AS THE TIDE RISES

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:47 pm Post subject:

lss and Jim walked into Creed's and joined most of the gang at a large table that Creed had set for them. lss hugged Carly. "Good thing we canceled the trip. Have you seen the news and the footage of the snow?"

"I know. I love snow but not that much!"

"Hey, girlie," said Tsand as she hugged lssy when she sat down beside them.

"How's the Tan Man?" asked lss.

"Doing great. He's with Maria tonight and is going to church with her in the morning."

"I never take for granted what great women help us raise our kids," said lss.

"How's Gracie? Still on strike from school."

"You got it. But she's going back Monday. I told her we don't give in to bullies. Jim talked to the principal. He told him he better be keeping tabs on the harassment because we are and we have family and friends who are lawyers."

"Amazes me how he refuses to address the issues."

"Hey, with Lucy's record...she's probably doing him, too."

Tsand nearly spewed tea across the table. "Oh God...you're probably right!"

"Trust me...I'm looking at this crap from all angles."

"Ok, enough Suzy and Lucy talk...I'm starvin," said Ranger.

"Me too," agreed Jim.

Soap Character Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 1167

"Moob puppies or yous gonna make me spill dis.", Tanner said as he carefully carried a glass of orange juice. The dogs were dancing around his feet, still frisky from their morning jaunt outside in the cool air.

"Can you get the door buddy?", Ranger asked him as they neared the bedroom door.

"Yep, Iz gets it. We's gotta sing Daddy."

"We sure do. When we go in, you count to three and then we'll start singing okay?"

"Otay.", Tanner said in a loud stage whisper as he reached for the door handle. "Weady?"

"I'm ready."

Tanner turned the handle and pushed open the door. The dogs rushed in ahead of him and he started counting the minute he'd cleared the door. "One, two, fwee."

Together they broke into song. "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Mommy! Happy Birthday tooooooo youuuu!"

T had sat up in bed the minute they started singing and was smiling at them. "Awww, thanks guys. I love y'all."

"We's luv yous too Mommy. Heah you duice.", Tanner said handing her the glass of orange juice that Ranger had poured in a crystal champagne glass.

"That has a little kick to it.", he told her with a wink as he placed the breakfast tray over her lap and leaned in for a kiss. "Good morning and happy birthday. I love you."

Returning his kiss, she said with a happy sigh. "I love you too. Y'all didn't have to do this."

He looked at the tray loaded with a ham, cheese and spinach omelet, homemade hash browns, an english muffin and a single red rose in a vase he'd found in the butler's pantry. Grinning, he said, "Yes we did. We were hungry."

Tanner had climbed onto the bed beside her and leaned his head against her shoulder. "I wanted bawoons but Daddy say dey too much dis early in da mornin'."

She smiled and kissed the top of his head. "I love you little guy."

"I luv yous too Mommy. We's gonna haf a fun day."

"Yes we are."

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:11 am Post subject:

Tsand opened the door to Gracie standing with her backpack and a big smile on her face.

"I here!"

"Good morning. All ready for school?"

"Yep." Gracie moved past her after hugging her legs and joined Tanner who was playing with the puppies.

"Thanks for taking her in for me. I can't believe we still can't get to New York. This new publisher was really anxious about doing this teleconference so I'm glad Jim has the setup at his office."

"Surely you could have done it as S3?" asked Tsand.

"The guys are in the middle of some big case and I didn't want to bug them."

"They have been out of pocket. I mean...even during the Super Bowl you could see those wheels turning."

"I noticed it, too. And I can't say that I'm not itching to get in there...it's still in me," laughed lss.

"Well I will get the kids to school and pick them up. Good luck, girlie," said Tsand as she hugged lss.

"Bye Mama...I wuf you!" said Gracie as she ran to give her one more hug.

"Love you, baby. Have a good day at school and remember what you and Daddy talked about."

"I will."

"See y'all later. Thanks, again."

"No problem. Be careful driving."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"Tanner! I said pick up your dirty clothes and put them in the hamper."

He shot her a glare and said, "Iz not 'posed ta pick up cwothes. Dat women stuff."

Her eyebrows shot up and she fixed him with a glare of her own. "Excuse me young man?"

"Boys not do house stuff."

"Who told you that?"

"Unca Twey."

"Really? When did he tell you this?"

"Today."

"I see. Okay, that's it, you aren't staying at the store with your Dad while I run errands anymore. From now on, you'll stay with Maria."

He frowned so hard his eyebrows were almost touching. "Dat not fair."

"Yes it is. I told you your Uncle Trey was going to get you into big trouble and to stop listening to him. So here's the deal, I'm your Mom and that means I swing a bigger stick than your Uncle Trey does. What I say goes, got it?"

"I got it but I no wike it."

"Too bad! Now pick your dirty clothes up and put them in the hamper like I told you. When you finish with that, you need to go into the family room and pick up all the toys in there and when you're done, we'll head upstairs so you can make sure the toys in your playroom are picked up."

His eyes grew wide as saucers. "Iz be up all night pickin' dat stuff up!"

"Oh well, you should've thought about that when you drug it all out. Now move!"

"You mean!"

"I know, I'm the most horrible Mommy in the world. I'm making you pick up the toys you pulled out. They should take away my Mommy card for this."

"You not funny.", Tanner told her as he picked up a sock and threw it in the general direction of the clothes hamper. It landed about 2 feet short. She pointed at it and motioned toward the hamper. "Iz pickin' 'em up! Gib me a bweak!", he grumbled.

"If you keep talking like that I'm going to give you more than a break. Now can the attitude and put the clothes in the hamper. You've got a lot of other things to pick up too."

He continued to glare at her as he picked up the rest of his clothes and threw them at the hamper. His shirt was the only thing that managed to make it inside.

"Tanner, stop throwing the clothes at the basket, pick them up and place them inside.", she said firmly as she rinsed out the tub.

"IZ DOIN' IT!", he yelled at her.

She was off her knees and on her feet in seconds and had popped him on the butt before he had a chance to blink. "Don't you take that tone with me young man and don't you dare yell. You have exactly 10 minutes to get all of your toys picked up because you're going to bed. There will be no bedtime story tonight."

He crossed his arms over his chest, poked out his bottom lip and gave her such a heated glare that she felt the heat from across the room. Opening his mouth, he started to say something but, she held up her hand and stopped him.

"Uh uh uh. You don't want to do that because you just might find yourself grounded from your movies and all of your toys for a week. Now, do what I said and I'm not telling you again."

He continued to glare at her so she crossed her arms over her chest and glared back. That's how Ranger found them a few minutes later.

"What's going on in here?", he asked, looking from T to Tanner and taking in the mutinous looks on their faces.

Tanner jabbed a finger in her direction and said, "HER being MEAN!"

T poked her finger in his chest and said, "You are in trouble too!"

"Me? What the hell did I do? I just got home and happen to walk in on y'all's Mexican stand off."

"We're having the standoff because Trey has been running his mouth to your son again. Put a muzzle on him Ranger or I will!"

Releasing a sigh, he asked wearily, "What did he do this time?"

"He told Tanner today that he's not supposed to pick up his clothes or toys because that's women's stuff.", she said. Seeing him trying hard not to laugh, she pointed her finger at him again. "Don't you DARE laugh Ranger Sloane! It's not funny and we don't need Trey coming along behind us telling him the exact opposite of what we're trying to teach him. Handle him or I will and trust me, you do not want me to get hold of him! I am pissed!"

"You say a word. Pay da can!", Tanner told her.

T glared at Ranger and said, "He's all yours. See if you can get him to do what he's supposed to. I'll be in the study."

Ranger and Tanner watched her storm out of the bathroom. Looking down at his son, Ranger said, "Little dude, when you decide to yank your Mom's chain, you don't hold back do you?"

"Her make me mad."

"Oh yeah? Well guess what? She's right! I haven't heard the whole story or what all you said but, it sounds to me like you were very disrespectful to your Mom and we don't do that in this house. Haven't I always told you that Mommy is special and we're supposed to treat her like a princess and spoil her?"

"Her not actin' wike no pwincess."

"Probably because she was having to listen to a little brat give her crap. What did she tell you to do?"

"Her say I haf ta pick up my dirwty cwothes and put dem in da basket and den I haf ta pick up my toys in the family woom and my pwaywoom."

"Then you better get with it little man. When you finish doing what she told you, I expect you to apologize to her as well."

"It not my fawt! Unca Twey tolded me dat stuff."

"I'll deal with your Uncle Trey later. But it is your fault because you know better. You made the decision to mouth off to your Mom and disobey her even though you knew it was wrong. Did Mommy give you a punishment?"

"Her say no bedtime stowy tonight."

"Then that's what it will be and since you disobeyed and was disrespectful to your Mom, I'm tacking on no movies tomorrow and you'll go to bed an hour early tomorrow night."

"What? Dat way wong Daddy!"

"Now you're going to talk back to me? Keep it up little man and you'll be grounded from your movies and toys for a week! Now get with it."

Tanner glared at him but, did as he was told. As he picked up his dirty clothes and placed them in the hamper, Ranger heard him grumble under his breath, "Iz gonna wun away."

"Oh really? Let me know when and I'll help you pack your bag.", he told him.

Tanner's eyes went wide with surprise. "Yeah, I heard you. Your Mom's not the only one with bat ears in this house.", Ranger told him.
_________________
Love asks not, understands all, forgives and reaches out to those in need. We wander much in our ways to find a place that lives within our heart.

Soap Character Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 1167

Walking into the study, he said, "He's out."

"I knew once his head hit the pillow, he would be.", she replied, looking up from her laptop.

"I think he feels bad for giving you a hard time earlier.", he said taking a seat on the couch and stretching his long legs out in front of him.

"He does. When he came in to apologize and hug me goodnight, he whispered "I not mean ta make yous feel bad." He slays me sometimes."

Ranger's mouth kicked up in a grin. "Me too. Man, he's got so much of you in him. When he takes a stand about something, he digs his heels in and he's not letting up. I wish you could've seen the two of you glaring each other down. It was like looking at mirror images.", he laughed.

"I see a lot of you in him too mister."

"Oh hell yeah."

"No crawling backwards on his punishment tomorrow night.", she said firmly.

"I won't. He has to learn a lesson and I'll grab Trey by the scruff of the neck and give him a good shake when I see him tomorrow."

"Do that and tell him next time he'll have me on his ass."

"That'll be enough to scare him straight."

"Ha ha.", she said with just a hint of sarcasm. "Have you checked your email today?"

"Which one?"

"Personal."

"Nope, why?"

"I have an email from Izzy. She's doing Jump Rope for Heart at school and sent an official email asking for a donation to meet her goal."

"What's her goal?"

"$250."

"Did you already make yours?"

"Yep and I made one from Tanner."

"And left me out? Thanks babe."

"I didn't leave you out. I made one in my name and made another using Tanner's. You need to make one in yours. It'll look like she has a bunch of people backing her this way."

"How far does she have to go to reach her goal?"

T grinned. "Our little grasshopper has learned well. She's already passed it."

Ranger grinned. "She's too young to put to work at the Foundation babe."

"I know but, she will grow up one of these days."

"When do they have the jump rope thing?"

"Friday. I'm going."

"Won't that make her nervous?"

"Obviously not because her teacher emailed me also asking if I could come and take pictures for their website. Apparently Izzy recommended me."

"She's always working an angle isn't she?"

"She gets that from all of you guys.", T told him with a laugh.

"Are Jim and lssy on there?"

"Hold on, let me look at the list of donors.", she said, her fingers moving across the laptop's keyboard. "Yep, they're on here and they're listed separately like we are."

"What about the guys?"

She looked over the list and got a soft, gooey looking look on her face. "Awwww, how sweet. Damn, just when I'm trying to stay mad at them they do something like this. Trey, Jace, Chris, Mav, Cowboy and Cade have all donated and get this, Trey's donation is a match of her goal."

"He's shown the rest of us up? Oh hell no! Change our donations."

"I'm not going to do it. I think it's sweet he did this for her. Let her see what he did and let him be the good guy for a change."

"Are you the same woman who was threatening to dismember him not even a half hour ago?"

"I am but, that's different. What he's done for her is very special. It will thrill her to pieces."

"He's a major pain in the ass but, he really is a good guy."

Soap Character Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 1167

The rainy, cold weather had kept them inside most of the day and after building up the fire, he and T had settled on the sofa to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics while Tanner attempted to build a small city with his blocks and leggos. The puppies weren't having any of that and had kept knocking over everything he had built so he finally gave up in frustration and took up the lookout position at the large window.

He had been standing at the window for almost a half hour when he heaved a loud sigh of frustration and whirled around to look at them. "What's up wif dis weather?", he asked throwing his arms out to the side in a helpless gesture.

"What do you mean sweetie?", T asked.

"It not doin' nuffin'."

"What's it supposed to do buddy?"

"It 'posed to be snow and I not see none."

"That's because it didn't snow here.", he explained.

"Uh uh, da weather dude sayed it gonna snow and Mommy say we not haf 'chool today cuz it gonna snow. So where is it?", he asked, holding his hands, palm up, out from his sides.

"It didn't come this far south son. It took a little jog and went farther north."

"Dat not wight!"

"I'm sorry buddy. That's just the way the weather works sometimes."

Tanner put his hands on his hips, frowned deeply and asked, "Who's you haf ta call 'bout dis?"

T covered her mouth to hide her snicker while he bit the insides of his mouth to keep from grinning. "Well, there's really no one I can call. What would you want me to tell them?"

"Iz want you to telled dem to get dat snow heah wight now!"

"Sweetie, it doesn't work that way. You can't call someone and order snow. The weather conditions and moisture in the atmosphere and temperatures have to be just right for it to make snow."

She didn't think it was possible but, Tanner's frown actually deepened. "Well Iz not happy 'bout dis! I want ta see da snow and pway in it! Iz waited alllll day ta make a snowedman!"

Looking at T, Ranger said quietly, "Are you thinking maybe it's time we take a trip to see Todd?"

"He would definitely see plenty of snow and get to make a snowman."

"Let's talk more about this later. Maybe we can talk lssy, Jim and Gracie into going with us?"

Her eyes lit up at the idea. "I think it would be a blast."

"What yous two talkin' 'bout ober dere?", Tanner asked.

"I was asking Mommy if she knows anyone we can call to get some snow down here."

Tanner gave her a piercing look. "Do yous?"

"I don't know anyone who can bring snow to us but, I might know somewhere we can go where there is lots and lots of snow."

"We's need ta go wight now!"

She couldn't help but smile at how adament he was about the snow. Ranger grinned too and said, "Give us a few days and we'll see what we can do? Can you do that?"

Tanner heaved another loud sigh of frustration. "I not wike it but, Iz gib yous a day."

"Thanks buddy, we'll see if we can work something out in a day.", Ranger told him with another laugh.

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 10:30 am Post subject:

"Happy Balumtimes Day, Mama!" said Gracie as she climbed onto the bed.

"Thank you, baby," replied lss with a kiss.

"You and Daddy fweep way too long dis morning."

lss smiled and winked at Jim. He raised his eyebrows and wiggled them knowing neither of them had been sleeping.

"How about a great big Valentine's Day breakfast? I'll make waffles," said Jim.

"Dat would be good, Daddy. Oh wait...I gots to get yous and Mama's preswent!"

Gracie jumped off the bed and ran to her room while Jim called behind her to slow down.

"I love my necklace," said lss as she lifted the beach glass heart.

"I knew you would," replied Jim. "Come on...you get the bacon going while I mix up the waffle batter.

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"Here y'alls go! Aunt T hepped me make it!" giggled Gracie.

Jim opened the heart stamped wrapping paper and then lifted the lid from the box. lss was right by his side when he opened a double picture frame that held the outline of a heart with Gracie's hand print in the midst of it. Next to the print in the opposite frame was their family picture in black and white.

"Oh, Gracie. This is beautiful," said lss with tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Don't crwy, Mama. I made it to make you happy!"

"I am baby...it's wonderful," said lss as she hugged and kissed Gracie.

"I love it, sweetheart. You did good," said Jim as he also hugged her.

"I'm gwad you likes it. Aunt T said you would."

lss smiled and kissed Gracie's nose. "Now, go into the den and there's a little something for you on the coffee table."

Gracie squealed as she saw the new dress up clothes. "Mama...Daddy...come in here! It's just like Belle's!"

"It is baby," said lss.

"I wuv it!"

"I knew you would," laughed Jim.

"I tink Tan Man needs Beast clothes and den we could pway Bweauty and da Bweast!"

"Oh I'm sure that would excite the Tan Man," laughed Jim sarcastically.

"Yeah," agreed lss.

Soap Character Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 1167

"You're sure about this?", he asked her for the second time.

"Absolutely."

"I don't want to call Todd and ask him to set us up and then you say we can't because of something with one of your classes or something like that."

"Range, I'm sure. Besides, I think I'm going to drop one of my classes."

He noticed she didn't look at him when she said this and when the back of his neck started to tingle, he knew something was up. "Want to tell me what's going on?", he asked quietly.

She finally looked at him but, glanced quickly away. "T?", he said. "What's going on with this class?"

"Let's make our plans for Aspen and then I'll tell you about it later.", she said. When he continued to stare at her, she said, "Okay? Please?"

He held her gaze for a few moments before slowly nodding. "Okay but, we will talk about this later.", he said firmly.

"I promise I'll tell you everything."

"I know you will.", he said reaching for the phone. She put her hand on his and said, "Wait! We're going to need a place to stay."

He dropped a kiss on her lips and said, "Already handled baby."

"We are not staying in a hotel with the kids Ranger."

"Who said anything about a hotel? I called Brady. The label owns a big cabin there and he said it's ours whenever we want it. He's blocked out the rest of this month and next."

"How many bedrooms and bathrooms?"

"8 bedrooms, 10 baths, 4 car garage, hot tub, 6500 sq feet and a personal chef. Does that work?"

Her eyes rounded. "Most definitely. A personal chef? Holy crap! I want one of those."

"Not happenin'. I like your cooking too much.", he said patting his tummy. "Now, is it okay if I call Todd or do you need more reassurance?"

"I'm good for now. But, make sure you tell Todd we need sleds for the kids. They're too young to go into ski school at the slopes."

"That's handled too. I'm going to teach them how to snowboard."

"Aren't they too little?"

"Hell no. They're at the perfect age to get on a board. I'll have them skimming like pros by the end of the summer too."

"lssy and Jim might not want Gracie on a board at this age."

"You let me handle Red. I'm not worried about Jim. He'll be cool with this.", he said punching Todd's number into the phone and raising it to his ear.

A moment later Todd answered. "What's up man? You sound out of breath.", he said.

"Damn Range, is that you? What's up my man?"

"Work. It's time to play.", he replied.

"Please tell me you're coming up here."

"That's the plan. I know this is the busy season for you but, can you hook us up with equipment?"

"Of course.", Todd replied with a snort. "Whatcha need and when are ya coming?"

"I'm not sure yet but, I'll know by tomorrow and can call you then. We need skis and snowboards for 6 adults and boards for two 3 yr olds."

"Oh man, you're finally going to get Tan Man on a board. Sweet. Who's coming with you?"

"T and Tanner of course and Maria our nanny and we're hoping lssy and her husband and little girl will come too."

"Man, haven't seen Red in years. How's she doing?"

"Great and you'll like her husband Jim. He's a great guy and Gracie is a mini Red."

"She give Tanner hell like lssy used to give you?"

"Oh hell yeah.", Ranger replied with a laugh. "So, you can set us up right?"

"You got it. What about boots and stuff?"

"I'll get back to you on that. If I know T, she and lssy will end up in Atlanta buying ski gear.", he said looking at T who was nodding eagerly.

"Let me know what you need and it's yours. Where you staying?"

"Brady's company has a cabin there."

"Cabin hell. I've seen the place. Nice. Very nice.", replied Todd. "Look, I hate to cut this short but, I've gotta jam. Everyone's wanting to ski like they're Olympians now that the games have started. Shout at me later and let me know your plans okay?"

"I'll call you tomorrow. Take care. It was great talking to you Todd."

"You too man, you too. Hug T and the little dude. Later."

Soap Character Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 389

"Gracie, come here," said Mason as he passed off Colton to lss.

"What you need Unca Mase?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Otay...'bout what?"

"Well, like that word...otay...it's not otay...it's OK."

"Dat what I sayed Unca Mase...OTAY!"

"No, you are giving a T sound for a K sound."

"Whatever, Unca Mase. It work for me."

lss couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Gracie looked at her and then Mason. "Did dad mean ol' Suzie call you and tell you I talks wike a baby? 'cause if her did I gonna be weally, weally mad!"

"No, Gracie. Suzie did not call but don't you think it's about time we work on saying words the right way?" asked Mason.

Gracie exhaled and rolled her eyes. "OKayyyyyyyyyyyyyy, Uncle Maaaaaasonn."

"See there! You can do it!"

"Of courwse I can...I not a baby."

"I'm not a baby," replied Mason.

"I know you not a baby...I said I not a baby."

"No, Gracie...I AM not a baby."

"You so sillwy, Unca Mase. You is not a baby."

"Good grief, lssy...this really does need to be addressed," said Mason.

"Jim and I agree and you are doing a splended job with her. I'm going to run to Target. Can I take Colton with me?"

"Sure. Gracie and I are about to get down to business."

lss laughed. "You do that big brother. Have a ball."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"What are you doing in here?", Ranger asked as he walked into the closet they shared and found her staring at the racks of clothes on her side.

"I'm looking for ski clothes."

He looked over the top of her head and scanned the racks of clothing. With a soft whistle, he said, "Damn babe, you've got a lot of clothes."

"No I don't.", she protested. "And I definitely don't have any ski clothes."

He reached out and pulled on the sleeve of a white puffer jacket with a faux fur trimmed hood. "What's this?"

"A casual coat."

"Looks like a ski jacket to me."

"I can't ski in that jacket!"

"Why not?"

"Because the snow would mat down the fur and ruin it. I do have two pairs of black ski pants. That's something at least."

He looked at the back wall that housed built in shoe racks. Spying a whole row of boots at the bottom, he said, "Hey, you have ski boots!"

She turned to look and shook her head. "I do not."

"Honey, what are those?", he asked pointing at several pairs of Uggs, a couple with sheepskin or faux fur trim.

"Casual boots to wear with jeans but, they'll work for when we're out shopping or just hanging out."

He put his hands on his hips and groaned. "So, you're telling me you need to go shopping for ski clothes right?"

"Absolutely. For all three of us too.", she said and then sighed. "This would be so much easier if you carried ski clothing at LM. I could just run down and pick out what we need. Now I have to make a trip to Atlanta because no one around here carries ski clothes."

"Babe, we live in Florida, in a beach town, right on the beach as a matter of fact. Not much need for ski clothes around here."

She shook her finger at him. "You're missing a market here Range. People in this area do go snow skiing and snowboarding you know."

"Not many."

"I think you would be surprised.", she replied and then turned toward his side of the closet which wasn't anywhere near as big or packed with clothes as her side. She scanned the racks of shirts, jeans, shorts and suits. "You're going to need a lot too and Tanner needs everything since this is his first time being around snow."

He groaned again and said, "Just remember, we are staying true to our financial plan, no major expenditures."

She snorted and looked at him with raised eyebrows. "So says the man who just bought a $75,000 sports car! Don't even go there with me Ranger."

"I will spank your ass if you spend 75 g's on ski clothes!"

Rolling her eyes, she said, "I'm not that stupid! I'll get what we need and I won't go overboard since we don't know how often we'll do this."

"I think we should make it an annual thing for sure, maybe more often if Tanner enjoys it as much as I think he will."

"I hope he likes it and I'm so happy lssy and Jim are excited about going too. We're going to have so much fun."

He reached out and grabbed her hips in his hands pulling her close to him. Bending his head, he gave her a long, lingering kiss. "I'm going to have fun snugglin' with you."

"We snuggle here."

"Yeah but it's much colder up there and it'll be different, more romantic. Like when we went before we got married."

"When you proposed to me.", she said with a dreamy look on her face.

"Yeah, like when I did the smartest thing I've ever done in my life and asked you to marry me.", he said kissing her again.

She went up on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck before pressing a kiss to his lips. "That was a pretty smart move on your part.", she said with a grin.

"Yes it was.", he replied, lowering his head to kiss her again.

"Gwoss!!! Yous people gots to 'top doin' dat when I'm in da house.", Tanner said from the doorway. He further demonstrated how yucky he thought their kissing was by making a gagging sound.

Laughing, Ranger said, "One day little man you are going to understand why I like kissing your Mom so much."

"No I not! It gwoss!"
_________________
Love asks not, understands all, forgives and reaches out to those in need. We wander much in our ways to find a place that lives within our heart.

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject:

lssy was singing with the radio and watching Colton in the rear view mirror as he bobbed his head and then started moving to the rhythm of the song.

"You got the moves, Colton," she said with a smile.

"Song," replied Colton.

"Now why can you say words so well," laughed lssy. "Colton, hang on for a minute and we'll turn the music right back on. I need to call your Uncle Ranger."

Colton smiled and nodded and then grabbed his Kasey Kahne race car she had bought him at Target. He spun the wheel and made a noise like he was racing.

"Ranger?"

"Yeah Red, what's up?"

"I was just thinking. Why the hell don't you stock ski wear?"

She heard him exhale and then growl.

"What? Why are you growling at me? It's an excellent idea. You're really missing the market around here by not stocking ski wear."

"Red, you and T take your trip to Atlanta and get off my ass about my business."

"Ohhhhh, so Tsand's already thought the same thing, huh? Two people who are outwitting your business sense. You're getting slow old man."

"And you're still a pain in my ass. I hear you both but it ain't happening before Wednesday so make your plans for Atlanta."

"Already done, old man. Tell T I'll pick her up at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Tom will be ready at the airport at 8:30."

"I'll tell her."

"And give her your credit card with the biggest limit, k hon?"

"Don't you hun me..."

"Honestly Range...you need to stock ski wear. You are losing money even as we speak. Do you know how much it costs to fly roundtrip on my GulfStream to Atlanta? I mean, I never charge anyone but if you had to pay me..."

"Red, . Shut it...T will see you tomorrow."

"Now promise me you are going to go call your distributor this evening."

"Get outta my business, Red.''

lss laughed. "I'm out. Byeeeeee."

Soap Character Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 389

"Now, what is it you do with your Daddy?" asked Mason.

"Uh...kiss him?"

"No...outside at the dock."

"Oh, dat easy...we fwishes."

"No, that's easy...we fish."

"You and Daddy not fwish too much UnnnncleMaaasonnnnn."

"Fish."

"Fwish."

"No Gracie...FISH!"

"OTAY...FISH!"

"See you can say it."

"Yep, but you no fwish wif Daddy."

"Gracie you are just like your mother!" said Mason in frustration.

"You fwustated wif me...I goin' home."

"You are home. I'm going home."

"Den who gonna 'tay wif me?"

"No one. You have to stay by yourself until you can talk!"

Gracie's bottom lip poked out and the tears began to flow. "You can't leave me!"

"What else?"

"I do not like you any more, Uncle Mason. You are mean just like Suzie!"

"Oh really," laughed Mason at the change in her talk.

"Yes, you are. You made fun of me!"

"And what do you do with your Daddy?"

"I FISH...OK...I FISH!"

"What in the world is going on in here?" asked lss as she and Colton came into the kitchen.

"Mama. I am a big girl and I not...I am not talking like a baby any more!"

Gracie said each word slowly and methodically. "Uncle Mason was gonna leave me by myself!"

"No sugar, Uncle Mason wouldn't do that."

"Yes, him would!"

"Yes he would," replied lss correcting Gracie.

"See, you know he was gonna leave me...you said it!" Gracie argued.

"Baby, I was not saying that he's going to leave you, I was telling you that he would not do that."

"Whatever, Mama. Dis grown up talk is wearin' me out. I going to MY ROOM!"

lssy smiled at Mason. "You happy now?"

"Well, at least we know she knows how to talk."

"You bullied her just like you used to do me. When will you grow up, Mason."

"I would think you would thank me," replied Mason. "I think you let her talk like that just so you could keep her your baby."

lss reeled around on her heels. "What the HELL did you just say to me and what the HELL are you accusing me of?"

"Nothing," said Mason as he picked up Colton. "We're heading to the house. I'll see you later."

"What kind of mission were you on today, helping Gracie or proving some point to me?"

"Take from it whatever you need to...you will anyway," said Mason as he opened the door.

"Damn!" said lss as she slammed her fists on the kitchen island.

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"Warmed up yet?" asked lss as she passed Jim a mug of coffee.

"Oh yeah...the shower was great."

"Why you guys fish in the dead of winter is beyond me," said lss as she snuggled into his arms.

"Polo has a great business going on. Best move I ever made was selling."

"Really? But you loved fishing."

"I like what I do now with fishing as a hobby. But mostly," he said as he pulled her even closer and kissed her, "I love being with you."

"Jim..."

"Mmm hmm?"

"I'm not over being a mom...I wanted our twins and I still need a baby....there...I said it."

Jim pulled back from their embrace. "Like I didn't know that?"

"I know...I guess I just haven't admitted it. But then I know there's nothing to do about it. But Mason accused me of keeping Gracie a baby."

"Don't listen to his prodding. Gracie already told me he yanked her chain...and she actually said FISH," he replied with a laugh.

"I'm not trying to keep her a baby. And I do...I still...I hurt that we don't have our twins."

"I know...me, too."

"But Jim, I can't...and I don't want...I couldn't do adoption."

"Why?"

"Just don't want to...too many risks."

"The risks hit the news. The succesful adoptions never get talked about."

"I just have these times of still wanting a baby..."

"It's OK. And don't let Mason yank your chain."

"I know."

"We really can look into adopting," said Jim.

"Nope. I'll make it through this. I just...I just needed to tell you that I miss our babies and I wish we had another chance...you and me...not adoption...you and me having a baby."

"I'm sorry, sugar. I really am."

"Let's go get some supper started. I'm starving," she replied as she kissed him.

"Let's see if Cora will watch Gracie and I'll take you out for supper. It is Valentine's Day, after all."

"All I want is a Sonic burger," she said with a smile.

"Fine...our romantic dinner will be at Sonic."

Soap Character Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 1167

"You're kidding!", he stared at her in shock.

"Nope. I'm dead serious. I want Sonic for my Valentine's dinner and I want to have it with my two favorite guys."

"Babe, I made reservations at Dharma Blue for us."

"Then you better cancel them so someone else can have the table. I want a big, fat, juicy Sonic burger, tator tots with cheese and a sweet tea. Oh and you can buy me a hot fudge sundae for dessert."

He looked at her, laughed and shook his head. "You are the most amazing woman in the world. Any other woman would want to get all dressed up and have the nice romantic dinner. Not my baby."

She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled against his chest. "I don't need all of that Range. As long as I have you and Tanner, I'm so good and so happy it scares me sometimes."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then cupped her chin in his hand, lifting her mouth so he could give her a longer, deeper kiss. Lifting his head, he stared down at her and said, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"Yes but, I'll really know if you take me to Sonic."

He flashed her a slow, sexy grin. "Oh I'll take you to Sonic but, later, after the little guy is in bed, I'm going to finish this Valentine's day off the right way."

"Oh yeah? How's that?"

He brushed his lips over hers and whispered, "Wine, candles, rose petals that I'll steal from your bouquet floating in a nice, hot bubble bath."

She purred. "Now you're talking."

He let his hands roam down her back until he reached her butt. Giving it a squeeze, he then gave her a light smack and said, "Get your coat and shoes on. I'll get the little guy bundled up so we can go to Sonic."

She pulled his head down for one more kiss. "I love you."

He rested his forehead against hers. "I love you more."