It was so surreal being back in the kitchen-this kitchen- cooking for Angela once more. He had to admit he was impressed with how organized everything was. Claire was obviously a very good housekeeper. He knew that Sam, Jonathan, Hank, and Nicky were all very fond of her. And Mona was as well. He still remembered his shock over watching Mona allowing Claire to comfort her while they were waiting for word about Angela. From what Sam had told him Mona and Claire had instantly become friends bonding over the deaths of their husbands. He was glad to know that Mona had a female friend her age to hang out with. And from he could tell Claire was a good influence on her. 'Well as much as someone could be considering it was Mona.' He chuckled to himself.

The back door opened and Claire walked in carrying grocery bags.

"Here Claire let me help you." Tony said and removed one of the bags.

"Thanks Tony." she smiled.

"You're welcome."

"So Angela is home I take it?"

"Yes, she's taking a shower. I was just about to make her some lunch."

"Well, the kitchen is all yours!" she chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"Well I just realized this was the first time we have ever been alone."

Tony chuckled as well. "You're right. There's usually someone else around."

"Yeah, we really don't know that much about each other. Well that's not true. I mean Mona and Sam have filled me in about various things."

"Oh yeah? Like?"

"Well like how and why you became Angela's housekeeper in the first place. Mona told me about how she nearly ran you over on her bike when you were interviewing to be her apartment building's manager."

Tony smiled at the memory. Who could have predicted that nearly being run over by a crazy redheaded lady could have turned into one of the best moments of his life since it led him to the love of his life.

"And I have to tell you that I respect what you did for Samantha. I know it probably wasn't easy for you."

"Well being a housekeeper wasn't something I ever planned on being but Sam and her happiness was my top priority. "

Claire nodded. "Especially after Marie died." she said gently.

"Yeah, that was a hard time. But, I guess you know what I'm talking about."

"True, but my kids were all grown up when their father died. Sam was just a little girl."

"Yeah, but losing a spouse is always hard no matter how old your children are.

Claire nodded and began putting the groceries away while Tony started on lunch. Even though they barely knew each other they found themselves working in harmony.

"You know Claire I have to tell you I'm really impressed with the way you have this kitchen organized. "

Claire smiled. "Thank you Tony. That means a lot coming from you."

Tony laughed. 'Okay let me guess. Everyone has told you how obsessive I was about the house."

"No, well okay they did. But all that tells me is that you took pride in your work. I knew I had big shoes to fill when Angela hired me. But, I'm glad she did. Not only did it give me a chance to get out of my house a few days a week, it also gave me the opportunity to meet all of you."

"Well I'm glad you're here. And I guess this is the time to tell you that I will be moving in here permanently. "

"Really? Tony, that's great!" she smiled.

"It is." He sighed.

"Is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah. Yeah. It's just that I keep thinking about how I almost lost her."

"I know her accident was tough on you but she's fine now." Claire said gently.

"I know. But, I'm not just talking about the accident."

"Then what else?"

"I'm also talking about the last four years. When I refused to come home because I was so hurt and angry. And even before that when I dated another woman."

"Ah Kathleen."

"You know about Kathleen?"

"Of course."

"Mona!" Tony laughed. "I should have known."

"Yeah, Mona has told me a lot."

"Oh great." Tony growled and rolled his eyes.

Claire laughed. "Tony, all you have to do is remember that everything always works out as it should. You're back in Connecticut, you're starting a great teaching job in the fall, Angela is okay, and the two of you are back together."

"You're right. We've had too many lost chances in the past."

"Well they're not lost anymore."

Tony smiled. "Absolutely! And now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to go take the love of my life her lunch." He dished her lunch onto a plate while Claire grabbed a tray. He placed the plate on the tray along with some silverware. Claire grabbed a pitcher of lemonade that she had made and poured a glass. She placed the glass on the tray.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Here I'll get the door for you."

Tony nodded while Claire held the swinging door open.

"Hey Tony?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell her I'm happy she's home."

"I will."

Claire went back into the kitchen while Tony went back up the stairs. He set the tray on the floor in front of Angela's-no their bedroom and opened the door. He picked the tray back up and set the tray on the dresser.

"Angela?! Are you okay?"

Angela came out of the bathroom wearing a blue nightgown and matching robe.

"I'm fine. Actually I feel great. That shower was just what I needed." she grinned and sat down on the bed. She scooted back up against the pillows.

Tony swallowed hard as the hem of her nightgown rode up revealing her long, tanned legs. Her scent - her sweet intoxicating natural scent that had been in his dreams for years wafted towards him. He groaned quietly and picked up the tray and brought it over to her."

"Oh Tony, this smells and looks wonderful!" She picked up her fork and began eating.

'So, do you.' he thought quietly. "So.." he cleared his throat. "Claire told me to tell you that she's happy you're home."

Angela smiled. "So am I."

"Yeah, I also told her that I was moving back in permanently."

Angela smiled and continued eating.

``Yeah, so I figured since Claire is here and Mona is at her apartment I could go over to Sam's and get my stuff and bring them back here."

'Okay. Tony, is everything okay?"

"Of course it is? Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. It's just you seem kind of nervous. I know this will be the first time we spent in this room together- well after it was renovated but it's not like we have never shared a bed before. Or made love before."

"I know. I know. And believe me there is nothing else I would rather do. But, you're still recovering and it's just well it's going to be hard for me."

Angela burst out laughing at Tony's double entendre. Tony realized what he said and rolled his eyes.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Are you sure?" she asked the tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Angela!"

"Tony!"

Tony started laughing too and crawled up and sat down beside her.

"I love you so much." He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you too." she smiled back and wiped her tears away.

"Now eat up Missy you need to get your strength back."

"Will do!"

"Maybe if you're good I'll make you some chocolate chip cookies with walnuts."

Angela's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Really? Gosh , I haven't had those in.." she stopped when she realized how long ago it was.

"Hey, all of that is in the past." he reminded her.

She nodded. "I know. You're right."

"I think I will go pick up my stuff from Sam's. And if it's okay I'll bring Nicky back with me? But, only if you're up to it."

"Of course I am. He is the love of my life you know." she smirked, her eyes twinkling.

"Aye Oh Oh Aye I thought I was the love of your life!"

"Sorry honey but you got some competition." she smiled.

Tony laughed and got up off the bed. He walked over to her side of the bed and leaned down and gave her a kiss.

"Okay, I'll go and get my things and the love of your life and I'll be back later."

"Okay."

Tony walked to the door and turned around.

"Hey."

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

They both smiled sweetly and lovingly at each other and Tony walked out and closed the door.