Lee looked over at Amanda watching her work it had been two weeks since her desk had been moved into the Q Bureau. He loved having her in the office but at times it could be a bit distracting since he enjoyed just staring at her.

"Lee!" Amanda raised her voice slightly exasperated she'd been calling his name for the last couple of minutes.

"Yes" He answered sheepishly realizing he'd been caught yet again.

"I'm leaving in a few minutes so you'll need to get these to Mr. Melrose."

"You're leaving?" Lee looked at her clearly disappointed.

Amanda shook her head and chuckled a little. "Lee sometimes I wonder if you listen to me at all."

"I do but I tend to block out the bad news." He winked and gave her a big dimpled grin. "A meeting with Joe right?" He asked a bit concerned.

"Yes and I'm a little nervous he wouldn't tell me what he wanted to discuss." Gathering her purse she looked over at him "Can I call you later?"

Walking to her he kissed her cheek "Of course I'll look forward to it." Watching her go he couldn't help but notice her worried look. 'Please don't hurt her Joe.'

Lee paced as Billy looked over the security plans he and Amanda had put together for the upcoming embassy ball.

"Lee could you stand still just for a few minutes!"

"Sorry Billy I'm just worried about something."

"The security plan? It looks good everything looks covered."

"No it's ... Nothing." Lee knew it would sound a bit suspicious if he told Billy he was worried about Amanda's meeting with Joe. "As long as you're fine with the plans we can hand out assignments at tomorrows staff meeting."

"That's fine Lee." Billy answered looking over at his agent realizing it was time to switch to friend mode. "Lee when I'm worried about a friend the best thing I can do is just be there for them."

Grinning Lee raced out the door calling over his shoulder "You're right Billy!"

Francine rushed into Billy's Office "What has Lee so excited?"

"Love Francine love."

Francine rolling her eyes. "You expect me to believe that? Lee and love that's a laugh."

"Don't you have some work you should be doing Francine if not I'm sure I can find some for you."

Lee pulled up to the familiar Arlington address and headed to the back. Peering in the kitchen window he saw Amanda and Joe standing around the kitchen island. Amanda's back was to him but he knew enough about her body language to see how tense she was. He ducked down quickly so Joe wouldn't see him. He knew he shouldn't eavesdrop but he also knew Amanda was going to need him after Joe left.

"Joe I'm not sure what you're trying to say." Amanda looked at Joe with a confused look.

"Well I thought once the stress and excitement of what happened when I came home wore off I'd have more time to reconnect with...

Amanda cut him off "I thought I had been pretty considerate about you spending as much time with the boys as you wanted. I'm sorry they are headed to camp this week but when they come back I'll be happy to let you spend extra time with them."

"No Amanda. I mean I've enjoyed my time with the boys but sweetheart I thought we would get a chance to reconnect."

"Oh"

"That's all you have to say is oh."

"Well Joe we talked about this that night at Dooley's so I'm a bit confused."

"Yes we talked but I thought with some separation from the events that you'd..."

"That I'd what?"

"I'm not sure. I guess I thought you'd come to your senses and..."

"Come to my senses?" Amanda responded with a hint of anger in her voice. "What do you mean?"

"I thought you would want us to be a family again. It would make the boys happy."

"I see." Amanda was quiet for a few moments before continuing "Joe I would do almost anything for the boys but giving them a false family wouldn't be fair to them and it certainly wouldn't be fair to you or me." Then added a little nervously "You haven't been talking to the boys about this have you?"

"I still love you can't we at least try?"

"Joe you didn't answer my question. Have you been talking to the boys abut this?"

Joe looked down at the ground and quietly answered. "I might have have given them some ideas about it."

"Oh Joe! How could you." Amanda took a few deep breathes trying to calm herself down.

"Is it really that hard for you to understand Amanda? I've never stopped loving you and I had hoped you still loved me."

Amanda thought for awhile before responding. She didn't want to hurt him but she also needed him to really understand she had moved on with her life.

"Joe you'll always be a part of my life and I love that we have to wonderful boys together but I'm not in love with you. You said yourself I'm a different person than the one you left and I don't plan on changing back." Taking a big breath and then continuing "Joe you are my past some parts were wonderful but if your honest with yourself you will remember that a lot of it was less then ideal."

Joe started "So there's no hope..." but then stopped and looked into Amanda's eyes and realized for the first time that he really had lost her. "I'm sorry Amanda I'll show myself out." He leaned over and kissed her cheek and left.

Amanda turned and watched him leave and then wrapped her arms around herself and rocked back and forth. She didn't hear the back door open.
Lee walked over to Amanda and wrapped his arms around her and held her.

They stood that way for a few moments before Lee whispered in her ear. "Are you OK?"

Amanda turned around in his arms and laid her head on his chest. "I'll be fine but I'm not sure what I'm going to say to the boys. I doubt he even thought about the damage he was causing and he's left me to pick up the pieces again."

"I'm sorry Amanda I wish there was a way I could help."

Amanda looked up at Lee and smiled. "Just being here for me is enough."

"Always Amanda Always."