DESTINY
Chapter 19
When Dara walked through the front door, it was to find Caleb chasing after Alex, who was crawling at break neck speed down the hallway, shaking her head in amusement, she inquired, "What's the matter, Caleb? Too fast for you?"
Caleb glanced up quickly to smile, "They sure move fast for little babies."
Dara giggled as his logic, and then hearing her husband call from upstairs she deposited her purse on the foyer table to join him. Finding him on his knees just outside of the nursery, he was installing a safety gate.
After Dara had leaned over to kiss him, he glanced up into her tired face furrowing his brow at the look in her eyes. "What's the matter?"
Dara shook her head and smiled, hoping to allay his suspicions, "Nothing, I'm just tired. Selena and I just finished haggling with the caterer over the gala, thank God. That's the last thing to deal with. Everything else is covered, all except for buying a ball gown."
Lucas glanced at her skeptically; he wasn't certain that there wasn't more to it than she was divulging, but he let it go and took her at her word. Standing to enfold her in his embrace, he kissed her deeply, and then pointing towards the stairs he explained, "I thought that since they've started crawling it would be a good idea to install the railing and gates. I'll put one at the bottom of the steps too."
Dara sighed in frustration at herself, she had meant to stop and purchase the same thing earlier, but with everything with Landrum and the gala it had slipped her mind. "I was thinking about that earlier today. I just forgot to stop, guess it's a good thing that you're the better parent, huh?"
Lucas lifted her face to search her eyes, not understanding where that statement had originated. Gazing into her eyes, he stated, "Now where did that thought come from? I think you happen to be a damned good mother, as well as a terrific wife, and not to mention one hell of a lover."
Dara blushed at his last statement, and then smiling replied, "My pride and vanity thank you. I'm just tired, that all. And on that note, what are you doing Saturday?"
Lucas considered a moment, "Nothing I know of, why?"
Dara looked at him hopefully, "Would you object to Selena, Loris and myself going to Charleston to shop for our gowns?"
Without pause, Lucas shook his head, "No, actually I think you need some time away from the kids and me. You haven't had any time to your self since way before your mother died. I think a girl's day is just what you need. Selena is behaving herself, isn't she?"
Dara nodded, "It's funny, but since she gave up the grudge over our marriage she's actually turned into a fairly good friend."
Studying her reaction carefully, Lucas inquired, "Since we're on that line of topic, did you have any more problems out of Landrum today?"
Dara, deciding not to mention the board meeting, shook her head careful to hide her emotions. One thing she had learned since her marriage, her husband had the ability to read her like a book and she was certain that he wouldn't be too happy over this latest chapter.
Lucas knew she wouldn't tell him unless she absolutely had to, but he took her at her word. Kissing the top of her head he turned her towards their bedroom and gave her a slight push in that direction. "Why don't you go and take a long bubble bath, Caleb and I can take care of the kids." With that he gently slapped the flat of his hand across her backside and smiled.
Dara turned and catching this mischievousness in his eyes, grinned, "Careful, don't promise unless you're going to deliver." With that she went into their bedroom and closed the door.
As she sat back in the big tub Dara allowed the heat and steam of the water evaporate her bad mood. After about an hour or so she heard the bedroom door open and close. Looking up to find her husband standing in the doorway she smiled sweetly, "Hi.'
Lucas, glad to see her mood improved, sat on the stool next to the tub. Holding out his hand for the sponge and soap he offered, "Want me to scrub your back?
Dara eagerly agreed as she relinquished both into his possession and hugged her knees to her chest, so he could reach her better. Closing her eyes at the unexpected luxury, she relaxed considerably. "Where are the kids?"
Lucas dipped his hands into the water to rinse the soap away, drying his hands he replied, "Caleb has decided to spend the night. He's downstairs watching TV until bedtime. The twins are fed, changed, and asleep. Mrs. Carlton made some supper so if you'd like I'll fix you a tray."
Dara sighed in contentment, "No, I'm not really hungry. I just want to go to bed and get some rest."
Lucas looked at her in contemplation, "Why don't you take the day off tomorrow and rest a little. Besides, don't the kids have a check up with Crower tomorrow?"
Dara considered for a moment, she didn't have any pressing engagements, or any counseling sessions to worry over. The last detail for the gala was now taken care of. Smiling at her husband she nodded, "Under one condition, we keep Caleb out of school tomorrow and after their check up lets go do something as a family."
Lucas returned her smile. "All right you're on. As a matter of fact Caleb has been bugging me about a family picture, lets go do that."
After Matt had pronounced both children thriving, they paid a visit to the same photographer who had taken their wedding photos to fulfill Caleb's request. Once that was accomplished Lucas inquired, "Where to now?"
Dara glanced over the seat at Caleb, "It's your day off too, what do you want to do?"
Caleb gave serious consideration to the question, then smiling offered, "Gator World."
Dara looked at him in disbelief, "Are you sure?"
Caleb nodded, "Me and Lucas went there one time, but I'd like to see it again, can we?"
Lucas glanced at his wife for her reaction; he knew that if there was one thing in this world that she hated, aside from spiders, it was most definitely reptiles, most especially snakes.
Dara shrugged, and then inquired, "They are behind fences and glass, right?"
Caleb laughed in amusement, "Shoot, they wont get you, will they, Lucas?"
Shaking his head as he smiled at his wife, Lucas offered, "Don't worry, darlin, I'll protect you."
Dara sighed and glanced at the twins, "Well, how about it you two are you up for Gator World?" Riesa raised her eyebrow in imitation of her father, while Alex kicked his legs and smiled at his mother. Glancing back to her husband she stated, "Well, I guess Riesa and I are outnumbered, Alex seems all for it, go figure. Go ahead, lets go."
About half way there Lucas suggested, "How about something to eat before we get there?" Glancing at his wife he observed, "Something tells me you wont have much appetite once we're there and there's no telling how long we'll stay."
Pulling into the parking lot of the Dixie Diner, Caleb observed, "Isn't this were we ate last time, Lucas?"
Lucas nodded, "Yep, sure is." Getting the double stroller for the twins out of the trunk, he assisted his wife in securing the children into it.
Once they were strapped in, Dara observed, "You better go on with Caleb, I can manage." With that Lucas followed behind Caleb, leaving Dara to proceed at a slower pace.
Once she spotted Lucas Buck, Nora, the waitress smiled to herself. It had been along time since she had seen him around here and even longer since she had had any male attention. She had heard about his marriage and the birth or his son and daughter, but she believed that a man like Lucas couldn't possibly be satisfied with just one woman's attention.
Sauntering over and smiling, first at Caleb, then a more inviting one at Lucas, she drawled, "Why, Sheriff. It's been a good while since we've seen you around here." Glancing at Caleb, who was reading his menu, she carefully implied, "I guess you've been taking 'your meals' from somewhere else." Lucas didn't even have time to think before he heard the answer to Nora's question.
"No, actually he had been taking all and I do mean ALL of his 'meals' at home, with me."
Lucas glanced over Caleb's head and past Nora to see the challenging look on his wife's face. Motioning for Caleb to excuse himself, Lucas sat back, knowing when it was best to keep his mouth shut.
Nora waited for Caleb to be out of earshot, "And just who do you think you are, honey?"
Dara looked at the woman in disbelief, "I happen to be "Mrs. Lucas Buck. Honey. Which means you have exactly five seconds to get the hell away from my husband, before I re-enact the fight scene from CATS. Get the picture?"
Nora could see by the look of deadly seriousness on the woman's face that she wasn't making a threat, she was making a promise, sidling past Dara, she offered, "My mistake, I'll get your waitress for you."
Dara nodded, "Thank you." Sitting across from her husband she glanced at him and demanded, "Well, what's your excuse?"
Lucas shook his head, "She came on to me, not the other way around. And since you did such a wonderful job of handling it, I thought it better to keep my mouth shut."
Dara shook her head, and despite her best efforts to the contrary, smiled at him, "So help me if you so much as grin, I'm going to hurt you."
Lucas reached across and took her hand, "You know that you're the only woman I want."
Dara nodded, "I know, but I didn't care for her innuendoes, especially in front of Caleb."
At the mention of his name, Caleb reappeared to inquired, "Where's the waitress?"
Before Lucas could say anything, Dara offered, "She had and emergency, a matter of life and death I believe."
Lucas looked at her in amazement as she was reading her own menu, while keeping a totally straight face.
An hour later Caleb was exclaiming excitedly as they pulled into the parking lot of Gator World, "Look, no lines."
Dara smiled over his enthusiasm, "I guess that's the beauty of taking a day off during the week."
Lucas nodded, and then leaning over to kiss her, replied, "You do come up with some good ideas, Mrs. Buck."
Caleb jumped out of the car almost before it had stopped, running around to the trunk, he helped lift the stroller out, helping to move things along quicker.
Lucas allowed Caleb to run on ahead, hanging back, he put his arm around his wife's shoulders and offered, "I know you hate reptiles, if you'd rather you can take the car and go shopping at the mall for awhile, and then come back and pick us up."
Dara shook her head, "No, we said this was family day and this is what Caleb wanted to do. I'll manage just so long as they are all behind a barrier."
Lucas smiled down at her and squeezed her next to him, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
Dara smiled at him lovingly, "I'm beginning to comprehend it, now go keep up with our son."
Lucas quickly realized that what his wife had given to Caleb was more precious to him than any expensive bike or toy, her time and attention. The fact that she hated the occupants of Gator World but was still willing to come here just to please the child raised Dara up on a new pedestal in both Buck's books.
After having spent at least six or so hours at the park, Caleb was finally tired enough to leave. Lucas had given him free rein in the gift shop and to his Caleb's credit he made sure that not only he had souvenirs but that his siblings as well as his step mother did as well. Lucas shook his head in amusement and simply pulled out a credit card, handing it to the boy.
Dara came up beside him and looked at him in uncertainty, "Was that a good idea?"
Lucas turned to her and inquired, "What, giving him the credit card?" Shrugging his shoulders, he continued, "I don't see why not, we don't make a habit of it and we don't really spoil him that often."
Dara nodded in agreement of his statement, "You're right, I just know how things were with Zach and I don't our children turning out like him."
Lucas shook his head vehemently, "THAT will never happen. I promise you that."
Once everything was packed and they were on their way home, Caleb, as well as the twins fell sound asleep. Enjoying the peace and quiet, Dara unhooked her seat belt and slid across the seat, next to her husband.
Lifting his arm so that she could lay her head against his chest, Lucas smiled down at her. "Tired?"
Dara nodded, "Just a little." Glancing to the back seat, she stated, "You know we still have to feed them, right?"
Lucas laughed, "Thank God for pizza delivery." With that they remained silent the rest of the trip home, content to simply enjoy each other's company.
At that moment, however, Landrum was anything but content. His agitation had started when he attempted to seek Dara out that morning. Not finding her in her office, he made a few subtle inquires as to her whereabouts. Finally, spotting Crower, he asked during the course of a conversation, supposedly about the program he was on the committee for, if he had seen Dara.
Matt responded, as he glanced through a patient's chart, "Yeah, as a matter of fact, she and her husband just left earlier. Today was their appointment for the twins checkup." Matt didn't notice the look of anger pass in the other man's eyes.
Carefully masking his irritation, he stated, "I wasn't aware that she had children."
Still reading, Matt replied, "Yeah, as a matter of fact she has a son and a daughter, as well as a step son. The twins are around fifteen weeks old, and Caleb is eleven or twelve." Thanking the man for his time, Landrum left with the excuse of making a phone call.
He hadn't considered this turn of events, that she would be a mother. Finding that she was married was shocking enough, but to find her with children as well. He went to his office and locked the door, sitting in his chair, he began speaking to himself, "It doesn't matter, and the children don't matter. She doesn't need them." Taking out a copy of her appointment book, he thumbed it to today's date. Noticing that she didn't have anything really marked in for today he re-grouped his plan. "All right, now I know when her schedule is clear that she will probably take a personal day. No big deal just means a little more checking." Satisfied that he once more had everything in hand, he got up and left his office, heading home for the evening.
Once Saturday arrived Dara had awaken, eager to face the day. After a hectic week of last minute details for the gala and avoiding Landrum as much as possible, she was ready to get away for a while with her friends.
Lucas looked up as she came bounding down the stairs, her hair in a ponytail and wearing blue jeans and a cotton blouse, reminding him a teenager instead of a woman old enough to be the mother of his children.
Smiling as she passed by the table on her way to get some juice, she dropped a kiss on his mouth as she stated cheerfully, "Morning, darling."
Lucas shook his head as he informed her, "I took the baby seats out of the back of the car."
Dara stopped and looked at him in contemplation, "I guess I'm pretty much leaving you stranded today, aren't I?"
Despite himself, Lucas got up and grabbing her hand, led her out the back door to the side yard. Sitting there was not only a brand new car but the very one Dara had expressed the opinion that they should consider buying.
Gaping at her husband in shock as he dropped a set of keys in her hand, she stammered, "How did you do this and can we afford it?"
Lucas laughed, "I had Ben drop it off after his shift last night. I wanted to surprise you, and yes, we can most definitely afford it." Lucas had to chuckle at her worry over money. She never overspent on herself and was very economically minded. The fact was that if she ever realized just exactly how financially secure they were she would be dumbstruck.
Throwing her arms around his neck she kissed him soundly before glancing at her watch, "Oh, I've got to go, I'm going to be late." With that she hurried to her car.
Lucas trailed behind her checking off a list of what he considered necessary for her to have, "Have you got the money I gave you last night?"
Dara nodded patiently, "Yes, as well as my credit cards and checkbook. We'll be home later this evening."
Lucas shrugged his shoulders, "Take your time and have fun. Just be careful, Charleston is a big city, and indulge yourself a little we can afford it." With that he kissed her and watched as she pulled away down the street.
After having found gowns for Loris and Selena both, all had elected to take a break and get some lunch, saving Dara's gown for last.
She and Loris both had been impressed with the size of the shopping complex, both never having been there before. Selena, on the other hand, had been numerous times so she had a very blasé attitude about the stores.
They were just laughing over some story of Selena's, involving one of her students, when Dara heard an all to familiar voice.
"Well, if this isn't a surprise, to run into you here, all the way in Charleston. What brings you this far, Mrs. Buck?"
Dara sighed in aggravation, but for appearances sake maintained a calm demeanor. "I might ask you the same question, Dr. Landrum."
Holding up the bag her was carrying to solidify his reasoning, he offered, "I was in need of a new tuxedo for the gala next week. I dimply didn't find anything in Trinity. And you?"
Selena spoke up, attempting to attract the handsome stranger's attention, "We're here to buy our gowns."
Dara noticed how Selena was looking at Landrum and sincerely hoped that they would find a mutual attraction, which would get him off of her trail, but Landrum didn't seem so inclined,
"And did you find your gown yet, Mrs. Buck?"
Dara shook her head and smiled politely, "No, not yet, I will after we eat thought."
Deciding that it would be best to take his leave, Landrum offered, "Well, whatever you wear, I'm sure you'll be beautiful as always. Good day, ladies." With that he left them to their meal.
Sighing with relief at his departure, Dara could feel both women's gaze on her. Selena was the first to speak.
"I take it you're not thrilled with his interest?"
Dara shook her head, "No offense, Selena, I don't want to discuss it. And as a favor to me, not one word to Lucas about him being here today, please."
Selena and Loris exchanged looks as Loris quietly inquired, "Did you know that he would be here today?"
Dara shook her head, "No, that's the problem, I never know where he'll be. Lets drop the subject and finish our lunch and shopping, I'm determined to have some fun today, please."
After they finished their meal and purchased Dara's gown as well as the accessories that they would require, they left the center, none of them noticing the man who had followed them through the mall as a discreet distance, so as not to raise their suspicions.
Chapter 19
When Dara walked through the front door, it was to find Caleb chasing after Alex, who was crawling at break neck speed down the hallway, shaking her head in amusement, she inquired, "What's the matter, Caleb? Too fast for you?"
Caleb glanced up quickly to smile, "They sure move fast for little babies."
Dara giggled as his logic, and then hearing her husband call from upstairs she deposited her purse on the foyer table to join him. Finding him on his knees just outside of the nursery, he was installing a safety gate.
After Dara had leaned over to kiss him, he glanced up into her tired face furrowing his brow at the look in her eyes. "What's the matter?"
Dara shook her head and smiled, hoping to allay his suspicions, "Nothing, I'm just tired. Selena and I just finished haggling with the caterer over the gala, thank God. That's the last thing to deal with. Everything else is covered, all except for buying a ball gown."
Lucas glanced at her skeptically; he wasn't certain that there wasn't more to it than she was divulging, but he let it go and took her at her word. Standing to enfold her in his embrace, he kissed her deeply, and then pointing towards the stairs he explained, "I thought that since they've started crawling it would be a good idea to install the railing and gates. I'll put one at the bottom of the steps too."
Dara sighed in frustration at herself, she had meant to stop and purchase the same thing earlier, but with everything with Landrum and the gala it had slipped her mind. "I was thinking about that earlier today. I just forgot to stop, guess it's a good thing that you're the better parent, huh?"
Lucas lifted her face to search her eyes, not understanding where that statement had originated. Gazing into her eyes, he stated, "Now where did that thought come from? I think you happen to be a damned good mother, as well as a terrific wife, and not to mention one hell of a lover."
Dara blushed at his last statement, and then smiling replied, "My pride and vanity thank you. I'm just tired, that all. And on that note, what are you doing Saturday?"
Lucas considered a moment, "Nothing I know of, why?"
Dara looked at him hopefully, "Would you object to Selena, Loris and myself going to Charleston to shop for our gowns?"
Without pause, Lucas shook his head, "No, actually I think you need some time away from the kids and me. You haven't had any time to your self since way before your mother died. I think a girl's day is just what you need. Selena is behaving herself, isn't she?"
Dara nodded, "It's funny, but since she gave up the grudge over our marriage she's actually turned into a fairly good friend."
Studying her reaction carefully, Lucas inquired, "Since we're on that line of topic, did you have any more problems out of Landrum today?"
Dara, deciding not to mention the board meeting, shook her head careful to hide her emotions. One thing she had learned since her marriage, her husband had the ability to read her like a book and she was certain that he wouldn't be too happy over this latest chapter.
Lucas knew she wouldn't tell him unless she absolutely had to, but he took her at her word. Kissing the top of her head he turned her towards their bedroom and gave her a slight push in that direction. "Why don't you go and take a long bubble bath, Caleb and I can take care of the kids." With that he gently slapped the flat of his hand across her backside and smiled.
Dara turned and catching this mischievousness in his eyes, grinned, "Careful, don't promise unless you're going to deliver." With that she went into their bedroom and closed the door.
As she sat back in the big tub Dara allowed the heat and steam of the water evaporate her bad mood. After about an hour or so she heard the bedroom door open and close. Looking up to find her husband standing in the doorway she smiled sweetly, "Hi.'
Lucas, glad to see her mood improved, sat on the stool next to the tub. Holding out his hand for the sponge and soap he offered, "Want me to scrub your back?
Dara eagerly agreed as she relinquished both into his possession and hugged her knees to her chest, so he could reach her better. Closing her eyes at the unexpected luxury, she relaxed considerably. "Where are the kids?"
Lucas dipped his hands into the water to rinse the soap away, drying his hands he replied, "Caleb has decided to spend the night. He's downstairs watching TV until bedtime. The twins are fed, changed, and asleep. Mrs. Carlton made some supper so if you'd like I'll fix you a tray."
Dara sighed in contentment, "No, I'm not really hungry. I just want to go to bed and get some rest."
Lucas looked at her in contemplation, "Why don't you take the day off tomorrow and rest a little. Besides, don't the kids have a check up with Crower tomorrow?"
Dara considered for a moment, she didn't have any pressing engagements, or any counseling sessions to worry over. The last detail for the gala was now taken care of. Smiling at her husband she nodded, "Under one condition, we keep Caleb out of school tomorrow and after their check up lets go do something as a family."
Lucas returned her smile. "All right you're on. As a matter of fact Caleb has been bugging me about a family picture, lets go do that."
After Matt had pronounced both children thriving, they paid a visit to the same photographer who had taken their wedding photos to fulfill Caleb's request. Once that was accomplished Lucas inquired, "Where to now?"
Dara glanced over the seat at Caleb, "It's your day off too, what do you want to do?"
Caleb gave serious consideration to the question, then smiling offered, "Gator World."
Dara looked at him in disbelief, "Are you sure?"
Caleb nodded, "Me and Lucas went there one time, but I'd like to see it again, can we?"
Lucas glanced at his wife for her reaction; he knew that if there was one thing in this world that she hated, aside from spiders, it was most definitely reptiles, most especially snakes.
Dara shrugged, and then inquired, "They are behind fences and glass, right?"
Caleb laughed in amusement, "Shoot, they wont get you, will they, Lucas?"
Shaking his head as he smiled at his wife, Lucas offered, "Don't worry, darlin, I'll protect you."
Dara sighed and glanced at the twins, "Well, how about it you two are you up for Gator World?" Riesa raised her eyebrow in imitation of her father, while Alex kicked his legs and smiled at his mother. Glancing back to her husband she stated, "Well, I guess Riesa and I are outnumbered, Alex seems all for it, go figure. Go ahead, lets go."
About half way there Lucas suggested, "How about something to eat before we get there?" Glancing at his wife he observed, "Something tells me you wont have much appetite once we're there and there's no telling how long we'll stay."
Pulling into the parking lot of the Dixie Diner, Caleb observed, "Isn't this were we ate last time, Lucas?"
Lucas nodded, "Yep, sure is." Getting the double stroller for the twins out of the trunk, he assisted his wife in securing the children into it.
Once they were strapped in, Dara observed, "You better go on with Caleb, I can manage." With that Lucas followed behind Caleb, leaving Dara to proceed at a slower pace.
Once she spotted Lucas Buck, Nora, the waitress smiled to herself. It had been along time since she had seen him around here and even longer since she had had any male attention. She had heard about his marriage and the birth or his son and daughter, but she believed that a man like Lucas couldn't possibly be satisfied with just one woman's attention.
Sauntering over and smiling, first at Caleb, then a more inviting one at Lucas, she drawled, "Why, Sheriff. It's been a good while since we've seen you around here." Glancing at Caleb, who was reading his menu, she carefully implied, "I guess you've been taking 'your meals' from somewhere else." Lucas didn't even have time to think before he heard the answer to Nora's question.
"No, actually he had been taking all and I do mean ALL of his 'meals' at home, with me."
Lucas glanced over Caleb's head and past Nora to see the challenging look on his wife's face. Motioning for Caleb to excuse himself, Lucas sat back, knowing when it was best to keep his mouth shut.
Nora waited for Caleb to be out of earshot, "And just who do you think you are, honey?"
Dara looked at the woman in disbelief, "I happen to be "Mrs. Lucas Buck. Honey. Which means you have exactly five seconds to get the hell away from my husband, before I re-enact the fight scene from CATS. Get the picture?"
Nora could see by the look of deadly seriousness on the woman's face that she wasn't making a threat, she was making a promise, sidling past Dara, she offered, "My mistake, I'll get your waitress for you."
Dara nodded, "Thank you." Sitting across from her husband she glanced at him and demanded, "Well, what's your excuse?"
Lucas shook his head, "She came on to me, not the other way around. And since you did such a wonderful job of handling it, I thought it better to keep my mouth shut."
Dara shook her head, and despite her best efforts to the contrary, smiled at him, "So help me if you so much as grin, I'm going to hurt you."
Lucas reached across and took her hand, "You know that you're the only woman I want."
Dara nodded, "I know, but I didn't care for her innuendoes, especially in front of Caleb."
At the mention of his name, Caleb reappeared to inquired, "Where's the waitress?"
Before Lucas could say anything, Dara offered, "She had and emergency, a matter of life and death I believe."
Lucas looked at her in amazement as she was reading her own menu, while keeping a totally straight face.
An hour later Caleb was exclaiming excitedly as they pulled into the parking lot of Gator World, "Look, no lines."
Dara smiled over his enthusiasm, "I guess that's the beauty of taking a day off during the week."
Lucas nodded, and then leaning over to kiss her, replied, "You do come up with some good ideas, Mrs. Buck."
Caleb jumped out of the car almost before it had stopped, running around to the trunk, he helped lift the stroller out, helping to move things along quicker.
Lucas allowed Caleb to run on ahead, hanging back, he put his arm around his wife's shoulders and offered, "I know you hate reptiles, if you'd rather you can take the car and go shopping at the mall for awhile, and then come back and pick us up."
Dara shook her head, "No, we said this was family day and this is what Caleb wanted to do. I'll manage just so long as they are all behind a barrier."
Lucas smiled down at her and squeezed her next to him, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
Dara smiled at him lovingly, "I'm beginning to comprehend it, now go keep up with our son."
Lucas quickly realized that what his wife had given to Caleb was more precious to him than any expensive bike or toy, her time and attention. The fact that she hated the occupants of Gator World but was still willing to come here just to please the child raised Dara up on a new pedestal in both Buck's books.
After having spent at least six or so hours at the park, Caleb was finally tired enough to leave. Lucas had given him free rein in the gift shop and to his Caleb's credit he made sure that not only he had souvenirs but that his siblings as well as his step mother did as well. Lucas shook his head in amusement and simply pulled out a credit card, handing it to the boy.
Dara came up beside him and looked at him in uncertainty, "Was that a good idea?"
Lucas turned to her and inquired, "What, giving him the credit card?" Shrugging his shoulders, he continued, "I don't see why not, we don't make a habit of it and we don't really spoil him that often."
Dara nodded in agreement of his statement, "You're right, I just know how things were with Zach and I don't our children turning out like him."
Lucas shook his head vehemently, "THAT will never happen. I promise you that."
Once everything was packed and they were on their way home, Caleb, as well as the twins fell sound asleep. Enjoying the peace and quiet, Dara unhooked her seat belt and slid across the seat, next to her husband.
Lifting his arm so that she could lay her head against his chest, Lucas smiled down at her. "Tired?"
Dara nodded, "Just a little." Glancing to the back seat, she stated, "You know we still have to feed them, right?"
Lucas laughed, "Thank God for pizza delivery." With that they remained silent the rest of the trip home, content to simply enjoy each other's company.
At that moment, however, Landrum was anything but content. His agitation had started when he attempted to seek Dara out that morning. Not finding her in her office, he made a few subtle inquires as to her whereabouts. Finally, spotting Crower, he asked during the course of a conversation, supposedly about the program he was on the committee for, if he had seen Dara.
Matt responded, as he glanced through a patient's chart, "Yeah, as a matter of fact, she and her husband just left earlier. Today was their appointment for the twins checkup." Matt didn't notice the look of anger pass in the other man's eyes.
Carefully masking his irritation, he stated, "I wasn't aware that she had children."
Still reading, Matt replied, "Yeah, as a matter of fact she has a son and a daughter, as well as a step son. The twins are around fifteen weeks old, and Caleb is eleven or twelve." Thanking the man for his time, Landrum left with the excuse of making a phone call.
He hadn't considered this turn of events, that she would be a mother. Finding that she was married was shocking enough, but to find her with children as well. He went to his office and locked the door, sitting in his chair, he began speaking to himself, "It doesn't matter, and the children don't matter. She doesn't need them." Taking out a copy of her appointment book, he thumbed it to today's date. Noticing that she didn't have anything really marked in for today he re-grouped his plan. "All right, now I know when her schedule is clear that she will probably take a personal day. No big deal just means a little more checking." Satisfied that he once more had everything in hand, he got up and left his office, heading home for the evening.
Once Saturday arrived Dara had awaken, eager to face the day. After a hectic week of last minute details for the gala and avoiding Landrum as much as possible, she was ready to get away for a while with her friends.
Lucas looked up as she came bounding down the stairs, her hair in a ponytail and wearing blue jeans and a cotton blouse, reminding him a teenager instead of a woman old enough to be the mother of his children.
Smiling as she passed by the table on her way to get some juice, she dropped a kiss on his mouth as she stated cheerfully, "Morning, darling."
Lucas shook his head as he informed her, "I took the baby seats out of the back of the car."
Dara stopped and looked at him in contemplation, "I guess I'm pretty much leaving you stranded today, aren't I?"
Despite himself, Lucas got up and grabbing her hand, led her out the back door to the side yard. Sitting there was not only a brand new car but the very one Dara had expressed the opinion that they should consider buying.
Gaping at her husband in shock as he dropped a set of keys in her hand, she stammered, "How did you do this and can we afford it?"
Lucas laughed, "I had Ben drop it off after his shift last night. I wanted to surprise you, and yes, we can most definitely afford it." Lucas had to chuckle at her worry over money. She never overspent on herself and was very economically minded. The fact was that if she ever realized just exactly how financially secure they were she would be dumbstruck.
Throwing her arms around his neck she kissed him soundly before glancing at her watch, "Oh, I've got to go, I'm going to be late." With that she hurried to her car.
Lucas trailed behind her checking off a list of what he considered necessary for her to have, "Have you got the money I gave you last night?"
Dara nodded patiently, "Yes, as well as my credit cards and checkbook. We'll be home later this evening."
Lucas shrugged his shoulders, "Take your time and have fun. Just be careful, Charleston is a big city, and indulge yourself a little we can afford it." With that he kissed her and watched as she pulled away down the street.
After having found gowns for Loris and Selena both, all had elected to take a break and get some lunch, saving Dara's gown for last.
She and Loris both had been impressed with the size of the shopping complex, both never having been there before. Selena, on the other hand, had been numerous times so she had a very blasé attitude about the stores.
They were just laughing over some story of Selena's, involving one of her students, when Dara heard an all to familiar voice.
"Well, if this isn't a surprise, to run into you here, all the way in Charleston. What brings you this far, Mrs. Buck?"
Dara sighed in aggravation, but for appearances sake maintained a calm demeanor. "I might ask you the same question, Dr. Landrum."
Holding up the bag her was carrying to solidify his reasoning, he offered, "I was in need of a new tuxedo for the gala next week. I dimply didn't find anything in Trinity. And you?"
Selena spoke up, attempting to attract the handsome stranger's attention, "We're here to buy our gowns."
Dara noticed how Selena was looking at Landrum and sincerely hoped that they would find a mutual attraction, which would get him off of her trail, but Landrum didn't seem so inclined,
"And did you find your gown yet, Mrs. Buck?"
Dara shook her head and smiled politely, "No, not yet, I will after we eat thought."
Deciding that it would be best to take his leave, Landrum offered, "Well, whatever you wear, I'm sure you'll be beautiful as always. Good day, ladies." With that he left them to their meal.
Sighing with relief at his departure, Dara could feel both women's gaze on her. Selena was the first to speak.
"I take it you're not thrilled with his interest?"
Dara shook her head, "No offense, Selena, I don't want to discuss it. And as a favor to me, not one word to Lucas about him being here today, please."
Selena and Loris exchanged looks as Loris quietly inquired, "Did you know that he would be here today?"
Dara shook her head, "No, that's the problem, I never know where he'll be. Lets drop the subject and finish our lunch and shopping, I'm determined to have some fun today, please."
After they finished their meal and purchased Dara's gown as well as the accessories that they would require, they left the center, none of them noticing the man who had followed them through the mall as a discreet distance, so as not to raise their suspicions.