A/N: I'm required by Fan Fic law to warn you of an upcoming shitstorm. Be sure to put on your crap proof slickers and wellies, grab your sponges and disinfectant, Cause it's about to get real at CI. (hmmmm, can things get real at a fictional company, wow that's heavy). In any case hang on cause here we go.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 20:

Hi Ellie, it's me, Sarah,

Hi Fan, it's me, Shit

Two hours earlier local time, in an affluent Chicago suburb a familiar family is sitting down to dinner. "Devon, something's up. We don't hear from Chuck all week then suddenly a call from Mrs. Sawyer, not him. I hope he's okay. I really worry about him. Since that bitch walked out on him, he hasn't been right. The only time he smiles is when he's playing with Clara."

Devon sounds cross, "El, watch the language. Clara is at that age where she repeats everything she hears. You shouldn't be talking about her that way anyway. I'm sure she had her reasons. They were living a hard life. The little bit I experienced, was enough to make me understand how hard it was. Your brother is still in love with her El. He's still hoping to get her back."

Clara walks into the room and climbs into her booster seat. Ellie makes sure she's secure. "Well if I see her again, she'll pay for what she did to Chuck. I don't care if she knows Kung Fu, I will kick her…."

Devon interrupts, "EL!"

Clara lifts her head and excitedly says, "Uncle Chuck, is Uncle Chuck coming? YAY!"

Ellie reaches over and serves Clara her dinner, "Yes Sweetheart, Uncle Chuck is coming, and Mrs. Sawyer said he has a surprise for you. Now eat your dinner."

Clara has lost all interest in her dinner. "Uncle Chuck is coming, Yay! And he has a surprise YAY!"

Devon chuckles, "It's so awesome how much she loves her uncle. You know what Ellie? It's been a while since your mom has seen Chuck. It would be awesome to invite her too?"

Ellie considers for a moment, "That's a nice idea Honey, thanks for thinking of it. Clara, would you like to see Mimi too?"

Clara is beside herself, "Uncle Chuck and Grandma Mimi, OH BOY!"

Ellie shakes her head, "I guess her weekend is made. Finish your dinner and we'll call Grandma Mimi and see is she can come."

Sitting around the Grimes dining room table Chuck sips his tea with one hand. His other hand is holding Sarah's. "Okay folks listen up. We talked, there are some things we can tell you. Only personal things. You can ask questions, but you may not get an answer. Casey is concerned that if you know too much it can put you in jeopardy. Please go easy on Sarah. She's dying to tell you everything, but can't… You know I just had a thought. We can wait to tell you the story and see if Beckman will clear you to hear it all."

Sarah, Alex, and Morgan all scream, "NO!"

Chuck laughs, "Okay, okay, just a suggestion, don't shoot me. Sarah you're up."

Sarah begins, "I was called away to a computer related mission. It was on a ship. I was the intelligence interface between the Navy and the agency. I got word that a cyber expert was coming to deal with the crisis. Somehow, I knew it was Chuck. Inside me I could feel it was him. For a crisis like this, they had to call in the best. I was terrified. I wanted to hide. I wanted to find him. I wanted to do both at the same time. Did I mention, I was freaking out? He was getting close. I could feel him.

My heart was pounding so hard. I was so on edge that I yelled at a poor sailor who was trying to be helpful. I hadn't spoken to him in two years. As much as I wanted to see him, I didn't think I could handle it. I knew I had hurt him so bad. I was freaking out. My partner, you all know Zondra, thought I was going insane, but she had no idea why. I couldn't tell her. Zondra had no respect for the guy she thought was "just a nerd." I was frantic.

When Z and I got shut out of all the meetings, I knew then, for sure, it had to be Chuck. He didn't want to see me. I couldn't tell her what I suspected. I couldn't tell that I thought it was Chuck. She hated him. I wasn't going to let him leave that ship until I had the chance to tell him how sorry I was, to beg him to take me back. I wasn't ready to give up, but the computer expert was surrounded by armed guards. I couldn't get anywhere near him.

I was in my office when I heard gunshots, loud gunshots. Only one man I knew carried a gun that large. I grabbed my gun and ran in the direction of the shots. I pushed my way through the crowd and there he was, wearing only a towel that barely went around him. It was Casey, gun in hand. Someone had tried to kill him, and he made them realize the error of that decision. I ran to him and threw my arms around him, I asked if he was okay," Sarah laughs, all he said was, 'Walker.' I didn't waste any time, I started in on him. Is he here? Is it him? Where is he? I have to see him. The Captain of the ship came up to us and called him," Sarah looks at Casey, he nods, 'General Casey'. I was shocked. He barked some orders at the Captain. All I could hear was the voice in my head saying he's here. Chuck is here.

Casey had me follow him to his quarters so he could dress. I waited while he dressed. No matter how hard I pressed him, he wouldn't confirm that the cyber expert was Chuck. He did tell me that there were standing orders that if I got within twenty feet of that expert, I was to be shot. They referred to me as the blonde terror. He also made it pretty clear that he was pissed at me too. I kept asking questions. Finally, he told me how much Chuck hated me. Then he warned me again, that there was a kill order on me. He warned me firmly to stay away from the server room. I was devastated. I was so close. Chuck would rather have me shot, killed, than see me."

Casey interrupts, "She's holding back. She's not telling you the worst part," Sarah looks confused, "She kept hugging me, over and over. It was horrible." The table breaks into laughter, happy at the break in tension.

Ellie picks up the burner phone and pushes the speed dial. The phone rings three times and a message comes on, "I'm sorry the number you have reached has been disconnected." When the message ends Ellie merely says, "It's me," then hangs up. She turns to Clara, "Come on young lady time for your bath. Uncle Chuck will be here in four days. It may take that long to get all that dirt off you."

Clara giggles, "Mommy, you're so silly. Is Mimi coming?"

Ellie picks her daughter up and holds her tight, "I hope so Baby. She'll call us when she can. Then we'll know. But either way, your uncle is coming, and he has a surprise. What do you think it is?"

Clara works to get her clothes off while Ellie gets the water temperature right in the tub, "I don't know Mommy. I hope it's a unicorn pony."

Ellie laughs as she lifts Clara into the tub, "Well sweetheart if anyone can come up with a unicorn, it's your uncle." She grabs a cloth and starts to wash Clara. The burner phone in her pocket chimes, "It's Grandma, be careful not to drop the phone in the water."

She hands the phone to Clara, "Hello."

Chuck squeezes her hand as Sarah picks up the story. "We dealt with the situation, proved who the bad guy was. Now came the hard part. In order to get access to info I had, I made John tell me that the Cyber expert was Chuck. I also made him promise that he would help me see him. Do you want to tell that part?"

Casey shrugs, "What's to tell? She had me over a barrel. She had info I needed. She's also the one who found the evidence to resolve the crisis. To be honest, I had every intention of staying the hell out of their little drama. However, General Beckman knew that if we were going to have a successful resolution to this mission, we needed to bring the team back together. She ordered me to get involved, UGH. I got her in to see Chuck. I knew he wasn't going to be happy with me, but I gave my word. I stood outside the stateroom when she went in. I could hear him screaming outside the room. Hell, the whole ship could him screaming. He was not happy. Back to you, new Bartowski."

Chuck has been sitting quietly so far, he squeezes her hand, "I'm sorry I gave you such a rough time."

Sarah smiles, "That's okay Baby, I deserved it. I deserved every word you said to me and more. It all worked out okay."

"Is that my Clara Bear? Oh Honey, I miss you so much, I'm so happy to hear your voice." The joy was apparent in Mary Bartowski's voice. "What's going on?"

Clara splashes, "I'm taking a bath, because Uncle Chuck is coming and I'm so dirty."

Ellie laughs, "Can I talk to Grandma?" Clara nods and hands the phone to Ellie. "Hi Mom, hope we aren't calling at a bad time."

Mary responds instantly, "Eleanor I'm always happy to hear from you. What's this about your brother?"

Ellie smiles at her mother's words, "He's coming for dinner Saturday night. Devon suggested it might be nice for all of us to get together."

The phone is silent for a moment, "I'd love to be there Sweetheart. I'll see what I can do. I can't promise, but I'll try. Bye Ellie. Say hi to Devon for me and give my Clara Bear a big hug and kiss from Mimi."

Clara is excited, "Is Mimi coming? Is she? Doesn't she want to see Uncle Chuck?"

Ellie finishes washing her. "She does Baby. She especially wants to see you. She sent you a big hug and a kiss. She's going to try really hard to come, but Mimi may have to work. Now let's get you ready for bed. Maybe we can get Daddy to read you your story tonight."

Clara cheers, "YAY."

Sarah takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "I was shocked when I walked into the stateroom. Chuck was lying in his bunk dressed in a military uniform. I climbed in behind him and put my arms around him. He started talking to me in his sleep. He told me to go away. That he didn't want me to hurt him anymore. Then he woke up. He immediately pushed me to the deck. Yeah, it was rough. He let me have it with both barrels. He kept screaming for me to get out. That I had no right being there. He didn't just want me out of his room. He wanted me off that ship. He had the power to make that happen. I had to get him to hear me. I could see how much pain he was in. It was tearing my guts out. How could I do this to a man I loved so much?

I begged him to give me a kiss. I never got to kiss him good-bye. When I left him in Burbank, it was not an option. There was so much hurt, so much anger. I pleaded with him. I told him I would trade my shares of CI, for a kiss, one kiss. He still wouldn't look at me. He fell to his knees and begged me to leave. I refused. I told him one kiss and I would leave. He finally kissed me. It was a kiss that shot through me like lightening. A kiss that froze time. I thought yes, he's going to take me back. But he pushed me away. He told me to leave. He was exhausted. I found out that he had been going non-stop for almost twenty-eight hours. Our "discussion" finished him off, he was on empty. I got him undressed, which he fought, and got him into bed. When I snuggled in next to him, he told me to leave. I asked if I could stay long enough for a nap. He was half asleep when he said okay, but then I would have to leave. He was about to fall asleep when he said 'Sarah, I love you.' I swore in that moment that I would never be apart from him again."

When Devon walks into the living room, Ellie is relaxing with a glass of wine. He sits on the couch next to her and she leans on his shoulder. "Did she fight you?"

Devon laughs, "Always. That girl hates to sleep. But I reminded her that Uncle Chuck was coming, and she needs to be rested to play with him. She picked a story. She was fast asleep before I got half-way through it. It's awesome how close the two of them are. Is your mom gonna make it?"

Ellie sighs, "She said she'll try. You know what her life is. She's deep undercover. I'm worried. Why is Chuck coming all of a sudden? Why did Mrs. Sawyer call instead of him? You know you're right; he is still in love with Sarah. She broke his heart, and he still loves her. I hope he doesn't do something stupid."

Devon looks at her, "Something stupid? Like what?"

Sarah shakes her head, "Chuck had other ideas. When I woke up, he was holding me. It felt so good, it had been so long. I was surprised when he jumped out of the bunk and told me to get out. He said he would have his lawyers contact me to sign over my interest in CI. I tried to convince him to hear me, he wouldn't. I reluctantly left the room, but his guards stopped me. They had their guns pointed at me. When he stuck his head out into the passageway, he told them to let me go. He ordered them to keep me away from him. I turned back to plead with him one last time, but he was gone, and I was heartbroken."

Chuck sighs, "I don't suppose you want to fill in this next part, John?" Casey shakes his head. "When Sarah left, I was furious. I knew that the only way she could have gotten in to see me, was if a certain General helped her. Had he been standing in that room at that moment, I may have killed him. Well, I may have tried." Casey grunts. "He wasn't there, so I grabbed my shower stuff and walked down to the head. Guess who was there? I made some highly creative threats.

Do you think he apologized? Not on your life. He proceeded to remind me of all the times that I had hurt Sarah. Every single one of them. He reminded me, that I wasn't perfect. The kill shot, what got my attention, was when Casey said, 'Has it occurred to you, that the reason you're in so much pain, is not because she left, but because she's not with you?' Those were his exact words. I'll never forget them. It was like he hit me, in the chest, with Mjölnir. Then he informed me that she was part of the team, whether I liked it or not.

John was right. Every moment I was away from Sarah was filled with pain. My heart had been torn in two." Chuck turns to Sarah, tears running down her cheeks. Alex was crying as well. "I decided, right then, looking in the mirror, that I wanted her back. Sorry to say it didn't take."

Casey stands up, "Okay, I need a break. Bartowskis outside we need to talk."

Ellie shivers, "Like becoming a spy again so he can be with her. Arrrggghhh, I hate what she did to him. I loved her like a sister. She destroyed him. He hasn't been the same since she left us." Devon's head comes up when he hears the word us. "He's even avoiding Morgan. Alex said when he's over, all he does is play with the twins. He spends all his time working or fighting with John in the gym. I'm so pissed at that woman. All he ever wanted to do, was love her. She left him, just like our parents left him. Left us. I hate her."

Devon tries to pull her back. "Whoa Ellie, that's a little strong. Okay she hurt your brother, but hate? Do you think he'd want to hear you say that? Very unawesome."

Ellie crosses her arms, "I don't care. What she did is unforgivable. I don't think even Chuck could forgive her. No, not even Chuck."

Once outside Casey immediately lights his cigar, he takes a big draw and lets the smoke out. He turns to face the couple, "Would one of you like to explain why you're putting yourselves through this?"

Chuck shrugs, "Sarah wanted to. I want her to be happy."

Casey grabs Chuck by the shoulder and makes him look at Sarah. "Tell me numbnuts, does she look happy to you?" Sarah reaches up and wipes away a tear.

Chuck takes her in his arms, "I'm sorry Baby. I thought this was what you wanted."

Sarah nods as she rests her head against his chest, "I thought so too, but it still hurts."

Casey puts his arms around them. Sarah waves away the cigar smoke. "Listen, what happened in the Captain's Cabin is your story. Maybe someday you'll want to tell my grandkids," Sarah smiles. "Meanwhile, why don't we jump ahead to the good parts. The wedding, the honeymoon, minus Decker, and my part in it. What happened between me and Rizzo, is our business."

He lets them go and steps back. Turning his back to them he puffs on his cigar. Chuck looks at his wife, "I have to agree with John, but whatever you want Sarah, is good with me."

Sarah hugs him tightly, "Thank you Sweetheart. I want them to know that they're part of our story. But John is right, what happened in the Captain's Cabin is very personal, and for us alone to share. Plus, we can always use it someday to torture Grandpa John." Chuck laughs.

Casey turns, "I heard that. Now the original reason I wanted to talk to you is to update you on Ryker. It won't take long, there's nothing. The CIA lost track of him after Budapest. Our people found a little more, but the trail went cold like five years ago. The man is a ghost. I don't want Alex involved in any of this. Grimes is part of the team. His involvement is your call. Keep in mind, I want the twins to have a father. He isn't trained, but he has saved our asses more than once. Okay, it's getting late. Let's get back inside. Whatever you decide, I have your backs. Oh yeah one more thing. Any decision on the Miller issue?"

Chuck continues holding Sarah in his embrace, "Still your department partner, but Sarah is going to give her a call tomorrow. We'll keep you in the loop."

Casey walks up the steps to the house, grumbling. "How is it every time I spend a week with you people it feels like a year? You're making me old before my time."

Chuck and Sarah come up and surround him. Sarah puts her right arm around his waist. Chuck puts his left arm around his shoulders. Chuck laughs, "I hate to be the one to break it to you partner, you are old. You were old when I met you." Casey grunts.

Sarah sounds shocked, "John Casey, how dare you say that to my husband." The three of them enter the house laughing.

Ellie is rubbing her hands together working the lotion in. Devon is lying in bed reading a medical journal. She climbs under the covers and puts her head on his shoulder, he continues to read. "Devon, I'm worried about Chuck." (if you're old like me, feel free to sub in: Ward I'm worried about the Beaver).

Devon lays the journal down on his lap. "I know El, but he's not a kid anymore. He has his own company. He's staying away from the spy biz. El, he's a self-made millionaire. You did all that. You were there when he needed you. Give yourself a break."

Ellie reaches her face up and kisses him, "You're right Sweetheart. I'll call him tomorrow."

Devon leans over to turn off the lamp. "El, that's not what I said."

Ellie snuggles into his body, "Uh huh, I know."

Chuck, Sarah, and Casey walk back in, Chuck starts off, "Sorry to keep you waiting folks, let me get you caught up from where we left off. I tried to get past my fear and take Sarah back. I couldn't. I was too scared. I was too hurt. I thought everything was going to be okay. I told Sarah I would take her back. Then she and Casey started joking about a wedding. It all came flooding back. The hurt, the fear, the loss of trust." Chuck takes a deep breath, "I started to push her away again.

Casey saw what was happening. Your dad was smarter than both of us put together. Plus as Sarah pointed out to me at the time. He was pretty fed up with our bullshit."

Casey interjects, "Amen brother." Everyone laughs.

"He staged a mock trial and had the Captain lock us up. He put us together, under guard, for three days. It didn't take that long. We talked, we screamed, we cried. Most importantly we got real and worked things out. I finally got honest, there was no escaping it. I am madly in love with this woman. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me."

Sarah jumps in, "Yes! Finally, to the good part. I said yes, I said yes, so many times. But the best part, this is the part when we told Casey. You should have seen the look on his face."

Casey shakes his head, "I swear, no bullshit. I thought for sure when I walked into that cabin, I would find a dead body."

Sarah starts laughing, "When I told him that we wanted to get married, right away. His jaw dropped and the cigar fell right out of his mouth into his coffee cup. It was great." Alex and Morgan join in the laughter.

Alex is laughing hard, "I can see that, great visual." Casey grunts.

Chuck shrugs, "Yes John, I know I still owe you a cigar. Next time I'm in Costa Gravas I'll buy you a box. Can Sarah finish now?" Casey grunts.

"This Man, this man right here," Sarah jumps up out of her chair, grabs Casey's face and kisses him hard on the cheek. "He put together a wedding in just a few hours. He got us a wedding license and a chaplain to officiate." Sarah shows her wedding band, "He got two nuts off the aircraft that brought Chuck to where we were and had the Machinist Mates on the ship grind them down to make our wedding bands. They're titanium. Chuck was so handsome in his full-dress uniform."

Casey pushes her away, "Did you see? Did you see that? No good deed goes unpunished."

Everyone laughs. Sarah waves her hands as she sits down again. "Wait, wait, you haven't heard the best part. I could tell you, but Chuck would burst."

Alex waves her hands, "Wait a minute. Just hold on. Dad, you did all that? I literally had to threaten you to get you to dance with me at our wedding. You aren't in one single picture."

Casey shrugs, "Sorry, I'm not in any of their pictures either."

Alex looks at Sarah, "You have pictures?" Sarah shakes her head and laughs.

Chuck is bouncing up and down, "My turn, my turn. Morgan, dude I wished so hard that you could have been there. The guy who married us, he was the ship's Captain." Chuck sits down and calmly says, "His name was Jim."

Morgan looks at Chuck like he's crazy, "Okay you got married by Captain Jim. Big whoop."

Chuck jumps up again. "Morgan, Buddy, Lifelong pal of mine. His whole name, for real, was Captain James T. Kirk."

Morgan jumps up, "For real? You got married by Captain James T. Kirk. HOLY SHIT!" He grabs Chuck and hugs him. "That's the best wedding story ever."

Alex yells out, "Morgan, you know we're married too."

Morgan crouches, he holds his hands out, "Honey, they got married by Captain James T. Kirk. There is no way we could beat that."

Chuck yells out, "I KNOW!"

The room is roaring with laughter as the guys celebrate. Sarah stands up, "I don't know, does getting married, with all of you there, count? It's a gift, I remind you, from the President, and First Lady who's helping plan it. Does that beat it?"

Alex jumps up and hugs Sarah, "That totally beats it." Casey just sits there shaking his head, "Kids."

When the room calms down Casey offers, "I noticed that you didn't mention that female officer who swatted you across your butt with her sword."

Chuck sits down, he rests his chin in his palm. "You're right John. Why don't you tell us about COMMO?"

Casey's face goes red, and Sarah cracks up. "Yeah John, tell us about COMMO."

Casey stutters and looks at his watch. "Crap, look at the time. It's late and we all have work tomorrow."

Alex looks at Sarah, "Wait a minute. Nobody goes anywhere. until I know how you went from a ship, to getting the President to pay for your wedding. Who's Mama, and what's a COMMO?"

Casey stands ready to leave, "Remember I told you that Sarah solved the mystery, and Chuck fixed the computer error, we were sent to look into. Well, the President wanted to thank them, shake their hands, and offer her the position of Director of Central Intelligence. The First Lady enjoyed the newlyweds so much, that when they explained that they would be having a second wedding, she offered to cover the cost and the President offered to officiate. Mama was the lady who cooked our lunch at an Italian restaurant. The COMMO reference is um, classified, should never have been mentioned. Okay good night. See you in the morning."

Alex blocks the door. Turning to Sarah, "Not on your life General. He offered you Director? What happened, and where did the President come from?"

Sarah shrugs, "I turned it down. We're out of the spy business. The President and First Lady gave us a ride home. End of story."

Chuck wants some of the attention, "Yep, that's when we joined the Mile High Club. By the way, he offered me Assistant Director. But like Sarah said, we're out of the spy business."

Alex stands there her mouth open, "Ride home, Mile High Club, what the hell are you talking about?"

To change the subject, Chuck suggests, "You know what Alex? Why you don't take the day off tomorrow, maybe catch up around here. Morgan can bring the twins to work."

Sarah wraps her arms around Chuck and kisses his chin and ears, "Boss would it be okay if I also took off and came over to help her?"

Chuck laughs, "Of course Real Boss. Right after you make that phone call. Now say good night. If you're a good girl I'll tell you a bedtime story, about the absolutely gorgeous princess who had a nerd wizard, wrapped around her little finger."

Sarah claps and laughs like a little girl, "Yay, that sounds like a fun story. Let's go home to our place."

Casey shakes his head, "Jeez, I died and went to nerd hell."

Sarah pleads with Alex, "Will it wake them if I kiss them goodnight?"

Morgan laughs, "They have my genes. You could set a bomb off and they would sleep through it. Have fun."

Sarah rushes to the boys' room to give them a goodnight kiss. Chuck takes Alex in a hug, "Thank you. Thank you all. Are you okay with her helping out tomorrow?"

Alex laughs, "Okay? Am I okay? I'm over the moon okay. Help cleaning up after my three kids? Oh yeah, I'm okay with it."

Morgan thinks for a minute, "Hey!" Chuck laughs.

When Sarah returns, she asks, "What's so funny?"

Alex answers as she walks them to the door, "Morgan just figured out that he's my oldest kid. Sarah will ten work for you tomorrow? I could actually catch a little extra sleep."

Sarah hugs Alex, "That works great. It'll give me time to do what little I can at the office. See you at ten." They leave, giving Casey time to say good night.

Chuck and Sarah get into their car, Casey has them blocked in. While they wait Chuck pulls out his phone and presses speed dial. "Mrs. Sawyer, if you should get in before me, which you always do, please contact our cleaning service. Have a two-person crew over to the Grimes home, at ten. Have them set up a schedule with Mrs. Grimes for a regular visit every two weeks. Put that bill on my personal account. Also, if you would, contact our insurance firm. Have them add Ms. Walker to all company vehicles, including the jet, and my personal car. She'll provide licenses in the morning. Thanks Mrs. S, see you in the tomorrow. I should be in around nine, if my boss allows it."

Chuck hangs up and puts his phone away. Sarah leans over and kisses his cheek. "That was very nice of you Chuck. But then why am I coming over if there's going to be a cleaning crew?"

Chuck reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a black credit card. "I was hoping you would be keeping Alex company. Also, getting ready for your spa visit and shopping trip."

Sarah takes the card and nervously, flips it over and over in her hand. Casey walks out, waves, gets into his Crown Victoria, and drives off. Chuck backs out and heads for home.

Sarah is pensive when she says, "Honey, you know I have my pension. I have my own money. You made me a rich woman."

Chuck looks straight ahead as he guides the car though traffic, "Mmmm hmmm."

Sarah continues to turn the card in her hand, "Chuck, do you want me to turn all my money over to you?"

Chuck furrows his brow and glances at her, "Why would I want that?"

Sarah puts her hand on his, "So I can't leave you again."

Chuck pulls over to the shoulder and turns on his hazard lights. Angrily he says, "Go on I'm listening."

Sarah is at a loss, "Baby, I…"

Chuck doesn't give her a chance to finish, "Sarah, after you finally left my office this afternoon, I was able to get some work done. I'm not complaining mind you, but I had important things to take care of. I had your name added to all my accounts, including that card you're holding. My lawyers are drafting my new will, leaving everything I own, to you and our future kids. Does it sound like I'm afraid you're going to leave me?"

He pulls the keys out of the ignition and drops them in her lap. "Go, take it all and go. I told you that I would cherish you, not keep you prisoner, Go."

Sarah stares at him, fear in her eyes, "Chuck, please I don't want to go. I want to be with you."

Chuck looks at her, his face softens, "Baby, just because I want to treat my wife and adopted sister-in-law to a special day, does not infer that I want to control you. I haven't asked you about your money. I've been paying you your dividends for two years. I know how much money you have. If you think about it, you'd realize that Morgan, Alex, and Casey, have just as much money as you. What I haven't had a chance to tell you yet. I've been holding back a portion of your share and investing it for you. Exactly like I'm doing for all the partners. Sarah you are way richer than you know. You can leave me anytime you like and live a glamourous lifestyle. I'm not your father, I'm not Graham, I'm not Ryker, I'm not…, I'm not anyone but me. I don't need to control you, or your money. Enough is enough, I'm not afraid you're going to leave. Are you?"

Sarah is trembling as she hands the keys back to Chuck. "Baby, all I want is to live with you. I want to live in our little white house with the red door and raise our kids. I swear that's all I want. I'm sorry, I said that. I told you, I'm not as brave as you, not as trusting." Sarah takes a deep breath, "Will you help me combine our assets, so everything we own belongs to both of us. I'm not going anywhere, ever. I only want to go to our home and fall asleep in your arms, then wake up in your arms. I want to do it again and again, forever."

Chuck pulls out a handkerchief and wipes her face, "Remember to tell Casey thank you. It's his."

Sarah laughs, "I have one too. I'm sorry Baby. I didn't mean to question you. I think maybe I got a little scared." She holds up the card, "This is a lovely gift, I'm sure Alex will appreciate it too. Can we go home now?"

Chuck looks at her intensely and shakes his head. He opens his door and steps out of the vehicle. He walks around the front of the car, Sarah watching him intently. He comes around and opens her door. "Come on Princess, out."

Sarah looks worried as she steps out of the car. Chuck takes her hand and walks her around to the driver's side. He opens the door, "It's time you drove our car."

Sarah smiles, relieved. She takes the keys from his hand, kisses him, and slides in behind the wheel. Sarah adjusts the driver's seat and mirrors while Chuck comes around to get into the passenger seat. Before she starts the car, Sarah turns to him and leans over for a kiss. He holds her face gently as he presses his lips to hers. She sits back and starts the car, "I'll say one thing for you original Bartowski, you do know how to get new Bartowski's attention."

Sarah flips on her turn signal and pulls out into traffic, "Wow Chuck, this car is amazing, I can feel the power waiting to be used, and it handles like a dream."

Chuck stares straight ahead, "Uh huh."

Sarah glances over, "Baby are we okay?"

Chuck turns to look at her. "Sarah, you don't need to change anything. I don't need your assets. All I need is you."

Sarah chews on her lower lip as she drives the car, she's breathing hard, rapidly. Arriving at the CI garage she pulls in and parks in her space. She turns to Chuck, "I know. When I'm in my right mind, I know that, believe that. I get so scared, that you'll wake up one morning and realize that you made a mistake, that you have no use for me."

Taking her hand in his Chuck smiles. "Would it help if you knew that I have no use for you now. That I simply want you. I wasn't particularly useful when I only had half a heart."

Chuck opens his door, getting out he walks around and opens her door. Sarah slides out and immediately wraps her arms around Chuck, resting her head on his chest. She takes a deep breath and sighs. "I love listening to your heart, it calms me. I can almost hear it saying, I love you Sarah, over and over, I love you, Sarah."

Sarah releases him and takes his hand, "Let's get some sleep. I want to have energy for my fun day with Alex tomorrow."

Sarah wakes up, and wiggles her butt against Chuck, "Are you awake Hon?"

Chuck pulls her close to him, "Uh huh, I've been awake for a while."

Sarah purrs and rolls over to take him in her arms. Then snuggling into his neck, "Then why didn't you get up?"

Chuck turns his head and moves a lock of hair off her face so he can see her. "Because I realized that I broke my promise to you yesterday. You rolled over, and I wasn't there."

Sarah moans, "Mmmm, I love my husband. I release you from that promise. As long as I know where you are, so I can find you for my hugs. Baby, you know we're still on our honeymoon?"

Chuck smiles, "Are we? And how long does that honeymoon last?"

Sarah purrs and reaches down under the covers, "Would fifty years be okay?"

Chuck groans, "Seems a little short, but it's a good start."

Sarah smiles as she moves her hand under the cover, "Mmmm, doesn't seem short to me at all." Chuck leans down and kisses her.

Sarah is all smiles when she steps into her new office, looking around she takes in a deep breath, that man really does know me. A few pictures and this place is perfect for me. Sitting down behind her desk Sarah pulls out her cell phone and hits the speed dial.

The phone rings twice and a familiar voice answers angrily, "Walker where the hell have you been? I kept calling your office, but they wouldn't put me through. I thought you were dead."

Sarah decides to keep her friend in the dark until she knows what's going on, "No Carina, not dead, just on assignment. I appreciate the worry, but you know my job. How have you been. Sounds like something's on your mind?"

Carina's voice raises, "Well unlike you I don't have a cushy office job. Actually I don't have a job at all."

Sarah sits up, "What does that mean?"

Carina's voice lowers, "The DEA finally decided I was more liability than asset. It seems that blowing up that drug warehouse and the six dealers inside wasn't what my supervisors had in mind. I tried to explain that I was forced to improvise. They seemed to think I improvised one too many times."

Sarah sounds sympathetic, "Oh! Carina! I tried to tell you to stop being so reckless. You're just lucky you got fired and not shot. So, what have you been doing to stay busy? Are you sitting around? That can only bring trouble."

"Boy is that right. I'm going nuts. I've sent out resumes to all the security companies I can find, including your ex's. Any chance you could put in a good word for me? Are you guys talking now?" Carina sounds desperate.

Sarah takes a deep breath, "Carina, that's a big ask. You do realize you almost got him killed, more than once. Do I need to remind you of our situation?"

Carina whines, "Come on Sarah, help a friend out. Plus, it gives you a reason to call him. Maybe you can work things out. It could be good for both of us."

Sarah chuckles, "That's you Carina, always thinking of others. I'll consider it. What position were you looking for exactly?"

Carina sounds depressed, "Sarah, I'll take anything. I have enough money put away. I could retire now if I wanted, but I have to work. I need the rush. I'm not built to sit on my butt."

Sarah shakes her head, "Carina, I'm not sure what I can do, let me think on it. Where are you located now?"

Carina is quiet for a moment, "Why do you ask?"

Sarah snorts, "Carina, what aren't you telling me?"

The line remains quiet, finally, "Sarah, don't get pissed. I'm in California. I was going to try and see Chuck, but his vicious attack dog, P.A. won't let me get anywhere near him. She blocks my calls and the security around that place is tighter than the White House."

Sarah laughs to herself, all right Mrs. Sawyer. "Carina, you need to stay away from Carmichael Industries. Chuck doesn't like that kind of approach. If you did get near him, he would have you removed and quite possibly jailed for trespass. Sweetie, I need to go, give me a few days. Let me think things through. I'll get back to you. Carina, stay away from Chuck, he only put up with you because of our friendship. That protection may not have survived our difficulties."

Carina's voice is energetic, "Come on Sarah, I'll bet if I can get close to him, not only will he give me a job. But with you out of the picture… well you know."

Sarah shakes her head, and smiles, God I want to put her in her place. "Carina, I know you don't like to listen to advice. I strongly suggest you listen to my warning. Stay away from Chuck. He's not yours to play with. Do you really want to piss me off?"

Carina is contrite, "Fine, fine, I'll wait to hear from you. Thanks for getting back to me. By the way Sarah, I miss partying with you. No matter how it turned out, your bachelorette party was legendary. Be good, talk to you soon." The line goes dead.

Sarah is shaking her head when she gets up to head for Chuck's office thinking, that girl loves to cause trouble. It's like a drug for her.

Chuck is all smiles when he opens his door and steps into the outer office, "Good morning, Mrs. Sawyer. How are you this beautiful morning?" Mrs. Sawyer gets up and looks into Chuck's empty office. Chuck looks at her puzzled, "Mrs. S?"

Mrs. Sawyer moves back over to sit behind her desk, "I'm sorry Sir, but there was this moody, sad guy I used to work for. I was wondering where he went."

Chuck laughs. "Ah, Mrs. S, I didn't realize you were a comedian. I should send you to the Catskills so you can find yourself a nice Jewish doctor. Did you get my messages?"

Mrs. Sawyer looks at him strangely and shrugs her shoulders, "As long as he's tall and handsome." She shrugs, "A doctor would be nice, but I could settle for a superhero. A little grey around the temples is appealing.

Yes, I did, the cleaning crew is arranged, and the insurance people are alerted. I hope you don't mind me doing double duty for a while. When Ms. Walker brought her licenses down, she asked me to arrange a spa day for her and Mrs. Grimes. I'm looking for an assistant for her now, may take a while. I'm guessing you want her to have the best."

Sarah walks in as Chuck answers her. "No problem, and no, she can have second best. You are mine. Just keep her out of my office during working hours."

Sarah walks over and kisses Chuck, "Ignore that that last directive Mrs. S. I will have unlimited access to Mr. Bartowski at all times."

Mrs. Sawyer smiles and winks at Sarah, "I hear you, loud and clear, Boss. Would it be okay if I give Mr. B his messages now?"

Chuck looks back and forth between them, "Wait a minute, what's happening here? Did I miss a meeting? When did you become the boss?"

Sarah hugs him as she takes the messages from Mrs. S, "Don't be silly Baby. You're still the boss, but even the boss has a boss."

Sarah takes Chuck's hand, pulling him into his office. "Mrs. Sawyer, we'll be in my office, if you need us."

Chuck follows reluctantly, "Your office? That's not your office, that's my office. Mrs. Sawyer call security. This is a mutiny. HELP!" as the door closes, he can hear Mrs. Sawyer laughing.

As soon as the door closes, Sarah turns around and hugs Chuck. Standing on her tiptoes she kisses him. "Chuck…," she reaches up to stroke his cheek, "… Thank you for loving me. I'm sorry about last night. It may take me a while to get used to feeling safe. Also thank you for this morning." Chuck smiles and kisses her.

He takes the messages from her, then sits down at his desk. Going through the pink slips of paper, he is not happy. "Great, four messages from Ellie." He reads aloud as he goes through them, "Call me right away, are you okay? Call me, what's going on, I'm worried? Chuck why aren't you returning my calls? Chuck you better not be up to your old games. I think Mom may be coming Saturday." Chuck sighs, "What am I supposed to do? If I call her back, I'll have to lie to her. If I don't, she'll go crazy."

Sarah sits on his lap, "Yet another stop on the Sarah Walker apology tour. I'm sorry Baby what if I call her?"

Chuck hugs her, "I don't know what to do. I think we need a partners meeting on this one…" The intercom buzzes, "Yes Mrs. S."

The voice on the intercom sounds concerned, "Boss, your sister is on line one. She doesn't sound happy."

Sarah presses the button, "Thank you Mrs. Sawyer, I'll take it."

Before he can stop her, Sarah presses the speaker button. "Hi Ellie." Chuck freaks out, moves Sarah off his lap. He stands and starts to pace around the room.

Ellie comes back, "I'm sorry, who's this? I was trying to reach Mr. Bartowski."

Sarah sits down and watches as Chuck paces around the room, "He's here, you're on speaker."

Ellie's voice raises, "WHO IS THIS?"

Sarah takes a deep breath, "Hi Ellie, It's me, Sarah. It's nice to hear your voice."

Ellies screams, "CHUCK, WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING THERE? That's it I'm coming to California. What the hell are you doing? Haven't you hurt him enough, you stupid bitch? Get the hell out of there, I'm calling John." The phone goes silent.

Chuck continues to pace the room, the worry written on his face. He stops and looks at Sarah. She's clearly in distress. He goes over to the desk, and puts his arm around her, "We'll be all right. You'll see, it'll be all right."

It doesn't take long before there's a knock at the door. Chuck doesn't have to ask. He knows who it is. He looks up, "Come on in John."

Casey walks in, Morgan right behind him, "I figured we might need the whole team on this op. I grabbed him right after Ellie called. She seemed a tad upset." Casey walks around the desk and puts his hand on Sarah's shoulder. Morgan walks over and puts his arm around Chuck.

Sarah starts to sob, "How could I do this to you? I love you so much. How could I do this to you?"

Chuck holds her tight, "This way is better. Maybe she'll calm down and we can talk to her. She'll call back, you'll see."

Chuck pushes the intercom, "Yes Boss."

Chuck gets his voice under control, "Mrs. Sawyer would you please call Mrs. Grimes? Let her know that Sarah may be a little late. Tell her about the cleaning crew on its way. And push that spa appointment back by an hour please. Then call our cleaning crew and let them know we have a fan that will need cleaning."

Sarah laughs through the pain, "He's joking Mrs. S, there's no fan. Thank you for helping with the mess I made."

Mrs. Sawyer simply says, "Honey, I have no idea what you did. What is it you think I do here? Mr. B messes up more fans than anyone I know. I'm here if you need me."

Two seconds later the intercom buzzes. Sarah presses the button, "Dr. Woodcomb on line one."

Sarah presses the speaker button, "Hello."

Devon's voice fills the office. "Sarah it's so awesome to hear your voice. Ellie was just telling me how excited she was when you answered the phone."

In the background they could hear Ellie yelling, "I'm going to kill that bitch. You tell her to get the hell away from my brother. We've had enough of her spy shit." Sarah's face shows how upset she is.

Devon is hesitant, "Um, excuse me a moment, I have to turn the TV down." His voice is muffled but the words can be made out, "Ellie stop it. Your brother may hear you. Do you really want to make him choose between you and Sarah?" Suddenly the line goes dead.

The light on the phone blinks. Chuck answers before Mrs. Sawyer can, "Hello."

Devon sounds exhausted, "Chuck, how ya doin' Bro? I guess you and Sarah worked things out. Good for you. Will she be joining us for dinner Saturday?"

Ellie grabs the phone, "NO! NO, she is not! I don't want that bitch in my house or anywhere near my daughter! Are you hearing me you coldhearted, lying…"? There is clearly a struggle over the phone. Sarah buries her face in her hands.

Devon yells, "Let me get back to you Bro," the phone goes dead again.

Chuck takes a deep breath, "Morgan would you ask Mrs. Sawyer to arrange for the car and a driver to take Sarah to your house. Thanks for coming in guys. I think Sarah and I need a minute alone."

Chuck lifts Sarah up by her shoulders and pulls her into his lap. She's sobbing uncontrollably. "Oh Baby, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did this to you. I want to make it better. What should I do?"

Chuck soothes her, "Sweetheart, you can be patient. Give her some time to get used to us again. You go and have a nice day with Alex, get pampered and relax. Most importantly, remember how much I love you. You're my wife, you're not going anywhere, except to the spa. Now fix your face, but not too much. I kinda like it the way it is. Beautiful and mine. Now go have fun."

Sarah tries to smile at Chuck's compliment, and whines, "Chuck how can I go have fun? I've destroyed your relationship with Ellie."

Chuck lifts her chin, "You've done no such thing. She just needs a little time. The only thing upsetting me, is that you're hurting so much. Do you remember on the helo, you told me that you trust me?" Sarah, nods. "Then go have fun with Alex. She really needs a break right now. The twins have been running her ragged. Go on, I'm still the boss in this office, go. Make sure you're back here for dinner, okay? I'm taking you out for a romantic night on the town."

Sarah gets up and wipes her face, "I'm so sorry Chuck, I was so selfish."

Chuck gets up and walks her to the door. When he opens it Casey and Morgan are standing there. Mrs. Sawyer sees Sarah's state and gets up. She puts her arm around Sarah's shoulders and starts towards the ladies room. "Come on Honey, let's get you cleaned up. Your car is waiting."

As soon as Sarah is out of sight, the tears start pouring down Chuck's cheeks, "Casey, would you please make sure Sarah gets to the car okay. Morgan, maybe you should give Alex a heads up, so she knows what's coming her way. If you don't mind, give me five minutes then come in."

Chuck sits down behind his desk and reaches under the desktop, a hidden drawer pops open to reveal a small flip phone. He picks up the phone and punches in ten digits, then waits, "I need to talk." He closes the phone and puts it in his pocket, then putting his hands over his eyes he starts to weep.

A/N Well, I did again, I let the story write itself, Sarah was supposed to see Ellie in person, but Ellie was too Ellie and wouldn't let things play out. I hope you can forgive me, and that you're enjoying the twists and turns my brain is taking.

It also seems that Carina is finally paying for her self-centered ways. I wonder how Sarah feels about that whole situation. Hopefully when things calm down, she'll take the time to fill Chuck in.

For those who have been loyal readers, I hope I'm not disappointing you too much. Thanks for reading, and for those who are taking the time to send me a review, thank you so much, you're keeping me writing. I need your energy. I tell you this, so you know how much I appreciate you taking the time to connect with me. For those of you looking for more connection with other Chuck fans, there is a group on FB called Chuck's Book Club and another one called Charahverse. Come join us. Lest I forget, CliffM my editor and story conscience is invaluable towards making sure you have a good reading experience. LR