Title: The More Things Change

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Someone else (Radiant Productions?) Owns The Agency and all of the characters portrayed in this story) therefore, the author will receive no compensation for this story.

Part 29: Promises

Stiles woke up and stretched. He couldn't believe Terri spent the night snuggled in his arms. He opened his eyes and rolled over--to an empty bed. He wondered if he dreamed the whole thing—it wouldn't have been the first time.

Stiles got up to eat and practically ran into Terri as he left his room. "I was just about to check on you. We need to leave in about 45 minutes to get you to the airport on time."

"Come with me?"

Terri laughed. "I don't think Joshua would approve that."

"Are you sure?" Stiles gave her his best puppy dog face.

"I'm sure. Go get dressed, I'm making breakfast."

"Really?"

"Yes, now go!"

Before he left he had to kiss her; it was a quick one on the lips, but it would keep him going for hours. He also decided to take a chance and tell her about his dream.

"I had the most amazing dream last night--that I fell asleep holding you." The only reaction he got was a smile.

"What?"

As she headed down the stairs, Terri nonchalantly told him what he was hoping to hear. "You didn't dream that. I can't remember the last time I slept so well. Now go get dressed or we'll be late!"

Stiles was grinning from ear to ear. He hadn't dreamed it; it was all real! He was still smiling when he came down for breakfast 20 minutes later.

"What's with the grin?"

"I'm just happy, that's all."

Terri smiled to herself. She was amazed that just being with her made him so happy.

She was quiet all the way to the airport, thinking about the past evening, the past few weeks really. When they got there, instead of dropping him off, Terri pulled into the garage. "Hey, I think you missed your turn.'

"No, I know the timing is bad, but I need to say something before you leave."

Stiles felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach. "Go on."

"I said I'd wait a year to see if my memory came back before I made a decision about us, but…"

"Terri don't, not now. Let me enjoy this." Great, what was last night, good bye?

"Let me finish. When Bailey told me that you and I were married, I didn't want to believe her. You know that. The only thing I could remember about you was that you thought I was responsible for Matt's death and that you didn't think I was good enough to watch your back. Once we went back to work I started remembering other little things, none of which improved my opinion of you."

"Like what?"

"It's not important."

"It's important to me!"

Terri sighed. "Stiles really, it's not important. Please just let me finish."

In typical Stiles fashion, he did let her finish—while he looked straight ahead andpouted. "What I'm trying to say is that I didn't want to remember us; I just couldn't see myself married to someone like you—I couldn't understand why you would want to be married to someone like me. Then Matt came back and he asked me out and I know you don't want to hear this but…"

"You're right, I don't want to hear about Callan. Look, I gotta go." Stiles turned toward the door. He had his hand on the handle when he heard the doors lock. "Terri…"

Terri took a deep breath and continued; she needed to get through this before he left. "I'm sorry, but I need to finish this before you leave."

Stiles sat back and folded his arms across his chest. He couldn't believe she was holding him hostage to tell him about her boyfriend.

"He made me feel special; he didn't want anything from me—that I could see. He just wanted to spend time with me."

Stiles wasangry and before he realized it he snapped at her. "What do you think I want?"

Ignoring his outburst, Terri continued calmly. "I was comfortable with him and I remembered how close we were before he "died."

"Terri, is there a point to this? I need to go."

"The point is I was wrong about you. I see that now."

To Stiles' surprise, she stopped. She wanted him to look at her; she wanted his full attention. Terri gently placed her hand on his cheek and turned his face toward her. "Please look at me." When he turned to face her, she finished what she needed to say.

"I guess I was just scared and I needed to be with and around people I felt comfortable with. "I fought remembering so long. I should have given you a chance and …"

"And what?"

"And now that I've gotten to know you I really want to remember—everything. The thing is I don't know if I ever will. I just hope you'll give me a chance. I do want to try."

Next to hearing her say "I do." Stiles couldn't think of any sweeter words. He smiled from ear to ear, but there was one thing he needed to hear before he could give her an answer. "What about Callan?"

"I'm not going to see him anymore unless" she hesitated again, making him nervous.

"Unless what?"

Terri diverted her eyes away from his, "Unless you don't want me."

Stiles reached over, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Terri, I love you. I knew I was going to fall in love with you the day we met and it scared me to death, but marrying you is the smartest thing I've ever done. Of course, I want you. I will always want you."

It was Terri's turn to smile. She couldn't believe how amazing she felt when he told her that he wanted her; just a few weeks ago that same revelation would have terrified her. "Okay."

Stiles laughed; it was just like her to end a deep discussion so matter-of-factly.

"Why are you laughing?"

"I don't know." Stiles leaned across the seat and kissed his wife.

"You better get going so you don't miss your plane."

"Yeah" was all he said. He hadn't been so happy since they left Ireland. He gave her one last kiss and jumped out of the car. He was going to have to run to make it to the gate on time. He started running then stopped and yelled back to Terri, "I'll call you when I get there! I love you."

Terri's butterflies came fluttering back and the smile didn't leave her face as she drove home.


"I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it." Jackson took a good look at his friend and colleague. "You look…" Jackson searched for the right word to describe Stiles. "Well this morning."

"She's dumping him."

"Who's dumping whom?"

"Terri, she's cutting Callan loose. She wants to work on our marriage."

"I'm glad to hear it. I know things haven't been easy."

"That's an understatement. My wife has been dating my boss—my boss, who blames me for taking her away from him, has been working overtime to keep me out of town. Yeah, it hasn't been easy."

"Well, maybe things will get better. I don't want to have to get between your fist and his face again anytime soon."

Stiles smiled at Jackson. Jackson hadn't said much, but as usual, he'd made his point.