A/N - This is the concluding chapter in the middle arc of the story. Thank you to everyone for sticking with me and my regular reviewers and followers. If there is anything you would like to see or added to the story, please let me know. I'll see if I can fit it in. The next chapter should be posted in about a week.

Chapter 22

Krakow Poland October 17, 2013

Kasia and Damian Dudek welcomed into the world a beautiful, healthy baby girl. She was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces. They named her Morella and one of the couples they sent a birth announcement to was Chuck and Sarah Bartowski. Sarah picked out a beautiful dress for Morella and mailed it to the Dudeks. A hand written thank you note from Kasia arrived a week later.

xxxxx

US Figure Skating Federation Headquarters November 2013

Diane Beckman sat in a chair across the desk from Fred Simpson, the new head of the US Figure Skating Federation. She was wondering why she was summoned to this meeting as the US Nationals were only two months away and the Sochi Olympics a month after that.

After exchanging pleasantries, Fred spoke "As you are well aware, the US National team was devastated by the plane crash in Bavaria. Thankfully no members of the team died, but other than Gracie Gold, no one else has seemed to recover enough to be able to compete in Sochi. Our pairs and men's teams will have to be all newbies. Thankfully our ice dancers stayed home and are fine."

"It was tragic. How can I help?" asked Diane.

"You are one of the most famous coaches in the United States. We were hoping you can identify some skaters who are ready to represent the US and get them to Nationals."

"I've got one team in Juniors that is pretty good and is worth a look. But they aren't medal worthy yet. A male skater I'm training has potential. He should be invited too."

Frank nodded. "OK, but you're leaving off our best hope for a medal other than Davis and White."

Diane shrugged. "Who are you talking about?"

"The Bartowskis"

"What? Sarah's retired and Chuck's a hockey player."

"I saw the video of them skating. They're even better than Walker and Larkin."

"That's debatable. It's different when you're doing something for fun than when you're doing it in competition."

"You're still in contact with them?"

"Yes, and I consider them friends."

"Good. You must convince them to compete."

"Have you forgotten that Sarah's in residency at Stanford Medical Center and Chuck plays for the Ducks? When would they have time to train? Besides, I'm sure Casey will want Chuck back on the US Olympic Ice Hockey team."

"What if he wasn't invited to play on the US hockey team?"

"How would that happen?"

"Chuck's had two concussions and I'm sure they wouldn't want their League MVP risking getting hurt again."

"How do you know this? Have you talked to them?"

"No, but I could."

"Have you forgotten about Sarah? Do you even know if they would want to do this?"

"That's where you come in. Use your friendship to convince them."

"I know Casey. We go way back. Let me ask him a question first."

"OK."

Diane dialed the number. Casey answered on the third ring. She put it on speaker.

"Hello."

"Hi John, this is Diane Beckman."

"Hello, Diane. What a nice surprise."

"I'm discussing some possibilities for the US Figure Skating team and was wondering who you want on the US Ice Hockey Team."

"That's pretty easy. My first two choices would have to be Chuck Bartowski and Crash Thompson."

"What if Chuck wasn't available?"

"What? Do you know something that I don't know?"

"No. I was just wondering."

"Wait a second. Does this have something to do with his smokin' hot wife? Are you trying to convince her to return with Larkin?" You figure it would be easy to convince her to unretire if she knew her husband was going to the Olympics?"

Diane smiled at Fred and shook her head. "Something like that John. Thanks for the chat. Goodbye."

"Goodbye"

Diane looked up at Fred and said "See? Your idea is just a pipe dream. Not going to happen."

"All I ask is that you keep an open mind, Diane. Anything can happen."

xxxxx

A few days later…..

Sarah awoke in her favorite position, her head on Chuck's left shoulder, her left arm draped across his bare chest and her left leg across his legs. Taking a peek at the clock she saw it was 7:00am. She needed to use the bathroom but was so warm and cozy snuggled up to her sleeping husband she really didn't want to move as the heat hadn't kicked on yet in their Newport Beach home. She had a couple of days off and flew down to be with Chuck for his game tonight against the Red Wings. Not able to ignore nature's call any longer, she lifted her head and looked for her robe. She saw her purple lacy nightie thrown over the computer monitor and the matching knickers on the desk, but no robe. Chuck's T-Shirt was also out of reach as were his pajama bottoms and boxers as they somehow ended up on the flat screen TV. Putting her head back down on Chuck's shoulder she thought back to last night and smiled to herself. They sure were in a hurry to get naked. Sarah finally had to get up and made a dash for the bathroom after grabbing her robe from the closet, but kept getting colder by the minute. Finally she heard the heat kick on but needed her husband to warm up. After finishing and washing up, she dropped her robe and climbed back into bed, still cold. The quickest way to warm up she knew, was to generate some body heat with Chuck, but she didn't want to wake him just yet. Right then, Chuck rolled over and put his arms around her. She snuggled up against him and instead of falling back asleep, Chuck opened his eyes and said "Cold, cold, cold! Sweetheart, how did you get so cold?" Sarah rolled him over onto his back and climbed on top of him. "Bathroom," was all she said as she attacked his lips and he wrapped his arms around her. She wasn't cold any longer.

Later that night at the Honda Center, Sarah headed to her seat next to the Nelsons behind the Ducks bench. Looking to her right, she noted a group of about a dozen teenage or college aged young women waving signs and prancing around in their T-shirts. She asked Joyce "What's with those girls over there?"

Joyce chuckled "Oh them. I guess you haven't been down for a game in a few weeks. That's your husband's fan club. They call themselves the Bartowski Babes."

"What! I'm Chuck's only babe. I'll go tell them off." Sarah started to stand up.

Joyce put her hand on Sarah's arm and said "Relax, Sarah. They're harmless. Chuck just ignores them."

"They better not pretend they're at the Mardi Gras and start flashing their boobs for beads."

Mark snorted. "If they did that they'd get thrown out of the building. Don't worry about them, Sarah. Last game they waited in the parking lot for Chuck after the game. He just ran past them to his car and drove off."

Sarah finally calmed down and the game started. Chuck was very happy that his wife was in the stands and it showed. The first period ended with Chuck scoring two power play goals and having two assists, leading the Ducks to a 4 – 1 lead. The second period was much the same as Chuck scored his third goal and had two more assist as the Ducks extended their lead to 7 – 2. Seven points for Chuck in less than two periods. Coach Boudreau, who had become the head coach at the start of the season wondered aloud what the heck had gotten into Bartowski. The players on the bench started laughing and Crash said "See that superhot blonde in the light blue blouse with the white buttons?" The coach turned around for a quick glance. "Yeah, she's hot. What about her?"

"That's Bartowski's wife."

"So?"

Corey Perry spoke up. "Welcome to the Sarah Zone," he said in his best impression of Rod Serling's voice. "Whenever Chuck's wife is at the game you can count on at least three points from him."

"Ever wonder why we haven't lost in San Jose for four straight years?

The coach shrugged.

"Chuck's wife attends medical school at Stanford and she never misses a game when we go up there."

"Oh.

"That's also why we keep winning the Stanley Cup. Sarah's done with medical school during the last two rounds of the playoffs and never misses a game."

"How can we make sure she's here for every game?"

"I think they have it figured out as well as can be hoped for. Three Stanley Cups in three years? Isn't that what it's about?

"You're right. I just have to get used to it I suppose."

At the beginning of the third period Chuck was sent out to take the faceoff. After getting control of the puck, he passed it to Crash who took it into the zone. Chuck went to the front of the net and got into position. Crash decided to take a slap shot from the point but the puck went off a Red Wing player's skate and deflected into Chuck's cheek, right below his protective face plate and blood started oozing down his face. Chuck managed to stay on his feet but thankfully play was blown dead right afterward. Chuck skated to the bench and was immediately taken to the locker room. Joyce immediately put her arms around Sarah to keep her from freaking out. Crash came back to the bench too for a line change and immediately said something to the coach while nodding toward Sarah. The coach immediately sent for a security guard to escort Sarah back to the locker room to be with Chuck.

The team doctor examined Chuck and cleaned up the wound. Other than a terrible headache and some blurred vision, Chuck seemed to be fine but the doctor wanted to have his cheek X-Rayed. Sarah was invited into the locker room and sat next to her husband while they were waiting transport to the hospital.

"How are you feeling sweetie?"

"My head hurts and my vision is a little blurred, otherwise I'm OK. I hope I don't get a scar on my face."

Sarah smiled and said "I don't think the cut will leave a scar, but even if it did, I will love you just the same."

Chuck smiled back and said "I wasn't worried about you. I know you'll always love me. I was thinking about my fan club."

Sarah looked shocked at her husband for a moment and then saw the laugh he was having difficulty containing. "Oooooooh, you're going to get it Chuck Bartowski," threatened Sarah as she whacked him on the shoulder.

Chuck lifted up his hands in mock fear as he continued to laugh and Sarah finally joined in, relieving the tension.

The ambulance came to take him to the hospital and Sarah followed with their car. After getting examined, there was no fracture, but the cut was deep and needed a few stitches. A plastic surgeon was available to do the procedure meaning that there would be no scar. The puck somehow got under the protective goggles and hit Chuck in the same spot as where he was hit during the Olympics. This was believed the cause of his blurred vision in his left eye. Sarah thought it could just be something temporary and it could go away on its own. Chuck was expected to be out a week to ten days for the cut to heal and his vision to return to normal.

xxxxx

Two weeks later, the cut was healed but not Chuck's vision. Dr. Arnaldo was in town and examined him. He determined that the problem should go away with more rest. The team gave Chuck the go ahead to resume skating as there was no risk to further damage his vision. Sarah skated with him every day after work to keep him company and alleviate the boredom since he wasn't allowed to use a stick or a puck.

When it came time to name the US Olympic Ice Hockey team, the Ducks told the NHL that Chuck wouldn't be allowed to compete due to his injury but did give Chuck the OK to continue skating. It was simply not safe for Chuck to play ice hockey with blurred vision.

When mid - December came and there was still only slight improvement in Chuck's vision, he started to get worried. Chuck came into the Stanford Medical Center and consulted with the staff. Sarah wasn't allowed to participate in the diagnosis because she was his wife. She was there to support him, of course.

"What could be wrong, Sarah?"

"I don't know, sweetheart. It's frustrating for me too. I want to examine you but no one will let me."

"The vision therapy you have me do has helped some, but it's really slow going."

A few minutes later, the Bartowskis were called into the conference room for a consultation.

"Chuck, it looks like your left eye was knocked slightly out of alignment at some point, probably at the Olympics. You were able to get along with it, but after another concussion and this new injury, it seems to have made matters worse. We're glad that the vision therapy seems to be working, but it is a long process that may take several months to cure. There might be the possibility to operate, but that may make matters worse. The best surgeon available is your wife, and she can't operate on you. Even then, it's not guaranteed that it will solve your vision problems.

Sarah asked, "Have you reviewed the new procedure we are trying out for this type of injury?"

"Yes, but it is still experimental and not recommended for problems as minor as your husband's."

"Minor!" Chuck shouted. "My problem is considered minor? I can't play ice hockey and it's minor?"

Sarah placed a calming hand on Chuck's arm. "I realize that the procedure has only been tried on patients with a more severe misalignment. That doesn't mean it won't work on Chuck's problem."

"You're right, and I agree with you, said Dr. Solomon. "But we have certain procedures we must follow before we can get approval for Chuck's situation. Right now we think the reward doesn't outweigh the risk."

Chuck and Sarah left the meeting clearly disappointed. Chuck's recovery was taking much longer than expected and at the current rate, might not even be back in time for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Olympics were definitely out of the question.

xxxxx

Sarah took Chuck home and thought of something that would cheer him up. She went into their safe and took out both their gold medals and put on her gold skating costume, the one she wore in Vancouver. Very happy that the costume still fit perfectly, she put both gold medals around her neck. After walking downstairs, Sarah noticed that Chuck was sitting on the couch absentmindedly channel surfing. Sarah came around to the front of the couch and stood in front of the TV and posed in various positions. Her husband became instantly mesmerized by his wife and Chuck reached out for her with his right hand. Sarah gladly took it and Chuck gently pulled her to him until she eventually sat on his lap.

"Wow, Sarah. You look even more beautiful in that outfit today than you did four years ago, and you looked fantastic then."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Bartowski."

"I think you're trying to seduce me, Mrs. Bartowski."

"Ya think?" Sarah asked with a wicked smile on her face.

Chuckling, he wrapped his arms around his wife and crashed his lips into hers. The kiss became more and more heated and Chuck's hands began to explore every one of his wife's curves through the fabric. Sarah untucked Chuck's shirt and ran her hands over his hot skin before reaching down to undo his belt buckle. Chuck kissed his way down Sarah's jawline and onto her neck and shoulder, Sarah moaning softly to his touch. Sarah removed Chuck's shirt and pushed him down on the couch on his back while she lowered his zipper. At that moment, they heard the doorbell ring.

Groaning in frustration, Chuck asked "Are you expecting anyone?

"Nope."

"Let's ignore it."

Sarah smirked and nodded her head. Looking down at her husband she asked coyly "Now where was I?" as she went back to his pants and started to slide them down.

The doorbell continued to ring followed by loud knocking. "Chuck, Sarah, we know you're in there. It's Diane. Please open up."

Chuck looked questioningly at Sarah who shrugged back. She called back, "Just a minute."

Sarah reluctantly stood up and put on Chuck's jacket that was draped over the back of the couch. Chuck pulled his pants back up and put on his shirt. After looking through the peep hole, she opened the door.

Standing on the doorstep was not only Diane Beckman, but Fred Simpson, the Director, and Nancy Crawford, the Assistant Director. Sarah invited them in and offered them something to drink as they settled in the living room.

After taking care of the introductions, Diane said "I suppose you wonder why we are here."

"The thought did cross our minds." Sarah answered.

"As you know, the US National Figure Skating team was decimated in the plane crash in Germany. Our top pairs teams were injured and can't compete." Fred said.

"OK, how can we help?" Sarah asked.

"We want you to compete at Nationals." Nancy said.

"Sarah and Bryce are retired," said Chuck.

"We've seen the video of you and Sarah skating with Diane. We're talking about Bartowski and Bartowski."

Sarah and Chuck looked at each other. In unison they said "What? No way."

Diane spoke up, "I know you two have been coming to me for the past few years for exercise purposes. You, Sarah, haven't lost a step. With a little more conditioning, you're every bit as good as the Sarah of Vancouver. I have to admit, I'm very pleasantly surprised, Chuck, at how well you have taken to figure skates. You are a better skater that Bryce Larkin and a lot stronger. Together you two make an excellent team."

"But I'm a hockey player," Chuck protested.

"Yes you are," Fred stated. "One of the very best. But the Ducks aren't letting you compete and even if you could play, the NHL is taking a break for the duration of the Olympics. We need you."

"What about the other pairs teams. Aren't there any ready to be Olympians?"

"None that are even close to your skill set. You two are our best chance for a medal in pairs figure skating. Will you come to Nationals and try?" Nancy asked.

"Even if we wanted to," Sarah added, "How can we be ready in time? I would need time off from my residency. And knowing Chuck like I do, I know he would want permission from the Ducks before going forward."

"To answer your first question," Diane said, "you already have a short program and a long program from when you came to see me in Vail. The point value for the short program is the second highest of the top performers. Your long program is the highest by far with side by side triple axels and the Pamchenko. I got approval for it in September. Rumors have been going around that there is a couple who can do it (she pointed at Chuck and Sarah) but no one has tried it yet in competition. The Russians don't think they need it and they don't know you'll be competing.

"We don't even know if we're competing," added Chuck. "This is crazy."

"No it's not," said Diane. "I've seen you two skate. You can do this. Not only that, you can win."

"To answer your other questions, I think you should see these." Frank opened an envelope and handed a letter to Sarah and another to Chuck. Sarah read hers and passed it to Chuck. Chuck read his and passed it to Sarah. "As you can see, Stanford Medical Center and the Ducks have given you permission to compete at Nationals and the Olympics as pairs skaters. The question is will you do it?"

Chuck looked at Sarah with his mouth open, unable to speak. Sarah smiled at him and climbed on his lap. She whispered in his ear. "You like me in this costume my love?"

Chuck nodded.

"If we do this, I'll let you pick out my new costumes as long as you help me put them on… and take them off."

Chuck gulped and turned pink. "Are you sure about this, sweetheart?"

"Very. It'll be fun. We'll have no pressure on us. We've both won gold medals. You've won the Stanley Cup three times. So what if we fall on our asses. But I know we won't."

"OK, if you're sure. But I'm not wearing any frilly shirt and pants outfit."

"What, you don't want to dress like Big Bird?"

Chuck laughed.

"Not to worry. We'll find something appropriate and very masculine."

"OK, let's do it." Chuck said with a smile.

They turned to their visitors. "OK, we'll do it. Diane, when do we start?"

xxxxx

US Nationals, Boston, January 2014

The skating world was abuzz with the news that Sarah Walker Bartowski was returning to the ice. Not only was she returning to the ice, she had a new partner and her new partner was her husband, a hockey player no less. Some of the upcoming pairs were disappointed, angry even, that these upstarts could be taking their place on the Olympic team. The truth was that no one knew what to expect from them. Chuck and Sarah had never once competed in any competition anywhere. But there were rumors, rumors of the impossible being done by them. There were also skeptics that said it was impossible for them to have a chance to win.

Chuck and Sarah practiced at the Palo Alto rink instead of going to Vail for greater privacy and secrecy. When it came to practice time in Boston, they rented a skating rink outside of town and did not set foot on the competition ice until it was time to warm up for the short program. Diane decided to change Chuck and Sarah's jump and jump combination to make them the most difficult ever performed. Instead of side by side triple toe loops, they were going to do side by side triple axels, unheard of in the short program as it was such a difficult jump. By the luck of the draw, Chuck and Sarah were skating in the last group, the first team out. The skating media was all there as well as every competitor. Chuck and Sarah skated out to the center of the ice and smiled into each other's eyes, leaning in for a chaste kiss. "Ready Chuck?" He nodded. "Ready Sarah?" She nodded.

The music started and Chuck took Sarah's hand and led her around the ice with tremendous speed before lifting her up into a perfect split triple twist. The commentators were wondering aloud if they really were going to do the next move and were astounded when they landed perfectly the side by side triple axels. The crowd leapt to their feet and roared with approval. After some exquisite footwork and throw triple flip, they finished with a perfect triple triple jump combination, spin combination and death spiral.

The crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Sarah looked adoringly in her husband's eyes and pulled him down into a kiss he eagerly returned. The ice was filled with flowers and stuffed animals, a few they picked up on the way to the kiss and cry area while they waited for their scores.

Diane beamed at them when they arrived and gave them a hug. The crowd chanted their names, daring the judges to cheat them out of a record score. The scores were finally announced. The scores for Sarah Bartowski and Chuck Bartowski 42.1 for components and 43.97 for execution for a total of 86.07 points, a record total. Sarah and Chuck jumped to their feet and waved to the crowd.

After exiting the kiss and cry area, Chuck and Sarah were corralled by a reporter.

"Chuck, Sarah, that was an incredible performance. Where have you been hiding since Vancouver?"

Sarah laughed. "Hiding? That's funny. We've just been living our lives as a married couple and enjoying every minute of it. And I've been going to medical school.

Chuck said "Yeah, and I've been hiding in Anaheim playing for the Ducks and winning the Stanley Cup."

xxxxx

At the conclusion of the short program, the Bartowskis had an insurmountable lead of 20 points. They sat down with Diane before going home to their hotel.

Diane said "Since you don't need it, I say save the Pamchenko for the Olympics. Don't do it here."

"Why? Chuck asked.

"If you don't do it here, the Russians definitely won't do it in Sochi. They don't think you can, so they won't try it."

"OK, what do we do instead?"

"Just do another jump combination, like a lutz and a salchow."

"OK. Sounds like a plan."

xxxxx

Chuck and Sarah decided to go back to their hotel to change and after a long and very hot shared shower, crawled naked into bed. After getting into their favorite position, Chuck said "I never thought skating in front of judges would be fun. But it was. I guess having no pressure made it easier for us."

Sarah snuggled as close to her husband as she could without crawling on top of him and said "That was fun, a lot more fun than I ever had skating with Bryce. I think having a life outside of skating takes away the pressure." She kissed him on the cheek while Chuck rubbed small circles on her bare back. "Do you agree with Diane about leaving out the Pamchenko tomorrow night?"

"I know we do it for fun, but I also like to win. So if she thinks it will help us in Sochi, then let's save it for later."

"Agreed," said Sarah as she started kissing down Chuck's jawline, neck, chest, and abdomen until she reached her destination.

xxxxx

When it came time for the long program, the Bartowskis were skating last. Their closest competitors skated well, but the points values for their programs were not very high. The only way Chuck and Sarah could lose would be for them to fall on almost every jump. When it was their turn, the Bartowskis skated to the center of the ice. Chuck was wearing black pants and a red shirt with no frills. Sarah was wearing a black and red dress that was the perfect complement to what Chuck was wearing. She was absolutely stunning. After clasping hands and sharing a kiss, music of the Firebird started. The only concern they had going into the long program was Sarah's conditioning. Chuck was in great shape from playing hockey, so they decided to front load the most difficult moves for Sarah. Halfway through the program all the elements were performed perfectly, leaving a throw triple axel as the last really difficult element. The foot work, spins and death spiral were impeccable leading to the throw at the very end. Chuck asked if she wanted to do a double axel instead and she shook her head no. Chuck launched his wife into the air and she spun the 3 ½ revolutions before landing cleanly on one foot, a big smile on her face. The crowd rose to its feet and cheered the Bartowskis, clearly the runaway winners of the competition.

Chuck and Sarah were going to Sochi.

A/N 2 - This concludes the middle arc of this story. Thank you for sticking with me and the final arc will have more drama with some romance and humor mixed in.