Steele Dreaming
by Tanya Reed
Disclaimer: I'm running out of ways to say that I don't own Remington Steele, but you all know I don't. Right?
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"Is this the last bag?" Remington asked, taking the overly stuffed suitcase out of the trunk of the car.
"I think so," Lettie answered, coming up behind him and peeking around his still slender frame.
"Do you want me to bring it for you?"
"No, I can manage."
Remington laid it on the pavement at her feet. Laura and Sam came around the car from where they were standing in front. There, Laura had been standing and staring at the big gray building in front of her, quietly contemplating it. Beside her, Sam had been watching the excitement around her. Young people were everywhere-walking, talking, laughing, reading.
"This is it, Laura," Remington told his wife when she and their youngest daughter joined him and Lettie.
"Are you sure?" Laura asked.
"Pretty sure, Mom," Lettie answered.
"And you're going to be all right?"
Lettie rolled her eyes. "I'm going to be fine. It's a good school, and you saw my room. I'll call you once a week just to prove it."
"You'd better," her father warned.
"And write me once a week too," Sam put in.
Lettie looked at her younger sister for a couple of seconds before throwing her arms around her and giving her a tight squeeze. "You keep these two in line, eh, squirt?"
Sam smiled softly as Lettie pulled away. "I'll do my best. You study hard…and have fun."
Lettie laughed. "I think I can handle that." Then she turned to her mother, who she hugged as well. "Bye, Mom. Don't worry about me. I'm your daughter-I'll be fine."
Lastly, Lettie turned to her father, who pulled her to him, kissing her forehead. "I love you."
"I know, Dad."
Lettie picked up her suitcase and gave each member of her family a beaming smile before turning and walking toward the dorm. She didn't look back.
