Disclaimer: i know, i know, i don't own anyone in here other than chlo', her dead parents, and the taylor fam. if only i could own Rick Peters, a.k.a. BOBBY MANNING

Chapter 18

Tara thought she heard a knock. She frowned and pushed the bathroom door open, standing in only a towel she listened. Sure enough there was another knock at the door. She rushed to it and peered out of the spy hole. Bobby. She frantically looked around, He can't see me in a towel, ohh, what do I do?

"Hellooo? Anyone in there?" Bobby called.

Worried, Tara squealed quietly, "Yeah, what do you want, Bobby?"

"To come in…"

"Uhh, okay, I'm going to open the door but don't even think about coming in until I say so." Tara turned the doorknob and ran to the bathroom and shut the door. "Okay!" She yelled, "You can come in now!"

"Thanks!" Bobby said. He dropped on the bed, "I forgot my key."

"That's fine."

"You know, people are going to get suspicious if I always have to knock before I can come in. We're supposed to be married, you know."

"Well it's not my fault you're forgetful," Tara called from inside the bathroom, frantically trying to style her hair in the little time she had.

"Is Sue ready?"

"Almost, you can ask her, I think the adjoining door is unlocked. What about Jack?"

"Ready and waiting!" Bobby bellowed. "Did you ladies get Levi dry?"

"Surprisingly, yes," She stuck her head out of the door, "with two blow dryers and a few hours in the sun, he looks as good as new." She paused and looked around the room, "Uh, Bobby, can you get chuck my bag over here?"

"Why don't you come get it?"

She glared at him, "I'm in a towel."

"Well, we're supposed to be married," he joked.

"Bobby! Today, would be very nice!"

"Yeah, yeah, hold your horses, sheila." He stood up and slid the bag over. Making sure that she was hidden by the door Tara stuck her hand out, grabbed the handle and retreated to the bathroom once again.

Bobby stretched out on the bed, his hands beneath his head. 10 minutes later Tara opened the door and stepped out. She wore a sapphire colored spaghetti strap shirt with a flower pin on the left strap, a seam gathered material in the center of the chest. Tara's legs were shown off flawlessly by the flowing black skirt that reached until her mid thighs. Her 1" heeled black flip-flops plus the simple yet dangly silver earrings added an elegant touch to the ensemble, making Tara the most beautiful woman that ever lived to Bobby.

He slowly stood up, never taking his eyes of Tara. "Wow."

Tara giggled shyly and blushed.

"You look…amazingly perfect." He gawked.

She laughed again, "Thank you, Bobby. Are you ready?" He didn't say anything, he just kept staring. "Bobby…?"

He snapped out of it, "Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

"Good, I'll go get Sue." She disappeared behind the adjoining door and a few minutes later the two women appeared, when they came back Jack was also in the room, waiting with Bobby. Jack swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat when he saw Sue. Her hair was down, flowing beautifully over her shoulders – just how Jack loved it – and the close fitting, knee length dress complimented her curves beyond belief. The deep aqua brought out her eyes, making them stunning to look into. The dress swished around her knees as Jack watched her step closer. It was apparent to him that Sue had taken over his body, soul and mind.

"You look gorgeous, Sue," Jack said, hating how coarse his voice sounded.

She smiled, "Thanks Jack. Are you men ready for dinner?"

"So, where'd you leave Levi?" Bobby asked.

"In the room, watching 'Lassie'." Sue answered after swallowing. "I just hope he doesn't decide to take after him and go all hero on me."

"You mean to tell me that he's not?" Tara chuckled.

"Hey," Jack said, "be nice to the pooch."

"Yeah," Bobby agreed, "what did he ever do to you?"

Tara sighed, "Nothing. But what did I ever do to you that I deserved to be argued with every time I open my mouth?"

"Uh," The Aussie said, "woke me up at 6:30 in the a.m. for starters."

"I dare you to continue," Sue taunted.

"Okay, uhh," Bobby thought of something, "you made me do the dishes!"

"You volunteered, Bobby," Tara shook her head, amused.

"And," Sue said with an upturned mouth, "if I remember correctly, that turned out to be a pretty fun time."

"Too bad for you we interrupted," Jack teased.

"You are pushin' it, mate," Bobby warned with a slight smile tugging at his lips. Tara just looked down at her plate of food and blushed. "See, now you've made Tara uncomfortable."

Tara looked at Bobby, "And you're not making it any better."

He kissed her hand that wore 'their' wedding band and the engagement ring that Bobby 'gave' her. "Sorry, doll."

She smirked and rolled her eyes. Looking at Sue she mouthed, 'Men. When will they ever learn?' Sue laughed and nodded.

"Ahem," Jack looked from the brown eyed woman to the hazel eyed, "we would like to be included if it's not too much to ask."

"Sorry, it just so happens that it is too much to ask." Sue said triumphantly.

Bobby and Jack exchanged glances and the group of friends finished their meal and retreated to their hotel rooms.