Every Minute Counts
Chapter 14 (final chapter)
Tom and Margo walk into the Lakeview and all the lights are off. When
Margo turns them on they hear: SURPRISE
Margo is shocked but she turns to Tom and notices that he isn't surprised.
Margo: OMG! (to Tom) Did you.?
Tom: Guilty.
Lisa walks up and explains.
Lisa: Tom called me and begged me to let him rent the Lakeview on short
notice to celebrate your birthday.
Margo: Oh he did. (turns to Tom with a spunky grin on her face) I'll deal
with you later.
Tom: Oh, you will
Margo: Yeah
Tom: (whispering in her ear) I can't wait.
Lisa: I just couldn't turn him down so Margo on behalf of all of us:
Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Margo: Oh my God! Thank you everyone. This is the best thing I could have
gotten.
Margo looks around. The room is beautifully decorated and there is enough
food on the back table to feed and army: All of Margo's favorite foods of
course, as well as a huge cake with the words Happy 25th birthday Margo.
Margo looks at this and turns back to Tom with a skeptic look on her face.
Margo: 25th birthday?
Tom: Hey, would you rather I tell them your real age?
Margo: Ok, I get your point.
Tom and Margo mingle with all the guests for a while. Tom is over talking
to Lisa and Margo sees Jack and goes over to him.
Jack: Hey! You look great! Happy Birthday.
Margo: Thanks for being here, and Jack, thank you for what you did for me.
Tom told me how you helped him find me. He said you got about as much
sleep as he did.
Jack: Hey, no problem, it was my job. You did the same for me when my
nutcase ex-wife came to town.
Margo: Still, thank you. (hugging him)
Margo and Jack continue small talking while Tom is talking to Lisa.
Lisa: So do you think she knows anything?
Tom: No, she doesn't have a clue.
Lisa: I really have to hand it to you Tom, you are really going all out
for her.
Tom: Well, its been a rough year for both of us but especially her. I
think we both needed this. We used to go to parties all the time but,
lately we barely have time for anything but work. (looks at his watch)
Oh, its time.
Tom looks around and finds Margo talking with Jack. He walks up to her and
puts his arm around her.
Tom: Jack, do you mind if I steal my wife for a minute?
Jack: No problem.
As they walk toward the door Margo asks:
Margo: What was that about?
Tom: Oh you'll see. In fact, you should see right now.
As if on cue, John walks in with two faces who haven't been in Oakdale for
a long time.
Margo: Who is that? (looks closer) Oh my God! Adam and Lien! (runs
over to hug them) What are you two doing here?
Lien: Dad called and asked if we had the weekend free, and it turns out we
both did.
Margo: Well, I'm glad you came. I feel like I haven't seen you in
forever.
Tom and Lien walk off catching up with each other Margo goes and talks to
Adam.
Margo: I am so happy you are here! (hugs him again) This is probably the
best birthday I have ever had. So what have you been up to since the last
time we talked?
Adam: (distracted) pretty much the same stuff. Mom, I don't know if this
is the appropriate time but I wanted to ask you something.
Margo: Sure, honey, anything.
Adam: Did something happen while I was gone? When Dad called, he was
really excited about the party and all but I got the impression that he
left something out.
Margo: Oh, you know us too well. (pauses) Yes, something did happen
honey. I promise I will tell you all about it later but right now, lets
just enjoy the party.
Adam: Ok, sure. Hey can we check out the food? I'm starving.
Margo: (laughing) Now you are starting to sound like my son. Come on.
While Adam and Margo are at the refreshment table, Tom and Lien are
catching up.
Tom: So how's work going?
Lien: It's great. You were right about me going to D.C. I actually love
my job. You know, Dad, this is a really great party.
Tom: Well, thank you. I wanted to do this for Margo. I haven't seen her
smile like that in a long time.
Lien: (confused) Why not?
Tom: That is kind of a long story that I'll tell you later.
All the guests mingle for a little while longer until Tom goes to the front
of the room and grabs the microphone.
Tom: Everyone, if I could have your attention please. Would the guest of
honor please come up here.
Everyone looks at Margo but she has an unsure look on her face.
Tom: Yes, Detective Hughes, that would be you.
(Laughter)
Margo walks up to the front and sits down in a chair in front of Tom.
Margo: Guest of honor. How formal.
Tom: I have one more gift for my beautiful wife tonight and it goes
something like this.
The piano starts playing and then Tom sings:
Winter snow is falling down.
Children laughing all around.
Lights are turning on
Like a fairy tale come true.
Sitting by the fire we made,
You're the answer when I prayed
I would find someone
And Baby, I've found you.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
For the gift
Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment, if only time stood still
But the colors fade away
And the years will make us gray
But Baby in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
For the gift
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
Can't find the words to say
Thank you for the gift
When the song is over Margo has tears in her eyes and runs up to Tom and
kisses him. Everyone claps. Later, when Tom and Margo are out on the
dance floor with all the other couples...
Margo: Thank you for this, baby. This is the best birthday I've ever had.
Tom: No problem. Anything to get that smile on your face.
Adam, Lien, and Casey walk up.
Adam: Mom, Dad, we have something for you. (after hesitating a little he
hands it to Tom)
Tom: A key?
Lien: Its to a suite here at the Lakeview. We rented it for you for the
night.
Margo: Oh, that's very nice but you just got here and we wanted to spend
time with you.
Adam: We will still be here tomorrow. We just thought you could use a
little more alone time.
Casey: Go, really, we'll be fine for one night.
Margo: (looks at Tom) Could be fun.
Tom: Hell, yeah. Let's go.
A few minutes later, once the guests have left, Tom and Margo quietly sneak
up to their suite. Tom walks in last and he puts the do not disturb sign
on the door and then closes it.
Margo: I don't think anyone is going to disturb us at this time of night.
Tom: I'm just making sure. You now how it is, we can't get together
without something distracting us.
Margo: Oh. (Looking around) Isn't this beautiful. I can't remember the
last time we got a room anywhere let alone the Lakeview.
Tom: Well we better put it to good use then. Now, would you quit talking
because I want to make good on that promise I made earlier.
Margo: Oh, and what would that be Mr. Hughes?
Tom: To get you out of this dress.
They both walk toward each other and kiss passionately. Then, Margo turns
around and Tom slowly kisses her neck as he unzips and removes her dress.
She turns to face him and starts unbuttoning his shirt. Once they are
both undressed, they collapse onto the bed and make love most of the night
until the finally fall asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, Margo wakes up and looks over at Tom who is already
awake.
Margo: (sleepy) Are we actually still here? I was beginning to think
last night was a dream.
Tom: No, it wasn't a dream. But we are actually going to have to check
out and go home soon.
Margo: Oh, I have to take a shower before we go.
Tom: Aw, don't do that, we can still be lazy for a few more minutes.
Margo: I didn't say I was going to take a shower alone. (grabs his hand)
Come on.
After they shower together and get ready to go, Margo hesitates before she
walks out the door.
Tom: something wrong?
Margo: I was just thinking that I doubt we will have the time to do this
again for a long time. I don't want this to end.
Tom: I know, but you know what? We will work out the future later. Right
now, I'm just happy with this moment.
Margo: (smiling) You're right. (kisses him) Come on, let's go home and
see our kids.
They walk out of the room hand in hand ready to be with their family and
remembering to make every minute count.
The End
* The song "The Gift" was recorded by Collin Raye*
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who read this story and everyone who
sent me encouraging feedback. I hope this story was as fun for you to read
as it was for me to write. Please tell me how you think the final chapter
was. All comments are welcome. Thanks again.
Amanda
Chapter 14 (final chapter)
Tom and Margo walk into the Lakeview and all the lights are off. When
Margo turns them on they hear: SURPRISE
Margo is shocked but she turns to Tom and notices that he isn't surprised.
Margo: OMG! (to Tom) Did you.?
Tom: Guilty.
Lisa walks up and explains.
Lisa: Tom called me and begged me to let him rent the Lakeview on short
notice to celebrate your birthday.
Margo: Oh he did. (turns to Tom with a spunky grin on her face) I'll deal
with you later.
Tom: Oh, you will
Margo: Yeah
Tom: (whispering in her ear) I can't wait.
Lisa: I just couldn't turn him down so Margo on behalf of all of us:
Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Margo: Oh my God! Thank you everyone. This is the best thing I could have
gotten.
Margo looks around. The room is beautifully decorated and there is enough
food on the back table to feed and army: All of Margo's favorite foods of
course, as well as a huge cake with the words Happy 25th birthday Margo.
Margo looks at this and turns back to Tom with a skeptic look on her face.
Margo: 25th birthday?
Tom: Hey, would you rather I tell them your real age?
Margo: Ok, I get your point.
Tom and Margo mingle with all the guests for a while. Tom is over talking
to Lisa and Margo sees Jack and goes over to him.
Jack: Hey! You look great! Happy Birthday.
Margo: Thanks for being here, and Jack, thank you for what you did for me.
Tom told me how you helped him find me. He said you got about as much
sleep as he did.
Jack: Hey, no problem, it was my job. You did the same for me when my
nutcase ex-wife came to town.
Margo: Still, thank you. (hugging him)
Margo and Jack continue small talking while Tom is talking to Lisa.
Lisa: So do you think she knows anything?
Tom: No, she doesn't have a clue.
Lisa: I really have to hand it to you Tom, you are really going all out
for her.
Tom: Well, its been a rough year for both of us but especially her. I
think we both needed this. We used to go to parties all the time but,
lately we barely have time for anything but work. (looks at his watch)
Oh, its time.
Tom looks around and finds Margo talking with Jack. He walks up to her and
puts his arm around her.
Tom: Jack, do you mind if I steal my wife for a minute?
Jack: No problem.
As they walk toward the door Margo asks:
Margo: What was that about?
Tom: Oh you'll see. In fact, you should see right now.
As if on cue, John walks in with two faces who haven't been in Oakdale for
a long time.
Margo: Who is that? (looks closer) Oh my God! Adam and Lien! (runs
over to hug them) What are you two doing here?
Lien: Dad called and asked if we had the weekend free, and it turns out we
both did.
Margo: Well, I'm glad you came. I feel like I haven't seen you in
forever.
Tom and Lien walk off catching up with each other Margo goes and talks to
Adam.
Margo: I am so happy you are here! (hugs him again) This is probably the
best birthday I have ever had. So what have you been up to since the last
time we talked?
Adam: (distracted) pretty much the same stuff. Mom, I don't know if this
is the appropriate time but I wanted to ask you something.
Margo: Sure, honey, anything.
Adam: Did something happen while I was gone? When Dad called, he was
really excited about the party and all but I got the impression that he
left something out.
Margo: Oh, you know us too well. (pauses) Yes, something did happen
honey. I promise I will tell you all about it later but right now, lets
just enjoy the party.
Adam: Ok, sure. Hey can we check out the food? I'm starving.
Margo: (laughing) Now you are starting to sound like my son. Come on.
While Adam and Margo are at the refreshment table, Tom and Lien are
catching up.
Tom: So how's work going?
Lien: It's great. You were right about me going to D.C. I actually love
my job. You know, Dad, this is a really great party.
Tom: Well, thank you. I wanted to do this for Margo. I haven't seen her
smile like that in a long time.
Lien: (confused) Why not?
Tom: That is kind of a long story that I'll tell you later.
All the guests mingle for a little while longer until Tom goes to the front
of the room and grabs the microphone.
Tom: Everyone, if I could have your attention please. Would the guest of
honor please come up here.
Everyone looks at Margo but she has an unsure look on her face.
Tom: Yes, Detective Hughes, that would be you.
(Laughter)
Margo walks up to the front and sits down in a chair in front of Tom.
Margo: Guest of honor. How formal.
Tom: I have one more gift for my beautiful wife tonight and it goes
something like this.
The piano starts playing and then Tom sings:
Winter snow is falling down.
Children laughing all around.
Lights are turning on
Like a fairy tale come true.
Sitting by the fire we made,
You're the answer when I prayed
I would find someone
And Baby, I've found you.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
For the gift
Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment, if only time stood still
But the colors fade away
And the years will make us gray
But Baby in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
For the gift
You gave your love away
I'm thankful everyday
Can't find the words to say
Thank you for the gift
When the song is over Margo has tears in her eyes and runs up to Tom and
kisses him. Everyone claps. Later, when Tom and Margo are out on the
dance floor with all the other couples...
Margo: Thank you for this, baby. This is the best birthday I've ever had.
Tom: No problem. Anything to get that smile on your face.
Adam, Lien, and Casey walk up.
Adam: Mom, Dad, we have something for you. (after hesitating a little he
hands it to Tom)
Tom: A key?
Lien: Its to a suite here at the Lakeview. We rented it for you for the
night.
Margo: Oh, that's very nice but you just got here and we wanted to spend
time with you.
Adam: We will still be here tomorrow. We just thought you could use a
little more alone time.
Casey: Go, really, we'll be fine for one night.
Margo: (looks at Tom) Could be fun.
Tom: Hell, yeah. Let's go.
A few minutes later, once the guests have left, Tom and Margo quietly sneak
up to their suite. Tom walks in last and he puts the do not disturb sign
on the door and then closes it.
Margo: I don't think anyone is going to disturb us at this time of night.
Tom: I'm just making sure. You now how it is, we can't get together
without something distracting us.
Margo: Oh. (Looking around) Isn't this beautiful. I can't remember the
last time we got a room anywhere let alone the Lakeview.
Tom: Well we better put it to good use then. Now, would you quit talking
because I want to make good on that promise I made earlier.
Margo: Oh, and what would that be Mr. Hughes?
Tom: To get you out of this dress.
They both walk toward each other and kiss passionately. Then, Margo turns
around and Tom slowly kisses her neck as he unzips and removes her dress.
She turns to face him and starts unbuttoning his shirt. Once they are
both undressed, they collapse onto the bed and make love most of the night
until the finally fall asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, Margo wakes up and looks over at Tom who is already
awake.
Margo: (sleepy) Are we actually still here? I was beginning to think
last night was a dream.
Tom: No, it wasn't a dream. But we are actually going to have to check
out and go home soon.
Margo: Oh, I have to take a shower before we go.
Tom: Aw, don't do that, we can still be lazy for a few more minutes.
Margo: I didn't say I was going to take a shower alone. (grabs his hand)
Come on.
After they shower together and get ready to go, Margo hesitates before she
walks out the door.
Tom: something wrong?
Margo: I was just thinking that I doubt we will have the time to do this
again for a long time. I don't want this to end.
Tom: I know, but you know what? We will work out the future later. Right
now, I'm just happy with this moment.
Margo: (smiling) You're right. (kisses him) Come on, let's go home and
see our kids.
They walk out of the room hand in hand ready to be with their family and
remembering to make every minute count.
The End
* The song "The Gift" was recorded by Collin Raye*
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who read this story and everyone who
sent me encouraging feedback. I hope this story was as fun for you to read
as it was for me to write. Please tell me how you think the final chapter
was. All comments are welcome. Thanks again.
Amanda