to be happy with him for as long as I live." The words simply seemed to flow out of her mouth into the empty space between them, and she realized it was true. That was her dream.

"You believe in God?"

The words shook her to the core, and she couldn't help staring at T.C. His eyes were hollow as he stared back, her heart seemed to cease its beating as she looked at him. What had she done? He didn't believe in God? "You don't?" she stuttered still staring in shock.

"I did once, not anymore. I'm sorry Beth."

"Not as sorry as I am..." she whispered, standing to her feet. "I think I'm going to head home...hope you don't mind me cutting out early."

"Oh no, go right ahead.."

--

T.C. watched Bethanie pull away in her truck, and he felt his heart being emptied of all hope for any future with the woman. He shouldn't have bursted her bubble so quickly, really he should have went along with the God thing. However, his honor didn't allow him to lie, even by omission. Shrugging, he walked back toward the house. Immediately, Shiloh raced into his arms hugging him tightly. "Hi baby."

"Daddy! Daddy! Where's Miss Bethie?" her brown eyes sought her beloved teacher.

"She had to go home early.." he said quickly, hoping that would pacify his daughter.

"Oh." her big eyes fringed in full, dark lashes pinned his, "Story, Daddy?"

"Yes, let's read a story. Where's Shadow?" Taking his daughter's hand in his he let her lead him toward their bedroom where Shadow sat quietly playing with toys. "Ready to read a book, Shadow?"

Her head bobbed up and down as she tossed the blocks she'd been playing with out of the way.

Quickly, he sat on the floor, pulling Shiloh onto one leg and Shadow onto the other. With a hand, he grasped their favorite book from beside him, and he began to read. Half way through the book, he looked down at the toddlers in his lap and smiled. Both had fallen asleep against him. Sighing, T.C. set the book down on the shelf and scooped up both girls.

"Their getting so big." his mother whispered from the doorway.

He nodded, "I know, I can hardly believe how big they are now. Remember how tiny they were when we first brought them home?" Casting a glance toward the pictures on the wall, he let his mind wander back to that time.

His mother chuckled, "I remember you thinking they'd break if you did anything wrong."

"I still think that sometimes." he whispered, as he touched Shadow's cheek softly.

His mother nodded, "Me too, son, me too."

Following her into the kitchen, he sat in one of the chairs at the table. "Even after twenty seven years, you still think you can mess up?"

Vivian James chuckled, "It's quite possible to still mess up, Tucker."

"Thanks for the encouragement." he muttered with a grin toward his mother.

"Anytime, baby, anytime." pressing a kiss to his forehead, she walked toward her bedroom.

Still possible to mess things up, even after all those years? Was that true?

"Take Me Out...Period."

Chapter 5

The aroma of french vanilla and coffee enticed Bethanie's nose as she walked through the door of the coffee shop in search of Jazzelle. The woman had taken up to one table at the coffee shop where she had all sorts of file folders with her. Beth was sure that her friend had become quite the matchmaker because of those very folders, and the time she concentrated on them. Affixing a smile to her face, Beth walked toward Jazzelle. "Evening, Jazzi."

"Hey Bethie, what are you up to?" she smiled as she began putting away her folders.

"Just came to talk, hope you didn't have much planned..."

"Nope, not at all, take a seat. Just don't get in my view of that table over there." Jazzi indicated the table with a nod of her head.

"That one?" asked Beth, turning in her seat to see the people at the table, wondering why Jazzi wanted to keep an eye on them.

"Don't stare openly, Bethanie Dylia!" she hissed.

The man at the table waved a bit, and Bethanie watched Jazzi nearly crawl under the table. Interesting. A smile tugged at the sides of her lips, someone had a crush.

"So what's going on with you and T.C.?" asked Jazzi finally.

"Way to change the subject, but things are going no where. He has such a HUGE ego Jaz, you wouldn't believe it. I actually embarrassed myself totally in front of him, and he said 'don't worry about it I'm used to it.' Can you believe him?"

Shaking her head, Jazzi sipped her tea as she stared at Bethanie. "He is a good looking man, Beth. Give him a chance."

"A chance? Guys like that have no place in my life, Jazzelle Michaela."

Jazzi's green eyes widened, and she smiled, "Well, I suppose you two will just have to encounter each other more. It's really not a big problem, there are tons of men who would be perfectly happy to have you like them, Bethie. You're adorable."

"Right, right, adorable..in the meantime..who IS THAT?" she asked, gesturing toward the man who'd waved as he now paid for his bill at the register.

"One of Mike's friends friends...he's cute isn't he?" Jazzi's cheeks were stained a vivid pink.

"Sure is..I think someone has a crush." she smiled at her friend, and then waved the man over when he'd finished paying. "Hey."

Jazzi's eyes were about to pop out of her head, "Bethanie Dylia Halloway!" she hissed, sliding down in her seat.

"Hello ladies." he smiled brightly as he stood before their table.

"Hello. What's your name?" Bethanie asked automatically, as she glanced over her shoulder to see Jazzelle nearly under the table.

Just as he was about to answer, the door opened to the coffee shop and in walked the tallest man she'd ever seen. T.C. James stood in the door way looking around with a purpose it seemed. "There you are!" he called out, walking over to their table.

Bethanie felt her eyes get round as saucers, "Looking for me?" she asked over a stuttering tongue.

He nodded quickly, "Your friend called me...I'm sorry for the way I sounded. I'd really like to talk over a cup of coffee if you'd be okay with that."

She shot Jazzi a look, Jazzi nodded vigorously.

"Um..sure." she muttered, standing and letting him guide her to a table. One day she might thank Jazzelle for this, but today she felt like strangling her.

--

T.C. looked across the table at Bethanie Halloway. After a long day of dealing with children, she still looked every bit as beautiful as she had that first day he'd met her. He was seriously inept when it came to women, especially pretty ones. "I'm so sorry, Bethanie, I have a hard time talking to women. Especially pretty ones, such as yourself."

Apparently that surprised Bethanie, she sat back in her seat, "Really?"

"Really." he smiled, she was cute.

"I've had a pretty hard time keeping my wits about me around you too." she smiled, yet her cheeks were turning more pink by the second.

"Well we've got something in common then."

"Yeah, I guess so." her blue eyes probed his, and he couldn't help the breathless feeling that stole at his lungs. What was it about this woman that was so different from others?

"Before we go any further in the conversation, let me tell you what happened to my wife, please. I hate that you've thought I would give a second thought to cheating on my wife." he sighed, watching her nod, and felt the emotions in his heart bubble to the surface. "Juliette and I were married for only a few years, two to be exact, when we found out she was pregnant. Boy, were we ecstatic! We bought a crib, and all of the necessary baby items. Then not to long after that, we found out that she was pregnant with twins. Even better in our eyes. More to love. Right? However, she died during childbirth from complications. I've never dealt with a more severe pain in my life. My mom moved in to help raise them, and that's how it's been ever since."

"That's horrible..I'm so sorry,T.C." Bethanie wiped her eyes as she stared across at him, and slid her hand over his in a gesture of comfort.

"I've still not totally gotten used to being without her, but I'd never go behind her back and see other women. You've got to believe that. I'm just now seeing another woman I'd be interested in." he pinned her eyes with his hoping she'd get the hint.

"Are you saying that you'd like to get to know me? Or am I hearing things?" her blue eyes were wide.

He nodded, "Sure would, lil' lady." he tipped his hat.

She laughed, "Sounds good to me."

"Sounds even better to me." he grinned, turning his hand to catch hers.

Jazzelle smiled and gave him a thumbs up from across the room as she scampered out of the coffee shop. The man she'd been talking to on her heels.

"Take Me Out...Period."

Chapter 4


Bethanie Halloway stood as tall as her five foot, four inch frame would allow. Today was opening day and she was proud of her success, now if only the clock would tick the minutes by faster. Sighing, she glared at the time piece on the wall once more, it was only eight o'clock.
"Staring isn't going to make it go any quicker." commented Liv from behind her.
"No kidding, Sherlock." she smirked at her friend and looked around for a convenient place to sit. A chair caught her eye and she sat. "Better?"
"Much." added Stacie, an aid who's smile seemed to brighten the room.
"Can you stop smiling for one minute?" grouched Janine who was obviously not a morning person.
"I'd stop smiling if you'd start." Stacie sing-songed as she handed a mug full of freshly brewed coffee to Janine.
"Never mind that, look who's coming up the walk way, Mr. Drop-dead-gorgeous-and-taken!" pointed Liv, as she stared out the window with her mouth hanging open.
"Let me see this man for myself!" called Stacie, pushing Liv out of the way. Janine crowded in behind the two.
"Have you all no shame?" shouted Bethanie as she grasped the door handle, "Remember, we're adults. Act like adults."
"Yes Mother." they chorused.
"Shut up!" she groaned as she opened the door.
"But I didn't say anything, darlin'." drawled T.C. as he stood in the door way with a grin that melted her knee caps into mush.
"Not you, I was talking to my....well never mind that.." she rushed out, hoping she didn't sound again like a complete idiot. "Who do we have here?"
As she crouched down to their level, one of the girls pushed her sister forward and hid behind her both of her chubby little hands clenched her father's leg. The other girl stood with her arms folded staring wide-eyed at Bethanie. "Hiya." she smiled brightly.
"Hello, I'm Miss Bethanie, what's your name?" she asked the child.
"Shiloh Grace." the child beamed with accomplishment.
"It's very nice to meet you, Shiloh. Who do we have here?" asked Bethanie, peeking behind Shiloh to wave to her sister.
"Shadow, but she's a bit shy I'm afraid." muttered T.C. trying to extract himself from the child's hold on his leg.
Staring up into T.C's coffee brown eyes she could hardly help but smile and nod, because she knew darn right well nothing intelligent was coming out of her lips. She could focus on nothing else but the man in front of her from boot clad feet, to legs encased in denim, past his white t-shirt right up to his cowboy hat.
"How about you all come inside?" asked Liv from behind her.
"Oh yes..inside.." she groaned, standing to her feet.
"Don't drool so much, we'll need to hire a cleaning service." Janine hissed in her ear.
"I'm not drooling over that man!" she shouted.
All time seemed to stand still as she realized what she'd said aloud. Groaning again, she buried her head in her hands to hide the pink stains that now reached her cheeks. The room was suddenly to cramped, too warm, and nothing absolutely nothing to fix the blunder she'd just created. Without glancing right or left, she took off toward the back entrance hoping to find some kind of reprieve from the torture that was her life. Leave it to her to open her mouth and create a catastrophe.
Just as she sat on the bench outside the doors of the day care, a voice echoed in the hall behind her.
"Bethanie?" the voice was much too deep for any of the women at the daycare.
"Go away, please." she whispered as she heard the door close behind him. She trained her eyes on the tree line hoping this was all some bizarre nightmare. Or maybe there was a hole big enough to hide her from the embarrassment back there..who knew?
"Don't be embarrassed, Bethanie. It's perfectly normal for women to be falling all over time."
The breath seemed to be gone from her lungs, turning toward him she made a sound of disgust. "Well aren't you full of yourself! A married man taking pride in women falling all over him. Lovely. How proud your wife must be."
"That didn't come out right.." he sighed, taking his hat off and batting it against his leg.
"Well, I think I've heard about enough, Mr. James. We'll see you later when you come to pick up the girls."
--
Bethanie brushed past him, and T.C. turned on his heel. Oh well, no big loss. Another woman who'd decided not to listen to him, saw what was on the outside and took off. In his opinion, if they took off then sianara, it wasn't his fault. He'd go on with his life like he always did. Depending on himself, after all, he was the only one he could count on. The door slammed in his face as she practically ran to get away from him, blonde hair flying behind her. Shaking his head, he opened the door and walked inside.
Shiloh and Shadow clutched each other's hands as they cautiously took in their surroundings.
"Toys." whispered Shiloh, pointing with her free hand.
"Go on babies, play nice." he smiled at his daughters, pressing a kiss to the top of each of their heads.
A whimpering sound came from Shadow, as she looked up at him with big, round eyes full of tears.
"Daddy?" asked Shiloh, as if communicating for her sister.
"I'll be back after work, I'll tell Patches hi for you both." he smiled at them, though inside his heart was breaking. Both of his daughters looked at him as if he'd never come back for them and it dawned on him that this was the first time he'd ever left them with someone other than family. Tears burned at his eyes as Shadow clung tighter to her twin. Shiloh's eyes glistened as well, yet she bit her lip. "Buh-bye, babies." he whispered.
Quickly, he got to his feet and walked toward the door hoping he'd make it outside before the tears took over. "I'll be back by noon." he ground out to the woman at the desk, not particularly caring to know who was watching him right now. He needed to get to work before he lost it.
Climbing into the truck, he looked back at the daycare and sighed. He could hear Shadow's whimpering from his seat in the truck. Shaking his head he remembered that the people who worked in the daycare were in fact trained professionals. They could handle Shadow. He needed to work.
--
Jazzelle smiled as she walked into the daycare that afternoon, Bethanie was walking around with a tiny child in her arms and a few more at her feet. "How are things going?" she called over the sound of children playing.
"Great!" she answered with a satisfactory smile, yet deep in her blue eyes Jazzi caught a hint of something else.
"What's wrong?" she asked finally, although she knew Beth wouldn't answer with all of the kids around and her staff only a stones throw away.
"Can we talk later?"
"You know my door is always open."
Bethanie nodded her head, looking down at the girl who now slept in her arms. "Thanks for stopping by Jazzi."
"Anytime." winking at her friend, she turned tail and walked out the door hoping Bethanie would make good on her words and come talk it out. She was known to have some of the girls over into all hours of the night just talking. Mentally she noted that she needed more chocolate before a girls session. Whistling, she jumped into the car and took off toward the store.

"Take Me Out..Period"

Chapter 3


"Am I late?" Bethanie called to her friends, moving past them to reclaim her seat beside Charity.
"No, no, you're just on time." said Lidia, leaning against Altan as Bethanie scooted past them.
"I knew I'd make it." she huffed as she took her seat.
"Just in time to check out the ring." smiled Charity, extending her hand toward her friend.
"Wow...wish I were so lucky."
"You will be!" called Jazzi, a mischievous smile on her face.
Sitting back in her seat, she shook her head, nothing like a baseball game with her friends and a full day of Jazzi's nose in her business. The field was full of crisp green grass, and light sand in the base line. Sighing, she tried not to picture T.C. James or his wedding ring.
"Whats wrong?" asked Charity in a whisper from beside her.
"Nothing." she sighed again, trying to avoiding her friend's eyes.
"I'm not buying that answer, come for a walk with me."
Before the second inning had even begun, she found herself strolling the corridor behind the stands with her best friend. They walked in silence for a while, until Charity gave her a pointed look that said 'spill.' So, she did.
"I think I've met someone..I always do, you know that. As soon as things start going well, and I run into him somewhere beside the rodeo. He's got kids! Which means, he's married. I can't get past this. Why would he smile at me like that if he were married." her heart readily came pouring out of her lips as her friend stood beside her smiling. "Why are you smiling?" she demanded.
"Because, Beth, don't you see where I'm at with a man who has children?" she held out a hand and showed her ring. "You never know when someone is divorced, widowed or even adopted a child or two. I'd give him a chance until you know for sure."
It was as if a light turned on inside her head, he didn't have to be married. She'd have to wait and see what happened. Leave it to Charity to bring out the truth in a situation so easily, when she'd battled with it for nearly a week. "Thanks, Char."
Together they walked back to their seats, Jazzi smiled and winked at her. She knew exactly what was going on, that sneak. Shaking her head, she vowed to try her best to see past exteriors, but if Jazzi thought she was going to mess in her life without getting something in return she'd see.
--
Blowing out a deep breath, T.C. walked through the front door carrying the acceptance letter for daycare in his hand. "I'm home."
"Daddy!" two sets of tiny feet reached his before he could take another step.
A smile tugged at his lips as he lifted both toddlers off their feet and into his arms. "How are Daddy's girls?"
"They've been good." his mother's voice came from the door, yet she didn't stay long. He could hear her dragging footsteps going toward her bedroom.
He sighed, and sat in a chair at the kitchen table pulling both girls closer.
"Down." commanded Shiloh, her brown eyes twinkling with mischief.
Shadow nodded her agreement.
Frowning, he watched as they toddled away from him toward their toy room. Shadow wouldn't speak, she was very much what her name led to believed. Her sister's shadow. Worried about that, and a list of other things, he laid his head in the palms of his hands and sighed. Things weren't the same since Juliette had passed away. They hadn't gotten any better. The letter in his hands scraped at his face, so he raised his head and stared down at it. Shiloh and Shadow were accepted into the daycare. Bethanie Halloway's daycare, none the less. One thing on top of the other, that was how it went in T.C. James' life. Now he was left with telling his mother that they were going to daycare.
Knocking softly on her bedroom door, he waited for her answer.
"Come in."
Turning the door knob, he walked inside the room feeling the tightness in his chest as he watched her try to make it across the room without her cane. Quickly, he moved himself to her side, helping her to steady herself and getting her onto the bed. "Mama...the girls are going to be going to daycare next week." he said finally.
"I know, baby."
"You know?"
He watched her face soften as she smiled at him and patted his cheek, "I've known for quite some time you were wrestling with what to do for your girls. They need more care than I can give them, darling, we both know that."
He nodded sadly, he knew she was right. However, it hurt him just as much to take the girls away from their main caregiver for most of the day.
"We'll still have time together, Tucker."
"I know, Mama." he hugged her gently.
"I'm not made of glass, Tucker Callum, you can hug me tighter than that."
Chuckling, he hugged her tighter, "I love you Mama."
"DADDYYY!" Shiloh screeched from the next room.
His mother joined in with his chuckling, and he stood quickly, "Be right back." Taking large steps into the hallway, he ran toward the next room," What's wrong Shi?"
"Daddy, Shadow won't give me that doll!" the little girl cried, bottom lip trembling as she pointed to her sister accusingly.
"Shadow, share with your sister." he said softly, sitting between them.
Shadow shook her head back and forth, disapproving of what his daughter obviously thought was a suggestion.
"Shadow Leigh James." he warned, staring into his daughter's eyes.
With a dramatic sigh, the tiny girl plopped the doll into her sisters hands.
"Thank you."
"Denk' you." said Shiloh with a satisfied grin.
"Both of you share, bed time in a half hour." he kissed each of their cheeks producing giggles from both of them. With a smile he walked back toward his mother's bedroom, things were changing, but some things never did.

"Take Me Out..Period."

Chapter 2


The sign was finally placed in front of the kid-friendly building, Bethanie sighed in relief and happiness. Her dream come true stood before her, well minus the hunky cowboy, but that would be remedied soon enough. Bright colored blocks spelled out "Sweet Blessings Daycare Center," on the new sign.
"It looks great." called one of the new teacher's she'd hired, Liv Johansen was just as excited as she was about getting the sign up. Because it meant they were one step closer to opening.
"I know, I can't wait!" she squealed, staring up appreciatively at the building. "We just need students and we'll be set."
"Did you call in the ad to the paper?" asked Liv, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight.
Bethanie nodded her head, "Sure did. I just can't wait open house should go over without a hitch."
"Without a doubt!" said Janine, another teacher she'd lined up for the daycare, "We're ready for anything."
"Well ladies, I'm done for today, I'll be back bright and early on Monday to prepare for the open house. See you all then." grabbing her briefcase from the front steps, she walked toward her truck and climbed in. With a wave to her friends, she took off toward Jazzi's house anticipating the meeting of their little group of friends.
"I'm here, I'm here no need to wait any longer. The best thing since horseback riding has arrived." she smiled her easy going smile as she burst through the front door.
"Hey Beth!" called Charity, making a beeline for her best friend from across the room.
"Hey yourself, lil' lady." she tipped the cowboy hat she'd donned on the ride over.
"Oh please!" commented Lidia from across the room.
"Alright, alright, where is Keely?" asked Jazzi, immediately playing peacemaker between the core group of friends.
"Probably making out with Blaze, somewhere or other." chuckled Lidia.
"If I had a guy, that's what I'd be doing." added Bethanie, wistfully twisting a strand of blonde hair around her finger.
"It won't be long before Jazzi has you near married off." said Charity, patting her back.
Bethanie shrugged, doubting the validity of that claim, but nonetheless, best to pity her friends. "So where are these chips I've heard so much about?"
--
T.C. ducked into the tiny building he supposed was child-sized for a reason. It'd been one of the hardest decisions to make to take the care of his twins away from his mother and put them in daycare. But, as they were about to turn two in a few months, they were becoming more mobile. Poor Mama couldn't keep up with her quickly aging body. When he'd left the house in search of the "Sweet Blessings Daycare Center," his mom had been in tears. Breaking the news to her was even harder than the decision, staring into space wasn't a good sign.
"Hello, sir, welcome to Sweet Blessings Daycare Center." said a tiny blonde he recognized, yet he had no idea from where.
"Hello...do I know you?" he asked finally, it was incredible how much she looked like...
"I'm Bethanie Halloway." she replied, her blue eyes sparkled mischievously.
Finally, he placed her. Add a cowboy hat, some tight jeans and a tee shirt that proclaimed "Blondes Have More Fun," and you had the newest addition to the Rodeo Fan Club. "T.C. James, but you know that. I'm here to see about getting my daughters enrolled for the new season."
Her smile died on her lips, he could tell she'd just lost all interest in him. Kids. It was what he read in every young woman's eyes as he proudly displayed his twin daughters pictures. The wedding ring he'd stopped wearing last year got him in trouble. Women either stopped being interested because they were sure he was married, or they assumed he was divorced. Too much baggage for most women.
"Well, that's wonderful, see Liv over there for some paperwork. I'm sure I'll see you around, Mr. James." she nodded politely, adding a smile almost as an after thought.
"Yes, yes, see you around." sighing, he walked off toward the direction she'd pointed him in and grabbed up the forms from the polite woman behind the table.
After a full day of touring the tiny building he figured a pretty nice place for kids, he filled out the forms. What could it hurt to have such caring people looking after his children, even if the one in charge of it all disturbed him a bit. Seeing her made his world tilt off it's axis, and that was not good.

"Take Me Out..Period"

Chapter 1


Bethanie Halloway smiled as she climbed out of her big Chevy truck and nearly skipped her way to the seats her friends had already set out. Another rodeo, another chance to see the one man wonder who'd so captured her attention last time. T.C. James. She saw him in her dreams every night since then, and she was sure this would cure her. Holding back a squeal, she watched as he walked over toward her friends, would she get to meet him this time?

"Hello ladies." his voice echoed from where he stood, deep and full of a thick down south accent. Dark eyes honed in on her friends, hair covered by a pure white cowboy hat. He was all that was good and right in the world rolled into one, or so it seemed to her. Skin the color of milk chocolate, broken only by the bright white of his teeth.

She slowed her pace, and wiped her mouth to be sure she wasn't drooling on herself. Then, she took a few more steps toward her friends.

"Beth! Hey Beth, c'mon over here!" yelled Dana, silencing T.C. for a moment with a finger.

"Hey." she called, trying to be as non-chalant as she could.

"Beth, this is T.C. James, T.C. my good friend, Bethanie Halloway." Dana introduced, brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

T.C. tipped his hat, and winked at her, "So nice to meet you, lil' lady."

Eyes widening by the minute, she nearly stumbled back into her friends, graceful, perfect, Beth. "Thanks."

With a confused look, T.C. held up a hand to Dana and Sarah before walking back to his horse.

"What was that?" asked Sarah, shoving her playfully.

"I just said 'thanks' didn't I?" Groaning, she sat back in a seat they'd set out for her. "I'm such an idiot!" Burying her head in her hands, she listened as he was announced as the next rider.

"Oh, don't worry, T.C. is used to women falling all over him. I'm sure of it." giggled Dana.

"I'm awful! Just awful!" she moaned.

"Oh shut up." said Sarah, shoving her again.

She really was awful. Sighing, she sat back in her seat and watched the rest of the rodeo quietly. So much for making a good impression on the handsome cowboy.

--

T.C. James couldn't get over the blonde beauty who now tagged along with the group he had long ago named, "The Rodeo Riders Fan Club." They usually ended up everywhere the rodeo went, only to watch the men and drool. Nice women, hilarious to talk to, even funnier to date. Sighing, he boarded his horse for the night and tromped toward his house. He could see his mother's outline in the window, hear her singing echo in the night.

"Evenin' Mama." he called, as he walked inside.

"Hey, baby." she smiled her usual smile and went back to crocheting the afghan she always worked on. The woman liked to work with her hands, she was always doing something.

"How is it going tonight?" he asked, hoping she'd give him a good answer.

"The babies are down for the night." came her answer, as she finished off another row in her afghan.

"Both of them?"

Beginning to walk toward their room, he smiled as he noted she was right. Tiptoeing into the room, he leaned over one crib and pressed a kiss to Shiloh's forehead. Within a few feet he'd made it to Shadow's crib, and pressed yet another kiss to her identical forehead. Twins. It still brought tears to his eyes when he looked at their precious little faces and remembered their mother. Juliette would've been twenty-five today. His throat clogged, as he stepped out from between the cribs and clasped the framed picture in his hands.

"Tucker?" his mother's voice beckoned him from the door.

"Yeah?" he asked, putting the picture down on the dresser.

"Are you alright?" she whispered, coming to his side and hugging him gently.

"I'll be okay, Mama." was his answer as he helped her out of the room, and closed the door partially.

"If you need anything, you know where to find me!" she called, walking slowly and unevenly toward her bedroom.

He sighed, protectiveness tight in his chest. Once more he was left alone to be the man of the house, and somehow he didn't like the decisions he was being made to make. "You're gonna' hafta' help me out." he said to what he hoped was God up above. He wasn't quite so sure anymore though. Not since Juliette had been taken away from her newborn babies, or since Mama had had a stroke that left her near paralyzed on one side, not with his little girls having to grow up without a mother. Too many things worked against him for there to be a God. At least, that was what he was convinced of.

--

Jazzi set down the folder, and sipped her tea. Everything was working exactly according to schedule. Now, only one more to go after this match took place. Andre. Shrugging and going back to the folders she held, she began to search again. This couldn't be brain science..could it?

"1,2,3 Strikes You're Out."

Chapter 10

Keely wrapped her arms around her waist, as if by doing that she could hold herself together for a few more minutes. She'd nearly run away from him, and he'd been telling the truth. The truth. It was a new concept to her, no more strikes. Could she give her heart over to him once and for all? Her heart echoed its reply, thumping against her rib cage in appreciation of the man who sat wide-eyed on her couch. "I'm sorry." she said finally, taking in his eyes that got even wider.

"Sorry? For what?"

"For just assuming you'd taken up with another girl, for running, for..." her mouth seemed to be stuck on it's on switch.

Blaze slipped a finger over her lips, "Forget about it, all I want is you saying that we can work this out. I can't live without you Keely."

Tears burned the back of her eyes as she stared into his eyes so full of the love he conveyed, "You're serious?" she whispered, her voice barely audible to even her own ears.

"I'm completely serious. I love you Keely, I'm not leaving again, not unless you make me."

Her heart danced it's own happy jig as she wished she could, instead she stepped into his waiting arms. "I love you, I don't ever want you to leave." The complete love she'd felt for him settled deep in her heart, hurt ebbing away slowly as he rubbed her back. The reassurance of his trust comforted her like a cup of cocoa after a long snow storm. Things would be getting better, she knew it.

"So what now?" asked Blaze, gently pulling her away from him to look into her eyes.

She smiled, "Baseball?"

He grimaced, "I guess so."

--

Blaze sat beside Keely at the game, the ring burning its imprint in his mind as it sat in his pocket. Slowly, as to not alert the people on either side of them, he leaned closer to her and whispered, "What about the ring?"

Her eyes widened beneath her baseball cap, "What do you mean, what about it?" she hissed.

"I want you to have it back, I want our arrangement back." he smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled it out again.

A smile stretched her face, "Sounds good to me, I missed this ring."

Slowly, he slid the ring back onto her finger, stopping at her words. "You missed the ring, not the man attached to it?"

Laughing, she poked him in the side, "I missed the man attached to it more than life itself."

"Awww." came the chorus from Charity and Lidia.

"Shut up." he hissed to them as he finished putting the ring on her finger.

Laughter rang up from their section, and he realized he was part of this. Thanks to Keely, there were no more outs in his life. Forever.

--

Jazzelle pulled the binoculars from her eyes and handed them to Andre, "It worked, it really worked."

"Of course it worked, Jazzi, you are the matchmaker extraordinare." came his reply as he rolled his eyes.

"Don't give me any of that..your turn is soon enough, Mr. Grumpy."

"What about me, Jazzi?" asked Bethanie from her other side.

"Oh don't worry, dear, you're sooner than you think." she smiled pulling her yankee cap down over her eyes.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" Bethanie's blue eyes were wide.

"Oh, you'll see, you'll see."

"Take me out to the ball game" began to blast in the speaker system, and a knee wedged in her back began to drive her crazy. Turning quick, she spied Mike and Rachel behind her.

"Hey you two!" she smiled at them, before taking in Rachel's mysterious friend on the other side of Mike.

"Hey Jazzi, you got a minute? I want to introduce you to my friend.." Rachel's voice began.

Shaking her head, she stood and raced out of the row of seats, "No time to stop, got to get something to...drink yeah, that's right, drink." Ducking into the corridor, she took off toward the soda stand in the middle of the hallway. No, she wouldn't be going to any ball games with a man for a long time, that was for sure. She was waiting for the best, and the best was yet to come. She was sure of that.

In the meantime, she was ready to move onto her next victim. Bethanie Halloway.


The End, hope you enjoyed. Please stick around for the next story: "Take Me Out..Period."

"1,2,3 Strikes You're Out."

Chapter 9

Air. She needed air, and quickly. Hyperventilating beside Jazzelle wasn't the funnest thing to do ever, but it had its strong points. Like the fact that she was into the whole medical thing. In the blink of an eye, the car was pulled to the side of the road and she was instructing Keely on how to breathe. As if she didn't know already, rolling her eyes she focused on her friend as her breathing slowly returned to normal.

"Are you okay?" Jazzi asked from her seat as she turned toward her.

"Do I look okay? No. I'm not okay, Jazzi. I just knew something like this would happen, I knew it." shaking her head, Keely fidgeted with some papers on the seat. She wouldn't cry here. Wouldn't.

"How about we stop off at the store get ourselves a chocolate supply, run home and watch sappy movies?" inquired Jazzelle, her heart was in the right place obviously.

"No, I really just want to be alone. Thanks for the offer though, Jazzi."

Jazzi nodded, and drove toward home. Keely could hardly wait to get home and contemplate on her life without him, yet again. She didn't have the stuff to stick around for strike four. No, she'd move, change her name, anything for him not to be able to get to her hurting heart again.

Finally, the car stopped in front of her house, no longer did it give her a feeling of happiness to look at it. It was one more thing keeping her heart on the line, he knew where she lived. Sighing, she looked at Jazzi, "I'll be moving to the other side of town..I don't want him knowing where. Do you understand?"

Jazzi nodded, "I wouldn't give out that information without your permission." Reaching over, Jazzi hugged her, "Be good, call me if you need anything. You know where I'm at."

Keely nodded, "Thanks for being there and here."

Without another glance back, she hopped out of the car and walked toward her building. Sighing, she slid the key into the lock and walked inside. Exhaustion clung heavier than sadness, cuddling up on the couch, she fell fast asleep.

--

Blaze could kick himself, here he was still standing where Keely had left him, holding her ring in his hands, and crying like a baby. What could he do to get her back? This wasn't like the first times where he'd given up because he couldn't commit to her. No, he loved this lady and he wasn't going to quit and back down now.

"What's going on, Blazey-baby?" called Emma from the doorway.

"Leave." he barked, clutching the ring closer.

"But Blaze..." her big brown eyes welled with tears as she clung to him.

"Don't 'but Blaze' me. I have a woman to get back, if you'll excuse me." hopping in his truck, he sped off toward Keely's house ring still in hand. He had to do something. He just had to.

Every scene possible played through his head, including the one he'd just lived through. How could he have known she would have come in just then? Why had she shown up? Sighing, he worried his bottom lip, this was not good. Not at all. He couldn't get her out of his head, and she wanted to be the farthest from him she could be.

Her apartment was dark, yet he knew she'd be there. Turning off the truck, he walked to the door and knocked twice. "Keely?"

Nothing.

"Keely, I'm not leaving until you open this door." he called, waiting for her to answer the door.

"Go away, I'm not opening the door." she yelled back, he could envision her red, puffy eyes boring holes through the door.

"Well then I'll come in. Back away from the door."

"I'm not backing away from the door." she added stubbornly.

Grumbling under his breath he backed away from the door, "I'm serious, Keely, back up." Giving her adequate time to back away, he ran for the door kicking it in. He smiled, "I told you I was coming in one way or another, we need to talk."

She didn't give him the pleasure of lending her ear, no she was already half way to the bedroom. He wondered if this was some sort of test from God or something, possibly. Having the woman he loved ignore him, run away as if he was a stalker.

"I don't want to talk, Blaze. I want you to go away. For good."

The words rent his heart further, he sighed, "Please, Keely, hear me out."

"No."

"I'm not seeing Emma, I promise." he called, hoping she'd listen anyway.

"Right, and I'm the only woman you'd ever see for the rest of your life. Or that's what you want me to believe. I wasn't born yesterday, Blaze."

He could hear the window slipping open in her bedroom, sighing he moved backward again kicking in the door. "This could get really tiring, Keely. Fast." Grabbing her arm, he hauled her toward him, "Please believe me, baby, I'd never do that to you."

Jerking away, she shoved against him, "Don't touch me, go home Blaze. You aren't welcome here any longer."

Stepping away from her, he tried once more to get her to listen, but she turned her back. Sighing, he began walking toward the opening where the front door had stood.

"Alright, you take a seat. Keely, get in here!" Jazzi was walking in the front door hauling Emma behind her, by the hair.

Keely rounded the corner, "Jazzi what...What is SHE doing here?"

"Sit." Jazzi commanded, pointing toward the couch with her free hand.

"Yes, yes, fine." Keely sat as far away from him as possible on the lone couch.

"Tell her." Keely's friend told Emma.

"Blaze didn't want me there, I showed up. I still love him, I...missed him. Couldn't keep my hands off of him. I still had a key. I'm so sorry, Keely." the woman's brown eyes held contempt not repentance, but Blaze was smart enough not to point this out. He simply bit his lip and waited for Keely's reaction.

"Good enough, now Jazzi get her out of here." Keely commanded, standing to her feet and stalking before him like a caged tiger.

Jazzi nodded, and tugged Emma out the door with her.

"We need to talk.."

"I agree." he waited, what was coming next, he didn't know.

"1,2,3 Strikes You're Out"

Chapter 8

The party had come to life when Alex and Charity walked through the doors, Charity's mouth dropped open when she viewed all of her friends and family gathered in the hall. Then in the same bubbly manner that was uniquely her's, she showed off her ring. Keely smiled at Blaze, his arm was wrapped around her waist. For once in her life she felt part of someone else, something else. Her heart could get no fuller. Charity worked her way toward them and hugged each of them, thanking them for coming.

After the entourage had passed them, Blaze turned her toward a table where they sat before someone else could intercept them.

"This is fun." she smiled at him from across the table.

"Yeah, it is." he agreed, reaching for her hand. "What do you say we try something like they are sometime?"

His casual question caused her to nearly choke on the sip of water she'd taken. "What?"

"You know, a ring, a wedding, love, the whole deal..." his voice trailed off, yet a hint of his smile showed on his face.

Brain racing, Keely stared at the man across the table from her. Was he serious? The glint in his eye and smile affixed to his face, as if permanently, told her her answer. "Are you asking what I think you're asking?" she hissed, leaning in closer.

Smile widening, he bridged the gap between them with a kiss, "I am asking exactly what you think I'm asking."

His hand still in her's, he tugged her to her feet and guided her back out to the gazebo away from the crowd. She could feel her heart thudding against her rib cage, and goose flesh rose on her arms. Was he that in love with her? Was this finally the time he'd settle down and not leave her..forever? Forever was a very long time.

"I wanted to wait a while longer to do this, but seeing your eyes light up in there..." reaching into his pocket, Blaze pulled out a red velvet covered box. With one hand, he flipped it open and presented it to her.

Tears began to stream down her face, he really wanted to be with her forever. Heart now bursting with the love he'd presented practically at her feet, she surged to those feet and hugged him tight. "I love it." she whispered.

"Just it?" his eyes twinkled merrily as he teased her.

"I love you, Blaze, more than anything."

"I love you too, Keely."

The words only served to make her insides quiver with delight as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

--

Blaze didn't think his smile could get any wider, he'd dropped Keely off at home and started toward his house. Yet, still the smile remained. His face hurt from smiling, literally. She'd said yes and accepted the ring. He could dance. Man, could life get any sweeter?

Pulling up in front of his house, he turned off the truck and climbed out of it. Sighing happily, he slid the key into the lock and opened the door. The dim lights of his home comforted him, and he wasted no time in getting comfortable on the couch.

The lights flickered on, nearly blinding him, "Thought you'd never get home, sweetie." came a soft voice from the doorway of his kitchen.

"Who are you?" he asked, sitting straight up.

"Oh silly, you know who I am." the woman came out of the shadow and sat in his lap, bringing with her the scent of lavendar perfume.

"Emma."

Giggles of recognition filled the room as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, "So happy you remembered."

"How could I forget.." his voice trailed off, then his mind flashed a picture of Keely the last time he'd disappointed her. "Emma, I can't..."

"Can't what?"

The door creaked open revealing two wide-eyed women, Jazzelle unconciously slid an arm around Keely. "Come on, let's get out of here." she hissed, tugging Keely along with her.

Blaze stood, letting Emma fall where she may, and ran toward the door. "Keely, Jazzi, come back, I can explain." he called.

Keely turned on her heel, tugging the ring from her finger and tossing it at his chest, eyes blue fire. "Nothing to explain, three strikes you're out, Blaze. I've had it. Goodbye."

"Please, Keely, no." he whispered, grabbing for her hand.

She ripped her hand away from his and began stomping toward the car once more.

"Jazzi, talk to her?" pleading with her friend to go on his behalf, he couldn't lose her, he couldn't. Not again, and certainly not for good.

"I doubt anything I can say would help. Bye Blaze."

He watched as the car sped toward it's target, Keely's home. Where she'd most likely hide away, drowning her sorrows in bowls of ice cream and tissues. His heart nearly broke as he cradled her ring in his hands. He had to get her back, there was no such thing as an out in the game of love. Was there?

"1,2,3 Strikes You're Out!"

Chapter 7

Her eyes fluttered open, and Keely looked around noting that she was in her living room. Must've fallen asleep on the couch last night. Rubbing her eyes, she winced at the pain from crying so much the night before. Well, not again. Sitting up, she frowned at Blaze who was asleep where she'd just gotten up. When had he come over? Finally, she remembered the knock at the door at four in the morning, of looking out the window and seeing him standing there, arms open. Sighing, she tugged him into a sleeping position and covered him with the blanket he must've covered her with. "What a sweetheart." she whispered in the silence of her home as she pressed a kiss to his forehead. He had come in the early morning, on nothing but pure instinct.

Standing, she walked to the kitchen and began to make coffee and breakfast. Everything was just finishing when she heard footsteps in the hallway. Turning toward the door to smile at him and wish him a good morning, her breath caught in her throat. Hair tousseled, eyes sleepy he stood in the doorway.

"Good Morning." he smiled as if he knew what he did to her.

"Morning." her word came out as a whoosh of breath, her eyes were wide as she took in each of his movements. Commanding her brain to work correctly, she set a plate down on the table for him.

"Thanks Keely." sitting, he retrieved the fork she'd already set out and began to eat.

Her heart jumped back into beat as she stared at his bent head. Something was seriously wrong with her, maybe she needed a doctor. Taking the seat across from Blaze, she set her own plate in front of her. "Did you sleep okay?" she asked finally, not daring to look up at him.

"I slept great, thanks. How about you?"

She could feel the heat of his gaze on her, yet she kept her eyes downcast, "Never better."

"Great...Keely?" his voice was different than usual, he had a question.

Her heart began to dance again, "Yes?" She looked up at him, big mistake. Face now flushed she sat before him feeling all of six with a school girl crush.

"You're so beautiful, did you know that?" he reached across the table and took her hand in his.

The blush deepened causing her to turn red as the table cloth beneath their plates, "Thank you.."

"I mean it." his voice was a whisper, so intimate it snaked across her spine causing gooseflesh to rise on her arms.

The phone rang from its place on the wall, and she jumped, "Sorry, I should get that." With an apologetic sigh, she got up from her chair and retrieved the phone. "Hello."

"Hey, where are you? You're supposed to help me set up today." hissed Jazzelle's voice.

"Oh my, what time is it?" she questioned.

Blaze offered his watch to her showing the time was well past breakfast time, the time she was supposed to be at the hall helping to prepare for Charity's engagement party.

"Two o'clock!" insisted an irritated sounding Jazzelle.

"I'm so sorry, Jazzi, I'll be there right away." hanging up the phone she looked over at Blaze who was already clearing their plates from the table.

"You've got to go?" his eyes showed his sadness, while his voice was even and held no emotion.

"Yes, I'm so sorry. I forgot all about volunteering to help Jazzi with Charity's engagement party." she hugged him quickly, before taking off toward her bedroom to get ready to go.

A knock on her bedroom door startled her, "I'm going to get going, Keely. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay." she called back falling back, breathless on her bed. She didn't know whether to hate Jazzi for calling or thank her immensely. What was she going to do?

--

"He spent the night?!" Jazzi nearly came up off the seat, her smile was faltering as she stared down her friend. What was going on with the two of them?

"Not really, well he did, but nothing happened. You know better, Jazzi." Keely's smile was still ever-present as she hung a string of flowers on the wall.

"Well of course I know," she hesitated, "What did happen?"

"I cried, he held me, we fell asleep on the couch. End of story."

"Ohhh, so you two are getting close like that, huh?" every notion in her busy mind was jumping for joy. Maybe this time Keely and Blaze would get together, for good.

"I see the gears in your head working, girl, don't get started. This is not about your matchmaking game. This is about two REAL people, living REAL life."

Jazzi grinned, turning away from her friend to hang the balloons that matched the color scheme of purple and white. "It isn't about my REAL matchmaking game?"

"No..speaking of your matchmaking game, who's next?" asked Keely, apparently desperate to change the subject. Her blue eyes had long since grown dreamy with thoughts of Blaze.

"After you and Blaze, Bethanie. I've already started, you should see this guy, K. He's adorable, tall, dark, handsome, a cowboy..no doubt she'll be in love three weeks. Flat."

"Thanks for mentioning us in your matchmaking game again, but what about Jazzi. Has she found anyone for herself yet?"

Her entire being went stiff at the question, why was everyone asking that so much? Automatically, her mind went back to Rachel's unnamed friend. Instead of mentioning that little incident, she shook her head, "No, Jazzi is happy as is. Matchmaking her friends and living her life. Leave the love games to you all."

"Hello Ladies!" Andre's voice echoed in the hall.

"What about him?" hissed Keely, leaning in close.

"Oh don't you worry about him, I've got him covered." she said aloud with a smile.

"Got me covered for what?" a frown creased Andre's face.

"Don't you worry about that, dear." she smiled and patted his cheek.

--

Blaze stood in front of the jewelry counter, staring in through the glass. It was perfect, absolutely perfect for her. Nodding his head to the jeweler he began the transaction, things were looking up for him. Ducking out of the small shop, he jumped into his truck and sped toward home. Sooner or later he had to get ready for Charity and Alex's engagement party. Jazzi had sent out an invitation a while ago, with a special note to him. Something about a surprise for Keely, and he'd have to be there a bit early. The casual looking dress clothes he'd selected, Jazzi had approved. However, he had no idea what she had told Keely. For all he knew this was a practical joke, but if he got a chance to see Keely, it was all worth it.

Jumping back into the car, he went toward the hall with specific instructions to park in the parking lot behind the hall. Down further in the yard of the hall was a gazebo made of white wood. He smiled at Jazzi's thoughtfulness as pink roses crawled up the lattice on each side. Keely sat in the midst of them in a blue dress that matched her eyes.

She smiled when she saw him, "I suppose Miss Matchmaker has set us up, again." As she stood to her feet, yards of fabric fell to her feet, causing him to look from her beautiful face all the way to the tips of her shoes. She made one incredible picture.

"I could care less if she locked us in a closet, as long as I'm with you." he stepped into the cover of the gazebo and kissed her cheek lightly.

Keely giggled, awarding him with a larger smile, "You're so sweet."

"I know." winking, he wrapped an arm around her waist.

As if by some magnifiscent magic trick, music began to play softly around them. Together they swayed to the music, he smiled as she lay her head on his shoulder. This was no practical joke, this was perfect for them. Sighing when the music stopped, he kissed her lips softly. "That was great."

"Thank Jazzelle." whispered Keely with a smile.

"I think I will," checking his watch he smiled back, "you ready to hit the party?"

She nodded, linking her hand with his.

"All right, let's get in there." dragging himself away from the peace and serenity of being with her, he walked into the already busy hall. Jazzi waved to them from across the room and he smiled at Keely. That woman knew exactly what she was doing.

"1,2,3 Strikes You're Out!"

Chapter 6

Keely climbed into bed, her body exhausted from the day before, and the feelings her body now was flooded with. Sliding between the sheets, she let the exhaustion seep out of her as she snuggled into the warmth of her bed. Sleep wasn't far off, it clipped her as soon as she got comfortable.

The fog around her lifted and she stood before his casket once more. It wasn't fair. Why hadn't she been able to stop this? Tears slipped down her cheeks in trails, soaking the black blouse she wore. The scent of flowers only served to make her stomach flip in nauseous tumbles. Sounds of weeping and mourning of the family made her want to jump in along side her friend and cry him back to her. There was nothing anyone could do. Least of all her.

Before she could blink, she was standing on the sidewalk outside of her apartment, watching the dust rise behind Blaze's truck. It wasn't the last time he'd gone on a search for some "time." No this was present time, present day. Bile rose in her throat, tears welled behind her eyes yet they couldn't fall. No three strikes your out. Stomping inside, she threw her clothes into suitcases and closed them tight. She would not wait around for him to come back. When he did come back, he'd eat her dust this time. Walking out the door, Keely slammed it closed hard.

Jumping up from her sleeping position, she sat up and tried to regulate her breathing.What was that about? Why when things were just getting to be good she'd lose it? Her heart racing near out of her chest, she grabbed the phone and dialed Blaze's number.

A sleepy, "Hello" was mumbled into the phone and she smiled despite herself.

"Hey honey." she whispered, wishing she hadn't waken him.

"Keely? Is anything wrong?" his voice cleared immediately, she could invision him sitting up quickly and at attention.

"No, baby, no." hurriedly she reassured him, "Everything is fine, I just needed to hear your voice, that's all." After a quick conversation, she hung up the phone and tried to get settled in bed. However, her heart still raced, her body shook. Standing to her feet, she shoved her sheets back onto the bed. It didn't seem like she'd be sleeping much tonight.

--

Blaze sat holding the phone in his hand long after Keely had hung up and went back to bed. His heart raced as his mind still spun with the thoughts he'd had. What if something had been wrong with her? How would he move on or make it without her? Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the headboard of his bed. Something had to change, he had to keep her in his life forever before he lost her. How could he do that? Feelings inside of him warred for the pedestal in his heart. He loved her, but could he make the kind of commitment that would make him her's forever?

Getting up from his bed, he padded his way barefoot toward the closet and pulled out an old pair of jeans. Quickly, he dressed and reached for his shoes. He wasn't going to sit here thinking. No, he had better places to be, things to do, people to see. The clock ticked three a.m. as he shrugged out the door and slammed it behind him. He was on his way to a fast food joint and some cigarettes.

The road spread before his truck was empty and dusty, he pulled into the drive thru of the fast food joint and ordered himself a hamburger and french fries. What he'd do after he got something to eat, and smoke he had no idea. But, good enough. Driving to the next window, he paid the tired looking woman who handed him the bag of food, instructing her to keep the change.

"Where to now, Blaze?" he asked himself as he reached into the bag to pull out a few fries.

Keely's. The voice inside commanded, yet he shook his head. It was nearly four in the morning, she wouldn't still be awake. Would she? Shrugging it off, he turned toward home, and began on his way. Yet, he still couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to be with her. Checking in his mirror, he did a U-turn taking him in the course toward Keely's apartment. Too bad if she was asleep, she'd wake up to open the door for him. She had to.

Parking his truck in front of her house, he climbed out and raced up the sidewalk knocking on the door. Footsteps inside alerted him to the fact that Keely hadn't been sleeping. His insides grew jittery as the steps came closer and closer. Finally, the door slid open and a crying Keely stood on the inside. Walking inside, he pulled her into his arms, "What's wrong?" he asked immediately.

"I..I..had a bad dream." she sobbed between sniffles.

"Want to talk about it?"

She shook her head against his chest, "No, but I'm so glad you came."

With one arm, he closed the door behind them and then led her to the couch. Together they sat in silence, him letting her cry and get it out, she crying her eyes out thanking God he had shown up. When she'd exhausted herself, she closed her eyes and fell asleep with her head in his lap. He smiled at her, this idea was the best idea he'd had in a long time. Retrieving the blanket from the back of the couch, he covered her with it and settled back himself. This was turning out to be the start of a good day.

--

Jazzelle sat in the coffee shop across from her friend Mike rolling her eyes as he began to talk about his girlfriend again. "Could you hurry, it's nearly four in the morning and I have to be bright and cheery tonight for my sister's engagement party." she motioned with her hand for him to wrap it up.

"Fine, fine, but I'm warning you, when you run into Rachel you had better be nice." he cautioned standing and laying money on the table to pay for their check.

"I wouldn't know if I ran into her right now." she said walking toward the door almost running into a short woman with dark hair.

"Well, you just did!" called Mike running up from behind her. "Hey honey." he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Hey love." Rachel turned to look at Jazzi, "This must be Jazzelle."

"How did you know?" Jazzi asked, skeptical as a friend of Rachel's walked in behind her.

"Instinct." she shrugged, totally ignoring her friend who interested Jazzi a great deal. His dark eyes assessed her in a way that made the hairs on the back of her neck tingle.

"Right..well we'll see you later, Jazzi needs sleep." claimed Mike grabbing her arm and tugging her away from the coffee shop.

On the way out Jazzi waved slightly to Rachel and her friend, and followed Mike. Tongue tied the entire way home, she simply sat as Mike drove, waiting for the time when she could climb into bed and dream about the encounter she'd just had.

Maybe it was more than a look, more than a chance encounter...you're dreaming without even reaching the bedroom! Her mind commanded her, and within that second, she knew she'd read and written too many romances for her own good. Time to get back to reality.