AS THE TIDE RISES

Soap Character Joined: 30 May 2009 Posts: 20

Laura drove up to the guesthouse next to Mason's Mercedes. She grabbed her purse and a day bag. She smiled and waved to Mason as he stood at the front door.

"Hey," she said with a bright smile.

"Morning. You ready for this?"

"You think I'm so incapable. Yes...I am ready for one little 19 month old boy."

She kissed his cheek and then made her way into the house. Colton was sitting in the kitchen in his high chair with Millie.

"Good morning, little guy," said Laura as she placed her purse and bag on the stool by the kitchen island.

"I eat," said Colton.

"Yes, you are. Whatcha got there?"

"Meamea," he replied with a mouth full of oatmeal.

"Oh wow, I hate that stuff."

"It's probably best not to give him any ideas," piped in Millie.

Laura nodded and then said to Millie, "Are you taking the day off?"

"Oh heavens no. There's too much to be done around here."

Laura cut her eyes to Mason. "You really don't trust me, do you?"

"Millie helps out with more than Colton. You tend to Colton and she'll take care of the rest. Buddy, I gotta go to work. I love you!" said Mason as he kissed the top of Colton's head.

"Daddeee...I go!"

"Sorry guy...not today."

"See Zanet!"

"Another day, OK?"

Colton folded his arms, lower his head and then glared at Mason.

"OK, the boogie face is not going to work with me. I'll see you at lunch."

Mason gave Laura a kiss and then headed to the front door. "Call me if you need me."

"We won't," laughed Laura.

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

Ranger pulled the Escalade to the security gate and used the key card T handed him to access the storage facility. As he pulled through the gate, she said, "Go down three rows and take a left."

He followed her instructions and once he'd made the turn, slowed the SUV down to a crawl. "It's on the left, number 365." He quickly found the unit and pulled to a stop.

She turned to look at Emerald and Jon Paul who were sitting in the back. "The unit is climate controlled and while I haven't been here in a long time, Tony the guy who owns the place, has kept an eye on things for me.", she said as she unbuckled her seat belt and opened her door. Emerald and Jon Paul followed suit as did Ranger.

Stopping at the door, she punched in the security code and then used a key from her key ring to open the door. Ranger held the door and reached inside to flip the interior light on. Motioning for Emerald and Jon Paul to enter ahead of them, he gave T a long look. She knew he wasn't happy with her and felt she had kept the unit a secret from him. That wasn't the case and quite frankly, she'd almost forgotten she still had it. But, Thrasher's death and Jon Paul's presence in Navarre had brought it to the forefront of her mind. She knew there were several boxes of Thrasher's personal things that he'd never had time to remove from her old boat but, what she really wanted Jon Paul to see and have were his two boards.

Giving Ranger a pleading look and silently asking him to please bare with her, she moved into the large 20x20 room and looked around. "I'm not sure where the boxes are but, I remember labeling them so they shouldn't be too hard to find."

"Maybe they're back here.", Jon Paul said moving to the back of the room.

"Jon Paul, don't snoop through Tsand's private things.", his mother told him.

"He's not hurting anything or snooping. All of this is stuff that I had for the boat. I think there's some old dishes, silverware and glassware in some of these boxes.", T said as she moved to where Jon Paul stood.

Ranger had started moving boxes around on the other side from where they stood. A moment later he said, "Here they are."

Jon Paul slowly walked over to stand beside him. Looking up at him, he asked, "Is this really my Dad's stuff?"

Ranger put his hand on his shoulder. "Yes son, it sure looks that way. His name is on all of these boxes."

Jon Paul turned to T. "Can I really keep all this stuff?"

She gave him a gentle smile. "Of course you can. I kept all of this for you.", she told him. "I hoped that you might visit one day so I could give it to you."

Jon Paul smiled. "Thank you T. I don't have very many things that belonged to my Dad."

"Well sweetie, you do now and Chris and Mike are working on having the rest of his belongings shipped from his storage facility in D.C. and the apartment he kept in London."

Ranger looked toward the back of the room and pointed at two large items in leather bags that were resting against the back wall of the unit. "What's in those?", he asked.

She again gave him a look silently asking him to please understand before turning to Jon Paul. "Those are surfboards that belonged to your Dad.", she told him.

"Oh my goodness.", Emerald said as Jon Paul's mouth fell open and a look of pure joy came over his face. "They really belonged to my Dad?", he asked.

"Yes honey they did. I didn't know if you would even be interested in surfing but, I held onto them just in case you might want them someday."

"Can I see them?", he asked.

"You sure can. Let me move them out here."

"I've got them.", Ranger said as he moved to the back of the room and easily picked up one board and moved it to the front so they could open the bag. He laid it across a stack of boxes and went to get the other one as T and Jon Paul released the velcro straps and unzipped the first one.

"That's too heavy for you to lift. Let me take it out.", said Ranger as he set the second board down. He had the first one, a longboard, out of the bag and standing on end within seconds.

Jon Paul stared at it in wonder and then moved closer so he could run his hand over the smooth surface. "It has his name on it.", he said reverently.

"It was his favorite.", T told him.

"It's beautiful.", Jon Paul sighed.

Ranger released the straps on the second one and had the bag unzipped and propped the other one against the wall. "This is a sweet shortboard.", he said.

"That board was actually made at our plant back when Roan owned the company. Hobie designed it using Thrasher's specifications.", she said.

"Really? That's pretty cool. Hobie's the best.", Ranger said with pride.

"He's the greatest!", Jon Paul said excitedly. "I've read a lot about him and I've been saving my allowance money so I can buy one of his boards one day."

Ranger looked at T and winked. She knew what he was thinking and gave him a blinding smile and returned his wink. Ranger looked down at the little boy and said, "Maybe you can talk your Mom into bringing you back this summer for a visit. If so, I'll take you down to the plant in Ft Lauderdale so you can meet Hobie."

"Really? Are you serious?", Jon Paul asked. "You know Hobie too?"

Ranger chuckled. "Yeah, pretty well in fact. T and I own the plant where this board was made now. Ever heard of T Zone boards?"

"Yes. They're so cool!"

"That's us buddy. I bought the company from Roan and renamed it after T. When Tanner came along, we started a kids line called Tan Man. Remember Izzy, Mike's daughter?" Jon Paul nodded. "The Bella board line is named after her."

"They're famous!", Jon Paul replied.

Laughing, Ranger said, "Well, I don't know about that but, both lines have done really well. We've added a new board to the Bella line called Pure Grace after lssy's little Gracie."

"And we have two new boards under the Tan Man line called The Max and The Colt coming out this spring. They're named after our nephew Max and Mason's son Colton.", T added.

Emerald shook her head. "I'm very impressed and I love how you've incorporated the kids' names in the line. You don't see many board companies producing entire lines for children."

"We were the first company to do it here in the states.", Ranger told her.

"You've done very well. We've heard about the company even in Paris.", she replied.

T looked at Jon Paul and said, "All of this stuff is yours sweetie. Why don't we get it loaded into the back of the Escalade so we can take it back to the condo where you and your Mom are staying? Then you can look through it if you want or wait until you get back home okay?"

Jon Paul nodded. "Yes m'am. Thank you so much!", he said throwing his arms around her waist and giving her a fierce hug. She hugged him back and then released him so he could give Ranger a hug too.

"Come on buddy, let's get this stuff loaded.", 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: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

Ranger had been quiet most of the trip back to Navarre. Jon Paul had chattered excitedly about the surfboards and the boxes of his Dad's things which had helped mask Ranger's silence.

They took Emerald and Jon Paul back to the Pearl where they were staying and helped them carry everything up. Once they were finished, Emerald had invited them to stay for coffee but they had declined, needing to get back home before Tanner went to bed.

Once back in the truck, Ranger had started it and started down Gulf Blvd without saying a word. When he made the turn onto the causeway, she finally asked, "Are you going to give me the silent treatment all night?"

He glanced sharply at her before turning his attention back to the road. "You want to tell me why you had your ex lover's personal stuff in a storage facility that I knew nothing about?", he finally replied.

"You have got to be kidding me! Are you really going there Ranger?"

"Hell yes I'm going there. Now answer the question."

"Believe it or not, I'd forgotten about the storage room. I haven't been there since we moved the stuff off the boat. And before you ask, no Thrasher didn't help me. Chris did. This was after Thrasher allegedly died the first time and right before I moved out to the beach house with you. Remember? The two of you decided I wasn't safe living on the boat by myself after he was supposedly killed."

"I remember."

"So why in the world would you accuse me of hanging onto his things because of some unrequited feelings or whatever shit you're thinking?"

"You never mentioned it!"

"Because it didn't matter!", she snapped.

"Obviously it did or you would've just gotten rid of it."

"Whatever. You heard me tell Jon Paul I kept those things for him and I meant it. When we moved the stuff off the boat I told Chris to take Thrasher's things to the storage room too in case Jon Paul ever wanted them. If you don't believe me, ask him. I'm sure he'll remember me telling him that."

"I'm not asking anyone anything. I'm talking to you about it."

"No you aren't. You wouldn't have said squat if I hadn't forced the issue."

"Stop and think about how I felt when I opened that room and you said Thrasher's things were inside. What if the roles were reversed?"

"I would feel pretty crappy like I'm sure you're feeling. But, I would also hope that I would realize that it was way in the past and that any feelings that might have been between us were gone a long time ago. Especially after what he did to us last summer."

"Point taken.", he said.

"Whatever. If you don't know by now that any feelings I had for Thrasher died a long time ago when he died the first time, then I don't know what to tell you Ranger."

He gave a short laugh of disbelief. "I cannot believe what I am hearing. Are you really trying to turn this back around on me?"

"Yes because that's where it belongs! You know Ranger, you know, that he ceased to mean anything to me the moment I met you. If after all this time you can't see that, then we obviously have a big problem."

"I'm not saying you still have feelings for him.", he muttered.

"Then what is this all about?"

"I don't know. I just know I can't stand the thought of you ever being with him and that it burned my ass to walk into that storage room and see his things there. It pissed me off!"

"Obviously! It's also obvious that you still don't trust me and think I'm harboring these secret feelings of unrequited love for Thrasher. You could not be further from the truth Ranger! I was done with him years ago, even before I met you but, I was definitely done with him after I did. For God's sake the man stalked and terrorized me last summer. Something that you didn't believe I might add! Instead of trusting me and hearing what I was trying to tell you, you watched some stupid video footage and jumped to the conclusion that I was sneaking around and having an affair with the man. Someone has unresolved issues here but, it's damn sure not me!", she hissed.

"That is not true! I never thought you were having an affair with him!"

"Oh really? Then why in the hell did you pack your things and walk out on me?"

"Oh here we go, I thought we'd talked about all of this and it was over and behind us.", he replied.

"I did too but, obviously it's not because you're acting like an ass because I kept some of his old things in storage for his little boy. Gee that must surely mean I'm still in love with him and have been pining for him all these years. Damn, what was I thinking last summer when I told him to leave me alone, that I loved my husband and never wanted anything to do with him. It was my perfect chance to get back with him!", she snapped. "What was I thinking to pass up such an opportunity? Oh I know. I was thinking that I LOVE MY HUSBAND AND CAN'T STAND THE THOUGHT OF BEING WITH ANYONE BUT HIM!"

She was shouting by the time she finished what she had to say. He looked over at her and asked, "Do you feel better now?"

"No! I don't. Don't talk to me. I'm so pissed at you I can't see straight."

"Look, I didn't mean to start a fight.........."

"I said, do not talk to me!", she said through clenched teeth and turned her head to look out the window.

He opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it and snapped it closed. As he slowed down to turn into their driveway, he decided he would give her some time to cool off and then talk to her.
_________________
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: 30 May 2009 Posts: 20

"Are you sure you don't mind staying? Millie never gets sick. She looks and sounds just awful," said Mason.

"I don't mind. Colton and I had a great day yesterday," replied Laura.

"I know you have work."

"A couple of vacation days have been in order for some time now. I don't mind. Now go get in the shower and get your sweet ass to work."

Laura left the bedroom and checked on Colton who was playing in the den. She leaned down to pick him up and then carried him to the kitchen. He kept hold of the number 9 race car he had been playing with.

"Whatcha got there?" she asked.

"Zooooooom!"

"Oh, is that Kasey Kahne's car?"

He nodded affirmatively.

"We'll lets get you and Kasey some breakfast. How about scrambled eggs?"

"No! Meamea."

"Meamea? Oh...oatmeal, right?"

Again Colton nodded his head.

"No problem. Now, you take the driver's seat here in the high chair and I'll get your oatmeal."

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:17 am Post subject:

"What's that?" asked Jim as he looked at a paper with lines, arrows and scribbles.

"Mapping out the direction for my meeting tomorrow. I'm so glad Brady offered me a conference room. I like meeting on neutral territory."

"Neutral? Is this a battle plan?" laughed Jim.

"Could be. They want sensationalism and a best seller. I want accuracy and time to do this right."

"Is Mason going with you?"

"No he can't get away but Brady said he will have his lawyer there to oversee things."

"He's a good guy. Tell him thanks for looking after my woman," said Jim as he pulled her into an embrace. lss met his kiss with passion and love...the mix of which made him sure of why he was so in love with her.

"I'm proud of you, babe. You really can do it all. Great mom, great wife, great friend...and another bestseller."

"I like my life right now. It's the best it's ever been," she replied with another kiss.

"Keep this up and we're going back to bed for the day."

"No time. Let that hold you over til tonight. I've got a list a mile long of things I need to do and errands to run."

"I'm off...I'll see you this evening," he replied as he grabbed his backpack.

"Be careful," she replied.

"You too, sugar."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

The memorial service for Thrasher had been full of pomp and circumstance, a full military burial at Jon Paul's insistence that had been beautiful, precise and full regulation. She felt sure she wasn't the only one in the crowd, and it had been one, who saw the irony in it. Thrasher, the man who had flaunted his wild man ways, had no respect for authority and who had flipped the finger more than a few times at convention, had been laid to rest in a service steeped in tradition and ceremony. Maybe because of the deep tradition and ceremony involved, military funerals had always been so hard for her; from the flag draped casket, the presentation of colors, the 21 gun salute to the playing of "Taps" had never failed to move her to tears. Today was no different but, the hardest part of the service and what had made her and lssy both break down and cry was when the Chaplain had presented the flag to Jon Paul.

The little boy had held up surprisingly well during the service, standing so stoicly by his mother's side as he held her hand. Chris had stayed by his side throughout the service and had placed a comforting hand on his shoulder when he had flinched at the first volley of shots during the 21 gun salute. When "Taps" had been played, he had hung his head and from where she stood between Ranger and lssy, she could see that his eyes were tightly closed. But, it wasn't until the Chaplain placed the flag in his hands that the little boy who had lost his father came out. He had pressed the folded flag to his chest, turned into his mother's waiting arms and sobbed. She had lost it then, as had lssy. As she had looked around at the large crowd gathered around the gravesite, she had noticed every eye was trained on Jon Paul and there weren't too many of them that were dry. Creed, Mike, Chris and Cade had all stood still as statues but, the tears rolling down their cheeks had told the true tale of their sadness over losing one of their own.

After the service, everyone had gone to Blackbart's for refreshments and to catch up on old times. Creed had placed a sign on the door saying they were closed for a private party. As they had made the trip from Pensacola to Navarre, Ranger and lss had talked about all of the familiar faces they had seen in the crowd. Some were agents they hadn't seen, worked with or talked to in almost 20 yrs. Many of them they had thought were long dead.

At Creed's, she had taken the glass of wine Joey held out to her when she walked in and found a quiet corner so she could sit back and watch all of them interact with each other. Ranger had come over several times to take her to meet someone but, she had made her way back to the quiet little table in the corner after each time. She was still upset with him and there had been a definite chill in the air between them all day. What she hated most about all of it was the feeling that he didn't completely trust her and that she felt guilty for feeling sad or showing her sadness over Thrasher's death. She felt like if she did show those feelings, it would just set Ranger off again and right now, she was simply too tired to fight with him.

Did she hate that Thrasher had died this way? Yes and she was sad that he was dead. They did have a history after all and at one time, he had been very good to her. But, what hurt her the most was knowing that Jon Paul had lost his father and would grow up without him to guide him and teach him how to surf or skateboard or snowboard or any one of the millions of other things a father taught his son. In her heart, that was the saddest thing of all.

Someone sliding into the chair across from her pulled her from her thoughts. Seeing Jon Paul staring across the table at her, she smiled and asked, 'How are you holding up kiddo?"

"I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "There's a lot of people here."

"Yes there is. It shows how much your father was respected by his peers. I'm sure that makes you feel good."

"It does and I like hearing the stories they've told me. My Dad was crazy."

She laughed. "Yes, he was. He definitely had no fear."

"T?"

"Yes sweetie?"

"Do you think it would be okay if I came to visit all of you sometime?"

Her eyes filled with tears as she stared at his little face, so filled with hope and sadness all at the same time. "Honey, we all would like that very much. I hope you do visit us, often, and I know the guys would love to show you how to surf and fish and skim."

"I want to learn how to do all those things. My Dad started teaching me how to surf several years ago but, then he had to go away for a long time. We were in Costa Rica then. Have you ever been there?"

"I have. It's beautiful."

"I loved it. I felt so wild and free."

"That is exactly what your Dad used to say about it."

"So it's okay if I come to visit?"

"If it's okay with your Mom, it will always be okay with us."

He gave her a blinding smile that was just like Thrasher's. He looked so much like his mother but, when he smiled, he had Thrasher written all over him. Catching Chris' eye from across the room, she said, "I think Chris is looking for you. Come here and give me a hug and then you better go see what he wants."

Jon Paul slid out of his chair, rounded the table and threw his arms around her neck. "I love you T.", he whispered.

"I love you too precious."

He stepped back, smiled and then gave her an impish kiss on the cheek. "Later.", he said and headed across the room to where Chris stood smiling and waiting for 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

Sliding into the chair beside her, he watched her as she watched Jon Paul walk across the room. "You okay?", he asked, noticing the tears in her eyes.

"I'm fine."

"Then why the tears?"

She looked at him then, a challenge and a warning in her eyes. "Because it breaks my heart that little boy doesn't have a father now."

He slid his arm around her and rested it along the back of her chair. "He's a great kid."

"Yes he is."

They lapsed into silence, both watching the crowd and keeping an eye on Jon Paul as he moved from one group to another. "Are you still mad at me?", he finally asked when he could bear the silent treatment no longer.

"I'm not happy with you."

"Do you at least see where I'm coming from?"

"I do but, I also think you're looking for something that isn't there and hasn't been for a long, long time."

"The two of you have some serious history babe."

"The operative word being history. All of that was over and done when I met you. I don't know what else I can say to convince you of that and quite frankly, I'm tired of defending myself against something that doesn't exist. The man is dead and completely out of our lives now although he was out of mine many years ago. Put it to rest Ranger. There's nothing there and I'll say one last time, there hasn't been since right before I met you."

"I'm sorry. I know you think this is all because a part of me doesn't trust you."

"You're right.", she cut in.

"That's not the case babe. I do trust you."

"You sure didn't sound like it last night."

"I know I didn't and again, I'm sorry. I didn't handle it well and I know the way I came off made it sound like I was accusing you of something. I wasn't and I'm still not."

"Let me ask you something."

"Okay, shoot."

"What if I had a problem with you being around lssy or calling her, hugging her, kissing her on the cheek and all of the other things you do when you're around her? What would you think if I had issues with that?"

"I would think your issues were completely unfounded and had no basis for worry. I love lssy sure but, like a sister."

"Well I can assure you I didn't and don't love Thrasher like a brother. I cared about him yes, just like I do everyone who has come into my life. I'm very sad that he has died especially in such a brutal and horrific way. No one should have to die that way Ranger. But, you were way out of line when you assumed I kept his personal things because I am still in love with him or had any kind of feelings along that line for him. I kept them for his son, plain and simple as that."

"I see that now.", he said quietly.

"Good, I hope you do because I don't want to have this conversation with you again. I won't have it and I won't ever defend myself to you about something like this again either."

"You won't have to."

"I better not! And while we're having this discussion, Jon Paul just asked if he could visit all of us sometime. I told him yes and encouraged him to do so. Just so we are clear, I didn't do that because I still harbor feelings for his father. I did that for him and because he's a little boy who doesn't have a father and who will need strong male role models to show him how to be a good man. I can't think of a better group to do that than all of you. Okay?"

He nodded and leaned over to kiss her. "I get it and I'm an ass. I'm sorry, I love you and I guess now isn't a good time to tell you that I'm taking you away for the weekend, just the two of us?"

Her head whipped around. "You're what?"

Leaning over, he gently kissed her. "Maria's keeping Tanner for us so we can go away."

"Where?"

"It's a surprise but, you're going to love it."

"You know it's going to make me nuts trying to figure out where we are going right?

He smiled. "Yeah I know but, you're cute when you're trying to get to the bottom of whatever I have cooked up."

Leaning her head against his shoulder, she said, "I love you Ranger. So much that it scares me sometimes."

"Why?"

"Because things are so good for us. We have a beautiful son, a great home, we're financially stable. It's almost like I need to pinch myself sometimes to see if this is all real."

He pressed a kiss to her temple. "It is real baby, all of it. So don't be scared, ever. Things are the way they're supposed to be."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"My feet will never recover from these shoes.", she moaned as she slipped the Stuart Weitzman Avalon peep toe heels off her feet.

"Iz yous puppies barkin' Mommy?", Tanner asked.

"Yes they are.", she laughed. "I thought it was your dogs are barking tho?"

"Yous a gurwl, so yous haf puppies."

"I see. Well, my puppies have suffered enough damage for now. I'm living in flip flops or tennis shoes the rest of the week."

Tanner climbed onto the bed beside her and stretched out on his side. Propping his head in his hand, he asked, "How wong yous gonna be gone wif Aunt Wssy, Carwly and Abwee?"

"We leave in the morning and we'll be back sometime Thursday afternoon. Why?"

"Yous gonna bwing me sumpin'?"

"Of course, don't I always?"

"Yep." he nodded. "Daddy tolded me you and him goin' away too."

"Yes, he says we are. Does that bother you?"

"No, Iz gonna pway wif Gwacie and haf fun with Wia."

"So it's okay if I'm gone to Nashville for the next two days and then leave with Daddy for a few days?"

"Uh huh. Somebody gots ta stay here wif dese puppies. They a mess."

Laughing, she stretched out beside him and said, "Yes they are a big mess. I'm going to miss you sweetie."

"Iz gonna miss yous too Mommy but, it be otay. Iz goin' to big 'chool one day and yous haf ta get weady for dat."

"Good point.", she said, leaning over to kiss him. "I love you Tanner James Sloane."

"I wuf you too Mommy. You da bestest Mommy in da wurwld."

"Thanks baby. You're the best little boy in the world."

"Hey! What's this?", Ranger asked from the doorway. "You guys are having a snuggle fest and didn't tell me?"

Tanner giggled. "You silly Daddy."

"No, you're silly. So can I join y'all or not?"

"Yep. Come way by me and den we's can haf a Tanner san'wich."

Ranger stretched out behind Tanner and reached over to pull T into his arms as well. Nuzzling Tanner's neck, he kissed him and then leaned over to kiss T. "There. I have my babies with me and I'm a happy man.", he told them.

"Iz not a baby no moah Daddy. Iz a big boy."

T grinned. "Sorry buddy but, you're always going to be your Daddy's and my baby."

"Eben when Iz 30?"

"When you're 80 too.", Ranger told him.

Tanner's eyes grew wide. "Dat old."
_________________
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: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:20 pm Post subject:

lss walked away from the kitchen window and turned to Jim as he sat at the kitchen island eating a bowl of peach cobbler and ice cream.

"How can you sit there and eat? She's there again tonight...which means she's probably going to be with Colton again tomorrow. Just what the hell is her game?" lss demanded.

Jim continued to spoon the cobbler and chew.

"OK, so it's not my business...Colton is not my son...yeah, yeah, yeah...she needs a chance and all that shit..."

Jim swallowed and then took a sip of coffee. "Really good cobbler, babe."

"Whatever! Stop avoiding me."

"Just enjoying this delicious dessert. I really appreciate you making it for me."

"Jim...she's up to no good. She has no intention of following through! She's only out to keep Mason in her bed...that's it!"

"Mason is a grown man."

"I'm going to write. I've seen enough," said lss as she closed the kitchen blinds.

"Mason is a good dad. You have to stay out of his business," said Jim.

"Don't you think I know that? But I also know what kind of woman Laura is."

"Again...none of your business."

lss rolled her eyes. "I'm going to get Gracie ready for bed and then I'm going upstairs to write."

"Are you packed?"

"I am. We leave at 7:30."

"Don't stay up fuming all night. You need to be settled down and thinking straight."

"I will...that's why I'm going to write."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"Crap!", she said as she pulled her Louis Vuitton weekender bag out of the closet.

"What's wrong?", Ranger asked.

"I didn't check the weather for Nashville."

"I did. It's going to rain the rest of the week. Better take your flippers with you."

Tossing the bag onto the bed, she went into the closet and stood looking around with her hands on her hips. "What's the temp supposed to be?"

"Mid to upper 60s during the day, 50s at night."

That helped. Moving to the section where her jeans were, she took her favorite pairs of Lucky and True Religion off the hangar and set them on top of the large built in dresser in the middle of the room. She then took several three quarter and long sleeved print tees off the hangar and placed them on top of the jeans. Next she grabbed two tunic tops and opened one of the middle drawers and took out two pair of leggings. She also picked out a couple of hoodies.

"Honey, I thought you were just going to be gone tomorrow and Thursday?", Ranger said when he came into the closet.

"I am."

He looked at the pile of clothes and raised his eyebrow. "You are?"

"I don't know what I'll be in the mood to wear so I'm taking several options. Can you grab my boots for me?"

"Which ones? There's 20 pair over here?", he asked with a smirk.

"Smart ass."

He just grinned. "Which ones baby and no, you aren't taking the hot ones."

"Hmm, I need a couple pair of rain boots. The black and white polka dot and the black, white and pink plaid I think. I want the camel color Michael Kors with the flat heels and the black ones with the embedded studs on the side."

"No way, those are hot.", he said with a shake of his head.

"And they're perfect with the leggings and tunic I'm taking."

He frowned but pulled the boots off the shelf and then picked up the three other pair she had mentioned. With his arms full, he turned and caught her smiling at him. "What?"

"The guys would give you so much crap if they knew you just got the boots I asked for without asking which ones."

"It wasn't that hard babe. The rain boots were self explanatory."

"Yes but, I have 3 pair of brown boots. You didn't ask which ones were the Michael Kors."

"I just picked up the ones I like.", he grumbled.

Laughing, she said, "Ranger Sloane, you are such a girl! Don't try to act like you don't know the designers."

"Babe, if I know them it's because you've bought a pair of shoes or boots that I thought were smokin' hot. That's the only reason why."

"Uh huh, sure it is.", she teased as she picked up the clothes she'd selected and carried them into the bedroom.

He put the boots on the bed beside her bag and said, "Just so we're clear, the sexy lingerie stays here."

She smiled and then walked into the closet again. A moment later, she came out with several pair of lacy panties from La Perla and the matching bras. With a defiant look, she tossed them into her bag. He acknowledged her action with a nod.

"Touche` baby.", he said with a cocky grin. "Oh and don't worry about packing for our trip this weekend. I'll have you packed and ready to go when you get home."

She snorted. "Like I'm going to let you pack my bag for a weekend away."

"Watch me.", he promised with a grin.
_________________
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: Wed Mar 10, 2010 6:14 pm Post subject:

"Baby! Where have you been? I've tried calling you all afternoon!" lss quickly began as Jim answered the phone.

"I was in a meeting. Sorry, sugar. Is everything OK? I called you back and then you didn't answer," he replied.

"I know...I know...because guess what happened?"

"What?"

"Well, do you have time for me to start from the beginning?"

"Sure do, shoot."

"Well, we had a great flight to Nashville and we are in the greatest room at the Opryland Hotel. It's just gorgeous. Gracie would love it. There is this woman that walks around...the vine woman...she's like this huge vine that walks around and clings to the lamp posts...anyway....it's just fun and pretty...we need to come here."

"Sounds like it."

"Then we headed over to the market area and dropped of the girls. Tsand has a friend there and so they met up and she was going to help Avery and Carly with their buying tasks for the store. Soooooooooooo...God...I'm still so excited and out of breath..."

"Take a deep breath...I'm in no hurry," said Jim.

"Well, I got to Brady's office about 30 minutes early and the publishing team called and said they were running late. Brady said he had a meeting but I could sit in with him....oh my God, Jim...."

"Babe, what in the world? You sound like you met the Queen of England or something."

"Oh gee...been there done that...no big deal. But this was a HUGE deal today. Are you sitting down?"

"Sugar, I don't think I'll faint," laughed Jim.

"It was MICHAEL BOLTON!" lss squealed.

"Really?" he asked.

"Really? Is that all you have to say? Jim...Michael Bolton...in the flesh...well, actually in some great jeans, a tshirt and a blazer....he's such a class act....oh my...you just can't imagine!"

Jim laughed, "No sugar, I don't think I can."

"Well, Brady told him that I sing and of course I just played it off. I mean what is my singing compared to Michael?"

"You have a great voice, babe."

lss sighed and took in a deep breath. "Jim...they took me into the studio and I got to sing with him. He was recording a short track for some charity work and I sang BACKUP!"

"Wow...lssy...that's really great....no wonder you're so excited...what a dream come true for you!"

"Thank God it was a simple harmony. It was...next to sex with you and giving birth to Gracie...the MOST exciting thing I've ever done!"

"Glad you've got the priorities straight," laughed Jim.

"He is soooooooooo nice. And so gracious and he took the time to work on a couple of things with me....I was in heaven. We owe Brady BIG time."

"He's a good man. We'll do something special for him but you know he did that for you because he knows what a great singer you are."

"It was a favor...a wish come true."

"Well, I'm happy for you. Very happy. How did the meeting about the book go?"

"I tried my best to stay on target with them even though I was about to burst at the seams over Michael."

"Well, at least you had Brady's lawyer with you."

"Yes...he was my lifesaver. I'm set and I think it's going to be great....they've pretty much given me free reign."

"Super!"

"I know. Oh Jim...I wish you had been here!"

"I'm proud of you, baby. Can't wait to hear the song."

"I know! Brady said he'd give me the track later."

"So what's going on now?"

"I'm about to meet up with T and the girls. I really need to go. Give Gracie a HUGE hug for me, OK? I love you!"

"I love you. Y'all be careful."

"I will...we will....bye."

"Bye, baby."

Soap Character Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 8274

"Y'all are very good for my reputation.", Brady said with a grin after they had been seated at their table at The Palm.

"You're looking like a pimp daddy.", Carly told him with a laugh.

"A high class one at that.", he replied, laughing.

The wine sommelier arrived at their table just then and after a brief discussion, Brady selected the wine. Their waiter arrived next and quickly left to get lss' sweet tea just as the sommelier returned. He opened the bottle, presented it to Brady and waited while he tested it. After a nod of approval from him, the sommelier poured wine into T's, Carly's, Avery's and Brady's glasses and left.

"What's good here?", Avery asked.

"Everything.", Carly replied. "I'm having their lobster. It's wonderful."

"I'm craving red meat.", said T.

Brady said, "T, do you trust me?"

"Of course."

"Then if you want a steak, let me order for you."

"You're on. They serve the sides family style right?"

"Yep, y'all pick out what you want.", Brady told them.

They were all hungry so it didn't take long to make their selections. The waiter returned, took their orders and left. T turned to lss and said, "I'm so jealous! What did Jim say about you singing with Michael Bolton?"

"He thought it was great. I still can't believe it happened. Brady, thank you so much, again, for letting me do this."

"Don't thank me, it was purely a selfish move on my part. I've heard you have a lovely voice and have been dying to get you into a sound booth. Ever thought about a music career?"

"Oh boy, here we go. Run lssy.", said Carly.

"You hush. I'll get you on an album one day little missy.", he promised.

"You've been saying that for at least ten years."

"I'm not dead yet.", he told her. "Lssy, any time you feel the urge to sing, give me a call. I can find something for you to do."

lss smiled and asked, "Would next week be too soon?"

Brady laughed. "Not at all. Any time you're ready, say the word. Now, tell me about the shopping exhibition today. Did you have any luck?"

Carly and Avery told him about the fantastic display cases they'd found at the store Carly had gotten the lead on. They had bought them on the spot and would finalize transporting them to Navarre tomorrow. They had also visited a jewelry wholesaler that T knew from her soap days in New York and had fallen in love with the jewelry items she carried. They had decided she would be one of their main suppliers and had bought a large selection of rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants.

"I can't believe it's actually all coming together.", said Avery.

"It's going to be fantastic.", said T.

"I can't wait to go shopping.", lss said. "Have you decided on a grand opening date yet?"

"No but, we will in the next couple of weeks. The painters start on Monday and the wood flooring goes in the following Monday. Then we can start moving displays and other furniture in. Once that's done, we'll get very serious about buying inventory.", Carly told them.

"We do get to take a trip to New York for this right?", lss asked.

"Definitely!"

"Count me in.", T said taking a sip of her wine.
_________________
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: Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:05 am Post subject:

"Mama, I miss you. What you doing? asked Gracie as she crunched on some Cheerios.

"I'm sitting in bed drinking coffee and talking to my most favorite baby girl in the world," replied lss.

"I is yous baby girl, Mama. I have to be yous favwit."

lss laughed. "You are too smart. Are you ready for school?"

"Nope. I want to stay home 'cause that dumb ol' Suzie is there."

"Is she bothering you again?"

"Nope. I dis don't like her."

lss tried to stifle a giggle. "I love you...hope your day is a good one."

"I hope yous have a good day too, Mama. Is you bringing me a preswent?"

"Maybe...you never know!"

"I hope so. Love you, Mama...here Daddy."

"Hey sugar. Did you sleep well?"

"I did except I miss you."

"Miss you."

"What did y'all do last night?" she asked.

"Mason and Laura came over and we grilled steak and shrimp."

"She's still over there?"

"Been there all week."

"Damn."

"lssy, you may as well resign yourself to the fact this may be a permanent thing."

"Whatever..."

"She's making strides with Colton."

"It's an act."

"Come on now..."

"Whatever, Jim...I'm...well...it's just best I not say anything. You'll see."

"What's on the agenda today?"

"Not sure. I'm meeting up with the girls for breakfast. I'll give you a call later."

"I'm home today. Wish you were here."

"Aww, me too but I'm having a great time. Carly and Avery are so excited and they are going to do great with their business."

"I'm sure they will. Well...let me go so I can get Miss Priss motivated."

"Good luck with that. Love you."

"Love you...bye."

Soap Character Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 608

"Can't believe we havent' been out here since the storms," said Jim as he looked up to the roof of the house and around the windows.

"I know. Sure feels good. I'm going to take stock of the pantry and then go to the grocery store," lss replied.

"Can I go wif you?" asked Gracie

"Yes ma'am."

"Gweat! Let's go see whats we need. I want good food to eat dis weekend at da beach!"

"Me too, Gracie. Make sure Mama gets some ice cream," said Jim.

"Daddy, you say not let you eat no moah ice cream 'cause yous wuf handwles is gettin' tooooo big."

Jim and lss laughed.

"I'll only get healthy stuff," said lss with a wink.

"Yeah, well, get the healthy ice cream," added Jim.

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:55 pm Post subject:

"Such a pretty day after those storms," said lss to Gracie.

"Yep. I wanna pway wif my sand bucket."

"We will. We have to get the house ready for warm weather, get the kitchen stocked and then we can play."

"Mama, I think I need one of dose big kids bikes."

"Hmmm...well...maybe not quite yet. I think your little bike is working just fine for now."

"I wants to take it on dat place by da woad where you run sometimes."

"We might do that this evening. Work first...remember?"

"Yep."

"OK, let's hit Walgreens first. I need to pick up my prescription and also get some sunscreen," said lss as she turned the X5 into the parking lot.

Gracie was quick to unbuckle her carseat and was waiting on lss to open the door. "I weady!"

"Yes you are. Come on and don't you dare let go of my hand, OK?"

"I know."

As lss walked to the door Gracie commented, "Mama, dat look like Laurwa's car."

lss glanced to the car and agreed and then stopped in her tracks. "What the HELL!"

"Mama! Dat Colton in dere!"

"I know!"

lss walked quickly to the window where Colton was waving to her.

"Oh dear God...has this woman left you in here! Good grief! Sir...sir excuse me....can you help me?" asked lss of a man who was getting out of his car.

He ignored her and walked into the store.

"Mama we needs to find Laura. She messed up big time!"

"Yes she did and I can't leave him here to find her. Hopefully she will be out of the store soon," lss replied as she tapped on the window and interacted with Colton.

"Hey girls! What's up?" asked Laura as she bounced out of the store.

"What's up? What's UP! What the hell were you thinking, Laura. You don't leave a child in the car!"

"Oh my God, lss. You are so overprotective. I was in there less than five minutes."

"Long enough from some whack job to break in and take him, Laura!"

Laura rolled her eyes and then opened the car. "Hey buddy. Ready to go see Daddy?"

"Lssy! Lssy!" said Colton with outstretched arms.

"Laura this is no small thing I am going to brush under the rug. I'm following you to Mason's office and we're going to have a long talk about this!"

"Do what you like. I've done nothing wrong."

"You not 'posed to leave kids in da car, Laurwa. Dat bad," said Gracie as she shook her head.

"Yes, it is," agreed lss. "Laura, you have no business..."

"Don't go off on me, lss. At least I'm not a drunk who had to leave my daughter to go get dried out!"

lss felt every form of anger and fire rise from her feet to the top of her head. Had Gracie not been with her and Colton sitting in the car, she would have slapped her.

"Laura, take Colton out of the car and put him in mine...NOW!"

"You are soooooo overreacting."

"YOU DO IT NOW OR I GO TO MASON NOT ONLY WITH THIS INCIDENT BUT I WILL TELL HIM ABOUT IAN."

Laura's face went stone cold. "You are one bitch."

"Mama...her say a bad word."

"Now Laura...take his car seat out and put him in my car...NOW!"

"Whatever," Laura replied as she reached in to take Colton from the seat.
"Here...hold him."

"lssy, lssy.." sang Colton as he hugged her.

lss balanced Colton on one hip as she held Gracie's hand. "This is the end of it, Laura."

"lss...please...don't tell him about Ian."

"Oh, you don't mind me telling him about your leaving his son alone in the car? Priorities, Laura. You really have them."

"You're not saint, lss."

"Never claimed to be," replied lss as she buckled Gracie into her seat.

"Mama, we go see Unca Mase at work?"

"We are, baby."

"Byeeeeeeeee, Laurwa!" yelled Gracie as lss closed the door.

"I won't let you ruin what Mason and I have," Laura threatened.

"Laura, it would have to be some outstanding relationship for Mason to stay with you. From all I've seen...you'll be out of his life within the hour."