Chapter 40

Six weeks later

"Did you hear that Mommy! Doc said that I'll be able to run!" Chloe exclaimed as she jumped onto Tara's lap.

"Yes, I heard, sugar."

"I think just about the whole world did," Bobby laughed.

The doctor smiled, "Just wear a tenser band for a few weeks and it should be as good as new."

"Thank you, Dr. Blatz, thank you very much," Tara grinned widely.

"My pleasure."

"You look…amazing," Bobby gawked as he stood at the door, facing a truly gorgeous woman in the doorway.

Tara blushed and spun around, showing off her black, chiffon knee-length dress. "Thank you, Bobby."

He held out his hand, "Shall we?"

Tara grinned as she flashed him her million-dollar smile.

"How's your food?" He glanced at her steak. Tara was working that thing and she had still only made a dent.

"Mmm, very good," Tara answered. She looked around, "Pretty fancy restaurant." The mood was perfectly set for a romantic dinner for two with glowing candles and dark shades of reds. The high windows allowed couples to look upward and gaze love struck at the glistening stars and moon.

"Yeah," he kept staring at her. Just do it, mate, what've you got to loose? Don't answer that. "Tara?"

"Mm-hmm?"

"Marry me. I know that it's sort of out of nowhere but every time I see you or hear your voice I fall more and more in love with you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life, I want to wake up every morning and see you dreaming beside me. I want to treat you like the queen of the world and hold you forever. Please, make me the happiest man on earth…marry me."

Tara was stunned, but unbelievably happy. "Yes," she whispered, then a smile broke out.

"What? You…you'll marry me?"

"Yes! Yes, Bobby, I'll be your wife!" Bobby shot up from his chair and pulled Tara up too. He threw his arms around her and spun her in numerous circles.

"You really said yes?" He asked when he set her down.

She smiled broadly, "Yes, Bobby."

"Just making sure I wasn't in a dream."

"You're not."

He pulled out a small velvet box and opened it; a white gold band with a single – but large – diamond. He slipped it on Tara's finger.

"It's beautiful." Tara admired it.

"If you agree, I want to adopt Chloe, too."

"Really?"

"Yes." Bobby looked adoringly into Tara's eyes; he slowly lowered his lips to meet hers and kissed her tenderly. When their mouths parted he whispered, "I love you so much, Tara Williams, soon to be Tara Manning."

"I like the sound of that, and I love you too." Tara paused. "I hate to break the moment, but uh, what about the 'no dating co-workers' issue?"

"Already taken care of."

"Garrett knew I was getting married before I did?"

Bobby shrugged. "The terms were, 'since you two are both very valuable parts of the team, I'll allow it as long as it doesn't interfere with work.'"

"So he did know before me?"

He simply grinned and lightly pressed his lips against hers once again. "I guess."

"Who else knew?"

Bobby chuckled. "No one. Promise."

She studied him, "Alright, I believe you."

"Good, you're going to need to trust me if we're going to make this marriage work."

"I do trust you."

"I think I should make you prove it," Bobby quirked an eyebrow.

"Shut up and kiss me."

Bobby complied – needless to say it was without objection.

A/N: first off, sry it took so long for me to update buti had currently hit a sorta writers block but with the help of my very very wonderful friend - shay - i'm now ready to write some more. Please review! thanku all so very much:)