Seeing is Believing – Chapter 3
By Victorian Cowgirl
After Myles and Lucy left, Tara retrieved her laptop and set it on the coffee table. Bobby moved from the armchair and sat beside her on the couch. "Okay, Luv, how are we going to hit Jack and Sue over the head about their feelings?"
"We are going to approach this using the cliché 'seeing is believing'. Everyone around them can see that they are in love, but for some reason they can't or won't. If they could see what we see, maybe they will believe what we've all been trying to tell them. We will have them arrive at the mansion about an hour before everyone else and I'm going to send them on a treasure hunt. Each clue will be a kind of proof that they love each other, a picture, a video clip, a note and so on.
"The first thing we need to do is to get both Jack and Sue to each write a love letter to the other person. I want those to be the final clue."
"That's not going to be easy. They both have a hard enough time admitting out loud how they feel."
"Not really, most people feel more comfortable writing down their feelings rather than saying them out loud. We just explain that it will help them understand their feelings better and they can keep in tucked away until they feel ready to share it with the other person."
Bobby gazed at Tara in amazement. "Wow, Luv, you are incredible. Who knew my spunky computer whiz was such a romantic."
Tara stared at Bobby. "Did he just call me his computer whiz?" He was looking at her with an expression that she had only seen on his face once before.
He ran his fingers lightly down her flushed cheek and cupped her chin lightly in his hand. "You are the most beautiful, most intelligent, and the most caring women I know. Tara, can you forgive me for the way I acted after the concert? I was confused and scared. I knew that I wanted more than just your friendship, but I had just lost Darcy and didn't know if I could face a second rejection."
Tara was, to say the least, stunned. "What are you saying, Bobby?"
He gave her that wonderful Aussie smile that made her melt. "I love you, Tara." He sighed in relief. "I love you."
Without a word, Tara got to her feet and went into her bedroom. Bobby was hurt that she hadn't said anything, she had just left him sitting there. Before he could think of his next course of action, Tara returned holding a folded piece of paper in her trembling fingers. Still not speaking, she handed the paper to Bobby. As he took it, he noticed his name, written in Tara's lovely handwriting, on the front. He gave the woman standing expectantly a few feet from him a quick glance before unfolding the paper.
Dearest Bobby,
I don't know when or if I will ever give you this letter, but I needed to put my feelings
on paper. They make them more real for me.
I want to thank you for your wonderful friendship. It is a friendship that I treasure above
any other. You are so caring and compassionate. When Crazy Loco had that hit out on
me, I knew I could just look at you and I would feel calm. You are my strength. As much
as I love our friendship, it's not enough. I love you, Bobby Manning.
Love Always,
Tara
After reading the note twice, once again Bobby glanced at Tara. She was watching him expectantly. He held out his hand to her, beckoning her forward. Tara took his hand and let him guide her to the couch to sit beside him.
"Thank you Tara. Thank you for opening your heart and letting me in. I'm grateful for our friendship, but it's not enough for me either. Will you give us a chance? I love you Tara.
"I love you too, Bobby." Tara finally broke her silence.
Bobby gathered Tara's small frame into his arms in a loving embrace. For several moments they stayed that way, enjoying the feel being in the arms of the one you love. As they pulled back, Bobby tilted Tara's head up to gaze into her eyes with a silent request. Seeing an answering response in her eyes, Bobby lowered his head.
As Bobby's face came closer to hers, Tara closed her eyes in anticipation. When his lips touched hers in a soft kiss, she felt the love he held for her. In his kiss she felt the friendship they had built over the years. This friendship was now growing into a strong love, that she knew would last a lifetime. Bobby's arm came around her waist and he pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss.
When they pulled away several lingering and precious moments later, they were each sporting a joyful smile. It took Tara a couple of seconds to gather her scattered thoughts. If this was how Bobby's kisses would always affect her, she needed to be careful as to when he kissed her. It wasn't a good idea for an FBI agent not to have quick thinking.
"Now that we can see what is in our hearts, let's help our friends to do the same, okay." She asked looking up at Bobby.
"You got it, Luv. I'll do anything to help Jack and Sue find the same happiness that I have." He gave her a quick kiss. "I'll get Jack to write his letter tomorrow."
Tara nodded. "I'm having a girl's night with Sue and Lucy tomorrow night, so with Lucy's help, I'll have Sue's letter by Wednesday as well. Let's meet on Wednesday night and see what else we can come up with for clues. I have several pictures that I have taken over the three years Sue has been with the team that will come in quite handy."
"Sounds like a plan." Bobby reached for his coat and headed for the door.
Tara followed him to the door and opened it for him. He ran his finger down her cheek. "See you tomorrow, Luv."
"Night, Bobby. See you tomorrow."