Changes

Chapter 1

It was the day after Lee had given her the engagement ring and Amanda woke feeling happier than she had in a long time!

She wistfully looked at her left hand wishing she had it on right now but with everything that had happened with her kidnapping and their careers she and Lee realized they had a lot more talking to do regarding their future which would include her family, of course.

They had decided to keep the ring at his place for now since they also hadn't told anyone at work of their relationship.

Considering what transpired with Kai, they knew going slow was best at this point. The people at work would be happy for them, but their partnership could be at risk.

There was so much to think about these days and how to make everything go smoothly but in the Agency world, that could be tricky.

Amanda was still lost in thought when there was a knock at her bedroom door.

It was Dotty querying, "Amanda? Are you going to work today? The boys have already gotten the bus for school."

Amanda looked at the time on her clock radio and jumped up!

She answered distractedly, "Y-Yes, Mother! I just woke up late. I'll be down shortly to get some coffee."

She hurried getting her clothes together and went to shower commenting with frustration, "Shoot! Is this what love does to people? Why can't it ever be simple?"

Meanwhile Lee was just getting in to work when Billy asked him irritatedly, "Where's your partner? She usually beats you in here by half an hour."

Lee shrugged stating with a smile, "You know how it is with her family routine. She'll be here. Relax, will ya?"

Billy narrowing his eyes at Lee remarked testily, "I'll relax when you start handing in your reports on time and not having her do them for you. Get going!"

Lee shook his head as he headed for the elevator thinking, Wow! What crawled up his butt today?

As he got inside the elevator he couldn't help but smile, not caring in the least that Billy just chewed him out.

All he could think about was the woman he was finally going to settle down with!

He'd gotten up that morning feeling on top of the world and couldn't help humming as he went about his morning routine before leaving for work.

He never felt like this with anyone else. For a steadfast loner like he'd been all these years, it was amazing to him when he started to think along these lines that he even wanted to go down this road...

Later as Amanda was leaving for work Dotty stopped her from pulling out by handing her a list stating, "Wait, Honey! Could you stop by the market on your way home tonight? I forgot to tell you I'm going with Edna Gilstrap to Roanoke and won't be back until late and I wanted to make the casserole for tomorrow's dinner in the morning. Do you mind awfully?"

Amanda shrugged and taking the list answered, "No problem, Mother. Now, the boys are getting a ride home from ball practice with Mrs. Barton, aren't they?"

It dawned on Dotty that she'd forgotten to ask the woman beforehand and thinking quickly remarked, "Yes, Dear. Don't worry. I'll have her drop them off at the Lombardo's and they can stay put until you get home, all right?"

Amanda nodded looking at her watch and sighed, "Okay. Well, now I'm late. I've gotta get going. Have a good time and I'll see you tonight, Mother."

They hugged and Dotty gave a slight wave as Amanda left and then turning quickly toward the house hurried in to make the phone call.

She shook her head as she dialed thinking, What's with my head today?!

As Mrs. Barton answered Dotty replied, "Hi, it's Dotty. Listen, would you be able to to take the boys home with you and drop them at the Lombardo's after their practice today? I'm sorry I didn't ask sooner but I'm going to Roanoke and Amanda's working, so..."

Dotty sighed as Mrs. Barton explained that Billy had the flu so she wouldn't be heading out that day and answered softly, "Oh, that's too bad. Tell him we hope he feels better soon. Thank you, anyway. Bye, bye."

Hanging up Dotty commented, "Darn it!"

She looked at the clock on the oven and shook her head responding, "Oh, I hope she's home..."

Running next door she found Mrs. Lombardo in the driveway loading up her trunk with luggage and asked, "Hi... Um, are you going away?"

Mrs. Lombardo nodded answering, "Hi, Dotty. Yeah, we're heading to Florida for a few days. In fact, I was going to ask you if you wouldn't mind bringing in our mail and papers while we're gone?"

Dotty's heart sank as she slowly nodded and then commented, "Oh, of course not. Be glad to. Have a good trip."

Mrs. Lombardo nodded and stated handing her the keys, "Thanks so much. You can just leave everything on the kitchen table, okay?"

Mr. Lombardo came out of their house just then greeting Dotty and replying, "C'mon, Honey. We gotta make our plane at Dulles. You all set?"

The woman nodded and answered, "Just waiting for you. Let's go."

As they pulled out Dotty headed back to the house responding, "Strike two... Now what?"

As she got in the door, the phone rang.

Maybe it was Amanda...

But when she answered, it was Justin's mother.

The woman commented, "Hi, Dotty. Listen, I was wondering if the boys would like to join us for dinner tonight? I know they have practice but I would be glad to pick them up afterward and bring them home after dinner to save you the trip?"

Dotty brightened considerably and nodded answering, "Oh, thank you! That would be great! Amanda...I'm not sure when she'll be home and I'm going to Roanoke with Edna, so I won't be back until late. You don't know how much I appreciate this! Thank you again! Bye, bye!"

Hanging up she then called IFF hoping she could give Amanda the message before leaving the house.

The operator answered and Dotty asked for Amanda, but was told she was sent out on location for the rest of the day but could give her a message.

Dotty gave her the message about the boys pick up and thanking the operator, hung up relieved how this worked out!

She then thought, I'd better leave a note for her in case she doesn't get the message at work.

The doorbell then rang and Dotty let Edna in responding quickly heading back upstairs, "I'll be right down. Help yourself to some coffee while I get ready. It's been a morning, let me tell you..."

TBC