You Got The Job. No Kiddin'.

A/N: This chapter covers the last three episodes of the series, Savor the Veal I, II, and III. Please see chapters 3-5 for what happened directly *after* the screen faded to black in the final scene of the show. All credit for dialogue from the show goes to the Who's The Boss writers.

The living room had grown eerily quiet as Tony, Angela, Sam and Jonathan all remembered those long-ago months in 1992 that almost forever broke apart their family.

"Hey, it couldn't have been all bad, since Iowa is where my story begins," Katie said quickly, trying to lighten the mood, having sensed the change in the room.

"Very true, Sweetheart," Angela said as she reached over and squeezed her daughter's arm while her mind flashed back to how everything unfolded after Tony received the job offer from Wells Junior College in Branford, Iowa.

They were both apprehensive at first, but after she had woken up without Tony next to her and found him downstairs in the kitchen with the encyclopedia opened to Iowa, they had discussed it and decided it was at least worth a trip to Branford to check out.

Of course, once they got there, the job turned out to be better than either one of them could have imagined. There was no way Tony could turn it down even though he tried. Angela smiled as she thought about the impassioned speech she had made in the airport imploring Tony to stop putting his dreams on hold for other people. He had been her number one supporter when she had decided to open her own advertising agency and when the agency was going through hard times, and it was only fitting that she return the favor.

"That was some speech you gave to get Dad to change his mind," Sam said with an appreciative smile on her face. "I think I still remember word for word what you said."

"What did you say, Mom?" Katie asked. "There's so much about the whole Iowa time period that I don't think I've ever heard, since I know it's not something any of you like to talk about."

"That's true," Angela said quietly. "But I suppose it's time, right, Tony?" she continued squeezing his hand.

"No time like the present," Tony said slowly nodding his head before pecking Angela on the cheek.

"Let's see, where were we?" Angela said picking up her train of thought. "Oh yes, I basically told him that he had sacrificed his dreams for long enough, and that it was his time, and I wanted to support him in any way possible."

"And then you two ended up missing the flight home," Jonathan said with a laugh.

"That's true," Tony said grinning as he remembered suggesting to Angela that they go find a corn field to watch the sunset. And that's just what they had done after a quick detour to check back into the hotel, change clothes and grab the extra blanket from their room followed by a stop at the local grocery store to purchase a bottle of wine, loaf of French bread and some cheese. They had then driven out into the country where they'd sat and watched the sun as they discussed the logistics of how they were going to make this separation work.

"Tony, I think we need to postpone the wedding," Angela said softly as she sat on the blanket in Tony's lap leaning back against his chest.

"Angela, no, we don't need to go that far," Tony answered with a shake of his head. "Besides the invitations have already been sent."

"Wait, hear me out," Angela continued taking Tony's hand in hers. "Even though we've scaled it down from what it was going to be, it's still a production and a distraction. Something you don't need right now as you embark on this amazing opportunity. Plus, you have to be back out here in a week, so you don't need to turn right around a couple of weeks later and come home for the wedding before again turning around to come back here. We wouldn't be able to have much of a honeymoon right now anyway. If we postpone it till after your year here, when you're back in Connecticut full-time then the pressure is off, we'll be together and actually able to enjoy being married."

"I guess you're right, but like I said earlier today, I don't want this job to mess up what we have," Tony said squeezing her hand.

"It won't. We won't let it," Angela said with conviction. "We've come too far to have something like a temporary long-distance relationship destroy what we've built over the last 8 years."

"What about our wedding guests?" Tony asked. "And more importantly, what about having a baby?"

"The guests will understand. They're our family and friends after all. And as far as the baby goes, maybe we start trying once you're settled out here?" Angela asked with a sly grin as she raised her eyebrow.

"Sounds like a plan," Tony said as he leaned over and took Angela's mouth with his, and they quickly forgot all about the sunset.

"Mom, so was it bad from the very start?" Katie asked bringing Angela back to the present. "I mean, you had to postpone your wedding and then just when you should have been starting your life together, Dad is no longer around. I can only imagine how hard that must have been."

"It was hard," Angela said. "But, it actually started out well," she continued as she remembered their cross-country trip from Fairfield to Branford. It was the most time they'd ever had together, just the two of them, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves whether it was stopping at some silly roadside attraction or being able to make love freely every night in whatever hotel they happened to be staying in. They talked about anything and everything, so by the time they arrived at Tony's new apartment, they were more resolved than ever that even though they'd be living more than a hallway apart, they could make this work.

Of course, looking back now, Angela thought, the warning signs were there almost as soon as they arrived. Dr. Graham and Candy immediately swooped in to get Tony acclimated with the school, the curriculum he'd be teaching and of course the baseball team he'd be coaching. He came home the next few nights exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed with work right up until Angela had to leave to fly home. The spectacle he made at the ticket counter trying to change his flight didn't help. And that's how the next couple of months had gone with their back and forth between Iowa and Connecticut. They missed each other so much that their expectations were sky high when they were finally together and one little thing could throw off their whole weekend. And the missed phone calls was starting to pull them apart as well. What Angela thought was going to be a really romantic time in their lives, holed up in their little love nest that was Tony's apartment, without the distractions of the family, had turned into anything but.

"Angela, what did finally make you decide to move to Branford?" Sam asked softly. "I mean it was obvious that you missed Dad a lot and that things weren't great when you were together, but I have to admit I was still shocked when you actually announced you were doing it."

With a sigh, Angela stole a quick glance at Tony, before answering, "I didn't feel like we had any other choice. What I said in the airport was still true, I had to do everything I could to support him after everything he had done for me."

Immediately, her thoughts went back to the night she arrived in Branford. She was still embarrassed thinking about how tipsy, or downright drunk, she'd become. But, it had been such a stressful couple of weeks trying to get everything in order for the move with putting Jack in charge of the business, talking to and reassuring all the clients as well as making sure her mother and Jonathan would be ok on their own. It all just hit her, once she was on the plane, that her whole life was about to change for the next few months, and even though she was going to be with the love of her life, she was scared. Deep down inside, she knew this was it. If they couldn't make living together in Branford work, even though it would be for less than a year, there would be nothing left to try.

And, at first, it did work. Not having to deal with the stresses of her job or running the agency was a breath of fresh air. Being able to get up every day and do whatever she wanted felt so freeing. And getting to be with Tony and see how happy he was and how well he was doing both with teaching and coaching thrilled her to no end. But, little by little, the cracks started to form. The days grew longer and longer and more and more tedious, and she realized that she missed everything about her job including feeling like she had a purpose. Not to mention how much she was missing Jonathan, Sam and even her mother. What she wouldn't have given to hear one of her mother's sharp but affectionate barbs.

"So, what happened to make you leave?" Katie asked biting her lip. "I know I've heard some of it but not the full story."

"I was an idiot and didn't see how much your mom was suffering," Tony interjected. "I was so wrapped up in my career and work life that I really neglected our life together."

"Tony, that's not the full story," Angela said raising her hand to stop him from continuing.

Taking a deep breath she continued, "I had to be honest with myself when Dr. Graham offered Tony that contract extension. I knew that I wouldn't be able to stick it out for another few years. But, more than that, I was starting to resent him, and I knew if it continued, the greatest fear that we both had and one of the reasons that it took us so long to get together was going to happen. That we would end up not wanting to ever see each other again. I wanted to try and at least preserve our friendship, so I thought that if I broke it off right then and there, we could somehow still remain friends."

"It was no picnic once you came home, Mom," Jonathan said rolling his eyes. "I mean, we hardly saw you and when we did, you barely said one word. Thank god you came to your senses, Tony."

"It took me longer than it should have, but it was the best decision I ever made." Tony said as he wrapped his arm around Angela's shoulder. "Angela, our family, and yes, even you Katie, though I didn't know about you quite yet were the most important things in my life, and I realized that I was on the brink of losing it all."

"And then you showed up at the front door in that black tux and the rest is history," Sam said with a wide smile on her face.

"That it is," Tony said matching her grin. "I can't imagine my life turning out any other way."

"Neither can I," Angela said, which was quickly followed by Sam, Jonathan and Katie echoing their parents' sentiments.

Sam slowly looked around the room at the family they had formed. It had begun in an unorthodox way, but she wouldn't trade it for the world and knew, without a doubt, that this was where she and her children belonged. Almost on cue, she suddenly heard the walls start whispering echoes from the past…

"Well, if you're Angela Bower, I'm here to help you."

"Don't be sexist. A man can do meaningless unproductive work just as well as a woman."

"Hey, all I can say is I really need the job. And my daughter needs a good place to grow up. And I got a feeling maybe you need us."

"You'd never catch me doing something dumb like sleeping with my employer."

"I was looking at your headset." "I just bet you were!"

"Tony saw Angela naked. Tony saw Angela naked."

"Don't you think my lump is different than her's?" "I'm gonna pass on that one!"

"I love when you put whipped cream on them."

"Tony, I'm Ingrid."

"It was you." "It was us."

"How old were you?" "I was 11."

"Because things are pretty good between us the way they are." "Although things could probably be good between us the way they aren't." "They'd be great." "Yes they would."

"You have very warm toes."

"He was dumb enough to walk away from you."

"Why don't you just have that and get it over with?"

"What's not to love?"

"You've been living here for two years now. What exactly do you think we are?"

"I think we should take this here champagne over to the fireplace and discuss it."

"Everything is a mess. Tony told me he loved me."

"And what if it did work out? And what if it was good? Really good?"

"We're a family, right? And families stick together."

"Sometimes I forget that Sam is your little girl and not mine."

"I'd be proud of Samantha if she grew up like you. I think you're terrific."

"They just live together and raise each other's children."

"Only with the right person."

"What's funnier than marrying your housekeeper?"

"We're through." "Yes, I guess we are."

"You broke my child!"

"Who knows why women do anything?"

"You are a big strong man and you beat weak little me."

"Even when they lose, they win."

"Angela, you're standing under the mistletoe."

"You're not my mother. You can't tell me what to do."

"How did you know I like pink roses?" "You mentioned it once."

"She's in the shower. No, I'm not in there with her."

"How is he in the garage? A man should be able to fulfill your automotive needs."

"That's just it, Angela. I'm not just a friend. I'm…your housekeeper."

"Tony, I'm only dressed like this, so Armando will see what I have to offer." "That's what I'm afraid of!"

"How old is your heart?" "Young enough to keep up with you."

"Are you and Tony, well how can I put this delicately, doing the horizontal mambo?"

"I love the part when them little dalmatians all get home, back where they belong. That's my favorite part."

"Yes, I love Tony." "It might help if he knew that."

"Hey, are you sure it's love?" "Positive."

"If I was to have a kid today, right now, I would want her to be the mother."

"You obviously have a very good relationship with your son and a very interesting one with your housekeeper."

"How would you feel if I took that job?" "I'd be proud."

"Angela and I have grown very close these past few years, and we have a warm and confused relationship. And I'd like it to stay that way."

"Wait a minute. What did you say to them?" "I told them we'd probably get married some day."

"Your mom has it bad for my dad. And my dad has cocker spaniel eyes for your mom."

"I am so lucky. You're always watching out for me."

"You were a genius to hire me." "It's the smartest move I ever made."

"Angela, Tony is a man. He has needs. Man cannot live by bread alone. And, since you're not sharing your loaf, he had to go to another bake shop."

"Angela's funny and she's beautiful and she's smart and beautiful." "You said beautiful twice." "Well, she's two times beautiful."

"I'll give her a night to remember." Well, at least take her out to dinner first."

"Sam, I guess I feel that sometimes you think I'm a drag." "No, I don't. Well, sometimes. But a lot of my friends feel that way about their mothers."

"I'm giving Tony something he's wanted for a long time."

"Footsies never did nothin' for me."

"You are also a Connecticut father who goes to college and works hard and is building a future for himself and his daughter."

"But Tony, the best times of my life are with you."

"I think we both know where this is leading to." "Call me old-fashioned, but I don't think we can do this until we're married."

"Thanks. Honey, bunny."

"Angela, you know how you always want us to have one of those mother-daughter moments? I think I feel one coming on."

"Angela, why should I flirt with a pretty girl at a restaurant, when I can flirt with a beautiful woman right here at home?" "Boy, I should have brought my shovel."

"Stan or Neil?" "How about if I just sit?"

"I always knew you'd do big and important things."

"Yeah, how 'bout a little action?"

"You promise you won't pinch me in the butt?" "No."

"What are your intentions towards my father?"

"Your father and I have this very complicated, open-ended, evolving relationship that's kind of in flux. We just don't know where it will end up."

"I do have feelings for her. You know, enough that I get jealous if another guy makes a pass at her."

"Good housekeeper. Good, good, good housekeeper."

"I wanted you to whip me."

"I think you're one of the strongest people I know."

"Hey, what's with her and this Tony guy? Maybe my sense of time is off, but isn't it taking forever for these two to get together?"

"You got lucky last night."

"You know Tony, nobody in this world wants you and Angela to get together more than I do."

"You and Angela may be on the road to something permanent, but let's face it, you're taking the scenic route in a slow car with a flat tire driven by a nun who is blind."

"Is it over?" "I don't know."

"I think we know more about each other than most married people do."

"Look Tony, our relationship has always been our relationship."

"Maybe for now it's time that we explore our options broaden our horizons."

"Tony, I have become closer to you than to almost anyone. And, I don't want to lose that."

"Maybe this is part of our journey. Maybe we have to go through this to see if we can go any further."

"She's your boss or is she more than that?"

"It's tough to be detached after all we've been through even though we haven't been through it."

"It's Angela, isn't it? That something holding you back."

"Tony, you know I look at him and I think if we were to have a child..."

"What would I do without you, Angela?"

"When I marry An-an appropriate person…"

"Tony wants to teach something that he's good at and sex isn't his area of expertise."

"This doesn't sound crazy to you?" "What? That they chose one of the most sincere, well-spoken men I know to be their spokesperson? No."

"You know that perfume you're wearing is wow." "I'm not wearing perfume."

"I know you're after him. You're not going to get him. Tony and I are good together. And nobody, especially you, is going to get in the way."

"It's like that game, Show and Tell." "Maybe we should play it more often."

"Did you two meet at camp?"

"I mean if there's one chance in a million that I could lose you, I don't want to take it." "Why?" "Because I love you."

"If you're real good, I'll tell you what's for dessert."

"You are so easy."

"I'm ready to be uncorked, Angela."

"You know that every day of my life I run up against guys who can't handle the fact that I'm a successful woman. I thought you were different. That's one of the things I love about you.

"I love you enough to give it a shot."

"You really want to feel like a man?" "What'd you have in mind?" "Open this jar." "Was it as good for you as it was for me?"

"Oh Tony. The answer is yes. A thousand times yes."

"I've waited so long for you to ask me this and that's why it's so hard to say no."

"This time I'm listening to my heart, and it's telling me that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I love you with all my heart, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

"Even if we lost everything. The house, the cars, the business, and we had to move to some dingy trailer park and eat cat foods out of cans, I'd still love you."

"Do you love me?" "Yes, of course." "Then I'm ok."

"Can you believe our little girl?"

"What are we saying here? That we can't make this work? That it's over?"

"Angela, the only thing I resented was being without you."

"You got the job." "No kiddin'."

THE END

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has stuck with this story over the last year and a half! My goal was to craft a plausible set up for what the sequel could be while diving deeper into what happened during the original run of the show. So, yes, I've left a lot of storylines open-ended, and I may end up writing a follow up that pushes those storylines forward. :) As always, reviews are welcome!