Chapter TEN - "No, not this time!"

Amanda King walked into the front door of the Agency and greeted Mrs. Marsden. The older lady smiled at her as she noticed Amanda's engagement ring, but didn't say a word about it. She also noticed that Amanda was wearing her nightgown underneath her coat. As Amanda walked up the stairs to the Q Bureau Mrs. Marsden giggled to herself. She wondered if Amanda even realized she was still in her nightgown!

Amanda walked into the Q Bureau hoping to find Lee sitting at his desk. In his place were the usual flowers, a box and a letter. She smiled as she sat down at his desk and opened the box. This time Lee had given her three charms. A pair of red sparkly shoes, a pair of lips and a camera. Amanda giggled at the camera charm. She knew that had to do with the picture Francine had given her of Lee with that silly basket on his head. She smiled to herself as she clipped the lips charm onto her bracelet and thought of the kiss they shared after the Martinet case. Amanda looked around the Q Bureau and sighed. They had shared so many memories in this little office. She reached over to pick up the letter and started reading it.

My Amanda,

Who would have ever thought that a tiny little office could hold so many dear memories for us? This room holds a special place in my heart as I hope it does for you. I think walking into the Q bureau and seeing you sitting at my desk is one of my favorite things in the world. You are so beautiful Amanda Stetson! I will spend the rest of my life telling you.

We have had some amazing times in our little Q bureau. I can remember being so nervous when I finally kissed you. Thank god I made it in time to lock the door! That was one of the best days of my life…knowing that we were both finally on the same page. I love you so much, Amanda. Never forget that.

Now, we are almost done with this adventure…just a few more stops. Your next stop has to do with the Travelers Friends Foundation….and Mrs. Vander Hoosen. I still don't know where you came up with that one! I will see you soon. I love you!

Lee

Amanda put the letter down and sighed. She thought about her next stop. The little hideaway she and Lee stayed in when they were on the run because of Alexi Makarov. She smiled to herself as she remembered those nights curled up in Lee's arms, scared to death that the Agency would find them before they found out the truth. She collected her rose and letter and went off towards her car. She handed Mrs. Marsden her badge and said goodbye. Mrs. Marsden watched as Amanda went out the door and she picked up the telephone " Mrs. King is leaving the Q Bureau." She wondered where Amanda was heading next. She smiled to herself thinking about the young couple and how perfect they really were for one another.

****Lee was in the men's dressing room along with the boys and Joe. Carrie had ventured into the Ladies dressing room with Francine and Dotty. Lee was helping Phillip with his tie. Jamie was sitting on the couch waiting his turn. He looked over at his dad and then over at Lee. He thought the two men were complete opposites and yet they both loved his mother. He was too little to remember Joe ever being around but he knew that his dad at one time loved his mom. Lee on the other hand made it a daily reminder that he loved Amanda with everything in him. Jamie really learned to like Lee and he was glad he was going to marry his mom. He had never seen anyone go out of their way to show how much they love someone. Lee had planned this scavenger hunt for Amanda in just two days and somehow was planning a wedding on top of that. Jamie realized that Lee Stetson was really special and he was lucky to have him in his life.

Lee finished with Phillip's tie and Jamie jumped right up and walked over to Lee so he could help him with his. Jamie studied Lee's face and he was surprised that Lee wasn't showing any signs of nerves.

"Lee, aren't you getting nervous?"

Lee looked down at his stepson and chuckled. " You know, Sport, I am not the least bit nervous. Isn't that weird?"

Jamie shrugged and said "I don't know. I always thought the groom would be nervous." He looked over at his dad "Dad, were you nervous when you married mom? Or when you married Carrie?"

Joe King looked over at his son and Lee. He noticed that Lee looked calm for someone who was about to get married. Joe chalked that up to Lee being a federal agent. He smiled at Jamie and said "Well, son, I was a bundle of nerves when I married your mother. It was our first marriage and we were so young. But I was like Lee here when I married Carrie. I knew that marrying her was the best decision and I think Lee feels the same way about marrying your mom. Right Lee?"

Lee smiled and nodded at Jamie " Your dad is right, Jamie. Marrying your mother is the best decision I think I have ever made. I love her. And you guys."

To his surprise, Jamie hugged Lee tightly and said " We love you too, Pops." Lee hugged Jamie back and as he finished fixing Jamie's tie the phone in the room rang. Lee went over to it and answered it.

"Stetson"

Scarecrow, just wanted to let you know that Mrs. King just left the Q Bureau. So she should be where you are within the next hour."

"Thanks Duffy. I really appreciate your helping me out today. It means a lot."

"No problem, Stetson. We all love Mrs. King and we are truly happy for you. I will head to your apartment now. Check in with you later."

Lee said goodbye and hung up the phone. He looked at the boys in their tuxedos and smiled. They were so handsome. He knew that having a wedding was more for them and he was glad he planned all of this. They needed to be a family. He was so excited to see Amanda's reaction to the evening's events. He cleared his throat and told the boys that Amanda had only two stops left. He told them his apartment was the last stop before the wedding. It was almost time and Lee couldn't wait.