DESTINY
Chapter 18
Dara walked through the front door of her home in time to be rewarded by the unexpected sight of her children crawling through the hallway towards her. Gaping at the incredible sight of her son and daughter, she looked questioningly at Mrs. Carlton, who was following close behind them. "How long have they been able to do this?"
Mrs. Carlton shook her head smiling, "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen, they started this morning, I've chased after them all day."
Dara knelt down and held out her arms to her children, who crawled straight to her to be held in their mother's embrace. Looking at the other woman in perplexity, she queried, "But they're only three months old, they just learned to sit up on their own, how did they learn to crawl so fast?"
Mrs. Carlton shrugged her shoulders, "I wish I knew, Mrs. Buck, but I've noticed that they seem to be able to learn things very quickly. They must be the most gifted babies I've ever been around."
Dara pondered the woman's statement before offering, "Well, you go ahead and go home, Mrs. Carlton, I'll take them upstairs for their baths. I'll see you tomorrow." With that Dara ventured upstairs to tend to her children's needs for the evening.
Once she had them fed, bathed and settled for the night, Dara ventured downstairs, after taking her own bath and making herself comfortable, to relax and watch a re run of her favorite black and white movie, 'Waterloo Bridge'. Since Lucas had informed her that morning that he wouldn't be home until late and Caleb was sleeping over at the boardinghouse she had no one to disturb her thoughts as she contemplated her children's latest achievement.
Lucas entered the house quietly, following the sound of the television, but when he caught sight of his wife lost so deep in thought, he knew that she wasn't actually paying attention to the images on the box in front of her.
Not hearing the door open, Dara yelped in surprise when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she was relieved to see her husband standing over her. Lucas looked at her apologetically, "I'm sorry, darlin. I didn't mean to scare you."
Dara smiled sheepishly at him, "It's all right, I was lost in thought and didn't here you come in." Lucas knelt down and gave her a long kiss, pulling back she asked, "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Lucas shook his head, "Not exactly, but we've got a better lead than before, so we'll try again. By the way, what were you thinking about so hard?"
Dara looked at him quizzically, "Did you know that our fourteen week old twins are now fully crawling?"
Lucas looked at her without surprise, "Well, that's good news, isn't it?"
Dara shrugged, "I suppose, but they shouldn't be doing that for at least another month or so. Don't you think it's slightly odd how quickly then seem to pick up on things? I mean they were sitting up by themselves at eight weeks old now six weeks later they're crawling, they'll be walking before they're a year old. I've never seen or heard of children progressing this fast."
Lucas looked at her, careful to mask his knowledge from her. He had suspected that although Dara wasn't a Cross, that wouldn't hinder the 'gifts' that their children would undoubtedly possess, inherited from his bloodline. So that fact that their son and daughter were progressing so quickly came as no surprise to him. Hoping to reason with her and stifle her curiosity, he voiced, "Well, sweetheart, you know they were early. "I've heard of premature babies being more advanced, and as much time as you, me, Caleb and Mrs. Carlton spend with them I'm not really surprised. They're smart babies to start with, Crower said they were healthy at their last check up, right?" Dara nodded, Matt had indeed given them a clean bill of health, stating his own bewilderment at their rate of accomplishment.
Lucas looked at her smilingly, "Well then, there isn't a problem. Their perfectly healthy normal babies, who just happen to be able to learn quicker than most, that's all." Kissing her forehead he lightly admonished, "Quit you're worrying little mother. All right?"
Dara reluctantly agreed, "I suppose you're right. I should just thank God their healthy and alive. OK, I'll stop worrying and just be accepting."
Lucas gave an inner sigh of relief at her acceptance as he pulled her from the chair to enfold her in his embrace and savor the feel of her. It never ceased to amaze him how much he needed and wanted her. Instead of growing accustomed to her and her body, he was fascinated anew everyday by her. Looking into her eyes and losing himself in their depths, he suggested, "You know I don't know about you, but since I've already eaten supper, I wouldn't mind just heading upstairs to bed for some desert."
Dara shook her head as she began giggling as though she were a schoolgirl, "You know you're incorrigible. If we keep this up I'll end up pregnant again before too much longer."
Lucas looked at her encouragingly, "I wouldn't mind, would you?"
Dara considered for a moment, then shook her head, "No, not really. I just thought we'd wait a year of so before having anymore."
Lucas shook his head, "And practice all that self denial? Doesn't sound like a good idea to me."
Dara gasped in shock as she felt his mouth begin tracing a path from her ear down her throat to just above her breasts. Smiling at him seductively she offered, "Well, now that you mention it, it doesn't sound like that great of an idea to me either." Smiling at him impishly, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away slightly, "There's just one catch though."
Lucas looked at her suspiciously, seeing the mischief gleaming in her eyes, "What would that be?"
Taking a step backwards, she stated, "You just have to catch me first." With that she bolted through the living room and headed up the stairs.
Lucas shook his head, grinning at her play. Then, dropping his coat on the floor he took off after her, catching her halfway up the stairs and pulling her tight against him. "Now, what's my reward for catching you?"
Turing in his grasp to face him, she placed her hands behind his head and smiled as she pulled him towards her, "Guess." With that she pulled his head down to kiss him deeply.
Lucas quickly swept her up in his arms and hurried up the remainder of the steps to their bedroom to claim the rest of his prize.
Lucas lay studying his wife's face, relaxed in contentment, reminding him of an angel at rest. Opening her eyes to find him studying her, she placed her arms around his neck and began stroking his hair, she asked, "What are you thinking?"
Smiling into her eyes, he replied, "I was just comparing you to heaven on earth. You remind me of an angel when you look like this."
Looking at him in perplexity, she asked, "Like what?"
Twining a strand of her long hair around his fingers, he smiled at her tenderly and replied, "All content and at peace. As though the world could pass by us and you wouldn't notice or care as long as we're together."
Dara shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure I would notice when we're like this, or particularly care."
Pulling her close to him, he replied, "Neither would I as long as I'm holding you." With that they settled into bed to let sleep claim them until morning.
Dara entered her office the next morning and began looking over her schedule for the day when Matt knocked to announce his presence. Looking up from her appointment book, she smiled, "Hi, what's up?"
Matt stepped inside and pushed the door to, holding up a memo he had just received he asked, "Have you seen this yet?"
Dara walked over to the mail basket attached to her door and began sorting through the contents until she found a piece of paper similar to the one Matt was holding. Depositing the remaining contents of the basket on her desk, she sat down and quickly read over the paper. Looking us she stated, "It just says that Dr. Devon Landrum has now officially joined the staff here at the hospital. We already knew that, so what's the problem?"
Matt shook his head, "Have you seen this guy yet?"
Dara shook her head, "No, why, does he resemble the mad doctor Frankenstein or something? You make him sound like something ominous, Matt. He's just a psychiatrist after all, right?" Dara chuckled in amusement at Matt's agitation.
"Oh I've been tempted to try and resurrect the dead a time or two, but only at Halloween." Both turned in utter surprise at the deep, masculine voice, which belonged to the tall, sharply dressed figure leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his broad chest. Dara's mouth dropped, it was the same man she had collided with in the parking garage yesterday afternoon.
Matt, recovering quickly, offered "Dr. Landrum, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Matt..."
Landrum turned a cold glance towards Matt, "Yes I know, Dr. Crower. I've read over you're files, including your time at Juniper House, we must discuss your take on their style of treatment." Effectively cutting off the remainder of Matt's statement, he strode purposefully towards Dara. Towering over her, he extended his hand to her and smiled disarmingly, "And you must be Dara Chambers Buck. Dr. Whatley did you a great injustice when he described you as merely beautiful, you far exceed that descriptive." Turning to face Matt, Landrum stated more than asked, "I'm sure you must be attending to your rounds, shouldn't you Dr. Crower?"
Matt looked at Dara, silently asking for her permission to leave. Although he could read it in her eyes that the prospect of being left alone with this man didn't thrill her, she nodded her OK for him to go. Matt extended his hand to be taken in quick dismissal by Landrum, "It was nice meeting you Dr. Landrum, I'm certain we'll see more of each other." Turing to Dara, "Dara, I'll see you later, all right?"
Dara nodded, "I'll see you for lunch, Matt."
Glancing hesitantly at the pair, Matt reluctantly left Dara's office to start his rounds. Just as he turned down the hallway to the nurse's station he spotted Lucas Buck heading up the same hallway towards his wife's office. Stopping him in his tracks, he reluctantly admitted, "I'm glad to see you."
Lucas stared at the man in shock, "Never thought I'd hear those words from your mouth, Harvard. Why would that be?"
Matt motioned towards Dara's office, "You're just in time to save your wife. The new head of psychiatry is in there with her now, and I get the distinct impression she doesn't care for his company at all."
Lucas glanced towards Dara's office then demanded, "Well, why the hell did you leave her alone with him if she doesn't want to be around him?"
Matt shrugged, "He all but ordered me out and Dara didn't want to create a scene so she agreed to it. You, on the other hand, he can hardly order her husband from the room."
Lucas nodded his head as he hurried to his wife's aide.
After Matt's departure, Dara rose form her chair to try and put some space between herself and Landrum. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was just something about the man that made her very uncomfortable.
He was handsome enough, just slightly taller than her husband, but not by more than an inch, if that much. He had hair darker than Lucas', but where Lucas' hair was wavy, this man's was straight. His eyes were deep blue and although his job wasn't as physical as Lucas' could sometimes prove to be, he was still solidly built. Under other circumstances Dara could even appreciate his good looks, but she could sense something else underneath his calm façade. Not like she had felt with Lucas, his was more along the lines of knowing that if crossed he could and would be very dangerous. This man's was more like someone trying to hide they're truer self.
Dara had been so involved in her own thoughts that she had to ask Landrum to repeat the question he had just asked her.
Continuing to smile at her in what he hoped was a charming manner; he repeated patiently, "I was just wondering about your marriage, Mrs. Buck. I understand that you are married to the local sheriff."
Both were shocked to hear a voice respond from the open doorway, "Yes, as a matter of fact she is."
Lucas didn't miss his wife's intense relief at his intrusion, or the fact that she was standing behind her desk chair, as though trying to put as much space as possible between herself and this man. Walking past the man and ignoring his presence, he crossed the room to stand next to his wife. "Hi, darlin." Oblivious to the other's presence he leaned down and placed a sound kiss on his wife's mouth.
Dara recovered her bearings enough to smile at Landrum as she offered, "Dr. Landrum, I'd like you to meet my husband."
Lucas extended his hand and finished the introduction for her, "Lucas Buck, that's Buck with a B. I hope you enjoy your stay in Trinity."
Landrum, although seething inside at the man's audacity as well as his presence, hid his frustrations and responded smoothly, "I' sure I will, Sheriff. I was just getting to know your wife somewhat better. After all she is part of the psychiatry staff, so I'm sure we will be working VERY closely together."
Lucas nodded, accepting the obvious challenge the man was issuing. He knew that this man was a stranger in town and although he had kept his word to Dara about his dealings into other's lives, he had absolutely no qualms about how to handle this man if he trespassed on what Lucas most definitely considered his territory. "I'm sure that you may feel the need to work very closely with her, Dr. Landrum, but my wife is most particular as to who she works in close confines with. And I'm certain that you wouldn't be up to her expectations." Dara glanced at Lucas, shocked by his statement.
Landrum, deciding that he wasn't going to accomplish anything with her husband hovering over her, simply smiled at Dara, and then taking her hand in his, he bent over it and kissed it.
Lucas, who had his arm around his wife's shoulders, could feel her stiffening as though she didn't want the man to touch her.
Landrum looked up, smiling graciously, "Good day, Mrs. Buck." Nodding stiffly at Lucas, he stated simply, "Sheriff." With that he left, pulling the door closed behind him.
Dara turned to Lucas and stated accusingly, "I should be very angry with you for that performance."
Expecting her to fly into him for his earlier actions he was surprised when she buried her head against his chest and asked quietly, "Please hold me." Lucas complied with her request, stroking her back he asked quietly, "You sensed it too, didn't you?"
Dara looked up and quietly nodded, "I wasn't sure I did, but I guess my first impressions were right."
Lucas shook his head at her naivety, "Honey, you just can't appreciate what other men seem to see in you, do you?"
Dara shook her head, "I've never considered that any other man besides you looks at me that way."
Lucas placed his hand along her cheek and smiled sadly, "Well, unfortunately for me, they do see what I see. If you want to quit you can. You can go back to private practice if you want."
Dara shook her head, "No, I can do more good here. Besides, I need the hospital connections for the outreach program."
Lucas nodded his acceptance, "Alright, just promise me that where that man is concerned, you'll be careful. There's something about him I don't care for, other than his obvious attraction to you."
Dara nodded, "I promise I will. Now just hold me for a little while."
Lucas pulled her close to him, making his mind up firmly to the fact that Dr. Landrum was going to have to be carefully watched, especially around his wife.
Devon Landrum was sitting behind his desk, seething in rage and frustration. How Dara that man disrupt his conversation with Dara.
Pulling a file folder from his lower drawer, he opened it to the photos inside. There was several of the same subject, Dara. The photos ranged from a newspaper clipping announcing her marriage, to ones of her at news conferences, as well as snapshots.
Picking up one of her looking at the camera, he traced her outline with his finger. Speaking to the photo, he stated, "It's all right, I'm a patient man. I've waited this long for you, a little more time wont make a difference. You'll see sooner or later what a mistake marrying that man was and if not, I'll have you one way or another." With that he placed the file in the back of his drawer and locked it. Getting up, he left his office to venture to the board meeting being held upstairs.
At that same moment, Dara was also hurrying to the same meeting and was infinitely glad to have run into Matt. Sitting at the very end of the table, she motioned frantically for Matt to occupy the seat next to her, just as Dr. Landrum entered the room.
Matt noticed a sigh of relief escape her as the man was forced to take a seat at the opposite end of the table, glancing at her he inquired whisperingly, "Want to talk after the meeting over lunch?"
Dara, seeing that the meeting was about to begin, nodded her acceptance as Dr. Whatley, an older man of about sixty or so who was now administrator, started the meeting.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for our meeting today. Aside from covering our usual subjects, I would like to formally welcome the newest member of our staff. Our new head of psychiatry, Dr. Devon Landrum." Everyone clapped they're approval as Landrum rose from his chair.
Rita, the head nurse, who was sitting on the other side of Dara, nudged her and whispered, "Wow, that is a definite improvement over some of these doctors."
Dara looked at the woman, astonished, "You like him, you can have him."
Rita looked at her as she replied sarcastically, "Easy for you to say. Look who you're married to, if I was married to someone who looked like Lucas Buck I wouldn't look at another man either." Dara focused her attention back to Landrum just in time to get a really big shock to her system.
"And so I'm certain that all of you can also see the merits of the program Mrs. Buck has outlined for the youth of Trinity. Which is why I intend to use all of my authority as well as focusing all my attention towards helping her to launch it. Starting of course with the charity ball she and her committee are organizing."
Matt glanced at the fury beginning to rise in Dara's face; he knew that she had put a lot of time into this for more than a year, since before her marriage and pregnancy. Seeing her anger rising, he reached under the table and nudged her arm. When she turned to face him he shook his head and mouthed the words, 'not now, later.'
Dara took several deep breaths and attempted to calm herself. Sitting through the remainder of the meeting she patiently waited until almost everyone had cleared the boardroom before approaching Landrum. "Dr. Landrum, may I have a moment of your time, please?"
Landrum looked at her and smiled solicitously, "You can have all of my time you desire, my dear. What can I do for you?"
Looking him squarely in the eyes, she stated, "First and most importantly, I am not 'your dear.' Secondly, and just as important, I have devoted my time, effort and knowledge as well as blood, sweat and tears to my outreach program. I have fought and struggled too get assistance from officials, accreditation from the schools and volunteers to help. I don't appreciate you're announcing, publicly, without first saying something to me your intentions for this program."
Landrum took in her carefully controlled rage. He had considered his actions very carefully and knew that by throwing his considerable pull behind her pet project that she would have no choice but to work closely with him. Trying to look the injured party, so he could play on her sympathy, he stated sadly, "I assumed that you would want the head of psychiatry in your corner with this project, Mrs. Buck. I do have considerable pull and it would seem that would help this along considerably."
Dara sighed, "Yes, I suppose you're right. I would just appreciate in the future, a little advanced information, Dr. Landrum. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a luncheon date." With that she turned and stalked out of the room.
Landrum leaned against the table, crossing his arms over his chest muttering to himself, he smiled, "All that fire."
Matt was waiting for her at the elevator, taking in the look of frustration he inquired softly, "Still care for lunch and some conversation?" Dara sighed and nodded her head dejectedly.
Once they reached the cafeteria and had sat down, Matt looked at her with concern. "OK, nobody here now, what's going on?"
Dara sighed heavily, "I'm not sure I can work with that man, Matt. That little announcement he made upstairs, he didn't consult me about the project, he just up and announced his involvement in it."
Matt looked at her, searchingly, "Come on give, there's something else bothering you about him isn't there?"
Dara glanced around, making certain that no one else was in earshot, and then began haltingly, "Matt, he makes me very uncomfortable. I thought it was my imagination, but he looks at me like, oh I don't know how to describe it."
Matt supplied helpfully, "The last meal looks to a condemned man?"
Dara nodded, "Yes, unfortunately, that's exactly how, or at least how I think. And earlier, when he met Lucas, Matt, I swear he as much as issued a challenge that he would have me in bed before Lucas could blink."
Matt nodded sympathetically; it wasn't hard to miss the man's attraction to Dara that was for sure. "If it would make you feel better, I don't think it's your imagination. I think he's definitely attracted to you."
Dara looked at him, helplessly, "All right, so what do I do? I can't give up my project or my job. And if Lucas realized how far this man might push, he'll force me to do both."
Matt pondered her dilemma for a moment, "Well, there are other members of the committee; me, Selena, and a few others. So having one of us around when his is, isn't a totally suspicious act, not to mention you may get lucky and Selena might find him attractive and take him off your hands."
Dara looked hopeful, "I hope you're right."
After lunch Dara returned to her office, carefully avoiding Landrum. Once there she checked through her mail and her appointment book, seeing that she was free for the rest of the day, she dialed Selena's pager and waited for her to return her call. After setting a time after school to meet, she left to join Selena in making the final arrangements for the charity gala they were planning to raise funds for the program.
An hour later she met Selena out front of the caterer's Selena had specified. When she joined her on the sidewalk, she noticed Selena shaking her head as she glanced at her car. Sighing in agitation at the other woman's movements she asked testily, "What?"
Selena looked at her questioningly, "I though you were going to buy a new car."
Dara shrugged, "I haven't had a chance to go car shopping yet, besides I like my car."
Selena shrugged non-chalantly, "Not a very practical family car though."
Dara looked at her caustically, although her words were just conversational, it was enough to push Dara's last buttons. "Selena, can we please drop the subject of my car, I'm not in the mood at the moment. Lets just attend to the menu and finish the plans for this damned ball."
Selena looked at her, slightly taken back by the tone in her voice. Placing her hand on Dara's arm, she offered softly, "I'm sorry if I offended you, what's the matter?" Despite her jealousy over Dara having married Lucas Buck and the way she had tried to bait her before, Selena found Dara to be a good friend and didn't want to lose the friendship she had some to value with her.
Dara shook her head as she smiled sadly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. I've just had a really bad day and I just want to go home and see my children. I apologize, lets just get this final detail handled and then all we have to concern ourselves with is shopping for our dresses."
Selena nodded, taking her statement at face value, "Don't worry about it. I've had those kinds of days too. You're right, lets get this over with."
Thirty minutes later, after completing the last arrangements, which the caterer agreed to handle while staying within their budget, thanks to Selena and a lot of flirting, they emerged from the small shop, relieved.
Dara checked her watch as Selena inquired, hopefully, "How about some coffee and some girl talk?"
Dara shook her head, "I'd like to, but I want to get home and put the kids to bed."
Selena sighed, "I guess some other time then?"
Dara brightened as a thought occurred to her, "I'll tell you what, how about a girl's day? We'll go to Charleston, to the big stores there and shop for our ball gowns, what do you say?"
Selena brightened at the prospect, "I like it, how about this weekend, the gala is in two weeks."
Dara nodded, "Perfect, Lucas can take the kids, I haven't had a day to myself in a long time, he wont mind."
With that settled they got into their cars and left, failing to notice the figure that stepped out of the alleyway, having eavesdropped on their conversation.
"Charleston, huh? Well, what a coincidence, I'm in need of a new tuxedo for the gala." Smiling to himself Devon Landrum walked around the corner to where her had parked his own car.
He knew he had the upper hand over Dara, he had made a copy of her appointment book, so he knew every move she would be making for the next three months, but he didn't think he'd need that much time, but just in case it was better safe than sorry.
Chapter 18
Dara walked through the front door of her home in time to be rewarded by the unexpected sight of her children crawling through the hallway towards her. Gaping at the incredible sight of her son and daughter, she looked questioningly at Mrs. Carlton, who was following close behind them. "How long have they been able to do this?"
Mrs. Carlton shook her head smiling, "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen, they started this morning, I've chased after them all day."
Dara knelt down and held out her arms to her children, who crawled straight to her to be held in their mother's embrace. Looking at the other woman in perplexity, she queried, "But they're only three months old, they just learned to sit up on their own, how did they learn to crawl so fast?"
Mrs. Carlton shrugged her shoulders, "I wish I knew, Mrs. Buck, but I've noticed that they seem to be able to learn things very quickly. They must be the most gifted babies I've ever been around."
Dara pondered the woman's statement before offering, "Well, you go ahead and go home, Mrs. Carlton, I'll take them upstairs for their baths. I'll see you tomorrow." With that Dara ventured upstairs to tend to her children's needs for the evening.
Once she had them fed, bathed and settled for the night, Dara ventured downstairs, after taking her own bath and making herself comfortable, to relax and watch a re run of her favorite black and white movie, 'Waterloo Bridge'. Since Lucas had informed her that morning that he wouldn't be home until late and Caleb was sleeping over at the boardinghouse she had no one to disturb her thoughts as she contemplated her children's latest achievement.
Lucas entered the house quietly, following the sound of the television, but when he caught sight of his wife lost so deep in thought, he knew that she wasn't actually paying attention to the images on the box in front of her.
Not hearing the door open, Dara yelped in surprise when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she was relieved to see her husband standing over her. Lucas looked at her apologetically, "I'm sorry, darlin. I didn't mean to scare you."
Dara smiled sheepishly at him, "It's all right, I was lost in thought and didn't here you come in." Lucas knelt down and gave her a long kiss, pulling back she asked, "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Lucas shook his head, "Not exactly, but we've got a better lead than before, so we'll try again. By the way, what were you thinking about so hard?"
Dara looked at him quizzically, "Did you know that our fourteen week old twins are now fully crawling?"
Lucas looked at her without surprise, "Well, that's good news, isn't it?"
Dara shrugged, "I suppose, but they shouldn't be doing that for at least another month or so. Don't you think it's slightly odd how quickly then seem to pick up on things? I mean they were sitting up by themselves at eight weeks old now six weeks later they're crawling, they'll be walking before they're a year old. I've never seen or heard of children progressing this fast."
Lucas looked at her, careful to mask his knowledge from her. He had suspected that although Dara wasn't a Cross, that wouldn't hinder the 'gifts' that their children would undoubtedly possess, inherited from his bloodline. So that fact that their son and daughter were progressing so quickly came as no surprise to him. Hoping to reason with her and stifle her curiosity, he voiced, "Well, sweetheart, you know they were early. "I've heard of premature babies being more advanced, and as much time as you, me, Caleb and Mrs. Carlton spend with them I'm not really surprised. They're smart babies to start with, Crower said they were healthy at their last check up, right?" Dara nodded, Matt had indeed given them a clean bill of health, stating his own bewilderment at their rate of accomplishment.
Lucas looked at her smilingly, "Well then, there isn't a problem. Their perfectly healthy normal babies, who just happen to be able to learn quicker than most, that's all." Kissing her forehead he lightly admonished, "Quit you're worrying little mother. All right?"
Dara reluctantly agreed, "I suppose you're right. I should just thank God their healthy and alive. OK, I'll stop worrying and just be accepting."
Lucas gave an inner sigh of relief at her acceptance as he pulled her from the chair to enfold her in his embrace and savor the feel of her. It never ceased to amaze him how much he needed and wanted her. Instead of growing accustomed to her and her body, he was fascinated anew everyday by her. Looking into her eyes and losing himself in their depths, he suggested, "You know I don't know about you, but since I've already eaten supper, I wouldn't mind just heading upstairs to bed for some desert."
Dara shook her head as she began giggling as though she were a schoolgirl, "You know you're incorrigible. If we keep this up I'll end up pregnant again before too much longer."
Lucas looked at her encouragingly, "I wouldn't mind, would you?"
Dara considered for a moment, then shook her head, "No, not really. I just thought we'd wait a year of so before having anymore."
Lucas shook his head, "And practice all that self denial? Doesn't sound like a good idea to me."
Dara gasped in shock as she felt his mouth begin tracing a path from her ear down her throat to just above her breasts. Smiling at him seductively she offered, "Well, now that you mention it, it doesn't sound like that great of an idea to me either." Smiling at him impishly, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away slightly, "There's just one catch though."
Lucas looked at her suspiciously, seeing the mischief gleaming in her eyes, "What would that be?"
Taking a step backwards, she stated, "You just have to catch me first." With that she bolted through the living room and headed up the stairs.
Lucas shook his head, grinning at her play. Then, dropping his coat on the floor he took off after her, catching her halfway up the stairs and pulling her tight against him. "Now, what's my reward for catching you?"
Turing in his grasp to face him, she placed her hands behind his head and smiled as she pulled him towards her, "Guess." With that she pulled his head down to kiss him deeply.
Lucas quickly swept her up in his arms and hurried up the remainder of the steps to their bedroom to claim the rest of his prize.
Lucas lay studying his wife's face, relaxed in contentment, reminding him of an angel at rest. Opening her eyes to find him studying her, she placed her arms around his neck and began stroking his hair, she asked, "What are you thinking?"
Smiling into her eyes, he replied, "I was just comparing you to heaven on earth. You remind me of an angel when you look like this."
Looking at him in perplexity, she asked, "Like what?"
Twining a strand of her long hair around his fingers, he smiled at her tenderly and replied, "All content and at peace. As though the world could pass by us and you wouldn't notice or care as long as we're together."
Dara shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure I would notice when we're like this, or particularly care."
Pulling her close to him, he replied, "Neither would I as long as I'm holding you." With that they settled into bed to let sleep claim them until morning.
Dara entered her office the next morning and began looking over her schedule for the day when Matt knocked to announce his presence. Looking up from her appointment book, she smiled, "Hi, what's up?"
Matt stepped inside and pushed the door to, holding up a memo he had just received he asked, "Have you seen this yet?"
Dara walked over to the mail basket attached to her door and began sorting through the contents until she found a piece of paper similar to the one Matt was holding. Depositing the remaining contents of the basket on her desk, she sat down and quickly read over the paper. Looking us she stated, "It just says that Dr. Devon Landrum has now officially joined the staff here at the hospital. We already knew that, so what's the problem?"
Matt shook his head, "Have you seen this guy yet?"
Dara shook her head, "No, why, does he resemble the mad doctor Frankenstein or something? You make him sound like something ominous, Matt. He's just a psychiatrist after all, right?" Dara chuckled in amusement at Matt's agitation.
"Oh I've been tempted to try and resurrect the dead a time or two, but only at Halloween." Both turned in utter surprise at the deep, masculine voice, which belonged to the tall, sharply dressed figure leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his broad chest. Dara's mouth dropped, it was the same man she had collided with in the parking garage yesterday afternoon.
Matt, recovering quickly, offered "Dr. Landrum, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Matt..."
Landrum turned a cold glance towards Matt, "Yes I know, Dr. Crower. I've read over you're files, including your time at Juniper House, we must discuss your take on their style of treatment." Effectively cutting off the remainder of Matt's statement, he strode purposefully towards Dara. Towering over her, he extended his hand to her and smiled disarmingly, "And you must be Dara Chambers Buck. Dr. Whatley did you a great injustice when he described you as merely beautiful, you far exceed that descriptive." Turning to face Matt, Landrum stated more than asked, "I'm sure you must be attending to your rounds, shouldn't you Dr. Crower?"
Matt looked at Dara, silently asking for her permission to leave. Although he could read it in her eyes that the prospect of being left alone with this man didn't thrill her, she nodded her OK for him to go. Matt extended his hand to be taken in quick dismissal by Landrum, "It was nice meeting you Dr. Landrum, I'm certain we'll see more of each other." Turing to Dara, "Dara, I'll see you later, all right?"
Dara nodded, "I'll see you for lunch, Matt."
Glancing hesitantly at the pair, Matt reluctantly left Dara's office to start his rounds. Just as he turned down the hallway to the nurse's station he spotted Lucas Buck heading up the same hallway towards his wife's office. Stopping him in his tracks, he reluctantly admitted, "I'm glad to see you."
Lucas stared at the man in shock, "Never thought I'd hear those words from your mouth, Harvard. Why would that be?"
Matt motioned towards Dara's office, "You're just in time to save your wife. The new head of psychiatry is in there with her now, and I get the distinct impression she doesn't care for his company at all."
Lucas glanced towards Dara's office then demanded, "Well, why the hell did you leave her alone with him if she doesn't want to be around him?"
Matt shrugged, "He all but ordered me out and Dara didn't want to create a scene so she agreed to it. You, on the other hand, he can hardly order her husband from the room."
Lucas nodded his head as he hurried to his wife's aide.
After Matt's departure, Dara rose form her chair to try and put some space between herself and Landrum. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was just something about the man that made her very uncomfortable.
He was handsome enough, just slightly taller than her husband, but not by more than an inch, if that much. He had hair darker than Lucas', but where Lucas' hair was wavy, this man's was straight. His eyes were deep blue and although his job wasn't as physical as Lucas' could sometimes prove to be, he was still solidly built. Under other circumstances Dara could even appreciate his good looks, but she could sense something else underneath his calm façade. Not like she had felt with Lucas, his was more along the lines of knowing that if crossed he could and would be very dangerous. This man's was more like someone trying to hide they're truer self.
Dara had been so involved in her own thoughts that she had to ask Landrum to repeat the question he had just asked her.
Continuing to smile at her in what he hoped was a charming manner; he repeated patiently, "I was just wondering about your marriage, Mrs. Buck. I understand that you are married to the local sheriff."
Both were shocked to hear a voice respond from the open doorway, "Yes, as a matter of fact she is."
Lucas didn't miss his wife's intense relief at his intrusion, or the fact that she was standing behind her desk chair, as though trying to put as much space as possible between herself and this man. Walking past the man and ignoring his presence, he crossed the room to stand next to his wife. "Hi, darlin." Oblivious to the other's presence he leaned down and placed a sound kiss on his wife's mouth.
Dara recovered her bearings enough to smile at Landrum as she offered, "Dr. Landrum, I'd like you to meet my husband."
Lucas extended his hand and finished the introduction for her, "Lucas Buck, that's Buck with a B. I hope you enjoy your stay in Trinity."
Landrum, although seething inside at the man's audacity as well as his presence, hid his frustrations and responded smoothly, "I' sure I will, Sheriff. I was just getting to know your wife somewhat better. After all she is part of the psychiatry staff, so I'm sure we will be working VERY closely together."
Lucas nodded, accepting the obvious challenge the man was issuing. He knew that this man was a stranger in town and although he had kept his word to Dara about his dealings into other's lives, he had absolutely no qualms about how to handle this man if he trespassed on what Lucas most definitely considered his territory. "I'm sure that you may feel the need to work very closely with her, Dr. Landrum, but my wife is most particular as to who she works in close confines with. And I'm certain that you wouldn't be up to her expectations." Dara glanced at Lucas, shocked by his statement.
Landrum, deciding that he wasn't going to accomplish anything with her husband hovering over her, simply smiled at Dara, and then taking her hand in his, he bent over it and kissed it.
Lucas, who had his arm around his wife's shoulders, could feel her stiffening as though she didn't want the man to touch her.
Landrum looked up, smiling graciously, "Good day, Mrs. Buck." Nodding stiffly at Lucas, he stated simply, "Sheriff." With that he left, pulling the door closed behind him.
Dara turned to Lucas and stated accusingly, "I should be very angry with you for that performance."
Expecting her to fly into him for his earlier actions he was surprised when she buried her head against his chest and asked quietly, "Please hold me." Lucas complied with her request, stroking her back he asked quietly, "You sensed it too, didn't you?"
Dara looked up and quietly nodded, "I wasn't sure I did, but I guess my first impressions were right."
Lucas shook his head at her naivety, "Honey, you just can't appreciate what other men seem to see in you, do you?"
Dara shook her head, "I've never considered that any other man besides you looks at me that way."
Lucas placed his hand along her cheek and smiled sadly, "Well, unfortunately for me, they do see what I see. If you want to quit you can. You can go back to private practice if you want."
Dara shook her head, "No, I can do more good here. Besides, I need the hospital connections for the outreach program."
Lucas nodded his acceptance, "Alright, just promise me that where that man is concerned, you'll be careful. There's something about him I don't care for, other than his obvious attraction to you."
Dara nodded, "I promise I will. Now just hold me for a little while."
Lucas pulled her close to him, making his mind up firmly to the fact that Dr. Landrum was going to have to be carefully watched, especially around his wife.
Devon Landrum was sitting behind his desk, seething in rage and frustration. How Dara that man disrupt his conversation with Dara.
Pulling a file folder from his lower drawer, he opened it to the photos inside. There was several of the same subject, Dara. The photos ranged from a newspaper clipping announcing her marriage, to ones of her at news conferences, as well as snapshots.
Picking up one of her looking at the camera, he traced her outline with his finger. Speaking to the photo, he stated, "It's all right, I'm a patient man. I've waited this long for you, a little more time wont make a difference. You'll see sooner or later what a mistake marrying that man was and if not, I'll have you one way or another." With that he placed the file in the back of his drawer and locked it. Getting up, he left his office to venture to the board meeting being held upstairs.
At that same moment, Dara was also hurrying to the same meeting and was infinitely glad to have run into Matt. Sitting at the very end of the table, she motioned frantically for Matt to occupy the seat next to her, just as Dr. Landrum entered the room.
Matt noticed a sigh of relief escape her as the man was forced to take a seat at the opposite end of the table, glancing at her he inquired whisperingly, "Want to talk after the meeting over lunch?"
Dara, seeing that the meeting was about to begin, nodded her acceptance as Dr. Whatley, an older man of about sixty or so who was now administrator, started the meeting.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for our meeting today. Aside from covering our usual subjects, I would like to formally welcome the newest member of our staff. Our new head of psychiatry, Dr. Devon Landrum." Everyone clapped they're approval as Landrum rose from his chair.
Rita, the head nurse, who was sitting on the other side of Dara, nudged her and whispered, "Wow, that is a definite improvement over some of these doctors."
Dara looked at the woman, astonished, "You like him, you can have him."
Rita looked at her as she replied sarcastically, "Easy for you to say. Look who you're married to, if I was married to someone who looked like Lucas Buck I wouldn't look at another man either." Dara focused her attention back to Landrum just in time to get a really big shock to her system.
"And so I'm certain that all of you can also see the merits of the program Mrs. Buck has outlined for the youth of Trinity. Which is why I intend to use all of my authority as well as focusing all my attention towards helping her to launch it. Starting of course with the charity ball she and her committee are organizing."
Matt glanced at the fury beginning to rise in Dara's face; he knew that she had put a lot of time into this for more than a year, since before her marriage and pregnancy. Seeing her anger rising, he reached under the table and nudged her arm. When she turned to face him he shook his head and mouthed the words, 'not now, later.'
Dara took several deep breaths and attempted to calm herself. Sitting through the remainder of the meeting she patiently waited until almost everyone had cleared the boardroom before approaching Landrum. "Dr. Landrum, may I have a moment of your time, please?"
Landrum looked at her and smiled solicitously, "You can have all of my time you desire, my dear. What can I do for you?"
Looking him squarely in the eyes, she stated, "First and most importantly, I am not 'your dear.' Secondly, and just as important, I have devoted my time, effort and knowledge as well as blood, sweat and tears to my outreach program. I have fought and struggled too get assistance from officials, accreditation from the schools and volunteers to help. I don't appreciate you're announcing, publicly, without first saying something to me your intentions for this program."
Landrum took in her carefully controlled rage. He had considered his actions very carefully and knew that by throwing his considerable pull behind her pet project that she would have no choice but to work closely with him. Trying to look the injured party, so he could play on her sympathy, he stated sadly, "I assumed that you would want the head of psychiatry in your corner with this project, Mrs. Buck. I do have considerable pull and it would seem that would help this along considerably."
Dara sighed, "Yes, I suppose you're right. I would just appreciate in the future, a little advanced information, Dr. Landrum. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a luncheon date." With that she turned and stalked out of the room.
Landrum leaned against the table, crossing his arms over his chest muttering to himself, he smiled, "All that fire."
Matt was waiting for her at the elevator, taking in the look of frustration he inquired softly, "Still care for lunch and some conversation?" Dara sighed and nodded her head dejectedly.
Once they reached the cafeteria and had sat down, Matt looked at her with concern. "OK, nobody here now, what's going on?"
Dara sighed heavily, "I'm not sure I can work with that man, Matt. That little announcement he made upstairs, he didn't consult me about the project, he just up and announced his involvement in it."
Matt looked at her, searchingly, "Come on give, there's something else bothering you about him isn't there?"
Dara glanced around, making certain that no one else was in earshot, and then began haltingly, "Matt, he makes me very uncomfortable. I thought it was my imagination, but he looks at me like, oh I don't know how to describe it."
Matt supplied helpfully, "The last meal looks to a condemned man?"
Dara nodded, "Yes, unfortunately, that's exactly how, or at least how I think. And earlier, when he met Lucas, Matt, I swear he as much as issued a challenge that he would have me in bed before Lucas could blink."
Matt nodded sympathetically; it wasn't hard to miss the man's attraction to Dara that was for sure. "If it would make you feel better, I don't think it's your imagination. I think he's definitely attracted to you."
Dara looked at him, helplessly, "All right, so what do I do? I can't give up my project or my job. And if Lucas realized how far this man might push, he'll force me to do both."
Matt pondered her dilemma for a moment, "Well, there are other members of the committee; me, Selena, and a few others. So having one of us around when his is, isn't a totally suspicious act, not to mention you may get lucky and Selena might find him attractive and take him off your hands."
Dara looked hopeful, "I hope you're right."
After lunch Dara returned to her office, carefully avoiding Landrum. Once there she checked through her mail and her appointment book, seeing that she was free for the rest of the day, she dialed Selena's pager and waited for her to return her call. After setting a time after school to meet, she left to join Selena in making the final arrangements for the charity gala they were planning to raise funds for the program.
An hour later she met Selena out front of the caterer's Selena had specified. When she joined her on the sidewalk, she noticed Selena shaking her head as she glanced at her car. Sighing in agitation at the other woman's movements she asked testily, "What?"
Selena looked at her questioningly, "I though you were going to buy a new car."
Dara shrugged, "I haven't had a chance to go car shopping yet, besides I like my car."
Selena shrugged non-chalantly, "Not a very practical family car though."
Dara looked at her caustically, although her words were just conversational, it was enough to push Dara's last buttons. "Selena, can we please drop the subject of my car, I'm not in the mood at the moment. Lets just attend to the menu and finish the plans for this damned ball."
Selena looked at her, slightly taken back by the tone in her voice. Placing her hand on Dara's arm, she offered softly, "I'm sorry if I offended you, what's the matter?" Despite her jealousy over Dara having married Lucas Buck and the way she had tried to bait her before, Selena found Dara to be a good friend and didn't want to lose the friendship she had some to value with her.
Dara shook her head as she smiled sadly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. I've just had a really bad day and I just want to go home and see my children. I apologize, lets just get this final detail handled and then all we have to concern ourselves with is shopping for our dresses."
Selena nodded, taking her statement at face value, "Don't worry about it. I've had those kinds of days too. You're right, lets get this over with."
Thirty minutes later, after completing the last arrangements, which the caterer agreed to handle while staying within their budget, thanks to Selena and a lot of flirting, they emerged from the small shop, relieved.
Dara checked her watch as Selena inquired, hopefully, "How about some coffee and some girl talk?"
Dara shook her head, "I'd like to, but I want to get home and put the kids to bed."
Selena sighed, "I guess some other time then?"
Dara brightened as a thought occurred to her, "I'll tell you what, how about a girl's day? We'll go to Charleston, to the big stores there and shop for our ball gowns, what do you say?"
Selena brightened at the prospect, "I like it, how about this weekend, the gala is in two weeks."
Dara nodded, "Perfect, Lucas can take the kids, I haven't had a day to myself in a long time, he wont mind."
With that settled they got into their cars and left, failing to notice the figure that stepped out of the alleyway, having eavesdropped on their conversation.
"Charleston, huh? Well, what a coincidence, I'm in need of a new tuxedo for the gala." Smiling to himself Devon Landrum walked around the corner to where her had parked his own car.
He knew he had the upper hand over Dara, he had made a copy of her appointment book, so he knew every move she would be making for the next three months, but he didn't think he'd need that much time, but just in case it was better safe than sorry.