A/N You know we had to have the next morning.
Have Yourself A Happy Little Birthday
The alarm clock awakened Mary and she sat up slowly switching it off. Then getting to her feet, she headed for the living room to see if Marshall was still there and seeing the empty couch and the neatly folded afghan she felt almost a pang of disappointment that he was gone. With a sigh she headed for the kitchen to get coffee on while she got ready fro work.
The empty glass was rinsed out and in the drainer and lying on the kitchen counter was a note written in burgundy ink on the back of the store receipt. Picking it up she read; Had to go home and get ready for work but I'll be by to pick you up. PS don't worry about breakfast—my treat. Marshall
Breakfast she knew would most likely consist of coffee and bagels probably from Bagful o' Bagels.. The place boasted that it carried 101 flavors and she swore he had to be trying every single one since most times he had a different flavor. With the note in hand she headed off to shower and get dressed choosing her usual uniform of dark jeans, white blouse and a dark blue blazer.
While Mary was waiting somewhat impatiently for her partner to arrive she couldn't help but think of last night and a message she'd gotten once in a fortune cookie came to mind. More pleasure is ina simple meal shared than a feast eaten alone She had enjoyed it all, the pie and quirky conversation even though she knew he probably been feeling all that great. But he'd done what he could to make sure she had an enjoyable birthday and he'd done it all without asking nothing from her in return.
She was so deep in thought that she wasn't aware that Marshall had arrived until she heard footsteps behind her. That made he jump and simultaneously reach fro her gun which fortunately she hadn't placed in the holster yet. Whirling around she swore, "Damn it, Marshall! Don't you know how to knock?"
"I kind of have my hands full and your door was unlocked," he replied, handing her the tray with the two cups of coffee. But keeping a hold of the paper bag.
"So what did you get this time? Tutti-frutti cream cheese cotton candy or the pineapple up-side down cake with vanilla ice cream?" Mary joked.
"I have cinnamon raisin and blueberry bagels for you; and apple pie and chocolate chip for me," Marshall replied setting the bag on the counter.
Mary grabbed up the bag and disregarding the fact the apple pie flavored bagels were his, she snatched one and bit into it.. "Mmm. Not to bad," she said rather indistinctly.
Marshall simply shook his head and snatched the bag back determined to have at least the other apple pie flavored bagel.
She quickly finished off the bagel and saw that he was now glancing at his watch and frowning. "Okay. Just let me grab my stuff and I'll be ready," she said going to get her guns and badge.
"I'll be waiting outside for you," Marshall said, picking up the bag and his half finished coffee.
"I'll be just a minute," Mary promised.
"Well I've discovered one good thing about this whole arrangement," Marshall commented as he watched her climb in the passenger seat.
"And what would that happen to be?
At least as long as I'm acting as your chauffer you are getting to work on time," he replied starting the engine.
"Enjoy it while you can because tomorrow I get my car back," Mary reminded him.
"Oh yeah. I can hardly wait," came the muttered reply.
"I've already had to deal with one call about the condition you left the SUV in yesterday," was the first thing Stan said when they arrived at the office.
"Well, it's obviously not our fault that the witness was car sick," Mary pointed out.
"It depends," their boss replied and looked over to Marshall. "Was she driving like Dale Jr. trying to win the Daytona 500 ?"
"No, Sir. The traffic wouldn't let her," Marshall replied and looked back at his partner. "You know one these days flashing your badge isn't going to get you out of a speeding ticket."
"I have other things I can flash. Besides you drive like and old lady sometimes," Mary retorted.
"I drive carefully. Care-full-ee,," he stated distinctly pronouncing each syllable. "Speed limits and traffic laws are in place for a reason-"
"Enough! Both of you! Go pick up your witness and get back to work!" Stan ordered as he headed fro his office. He watched them head out still carrying on their conversation and shook his head. Although they had the tendency to drive each other and often anyone in the surrounding vicinity to the point of distraction, they were inarguably his two best marshals and he supposed he would fight like Hell to keep from losing either one of them.
