Chapter 25 – A special day

Readers who don't like a domesticated Eyal, don't read any further, you won't like this chapter! For the brave ones, June 15 is, in Canada, father's day plus I'm guessing I'll be a soccer widow… my husband will be glued to the TV watching the World Cup Soccer in Brazil. So no father's day celebrations in my home! This is my take on getting Eyal and Sharon involved in a story line with subject like Father's day and Soccer with a romantic twist! A girl can always dream, that's what FanFic is for! Hope you enjoy and my mangling of the English language doesn't throw you off!

As Ziva was introducing Abby to all Eyal's phone rang.

"Laving it's been a long time. How is my favorite headshot marksman?"

Hearing that voice made Eyal smile; Jethro Gibbs, Ziva boss while she was with NCIS. They could not be considered friends but more acquaintances with a past. Both had helped each other in dire circumstances plus they shared a number of traits: they rarely showed emotions, had a deep sense of loyalty towards their country, could/had killed on orders when needed, spoke multiple languages, were sniper extraordinaire and were extremely skilled at what they did.

"As well as can be expected since I'm babysitting two of your special agents."

"Well you ask for one, the other one needs to find herself and you seem to be the one she runs to again and again. This time I won't be able to sniper you out of trouble! Lavin you're on your own for this one."

"If I remember well… I saved your butt and both our shots hit the target resulting in you getting your team and Ziva to safety! Never could stomach a terrorist and especially one that hurts women!"

"And you disappeared in the wind…. Let's say we leave it at - the true lies in the eyes of the beholder!"

"That's fine with me my friend, that's fine with me!"

"Eyal, take care of those two. Don't know what your mission is but with you involve it's usually dangerous. I'm not worried for Ziva she can handle herself and you in a second! For Abby would like you to be on your best behavior. Keep your temper and dark side in check. Want her returned unharmed… am I clear Lavin?"

"Copy that! Will do my best, really don't want you slapping my head into a whiplash! Seriously, she won't be expose to any mission related actions. Need her expertise for a DNA mystery. I prefer somebody not related to any agency and Ziva thought of her. Gibb's don't worry. Ziva gave me her full profile and I'll personally see that she's OK"

"Oh, I wasn't worry about the wears and tears that comes with your line of work. Plus I know you Lavin… her safety will be more than priority for you and like always you'll guard her with your life! No what I'm worried about is her making you lose your temper and forcing you to downright shooting her"

Eyal smile in the phone "She that bad?"

"Silent and Listen are two words with the same letters and sorry to say… Abby when driven….doesn't know how to do either. She's very special and you been a man of few words, I'm guessing she'll have you in ropes in just a couple of hours. She has a heart of gold and a brain that doesn't stop! Before you blow a fuse at her get to know her, that's the only way you'll be able to appreciate her fully… and a bit of advice stock up on Caf-Pow. Sure hope there is some in Israel because you are going to have to come to the US and get some!"

"Great, I now have one on carbohydrate beverages with potato chips and one on Caf-Pow… What the problem with just plain coffee, tea or wine!"

"That's for us… old folks! You have her for two weeks make the best of it. Want her back unharmed and unchanged… tell that tech opp of yours not to mess with my girl."

"I'll see to that personally, don't worry."

"Also try to convince that other little person that I'd love to get her back, you always had a way with women."

"Sorry, you know nobody can tell Ziva what she should do. Leave her time Gibbs, she needs some 'time out'."

"Well Shalom my friend. By the way… say Hi to that new lady friend of yours, tell her Gibbs want his SIG-Sauer P228 back and that she the worst driver of us two, she'll understand. Nice catch Eyal, try to keep that one!"

Eyal didn't have time to ask how Gibb's knew Sharon, the conversation was over Gibbs style.

Sharon signaled to her father that she wanted to talk to him in private.

"Could you give me a ride to Ima's house or lend me your car? Really need to talk to her"

"Sorry don't have my car, Ima left me off here. How about taking Eyal's car and giving me a ride to Ima's house. Told her I'd help her repaint the kitchen. Was avoiding it but ….seems I will not get out of it, you cornered me! I need to clear some things with Eyal. I'll tell him I'll be borrowing you and the car for a couple of hours. That OK?" Sharon nodded.

As soon a Robert got in the car he was quick to ask. He knew his daughter and she was not in the habit of wanting/needing a girl to girl talk in the middle of a mission. "What's up Sharon…?"

"Well Sunday is father's day. I know Father's day is not is not a Jewish holiday but I read about Shavuot and would like to talk out my idea with Ima. I would love for Eyal to pass a day with Avi … and the rest of the family. We've both been gone, on and off, for more than 4 months now. Robert, would really like one day off if we are not heavily involved in mission related actions."

"I'm with you dear but you know I can't promise you that. We are up against the unknown here and my instincts are telling me hell is about to break loose! Eyal has the same gut feelings"

"We all have dad, something big is going down and time is of essence. I'm not asking for a day off, I'm warning you I'm taking it if I feel that we can."

"I trust you. Your plan is it in Tel Aviv or London?

"Easier if we do it here in Tel Aviv."

"Do you need transportation? I could have some organized."

"No, don't want to give those MI-6 top brass weasels the chance to say you're playing favorite with your daughter!"

"I'll take care of those weasel, you tell me what you need"

"Everything is organized. Gaby and Hanna made all the plane reservations, it will be an extended family outing. Would have love to give you the surprise but you and Ima are also part of my plan. Want to show Eyal what a family father's day can be like. Made sure Jake 1 will not be flying back to Israel. Better for him that he stays in London so organized something with Gaby and he's staying put! So Gaby, Hanna and the kids will be staying at Ima's. They all know that there might be a chance that me and Eyal are no shows. Gaby and Hanna will take over for our planned activities if that happens. Crossing my fingers we both can manage to have that special day off."

"I'm looking forwards to it. Long time I haven't celebrate with both my daughters. Just hope you can pull it off."

They were silent the rest of the drive to Ima house. Sharon was planning details of her plan and Robert was trying to think the last time he had painted something!

Ima was surprise to see Sharon. "Your father told me you wanted to talk. Eyal do something wrong… are you two fighting?"

Sharon laughed "Why did you presume Eyal could be responsible for my wanting to talk to you?"

"Because that son of mine sometimes has a way of seeing things and expects others to do the same…. and is not always the nicest person when we don't hold up to his high expectations!"

"That happens sometimes…but today I want to ask you about a plan I have. I read that Shavuot has become the holiday that celebrates receiving the Top Ten of the Torah. And one of those Top Ten, recognized by Jews and Christians alike, is the obligation to honor your father and mother. Was thinking of organizing a Father's day for Eyal. I invited Gabi, Hanna and the kids. Also I'd love for you and Robert to joins us. I realize that Father's day is not a Jewish holiday but it can be a late Shavuot/Father's day celebration. What do you think will Eyal go for it?"

"Sharon, be it Christian, Jewish or any other… there is nothing that should stop you from organizing a day to celebrate with family and loved ones."

"Everything is organized back in London. Now I need someone who could organized a father and son football game here. Can you give me a contact?"

"Do better than that… I'll organize it for you if you want. When did you plan this wonderful day of your?"

"It would be Sunday, our Father's day. Do you have enough time?"

"Sharon, I'm alone on my side of the family but the Lavin's have enough members and young ones to have a lovely family football game. Just hope I can get a field.

"Now… just hope me and Eyal are not otherwise detained!"

"I'm not a superstitious person but nevertheless I'll be crossing my fingers for you and Eyal being able to have some free time."

"Thanks Ima, all is set then! Don't want to get my hope up but can't wait for Sunday!"

Sharon returned to the safe house and as she opened the door she had to step back a bit. Abby was literally IN Eyal face and explaining something to him at a speed that could make a person dizzy. Eyal looked at Sharon with a 'Rescue me' look

Sharon put her hand on Abby's shoulder "You feel up to going out tonight? Jet lag not affecting you to much?"

Abby started another explanation "On arrival, have to stay awake until an early local bedtime. If you doze off let's say 4 p.m. and wake up at midnight, you've accomplished nothing. A good night out until early evening is just what can cure it. Jet lag hates fresh air and exercises. My body is going to beg for sleep, but I'm going to stand firm and refuse. I have to force my body's transition to the local time."

Sharon put her had up signaled her to stop "You always have this much to say?"

Ziva budded in "Yes but she's right most of the time. Just have to stop her once you get what you want her to tell you. Gibbs can speak to her in sign language so that sometime that helps to slow her down."

Sharon signed "So you can sign! I often communicate with my daughter by signing. We learned it together to help with a friend of hers that went deaf after a tragic hunting accident. We learned it at the same time she did for moral support, her parents were having a hard time accepting her injury. Now it's often our way of having a mother/daughter private conversation."

Sharon noticed that Abby was more than fluent in signing and also she could sign as fast as she talked.

"Slow down Abby, I not that good can't even see your hands!"

Eyal interrupted them and told them to wait for him in the lobby that he had to gather up the rest of the team. Sharon's heart stopped… she was thinking there goes our day off!

All were quick to regroup. Eyal spoke "Gang have a bit of bad news, Monsieur Guy is having trouble to get the special tent approved by Israeli security. Normal in this country. We don't and can't take security matters lightly. I could have helped but another piece of information sealed our decision to move the party to next Wednesday. Seems Jake2/Jacques can't make it! So Monsieur Guy is moving the party telling all that it's because of a security problem with the tent! That guy is really turning out to be a greath asset. It gives us more time to track Jake 2 whereabouts, sort through the intel we have, analyze the DNA plus give us some needed down time. But still want our young team members to stake out that Club Jake mentioned. You can even have an all-nighter since we are 'off' till Wednesday"

Sharon was in need of a happy dance to get rid of the energy that was mounting up inside her after hearing Eyal news!

Sharon didn't know if it was kismet or just plain luck but they were definitely on a 48-72 hours down time. Nothing much to do but wait for Auggie, Eric and Abby to process the information collected, drill down new facts on the two Jakes and analyze very thoroughly the DNA from both parents and kids. Since the Mossads labs were better equipped for these task the trio planned on spending the full day (Sunday) in King Saul's.(Mossad's headquarters) Ziva had propose to Annie a tour of some particular places in Israel that a spy should know about and last but not least Robin and Vincent had planned an outing together.

'Now how can I get Eyal to step down for a bit from his leader role and take some time off' Sharon was thinking

Squeezing next to him in the lazy boy while he was occupied reading some files surely related to their mission she said "Hey, everybody had something organized, we could head to your mother's and Skype home from there."

"Sorry darling but I really have to read these files. We are missing something I'm sure of that. Why don't you take Ziva's offer or again join your sister."

"Eyal… I was paired with Ziva for a couple of years… I know her safe houses and hiding grounds. It will be interesting for Annie but really don't want to play spy on our first days 'off' in more than a month. As for Robin, two company and three's a crowd. Those two are spending more and more time together.. really don't want to chaperon them"

Eyal looked up and sighted "Not another couple… at some point we are going to need to hire a relationship counsellor for this team. Seems the only one left standing is Ziva. I'm sorry darling but I really need to get through this read!" He went on to grab Sharon and sat her on his lap.

Sharon twisted to grab the files but the eyes Eyal gave her made her rapidly jump up. That man was impossible when he had his mind made up. Also if she insisted he would begin to doubt something was up and she wanted this to be a complete surprise! How could she convince him to accompany her?

"Mr. Lavin if you don't have time to take a short visit at your mother's and have a nice conversation with your son, I'm certainly not going to satisfy your manly desires!"

Eyal sense Sharon was annoyed at him even mad. That seemed a bit out of character for her. Thinking 'Maybe she needs to get out of here and she's right having a talk with Avi without having the stress of a mission related operation going down would be welcome.'

Sharon was also lost in her thoughts…. There is an old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar". That is especially true for con artists and Eyal fits that type! Maybe just maybe….Here goes nothing!

"Well E, I'm going and taking the car with our without you! I'll just take a quick shower and be off."

Then she purposely unbuttoned her blouse very close to him. Like she had planned he quickly placed his hands between her hands and the buttons

"Let me help you with that… you do know that water is a rare commodity in Israel. You should get a bit dirtier before you shower."

Sharon was now sure she had him, teasing was her thing!

"E.. if you think you are going to get what you want and then leave me go alone at your mothers, you're in for a big letdown. I have a deal: I take care of this mounting desire of yours then you bring those files with you and read them at your mom's. That way we each get what we want."

To prove her point she sat on his legs facing him and twisted her hips to make contact with a very sensitive pressure point! Adding the enticing unbuttoning of his shirt, kissing his neck, a horrible tease for him and she knew it. She then came back to his lips, onto his cheek, jumped to his ear lobe then again to his neck without forgetting occasional deep-exhales at the base of his neck.

Her actions were a big turn on because she could feel the thumps thumps in a "happy" and very alive part of his body…..Taking his shirt half off, leaving his arms trapped by the sleeves then running her fingers down his back as far as she could go … just a bit under his boxers and making her fingers slide around stopping so close to that 'happy' part. That seem to do him in….. time now to turn it off!

Getting up as if nothing had happened but not before making sure he got a good glimpse down her unbutton top….

He quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back on him and whispered a bit out of breath "Don't tease unless you are gonna please, warning you…I'm armed and dangerous!"

She said softly in his ears "Not impressed, and that's not how I've been trained. You have two choices: 'Deal' with me or 'Deal' with the symptoms/pains of blue balls… decide!"

"I see you were masterfully trained Mrs. Welby. Think I much prefer to deal with you… can we take this act to another level NOW…."

Funny both forgot about the shower…

On route to his mother's Eyal was eying Sharon and shaking his head.

"Your brother (Andy) had warmed me that you were a master at teasing but had never experience it hitting so close to home. You have quite a weapon at your disposal my dear Lady. You're impressive and deadly at how you can turn it on/off as desired. Men are at a disadvantage on that, for us it's physical!"

"That's what I play on…as spy we are trained to go for the problem areas and work them! We have a saying in French 'c'est la poêle qui se moque du chaudron'. Meaning you are as good as I am in the seduction games. I'm sure your charms and good looks also succeeded in getting you many assets and other favors, am I wrong?"

"You're half right, I've often used my charms to get ahead in missions but I don't tease… if I decide to go down that path and the lady is willing well …."

"That's where our styles differ. I rarely get to that point, as Andy told you… I'm a teaser not a sleeper!"

"Let's drop work related topics.. you wanted a day off, fought hard for it and won… so no more talking spy craft. Let's make this day a family one even if it's on .. What is that called?"

"Skype… Eyal, it's called Skype… How can you remember coded text, phone numbers, asset names, their intel and never remember anything related to socials medias"

"I'm a sleeper remember… don't need social medias for that! Even got compared to a gigolo a couple of times by deceived targets"

Sharon leaned towards him and kissed his cheek. "And I'm sure that hurt your feelings big times Mr. Tuff Guy. And you are not a gigolo by any means, never call yourself that."

Eyal just chuckled, she was beginning to read him pretty well. He was surprise that he could not read her as well. With the opposite sex this was usually his strong suit. Women were more guarded than men emotion wise but he knew that wasn't the only answer. He had doubts that Sharon was not letting him in her heart 100% fearing maybe that he would get 'bored' with this family life. In the beginning of their relationship she had expressed it to him a couple of times but stopped. That didn't mean that she didn't still have some doubts. A situation he would have to deal with after this mission was over with and he already had a part of a solution!

Turning into his mother's driveway he looked sideways at Sharon. She is nervous, very nervous… why, something is up. Her breathing, the way she keeps her hand under her legs, her avoiding my eyes.. what's up? Lavin think you're been had …. ….again! What are you walking into?"

"Sharon hope you're not setting a 'honey trap' of another kind?"

"No… but really… you should work on avoiding honey traps. Annie was successful and I just had my way with you, could this be Mr. Lavin's 'talon d'Achille' (Achilles' heel)?"

"Rivka and Ziva always told me a woman would be my downfall…..but what a lovely way to be 'laid' down!"

"Very funny Eyal, very funny! Hey how about leaving our guns in the car. Really want to hang my spy hat and have a fun day with Ima and Robert. What do you say?"

"Prefer to keep one on me, not that I want to argue but we are still in a mission.. a very puzzling mission!"

"Eyal, Robert can tell you where he stashed at least three of his and he may have more! That should do!? Please"

So that's what she's nervous about. She knows very well that I always carry. It must be important to her and got to admit she's right… a nice family day with Robert and Ima will be pleasant. Not something I experienced often in these last years maybe that's why I'm having problems relating to her wanting it so much. It will be nice to get reacquainted with a simple family gatherings, let do this Lavin!

"OK you win.. Two in two .. Today is your lucky day darling. Don't put it in that little head of yours that it's always going to be this easy to get your way with me"

Sliding toward him to kiss him lightly he held the back of her head and deepened the kiss. Sharon knew too well they had an audience but could not get out of his kiss without alerting him to something so she played with him knowing full well Avi and Kevin must be doing the 'Gross they're at it again' thing!

"Can you tell me what are you laughing at? My tongue tickling you or what? What is it with you today?"

"Was just thinking of our last kiss … I played you well Mr. Lavin and I'm proud of myself .. that's all!"

"Well take that smirk off that face of yours…. Didn't it ever dawn on you that I may have played you! Maybe I had decided to come over to my mom's but wanted to make you work for it."

"Don't care who played who. Let's leave our deceptive techniques in the car and just enjoy a day with our parents OK"

'I'm with you, .."

"Eyal, you second gun please."

"Do you ever forget something?"

"Hand it over!"

He handed over his 'in case gun' and they headed for his mom's house.

"Funny my mother always comes to great visitors as they enter"

"Maybe she's otherwise occupied with Robert …. remember what we were doing just a little while ago!"

"Sharon….

Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, all cried 'SURPRISE!" and as Sharon had predicted, he instinctly went for his gun …that was safely stored in their car! Good decision…knowing that he was a bit jumpy with this mission and not wanting to take any chances with a gun seriously putting a damper in the mood, she knew he had enough control not to shoot but.. one never knows!

"What …"

Again no time to finish his sentence that Avi jumped on him giving him a hug.

Then it registered "Sharon Welby, you played me more than I could ever imagine!" He backed up against the door, looked around, bit his lips, rolled his eyes and breathed profoundly.

"Could somebody care to explain what is all of this?"

"Dad… it's a Shavuot/Father's day only for you and we have everything planned. We surprised you didn't we?"

"That you did, son, that you did! How… "

Sharon came close to him and put her hands around his neck

"Don't ask questions please and just enjoy. I know you don't celebrate an official Father's day but with the Shavuot you celebrate the Top Ten of the Torah. One of those ten is recognized by Jews and Christians alike; the obligation to honor your father and mother so I reunited our two holidays to make one!"

"A bit like we celebrated a CC (Chanukah/Christmas). Are you going to try to join all our holidays?"

"Not important, stop stalling and leave yourself be 'celebrated' E and dad/Robert this is also your day!"

Sharon hugged MP, Kevin and Avi. Thanked Hanna and Gabi for having organized the travel arrangements on such short notice.

A little knock on the door and in came Robin and Vincent with the breakfast.

They all settled down to eat and Ima told Eyal and Robert the schedule.

"Ok Dads listen up, here is our schedule for the day: After brunch we will have a friendly family football game. I invited most of the Lavin family and some friends. Happy to announce that we have enough players for it to be a girls versus guys game! We will have a light lunch between us all; the losers will serve the winners. Leaving a couple of hours for Mr. Eyal to get reacquainted with some old friends and family! Then we return here and the Jackson's will have their usual cook-off. Eyal – they tell me you're on Cheesecake duty. MP brought the recipe book she gave you for Christmas and has chosen one of the most complicated one… good luck! Robert your challenge is to try …for the XXX time they tell me…. the Ravioli with butternut squash, marjoram, sage and butter. But if you're not up to it.. don't worry Robin came with the usual Fish and Chips basics?"

Eyal looked at Avi "A football game.. Avi hope you're not expecting too much…. Haven't played football in years"

"Don't care, just want to play with you. Never played football with my dad!"

That did it for Eyal, he turned around for Avi not to see him wiping away a couple of tears. Sharon knew where is was at, smiled, went to him and from behind him wrapped her arm around his waist. "Need some help with those nasty emotions that sneak up on us and for some reasons only known to our brain, we cannot control."

"What are you proposing ... don't know of any anti-emotion miracles?"

She handed him a handkerchief and that got him laughing. He turned Sharon around for her to face him and whispered "Thank-you for all of this. Must admit I feel a bit out of place really not use to or like being the center of attention!"

He reached down to kiss her. That brought on, as usual, comments from the boys

"Avi, Kevin you are getting away with your comments because believe it or not I miss your impromptus interruptions but mark my word once back in London you boys are going to learn how to properly behave with ladies!" The stare Eyal gave them made Kevin and Avi quickly disperse and join some of Avi's cousin's.

Hanna was impressed "Come home quickly, I'm not having the same impact. He's getting to be quite an opinionated young man."

"Hanna is it a problem, (she nodded positively). I'll talk to him one on one before you guys leave, if that's OK with you."

"More than OK, hope you'll have more impact than I!"

It was Football game time! Eyal was being greeted by a number of family members he hadn't seen in quite some time!

Ziva and Annie excursion plans had been a ruse, Eyal was quick to spot them waiting with some of Ziva's friends.

"Guessing you girls were in this scheme of Sharon's"

Annie responded "Yes and now we are going to kill you at football"

"Annie don't think so. You do realize football, your American soccer, is the most popular sport in Israel!"

"Well that stands as much for girls and boys, how about a friendly bet Mr. Lavin?" Annie was in a playful mood.

"OK, you're on. How's this: I hate running and you hate callisthenic workouts so if you win I will trade in my callisthenic routines for running and vice-versa… for a week. What do you say Mrs. Walker?"

"You're on" And to that they shook hands!

Ima put the ball in play and the game started. Sharon and Kevin were in goals. Both were not adepts of this game. Kevin being a good goalie in hockey, it was a logical choice to put him in goals for the game. As for Sharon well… it turns out the girls team had a very big secret on their side. Two of Eyal's niece were part of Israeli's women's football team Hapoel Petah Tikva plus Ziva and Annie were accomplished player in their youth! The girls kind of concluded that putting Sharon in goals could not cause any harm since like Ziva said "those guys are not going to get near the goals"

"Hope so because I'm telling you I'm completely null at any kind of sports that is played with a ball!" Sharon said shaking her head!

To Eyal surprise the girls were giving them a run for their money. The boys were outturned, outkicked and outscored. The only time they came close is a two on one decent; Avi and Eyal against Sharon. Ziva shouted to Sharon "Do like the ball was a knife Sharon!" As Avi accepted a pass from Eyal he gave the ball a firm kick and Sharon shot up and … just caught it. She was more than surprise and that was the final play of the game! Boys 0… girls 1 – the only goal being scored by one of Eyal's nieces.

Eyal was sitting drinking some well needed water when the girls jumped him.

"Hey careful, I'm the oldest guy here, pick on the young ones!"

"One week of running Eyal… one week and believe me we are going to train you like you were planning to run a marathon!"

To that Sharon, Ziva and Annie high fived between themselves.

Eyal caught Sharon's arm and pulled her down on him "You girls cheated, Ziva tipped off Sharon on how to catch a soccer ball!"

"Yak.. You're all sweaty…." as she fell on him

"… and sexy…cheater" Eyal whispered in Sharon ear,

"You're just jealous that it worked and I stopped that ball… completely by chance I admit but Ziva's tip was a good one… !"

Ima spoke "Guys.. get the picnic baskets and start serving us …." All laughed and clapped.

Eyal noticed Annie talking with Ima, both of them laughing and Ima spoke again.

"Guys since you lost, us girls would like to see some pecks while eating our dull little sandwiches so take those t-shirts off, sun lotion on… and begin serving us ladies!"

That got the girls started… there was no way the guys were going to get out of this!"

Eyal, Gabi, Avi and Robert said in unison "IMAAAAAAAAAAA"

She lipped to them…. "Take it off…boys….."

Like father, like son…. Eyal and Avi played their part pretty well, dance moves and all, they pulled in Kevin and Gaby and for the next hour that foursome was the star of this gathering! Ima, Sharon, Hanna and Annie could not stop laughing.

All in all in it was a lovely afternoon and as it was nearing the end Ima invited all to her home to participate in 'an English' father's day and explained that her guests, Sharon and Robin Jackson, had challenge Eyal and Robert to a cook-off!

Eyal signaled to Sharon that he wanted to talk to her.

"Sharon would you mind returning to the house with Ima. Need to talk one on one with Avi and MP is missing ingredients for the cheesecake. I'll bring Kevin along for him not to feel left out. Also could you please help Ima, it's been a long and emotional day for her, and I know my mother …"

Sharon stopped him "Got you, I'll take over, Annie and Ziva will help. And to think that you have the reputation of being dark and can't show empathy! Please don't be too hard on Avi, he's just trying to be like other kids."

"Talked with Hanna and it's a bit more than that but I'll be careful promise. Thanks again for this day. You and Ima gave me some wonderful memories for my first Shavuot/Father's day. Think you started a new day to celebrate in our family!" He leaned toward Sharon and gave her a very very passionate love kiss and whispered "Love you and promise to pay you back before the day is over"

Sharon chuckle "Can you take your mind off sex for just a couple of hours, you're bad.. real bad Eyal Lavin!"

"Who said I was talking about sex… you're not the only one that can organize a 'surprise' "

"Eyal.. what are you up to? Look I didn't do this for a gift or a payback. Please don't make this an I do it, you owe me kind of event!"

"Don't worry, loved my day, best one in a very long time. Sorry that came out wrong. Look let's get moving, I have a cook-off challenge with Robert!"

"No worry, you're going to win this 'challenge' hands up. Robert even with a 'Cooking for dummies' book cannot even boil an egg!"

Eyal had inform MP of the situation with Avi and asked her to take Kevin with her to buy what was needed for the cooking challenge.

Alone with Avi, he just looked at him.

"Dad, mom asked you to speak to me didn't she?"

"Why would you think that? You do something wrong?"

"No I didn't but she must have said I did?"

"What could she have said?"

"That I'm impolite, rude, talkback too much. She's always saying that words spill out of my mouth before my brain catches up."

"Well …."

"Dad she's always nagging.. You left her for that. I'm like you .. I just can't stand it!"

That Eyal had not seen coming but he knew he had to kill that way of thinking and fast!

"Avi let me be clear: What I do is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Your mother was right to leave. I was, at that time, seeking vengeance for my sister death and up to a point even suicidal in my actions. Staying with me would have meant for her living in fear of what could happen. Yes, she had her faults. She was nagging a lot and it exasperated me but it also gave me an excuse for an easy way out. I used her constant nagging to make her leave me instead of facing my real motives for joining the Mossad and accepting very dangerous missions. The truth is I was the problem Avi, me, and it's time you face up to that fact. You might think I'm a hero because my work is dangerous and special but the facts are that she didn't leave me… I made her leave because I didn't have the courage to accept the fact that she was right when she accused me of being a badass and only wanting vengeance for my sister death. But I don't think I have to convince you of that, Avi you're a bright kid you figured this out quite some time ago didn't you?"

Avi brought his head down and tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Yes" he said in a very low voice.

"And just like me, today, you are blaming your mother for your actions. Don't you think it's time we stop making her a scapegoat and face up to our responsibilities. I've learned the hard way that my wanting to hurt myself could also hurt people close to me…. don't make the same mistakes I made. I've only been acting as a full time dad (well maybe a part-time full time dad…!) to you for a short period, and what I'm seeing makes me proud of what Hanna accomplished with you. You are, most of the time, a very polite, well mannered, respectful and very very bright boy but … I also know what teenage years mean. I was a handful for Ima but one line I didn't, couldn't and still don't cross is impolite and selfish behaviors. I had/still have this instilled in me by Ima and if I can do the same with you… well my work will be done because when a boy comes to realize and act on what is good and says no to what is wrong… he's become a man."

"Dad, I'm sorry" He hugged Eyal tightly "I don't want to be a man, still need you!"

"Avi, it's a figure of speech, you have me. I might not be as present as I would like to be but your father and mother will always be there for you, never forget that. Also it's not me you need to say you're sorry to but Hanna, we clear on this?"

Avi nodded.

"OK then let's get MP out of the supermarket before she buys enough stuff to feed an army!"

Having gathered the three kids together Eyal had a secret he wanted to share with them.

"How about we get something special to top that cheesecake. I really want to win this challenge."

Kevin spoke between bouts of laughter "Eyal granddad can't boiled an egg and you're a better cook than mom. You're going to win this easy!"

"Euhhh Eyal the supermarket is that way" MP said pointing in the store's direction.

"It's not an edible topping I had in mind!"

The three kids looked at each other then at Eyal. The sheepish smile he had on his face made them realize he was up to something…very… very … well special and intriguing.

Back at Ima house, Ima and Sharon, seeing Eyal and the kids come in, knew something was up. They tried to shake it out of them but to no avail. Hanna also sensed something was up but she had no luck either. Their quest was soon forgotten when some serious cooking got underway.

Family members and friends were taking aback with this day Father's day celebration.

"Sharon, Robin does everybody in England celebrate Father's day like this?" Eyal's niece that had score the only point in the soccer game asked

Robin answered "Father's day is what you decided to make of it. We always have an Easter egg hunt and a Cook-off for Father's day. It's two traditions with us not related to religion but just family fun. Really don't know why but other holidays don't count that much but those two have always been special."

"Well think you just gave us another holiday to celebrate! Loved this day, it was awesome. Uncle Eyal is real funny never seen him like that!"

Suddenly all went silent …. Eyal and Robert were finally out of the kitchen.

Eyal announced "Family and friends gather around, Robert and I have some unveiling to do!"

To that Avi, Kevin and MP came in all dressed in tuxes and holding serving trays.

They were 'WOW, AWWWWW and Look how cute the kids are!' from the crowd.

Sharon, Hanna looked at each other and tears were rolling down their cheeks. Annie came in Sharon's back and squeezed her shoulders. "Wow.. Eyal is taking this dinner very seriously, this is wonderful!"

Eyal toasted the crowd with a glass of wine "Happy to announce that we kind of paired up to serve you the best meal possible… no Challenge of the Dads!"

"Yeah …. Eyal cooked and Robert served him wine!" MP blurted out laughing and continued "But happy to say the Raviolis with Eyal's Koshers-style additions and the Cheesecake with again a very very special Eyal addition are both a culinary success.

Then Avi, with his Majordome look, took the floor: "As an entry, I will be serving you a nice spinach salad with some thin sliced red apples, sprinkle with toasted pecans all of this topped with a nice light raspberry vinaigrette. Then Kevin will bring in some French bread split, garlic buttered, and sprinkled with parsley plus a little sage to pick up on your Matzo Ball soup. Robert will be serving the main course; the Raviolis, MP will be your 'Sommelière' (Dad said that's French for responsible for beverages) and then it's the Cheesecake with a twist, I'll leave Dad (Eyal) to explain his surprise!

The food was incredible and all were waiting for the special dessert/surprise.

A friend of Ima hugged Sharon and said "Well Sharon if you don't want to keep this man of yours send him over to me, I'll keep him occupied in the kitchen … no problem and he's not hard to look at either!" Ima gently slapped her friend!

Suddenly the light were lowered and a very handsome and well dressed Eyal entered the room. The cheesecake was all cut in diamond shape servings.

"People, I have a special person that I would like to thank for organizing this special, first and not my last, I hope, Father's day. I would like for her to have the first piece of this cheesecake bake not by me but the kids. I only added the topping."

Sharon was sure he was talking about Ima so she continued to chat with Hanna. Hanna pushed her and when she turned around Eyal was kneeling before her.

She took one look at the cake he was handing her and brought her hand to her mouth. There staring at her was the most beautiful and dazzling and very big diamond ring.

Eyal took her hand and said in French, Hebrew, German and finally English

"Je t'aime, veux-tu voudrais m'épouser? – אני אוהב אותך, יהיה לך להתחתן איתי - - Ich liebe dich, willst du mich heiraten? I love you, will you marry me?"

Four language that united both their families: Sharon and her biological father were French natives, Eyal and his father's native language was Hebrew, Ima was of German decent and Sharon's mother and adopted father, British. How like Eyal to add this so important touch to his demand!

Ima heart nearly stopped at Eyal's proposal. Robert bent down and said "That son of yours has quite a way with women!"

Sharon couldn't stop crying and whispered "I'm going to kill you for this"

"Sharon that is not the answer I'm looking for… like a polygraph…. my question requires a 'Yes' or 'No' answer.

To that Annie just choked up, tears and laughing do not mix well together. Annie was wishing Auggie was not stuck back at Mossad's. She was suddenly very lonely!

Sharon jumped on Eyal and said a resounding 'Yes'. He twirled her around to the applauses of their guests! He put her down and kissed her passionately and funny not a word from Avi or Kevin (think they were forewarn or sister MP had them at gunpoint!)

To be continued