AN: I made this a long one in hopes of sucking up for making you guys wait so long. =)

Chapter 8

...

"Your absence has gone through me

Like thread through a needle.

Everything I do is stitched with its color."

W.S. Merwin

...

She was exactly where he knew she would be.

It wasn't much of a stretch to correctly guess, this was her go-to place when she was having a bad day. And today would definitely be one of those.

He covered the distance to her side quickly and quietly, and proceeded to lean against the structure next to her. "It's just me," he announced, upon seeing her stiffen at the realization that she wasn't alone.

Confusion clouded her already downcast features as she relaxed. "Eliot? What are you doing here?"

"Thought it'd be a good day to visit the park." The look of disbelief she threw his way was not a surprise. "Thought you could use the company," he admitted.

The smile on her face didn't quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate that, but I'm not going to be very good company today I'm afraid."

"I figured. But I'm offerin' all the same."

She sighed; an act that the hitter could see held a hint of relief. "Then your company would be most welcome."

"How long have you been here?" he asked, watching her swing gently back and forth.

"I arrived just before sunrise. What time is it now?"

"A little before ten."

"How did you know where to find me?"

"Well, you're usually at this park or the one near the bar swinging when you've had a bad day." She nodded in understanding. "What do you usually do today?"

"I visit her and then keep myself busy with work."

"I'm surprised you had today off. We haven't seen you much since you started workin' for your dad."

"I didn't, but Kieran wouldn't let me go in. Would you take me somewhere?"

"Sure…I'm yours for the day."

Her head jerked in his direction at his words momentarily before she stood up and found his offered arm.

"Where to first?" he asked, once behind the wheel.

"Cathedral of the Holy Cross."

For a few minutes, no words were spoken. But unlike other silent moments that passed between them, this one was heavy with sorrow and remembrance. He knew better than most when times like these were not only welcome, but needed. And he wasn't one to push…at least not in instances like this. If and when she was ready to talk, he would listen.

"How did you know?" she asked quietly.

"Your brother mentioned it the other day. He knew he'd be workin' today and was worried about you bein' alone." He paused before venturing, "Where's Josh?"

"He had a previous engagement with his mother today."

"What about your dad?"

"Every year he disappears for the day, I don't like to intrude."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind you being with him today."

"No, I'd rather allow him his privacy."

He didn't understand it, but it wasn't his place to argue.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross was located on Washington Street in Boston's South End District. Constructed in the Gothic Revival style, the church had seating for just over seventeen hundred people, making it the largest Roman Catholic Church in New England.

As it was a Monday, there were only three other people occupying the large space, scattered in different pews.

She felt him gently pull away as she stopped at one of the front pews, and sensed him move away. A soft smile graced her face at the realization that he was trying to give her privacy.

Pulling out her rosary, she knelt and took a breath before speaking. "Hi mama, I'm afraid this year will be a bit different, as I won't be able to visit you today. But Maera promised to bring you flowers for me though. This month has been good…I guess. I try every day to act in a way you would be proud, but lately I've been feeling…like I'm spread thin. I wish you were here to talk to. I… feel so lost mama. I act happy around them, but I don't think I am and I don't know what to do. I don't know if I know how to change it…or if I even deserve to." She took a ragged breath before continuing. "I miss you so very much. Especially the way you could always make the best out of any situation. I could really use that right now," she finished under her breath.

He had chosen a spot a couple of rows back to sit and wait, allowing her a modicum of privacy. She spoke softly enough, but Eliot had trained himself over the years to hear the slightest sounds, so while he didn't hear every word that left her lips, he heard enough of what she spoke to get an idea. Why was she pretending to be happy? Why did she feel lost? And why did she feel like she didn't deserve to be? All of these questions flew through the hitter's mind as he listened to her quiet words in respectful silence.

Ally said a prayer to the mother Mary and kissed her rosary before standing up and making her way over to the rows of votive candles. She picked up an incense stick and found a lit candle easily, so as to light it, and then proceeded to try and light one herself, which proved difficult because of the shaking of her hands.

She felt a large hand cover the one she was holding the incense in, relaxing quickly when she realized it was Eliot. He remained silent as she lit the candle and sent out her silent prayer, and then watched as she reached out to find the donation box, and place a ten dollar bill in it.

Ally remained silent as she took her cane out again and gently reached for his elbow. "You okay?" he asked softly. No tears streaked her face, but her grief stricken expression was enough to speak volumes.

"This is just the first year since…her death, that I won't be able to visit her. Maera promised to put Delphiniums on her grave for me, but…"

"Why Delphiniums?"

"They were her favorite flower. They symbolize big-heartedness and joy. Both of which she was full of."

"Not many people care about flower symbolism anymore."

"I know. And it saddens me a bit. The language of flowers is beautiful."

"You know, you don't have to visit her grave to show you're thinkin' of her," he told her gently.

"What do you mean?"

"Just spend the day doing things you enjoyed doin' with her."

She thought about his words for a moment. "Would you…accompany me?" she murmured, unsure.

"That was the plan."

"You're positive that you had no other plans today?"

"My day is free," he answered.

A smile lit her face, but the hitter could see the relief hidden in it. "You truly are a wonderful friend Eliot. Let's go then, I need to make some calls."

"What are we doin'?"

"You'll see."

He wasn't usually one for surprises, but seeing the happy expression on her face silenced any rebuttal he might have had.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

They were at a toy store.

In the span of the fifteen minutes it had taken them to get there, she had already made three calls. The first was to a woman named Marisol, verifying that today would be a good day for a surprise visit. The second call was to a local catering company, putting in a small order for an array of finger foods from sliders and chicken tenders, to a fruit tray, to be delivered in two hours. And lastly to a well-known ladies' spa, which he only knew of because Sophie loved going there, making an appointment two hours from then.

"What are we doin' here?"

She gave him a look of pure confusion. "Buying toys…what do you usually do in a toy store?"

"I'm not usually in one."

"You've never bought toys for anyone?"

"Don't know any kids." Which was a lie, because he had nephew.

"Today will be a new experience then."

"What do you mean new…"

"We're going to need a trolley. Possibly two," she interrupted.

"We buyin' the whole store?"

"Of course not, if that were the case, I'd just have them deliver on one of their trucks. This is a small trip. Now let's go, we have a lot to do in two hours," she urged, placing her hand on the shopping cart he had grabbed.

Resigned to his fate, he sighed and pushed the cart forward.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

To say Ally was enthusiastic when shopping for kids would have been a gross understatement. Had she possessed full use of her sight, there was no doubt in his mind that she would have been all over the store like a Tasmanian devil. She had the enthusiasm of a ten year old as she dragged him down every aisle in the store, having him describe everything on the shelves. Okay, maybe not everything, but it had sure seemed like it. The cart was already filled with numerous Nerf assault rifles and ammo; which she had let him pick out, as well as a good assortment of artist supplies.

"Alright, I need a few craft kits," she exclaimed suddenly, pulling him from his thoughts. "I think they were on aisle six?" He turned the shopping cart right to head to the requested aisle.

"Okay, which one do you want?" he asked, scanning the shelves.

"A couple of jewelry making ones….preferably one with beads." He started pulling a few boxes off the shelf. "Do they have one where you can decorate a jewelry box?"

Eliot saw the one she wanted. "Got it. What else?"

"Something that includes makeup or fingernail polish? Isabelle wants to be a beautician," she smiled.

After grabbing one that fit the description and putting it in the cart, she declared that they were finished. A sigh of relief escaped him, which she heard, if her chuckle was anything to go by. "Surely it wasn't that terrible?"

To be honest, it hadn't been really. He had just never been one for shopping unless it was to buy more clothes. And that never took him long, because he could grab what he needed and be done. But the pure joy and childish excitement he watched Ally display while she shopped for someone else was enjoyment in and of itself. The gusto she displayed and fun she found in the simplest things was something that he realized drew him to her. Just being around her made him feel somewhat…lighter. She was a saner version of Parker, and he now understood a bit more of why she and the thief got along so well.

"It wasn't that bad," he grudgingly admitted.

"Don't think I didn't notice how much fun you were having choosing just the right Nerf guns," she retorted with an amused expression.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't."

At the checkout, they found a line of eight people. Apparently the store was short staffed, so they only had one lane opened. To make matters worse, it seemed there was a hold up with the person at the register.

"I would think if you're poor, you shouldn't be spending your money on things like toys," someone ahead of them whispered.

"I know…right? Buy some groceries, pay your bills. She's probably on welfare…look at the way she's dressed," another replied.

"What's going on?" Ally asked Eliot, after hearing the snide remarks.

A woman in front of them answered instead. "Woman at the front of the line doesn't seem to have enough money. The cashier doesn't want to honor the gift card. She needs to either pay or get out of line. Other people want to check out as well."

Eliot watched as Ally brushed past him, and then proceeded to make her way up the line, ignoring the exclamations that were thrown at her, and reached out to find the register counter, stopping next to the woman. Words were exchanged that he couldn't hear, but he could see the look of disbelief clearly written on the woman's face briefly, before her eyes welled up with tears. Then he watched as his friend…his wonderful, caring and generous friend, paid for the woman's purchase without hesitation. The two women hugged, and then Ally made her way back down the line, the hitter touching her arm gently to let her know where he was.

"That was a nice thing you did." Eliot ignored the muttered comments about poor people and handouts, and rich people with too much money on their hands.

"It's her son's fourth birthday. Her mother sent her the gift card, but apparently they wouldn't accept one from another state, which is ridiculous. And as her husband lost his job recently, they are short on money right now."

"Not many people would have done that though."

"I believe that simple acts of random kindness make the world a better place and that they can make a tremendous impact on someone's life. For Alana, it means that her little boy will have an amazing birthday. What purpose is the money I have, if not to help those that need it?"

Eliot noticed that the women who had made snide comments earlier looked away, the ugly expressions on their faces replaced by ones of guilt and shame. The hitter smirked before turning his attention back to his companion. "I hope her husband calls Kieran," she admitted absently.

"What's that?"

"Oh, I gave her one of Kieran's cards to give to her husband. Apparently he has experience with PR, and I thought he might possibly do well at the company."

"You never cease to amaze me darlin'," Eliot told her, smiling at the blush that rose up her cheeks.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Forty minutes later, his trunk filled with numerous bags of toys, they pulled in front of a non-assuming blue two story home in South Boston.

"You goin' to tell me what we're doin' yet?" he asked as he turned the car off.

"We're going to give a good friend of mine a much needed break," was all she would say, as she carefully got out of the car, balancing the dozen cupcakes they had picked up from a bakery along the way.

Eliot grabbed the bags from the trunk and walked up the sidewalk to stop next to Ally who was speaking with one of the shortest women he had ever met. Standing just under five feet, the older woman promptly took the cupcakes from Ally's hand and pulled her into a warm hug. "Mija, this is such a pleasant surprise. That father of yours keeps you so busy, I thought I'd have to have the kids help me plan a kidnapping," she chuckled. Her smile was welcoming and enhanced the laugh lines around her mouth and dark chocolate eyes. Eliot put her age around forty.

"It would have been a successful plan then," Ally replied with a smile. "Eliot, this is my friend Marisol Espinoza. Marisol, this is Eliot Spencer," she introduced.

The older woman leveled the hitter with an appreciative glance before nudging Ally playfully. "Well, well, well…I thought you were still dating Josh, but this one's a looker."

The red head blushed. "Of course I'm still dating Josh. Eliot is a friend."

"Some friend. You've never brought a guy with you before," she teased.

"Marisol, please…"

"Ally!" A small voice shrieked, seconds before a blur of bronze skin and brunette curls tackled her, sending her backwards into Eliot's chest.

"Hello sweetie," she greeted, hugging the small girl. "Are you behaving for your mom?"

"Yes," she replied, the five year old's heart shaped face scrunched up indignantly. "Who's… he?"

"This is Eliot. He's a very good friend of mine. Is it alright for him to play with us today?"

She might have only been five, but for a split second, the hitter felt lacking under her intensely, judging expression. "Yeah, okay. Ev..every…one's in the liv..ing room…c'mon," she said, grabbing Ally's hand and gently tugging her through the door.

Eliot followed behind, coming to a stop in a large, open living room, outfitted with overstuffed furniture and decorated in warm colors of browns and blues, giving it a homey and welcoming air. Two girls and three boys, of various ethnicities, sat around a decent sized flat screen TV, cheering and crying out as they played what appeared to be a car racing game.

"Who's winning this time?" Ally asked, announcing her presence.

Five heads turned quickly in their direction, displaying various degrees of surprise and happiness. The girl and boy playing the video game nodded their head in greeting, a quick 'Hey, Ally!' accompanying it, while the other three ran over excitedly, latching on to the red head. Well, all except for the older, darker skinned boy who seemed to stand quietly to the side, until the younger two were finished, before gently touching Ally's shoulder to make his presence known.

"Hello Reggie," she greeted automatically, pulling him in to a side hug that he leaned in to briefly, before pulling away.

"Hi Ally," he replied quietly.

She introduced the kids to Eliot, all of whom were very curious about the first person Ally had brought with her to visit.

Nicolas, the exuberant little boy still clinging to Ally's side, had the same heart shaped face, nose and hazel eyes as his sister Isabelle. He would be surprised if they weren't twins.

Reggie, whose name he already knew, nodded shyly at Eliot in greeting; his dark skin enhancing the vibrancy of his steel blue eyes that observed the hitter with curiosity. For a nine year old, he was extremely quiet.

Sumiko was the oldest at ten years old, of Asian descent, and had dark chocolate, almond shaped eyes that studied Eliot critically.

A cry of disappointment and celebration rang out simultaneously, announcing the end of the video game, and Eliot looked over to see the strawberry blonde little girl with pale green eyes doing what he surmised was a victory dance, as the little boy with pale skin and ebony hair looked on in consternation.

"Now that you've gotten your revenge Emily, how about you and Stephen come over and give Ally a proper welcome," Marisol ordered with a smile.

Emily rushed over, a smile on her face, while Stephen trudged behind her, pouting.

"Sorry Ally," the girl said, gently reaching out to touch her arm.

The red head smiled. "That's alright beautiful. I know you've been practicing to beat him," she assured the girl, pulling her into a hug. Once Emily pulled away, Stephen stepped forward.

"Hey, Ally," the eight year old mumbled, eliciting a chuckle from her, as she gently pulled him into a hug as well.

"So you're going to pout now are you?" she chided.

"No one's ever beat me before," he grumbled.

"Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. Stephen…Emily, I want you to meet my friend Eliot."

"Hi Eliot!" Emily greeted cheerfully. It might have been due to her recent win, but it seemed that smiling and a cheerful demeanor came very easily for her. "You lost a bet didn't you?"

"Emily!" Marisol exclaimed.

"Why do you say that?" Eliot asked with a smirk.

"Well, there are six of us, which according to Ally's boyfriend is too much for one couple to have. And the boys can be rowdy. Well…except for Reggie."

Outspoken as well it seemed.

"No, I didn't lose a bet. Just thought I'd join her today is all."

"Mmmm…okay."

Eliot had originally guessed her age to be older than Stephen, due to her three inch height difference over him, but apparently they were both the same age, and Stephen was just on the short end of the scale.

"Do you play video games?" Stephen asked him hopefully.

"Not really. My friend's more the gaming type."

"You just wanted to play with someone else so you could have a chance to win," Emily teased.

"That's not true!" he defended.

"Okay, okay. That's enough," Marisol ordered.

"Why don't all of you explore the bags I brought? I thought we could have some fun today," Ally interceded, putting an immediate smile on all six faces.

"Presents!" Isabelle screamed joyfully, rushing over to said bags.

As the kids eagerly pulled the multitude of toys out, the doorbell rang.

"That must be the food," Ally announced.

"You ordered food as well?" Marisol exclaimed.

"Of course I did. I didn't want them cannibalizing each other," Ally joked, amusing Eliot in the process.

Marisol chuckled. "Well I definitely won't say no to free food."

"Oh, but you won't be joining us," Ally informed her.

Marisol's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why not?"

"Because you have an appointment at Adara Spa in twenty five minutes for two hours of pampering."

"What? Are you…Ally, you didn't have to do that."

"Are you turning down free childcare and pampering then?"

"You're sure?" she asked, a bit hopeful. "They can be quite a handful."

"That's why I brought Eliot along. He can double as my eyes and the referee," she smiled.

"Well what am I still standing here for?" she laughed. "Just let me get my purse and they're all yours."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Fifteen minutes later, the kids were sprawled around the dining table stuffing themselves. Ally and Eliot sat at the bar, quietly talking while the hitter kept a relaxed eye on the kids.

"So your friend has a pretty eclectic family," Eliot commented.

Ally chuckled softly. "Marisol and Alonso always wanted a big family. Neither of them had siblings. But two years after they married, Marisol found out it would be unlikely that she'd ever be able to conceive."

"What about the twins? They look too much like your friend."

"They had been fostering for three years and had already adopted Sumiko when she found out she was pregnant with Isabelle and Nicolas. As you can imagine, it came as quite a shock," she grinned.

"Probably more so when they found out it was twins."

"Very true," she laughed. "They were fostering Stephen at the time, but had already decided to adopt him, which went through before she gave birth."

"So Emily and Reggie are still foster kids?"

"Yes. They've been with Marisol and Alonso for a few months now. They get along very well with the other kids, so I expect they'll be getting a permanent family before the end of the year. I think they'll be done after that though."

"Reggie seems pretty quiet compared to the others," he observed.

"He has Asperger's. He's highly intelligent, but he's shy around others and doesn't talk unless it's necessary. He still doesn't like large crowds and physical interaction makes him a bit uncomfortable," she explained. "That's why the others are good for him I think. They help him be a little more social and have taught him to open up a bit and enjoy playing without pushing him."

Eliot nodded. "Where's Alonso?"

"Daddy's in afh…aghan…ah…" a small voice piped up, surprising Eliot, as she had been so quiet. Isabelle still struggled with her speech, which is why she went to a speech therapist at Ally's clinic, where the red head had met Marisol and her bunch.

"Afghanistan," Sumiko supplied, walking up. "He's in the marines."

"Which is why he's away so often," Ally added. "And these six are quite a bit to handle for one person."

"I help out!" Sumiko defended.

Ally reached over and found the girl's shoulder, raising it to glide over the girl's ebony waves. "Of course you do. But six children is still a handful, even with how well behaved you all are," she reassured the girl with a smile.

"'cept for N…Nic'las," Isabelle murmured with a giggle.

"Yes, well not everyone can be as well behaved as Sumiko, Reggie and you." Ally whispered conspiratorially.

Eliot watched on, amazed at how easily she interacted with them. It seemed to come naturally to her.

"You're pretty good with kids," he commented casually.

"Daddy says it's because I have the spirit of a five year old," she joked.

"It'll make you a great mom one day," he replied.

A wave of an unnamed emotion passed over her face, bringing with it a sadness that erased any trace of happiness she had been feeling not seconds before. "Sometimes things don't…"

"Ally? Stephen and I were wondering if we could take the Nerf guns out back now," Emily asked, interrupting her words. "We're done eating."

"Sure sweetie," she answered with a smile, albeit a forced one.

"Thank you for the art supplies Ally," Reggie said quietly, before heading outside.

"Would you play wit me an Sumi?" Isabelle asked hopefully, a grin on her little face.

"Did you really think I would buy jewelry kits and not want to play with you?" she replied with a grin, letting herself be led to the back yard by the two girls.

Eliot was left wondering what she had been going to say.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The hitter stood next to the picnic table like a sentinel, his arms crossed and eyes solely focused on the two boys and one little girl dodging behind trees, shooting at each other with foam ammo. Reggie sat at the end of the table, drawing quietly.

"You know, I bought enough Nerf guns for you to join in as well Eliot," she told him, sitting patiently as Isabelle painted her nails a bright blue.

"Nah, I'm good."

"So you're going to spend the next hour just standing there?"

"I'm watchin' the kids. That's what you wanted me to do…be your eyes."

"When's the last time you played with toys?"

"When I was seven."

"Well that's sad. You're never too old to act like a kid, and you should never forget how to play."

"Can't see how playin' with toys would…"

Silence fell quickly, interrupting whatever Eliot might have said.

"What happened? What's wrong?" Ally asked in confusion.

Sumiko leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. "Nicolas hit Eliot in the back. I don't think it was an accident," she giggled.

Ally briefly heard movement, and the sound of one of the Nerf guns being cocked. "You'll have to excuse me ladies. Seems I have some enemies to take out," the hitter declared, turning to the three children staring at him wide eyed. All Ally heard was a scream of excitement cut off by the sound of multiple guns firing.

Isabelle and Sumiko spent the next thirty minutes acting as commentators for Ally, giving the red head a play by play of the Nerf war going on in the yard.

Ally continued to string the metal beads on the bracelet she was now making. "Does it look like he's having fun?"

"Def…nitely! He's got a hum..ung..ous grin on his face," Isabelle answered excitedly.

"Good," Ally replied, a soft smile tilting her lips.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Hand on his elbow, Eliot walked with her leisurely down the crowded street of the farmer's market.

"What did you think of the kids?"

"They weren't bad. Well behaved. It wasn't terrible. "Ally chuckled. "What?"

"Denial isn't just a river in Egypt I've heard."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Isabelle told me that you were smiling while you played with Stephen, Emily and Nicolas."

"Snitch," he murmured under his breath.

"I'm happy you had fun. It's good for you."

"Today was supposed to be for you," he argued.

"Seeing my friend having fun while doing something my mom would have loved was very enjoyable." She paused before adding, "It' alright for you to let go and have fun every now and then."

"It's…not easy," he admitted.

"I'm here to listen," she offered tentatively.

"So what is this dish we're buying ingredients for?"

For a split second she had thought he would actually take her up on her offer, but her expression dimmed in disappointment as yet again, he evaded any personal line of conversation. "You'll just have to wait."

"Not gonna tell me what it is?"

"You'll love it. What are you making us for dessert?" she retorted with a grin.

"It's a surprise."

"No hints?" she tried hopefully.

"You'll love it," he replied with a smirk.

The first stall they stopped at, or stalls, since the two were so close together, was run by a family that specialized in homemade Irish breads and cheeses. Eliot stayed at her side, but watched as she greeted the husband and wife warmly, making it obvious by their familiar manner with her, that she visited them quite often.

"Eliot, you have to taste this Irish Whiskey Cheddar. It's absolutely delicious," Ally cooed, turning to offer the hitter a small piece.

The first thing he noticed was the faint sweetness from the whiskey. The creamy texture almost melted over his tongue as the mildness of the cheddar created a quite impressive combination.

"This is really good," he complimented.

"Wait until you try it on a grill cheese sandwich," she told him happily. "I'll take an extra wheel as well as my usual Iona." The plump woman nodded with a smile, and wrapped up two small loaves of soda bread as well as the two small wheels of cheese, before handing them to her. Eliot listened as the much older woman who had been sitting quietly in the shade spoke to the red head in what he recognized as Gaelic. Ally answered back easily with a smile, and then blushed at something that was said, before making her goodbyes and taking Eliot's offered elbow.

"What did she say?"

"She invited me to dinner next Saturday."

"That made you blush?"

"Oh that…well…she said you looked like a good man."

He didn't know why that would make her blush. "Looks can be deceiving."

"It's a good thing I don't depend on my sight then," she replied, squeezing his arm gently.

At another stall, he was introduced to the Williams family, who had a small orchard and specialized in jams, jellies and preserves.

"Was wondering if I would see you today girl," the barrel chested man greeted warmly.

"Where else would I get my pears?" she teased easily, gently pulling away from Eliot to be pulled into a bear hug. "Eliot, this is Mark...Mark, this is Eliot." The hitter nodded in greeting. "What jams do you have today?"

"Strawberry and Blackberry. Claire hasn't been feeling well, so we don't have as much this week."

"Nothing too serious I hope."

"Nah, just a nasty flu bug. She'll be right as rain in no time harpin' on me to do something or other," he joked.

Ally smiled. "I'm sure she will. I'll take a container of both then, and two pounds of pears."

"Like pears do you?" Eliot interjected.

"They're my favorite food. Well, right behind chocolate of course," she chuckled.

Mark wrapped each of the glass jars of jam with an extra layer of paper and placed them in the paper bag with the pears, and then went to hand it to her, only to have it taken by Eliot. "I got it." The older man looked at the hitter with approval and nodded a goodbye before hugging Ally one last time.

It seemed that she knew everyone that she bought from personally, as she took a few moments with each inquiring about them and their families. The smile that graced her face as she greeted the farmers she bought from, emitted an infectious warmth that was easily returned.

She purchased eggs from one farmer who greeted her with a smile, and fresh mint, onions, an eggplant, and a small bag of garlic from one vendor who had an array of fresh vegetables and fruits on display. He excused himself for a moment, leaving her in conversation with the grandmotherly woman who was selling a variety of homemade sauces and preserves, to quickly buy a needed ingredient from the stall a few feet away.

"Do you have heavy cream and lemons at your place?" he asked as they continued down the rows.

"I believe so."

"What about vanilla beans?"

"Oooh, my first clue," she smiled. "But to answer your question, no. There is a lovely couple who runs a stall near where we came in that sells ingredients from Mexico. Perhaps they have some?"

"We can check. Do you have everything you need?"

"I just need to visit the butcher and I'll be finished. What kind of chocolate did you buy?"

"Some bittersweet, I need it for…how'd you know I bought chocolate?"

"Mrs. Stephens and her husband are in the same location every week, directly across from where I bought the marinara sauce. I also heard you speaking with her when you bought it." At his silence, she smiled, "I thought I had mentioned that I am a chocoholic. And she makes some of the best I've ever tasted," she concluded.

"I swear, you and Parker," he mumbled good-naturedly.

But he was rewarded with his own hint moments later, as he watched her buy a pound of ground lamb from a young man in his late twenties that was obviously flirting with her. He shook his head as he watched his otherwise brilliant friend remain completely oblivious to his advances as he accepted her money and handed her the wrapped meat.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

By five o'clock, they were on their way to Ally's; the food they had purchased nestled safely in the back seat.

"How's it been workin' for your dad?"

"Hectic. Anthony left a mess that I'm still trying to clean up."

"You still managin' to keep up with the school, hospital and clinic?"

"I've had to cut back the number of trips I make to the hospital," she admitted. "I'm trying to cut back a little at the clinic as well, but Victoria is not making that easy."

"How's that? Isn't she the administrator? She's supposed to be runnin' things for the owner right?" He still hadn't told her that he knew of her being said owner.

"That's correct. But she keeps calling on me for assistance for tasks that she should be able to handle."

"But you just volunteer, right?"

He didn't miss her hesitation before answering. "Yes, but she's learned of my skill for budgeting and managing money, so she tends to take advantage of that."

"Why does the owner keep her on then?"

"The truth is that she's truly impressive at her job…when she does it. And as the daughter of one of the clinic's supporters, she tends to use that as leverage to keep her job."

"The owner should just fire her and …"

Eliot saw the truck coming from the edges of his peripheral vision as he crossed the intersection. He had seconds to maneuver his car out of its oncoming trajectory, turning his wheel hard, and skidding his car out of harm's way and half onto the curb, seconds before the truck sped past, mere inches from them, running the red light.

Crisis averted, he turned to make sure Ally was okay, only to find her wide eyed and staring blankly straight ahead. "You okay?" he reached out to touch her shoulder, only to realize that her hands were trembling and her breathing had become erratic. "Ally?" he tried again, gently squeezing her arm, only for her to remain unresponsive.

Shit. He knew a panic attack when he saw one.

Mindful of traffic, he quickly got out of the car and rushed to her side. Opening the door, he found that she was still in the same condition. "Ally," he tried. No response. He unbuckled her seat-belt and turned her to face him. "Ally, it's Eliot. Listen to my voice. You're okay. You're with me, you're safe," he stated, in a calm, steady voice. He knew she was lost in the memory of her car accident. He wouldn't ever tell anyone, but he had had his share of panic attacks in his mid-twenties after his military service.

A couple of people slowly approached, one even asking if he needed them to call an ambulance. He waved them off, assuring them that they were both okay before returning his attention to Ally. Placing one hand on her face, he used the other to gently place her hand on his chest. "You're safe. Listen to my voice…focus on it. What you're seein' is in the past. It's over and done with. It's 2011, you're in Boston…not Ireland. Work on slowin' your breathin'. Try to match the rise and fall of my chest under your hand. Come back….you're safe…you're with me," he repeated, in a soothing but firm voice.

He felt her grip on his shirt tighten, and then she blinked and took a ragged breath. "Eliot?"

"There you are. You okay?"

"I'm sorry I made you worry. I just…"

"I know," he assured her.

"Sudden stops and near misses bring it all back," she admitted.

"You wanna talk about it?"

"My driver lost control on an icy road."

That explained why she didn't want him driving home that one snowy night. "What happened to the driver?"

"They died," her expression darkened.

Seeing that she would be offering no further details, he moved on. "Buckle back up. Dinner isn't gonna cook itself."

She nodded, still shell-shocked from the flashback, and turned back in her seat.

And just like that, the dark mood he had found her in that morning was back, and any hint of happiness she had felt for most of the day was erased in an instant.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"So lamb meatballs then."

"Just be patient, I promise you'll like it."

"I'm not easily impressed; especially when it's food."

She chuckled, "So I've noticed."

They worked in silence for the most part, it only being interrupted occasionally when Ally informed him of the next step. The meatballs he had just helped her prepare were baking in the oven for color, and she was cutting up onion as he sautéed the diced eggplant.

"Ow!"

Eliot was at her side in an instant, easily finding the cause of her cry of pain. A thin line of blood was already forming across her left index finger as he grabbed the dishtowel to wrap around it.

"Where's your first aid kit?"

"Under the sink in the hall bathroom," she gritted out. "Turn the oven off first, the meatballs will overcook."

"Okay, just keep the pressure on it, I'll be right back," he ordered, pausing to turn the oven off before disappearing down the hall.

Moments later he returned with a large plastic case and placed it on the island next to her. Upon opening it, he found it to be quite surprisingly well stocked.

Removing the cloth from her finger to get a good luck at the cut, revealed a half an inch long wound, too deep for his liking. A Band-Aid would not help in this case.

"You're gonna need stitches."

A stricken look crossed her face. "Are…are you positive? A plaster might be enough," she tried.

"Not in this case. I should get you to an emergency room."

"I…I can't handle the emergency department Eliot. Please, not today." The desperation in her voice was palpable.

Immediately understanding, he quickly made a decision.

"I'll do it."

"You will?" Her surprise was obvious.

"Yeah…your first aid kit is pretty well equipped. You have need for sutures on a regular basis?"

"Not really. Daddy just likes to be well prepared. Most of my incidents only involve minor scratches, cuts and bumps. But my response was more in regards to your ability. Do you come across a lot of need to stitch people up in your job as a…bodyguard?"

The pause and disbelieving tone stressed at the end of her question did not go unnoticed. "It's somethin' I've picked up along the way," he hedged. "You trust me to do it?" he asked, grabbing a bowl from the cabinet and pouring alcohol in it before placing the tweezers, needle and sutures in it.

"If it will keep me from having to go to the hospital, then yes."

"Not much of a vote of confidence there," he replied dryly, washing his hands quickly at the sink before taking her hand and putting it under the hot water.

She hissed. "You're about to stick me with a needle several times, it's the best you're going to receive for now," she gritted out as he cleaned the wound with the antibacterial soap in the kit. "Thank you for this," she murmured. "I shouldn't have been using a knife as distracted as I was. Would you turn down the heat under the eggplant so it doesn't burn?"

"The food can wait," he replied tersely.

"It's a cut Eliot, I'll live," she smiled, even if it was a bit strained. "And we'll still be hungry afterwards."

Grudgingly, he put her hand down and went to do as she asked, returning seconds later to continue. "How did she die?" he asked as gently as possible; partly to distract her from his ministrations, partly because he was curious.

"Her death was the preventable result of a selfish person's actions." The detached tone told him she wasn't going to elaborate, so he let it go.

She gritted her teeth as he tied off the string, and then slathered an antibiotic ointment on it before gently wrapping it with self-adhesive gauze.

"It only needed five stitches. I made 'em as small as I could. Should only leave a faint line," he explained as he cleaned up the medical supplies.

"Wouldn't be the first scar I've received," she admitted.

He stored that away for later. "I'll come by tomorrow night to check on it to make sure it's not getting' infected. If it starts hurtin' worse than now, or you get a fever, you go to the emergency room."

"I will," she promised as she stood up. "We should finish dinner."

"I got it. Just sit there. You can tell me what needs doin'."

"That's not…"

"It's not a problem."

"Alright, finish dicing the onion, then add them and the red pepper flakes in with the eggplant and cook on medium until softened."

"Okay, tell me about your mom," he asked, turning his attention back to the stove top.

A soft smile appeared on her face. "She was…lively. Couldn't sit still, was always active, always doing something. Daddy always joked that she acted more like a child than the ones she helped. She had the infamous red head temper, kept my dad on his toes constantly. Had the voice of an angel, but couldn't cook to save her life," she recalled with a fond smile. "She painted the most beautiful sceneries. The two paintings in the living room are hers. Daddy always tried to get her to sell them, but she refused. Said it was something she enjoyed doing and didn't feel she had to monopolize on it. She painted several pieces for the children's hospitals and clinics she volunteered at."

"What's next?"

"Pour in the sauce and chicken broth, turn the heat down to medium low and add the meatballs. Then we let it simmer while you cook the pearl couscous in chicken broth."

"Got it. So she volunteered too?"

"Constantly it seemed. She believed that if one was wealthy, that you should use it to help others in need. She donated to several children's charities, hospitals, schools, group homes and orphanages. If it had to do with children, she tried to be involved."

"Explains why you're such an avid advocate for children."

"It helps me feel like I'm connected to her and honoring her memory by continuing to do what she loved."

Fifteen minutes later, dinner was complete. Eliot plated the Lamb meatballs in spicy Eggplant Tomato Sauce on top of the pearl couscous, while she poured herself a glass of water and retrieved a beer for him from the fridge.

"Would you like to watch a movie? It's getting late so I understand if you have other plans tonight."

"Only plans I have for tonight are eatin' dinner and watchin' a movie with you. What are we watchin'?" he asked as he placed their plates on the coffee table.

"My mom and mine's favorite movie," was all she replied, touching the spines of the blu ray cases in the entertainment center, searching.

She had just placed the mystery movie in the blu ray player when her cell phone rang. A smile lit her face when she found the caller to be her brother. Eliot listened to her explain how he had kept her company today, when he saw her face turn in his direction, curiosity furrowing her brow. "Alright, I promise….I love you as well, don't work too hard." She chuckled. "I know. I thought I would give it a try though. I'll see you tomorrow. Remember, your treat this time." She ended the call and placed her cell phone on the coffee table, then picked up her plate.

"Everything okay?"

"Oh yes. Kieran was just checking up on me to make sure I was alright. He told me to tell you hello and thank you."

"For what?"

"For keeping me company today."

"It was nothin'."

"If you say so," she replied with a hint of amusement.

"Are we gonna watch this movie or what?" he gruffed. She shook her head and pushed play.

His answer as to what movie they were watching came moments later.

"A fairy tale?" he stated disbelievingly.

"It's not just a fairy tale," she defended. "It has action as well as romance."

"You're not exactly sellin' it."

"We can watch something else. I want you to enjoy it as well. I just thought…well, you said I should do things today that my mom and I enjoyed doing, and since this was our favorite movie…" she trailed off, placing her plate on the coffee table, and began to stand.

He reached out and gently grabbed her wrist. "No, it's okay. I'll survive," he joked.

Like a switch, her smile returned as she sat back down and picked up her plate. She didn't even hesitate.

Eliot studied her for a moment before realization hit. "You just played me."

She didn't even look at him as she lifted her fork to her lips. "I have no idea what you are talking about. Let's watch the movie shall we?"

He couldn't help the smile that appeared. "This is really good," he complimented, taking another bite. Where'd she find the recipe?"

"A cooking show on tv she liked to watch."

"I thought you said she couldn't cook?"

"She couldn't. But that didn't keep her from watching cooking shows. She had a large binder full of recipes that she gave to the cooks," she smiled fondly in remembrance. "So, how are you going to beat this? Do I get another hint as to what dessert might be?"

"Let's just watch the movie," he evaded, smiling at her exasperated huff.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Their plates lay empty on the coffee table as the movie neared its ending. Eliot had spent most of the movie enjoying her reactions to it, more than the movie itself. She sat next to him, bare feet tucked under her, enraptured with the conversations on the screen. It was moments like this when she let her guard down, and he saw the real her shine through. He just wished she let everyone see it more often.

As the credits rolled, he silently conceded that it hadn't been too horrible. He had smiled a couple of times, and the special effects were almost nonexistent, but seeing as the movie was made in the eighties, it wasn't a surprise. Plus he figured that to its fans, that was part of its charm.

"Why is that your favorite movie?"

"The first time my mom and I watched it, I immediately fell in love with it. I loved how even though he doesn't feel he's good enough, and maybe even because he's scared of being rejected…he still finds a way to tell her every day how much he loves her just by saying 'As you wish'." That after being separated for so long, they find each other again and fight to be with one another." He considered her words for a moment. "And because I thought Cary Elwes was cute," she added with a tiny smile, making him smirk.

"Are you ready for dessert?"

Her face lit up. "Yes! I mean…alright, that sounds lovely."

"C'mon then. You can sit at the island while I make it." He shook his head when she clapped her hands excitedly.

Over the course of the next twenty minutes, he watched her excitement increase two fold as the smell of pears slowly permeated the kitchen. Carefully transferring the poached fruit to a plate to cool, he turned up the heat on the remaining mixture of white wine, sugar and pear nectar, so as to reduce it.

"If you're making what I think you're making, you're my new best friend for life," she stated emphatically. "Olive will just have to cope."

Eliot smiled, but remained silent as he chopped up the bittersweet chocolate and whisked it into the reduced poaching mixture and then added some of the heavy cream. As the aroma of chocolate filled the air, mixing with the pear, he was rewarded with a sigh of pleasure from his companion.

He had barely set the plate in front of her before she eagerly picked up her fork and dug in. A moan escaped her as the first bite touched her tongue. "Oh my…this is…why have I never thought to combine them before," she murmured as she took another bite. Having confirmation that the poached pears and chocolate sauce was to her liking, he sat down next to her with his own plate.

They enjoyed their dessert in silence, with only the occasional sound of delight escaping Ally's lips.

"I know I tell you this a lot, but thank you," she murmured, taking her last bite. Her eyes closed as she savored the taste. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen someone enjoy food so much.

"What for?"

"For keeping me company today even though I know you had other plans. It was nice…not being alone today."

"I already told you I didn't…"

She stood up and took her plate to the sink. "When Kieran called earlier to check on me, he mentioned that he was surprised you were here, because he remembered you telling him the other day that you were going to some type of fighting match today."

He froze, unsure of what to say, while she finished drying her plate and put it in the cabinet before turning toward him. She seemed to be contemplating something in her head, before surprising him further when she stepped forward and wrapped her small arms around his waist and leaned in to him, squeezing gently.

"You have no idea how much what you did for me today means to me. I'm lucky to have you as a friend Eliot," she murmured, pulling away before he even had a chance to react.

He might have said something in return, but her cell phone chose that moment to ring for the second time that evening.

"Hello?...Josh!" The smile that graced her face filled it with a warm glow. He walked over to the living room to give her some privacy. "I'm alright. How is your mom?...Well that's a relief, tell her I said hello. Don't apologize, your mother is important. Anyway, I had company today. Eliot spent the day with me, taking my mind off things," she explained. The hitter watched a hurt expression cross her face. "You would rather I had been alone today?" Eliot didn't even have to guess what Josh must have said. "We watched Marisol's kids for a couple of hours, and then went to the market to buy ingredients for dinner. We watched a movie and I ate the poached pears with chocolate sauce he made me. I'll have to have him make it for…Yes, that's it…Yes, he's still here. Are you sure you're mother's well enough to be alone? I thought you were going to be away until tomorrow? No, I would love to see you tonight. Alright, I'll see you in an hour." She disconnected the call and turned to where he had been. "Sorry about that."

"I'm in here," he called out.

"It seems Josh is going to come over tonight after all," she announced, making her way over to him.

"I heard. I should get goin' anyway."

"You don't have to leave. That's not what I meant," she tried to assure him with a worried frown.

"I know. Just figured you'd want some alone time is all."

"Oh, alright," she smiled in relief. "I didn't want you to think I was kicking you out after what you did for me today."

She walked him to the door. "I'll call you tomorrow to check on your finger," he told her, stepping over the threshold.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Thank you again for today Eliot. My mother would have liked you a great deal."

They said their goodbyes, and as she closed the door, Eliot allowed himself to enjoy the warmth that spread throughout his body at the obvious compliment.

XxxxxX

AN: There are NO excuses for why it has taken me so damn long to update this. I swear, the last 8 months got sucked in to a black hole. Be assured that I am very thankful for all the favorites and alerts I've received and I promise to get the next chapter out much, much sooner. Remember, reviews are welcome, but not necessary. But they do tell me what I'm doing right or wrong as well as your thoughts. =)

Jen