A/N Anybody interested in Sarah and Ellie getting together. No! Okay we can skip that part. Just kidding. I hope this meets your hopes and expectations.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 28:Chicago:

Taking Care of Family Part I

Saturday afternoon, The Towne Car is parked outside the Woodcomb home.

Chuck sits quietly holding Sarah. Minutes pass, she finally sits up. Her eyes are filled with tears waiting to happen. She shakes her head, "I'm sorry Baby, I can't do it. I can't go in. I don't want to go in."

Chuck smiles, "Sarah, it's okay, I understand. Will you be alright waiting here for a while? If you want, Jeffrey can keep you company. I need to go in and say hi to Ellie, Devon, and Clara. I also have to leave them the tickets for the show tomorrow. I'll try not to be too long. Then we can get a pizza for dinner and head home. Veggie no olives, deep dish, okay? You can fly us home and I'll be your copilot."

Sarah's tears start falling freely, "I'm so sorry Chuck, I love you. I would never want to hurt you this way. I keep remembering how much it hurt. When I came to you, on the ship it was so awful. The anger, the pain in your eyes. I don't think I can stand going through that again. I feel like such a coward. Can you forgive me?"

Chuck pulls her close to him, "Nothing to forgive, Sarah. I get it, Ellie was nasty to you on the phone. I understand she was being protective of me. I still don't like how she spoke to you. I told her so." Chuck lets go of a heavy sigh, "It makes me realize how mean I was to you, on the Ford. You have every right to avoid that kind of abuse."

Sarah looks at Chuck with love, "Only Chuck Bartowski would apologize for protecting himself. Baby, you never said one mean word to me on that ship, not one. All you did was beg me not to hurt you anymore. Everything you said was kind and loving. Yes, the words were full of pain, but you never said a word I didn't deserve."

Sarah reaches over and takes his hand, "This is different Sweetheart, I'm different. I'm not the guarded spy anymore. I'm Mrs. Charles Bartowski, I know what love is, what pain is. How my actions and words can hurt others. What if I say the wrong thing and I cause the two of you to be broken. This may sound weird, but I would rather shoot you than hurt you like that. I know I hurt Ellie, and she's angry because of it, and because I hurt you. I do get that, but… damn I know I'm being selfish. I'm still hurting. Still learning how to be with that. I don't know if I can handle her pain too."

Chuck holds her close, "Baby, you don't have to. You didn't cause all this. This pain has been in our family for years. You just touched sensitive areas that you didn't know were there. You've been working really hard, and you've come a long way, we both have. We lucked out finding each other. Now we don't have to walk this road alone anymore. We can sit here as long as you need us to." Chuck sits back and Sarah puts her head in his lap. He strokes her hair.

Sarah sighs, "I don't know what I could possibly have done to deserve you."

Chuck laughs, "I don't know, but it must have been pretty awful, to be stuck nerd sitting for life."

Sarah nuzzles her face against his thighs, "I'm so thankful that I'm stuck with this nerd for the rest of my life. Baby, go see your family. Take as long as you need. I'll just grab a nap. It's been a long week."

Sarah sits up, "Go on, your wife will be right here waiting for you to come back. I'm going to hold you to that promise to let me fly us home."

Chuck leans over and kisses her softly, long. "I'll be as quick as I can. You relax, everything will work out, you'll see."

Sarah gently strokes his cheek. "I trust you, Chuck. Enjoy your time with your family. I'm sorry to make you cut it short."

Chuck moves to the door, "Oops almost forgot."

He presses a button, the partition lowers, "Yes sir?"

"Jeffrey, I need to go inside for a visit. Please look after Ms. Walker and if you would, pop the trunk."

The sound of the trunk unlatching is heard. Chuck leans back in to kiss Sarah again. "I hate leaving you for even a short while. Thank you for understanding."

Sarah shakes her head, "Chuck you don't need to apologize for my decision. I'm going to miss you too. Take your time. I'll be fine."

Chuck opens the door and steps out carrying the flowers and wine. He walks back to the trunk and retrieves the gifts from Italy. Thinking a moment, he decides to leave the ones Mrs. Sawyer ordered. He walks up the front walk to the house. His shoulders bearing the emotional weight he's carrying. As soon as he steps in front of the door it opens. Eleanor Faye Bartowski Woodcomb smiles when she sees her brother. "Chuck, I saw you pull in a while ago, what took you so long? Where's Sarah?"

Chuck's face shows his sadness, "Can I come in?"

Ellie moves aside, "Of course, why would you ask?"

He hands Ellie the flowers, wine, and packages. Walking right past her, "Here's some stuff we brought back from Italy for you guys."

Ellie looks worried, "Chuck. what's going on? When were you in Italy? Is that when you ran into Sarah again? Don't I even get a hug?"

Chuck gives her a quick hug, "Can we sit?"

Clearly disappointed, "Sure." She puts the stuff down and walks over to the couch. Chuck follows her.

Chuck is staring at the floor, "I went to Italy on business, and yes that's when we ran into each other again. It was unexpected." He looks up, "Where are Clara, and Devon?"

Ellie looks at Chuck, clearly bewildered, "Devon thought it might be good for us to have a little privacy. He took Clara to the park. They'll be back soon. Chuck, why can't you look at me?"

Chuck looks up, "Ellie I can't stay long, Sarah is waiting in the car. I hoped I would be able to give you all a hug," he reaches into his pocket, "And these tickets for the show tomorrow. I know Clara loves Medieval Times."

Ellie is getting anxious, "Why Chuck? Why can't you stay long? I made up the guest room for you guys. Why is Sarah in the car?" Ellie jumps up, "Chuck, what's going on?" Should I go out there and get her?"

Chuck shakes his head, "She doesn't want to see you. She's scared."

Ellie's voice goes up a notch, "Miss Super Spy is afraid of me?"

Chuck gets up and points at Ellie, "See that's why. You were mean and nasty to her on the phone. I love you beyond words, but I will not allow you to beat up my wife."

Ellie stares at Chuck, his face shows that he realizes what he blurted out. Moments pass.

"YOUR WHAT? You married her..." Ellies face falls, "You got married… without me."

"That's right we're married. Sorry, I meant to tell you in a better way. Actually, Sarah was excited about telling you herself. Excited that you were, finally, really sisters. There's more to the story." Chuck starts to pace around the room. "Ellie she won't fight back. She's not the same Sarah you remember. She won't fight back because she's afraid she'll say something that will tear you and me apart."

Ellie falls onto the couch, "You married her? I wasn't there, at my brother's wedding." She jumps up again, "She did this, she … she…"

"Ellie I'm sorry. I knew this would hurt you, but no, it wasn't her. It was me. She was willing to wait, so you could be there. I didn't want to wait. I'd lost two years. Two long years without the love of my life. I wanted her to be my bride and I didn't want to wait. If you want to be angry with someone, be angry with me. But I won't let you be mean to Sarah. She got enough of that from me."

Ellie just stares at Chuck. All of a sudden, her hand comes up as if to slap him. Chuck stares into her eyes, "Go ahead, I deserve it, but don't you even think about touching Sarah."

Ellie's hand falls to her side, tears start to run down her cheeks. "Chuck, how could you? Never mind how much she hurt you, hurt me. You got married without me, without Clara and Devon. Chuck, we took you in. When you got thrown out of school, you had nowhere to go. Devon let you live with us. We were a new couple. Five years Chuck, you moped around. We were there for you. Then all the spy crap. We were kidnapped, threatened, Dad…" She turns away, "How could you?"

"Ellie, Sarah loves you, missed you. However, she also knows where Clara learned about temper tantrums. When she answered the phone, she was so happy to talk to you. You were… less happy. I told you there's more to the story. We were hoping Sarah would be the one to tell you." Chuck moves to the door, "I'm sorry to upset you. Please take Clara to the show. She shouldn't be punished because of us."

"Charles Irving Bartowski, you get away from that door. I'm still your big sister, and if you think I'm going to let you disappoint my daughter. Well, you have another think coming. She's been waiting all week to see Uncle Chuck." She points to the couch, "SIT, you're not going anywhere until we work this out." Chuck immediately walks over and sits.

Ellie takes a deep breath, "Okay, fair point on the tantrum. I was wrong. I said some very hurtful things."

Chuck shakes his head, "You're apologizing to the wrong person. Sarah left because she was afraid. Scared that she couldn't be the woman I deserved. Whatever you might say about her, she thought worse about herself."

Chuck takes a deep breath, "Remember Shaw, the guy who shot Dad and almost killed both me and Sarah." Ellie nods slowly. "He's the one who got the agency director to offer Sarah that position in Italy. He still had a hold on some top government people. Our guess is he was blackmailing them. He did it to hurt us. He played on her fears, and she bought into it. She told me that she wanted to call you every day, to talk to her sister. I guess she wasn't wrong about how you might react.

Ellie, she was alone. We had each other. All the others have welcomed her back with open arms, celebrated our marriage. You're so important to her, and you drove her off, crying. I honestly can't blame her for not wanting to come in. We both know you're all about protecting me. That doesn't make your words hurt less."

Ellie gets up, "I need to go for a walk, don't you dare leave until Clara sees you."

Chuck gets up, "I'll be in the car when you get back."

Opening the back door to the car, Chuck climbs in. He's surprised to see Jeffrey, back there with Sarah, sitting in the jump seat, "Hitting on my wife again Jeffrey?"

Jeffrey shakes his head frantically, "No Sir, Mr. Bartowski, I swear. Ms. Walker asked me to keep her company."

Sarah laughs, "Chuck stop, he doesn't know that you're joking. However, he does know that I'm devoted to you because I told him. I was telling him a little about Gretchen. How did it go inside?"

Chuck sits back feeling frustrated and sighs, "Unfortunately, pretty much as expected. She was surprised that you didn't come in with me. I'm glad you didn't. She was not happy when I told her we're married. Not so much because we're married, but because we did it without her. Devon took Clara to the park so we could talk. I'm forbidden to leave until they come back. She doesn't want me disappointing Clara. How are you doing?"

Sarah shrugs, then moves closer to him, "I'm okay. Jeffrey has been genuinely nice, and quite kind. Hon has it occurred to you that all this stuff upsetting you, is about the women in your life."

Chuck laughs, "I refuse to answer on the grounds that I may incriminate myself and because I really love my wife… and sex, I really like sex."

Jeffrey's face goes red, "Um… I think that's my cue to give you two some privacy." Chuck and Sarah laugh as Jeffrey steps out of the car.

Sarah leans up and kisses Chuck, "Okay Boss, what's next?"

"Well, Ellie said she needed to take a walk, Devon and Clara are due back soon. What I need to know is …what do you want?"

Sarah leans on his shoulder and sighs, "I want my husband to be happy, I want my sister back, I want to play with my niece and spend time with my brother-in-law. Mostly I want to not be the cause of friction between you and your sister. I know what she means to you. Hon, when you get this scared, what do you do?"

Chuck kisses the top of her head, "That's easy, I think of you. I remember that no matter what happens your hugs will make me feel better."

"Baby, how do you always have the right answer?"

Chuck smiles, "Also easy, because I have the right wife." Sarah is about to kiss Chuck when there is a tapping on the window.

Chuck lowers the window, it's Ellie crouching to talk through the window. "Hi Sarah, it's good to see you. Congratulations, you guys do belong together. If I promise to behave, can I convince you to come in? I'm sorry I was so rude on the phone. I want Clara to meet her Auntie Sarah. I'm sure she was too young, the last time you met, to remember you."

Sarah sits quietly and presses herself closer to Chuck. He holds her tight, "Ellie why don't you go in, I'll be in shortly to see Clara."

Ellie nods, "Okay, I hope you'll come in too Sarah. I haven't said it, but I did miss you." She stands up and walks towards the house and goes inside.

Chuck sits quietly holding Sarah. She takes in a deep breath, "Baby, what do you think?"

Chuck smiles, "I think she finally remembered that she loves you."

Sarah smiles sadly, "Do you think I should come in?"

Chuck pulls her close, "Sarah, I love you, I wouldn't tolerate it well if she hurts you. However, if we don't take the risk… if you don't talk with her… these wounds will never heal. I know my sister, what you just saw is real. Her hurt and anger will also be real. Only you can decide if you're prepared to deal with all of that. We can always come back another time. They can come to our house once we get settled."

Sarah looks up at Chuck's face, He's hiding his pain, I can see it. What this man won't sacrifice for me. Maybe it's my turn. "I know I asked before, but She wouldn't get physical, would she?

Chuck shrugs, "I can't promise. For a moment there, I thought she was going to slap me. Like I told you before, if she takes a swing, block it. Do your best not to hurt her. I did warn her that she better not think about touching you."

Sarah takes a deep breath, "Okay let's go, I've kept us away from our family long enough. Make sure you have plenty of healing hugs ready and waiting when needed."

Chuck smiles and pushes Sarah down, on to the seat. He kisses her softly, lovingly. "Mrs. Bartowski… thank you for loving me. This is a super special protective hug. Nothing can harm you while my love protects you… Except maybe, bullets and knives… oh yeah and high-powered explosives. But nothing else." Sarah is laughing. "I suppose a runaway train could give you an owie, but nothing else, hmmm maybe a crossbow bolt could still get through, but nothing else. grizzly bears, they could get through, but that's it, other than those things you are totally protected."

Sarah is laughing non-stop. She kisses his cheek, "Thank you Hon, I feel very safe. But what about nuclear bombs?"

Chuck sits up, "No big deal, I've protected you from those more than once."

Sarah leans against him, "Yes, you have. You're my hero. As long as I have you, I know everything will be fine. Let's go mend our family."

Chuck buzzes the front seat, the partition lowers, "Yes sir?"

Chuck takes a deep breath, "Jeffrey, I hate to do this to you, keep you hanging in limbo. One of two things is going to happen. I'm going to ask you to wait patiently until things shake out. In an hour or so you may be going home on call, or you may be taking us back to the airport. As soon as we know for sure what's happening, you'll know."

Jeffrey turns to look back the best he can, "Please don't worry about me folks, I'll be fine. Is there anything I can do to help out?"

Sarah leans over and touches his shoulder, "Thank you Jeffrey you're truly kind. For now, we just need to be patient and see what happens."

Chuck interjects, "Please pop the trunk, we'll see you soon."

Chuck and Sarah walk to the back of the car, reaching in the trunk Chuck pulls out the stuffed unicorn and hands it to Sarah. He takes the remaining package a small bag and closes the trunk.

Walking up towards the front door hand in hand, Chuck can feel Sarah's trepidation. "Baby, you can change your mind at any time. No pressure."

Sarah shakes her head and squeezes his hand, "I'm just imagining that we're about to walk into a room full of bad guys with automatic weapons." She laughs nervously, "It's a very calming thought." Chuck laughs.

Sarah stands to Chuck's left holding his hand tightly with her right hand, gripping the unicorn with her left. He rings the doorbell. Through the door, they Instantly hear a young voice scream "It's Uncle Chuck, Mommy come quick. Uncle Chuck is here." The door opens and a small figure flies out of the opening leaping into Chuck's arms. Clara hugs him hard and kisses him, "YAY, Uncle Chuck is here, YAY!"

Chuck is forced to let go of Sarah's hand to catch Clara, she stays at his side, nervous.

Chuck hugs his niece, "Hi Clara Doll, I've really missed you." He kisses her and gives her a little harder squeeze.

Ellie is standing in the doorway, quiet, watching. "Uncle Chuck, who's that pretty lady. She looks sad. How can she be sad? She has a unicorn?"

Chuck shifts Clara so that she's resting on his right arm, "That, Clara, is your Auntie Sarah, but that's not her unicorn."

Clara get a shocked look on her face, "It's not? It's such a pretty unicorn. Who's is it?"

Chuck shrugs, "Gee I don't know. Maybe you should ask Auntie Sarah."

Clara leans her head against, Chuck's chest. "Auntie Sarah, are you sad?"

Sarah is anxious, "No sweetheart, not sad, a little frightened maybe. It's been such a long time since I saw you, I'm worried you may not remember me."

Clara pops her head up, "You don't need to be scared, I think maybe I remember you. I think I remember your gold hair. Also, you have a unicorn, she loves you."

Sarah holds the unicorn's face to her ear. She talks to the unicorn, "Are you sure? She's the one?" Sarah makes the unicorn head nod. She extends the toy towards Clara, "She says you're the one she's supposed to live with, but she needs you to give her a name."

Chuck smiles at Sarah's words. Clara puts her hand to her mouth in shock, "She's wants to live with me?" Sarah nods. Clara tentatively takes the toy, "She's beautiful, that's why her name is Beauty. Thank you, Auntie Sarah. Can I give you a hug?"

Sarah nods and puts her arms out, Chuck passes Clara over. She hugs Sarah hard, Beauty snuggled between them. Sarah's face melts as she holds the child close. "I've missed you Clara, I owe you lots of hugs."

Clara kisses Sarah, "I want them all, all the hugs. You hug almost as good as Uncle Chuck, but don't worry we'll teach you."

Throughout the greeting Ellie stands shifting her weight from one foot to the other, anxious. "See Clara, Uncle Chuck brought you that unicorn you wanted."

Clara nods, "Yeah, I love Beauty. But Uncle Chuck, I thought you would bring me a real unicorn. One that I could ride."

Chuck smacks his cheek, "Oh my gosh, you wanted a real one. One that you can ride. Those are awfully hard to come by." Chuck turns his back to the group and reaches into the bag he's holding. When Chuck turns around, he's holding a teapot with unicorns prancing around it in a circle. He hands it to Clara. Then he falls to his knees and paws at the air whinnying. He drops his arms and bows in front Clara. He shakes his head and snorts. "I didn't find a live unicorn, but I know an uncle you can ride who really wants a tea party."

Clara screams with joy, "Yay! A unicorn tea party with Uncle Chuck."

Ellie is laughing, "Clara, there is nothing your uncle won't do to make you happy."

Sarah is laughing, "Would you like to ride Uncle Chuck to the unicorn tea party?"

Clara nods her head enthusiastically. Sarah puts her on Chuck's back. He heads into the house on all fours. Clara screams with joy as she rides, waving Beauty in the air.

The ladies watch as Chuck moves off towards Clara's room. Ellie turns to Sarah who's still smiling. "See, that's what I don't get. How can you hurt a man like that? How do you rip out that sweet loving heart and stomp on it?"

Sarah glares at Ellie, angry, "You couldn't wait. You couldn't let us enjoy this sweet moment. Okay fine you want to talk, let's talk."

Ellie is shocked at Sarah's vehemence, "O… okay, would you like a glass of wine?"

Sarah nods as she walks past Ellie to sit at the dining room table. Ellie goes to the fridge and comes back with a bottle of white wine and two glasses. She pours and sits down opposite Sarah. Sarah takes a sip, "So you think I wanted to hurt Chuck? That it was my intention to cause him unspeakable pain? I'll bet you think I stayed out in the car because I'm afraid of you?" Ellie is shocked into silence by Sarah's tone and words. She stares at Sarah.

Sarah takes another sip of wine, "I'm sorry I hurt you. I stayed in the car because I'm afraid I might hurt you again. If I hurt you, it could cause a problem between you and Chuck. I never, ever want to hurt Chuck." Sarah raises her voice, "I never wanted to hurt the man I love. The only man I have ever or, will ever love. I never wanted to hurt the only sister I had. I still can't believe I walked away from the family I always wanted." Tears start to run down her cheeks.

She wipes away the tears and works to get calm, "That's what I was dealing with. My mind was tearing me apart. I couldn't imagine how someone like me could make a man like him happy. How could I belong with such loving people? I was afraid, terrified, panicked by the wedding. Chuck proved that he didn't need me. He wanted me. How could a sweet loving man like that, want a woman… like me.

Then someone, an evil man from our past found a way to torment us again." Sarah jumps up and starts to pace, "Like a fool I fell into his trap. Me, Sarah Walker, wildcard enforcer. A stone-cold killer. Too frightened to marry the best man who's ever lived."

Ellie stares at Sarah, "How could I know? You could have called me. I would have been there for you."

Sarah sits again, she takes a deep breath, "I know… at least I know that now. Two years ago, I wasn't thinking like a rational person. By the time I came out of the fear fog." She sighs, "I was in Italy, regretting the stupidest decision I'd ever made. Station Chief for the CIA, BAH! Ellie, I had already quit the agency. Here I was running back to a life I didn't even want. All I could think about was how much the two of you must hate me. The only thing I wanted was a life with Chuck. We were talking about having children and starting our own company. I didn't want the spy life anymore. I wanted Chuck. I wanted what you and Devon had." Sarah gets up and starts to pace again, "Speaking of Devon, where is he?"

Ellie leans back, she slowly runs her finger down her wine glass pushing the condensation to drip onto the coaster under the glass. "He was on call. The hospital had an emergency. He dropped Clara off and went to work." Ellie's voice is low, "Sarah… I did miss you. I wanted my sister too. You were the one person I thought about… to talk to. I was in so much pain. I know it's not your fault, but people keep leaving us. Abandoning us. Chuck was miserable. He isolated himself. All he did was work. The only one he would talk to was Clara. I felt so powerless, helpless. I had to watch that. My little brother was drowning in his own tears, and I couldn't help him.

So here I was, wanting to talk to the one person who caused it all. The bitch who tore my brother's heart in two. The sister who abandoned me. You hurt me, and over time that hurt turned into anger. I still don't understand how he could forgive you. I'm trying hard to figure out how I'm going to forgive you. I want to, so much, I really want to. I want my sister back.

Sarah walks over. Sitting down she puts her hand on Ellie's. Ellie jerks, as if to pull her hand away. She stops and allows Sarah to hold her. Sarah smiles, "We could do it the way my friend Zondra did it with Chuck. We could fight it out. She lost, but she let the past go. She loves him now."

Ellie laughs, "We both know you would kick my ass."

Sarah smiles, "I could, but I promised Chuck, I wouldn't hurt you. If it would help, I would take a beating… to get my sister back. To be able to spend time with my niece, with my brother-in-law. I would take a beating, to get my family back. Ellie, I know I screwed up. I screwed up so bad. I deserve every bad thought you have towards me. I guess what I'm not sure about, what I've never been sure about is …do I deserve to have a family that I can love. That loves me?"

Tears are running down Ellie's cheeks, she's sheepish, "No, beating you up wouldn't help. Plus, it's a pain getting blood out of the carpet." Sarah laughs. "I would also wind up with the same dilemma. I'm a doctor, now I have to take care of the person I just beat up. Nah, I guess I could use a hug…" Sarah's eyes brighten, "… but I reserve the right to hate you some more later."

Sarah bounces out of her chair and opens her arms, "Agreed, you can hate me as much as I hate you."

Ellie gets up, "You hate me?"

Sarah laughs as she embraces Ellie, "Not even a little."

Sarah holds Ellie close, "I really am so sorry. You didn't deserve what I did to you. I'll give you the same promise I gave Chuck. I'll never leave you again, never. We do have to go back to Burbank, but I'll still be your little sister. I promise I'll never abandon my family again. When you need me, I'll be there."

Ellie squeezes Sarah then pushes her away, "And I'msorry for the mean things I said to you. That was uncalled for." Ellie's face goes from a smile to a scowl, "So, tell me Sis, how do you explain getting married without me there."

Sarah laughs, "Well, that was quick."

Ellie is smiling, "Yeah well, I'm your big sister. That comes with certain privileges. Like calling you out when you screw up. Now explain yourself."

Chuck comes walking into the room carrying Clara. Ellie looks at him, "You too young man, explain yourself. How do you get married without me there, not to mention Clara, Devon, and Mom. Does Mom know?"

Chuck looks at Clara who's clutching Beauty the unicorn, "Do you know what's going on here?" Clara shakes her head. Chuck turns with Clara in his arms and starts to walk back to the bedroom.

Ellie shouts, "Freeze Bartowski, you know perfectly well what's going on here. Clara your Uncle Chuck married your Auntie Sarah and didn't invite us to the wedding."

Clara looks at Chuck aghast, "Is that true Uncle Chuck? Were you naughty?"

Chuck looks at Sarah who's hiding a smile behind her hand. He looks at Ellie, then Clara, "Well yes it's true, but there's a good reason."

Clara still in his arms, "Go ahead, Uncle Chuck, I'm listening. Mommy says there's never a good reason to be naughty."

Ellie is clearly enjoying it. She stands quietly watching Chuck twist in the wind. "Well, you see Clara, I hadn't seen Auntie Sarah in an awfully long time. We were far away, and I wanted her to be your Auntie so badly. I just couldn't wait."

Sarah and Ellie are fighting to hold back the laughter.

Chuck puts Clara down, "Uh uh Uncle Chuck, Mommy says it's important to learn patience. Sometimes, we can't always get what we want right away. She told me I have to be patient to wait for you to come. Isn't that right Mommy, didn't you tell me that?"

Ellie is smiling, "Yes Sweetheart, I did. What do you think we should do about this?"

Clara shrugs, "I don't know maybe we could forgive them, if they promise to never get married without us again."

Sarah walks over and sits on the floor in front of Clara, "Thank you Sweetheart, that's truly kind of you. I will make that promise to you right now. How about you Uncle Chuck. will you make that promise?"

Chuck sits on the floor next to Sarah, "I do Auntie Sarah, I promise to never get married without Clara and her Mommy and Daddy."

Sarah shakes her head, "No, that doesn't seem like enough. I think we need to do something to earn our forgiveness. Sarah looks at him, smiling. Uncle Chuck I have an idea. Will you marry me again, so that Clara and her mommy, and daddy can be there with us?"

Ellie is looking at them, confused, "What are you two up to?"

"Auntie Sarah, I would love to marry you, but I think we should do it someplace special."

Sarah nods her head, "I agree. I mean if Clara is going to get all dressed up in a pretty gown, it should be some place special."

Chuck nods, "That's true. Hey! I know. What about the zoo? We could get married at the zoo."

Sarah shakes her head, "No, I don't think so. The animals are lovely, but they can get a little stinky."

Ellie sits on the floor, "Okay guys what's going on?"

Inwardly Chuck is pleased that Ellie and Sarah seem to have ironed out their differences.

Clara sits in Ellie's lap, "Mommy, shhhh, we're trying to think of a special place."

Chuck shouts excitedly, "I know, the moon. We can get married on the moon."

Clara laughs, "That's silly Uncle Chuck. We can't go the moon, it's too far away."

Sarah looks at Chuck, "She's right you know, it is far. Also, there's no air. If there's no air, how can you hear me say I love you."

Chuck taps his chin thinking, "Well, what about the Magic Forest. If we get married there, we could invite all of Beauty's family and friends.'

Clara looks at him incredulous, "Don't be silly Uncle Chuck. Nobody knows where the Magic Forest is." She shrugs, "How could we get there?"

Chuck nods, "Sadly, she's right, that's too bad, it would be the perfect place."

Ellie decides to play along and says sarcastically, "Well, why don't you just get married at the White House? Then you can have the President marry you."

Chuck and Sarah look at each other and together shout out, "THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!"

Ellie looks back and forth at them, "What are you talking about? I was joking."

Sarah moves over and takes Ellie and Clara in an embrace. "But we're not, we're getting married in the White House, and the President is going to marry us. The day we got married we were already planning our wedding for you guys. As luck would have it, we met the President. When we told him that we were going to get married again for family, he offered to marry us, at the White house."

Ellie screams, "WHAT?" You're joking right, you know the President?" Chuck smiles and nods slowly.

Ellie stares at them, "How the he… I mean… how do you know the President?"

Chuck slides over to join the group hug, "Sarah did a special mission for the government. He wanted to thank her personally. I was with her, so I met him too. My wife, your Auntie, is a hero. What she did, is a special secret. We can't ask her about it, okay?"

Ellie shakes her head, "You guys are pulling my leg, right?"

Clara speaks up, "No they're not Mommy, I'm sitting on your legs."

The adults laugh. Sarah kisses Ellie, "Nope, not pulling your leg. What do you say Sis, ready to try again?"

Ellie looks at Chuck, who's smiling from ear to ear. She turns back to Sarah, "Fine, but you'd better show up this time, or I will hunt you down…" she looks at Clara on her lap, …"and spank you, so hard."

The group is rolling around on the floor hugging each other and laughing when Devon walks in. "Awesome, Group hug." He gets on the floor and joins the hugging. "What's all the excitement about?"

Ellie reaches over and kisses him, "Nothing special Devon, we're just going to a wedding at the White house."

Devon is excited, "Awesome, who's getting married?"

Clara stands up and puts her hands on her hips, "Daddy, Uncle Chuck and Auntie Sarah were naughty, and they have to get married."

Devon is surprised, "I see, they have to get married."

The adults all laugh. Chuck laughs, "No Devon, it's not like that. We were naughty because we got married without the family there, so we have to get married again."

Devon nods his understanding, "I see. So, this thing about the White House, is that why there's a big black car in front of the house?"

Chuck stands up, "Shoot, I forgot about Jeffrey."

He pulls out his phone, putting it on speaker. The phone rings twice. "Luxury limos, we drive so you don't have to. Jeffrey Kozlowski speaking, how can I help you?"

Chuck smiles, "Jeffrey, it's Chuck. I'm so sorry, we got all caught up in the family reunion and I forgot you were waiting."

Jeffrey is pleasant, "No problem, Sir, I'm getting paid to sit on my butt. How can I help you?"

Chuck laughs, "Sounds like an easy way to make a buck. Would you mind grabbing my briefcase from the back of the car and the suitcase from the trunk. Bring them up to the house and I'll introduce you to my family."

"On it Sir. Be there before you can say, Bułka z masłem."

Sarah laughs. "That means roll with butter."

Two minutes later the doorbell rings, Chuck gets up to answer it. Jeffrey steps in and places the bags on the floor. "Jeffrey, welcome to Casa De Woodcomb. This is my family. They heard a rumor that gravity is going to be cancelled, so they're holding the floor down. That's Devon, my brother-in-law. "

Devon waves from the floor, "Hi Jeffrey, it's awesome to meet you."

"The lovely young lady next to my wife, is the best sister in the world, Ellie."

"Hi Jeffrey, we're just celebrating their marriage which it seems you knew about before us."

Sarah leans over and hugs Ellie whispering in her ear, "Yeah, but he's not going to meet the President."

Ellie gives her a dirty look, "Well, I'll forgive you when that happens."

Chuck shakes his head, "Now, let me introduce you to someone super-duper special, "That's Clara, Mystic Guardian of all the unicorns in the Magic Forest, and the world's best niece."

Clara walks over and offers her hand to Jeffrey, "Hi Jeffrey. If you're Uncle Chuck's friend, I like you already. Would you like a hug?"

Jeffrey drops to one knee, he kisses her hand and bows his head, "Your grace it's unseemly for one such as me to embrace a magical wonder such as yourself. It is truly my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Thank you for guarding all the unicorns. The one you hold in your hand is beautiful and lucky indeed to feel your embrace."

Clara looks at Chuck her mouth wide open, "Uncle Chuck, your friend talks like the stories you read me." She extends her arm. "This is Beauty. My Auntie Sarah brought her to live with me. You can pet her."

Jeffrey pets the toy, "I'm honored. She truly is a Beauty."

Chuck looks at Sarah, "Tell me I don't know what I'm doing." He caresses Clara's head,

"Sweetie, why don't you go back to Mommy, I need to talk to Jeffrey." Clara goes back over. "Jeffrey feel free to stand up. You, my friend, are off for the rest of the evening. We have tickets for Medieval Times…"

There's a scream from behind Chuck. "YAY! We get to see the horses, and the knights, YAY!"

Chuck chuckles, "Well, I guess I blew that surprise. Could you pick us up tomorrow at two please?"

Jeffrey nods, "No problem. Sir if you need me before then, feel free to give me a call."

Jeffrey lowers his voice to barely a whisper, "Sir any chance you have a picture of this Gretchen?"

Chuck shakes his head, "I don't, but she is super model gorgeous. However, she is, shall we say troublesome, and somewhat complicated. Sarah is rushing things a little. First let's get you working for the company. You're going to need good medical insurance if you're going to date her."

Jeffrey's eyebrows go up, "Yes Sir understood. No rush. See you tomorrow, Sir. Good evening, folks, take care." Jeffrey leaves.

Chuck looks at everyone on the floor, "Are you coming up, or am I coming down?"

Clara jumps up and runs towards Chuck, leaping into his arms. She hugs him tight, "Who's the best uncle in the whole world?"

Chuck hugs her back, "Hmmmm that's a tough one. Is it Auntie Sarah?"

Clara pulls her head back to look at his face, "She can't be the best Uncle, she's an Auntie."

Chuck nods, "Oh yeah, that's right. I know, Uncle Morgan."

"Uncle Chuck, you're being silly. I love Uncle Morgan," she shakes her head, "But he's not the best uncle. It's you Uncle Chuck, you're the best uncle in the whole world."

Chuck looks at her, "I hope that's not because I give you things."

Clara shakes her head, "Uh uh, it's cause I know you love me, and you give the best hugs."

Ellie looks at Sarah accusingly. Sarah frowns "Can't we just agree that there are three incredibly lucky women in this room and leave it at that."

Ellie shrugs, "Sorry, I guess I'm still hurting and angry. Time will tell if I can trust you again."

Sarah nods, "I get it. I'll do my best to show you that I love you. I want to earn your trust back.

Chuck holds Clara tight, "Funny, that's why you're the best niece too."

Ellie gets up off the floor. "Well, I guess it's time to start dinner."

Chuck walks over, holding Clara in his arms, "Sis, you don't have to go to all that bother. Sarah has been craving a Chicago style deep dish pizza. Our treat."

Ellies eyebrows go up, "Craving?"

Sarah laughs, "No Ellie. Not that kind of craving. That'll come after the wedding. We hope to make you an Auntie Ellie soon, but not yet. You know what? If I'm going to make souffles for breakfast, I'll need to go shopping."

Ellie jumps up, "I don't have to cook dinner or breakfast? What are we waiting for? I'll drive. Clara, do you want to come with us for a girl's trip, or would you rather stay with Daddy and Uncle Chuck?"

Clara scowls, "But Mommy I want to do both. Why can't we all go? I could take Beauty too."

Ellie walks over and takes Clara in her arms and kisses her, "Sweetheart someone needs to stay home in case Grandma Mimi comes."

Clara is unhappy. Sarah stands and walks to her, "Please come Clara, I want to spend some time getting to know my niece. Plus, I owe you lots and lots of hugs."

Clara puts her unicorn to her ear, she nods. "Beauty says she wants to spend time with Auntie Sarah too."

Sarah takes Clara in her arms and hugs her tight, "Yay! Us girls are gonna have so much fun." The ladies head out to do their shopping and pick up dinner.

Devon goes to the fridge and grabs two beers. He hands one to Chuck and they sit on the couch. Chuck takes a swig. "Ellie said you had my back, thanx."

Devon tilts his bottle in a toasting motion, "No problemo Bro. You and Sarah are awesome together. Clara loves her already. El told me that you're both out of the spy biz, good for you. What's this about the White House?"

Chuck laughs, "That whole thing is weird. Sarah finished her last mission. The President wanted to thank her for what she had done. When he heard, we were going to get married again he offered to marry us at the White House as a reward. John Casey will be getting the Medal of Honor the same day for his service in the Marine Corp."

Chuck stands up and paces, "You know Devon, if you guys ever wanted to move back to Burbank, we could use a couple of house doctors at CI."

Devon looks at him questioningly, "Really? What would a pair of doctors do at a spy firm?"

Chuck shakes his head, "Devon, we're not a spy firm. We're a security company. We specialize in cyber security. We have lots of employees that need regular wellness checks. Every now and again one of our people gets injured. Sometimes the martial arts training can get a little rough. There're also the families. We have a childcare center on site.

Your hours would be flexible. You would be home most weekends and evenings. The most important thing is we would all be together again. The cousins could all grow up together. Devon, we're family. We should all be together."

Devon nods, "All good points Bro. Our fellowships are dependent on funding. I guess having a steady, secure job would be smart. I'll bring it up with Ellie."

Chuck is excited to hear the possibility of being close to his family again. "Look, I was told recently that the guy who would be your boss can be an asshole. Let me sweeten the pot. You and Ellie can design your own clinic. You tell me what you need. What it will cost. I'll work on the funding. We have some excellent new contracts coming in."

Devon nods, "Sounds awesome. You up for watching the game? UCLA is playing Stanford. That should bring back memories."

Chuck nods, "Sure. Casey has actually gotten me interested in the game. I'm not a fanatic, but I enjoy the skill level of those athletes."

The men are kicked back watching Stanford get their butts handed to them when the doorbell rings. Chuck gets up, "You watch the game, I'll get it."

A/N To my many readers across the globe. Please say hi. Let me know if you're liking my story. I would love even just a short note. To get a review, from Poland, Africa, the UK, the Philippines, Australia etc. That would be so exciting. I even have readers in Russia. To my readers in Ukraine, I hope you're somewhere safe. Please say hello.

"Bułka z masłem"

Roll with butter

Meaning
This means that a task or situation is simple, easy.