Miles to Go Before I Sleep by Arla
Summary:

A pregnant Amanda is taken hostage during a bank robbery.  Can Lee find her before tragedy strikes? 


Categories: Scarecrow and Mrs. King Characters: Amanda King, Billy Melrose, Dotty West, Francine Desmond, Lee Stetson
Genres: Angst, Romance
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 3 Completed: Yes Word count: 11989 Read: 41137 Published: 12/03/14 Updated: 12/03/14
Story Notes:

Lots of chocolate and my extra Bruce clone go out to my super Beta Cheryl :) . Set after season 4, marriage is no longer a secret

1. Chapter 1 by Arla

2. Chapter 2 by Arla

3. Chapter 3 by Arla

Chapter 1 by Arla

Miles to Go Before I Sleep

 

 

 

 Lee Stetson looked down at the woman he held in his arms and was horrified by the bright crimson stain of her blood on his hands. ~Amanda! No not his Amanda!~ his mind screamed in silent protest. "Somebody call an ambulance!" he bellowed.

 

"They're already on the way, son." Billy's voice sounded quietly beside him. The older man knelt down and his eyes were filled with sorrow and fear.

 

"I can't lose her, Billy." Lee told him softly as he looked up into the man's face. "Not her too."

 

"You won't" Billy reassured him quietly, although the older man wasn't altogether sure of that fact himself. "You won't," he murmured again and looked down into Amanda's still, pale face.

 

 

Lee leaned forward, the action pulling the woman closer to his body, and pressed his lips to the delicate shell of her ear. He breathed in the sweet scent of her hair and he was not at all surprised to find tears in his eyes as he whispered softly into her ear. "Amanda, don't leave me. I need you too much."

 

In the distance Scarecrow suddenly became aware of the piercing wail of sirens. "Hang on, Amanda."

 

As the wail of sirens drew nearer, Lee pulled her even closer to the sheltering protection of his body in the hope, perhaps futilely, that the strength of his arms and sheer determination would stop death from taking her away.

 

 

 

 

Lee paced the length of the small waiting room, worry and sheer nervous energy making him unable to sit still for very long. Amanda had been in surgery for several hours and the waiting was unbearable.

 

"Gentlemen," the doctor's voice sounded quietly from behind him and Lee spun around to face him.

 

"Doctor. How is she?" Lee asked as Francine and Billy came to stand beside him.

 

"I'm sorry, but the damage caused by the bullet was too extensive and the internal bleeding was massive. Mrs. King died on the operating table 20 minutes ago. I'm sorry." the doctor finished compassionately.

 

Lee clamped down on his grief and blocked out Francine and Billy's equally grief stricken responses. "May I see her?" he asked softly.

 

"Of course," the doctor responded. "Just follow me."

 

Lee turned his head to look at Billy. "Go ahead Scarecrow," the older man said through his tears. "We'll wait here."

 

Lee followed the doctor down the hall. "She's in here." he stated and pointed into the small room just off the operating theaters. "Take all the time you need."

 

Lee listened to the doctor's retreating footsteps before stepping through the open door and into the room. His gut clenched as he made his way to the gurney and looked down at Amanda's still face.

 

"Amanda?" he whispered softly and reached out to tenderly brush back her hair. Leaning down he drew her body against his and the grief that he had been holding at bay welled up inside him. Throwing back his head, he released a scream of pure rage and grief. "AMANDA!"

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

A soft coaxing voice and gentle hands brought Lee out of his nightmare. He opened his eyes, focusing on Amanda's delicate features and concern-filled brown eyes. "Lee?" she questioned softly.

 

"Amanda?" he murmured in a tentative whisper.

 

"Yes, it's me. You had another nightmare. Are you okay?" she asked quietly as her hand tenderly caressed his chest.

 

"Yes, I'm fine." Lee threw off the last vestiges of the nightmare.

 

"Are you sure?"  Her fingers idly stroked along his ribs.

 

"I'm sure." Lee finished with a soft smile as he stilled her hand and brought it to his lips.

 

"Do you want to talk about it?"

 

"No," he stated softly. "Not right now." He amended quietly and then rolled onto his side to face her.

 

"Maybe later." Tenderly he brushed back her hair and then drew her close against him.

 

Lee smiled softly when through the soft material of Amanda's nightgown he could feel the restless fluttering movements of their children where her gravid belly pressed against him.

 

"Did you sleep well?" His hand slipped between the close press of their bodies to caress the swell of her abdomen.

 

"As well as can be expected. The twins were restless most of the night. When one slept the other was awake and vice versa," she told him softly. Lee gave her a sympathetic smile and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose.

 

"Then go back to sleep," he murmured softly. "When you wake up I'll have breakfast ready."

 

"Ooooh he cooks too!" Amanda crooned playfully. Lee chuckled and leaned down to kiss her softly. "Sleep," he murmured against her lips. Amanda watched him with a tender smile as he slipped from the bed and moved to the bathroom. She rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but she soon realized that the effort was futile.

 

Getting out of bed, she moved quietly to the bathroom and opened the door. Seeing her husband's silhouette through the frosted glass of the shower door, Amanda grinned. She closed the door, keeping the heat and steam from the shower in the room. Pulling her nightgown over her head she dropped it to the floor, then hooked her fingers into the waistband of the skimpy lace panties she wore and slid them down her slender legs. She padded softly to the tub and quietly slid back the shower door.

 

"Hey there, big guy," she drawled seductively. "Care to show a fat, pregnant, lady a good time?"

 

Lee turned around from beneath the hot spray of water, and when he saw his wife standing naked before him, he smiled and held out his hand to her. She slipped her hand into the warmth of his and he guided her into the tub. Sliding the door closed behind her, Amanda stepped into his embrace as he pulled her under the spray of water with him.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Amanda stood up from where she sat behind her desk in the Q Bureau and moved to the vault to collect some files.  Since her pregnancy had advanced to the point where it was no longer safe for her to be out in the field, she'd been placed on temporary desk duty and her partner, her husband, was now partnered with Francine.

 

She hated not being there to watch his back, but knew that Francine would do her best to keep the father of her children safe.  As though they sensed her thoughts she felt the twins shift restlessly in her belly.

"I'm sure papa's just fine loves," she cooed, brushing a hand down her abdomen as she turned and stepped out of the vault.  The phone rang just as she drew close to the desk.

 

"International Federal Films, Amanda Stetson speaking."

 

"Hey gorgeous, ready for lunch?" Lee's smooth voice caressed her ear.

 

"With you?" She teased playfully.

 

"Of course."

 

"Okay. I have a few errands to run first. I'll meet you at Ned's in about 45 minutes."

 

" 'kay," Lee replied and Amanda could hear the smile in his voice. "I love you."

 

"Love you too." she responded. "See you soon." She ended then hung up the phone and grabbed her purse from the back of her chair.  After locking up she headed downstairs and stopped in front of Mrs Marston to hand in her ID badge.  "Going out for lunch Mrs. Marston.  If anyone asks Lee and I will be at Ned's."

 

"Very well Mrs. Stetson." the older woman smiled.  "How are the twins today?"

 

"Restless." Amanda replied with a soft smile.  "Anxious to get out I think. Phillip and Jamie weren't quite this eager to greet the world."

 

The older woman chuckled.  "T'was the same with both my girls.”

 

 

 

Amanda left IFF and stepped out into the warm DC sun. Crossing to her car she unlocked it and slid behind the wheel. She made a quick stop at the pharmacy before heading to the bank. She found a parking space out front and pulled into it, then got out and headed inside.

 

Amanda was just finishing up with her transaction, several minutes later, when the door burst open to admit four men in masks and carrying weapons. "Everybody down on the floor! This is a hold up!" The man who was obviously in charge barked. "Now!" he yelled again and everyone quickly complied.

 

As she was now an official agent with the Agency, Amanda was licensed to carry a weapon and her hand brushed against the little snub nosed pistol in her purse, welcoming its comforting presence. It would be suicide to use it with four heavily armed thieves but she was comforted by the fact that it was there.

 

"You!" the man in charge barked and swung his weapon towards her. "Hand out of the purse. Now!"

 

Amanda obeyed, slowly slipping her hand out and raising it up to show him that she had nothing in her hands.

 

"Hand it over."  He ordered with a gesture of his hand.

 

Reluctantly Amanda slipped the purse strap from off her shoulder and held it out. Cautiously the thief stepped forward and took it from her outstretched fingers.

 

"Now down on the floor!"

 

"I don't mean to be difficult," Amanda stated coldly. "But in my condition that isn't possible!"

 

The thief looked at her and noticed for the first time her pregnant state. He turned his head to the young man lying face down on the floor just beside where Amanda stood. "You," he said brusquely and pointed to him. "Get the lady a chair!"

 

The young man nodded and slowly got to his feet. He was back a few minutes later with an office chair. "Here you are," he told Amanda quietly as he pushed it behind her and helped her to sit.

 

"Thank you." She gave him a smile and he nodded before sinking to a sitting position near her chair.

 

"Now." The man said as he opened Amanda's purse. "Let's see what was so interesting in here." He began to look through the hand bag.

 

"Well, well what do we have here?" he mumbled as he pulled out the pistol. "Not very smart."

 

He tucked the little gun into his waistband and then rummaged through her purse and Amanda held her breath when he found her ID.

 

"Well, well, well what do we have here... a spook.  Well Mrs. Amanda Stetson you don't look much like a Fed to me," he said and flashed her an evil grin that filled her with dread.

 

"Looks can be deceiving," she muttered.

 

"Apparently so, so let me say this. Make any sort of move on me and my men and I won't hesitate to start shooting."

 

"I'm hardly capable in my current state," she remarked snidely.

 

"Good." He quipped and walked away.

 

 


 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Lee had just parked the car in front of Nedlinger's Bar and Grill when a call came over the radio.

 

"Attention all units in the vicinity of Wisconsin Avenue & K Street. Silent alarm triggered at the Bank of Georgetown. Robbery in progress."

 

Lee frowned. That was the bank that he and Amanda used and every instinct he had was telling him to check this one out. He turned and glanced over at his partner. "I know it's not our jurisdiction but I've got a funny feeling about this Francine."

 

"Want to go and check it out?"

 

"Yah," Lee replied as he started the 'Vette again and headed for the bank.

 

 

 

When they arrived minutes later the SWAT team and several police cars had already arrived.

 

Lee and Francine leaped from the car and rushed over to the officer in charge.

 

"What have we got?" Lee asked and flashed the officer his official government ID.

 

"We don't know much Agent Stetson. A witness says she saw four armed robbers enter the bank about 15 minutes ago. We don't have any idea how many hostages are inside. We've been waiting for the hostage negotiator to arrive before contacting them."

 

Lee nodded and then turned when his partner touched him on the shoulder.

 

"Francine, what is it?"

 

The woman had a worried look on her face when she replied, "Look," and pointed to the Wagoneer parked in front of the bank. "That’s Amanda’s car, isn’t it?"

 

Lee paled "Amanda" he whispered then turned and started towards the bank. Francine quickly intervened, grabbing her partner by the arm to hold him back.

 

"Don't, Lee," she said quietly. "You rush in there and you could make things worse."

 

Lee turned to look at Francine and for the first time in a very long time she saw real fear in the man's eyes. It wasn't fear for himself but it was fear for Amanda. Fear that she could be taken from him and he'd be alone again.

 

"Amanda will be okay," she said reassuringly, although she wasn't altogether sure of the fact herself.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

"We've got company!" the robber on watch at the door hollered back.

 

"Cops?" The man in charge asked as he crossed to the door.

 

"Yah, looks like they've got us surrounded."

 

"All right," he said and turned back to the others. "Have you got it all?"

 

"We got it." One called back to him.

 

"Good," the leader responded and then turned around. "Now, for a little insurance so we can get out of here in one piece, each of you grab a hostage." He crossed over to where Amanda was sitting. "You're mine." He pulled Amanda from the chair.

 

The young man sitting on the floor beside her rose to protest. "No you can't!"

 

The leader didn't even blink as he lashed out and hit the man with the side of his gun and he slid bonelessly to the floor unconscious.

 

"Let's go!" he told Amanda and roughly tugged on her arm.

 

 

All of them met at the main doors and each one had a hostage.

 

"Once we reach the car we let everyone go, except Mrs. Stetson. We keep her for a little extra insurance. Let's go, one at a time," he said and positioned himself at the head of the group. He pulled Amanda in front of him and wrapped an arm around her neck, pulling her back against him.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

"They're coming out!" The officer in charge called out when he saw the bank doors open.

 

"Hold your fire! They've got hostages!" he bellowed and held up his hand and the first masked robber eased out of the door with Amanda pulled tight against him, his gun never wavering from her temple.

 

"Amanda!" Lee called out and started moving towards them.

 

"Back off!" the man said as he pressed the muzzle of his gun tighter against Amanda's head.

 

"Back off or she's dead!" he threatened again.

 

"All right." Lee stopped and held up his hands.

 

"Let's go." The robber tugged on Amanda to get her to follow him.

 

"You hurt her and I swear to God I will hunt you down." Lee spoke to him and his voice was hard and cold. “And don’t doubt that I will find you… anywhere you go.  And when I do find you, you will pay and you will pray for death before the end!”

 

 

Amanda felt the robber tense at Lee's words then start to back away without a response. He moved towards the alley, always keeping Amanda between him and the police. Once they reached the alley they moved quickly to the car. When they reached the car, he opened the door to the front seat.

 

"In!" he ordered and Amanda obeyed quickly sliding into the front passenger seat.

 

The other robbers were seconds behind them and when they reached the car, each of them released their hostages and jumped into the back seat. Before anyone could react the car was speeding away.

 

 

Lee waited anxiously as he watched the hostages emerge, one-by-one, from the alley. His gut clenched when he saw that Amanda wasn't among them. Crossing quickly over to the group of hostages he questioned one of them.

 

"Where's Amanda?  Mrs. Stetson?"

 

"You mean the pregnant woman?" A woman asked her voice still shaky from her ordeal.

 

"Yes."

 

"I'm sorry, but I think they took her with them. I heard the leader say that they wanted to keep her as extra insurance."

 

"Thank you," Lee murmured. He didn't even pause as he turned around and headed back to his car.

 

Francine called after her partner as he started the engine and sped away.

 

 

 

~*~~*~
End Notes:
Disclaimer: Scarecrow and Mrs. King and all its characters belong to Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon, Inc.  This story is a work of amateur fan fiction and no infringement on any copyright holders is meant.
Chapter 2 by Arla
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer and info from chapter 1 still apply.. enjoy :)

Amanda sat quietly, fearfully between two of the robbers in the front seat as they made their escape. Several minutes later they abandoned their car, switching it for another one and were driving away to an area of the city that Amanda recognized as housing mostly warehouses.

 

Minutes later they pulled up in front of a warehouse and she was unceremoniously dragged from the vehicle and pulled inside.

 

They were greeted by a young dark haired woman. "What's going on? Who's she?"

 

“A Fed, she’s our insurance policy.” The leader quipped brusquely as he shoved Amanda towards her.

 

"But she's pregnant!" the young woman protested.

 

"Very observant of you m'dear and because of that the cops and the Feds will think twice before busting in here, now won't they?"

 

"Kidnapping a Federal agent, that’s insane!  I didn't agree to anything like this! “

 

Before the woman could react the man reached out to cruelly grasp her chin in a bruising tight grip. "You agree to whatever I tell you, don't you Valerie?"

 

"Yes....yes.." she nodded, wincing with the pain his grip caused her.

 

"Good, now take Mrs. Stetson to the room at the back and make sure she stays there. "

 

"Okay." Valerie nodded and then turned to Amanda. She took her gently by the arm and Amanda went unresistingly with her.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Valerie opened the door and turned on the light. "It's not the Ritz, but you should be comfortable," she said indicating the room that contained a blanket covered cot, a battered arm chair and a small desk with a chair. "There's a bathroom through that door there." Valerie further explained and pointed to the closed door next to the cot.

 

"Can I get you something to eat?"

 

"Yes, please... Valerie..." Amanda began and took a step towards the woman.

 

She held up her hand. "Please don't even ask. I won't double cross him. He'd kill me quicker than you could blink!"

 

"I'm not asking you to get me out of here or to tell anyone where I am, I just..." Amanda's voice trailed off for a moment and then continued and Valerie could hear the emotion there.

 

"I just need you to call my husband and let him know that I'm alright. Please? Lee Stetson at International Federal Films."

 

"I'll think about it and I won't promise that I will do it." Valerie finished as she backed out the door and locked it behind her.

 

Amanda sighed and crossed over to the cot. She eased herself down on the edge and slipped off her shoes. She lay back, settling her head on the pillow and curled up onto her side.

 

"Oh Lee," she whispered. "Please find me." A single tear rolled down her cheek to be followed soon after by several more.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Francine hung up the phone with a heavy sigh.

 

"What have you got?" Billy asked her anxiously. 

 

"My source inside the police department didn't have much more to add than we already know."

 

"Any sign of Scarecrow yet?

 

"No, I'm worried about him Billy. If anything happens to Amanda or the twins...." her voice trailed off.

 

"I know, that's why I want our people on this too.  Everyone we can spare."

 

"You got it." Francine replied and reached to pick up the phone again.

 

Several seconds later the door swung open and Lee strode in. From his mannerisms and stance Billy knew that he had no success and was extremely upset.

"Scarecrow?"

 

"I lost them Billy." Lee stated quietly his anger carefully controlled.

 

"I'm sorry." the older man responded. "You just have to believe that Amanda will be alright."

 

"I know Billy because if I let myself think anything else I'll go crazy." Lee replied. "What did the rest of the hostages have to say?"

 

"Not much. The thieves wore masks and didn't use any names. Some of them said that they could probably recognize the leader's voice if they heard it again. The one hostage that was hit on the head was treated for a mild concussion and the hospital says he's gonna be okay in a couple of days."

 

"Good." Lee replied, as though he hadn't really been paying attention to what Billy had been saying.

 

Both Billy and Francine cast the other man a worried look. Lee was staring down at his hands and he was absently twisting his wedding band around his finger.

 

"She'll be okay, Scarecrow," Billy said again.  "Amanda's smart and she's careful and she'll be alright."

 

"She'd better be okay, both her and the twins, because if they're not those men will know the true meaning of hell."

 

Upon seeing the feral look in the younger man's eyes Billy realized for the first time that Lee would kill to protect his family.

 

Lee released a huge sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.  "Listen I've got to let Dotty know what's going on."

 

Several months back Billy had authorized Lee and Amanda to tell her mother the true nature of their work and the woman had done an admirable job of keeping all their secrets.

"Right." Billy nodded.  "We've got everyone we can spare on this Scarecrow, we'll get her back."

 

Lee merely nodded and headed back to the elevator and the Q Bureau.

 

I'm really worried about him, Billy," Francine said quietly.

 

"I am too. So then let’s lessen that worry and find Amanda. ASAP."

"Right.”

 

 

The elevator door opened and Lee stepped out into the Georgetown Foyer.

 

"Any word about Mrs. Stetson?" Mrs. Marston asked with deep concern.

 

"Nothing yet."

 

"If I know anything about Amanda Stetson, she's resourceful. If there's any way, she'll get a message to us."

 

Lee agreed with a nod.  "If anyone or anything shows...."

 

"I'll let you know right away."

 

"Good." Lee replied and continued up the stairs to the office he shared with his wife.  He unlocked the door and stepped into the empty room, feeling that emptiness into the depths of his soul.

 

Crossing to his desk under the windows, he sat down and picked up the phone quickly dialing their home number.  His mother-in-law picked up after the second ring.

"Dotty, it's Lee... something's happened..."

 

                                         ~*~~*~

 

 

 

Amanda roused from her nap when she heard the sound of a key in the lock. The door opened and Valerie stepped through carrying a tray of food and something else tucked under her arm. She set the tray down on the table and then turned to Amanda and held out the other items which Amanda now recognized as being clothes.

 

"I thought that these would be more comfortable than your skirt and blouse."

 

"Thank you," Amanda said and took the clothes from Valerie. There was a pair of large sweats, an oversized T-shirt and a pair of warm socks.

 

 

"You're welcome." Valerie nodded. "I hope you enjoy the food. I'm afraid it's not much."

 

"It looks fine, thank you." Amanda replied as she spied the tall glass of milk, a bowl of vegetable soup and a sandwich.

 

Valerie nodded and quietly stepped from the room. Locking the door she moved away and tossed a disapproving glare at the men sitting around the table counting and dividing their ill gotten gains.

 

 

 

 

Valerie crossed over to the sofa and sat down wearily. Picking up the remote she turned on the TV and flipped until she found a station showing the news.

 

"Hello I'm Alison Kramer with this breaking news bulletin. There was a bank robbery earlier today at the Bank of Georgetown, the four men got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and sources close to the investigation tell us that the men took one hostage, a Mrs. Amanda Stetson, of International Federal Films, a Georgetown documentary film company.”

 

A picture flashed on the screen---- a wedding picture and Valerie instantly recognized the woman sharing an adoring look at the tall man who held her close.

 

"Local police are asking the public's help in apprehending the thieves and returning Mrs. Stetson to her family. The suspects were last seen in a late model dark blue sedan with partial plates reading RGB-1. Anyone with information is asked to call the following numbers."

 

As the new bulletin ended Valerie frowned once again. She got up and walked to the small kitchenette. Crossing to the fridge she opened it and looked inside. Closing the door she crossed over to the table. She hesitated a moment, knowing he hated to be interrupted. 

 

 

"What is it Valerie?" he snapped, not looking up from the money he was sorting and counting.

 

"We're out of beer and sodas and don't have anything for supper. I'd like to go to the grocery store."

 

"Okay..." the man stated and handed her some money and the car keys.  "But you come right back and don't do anything stupid."

 

"I won't," Valerie responded and headed outside. She breathed a sigh when the door closed behind her and crossed to the car.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Valerie stepped out of the grocery store with a cart full of grocery bags. She crossed to the car and put the bags in the back seat. As she returned to the front to slide into the driver's seat she stopped and looked over at the payphone in the corner. She stood a moment in indecision before crossing over to the phone. She looked up the number in the phone book then slipped a coin into the slot and dialed. She held her breath as the call connected.

 

"International Federal Films, How may I direct your call?" Mrs. Marston's voice came over the line.

 

"Lee Stetson, please," Valerie said in a hesitant voice.

 

"One moment, please." she replied as she transferred the call.

 

"Stetson," Lee said as he picked up the phone.

 

"Mr. Stetson I'm not going to give you my name and I won't stay on long enough for you to trace me." Valerie began.

 

Lee looked up and over at Billy. The older man had his back to him and so Lee wadded up a piece of paper and threw it at him scoring a direct hit in the middle of the older man’s back. When Billy turned around Lee snapped his fingers, pointed to the phone, then held up his fingers to say the caller was on line 2. When Melrose picked up the receiver Lee continued. "I'm sorry...what can I do for you?"

 

"I’m just calling to let you know that I've seen your wife and she's being well taken care of."

 

"Amanda? Where is she? When did you see her?"

 

"I can't tell you any more without risking my own life. She asked me to call you and tell you that she was alright and I've done that. I have to go now." Valerie finished and immediately hung up the phone.

 

"Wait!" Lee called but was greeted only by an empty line. “Shit!” he cursed and slammed down the receiver.

 

"Well at least you know she's alright." Billy reassured as he hung up his phone.

 

"Yah, but for how long?" Lee mused worriedly.

 

 

Just then Billy's phone rang. "Melrose....um hmm.......you're sure... Okay thanks."

 

"What is it?"

 

"A black and white spotted the getaway car abandoned a couple of blocks from the bank. It's being towed into the garage. And $100 dollars of the stolen money was just used to buy food at a grocery store."

 

"Did they give a description of the buyer?"

 

"The manager said it was a young woman about 22 with dark hair."

 

"How much do you want to bet she's our caller?" Lee stated.

 

"It's a good bet she is. Probably wanted to get away to a place where she wouldn't be overheard."

 

"Right. Let's go check out that grocery store."

 

 

Billy nodded and followed Lee out of the bullpen. They stepped out of the elevator and Lee paused in front of Mrs. Marston.

 

 "If any more calls come for me, don't take a message have them transferred to the phone in my car."

 

"Right." The woman nodded and watched them step from the office.

 

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

It was late and Amanda found that she couldn't sleep. She released a huge sigh and flung back the light blanket covering her.  She sat up, swinging her legs off the edge of the bed and stood. Pressing her hands to the small of her back she massaged the ache that had settled there and once it had subsided a little, Amanda picked up the pillow and blanket and crossed over to the arm chair. It didn't look very inviting but was the only option available since she could not sleep on the cot.

 

Amanda sank into the chair's cushions and gave a pleased sigh. It was much more comfortable than it looked and hugged her weary body in its soft warmth. Amanda wrapped the blanket around her and tucked a pillow behind her head then closed her eyes. Her husband's face swam before her. "Good night, Lee," she murmured softly and easily drifted off to sleep.

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Francine met Billy outside the door to the Q-Bureau. "Thanks for coming Billy. I know it's late."

 

"It's okay.  Has there been any more word since I went home?"

 

"No, nothing, I called you here because I've been trying to get Lee to go home and sleep but he's not listening to me.  Maybe you'll have more luck."

 

"Leave it to me." Billy responded and when Francine nodded he moved past her and pushed open the door, stepping into the office.

 

"Damn it, Scarecrow" Billy boomed as he crossed the room to stand in front of Lee's desk. "You're not going to do Amanda any good if you wear yourself out! Now I order you to get the hell home and get some sleep.  Don't make me come over there and kick your ass."

 

Lee couldn't suppress the smile that crossed his lips. "All right, Billy." Lee relented. "I'm going." He added as he rose from his desk and walked towards the older man.

 

"Amanda'll be all right, son." Billy stated softly. Lee merely nodded.

 

“The ID guys are working to try and identify the girl from the store’s security tape. But you know these things take time.”

 

“Time Amanda may not have Billy. And since the girl’s prints are not in the system you know it’s going to be next to impossible to find out who she is.”

 

“I know, but try not to lose hope,” Billy said quietly and laid a comforting hand on the younger man’s arm.  “Amanda got a message to us once that means there’s a chance she can again.”

 

“Unless she’s….”

 

“Don’t even go there.” Billy cut him off.  “Now I left word with the night duty officer to call you at home if anything at all comes in. So, get yourself home and try and sleep.”

 

"I'll try." Was all Lee promised as he moved past Billy and headed out of the door.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Lee stepped into the darkened, quiet house and closed the door behind him. Dotty and the boys, he knew would be asleep and so he didn't turn on any lights as he navigated to the stairs. 

 

"Lee?" Dotty's voice came from the landing above.  He looked up to see her standing at the top of the stairs, tying the sash of her robe.

 

"Yeah, it's me," he said as he climbed the stairs to meet her.

 

"Any news?" his mother-in-law asked hopefully.

 

"Nothing since the call I told you about," he said, frustration in his voice. "Billy kicked me out." he added with a light chuckle.

 

"And so he should, it's almost two in the morning. You won't do Amanda or the babies any good if you run yourself ragged," she said as she reached out to brush his arm.  "Try and sleep. Things always look better in the fresh light of a new morning."

 

Lee gave her a soft, tender smile.  "Now I know where Amanda gets her optimism from."

 

Dotty chuckled.  "We're all worried about her, but you trained her well and she's smart and she's resourceful.  She'll be all right."

 

"Thanks, Dotty." Lee smiled and leaned forward to kiss her cheek.

 

"Anytime." the older woman returned his smile then brushed a hand to his cheek.   "My daughter is a very lucky woman to have found someone like you to love her."

 

"No, I'm the lucky one.... it was more than luck that brought her to me that day at the train station, it was fate." he added and then looked up at her and Dotty could see the fear in his eyes.  "Fate wouldn't be so cruel as to take them from me now, my wife, my children... would it?"

 

Dotty took both his hands in hers.  "No, NO!" she stated adamantly.  "They'll be fine. We have to keep believing that."

 

Lee nodded, trying to believe with all his heart that his family would be fine.

 

Dotty leaned forward to kiss him again.  "I love you very much, Son."

 

"I love you too, Mother." He kissed her cheek one last time before turning away and heading into the master bedroom.

 

 

Lee closed the door behind him and turned on the light. He looked around the neat room and shuddered.  How could he ever come back here to this room, the room where they'd laughed, fought, loved and created life, if anything happened to her?  His Amanda, his wife, his lover, his life.  Five years ago, he thought his life was perfect and complete…he had a job that was exciting and challenging and he never lacked female companionship… in fact he knew his romantic exploits were fodder for many a gossip standing around the water cooler.  Then it all changed --- A mission gone wrong and a chance meeting at the train station.  Amanda King had been a part of his life ever since. They'd been thrown together, and for the most part he'd worked with her grudgingly, yet little by little she'd worked her way into his heart and now he couldn't imagine his life without her.  Now they were married and having twins.  The thought scared him to death.

 

Lee Stetson, Federal Agent, could face down terrorists and enemy agents without blinking, but the thought of being a father, of being responsible for two innocent tiny lives, terrified the living hell out of him.

 

Slipping from the bedroom Lee moved down the hall to a room opposite the rooms occupied by Dotty, and Phillip and Jamie.  He turned on the light and looked into the brightly decorated nursery.

 

The room was painted in soft pastels and Lee smiled softly as he recalled the time that he and Amanda had painted the room. They had ended up having a paint war and had got more paint on themselves than on the walls.

 

Two cribs sat end to end against the long wall and the curtains on the two windows sported Baby Mickey and his friends. Two small dressers and a changing table sat against the wall opposite the door and in the far corner of the room, near the cribs, a tall goose-necked lamp sat next to an antique rocking chair.

 

With a worried frown and a heavy sigh, Lee turned out the light and stepped from the room. He closed the door and headed back to the bedroom.  He closed the door again, crossing to the bathroom, stripping off his clothes as he went.

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

 Lee had hoped that a hot shower would help ease the tension from his muscles and perhaps lighten the heaviness of his heart but if it did the former, it certainly did nothing for the latter.  After drying off, Lee strode naked back into the bedroom and pulled back the covers on the bed.  He released a sigh as he slipped between the cool sheets and rolled over. He stared at Amanda’s side of the bed and knew that sleep would be a long time coming.

 

 

Lee awoke screaming Amanda's name, his body drenched in sweat. Another nightmare. He pushed himself up, and after tossing back the covers strode to the bathroom. Turning on the tap he bathed his face with cool water, then instinctively knowing he would be getting no more sleep got ready for the day.

 

After shaving and brushing his teeth, Lee entered the bedroom and took out a fresh change of clothes.

 

It was still early when he made his way downstairs and so he was surprised when Dotty appeared at the foot of the stairs with a travel mug of coffee in her hands.

 

"One for the road." She smiled as she held it out.

 

"Thanks." He took it and gave her cheek a quick kiss.  "I'll call as soon as I have any news."

 

"Okay, be safe, please."

 

"I will."

 

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

The sound of rustling from the alley outside woke Amanda. She yawned and looked at the watch on her wrist. It was 9am, and she was surprised that she had slept so late. She had always been an early riser.

 

The noises outside the window continued and Amanda grew curious as well as hopeful. Perhaps there was someone out there who could help her. She rose from the chair and crossed first to the door. She pressed her ear against the wood and listened for any sound of movement outside. She sighed when all she heard was silence. On instinct, Amanda picked up the pen and an empty envelope that she had found in the desk drawer.

 

With effort, Amanda stood on the bed and looked through the open, but barred window. She smiled when she saw a young girl outside.

 

"Hello," Amanda called and the girl turned towards her. She gave Amanda a curious frown before crossing over and kneeling at the window. "My name is Amanda, what's yours?"

 

"Sarah."

 

"How old are you, Sarah?"

 

"Ten."

 

"Well, Sarah, I really need your help."

 

"I'll try." Sarah answered honestly.

 

"Some very bad men have me locked up in here and my family is very worried about me. Do you think that you could take a message to them?"

 

"I don't know, I guess so."

 

"It's very important."

 

"Okay." Sarah nodded.

 

"Good." Amanda smiled. She took the envelope and wrote an address on it. Then held the envelope out for Sarah to see. "Do you know where this street is?"

 

Sarah read the address and nodded. "Yup."

 

"Okay, there's a place called International Federal Films. I need you to go inside and talk to the lady at the front desk, Mrs. Marston... she looks kind of scary but she's really nice.  Now, I want you to tell her that you have a message from Amanda and you need to speak with Lee. When Lee gets there I need you to tell him where you found me. Can you do that?"

 

"Yeah." Sarah nodded.

 

"Good, and just so they know that you really spoke to me...." Amanda paused and reached for the chain around her neck. She unclasped it and pulled it from the confines of her shirt. As her pregnancy had advanced, Amanda found that her fingers had swollen to the point where she could no longer wear her rings comfortably and so she had slipped them on the chain with her heart shaped diamond pendant. Amanda took the chain and placed it in the envelope and sealed it "Give this to Lee."

 

"Okay." Sarah nodded and took the envelope. Just then Amanda heard a noise behind her.

 

"You'd better go," she told Sarah and the girl nodded. Amanda watched as she got up and ran down the alley before carefully getting down off the cot. She had just enough time to move back to the chair and sit down when the door opened and Valerie stepped inside with her breakfast.

 

 

~*~~*~
Chapter 3 by Arla
Author's Notes:
As usual disclaimer info from chapter one still applies :)

Mrs. Marston looked up when the door opened, her hand surreptitiously slid into the drawer where her service weapon lay.  A young girl stepped inside and looked around shyly.

"Can I help you dear?"

 

"I..." Sarah began. "I'm looking for Ms. Marston."

 

"I'm Mrs. Marston. What can I do for you?"

 

Sarah approached the desk and said, "I've got a message from Amanda."

 

"Mrs. Stetson, really?" she said with a relieved smile. "What's the message?"

 

"She told me I was supposed to tell Lee." Sarah stated.

 

"Alright, I'll get him. Just hold on a moment." She picked up the phone. "Mr. Stetson, Marston at the Georgetown Foyer. I have someone here that has a message from Amanda... Right… okay." She hung up the phone.  "He'll be right here, dear. Why don't you take a seat?"

 

The young girl nodded nervously and moved to the comfy chairs that lined the wall.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Amanda got up from the chair and winced at the continuous ache in her back as she moved slowly to the bathroom to get a drink of water. She picked up the glass from the desk as she passed and filled it in the bathroom sink. She took a grateful sip before turning and moving back to the other room. Amanda was just drinking the last drop when she was seized with a sudden sharp, stabbing pain across her abdomen. She gasped and the glass fell from her hand and shattered on the concrete floor. Amanda clutched her abdomen and gave a small cry when the sudden rush of warm wetness between her thighs told her that she was in labor.

 

"No!" she sobbed. "NO...it's too early!"

 

Upon hearing the sound of shattering glass, Valerie stopped what she was doing and immediately unlocked the door. "Amanda?" Valerie called as she stepped inside. "What is it? What's wrong?" She asked concernedly when she saw the woman standing with an arm wrapped around her middle.

 

"I'm in labor. Valerie you have to call the paramedics, please!" Amanda pleaded. "I'm not due for another two weeks."

 

Valerie paled then moved to Amanda's side and helped her to the cot.

 

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Lee pushed open the door at the top of the stairs and hurried down them.  "Mrs. Marston?"

 

"Mr. Stetson. Sarah here has seen Amanda and has a message for you." She pointed to the young girl sitting in the chair and eyeing him warily.

 

Lee crossed over to her and knelt beside the chair. "Hi, Sarah." Lee smiled. "I'm Lee, Amanda is my wife.  Mrs. Marston tells me you've seen Amanda and have a message from her?"

 

"Yessir." Sarah nodded and then she took out the envelope and passed it to Lee. "She told me to give this to you, so that you would know it was really from her."

 

Lee took the envelope and looked at it. He recognized Amanda's handwriting on the front. Feeling something inside, Lee tore open the end and tipped it. The chain slid out onto his palm. Lee instantly recognized the necklace and Amanda’s wedding set.

 

His hand clenched around the rings.

 

Lee was barely aware when Billy came down the stairs from the Q-Bureau and stood slightly behind him.

 

"What did Amanda tell you?" Lee questioned Sarah softly.

 

"That she was being held by some bad men and her family was very worried."

 

"We have been. Do you know where she is, Sarah?"

 

"Yessir, she's in a room at the back of an old warehouse. I think it musta been in the basement cuz the window I talked to her through was very low."

 

"This is very important, Sarah. Do you think that you could find this warehouse again and take us there?"

 

Sarah thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yessir."

 

"Good." Lee smiled. "Why don't you come with my friend Billy and me and show us exactly where Amanda is."

 

Sarah nodded and hopped down off the chair, following them out the door.

~*~~*~

 

 

Valerie rushed out of the back room and over to the group of men. "We need to get an ambulance. Amanda is in labor!"

 

The leader smiled. "And why would I want to do that?”

 

“Because she could die!” Valerie stated in shocked whisper.  “Because her baby could die?”

 

“You think I care about some spook bitch and her brat?”

“No, you don’t care about anything except that…” Valerie spat, nodding to the table still stacked with cash. “I can’t believe I thought I loved you,” she whispered tightly, turning back to return to the room where Amanda was.  Somehow she would find a way to sneak out and get help.  She just needed time to think.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Lee stopped the agency car on the street outside the warehouse, he watched it closely while Billy called for backup and an ambulance, just in case. The waiting seemed interminable, but it was only minutes later when their backup arrived, followed soon after by the silent ambulance.

 

"Stay here." Lee told Sarah as he and Billy got out of the car and moved to coordinate with their backup.

 

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Valerie sat at Amanda's side, wiping her perspiring brow with a cool cloth. "Just hold on Amanda," she told her quietly. "Just as soon as I can sneak away I'll go and call the paramedics."

 

Suddenly there was a loud crash from the other room and then, "Federal Agents! FREEZE!!!" This was followed by the sound of shouts and gunfire.

 

"Help's here, Amanda." Valerie told her as she gently mopped her brow. "Just hang on."

 

 

The gunfire and sounds of fighting continued. ‘Hurry, Lee,’ was the mantra that ran through Amanda's mind as she tried to control her breathing as her contractions worsened.

 

It seemed like an eternity later when Amanda heard her husband’s frantic call.

 

 "AMANDA! 'manda, where are you?!"

 

"Lee!" she called out.

 

 

Valerie rose from her side and moved to the door. She opened it and stepped outside.

 

"Mr. Stetson, she's in here," Valerie called and watched as the tall man ran towards her. Valerie stepped aside and Lee moved past her, barely acknowledging her presence. He stopped in the doorway and his gut clenched in fear. "Amanda," he called as he rushed and knelt by her side. His hand settled on her sweat-damp forehead and she looked up at him with fear-filled brown eyes. "Lee," she gasped. "It's too early."

 

Amanda's fear was mirrored in his own eyes as he leaned down to press his lips to her forehead and he murmured softly, "It will be okay, Amanda. Everything will be okay."

 

Lee lifted his head and looked up at Valerie. "Get the paramedics in here." He told her and she nodded, disappearing from the room.

 

Lee moved onto the bed then slid behind her and pulled her back against his chest.

 

"Are you all right, Amanda?" he asked softly, lips brushing her hair.

 

"Besides being in labor, I'm fine. I knew that you would find me." She took his hand and brought it to her lips, brushing a kiss across the back.

 

"Of course, I'll always find you."

 

Amanda smiled and then gasped and tightened her grip on Lee's hand as a contraction washed over her.

 

"Easy, Amanda," Lee soothed. "Breathe through it." He coached softly.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Just as the contraction finished the two paramedics rushed inside. One hurried immediately to Amanda and quickly assessed her condition, while his partner set up the radio and passed over the headset. "Hi, my name is Jake, and my partner is Vanessa. How are you doing?"

 

"Okay, considering the circumstances." Amanda replied.

 

Jake smiled. “Can I get your name and age please?”

 

“Amanda Stetson, Thirty-six.”

 

“Okay, is this your first pregnancy?”

 

"No, I have two teenage sons," Amanda told him speaking between breaths. "This time, I'm carrying twins."

 

Jake nodded. "Do you have any drug allergies?"

 

"No, none."

 

"Unit 6-0, to dispatch." Jake spoke into his headset.

 

"Go ahead 6-0."

 

"We have a female patient, 36 years of age, Gravida III and be advised patient is pregnant with twins. She is fully effaced, membranes have ruptured and there are signs of crowning. No known allergies."

 

"Roger 6-0; keep us advised of condition."

 

"Ten- four."

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

"Okay, the shoulders are almost clear, Amanda," Jake said encouragingly. "I need you to give me another big push, okay."

 

Amanda nodded, gripped Lee's hands tighter and bore down. She gritted her teeth against the pain then released a gasping sigh, as she felt the infant slip from her body.

 

"I've got her." Jake smiled and seconds later the infant's strong, healthy cry filled the tiny room.

 

"A girl." Amanda said with a tearful laugh, then tilted her head back and met Lee's tear-filled eyes. Although he did not speak out loud, his eyes spoke volumes as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips.

 

"Can I hold her?" Amanda asked Jake.

 

"In just a moment, Mrs. Stetson. My partner has to check her out first to be sure she’s okay.” he said and passed the towel wrapped baby to his partner.

 

 

 

 

Amanda watched Vanessa, trying to see what she was doing with her little girl. "Is she all right?" Vanessa looked over her shoulder at her and gave Amanda a reassuring smile.

 

"She's just fine, Mrs. Stetson."

 

Amanda nodded and then gasped as the contractions resumed. "Oh, I can't do this again," she moaned.

 

"Yes, you can," Lee said encouragingly.

 

"Easy for you to say, Buster." Amanda complained. "You're not the one having the baby. Next time it's your turn, okay."

 

"Deal." Lee chuckled and pressed a kiss to her temple.

 

 

Minutes later the second baby was born and Amanda collapsed back against Lee.

 

"This one's a boy." Jake said as a lusty cry sounded in the room.

 

While the second baby was being checked over, Jake lay her daughter into Amanda’s arms.

 

"Hello, sweetheart, I’m your mama." Amanda crooned and pressed a kiss to the silky cap of dark hair. She turned her head to look at Lee and her teary brown eyes met his. His own eyes were tear-filled as he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. "I love you," he murmured, so softly that Amanda almost didn't hear him. She smiled and pressed a hand to his cheek.

 

"I love you too," she whispered and saw the smile that lit his face before he turned his eyes to the infant she held in her arms. Lee reached out a tentative hand and gently brushed it across the top of her head.

 

"Hey there, little girl. I’m your daddy," he said softly.

 

"Sir?" Vanessa called quietly and Lee looked up. "Would you like to hold your son?"

 

Lee got to his feet as Vanessa drew close. Seeing that he was unsure she added. "It's all right, you won't hurt him. He's not as fragile as he looks."

 

Lee awkwardly took the baby and held him close, looking down into the scrunched up little face. "Hello my son," he said softly.

 

Amanda watched with a soft, tender smile, seeing the wonder and awe that chased across her husband's face as he took their son's tiny hand in his.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

 

Jake and Vanessa transferred Amanda to a gurney, raising the head so that she was in a half sitting position. The wheeled her out and Lee followed behind them.  

 

As they got outside, Amanda could see a handcuffed Valerie being helped into the back of one of the agency cars. 

“Lee?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?” he answered as he stepped forward.

“What’s going to happen to Valerie?”

“Things don’t look good, honey.  She’ll be charged at least as an accessory to your kidnapping and because you’re an agent that’s a Federal crime.  The penalties will be severe.”

 

“She didn’t even know about it until they got me here and she tried to help me Lee. Valerie didn’t have to and I’m sure she did so at the risk of her own life.  If any of the others had found out she’d called you…”


“What do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know, make sure she has a good lawyer… speak to the D.A. on her behalf, anything. She deserves leniency Lee, please?”

“I’ll do what I can for her. I promise.”

“Thank you.”

 

 

 

Billy was waiting near the ambulance and he grinned broadly when he saw them.

 

Amanda asked the paramedics to stop for a moment and Billy approached. "Congratulations, Amanda." He grinned and leaned over to place a kiss on her cheek.

 

"Thank you, Sir."

 

"How are we doing?"

 

"We're just fine."

 

"Well, don't keep me in suspense any longer," Billy said with a teasing glint in his onyx eyes. "You have to tell me. Am I a grandma or a grandpa?" 

Amanda chuckled. "Both. A boy and a girl, Sir."

 

"Well when you two do something you don’t do it halfway do you?" Melrose grinned then leaned down to give her another kiss before stepping away and moving to Lee.

 

"Nice job, Scarecrow." He slapped Lee on the back.

 

"Thanks," Lee mumbled, blushing slightly with his superior's enthusiasm. Lee fished his keys out of his pocket. "Can you take the car and see that Sarah gets home okay."

 

"Sure thing. I'll meet you at the hospital. And I'll call Dotty and the boys for you."

 

"Thanks, Billy."

 

Lee nodded and followed the paramedics to the ambulance. Billy watched them go with a smile then headed for the car where Sarah was waiting anxiously.

 

"Mr. Billy, is Amanda okay?"

 

"She's just fine, Sarah." Melrose responded as he slid behind the wheel. "They're just taking her to the hospital to check her and make sure that she's all right. Mr. Lee is going with her." Sarah nodded. "Now why don't you tell me where you live and I'll take you home."

 

"Okay." Sarah replied and told him as they drove off. As they drove, Billy picked up the car phone and had dispatch put a call through to Amanda and Lee's home.

 

"Mrs. West, Billy Melrose here. .. yes.. yes... they're all okay, Lee's taking them to the hospital right now.  All right, see you there."

 

 

 

 

Amanda and Lee waited anxiously in the hospital room while a pediatrician checked out the twins. Several minutes later a doctor stepped through the door.

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Stetson? I'm Doctor Marian Callahan, I'm the pediatrician who examined your twins."

 

"How are they?" Amanda asked worriedly.

 

"Oh they're both just fine. Although I have to say that little girl of yours has quite a temper." She chuckled. "We're going to keep them here over night, mostly so that you can get some rest. You can take them home tomorrow."

 

"Thank you, Doctor."  Amanda said as she leaned back against the pillows. Lee lifted the hand he was holding and brushed his lips across her fingers.

"The nurses are just cleaning them up and will bring the twins back to you shortly. I don't know if you have chosen a pediatrician for them yet, but the twins need to be seen again in a week just to be sure they're eating properly and gaining weight."

 

"We haven't chosen a doctor for them yet." Lee stated.

 

"Well, I'd be more than happy to take the twins on if you would like?"

 

Lee and Amanda shared a look and Lee nodded. Amanda gave him a smile, squeezing his hand and then turned back to face the doctor. "We'd like that."

 

"Good. I'll have my nurse call and set up an appointment."

 

"Thank you." Amanda nodded.

 

"You're welcome and congratulations. You have two beautiful and perfect babies." Callahan smiled and then. "Uh oh, somebody's hungry." She chuckled as the distinct wails of a hungry baby could be heard coming down the hall.

 

 

A minute or so later two nurses appeared in the doorway. Each of them pushed a bassinette. In one, their daughter was screaming lustily. The nurses pushed the bassinettes near Amanda's bed and one smiled as she reached in and picked up the squalling infant. After checking the baby's I.D. band against Amanda's she handed her over.

 

"Hush my baby." Amanda soothed as she pulled her close. "Mama's here."

 

"I'm Tiffany," the nurse said. "I'm your babies' nurse. Now I haven't been told whether you had decided to breast or bottle feed them and so I brought some formula," she added with a smile as she held up the tiny bottle.

 

"I'd like to try and breast feed them," Amanda said shyly.

 

"All right. You may find that with the twins you'll have to supplement some feedings with formula, especially if they're both hungry at once. I'll leave this bottle in case the little guy decides he's hungry." She handed the bottle to Lee.

 

"Thank you."

 

"I'll be back in a little bit to see how you are doing." Tiffany smiled then strode from the room and closed the door.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

Sometime later Amanda looked down at the baby sleeping peacefully in her arms. Her eyes then lifted to look at Lee where he sat in the chair next to her holding their daughter. He was looking down at her with a soft, tender smile as she slept safely in his arms, his thumb tenderly stroking her tiny fist. "Such a tiny, fragile soul." She heard him murmur.

 

A small commotion at the door had both Amanda and Lee looking up to see a large white, beribboned teddy bear, balloons around its neck pop through the door followed by Dotty and then a second equally large and beribboned one but chocolate brown in color.

 

Dotty stopped and set the bears down and then turned to face Amanda and Lee.

 

"Amanda, honey you're looking radiant."

 

"Oh hush, Mother. I look terrible."

 

"Do not." She argued with a grin as she crossed to her daughter's side and gave her a kiss. "Glad to see you are home safe and sound sweetheart," she whispered in her ear.

 

"Thanks mother."

 

Dotty, looked down at the baby she held and then at the one in Lee's arms.

 

"Well would you look at those two little angels.”

 

 

Very soon the hospital room was filled with presents, flowers and well-wishers as Francine, Leatherneck, T.P, Billy and Jeannie, Phillip and Jamie, and Mrs. Marston arrived to greet the new arrivals.

 

"Have you decided on names yet?" Jeannie asked.

 

"As a matter of fact we have." Lee commented and met Amanda’s eyes. She gave him a nod and he squeezed her hand before turning back to the others. "Jennifer Emily for her." He looked down at his still sleeping daughter.

 

"And Matthew David, for our son." Amanda added.

 

"After your parents?" Billy stated and Lee nodded.

 

"I think they are perfect names." Dotty gushed, holding her newest grandson.

 

 

Several minutes later a nurse came into the room carrying Amanda's dinner tray. She shooed everyone but Lee from the room and waited until everyone had said their goodbyes and were gone before setting the tray on the bed table.

 

"Now, who do we have here?" She looked down at the baby

 

"Matthew." Amanda responded.

 

"Well hello there Matthew," she said as she reached out to take him from Amanda. "You come with me while your mama has some supper. There, that's a good boy." she crooned as she carried him to the bassinette and very gently lay him down.

 

"Now," she said as she turned back to Amanda. "I expect see everything on that tray gone when I get back."

 

"I promise."

 

"Good, I'm Sally. I'll be your nurse tonight. If you need anything just use the call button."

 

"Thanks, Sally."  Amanda picked up her fork and began eating.

 

 

 

 

Once Sally had gone, Lee got up and settled Jennifer in the bassinette before moving back to Amanda. "I'm going to grab some dinner too," he told her softly and brushed a kiss across her lips. "Be right back," he added and then gave her a smile and a wink before striding to the door.

 

Amanda watched him go with a smile then gave a happy sigh and turned back to her dinner.

 

 

~*~~*~

 

 

 

Lee moved through the house turning out the lights, his bare feet silent on the hard wood floors. It had been a busy day, starting with a quick trip to the Agency before picking up Amanda and the twins from the hospital.  After that they had come home to find that Dotty had thrown a huge surprise party. Now at the end of the day they were both exhausted. Lee moved to the stairs and quietly climbed, seeing the soft light filtering out of the nursery as he neared the top. He smiled when he heard Amanda's soft soprano drifting from the room.

 

"Hush my lil baby don't say a word

mama's gonna buy you a mockin' bird

and if that mockin' bird don't sing

mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring."

 

Lee smiled and moved quietly, standing in the doorway. His smile grew soft and tender as he looked in on his family. Matthew having already been fed was sound asleep in his crib. Amanda sat in the rocking chair, the lamp above her bathed her in its soft glow. Her eyes were downcast as she watched Jenny nurse greedily, her expression one of tender amusement.

 

"And if that diamond ring turns brass

mama's gonna buy you a lillookin glass

and if that lookin glass gets broke

mama's gonna buy you a billy goat.

and if that billy goat won't pull

mama's gonna buy you, she'll buy you a cart and a bull.

Hush lil baby, hush lil baby, hush lil baby don't you cry

 

And if that cart and bull turns over

then mama's gonna buy you, she'll buy you

a doggy named Rover

and if that doggy named Rover don't bark

mama's gonna buy you a horse, a horse and a cart

And if that horse and that cart fall down

you'll still be the sweetest lil baby in town

 

Hush lil baby, hush lil baby, hush lil baby don't you cry."

 

Amanda's voice trailed off softly, her hand raising to tenderly brush Jennifer's silky soft hair. "Mama's sweet, precious girl." she crooned in a soft whisper.

 

 

Almost as if she sensed his presence, Amanda looked up to see Lee leaning against the doorframe. "Hiya handsome."

 

"Hey there beautiful." He stepped into the room. He knelt beside the rocking chair and reached out, stroking a finger across the back of the tiny fist that lay against the curve of her breast. Instinctively the fist opened and closed around his finger, gripping tightly. Lee smiled and lifted his head meeting Amanda's warm gaze.

 

"Is she done?" he asked softly with a slightly amused grin.

 

"Yes, quite." Amanda murmured

 

"I'll put her to bed." Lee offered and she nodded.

 

Taking Jennifer from her breast, Amanda passed her to Lee and watched him with an affectionate smile as he pulled the baby tight to his shoulder. He pressed his lips to the top of her head and Amanda was unable to hear his soft murmur as he whispered something to her before settling her gently in her crib. He watched her sleep for a moment longer then turned to the second crib and looked down on Matthew.

 

Amanda quietly got up from the rocking chair, fastening the buttons on her nightgown as she moved to stand behind Lee. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed a kiss to his bare shoulder before pressing herself close. Amanda felt him smile as his hands moved to grasp hers where they rested at his waist.

 

"I can't believe they're really here," he whispered softly.

 

"Well believe it, Scarecrow.” Amanda murmured in his ear. "They're here; perfect, beautiful and ours."

 

Lee turned in her embrace and he cupped her face gently between his hands. His voice was a soft, husky whisper when he spoke. "Have I told you how very much I love you, Mrs. Stetson?"

 

"Not in so many words," she told him softly. "But you tell me in here..." she said as she gently touched a finger to the corner of his eye. "And here.." she continued, gently brushing his lips. "And here," placing a hand over his heart and feeling its steady beat beneath her fingers. "You tell me with these." she continued as she took one of his large hands in hers, turning it over and studying it. It was a large hand, calloused and work worn, strong and dangerous. His were hands that were trained to kill and yet had caressed her with infinite gentleness. Hands that had the strength to hurt and yet held his children with the utmost care.

 

"And I've felt your love here," she continued and drew his hand down and pressed it to her abdomen. "Growing and moving and changing inside me. Jennifer and Matthew, and every time I look at them I'm reminded of how much you love me." Amanda smiled softly and her hand rose to cup his cheek, gently stroking it. "You're a man of few words, Lee and some words come more easily to you than others. I know that and it's one of the many reasons why I love you. I cherish those times when you've told me you love me and will always love hearing it, but you show me that you love me every day. You show me by the way you look at me, and the way that you speak to me, the way you hold me and touch me. All these things show me that you love me and that's all I will ever need."

 

There were tears in Lee's eyes as he bent his head to brush her lips tenderly. "I'd be so lost without you," he whispered against her lips.

 

"And I'd be lost without you," she replied softly. "But that's not going to happen. We're going to grow old, together. Watch our children grow, together and live a long, happy life, together."

 

Lee smiled and brushed another kiss to her lips. "You're right, as usual. Now, it's time we were in bed."

 

"Lead on MacDuff." Amanda playfully slapped his ass as he walked past her. Lee flashed her a grin and continued to the door waiting for her in the doorway. Crossing back to the rocking chair she turned out the light and navigated by the soft illumination of moonlight streaming in the windows made her way back to Lee's side. She slipped her hand into the warmth of his and he gave it an affectionate squeeze before leading her from the room.

 

 

FIN

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