Author note: Thanks for all the reviews. New ones are always appreciated.
Two days later Michelle was on her way to the cafeteria; she was just about to leave her office when her phone rang.
"Hey beautiful," she heard her husband on the other end. "Hey, handsome," Michelle replied lovingly.
"Where are you?"
"I was just about to go get some lunch. You called me a bit earlier today. Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine baby, don't worry your pretty little head," he said softly. "I just wanted to catch you before you get your lunch."
"Why, baby? What's going on?"
"Nothing that should make you worry, in any way. In fact, everything is perfect. Look outside the window."
Michelle finally got what's going on and her heart jumped for joy. She looked outside to see her husband with a basket smiling to her.
"Come down," he said, blowing a kiss to her.
"I'm on my way," she replied.
A few minutes later Michelle was in her husband's arms. They kissed happily, holding each other tightly.
"What are you doing here, sweetheart? Aren't you working?"
"Yeah, I am. I finished arranging the storage room, so I didn't have too much to do. It's pretty quiet there now and they don't need me. It will get much busier in about two hours since people seem to show up at weird hours for some reason. I usually eat my lunch together with Gianni and Gina about an hour from now. I told them I wanted to go on my break earlier, so I could eat with you because I missed our lunches. They told me I could go since they don't need me now anyway but later; they know how much I miss being with you. I had to promise to bring you to the diner more often though. I told them I would, so now we have to go eat there more. I hope you don't mind," he said jokingly since he knew she didn't mind.
"Well, I'll have to cancel my other appointments…" Michelle smiled. "And tell all my secret admirers I won't be able to go with them and…"
"Oh, you…" Tony laughed and tickled her, making her giggle.
"I miss the two of them anyway," Michelle said after she stopped giggling. "I go less than I want to because of work. I'd love to go there more often. We could go eat there each weekend and we could find some time during the week too."
"Hey, let's not push it," Tony joked, "I have other plans with you on weekends."
Michelle wrapped her arms around his neck, "Oh, I wouldn't jeopardize those," she smiled, kissing his nose. "I'm sure we'll figure out some arrangement that will suit both us and them. Listen, even though I could stay like this during the entire lunch hour, let's go eat. I'm starving."
"So am I. Good thing Division has this park so we don't have to drive somewhere else to find a nice quiet place for our lunch. This way we don't lose time."
"Yeah, it's a beautiful park, but mostly empty. People from in there like coming to this park as much as they like eating," Michelle joked, rolling her eyes. Tony laughed, kissing her.
They found a nice, private spot surrounded with shrubs, so they were completely alone. Tony spread the blanket and they both sat down.
"You'll be happy to know that Gina made you her meatloaf when she heard how bad they feed you here."
"Yum, I'm so glad. I love her meatloaf."
Tony laughed and handed her portion of food. He looked at her happily as she started eating her meal with obvious pleasure.
"I'm so happy to see you eating with so much appetite again. You looked so weak while I was in prison and from time to time during the past months while all our problems and nightmares bothered you. You look better every day and I'm so happy about it. It's so good to see you enjoying life again, the way you used to. I'll be feeding you and taking care of you for as long as I live. I was worried sick about you and I don't want to see you like that ever again," he gently caressed her face.
"Oh honey, you don't have to worry about that. I was like that because you know I can't sleep when you're not with me, and I can't eat when I'm nervous or worried. The time behind us was rough, but we're together and we will be forever. Our nightmares aren't as frequent lately and our problems are getting slowly solved; our life is going back to normal more and more every day. There's no reason for me to ever be miserable again." Michelle took his hand, kissed its palm and leaned it back on her face.
"Good," he smiled. "You have to eat and take care of yourself, no matter what's going on. Your iron is very poor; it doesn't take much for it to drop. I constantly worry about you and I know you don't like me to worry."
"I know baby; I know. I hate when you worry, but you'll never have to worry about that again, especially about eating. Nothing will stop me from enjoying your cooking, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to spoil me with it; all 3 of you will. I don't even worry about gaining weight thanks to our bedroom gymnastic," Michelle giggled.
"Always happy to help," Tony grinned.
"Besides, I love when you're pampering me and I know how much you love doing it. You can do it whenever you want and make sure I take care of myself by your standards."
"You can count on it. I'll take care of you for as long as I live," Tony placed his arm around her and pulled her close to him, kissing her hair. "I love you so much."
"I love you so much baby and don't think I won't take care of you," she smiled, "because I'm as worried about you."
"I know you are and I know you will take care of me baby, like you always do, but promise me you won't cook for me," Tony grinned.
Michelle tickled him, making him jump in surprise, "fell lucky that we're out here or you'd get much more. However, you won't escape me; you'll pay for that one when we come home," she laughed.
"I can't wait," Tony replied, kissing her neck.
The rest of the lunch hour Tony and Michelle spent eating happily. The food tasted even better because they got to eat it together. They didn't stop acting like two love birds throughout their time together. Tony walked Michelle back to Division when their meal was finished.
"See you in a few hours, sweetheart."
"Thanks for the wonderful lunch. I'm so happy we can do it, at least from time to time."
"From time to time? And where would I be spending it the other days?"
"What?"
"Didn't I tell you? I'll be coming here every lunch hour for the next 3 months. I have my free lunch hour and I want to spend it with you. It's totally fine with them."
"Are you sure? I know you don't want them giving you more then they already do and you guys eat later than I do here. I don't want you feeling guilty for doing this, no matter how much I love it."
"Yes, I'm sure; it's not only an hour with the two of them. We have almost 3 free hours each afternoon, while there are 5 guests tops in the diner, if that much. I can go an hour earlier if I want because they don't need me during those hours anyway. They said they'll tell me if they need me so I won't come on those days. Besides, Gina won't let me stay there anymore during lunch, not after she heard how badly they're feeding you. You know how she is; she treats us both like her kids and wants us both to eat well. Everything is fine, sweetheart, don't worry."
"Great, then I'll be looking forward to lunch every day" Michelle replied happily; she wrapped her arms around his neck and they held each other for a few minutes. "See you later sweetheart," she smiled, kissing him gently.
After that they both went back to work.
During the next months Tony and Michelle were finally happy the way they used to be. Tony decided to stay with Gianni and not look for jobs anymore. He got rejected for everything he applied for, and was sick of it. The only thing that bothered him was Michelle going back to Division each day. Tony couldn't wait to see her during lunch or to pick her up when her shift was done. Each time she walked out of that door, he would worry that something would happen to her. So far nothing did and Tony was so grateful for it each day she'd come back to him. He kept thinking how he would die without her; Michelle was his life and his only reason to keep going.
They decided to start their own business after all and see what would happen, until then he'd stay with Gianni.
Their life wasn't same as it was before that day, but they were both satisfied with the way things were and were looking forward to the future both wanted. In the mean time they were enjoying the life as it was and were happy because they got to spend and enjoy it together.
"The new staff is coming today."
"Yeah, you told me," Michelle replied, getting the milk out of the refrigerator. "You guys finally managed to pick people you like. It took you long time."
"It did, because they don't want to admit they need help. You know how they are, they're so stubborn."
"I know, and they rubbed off on you, during all the years you guys spent together," Michelle laughed. "You're just like them. It takes me ages to change your mind about something."
"Some of it rubbed off on you too," Tony replied; scooping her into his arms before she managed to sit down, making her gasp in surprise, and sat her in his lap. "You're as stubborn as I am and it's yet another thing I love about you," he smiled and removed her bathrobe a bit, kissing her neck and bare shoulders, caressing her back. "You're so beautiful," he kept repeating between the kisses, "and I love you so much."
Michelle gently went with her fingers through his hair and down his neck, as she enjoyed his loving kisses and caresses; her only replies were low sighs of pleasure. She cupped his face and looked deeply into his eyes, "I love you too, so much," she whispered, before kissing him passionately.
Tony and Michelle remained hugged like that for a few minutes, kissing and caressing. They wanted to remain that way for hours, but had to go to work; separating reluctantly, they resumed with their breakfast.
"I think it's hard for them to bring anyone new. Gianni and Gina are used to four of us; we're the only people they want close and they don't want anyone else around," Michelle continued their previous conversation.
"I know. You and I can't be there for them all the time or work for them forever, and even if Tess and Robert come back, they won't be able to do it all the time either. Gianni and Gina need to accept they're not as young and could use some help at the diner. I told them the new people won't be there all the time. Andrew and Marie are there to help them wash the dishes, clean the entire diner and deal with supplies. It's only for a few hours a day and I promised them I won't abandon them either. I just don't know why I keep feeling guilty about it all."
"Baby, you did the best you could. You shouldn't fell guilty or worry about anything. You're helping them as much as you can and you know I will too. We'll never abandon them, but you and I will start working on our new company soon and once we get everything ready, you'll leave; we told them that when you started working for them. We both want it so much and we should try it. We can't stay with them forever and forget our dream, no matter how much we love them."
"They know that and they won't stop us; they want us to be happy. It's just hard for them to accept changes, but they will and everything will be fine."
"I'm sure it will," Michelle smiled. "And besides, if our company doesn't work for some reason, we can always work for them, I won't mind. But you guys will have to teach me how to cook," she winked.
"That will take us forever," Tony grinned.
Michelle got up and started tickling him; Tony burst into laughter and tried to fight her off but when he realized he couldn't, he gave up and started tickling her too. Both were laughing so hard that after some time they needed air. Michelle sat into Tony's lap again and they looked into each other's eyes happily.
"Everything will work out great, don't worry. I'm sure they'll like the new people you picked. They won't work full time anyway, only 3 days a week and before you leave they'll only come for a few hours a day. The three of you will have plenty of time to get to know them better and change them if you don't like the way they do their job. You'll be working for them for at least 6 more months. We'll visit every day when our business starts, and help them with the books, with orders and with whatever they need," Michelle smiled, "so stop worrying, sweetheart."
"You're right, I shouldn't worry; everything will be fine. It's just… they're like my parents and I want them to be happy."
"I know they're like your parents, they're like mine too. Gianni and Gina are happy and should feel lucky for getting the best son they could ever hope for. You're the most incredible man on Earth; we're all lucky and blessed to have you in our lives. I love you so much," she looked at him lovingly and kissed him softly. "Stop worrying my angel, everything will be fine, we'll make it all work, you'll see. We're together and there's nothing we can't handle together."
"You're the sweetest, most beautiful angel and I love you so much; more than I'll ever be able to put in words," Tony replied, kissing her gently, caressing her face lovingly. "I'm the lucky and blessed one to have such a perfect wife. I'll never know what I did to deserve you."
"I'll never know what I did either," she said, hugging him tightly. "I still can't believe I get to keep you, especially after all the hell we've been through."
"I can't believe it either, and this time nothing will separate us."
They held each other tightly without saying anything for a few moments.
"Even though I want to remain in your arms all day, we should get going or we'll be late for work."
"Yeah, let's go," Tony replied.
He got up and without letting her out of his tight embrace, carried her to the bedroom where they both got ready to go to work.
Over the course of the next few weeks Tony helped Gianni get used to the new workers. They were quite good and Tony was happy with himself for picking them. Even though he was used to hiring people from his days in CTU, these were even more special to him since the diner meant a lot to him.
"Nice job you two," Tony said to Marie and Andrew. "You're doing a great job and it's good to have you."
"Thanks for hiring us," Marie said, "We love working here."
"I'm glad you both enjoy it. You're great workers and when my wife and I open our company, you'll come to help us with it too."
"We'll be more than happy," Andrew said.
"That way you'll have full salaries by working here half the week and working there the other half, but that won't happen in a while."
"It will be great if it works out that way one day."
"I'm sure it will; I'll need someone to help me and not just at the beginning, but all the time. My wife and I will handle the main things and we won't need help with that. I need someone I can trust and that's where you guys will come in. Your help will be similar as it is here."
"We'll be more than happy to help," Marie said. "We both wish we could meet your wife, you talk so nicely about her and each time you mention her, you smile."
Tony smiled thinking about Michelle, "I can't help it; she's my life. You guys will like her a lot, she's incredible. She wants to meet you too, but she works a lot and when she's free you're not here, but you'll meet sooner or later. Speaking of my wife, it's getting late and I have to go pick her up. Here are your paychecks."
"Thanks. We should get going too. We're going to spend couple of days with Marie's parents, and it's a long drive."
"See you next week."
"See you next week, Tony. Bye."
"Bye."
Since Gina and Gianni had to go visit some friends, they decided to close the diner for the day. Tony got inside and locked the door. He then went to talk to Gianni and Gina before going to pick his wife up.
"They're really nice, aren't they?"
"Yeah, they are." Gina replied. "Both Gianni and I like them. You picked good people, Tony. Thanks for putting so much effort into it."
"You don't have to thank me. This place is mine too, isn't it? And I'll always take care of it and the two of you. Just because I might not be working for you guys forever, it doesn't mean Michelle and I will abandon you. You're our family."
"We know that Tony and it means so much to us. You have no idea how happy we are to know we can count on you both. Thanks."
Tony smiled, "Stop thanking me, that's what families do and there's no need to thank either of us; we love helping you with whatever we can. Besides, you guys are always there for us and we always know we can count on you too. Like I said, you're our family. We'll always be together and there for each other. Now, I better go, I have to go pick Michelle up."
"Say hi to her for us. We miss her here; you better bring her soon or else…," Gina smiled.
"I will, don't worry. Tomorrow is Saturday; I'll bring her over for sure."
"Good," Gianni said, "see you both tomorrow then."
"See you guys."
Half an hour later Tony was in front of Division, waiting for his wife.
A few minutes later Michelle came out and walked over to Tony, hugging him tightly.
"I'm so tired; this job isn't what it used to be. When you were there with me, I didn't mind working so many hours, in fact I loved it. Now all I want is for my shift to end so I can be back in your arms. I can't wait for these months to end, so I can work with you and be with you all day."
"It will happen soon sweetheart," Tony replied, kissing her. "I figured you might be tired, so we won't go to the mall today. We'll go buy groceries and everything we need tomorrow. Our dinner is already ready and I'll make you a nice warm bubble bath in the Jacuzzi."
Michelle kissed him, "sounds great, but only if you join me. You know how much I hate going into it without you. It's no fun if you're not by my side."
"I think I'll find a way to join you," he grinned. "The last thing I want is for you to be unhappy," he whispered into her neck, sending goose bumps down her back.
"Let's go home, baby."
"Let's go."
The next few weeks went by the same way for them. They were both happy to be together and busy with their jobs. Tony felt lucky to be with Gianni and Gina because he knew if someone else had taken him, he wouldn't be as happy, especially not without Michelle. He was also glad that he had something that kept him busy for a good part of the day, because it helped to keep his mind off the thing that was bothering him the most. His constant fear for her and her safety didn't let him be complete at peace and he couldn't talk to her about it, not yet anyway, because he knew it was irrational and he didn't want to bother her.
Michelle was quite happy because she could see how much working helped her husband; it was obvious how much happier he was. She knew he was still worried about her going to Division, but she decided not to talk to him about it because she knew that even though it's irrational, it's stronger than him, so she left it alone for the time being. Michelle couldn't wait to leave either; she was tired of her job without him. Even though she knew it was as irrational as his fear she was also scared that something might happen while she was still there and that she would end up losing him somehow thanks to it.
Since nothing happened so far and everything seemed to be going the way it should, both were happy and enjoyed their life together.
One sunny Saturday Tony and Michelle walked hand in hand into the shopping mall.
Tony was sure he was going nuts because he could swear he noticed Aaron and Martha. They told him they were going to Aaron's parents this time, so he didn't think he'd see them there.
"What is it baby?" Michelle asked when she noticed his expression.
"Nothing, I'm just going insane. I see people from work even when I'm not working."
"What?"
"I could swear Andrew and his wife Marie walked into that store just a few minutes ago."
"You mean the young couple, red headed woman and blond tall man?"
"Sounds like them. Did you see them too?"
"I don't know how they look since I didn't meet them yet, but I noticed the couple going in because I wanted to go into the same store."
"Well, let's go. That way you'll buy what you need and I'll see if it's them, or someone looking like them, or else you can have me committed."
Michelle laughed, kissing his cheek.
They walked into the store and Tony saw the couple. When they turned around he was happy to see that the couple was Andrew and Marie.
"Hey, you two."
"Hey, Tony."
"What are you guys doing here? I thought you went to Andrew's parents."
"Yeah, we are; we're going tonight. We didn't feel like driving last night, so we decided to stay home and go today. We just came in here to buy couple of things before we go."
"I'm glad, because now you can finally meet the person around which my life revolves. Andrew, Marie, meet my wonderful wife, Michelle." He placed his arm tightly around Michelle's waist and smiled to her. "Michelle, these are our new employees, Andrew and Marie."
Michelle shook their hands. "It's nice to finally meet you. I heard so much about you. I feel like I know you already."
"We heard so much about you too. All three of them talk about you all the time and Tony always smiles when he mentions you. I doubt he stops thinking about you for a second. He misses working with you."
"I miss working with him too," Michelle smiled and kissed her husband's cheek, "but soon I will be again. Tony told me you guys do an amazing job in the diner. I hope one day, when we open our company, you'll help us with it too. We won't need a lot of help, but like my husband already told you, half week in the diner and half with us in our store will be great."
"We would be delighted to work for you. Your husband is a great boss and we like Gianni and Gina too, even though they didn't seem to be too delighted to see us around at first."
"Yeah, they weren't because they're used to having only 4 people in their lives. It's been that way for ages now and change is difficult for them. It takes them time to adjust. They seem to like you more and more, both talk nicely about you so I think you've been accepted. Haven't they, baby?"
"Yep, they have," Tony smiled.
"We're pleased to hear that since we enjoy working there so much. It's great that we finally met you, Mrs. Almeida."
"Please, call me Michelle."
"Michelle… We're looking forward to work with you one day."
"I'm looking forward to it too," Michelle smiled.
"We better go, we have to get more things and my parents are expecting us."
"Okay, have a pleasant journey and see you on Monday."
"See you on Monday," Andrew replied.
They walked out of the store a few minutes later while Tony and Michelle remained inside browsing for the supplies they needed.
"They seem really nice, baby; just like you described them."
"Yeah, they are. I interviewed ton of people but I liked the two of them the best. I'm glad I wasn't wrong."
"Of course you weren't. What have I been telling you all a long? You know how to pick people; you hired so many during your time at CTU. I know how much the diner means to you and I how important picking the right people for it was for you, but you have to learn to trust yourself again. If you start trusting yourself half as much as I trust you, you'll be fine," Michelle caressed his face. "It's obvious that you were right about these two, and from what I could see in these few minutes, they seem great and I'm sure they'll be great in helping us too."
""Where would I be if I started trusting myself as much as you do?" Tony smiled, kissing the top of her nose. "I'm sure they'll do great too. We should get the rest of the things we need. Gianni and Gina are expecting us. They complain all the time about not seeing you enough, so we have to go. I don't want to drive to the diner because I really want to walk on the beach with you, and I'm already hungry."
"Well, we can't have that," Michelle patted his stomach lovingly. "Want to get a snack before we go?"
"Hmmm… That's tempting. I'm really hungry. You sure wore me out this morning," he grinned.
"Well, what can I do? It's your own fault. You're so hot that I just can't let you go," she winked. "Besides, I didn't hear you complaining."
"You never will," Tony replied, kissing her softly. "We could eat something; I'm sure it won't spoil our appetites."
"Oh, I know it won't. Let's find something to eat and then we'll keep shopping. When we're done, we can drop it all off at home, leave the car and go for our walk. No matter how much we eat, by the time we reach the diner we'll be hungry again."
"Sounds like a plan," Tony replied.
They did exactly as planned.
The next few weeks went by in the same tone. Tony and Michelle spent every free moment together, enjoying their love and their life together. The rest of the time they worked and excitingly waited when they'd finally be able to start their long awaited future.