Chapter FIVE - Right here in our cheery kitchen
Amanda pulled up to the little ranch style house that Lee and Amanda used as their home on their second case together. She giggled as she remembered using a can of hairspray as a weapon so she and Lee could get away from Bobby Bouchard. She jumped out of the car and walked up the path to the front door. There was a note by the doorknob that said Welcome Home Mrs. Morton. She laughed as she opened the door and walked into the family room. The Agency had decorated the home to look just like it did almost five years ago when she and Lee were on the case. She walked over towards the kitchen and there were her blue curtains and matching rug. They were almost smiling at her as she remembered their little fight when they were discussing what happened to Betty Boudine.
On the kitchen table there was a bouquet of roses, a tiny box and another letter. Amanda leaned over to smell the flowers as she picked up the letter. She sat down at the table and began to read.
My dearest wife,
Here you are in our cheery kitchen. Remember I liked blue better! This was the first time that I realized how quick on your feet you really were. You came up with how Betty was killed and using hairspray to help us get away was perfect. As I think back on all of our memories, I feel like even back then after just knowing you for a short time, I knew that I could trust you and depend on you. I know that back then I wasn't the nicest person. But you changed all of that for me. You have made me a better agent….and more importantly a better man. I stop and think about things now. I have learned to enjoy life as I see it through your eyes. Thank you Amanda. I don't think I have ever really said that to you. Thank you for patiently waiting for me to stop acting like my code name and more like me…Lee. I love you very much. Now, your next stop is somewhere a person could get a car. Remember our talk….and you said "When it's over…you'll know." See you soon my Amanda.
Lee
Amanda smiled to herself and opened the little box. Inside was a tiny lipstick charm. She giggled as she put the charm on her bracelet. She took the letter and one of the roses and walked out of the house. As she made her way back down the path to her car she turned around and looked at the house once more. She took a deep breath as she smiled to herself. She walked to her car and started driving to the next stop. She knew exactly where she was going….off to Liberty Larry's.
*** While Amanda was sitting in the kitchen of the house in the Betsy Ross estates, Lee was with Dotty getting things ready for the end of the day. They were at the last stop of Amanda's adventure. Lee parked the Vette in front of the building and he helped Dotty get out. Lee grabbed a garment bag out of the back as Dotty walked up the few steps into the building. She gasped when she saw the winding staircase and the big open room. It was beautiful. She linked her arm in Lee's and said "Oh Lee! Where did you ever find a place like this? It's gorgeous!" Lee smirked at his mother in law and winked at her " We have our ways" Dotty raised an eyebrow and said "I figured you spies would say something like that!" Lee laughed as he showed Dotty the room where Amanda would get ready for the evening's festivities. Dotty looked at Lee and said " Are you nervous about any of this?" Lee shook his head. "Nope. We should have done this from the start. I really am sorry we eloped. It wasn't one of my smartest moments. I want you and the boys to be a part of our lives. I have grown to love you all…you are my family. Always have been."
Dotty hugged him and said "Absolutely. We love you too Lee." Dotty clasped her hands together with excitement. "Oh Amanda is just going to die when she sees this dress! Where did you get it?" Lee beamed at her and they said together " We have our ways" Dotty shook her head as she took Amanda's dress and hers out of the garment bag. Lee checked his watch and looked out the window. He smiled to himself thinking about Amanda and if she was enjoying her day.