A/N: Who said that a normal life can't have its small excitements, even for an ex-CIA agent and an ex-thief? Here are a couple of them:

Chapter 25

Ellie tossed the magazine on top of the pile already crowding her coffee table and picked up another. "Let's check this one out," she told Sarah.

"OK, but then we should take a short break, get more coffee and rest our eyes a little."

"Damn, I lost all track of time. And you must be tired."

"We still have time until the wedding. By the way, I talked to my Mom about reserving the poolside restaurant at the hotel for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. She said it can be arranged, provided there are no events already scheduled. Your Mom was quite enthusiastic about it when Chuck mentioned it to her earlier today. She likes the Miller very much."

"Tell me more."

"It's going to be fantastic. The restaurant tables are arranged along one side of the pool, with an open bar on another. The other two sides are facing a garden. There is even a telescoping canopy to shield the whole area if the weather doesn't cooperate. I believe you'll also find the sound system and projector screen to your liking."

"Projector screen?" Ellie echoed.

"Yes. It's huge and we could use it for slideshows and videos of you and Devon. Hell, we could even show snapshots of the wedding." Sarah picked up her laptop and showed Ellie photos of the poolside restaurant from the hotel's website.

"You make it sound very tempting."

"So, what's holding you back?"

"Frankly, I don't know what the Very Awesomes will say."

"Come again?"

"Devon's parents," Ellie explained. "They have three sons and Devon is the first one getting married, which means that they are kind of overenthusiastic about it, by default."

"Leave them to me," Sarah said confidently. "By the time my Mom and I are through with them, they'll be behind us all the way."

"Why, what are you planning to do?"

"Next time they come over, tell them that you'll be making all the necessary arrangements for their stay and call me immediately. I'll have Mom book them a suite at the Miller. This way they'll sample the hotel's services first hand."

"I like the way you think," Ellie said after briefly considering it. Then she hugged Sarah. "Thank you."

"It's nothing, really," Sarah said.

"No, it's everything. Sarah. From the moment I met you and noticed your special connection with my brother, I liked you, a lot. When you two became an item, I began seeing you as part of the family."

Sarah just hugged Ellie back tighter. Then they browsed through the magazine Ellie had opened and afterwards took a short break. They were in the middle of a discussion about cookie recipes when the phone rang.

"Speak of the Devils," Ellie muttered after hanging up.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Huh? No, no. The Very Awesomes will be flying over from Connecticut, arriving early in the morning. They asked me to book a hotel room for them."

Sarah had her phone out in a flash. "I'm calling my Mom right now." She went out in the courtyard to talk. When she came back she was all smiles. "The in-laws will be taken care of," she announced.

"I don't know how to thank you Sarah."

"You're already doing more for me than I could ask for."

"Are you up for looking at bridesmaids' dresses?"

"Like you have to ask. Where do we start?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. Can you tell Chuck to go to the airport and pick up Devon's parents? We both got an early shift at the hospital, so…"

"Say no more. It will be taken care of. Now, about those dresses…"

"This magazine would be a good place to start."

-o-

"There they are," Chuck told Sarah and moved forward. The couple that had just exited the baggage claim area saw him and waved.

"Hello Chuck," the blonde middle aged woman gushed.

"Honey, nice to see you again," Chuck said. Then he turned to the man. "Woody, welcome to LA again. Let me introduce you to Sarah Walker, my girlfriend. Devon and Ellie are at work and couldn't make it."

"I suspected that much," Woody said before he and his wife shook hands with Sarah.

"Where are we going?" Honey asked.

"To one of LA's swankiest hotels," Sarah replied. "The same hotel, I might add, that Ellie and I are considering as a venue for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. Before you ask, in addition to being Chuck's girlfriend, I'm Ellie's maid of honor."

"I'm intrigued," Honey admitted. "Which hotel is it?"

"The Miller," Sarah informed her.

"The Miller?" Woody echoed. "I was there for a convention once. It's a five star hotel, probably the best in the city. How on earth did you and Ellie even put it on the list?"

"I know people," Sarah said cheekily.

"Her parents own it," Chuck clarified. "And since they are friends with my parents and not about to deny their baby girl anything… you can guess the rest."

The Very Awesomes' reaction to the hotel was favorable, to say the list. Of course, having Jack and Emma Walker give them the grand tour of the poolside restaurant and bar, at the behest of their daughter, helped immeasurably. Therefore Ellie, and by extension all the others, had one less thing to worry about. Chuck and Sarah couldn't stay long, as they had an important appointment at work.

Said appointment was the founder and CEO of Verbanski Corporation, Gertrude Verbanski herself. She ran a highly successful private security contractor empire and a contract from her was a red badge of honor for any company lucky enough to land one. Chuck had agreed to handle the initial contact before Stephen and Mary took over.

"Ms. Verbanski, welcome to Orion. I'm Chuck Bartowski, and this is Ms. Sarah Walker from the Marketing, PR and Advertising Division."

"You come highly recommended, Mr. Bartowski. And your company has an excellent reputation of providing top level technology at reasonable prices. A talk with an old friend in DC only reinforced my conviction. He says hi, by the way."

"I know him?"

"Sure you do. It's Colonel John Casey of the NSA. His agency is a client."

"Casey made Colonel?"

"The details are probably classified up the wazoo, but yes, he recently got a double promotion."

"He deserved it and it was long overdue anyway."

Sarah took over. "Ms. Verbanski, you didn't say exactly what you needed but our product ranges can provide solutions to private military contractors like Verbanski Corp."

"Private security contractors," Gertrude corrected. "PMCs are basically mercenaries, scoundrels. We, on the other hand, have a far better reputation, even if our lines of work tend to occasionally overlap."

"Of course. I'm sorry."

"It's OK. Many people confuse the two."

"So, what can we do for you?" Chuck asked.

"We are going to upgrade our computer systems. In addition, we'll be starting training courses for security personnel, both for our people and for foreign law enforcement and specialized security agencies, the latter as part of contracts we have with the State Department."

"Anything you want, we can provide," Chuck said confidently. "Our systems are designed so that they can easily be customized to suit the clients' particular needs. And they can be easily upgraded, too."

"I've heard great things about your firearms training simulators."

"My father and I had a great time designing and building the prototype. It's the best option for providing safe and realistic training before moving on to other methods, like paintball, simunition and live ammo training. It's modular, so it can be adapted to any space. In any case, you'll get a chance to discuss contract term in depth with my parents as soon as they get back from their meeting with the Governor in Sacramento. In the meantime, we'll deal with the more technical aspects of your requirements."

Verbanski certainly had a very long list of requirements. She then went to a meeting with Stephen and Mary Bartowski. Armed with said list, Chuck and Sarah went about assembling a formidable team to assist in the customizing of the packages for the client. It was a very important and lucrative contract, so they stayed at the office late, working. They were so into it that they didn't even go to the cafeteria for lunch, instead asking for some to be sent up to Chuck's office.

Sarah rubbed her tired eyes and closed the file she was working on. "I think we got another one off of the list. Would you like to check it before I send it to Sales and Customer Service?"

"Should I?"

"Yes. You're the Nerd."

"Move over," he smiled. "Looks perfect. That's what I would have done. Great job, Sarah. I think we can take a break."

"We still have work to do," she pointed out.

"Verbanski didn't ask to have it all first thing in the morning. And we both need a rest."

"Chuck, this is a bunch of multi-million dollar contracts with Verbanski Corp we are talking about. We have to be fast and efficient on this."

"Orion is always fast and efficient. And a power nap will make us even more so. I'm speaking from experience." He wagged his eyebrows at her as he set up the couch bed. "So… are you coming?"

"Okay."

Before long, they were both snuggled closely together under the blankets, fast asleep, happy smiles on their faces. Work could wait for an hour or so. Fortunately, no phone rang to disturb them while they were resting.

-o-

The next two days were quite busy. In addition to their normal work, they had to oversee the fulfillment of the Verbanski Corp contract package. And they, especially Sarah, had to help with Ellie's wedding preparations. Fortunately, Devon's parents had loved the Miller and readily agreed to reserve the poolside restaurant for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception, just as Sarah had suggested. Emma took care of the rest. Needless to say, Stephen and Mary had been thoroughly satisfied with their work.

Sarah pulled a dressing gown on and got off the bed, which contained a still sleeping Chuck, making her way to the kitchenette. She decided to make a couple of English muffin breakfast sandwiches, and her new toaster was made to order for it. She also got the coffee machine going. She chuckled. Had her kitchenette had more room, Chuck would have probably bought her an espresso machine. Soon, she had two breakfast sandwiches, two mugs full of coffee and two glasses of juice. She arranged them on a tray and took it to the bedroom.

"Chuck, rise and shine," she said, lightly kicking him in the butt while still holding the tray.

"Good morning," he said. She never failed to put a smile on his face.

"I made breakfast."

"Well, it was about damn time. Nine times out of ten, I'm the one who wakes up first to make breakfast."

"I can't believe you're actually keeping score!"

"Nonetheless, I love you just the same."

"I love you too, Chuck."

He jumped out of bed and followed her to the table by the window. They liked to enjoy their meals there when they were at her place, as her room had an awesome view.

"I hate to admit it, but you were right in rejecting the Darth Vader toaster in favor of the one you got," he said and bit into his sandwich.

"Just wait until I get a waffle iron."

"You're gonna get a waffle iron?"

"No. I was just yanking your chain."

"It's a good idea though, come to think of it."

"Chuck, no."

"Yes," he countered.

"No," she insisted.

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes, yes, yes."

"No, no and no!"

"Fine. Don't buy one."

"I won't." She gave him a smug grin. But her satisfaction didn't last long.

"You won't have to. I'll give you the small one I'd originally bought. I don't use it anymore as I now have a bigger one. It's a shame to let it go to waste."

"Why me?" Sarah lamented. "You're lucky I love you and therefore I'm willing to make you waffles from time to time."

"Care to bet that I'll be making them for you most of the time?"

She laughed and smacked him in the shoulder. "Shut up."

Aside from work, Ellie's wedding preparations and spending time with each other, Chuck and Sarah had one more thing they liked to do: going to the gym. One afternoon, when Ellie was at the hospital working, they decided to go early for a long workout. He was at the weights, while she was busy pounding away at a punching bag.

"Gotta be careful there, sugar," another patron told her. "These bags can be shifty bastards."

"And you should find something better than this lame pickup line," she replied, sending a spin kick into the bag. "Unless, you think you're more… tame than a punching bag."

"Now listen here, lady…"

She stopped. "Would you like to take it to the mats?"

Chuck saw the whole scene and decided to intervene, if only to save the unlucky man from his girlfriend. "Tony, I suggest you decline her invitation. Better yet, forget the whole thing."

"Why should I do that?"

"Allow me to let you in on a little secret. Not long ago, she and I went to Paris on business. We were taking a walk, when a mugger figured we'd be easy marks."

"And?"

"They had to take him to the hospital instead of the local lockup. You see, she insisted on handling the matter personally."

"She kicked some low life's ass. So what? Anyone here could have done it."

"Not just kicked. Believe me, witnessing her go medieval on someone wasn't pretty."

"Chuck," Sarah said sweetly. "If Tony wants a friendly match, I won't back off. And I promise not to hurt him – much."

He relented, seeing he wouldn't be able to prevent it. At least it wouldn't be too ugly. "Fine, you win. But promise me that he'll be able to leave the gym on his feet, not on a gurney. In fact, try not to give him too many bruises."

"I promise." She kissed him on the lips. "His pride will be hurt more than anything," she whispered in his ear.

He sighed in relief. They wouldn't have to call in the lawyers to get Sarah out of an assault and battery charge (the worst case scenario in his mind). With nothing else left to do, he grabbed a bottle of water and joined some other people who were eager to see the fight. If they were expecting a drawn out match, they were extremely disappointed. Sarah's already considerable martial arts skills, boosted by the Intersect, were too much for poor Tony. She had him flat on his back mere seconds into the match.

Chuck stood above him as he lay there stunned. "I warned you, man."

"Damn, she's good," one of the instructors muttered in awe.

"She really is," Chuck smiled.

"How about you, hot shot?"

Sarah sidled up to Chuck. "You don't want to find out," she replied for him. "Trust me." Then her eyes went to the large clock on the wall. "CRAP!"

"Sarah?"

"No time for talking, let's go! We're already late!"

"Late?" He also looked at the clock. "Oh crap!"

Chuck managed to mostly keep to the speed limit on the way to his place. Once there, they hurried to the shower, leaving behind them a trail of discarded clothing going from the Morgan Door to the bathroom. It was Zurich all over again, only instead of trying to wash off food coloring mistaken for poison gas, they were trying to clean up in a hurry and not be late for dinner with Devon, Ellie, Honey, Woody, Stephen and Mary.

"Do my back!" Sarah urged Chuck.

"Okay," he said, trying not to get too entangled with her and fall to the floor.

Next door, Ellie was surveying the table she'd just finished setting. Doing it perfectly was kind of automatic for her, being a veteran in organizing dinner parties. Tonight, everything absolutely had to be perfect. She and Devon had their reason for it.

"Dad just called," Devon told her. "They'll be a few minutes late. Apparently, their rental car had a flat tire. Babe, are you OK?"

"Chuck and Sarah should have arrived by now. I wonder what the holdup is."

"I can go see what's going on next door."

"No, I'll go. I want to stress the importance of punctuality to my idiot brother." She marched to the door, yanked it open and came face to face with her little brother and his girlfriend. "I was just coming to get you."

"It looks like we saved you the trouble, sis."

"Nice new look, by the way," she said as she turned to go back to her kitchen.

"Huh?" Both Chuck and Sarah were confused. They hadn't put on or done anything special.

"Ellie means the wet look you both have tonight."

"Oh, that," Sarah laughed. "We got kind of distracted at the gym."

"And we barely had time to come back, take a quick shower and change."

"It still looks good on you."

-o-

"You couldn't have found a better maid of honor, Ellie," Honey Woodcomb said over dinner. "She's been helping a lot, from what I see."

"I don't know what I would have done without her. We both have very busy schedules, yet she always manages to be there for me every time I need her."

"And Woody and I have made the grave omission of not thanking her enough. Sarah sweetie, I hope you know how much we appreciate everything you're doing for Devon and Ellie's happiness."

"They are family," Sarah stated simply. Chuck gave her hand a gentle loving squeeze. He'd told her that she'd become a part of the family so many times, it had eventually sunk in.

"Have you agreed on where you want the ceremony to take place?" Woody asked.

"We are still considering possible sites. Ellie once confessed that she always wanted a beach wedding and I agree it would be most romantic, perhaps perfect, but getting a permit would take forever."

"Not if we pull some strings," Chuck said in a flash of inspiration. "I have connections."

"He does," Sarah agreed. "And I believe I can help, too."

"All you have to do is choose a beach and leave everything to us, guys," Chuck smiled at Ellie and Devon.

"Thanks, little brother," Ellie beamed. "But for now, it's time for dessert."

"Smells delicious," Woody commented when the aroma reached his nose. "What is it?"

"With the hospital and all I didn't have time to make anything, so I broke into Chuck's place and stole the chocolate soufflé mix Sarah had made."

"It's my Mom's recipe. Chuck has become addicted to it and insists on having it whenever possible. So, I made some and left it in the freezer for him to bake whenever he wished. My Mom also likes to drizzle some syrup on it and she sometimes adds whipped cream when serving it."

"I believe we have a couple of cans of whipped cream in the fridge," Devon said.

"And we definitely have syrup," Ellie added.

-o-

"What a day," Sarah moaned and plopped down on Chuck's bed.

"I second that."

"At least things will be back to normal tomorrow."

"About tomorrow," he said, remembering something. "Morgan and Bryce sent me a memo."

"What was it about?" Sarah asked as she decided to get up and change for bed.

"Something we've been putting off for a while," he replied.

"Movie night?"

"Close, but no cigar. We were thinking about a game night sometime this week."

"I'll make myself scarce."

"No need to. They'll be bringing their girls as well, so you can have a girls' gathering while we play."

"You guys could use some adult supervision."

"We are adults, actually," he said indignantly.

"Not when you're playing video games you ain't," she replied flippantly. All this had an unanticipated, yet not unwelcome effect: It brought out Chuck's inner caveman. He grabbed her and, ignoring her surprised yelp, pulled her to bed with him.