A/N: I realized as I was posting this, that there is some information in this chapter that may not be clear unless you read my other story "The dance of their lives". In this chapter the relationship between Lucy and Kevin in mentioned. Kevin is the father of Amanda, Sue's young deaf friend who appears on the show several times. Just so there is no confusion. :) Please do review! Thanks
The sun in her window woke her early. It appeared it was going to be a nice day to go play…especially when the company was so good. After a shower, Tara put on a light blue tank top, and some loose fitting shorts. The doorbell rang at precisely 8 am. Keeping her excitement in check, she pulled open the door to be greeted by a handsome Aussie holding a single white rose.
"Happy Birthday!"
"Thank you, Bobby." His smile matched her own. Let me put this in a vase, then I will be ready." Looking at the rose as she put it into the vase, she noticed the white blossom had not completely opened. It was beautiful, and sweet. She had always known Bobby was one of the kindest men she knew, but somehow she felt like she was looking at Bobby in a new way.
When she turned around, she caught him looking at her. His face was a half smile, dimple just barely showing. Normally, the dimple would have been enough to make her knees week, but on this particular morning, it was his eyes that caused her heart to beat out of her chest. The look in those ocean blue eyes made her have to lean against the counter so she wouldn't fall. "Ready?" She heard her own voice say.
"Yeah." His voice was low, but she heard his reply. Getting the fanny pack that lay on the table, she moved back to the door. He was standing in her way, and didn't try to move. She stopped in front of him, waiting for him to move, but he stood there, looking at her. Without thinking about it, her eyes moved to his lips. Remembering the feel of those lips made her face heat up. Her eyes met his again, and she could feel him moving closer. "I guess we should go." His voice was husky, and his eyes were filled with desire, but he moved out of her way.
"What is up with him? That is the second time I thought he wanted to kiss me. If he wants to, why doesn't he? What is wrong with me?" Tara was feeling slightly shaken when he opened to car door for her. Getting in the car she tried to still her heart. Bobby came around and got in the driver's seat. Smiling over at her, he seemed to have regained the composure he had lost earlier.
"So, luv, let's go have some fun."
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The day was fun. It was full of laughing, playing, and cotton candy. Tara apparently had a thing for cotton candy. She also had a thing for being scared of big roller coasters. "You are not!"
"Yes, I am terrified."
"You work with the FBI. You are faced with danger everyday, and you won't go on a roller coaster?" He laughed at the thought of Tara being afraid of anything.
"Well, I just don't go on the ones that go upside down."
"Well, luv, today is your day. You are going to face your fears." With that he grabbed her hand, and dragged her to the loopiest roller coaster in the park. He never let go of her hand, partly fearing she would bolt if he did, and partly because he loved the feel of her hand in his. She yelled and screamed, holding his hand as tightly as she could, as they rode the winding beast.
"Let's do it again." Her words came immediately after she got off. Her hand was still in his, and she did not try to pull away. They walked back to through the line, she yelled and screamed again, and then they went on to the next coaster, until every coaster in the park had been ridden at least twice.
It was shortly after seven when they strolled through the park, heading towards the door. Seeing the target shooting game, Tara decided she wanted to try it. Bobby went first. Three shots, two hitting the bulls eye, one missing by only inches. He smiled and winked. "Beat that, mate."
Tara moved up to the counter. Pulled the gun up, paused for only a second to aim, and then shot three shots, directly on the center circle. She then turned with a grin. Bobby was impressed. "Good on ya Tara. You're good."
"Comes in handy on some of my dates." She smiled.
"Remind me not to get on your bad side." As they walked closer to the gate, he took her hand again, and glanced at her from the corner of his eye. There was a look of pure happiness on her face. "So have you had a good birthday?"
"Definitely." She stopped and turned toward him. "Thanks Bobby." Then, standing on her tip toes, she kissed him on the cheek.
"You are welcome." He was fighting to keep control, again. Wanting to pull her in his arms and kiss her back. "Ready to go get some supper?"
"Sounds great."
They went to a burger joint close by her house, and enjoyed burgers and fries. "The end to a perfect birthday." She laughed, and it warmed his heart. "It has been a long time since I had this much fun two days in a row."
"I'm glad you had fun. I have had fun too." He smiled at her, hoping she would see how glad he was that she had enjoyed herself. "Though I might need Sue to help me learn some more signs. After all that screaming you did."
She laughed, then seemed to turn serious. "Does it seem like everything around us is changing. With Sue and Jack, and Lucy and Kevin, and then Myles and his new girl. We seem to be the last ones left." Her eyes looked up toward him, though she kept her head down.
"You ever come close to settling down?" It seemed he might be treading into unknown territory, but he asked her anyway.
"No, not really. Much to my family's disdain." She suddenly groaned. "Oh I just reminded myself of the birthday dinner next weekend."
"Birthday dinner? Your birthday is today right?"
"Yes, but my whole family has birthdays in summer, so at the end of the summer we get together and have a big bash." He loved watching her use her hands, and facial expressions to explain every detail of her story. "It is usually at my parents house, and my sister is always worried about me not settling down. Every year she brings a friend for me." She rolled her eyes. "Last year, I did end up going out with this guy. He literally read road signs to me. Nothing to talk about. Of course, he then asked me out again. Which is kind of the way it happens. I attract weirdos."
Bobby laughed out loud, thinking of Tara having nothing to talk about. "Well, as I recall, the last time I needed a date, you were willing to be seen with me. How about, next week, we give them something to talk about?"
"You mean, you would go visit my family with me?" Her look was one of surprise.
"If you want me to. If this "friend" your sister brings is someone you might be interested in, then we can say I am a mate from work. If you want to blow him off politely, then I will be your knight in shining armor."
"Wow, now that would give them something to talk about. Not only me bringing a date, but bringing one that looks like you…" He saw red rush to her cheeks as she diverted her eyes.
"Well, we are engaged after all. It is only right I meet the family."
"Engaged?"
"That's right, Beautiful. Have you forgotten? I proposed yesterday, and you said yes. Five years, and you are mine."
They both were laughing as they got in the car, and he drove her to her house. When they stopped in front of the house, he walked her to the door. "Thanks again, Bobby. I have had so much fun this weekend." She reached up once more and kissed his cheek, this time lingering for a moment. When she pulled back, he saw her blush every so slightly, and he smiled.
"Happy Birthday, Tara. " Without thinking, he lifted his hand and traced her jaw line. Her green eyes met his. Suddenly, it was as if he were peering into her soul. Finding in her the same mix of emotions he was having.
They both jumped as first his pager, then hers went off. "Looks like we have to go in." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"One day I am throwing this pager into the Potomac." A smile played on his face, but his voice was laced with disappointment. "I have some clothes in the car. If you don't mind me changing here, we can ride together."
"Sounds good…" They stood for another heartbeat, looking into each others eyes. "Guess we should get ready." She turned and unlocked her door, as he turned and walked to the car to retrieve his clothes.
