Notes: Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess which is owned by StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. All other characters are fictitious and of my own creation.   "Dreamboat Annie" is a song by Heart.  Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.


Preface [Queen's Hut, Amazon Village 84 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes....

After the most miraculous of Solstice gifts, David and Angela went to celebrate with their friends. This scroll shows how they welcomed in that auspicious year....


Chapter 1 [Wabash-2 days after Christmas]

Early on that clear morning, life at the Blackwell farm was just starting to stir. Although the elders had already started their routine, their guests stole a few more hours in bed, enjoying the comfort. 

Dave stirred, slowly coming back to awareness after a pleasant night's sleep. When he had his senses back, he rolled over and saw his wife, Angie, sleeping blissfully with a big smile on her face. She's so beautiful. A minute later, an idea popped into his head. Putting on his robe, he crept downstairs to the kitchen where he found his mother-in-law already working. "Good morning, Mama."

"Hello, David! How are you? Is Angie up?" she asked.

"I'm fine and no, she's still sleeping. I was wondering if you had a tray," he replied.

"Yes, we have a TV tray. Oh, that's nice. You want to serve her breakfast in bed, don't you?" she realized. Seeing him nod, she continued, "No problem. The tray's right outside of your room now." She spooned some oatmeal into a bowl and sliced some bananas into it. "Here's her oatmeal-just the way she likes it." She arranged the platter with a glass of juice and a cup of coffee. "Come down for yours, all right, David?"

He nodded and smiled as he walked up the stairs.

She shook her head and chuckled. It's a treat to see somebody treat Angie like that. He's a treasure, all right.

****

About five minutes later, he knocked at the door.

"Mmm...yes?" Angie moaned.

"Room service!" he called, entering the room with the plate. Setting it on the little nightstand, he rushed out and grabbed the tray.

"Dave? What on Earth?" she wondered, half-asleep.

"Rather than have you miss this, I brought it to you. Now enjoy!" he told her while setting up the tray.

Seeing the oatmeal, she yelled, "Thanks, Momma!"

"You're welcome! But thank David for the idea!" her mother called back.

"And thank you, Sweetie," she expressed, kissing him. Taking a spoonful of oatmeal, she savored it, "Mmm...this is good!"

He went downstairs and brought his portion up. Sitting at her side, they enjoyed their meal together.

****

An hour later, they finally came downstairs to find her parents at the table.

Dave set the dishes in the sink and joined the others.

"Well, look who's finally up!" Mr. B. teased.

"Now, Bill, David's already been at work this morning," his wife assured him.

"So I hear. My Angel's getting lazy, is she?" he cracked.

"Daddy!" the oncologist retorted. "That's not funny!"

"I was kidding of course," the farmer noted, kissing his daughter on the cheek. "Oh, while you two were showering, Frank Landers called. You can go ahead and call him back if you want."

Dave nodded and dialed his friend's number.

"Hello?" Frank answered from his phone in Long Island.

"Frank, this is Dave! What's new?"

"Not much. Anything with you?" Frank asked.

"Well, I don't know if the in-laws told you," Dave told him.

"Why? What's going on up there?" the doctor wondered.

"Well, on Christmas Eve, the baby factory went into high gear and well...both Cybelle and Angie..."

"You mean Angie's pregnant? Wow! Congrats and double congrats on being an uncle again! That seals it! You two are coming down here for New Year's! Everyone's getting together," Frank expressed.

"Let me check," the librarian indicated and asked his wife, "Want to spend a few days with Frank and the gang in New York before we head back to Tucson?"

She concurred, "Sure. We have a lot to celebrate. Ask him if tomorrow night would be okay for us to get there."

"I heard her. That's fine," Frank told Dave. "We'll meet at our usual place in Central Park West about sixish?"

"Count on it. See you then," Dave concluded and hung up.

"So, what are you two up to now, pray tell?" Mrs. B. asked.

"A trip to the Big Apple and a chance to spend some time with our friends," her daughter explained.

"We still have time to do some snowmobiling so let's get to it," Dave suggested. "Sound good, 'Mommy'?"

His wife shot him a sarcastic look. I'm pregnant not made out of glass, Dingbat. "Sure 'Daddy'. Betcha 'Windy' can outrace 'Snowy'."

"Be careful out there, you two," her father advised.

"Don't worry, I'm not into racing her at this point. Even if she's a Scum Devil on an imitation sled," he teased.

"Oh, that's so droll, Mr. Mildcat. Whose sled is the fake one here? I wish I could take a chance and stick it to you, but I'll have to settle for verbal retorts and a nice Sunday ride," she shot back, giving him a playful wink.

After putting on their snowsuits, they took off down the trail, crossing the fields and going into the woods. Within twenty minutes, they arrived in Wabash proper and stopped in front of the old fashioned general store with its gas pumps in front and post office at the side.

Stepping inside, Dave noticed an older gentleman tending the counter. "Mr. Cavendish, how are you?"

"Fine!" the storekeeper returned the greeting. "How's life with you, kids?"

"Great! It's good to be back. Tomorrow, we have to head to the Big City," Angie added.

"That's nice. What can I get you two?" 

"Just some cocoa. Momma's got everything set at home," she informed him pleasantly.

Dr. Benson walked in the front door and greeted them. "And how's the expecting mother doing today?"

"Fine," she giggled. "And you?"

"Great! It's a beautiful day and I have such great people to talk to. How are you, David?"

I can see why Angie likes it here. "Not bad. Thank you for taking a look at Angie and my sister yesterday, Doc."

"No problem. If I hadn't agreed immediately, the good brother would have twisted my arm," he joked. "Just take care, Angie-no unnecessary risks, all right? David, I'm sure you're watching her like a hawk."

"Oh he is all right," she teased, grinning wickedly.

Dave shrugged. "Hey, I've waited this long for happiness. I just have to get used to this is all."

Ugh. Will ya stop it already? the Child asked. 

Dave just shook his head and didn't respond.

"You will, my boy," the doctor chuckled. "Speaking of Brother Tony, he's at the church. Why don't you go over there before you leave?"

"That's a great idea!" she agreed.

"Mr. Cavendish, can you pour us another cocoa for him?" her husband requested.

"Here you go! Thanks, kids!" he concluded as they took the drinks and left.

"Take care, Angie and Dave!" Dr. Benson added.

They waved as they got on the sleds. Continuing down the trail, they stopped at the church five minutes later.

Hearing the sleds, Brother Tony stuck his head out and asked, "Can I help you?"

"Hi, Brother!" Dave greeted, taking off his helmet.

"David, please come in! Angela, is that you?" the minister greeted, the smile spreading on his face.

"Yes, Brother Tony," she replied, removing her head covering. "How are you?"

"Fine. Come in," he invited. Once they had done so, he asked, "What can I do for you?"

She smiled and offered him the cocoa. "First, that's for you. Secondly, we wanted to thank you for your kindness the other day."

"If you're ever out West, the door is always open," Dave added.

"I know that and I thank you. You two are fine people and good role models. If I can steady you in any way, then I will do so. Your faith is strong. By the way, why didn't your friend come with you on Thursday?" the minister asked.

"Marie's Muslim and she didn't want to cause any trouble at the service," Angie sighed. "We tried to convince her...."

"I wish she had. She worships the same God we do but in a different way. As I have heard, she asked the Lord to bless you both. She is welcome in this church. Good people, no matter what, are needed in this world. As you know, David, the time for crusades is over," the elderly minister admonished.

"Indeed," the librarian agreed. "Can you pray for us in that regard?"

"I do every day, my brother and sister and for the little life that you will bring into this world. Now, when do you leave?" Tony asked.

"Tomorrow," she responded.

"Then, I wish you well in all things," he stated.

"Agamus gratias sibi," Dave replied. ("We thank you-literally-We give thanks to you.")

"Take care and thank you," Angie concluded, walking out.

"Thanks again," her husband added.

"Until we meet again!" Brother Tony called as his young friends disappeared up the trail. May the Lord watch over you both always.



Chapter 3

Early the next morning, they rose and helped her parents around the farm. Dave worked with Mr. Blackwell out in the barn while Angie and her mother worked around the house. After everything was done, the quartet had coffee.

"What's going on with you two? What's Frank got up his sleeve?" her father asked.

"If I can gauge Frank right, I have a surprise for Angie tonight. Then we'll take a drive around Long Island tomorrow. New Year's Eve will be spent in the museums and...Rockefeller Center," Dave explained.

"Oh, I've always wanted to see the apple drop!" Angie exclaimed.

"I remember you saying that. So, Frank and I made arrangements," he laughed.

"Honestly," she sighed, tearing up. "You're something! I wish I could do something for you."

"You are," her mother assured her.

"Like what?" Angie scoffed.

"Like that," her husband said, pointing to her stomach. "Sorry, folks."

"No problem since you're making a good point," her father agreed, "Angie, your husband is trying to say that you are his wife and the mother of your-yours and his-child. That's enough."

Not if Ah have to put up with this crap for nine months! Argh! the Child growled in Dave's head.

Cool it! Now!

Ahh...nuts! With that, the Voice went silent.

"Some day, I'll even the score up," she promised, kissing him.

"Another chalk mark on her side of the register," he told them.

Her parents nodded.

"And don't forget about New Year's Day," she pointed out.

"Ah yes, ASU plays Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl and they'll need the home field advantage...." Her husband snickered.

"Dave!" she lectured half-seriously, crossing her arms

"Oops. Then, U of A plays Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl tonight," he continued, the saucy grin spreading across his face.

"Yeah and the Kitties will need all of the help they can get there too," she cracked.

"Land sakes, you two! Do we need to separate you?" her mother exclaimed.

"Now, Jenny, it's all right. They're just having their little joke is all," her husband indicated.

Looking at his watch, Dave saw it was 10:45. "Well, we should get going."

"Geez!" Angie realized. "Where are the suitcases?"

"Relax, the car's loaded. Let's just have a nice drive down to the city, all right?" Dave advised.

"Okay," she agreed as they walked through the door.

Turning to his in-laws, he said, "Well, I guess this is it. Thank you for everything." He hugged them both.

"Thank you, David, for being so good to our daughter," his mother-in-law replied warmly.

"You're the son I've always wanted," her father added. "Promise that you'll keep us in the loop?"

Dave shook his head. "Why is everyone so dang paranoid? Karen asked me the same thing. Don't worry. She's a good friend and you two are the best in-laws a man could ask for. Never, ever worry about that. I could never cut Angie off from you two even if I wanted to...which I would never think of doing anyhow. Excuse me; I'm going to go start the car. Thank you again."

His father-in-law shook his head. I didn't mean it like that. What did his family do to him?

"Guys, I'm sorry..." Angie apologized.

"That's okay, Angel," her father stated as they hugged.

"Thanks, Momma, Daddy. I love you," the oncologist told them.

"We know, Dear," her mother replied. "And we'll always be there for you both. But now, you need to be there for David. Remember, his life hasn't always been that stable. That's why he wants children so that he can be better to them than his father was to him."

"I know that. If you could have seen him on that day." Angie shuddered, remembering the fight at Cybelle's house punctuated by the Child's appearance. "If I can help him with that pain, I'll do it."

"You do. Every day that you're with him, you work wonders on him, Angie. Go to him now and have fun, all right."

"I will," their daughter agreed. "Thanks again and we'll talk soon."

"Okay!" her Dad answered, waving to her. "Bye, Angel!"

She nodded and got into the car.

Dave studied his wife carefully as she looked back at the farmhouse where she had grown up. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh yes! Terrific! Now I know how you felt that day at the Alvarezes. It's tough letting go," she realized.

"Now who said anything about letting go? You know-we're the luckiest people in the world. We have careers, three families, the greatest friends and soon, our own family. Best of all, we have each other. Oh and no more talk of getting even. You're the best wife a man could want and more," he declared and kissed her on the cheek.

"Okay, Dave, I know you're right but..." she started.

"But what?" he asked.

"But you're always doing nice things for me," she sighed.

"And...look, Princess, I want you to know something. Do you realize how long it took for me to even look at a woman after Karen?" he inquired.

"Seven years," she stated. "And?"

"Right. I was hurting. That night in San Antonio changed my life. You taught me how to love and care for someone else again instead of running from a ghost. When you're happy, I'm happy...."

Oh puke! The Child growled. This is pathetic!

Shut up! Who asked you?

She watched him go quiet. That child's bugging him again. Time to snap him out of it. "That is the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. You're amazing, all right? Well, the meter's running so we'd best get going. Captain, punch it!"

He grinned and allowed himself a chuckle as they drove off. She's good for me all right.

****

As they passed further down the Hudson River Valley, she asked, "Where are we going to meet him?"

"You'll see," he indicated mysteriously.

Just then, her cell phone went off. Who? "Hello?"

"Hi, Angie! It's Frank! Can I talk to Dave?"

"Okay...hang on," she told him. "Dave, can we pull off for a sec?"

"Right," he agreed, taking the next off ramp and stopping the car before taking the call. "Hey, Frank, what's up?"

"Dave, listen...the city traffic's backed up from a couple of accidents south of 175th Street. You know the parking garage off of 212th Street over by the subway station? Go to it and then take the train to the Cloisters. I'll meet you in front of the information booth," his friend noted. "How far out are you?"

"ETA -twenty minutes to the parking garage. Give us about forty-five minutes to be safe," the librarian pointed out.

"Sounds good! Be careful, all right?"

"With Angie here? Always," he assured his friend.

Yeah. From what I saw on the news back in May, I could disagree with you, but I won't. "See you then," he concluded and hung up.

"What are we doing?" she wondered as he handed the phone back to her.

"We're taking the subway from 212th Street to the Cloisters," he noted as they got back on the interstate. 

"Well, that's always an adventure," she replied. "And with you, I should brace myself."

He shrugged. "What can I say? I hate dull."

That's an understatement, she mused to herself.

****

About thirty minutes later, they stepped out of the subway station and walked through Fort Tyron Park. As they approached the transplanted monastery, they could see it in the distance. For each of them, it had been a refuge against the realities of their situations. For her, medical school exams. For him, his parents and everyday life.

As they entered, Dave took a deep breath, feeling the "medieval buzz" hit him. He loved the period and anything to do with it. 

"Don't overdose on me now, Pal," she cracked. "I don't want to deal with it."

For once, we agree on somethin', the Child sniggered.

Hey. Stuff it. If I want to enjoy the experience, I'll enjoy it. Got it?

Yeah, yeah.

Good. As they approached the information desk, they saw Frank standing there.

"Hi, Frank!" Angie greeted as they hugged.

"Hi, you two!" Frank returned the greeting.

"Thanks for letting us know about the traffic. The last thing we'd want is to get stressed especially after Angie's folks provided us with a wonderful holiday," Dave pointed out.

"So we heard," Karen chuckled, stepping into view from behind a pillar. "Oh, guys! When Frank called and told us, we came right up! Oh this is great!" She hugged them both as well.

"Thanks! So this is what it feels like, huh?" the oncologist laughed. "You know I'll be bugging you for advice."

The librarian considered Karen's face and her cheeks were so rosy almost like.... Her too?

Uh huh. Ah think so.

The bunnies were loose, weren't they? "Okay, 'Miss', out with it. You're pregnant too, aren't you?"

Karen took a step back aghast. "How did you know that? Frank!" Dang it, he still can read me like a book. So much for my surprise.

He's doing it again. "Hey, I didn't say a thing to him!" he protested.

"Oh gosh!" Angie responded happily. "You too?"

"It seems the rabbits got loose for you, me, and Cybelle on the same night. I can't believe it," the nurse admitted.

"Congrats from both of us!" Dave expressed.

"Yes! Where are Mike and Mika?" Angie wondered.

"Mike and Jolene are watching the kids tonight. They wanted us four to have a nice evening out. Of course, he trusts you to behave yourself tonight, Dave," Karen teased.

"Well, he should since I have another lady's attention tonight," the librarian replied.

"That's right," his wife agreed. "Are we off to this mystery place yet?"

"Yeah," Frank concurred. "Let's go."

They took the subway down to Central Park West and walked up to the Dallas BBQ.

"I don't believe it," Angie giggled. "You know about this place?"

"Of course," her husband retorted as they walked in. "Best ribs in town as far as I'm concerned."

"And our low point as well," Frank added. "I had just found out about Jerry. Meantime, Dave had come up here on a respite from the beating he took in Charlottesville. Dave, I've never seen you so sick, Chief."

Within his mind, he could hear the Child roar in displeasure.

He sat down and took a deep breath as the shakes hit him and his head went numb.

Not now! "Dave, calm down," Karen told him. "I know it was bad, but this isn't helping."

The change occurred in that moment as the Child glared at her. "An' what d'ya know about that, huh? Don't bug 'im with that! Got it! Ah'll deal with them buggers mahself one day for what they did to us!"

Angie turned white. What happened down there that it would trip his switch like this? This is almost as bad as in the room in Arizona. "Look, we will deal with this-all three of us together, all right? But I'm with you in helping Dave. You got that," she told the raving persona.

"Yeah. Thanks. Look Ah'll go back in...jus' don't talk 'bout it anymore, awright?" With that, the change reversed itself, allowing Dave to take control again. 

"I'm sorry," he sighed. "If you all want, I'll wait for you somewhere."

"That's not going to help matters, Buster," his wife asserted. "Somehow-in his own way-he cares just as we all do. And I'm not going to let you slink away from me, all right? We'll deal with this! Whatever happened, it's important to me and I'm here for you no matter what!"

"Amen," Karen told him.

"Indeed," Frank added. "Although I think they know what they're getting."

"Uh huh," Karen giggled. "They can chow on the ribs. Just ask my father." After they had ordered, she asked, "How did your talk go?"

"Great," Dave told her. "I set them up and my partner here knocked them out."

"Now, Dave, you're set up speech was good too. Honestly, now who's not giving himself enough credit?" Angie jabbed.

"Yes, Dear." He rolled his eyes at her playfully.

At this gesture, they all broke out laughing, allowing the earlier tension to dissipate and insuring that the evening would be a good one.

****

An hour later, they left the restaurant having made a serious dent in the establishment's supply.

Dave looked up at the city lights and smiled. So pretty. "What do we do now?"

"Well, I thought we could head over to Rockefeller Center and see the Christmas lights," Frank suggested.

"Or...we could go see a Broadway play," Karen suggested, pulling out four passes. "Les Miserables starts in forty-five minutes."

"Let's go!" Angie urged.

****

What did you think of the show?" Karen wondered.

"I'm speechless," the oncologist gasped. "It was overwhelming."

"I just love Broadway," Dave added. "My wife, the doctor, can wow them at international meetings yet is wonderfound by culture. Getting you up to speed is going to be fun...Dear." He smirked as he kissed her.

"And you're the most cultural person? Yeah right," Frank scoffed.

"He's getting better," Angie pointed out. "Although word had it that he was tearing up some serious rug down in San Antonio."

"That's right, but I didn't have a good partner. You know what the best part of that trip was?"

Angie rolled her eyes. I can see this one coming.

"Splitting the sundae. Although I thought that 'Dreamboat Annie' here was more set on gulping down her portion and taking off for Columbia," he teased.

"Dave, that's not true and you know it!" she protested before realizing that he was kidding.

With that mindset, they walked about the city, enjoying each other's company and the sights.


Chapter 4

[Long Island-the next day]

As they didn't get back to Frank's house until 1 AM, Dave and Angie slept in pretty late on the couch bed.

From their seats in the kitchen, Jolene and Karen observed them and drank their coffee.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Karen asked happily.

"Yes. Mind if I ask a personal question?" Seeing her friend shake her head, she continued, "How does it feel to see them like that?"

Karen sighed deeply. "Dave and I were like that once and it was good for both of us. But that was a long time ago. It won't do any good to dredge up the past in front of him or Mike."

Jolene nodded in agreement, "So how are you two doing?"

"Okay. Job's fine. Everything's wonderful at home and well, I guess I have another maternity leave coming up," Karen told her. "I'm really excited for Dave. You should have seen him last night. He and Angie were wisecracking each other back and forth. That's what he needs."

"Wow. I wish I could have seen that," the hostess agreed.

"You may get your chance on New Year's Day. ASU and U of A are playing in the football games," the nurse stated.

"I'm glad Northwestern's not facing Arizona. I couldn't stand dealing with Frank and Dave going at it," Jolene mentioned.

"Mike and I will be right there with Dave," Karen pointed out. Seeing him get up, she added, "Good morning, Sleepyhead!"

"Yeah, morning!" the librarian replied. "And I'll be counting on your support. I can't stand Notre Dame either." He fixed himself a cup of coffee and drank it. "Mmm...Viennese Chocolate."

"Frank will be back about three from work. What's going on for tonight?" Jolene asked.

"I don't know." Dave shrugged. "I did promise Angie a ride around the Island though."

"Sounds good. You're taking your Daddy-to-be responsibilities seriously, aren't you?" Karen queried.

"Very much so. It's new ground, that's for sure."

"But you're ready for it," Jolene affirmed.

"I'll second that," Angie yawned, shuffling into the room. "Now, give up the coffee."

"To your left, Princess," he teased. 

"This coffee's great, Jolene, but the directional service stinks," the oncologist cracked after taking a few sips.

"Picky, picky. Geez!" Dave retorted. Seeing Mike walk into the room, he asked. "Mike, is this what's coming?"

His one-time rival smirked. "Just wait until you have to start going out for pickles and ice cream."

"Mike!" his wife protested in disbelief.

"Well, he has to know what's coming," Mike laughed.

"I'll have to consult the resident quack when he gets here," the librarian assumed humorously.

Seeing Jolene turn red, Karen assured her. "He's teasing."

"Well, as his wife and the doctor on duty, I'm taking charge," Angie replied.

"Oh really?" her husband retorted, shooting her an amused look. "And who put you in charge?"

"Honestly, Dave! You're such a killjoy!" she stated, winking at him.

"Just get ready for a tour, Dear," he responded, grabbing his bag of toiletries. "I'll be in the shower."

"You mean we'll be in the shower. You forgot your towel, Chief!" she pointed out, running after him.

Knowing that the interchange was in good fun, they all laughed and enjoyed it.

****

As they passed through the series of little towns, Angie took in all of the little shops that they passed. 

"Quaint, isn't it?" Dave asked.

"It's nice," she agreed.

"Yeah it is. Now what will we do for lunch?" he asked.

"Dave!"

"We can stop and make plans, all right? I have some ideas to run by you first," he explained.

"Okay then," she agreed. "Lunch it is."

****

After stopping at a little roadside diner, they drove onward.

"Now what?" he asked.

"Oh, how about we stop in that little town Frank mentioned last night. Port Chester," she suggested.

"Sounds great," he agreed, heading down the road.

****

About twenty minutes later, they arrived in Port Chester, a little seaside town on the southern tip of Long Island. The shops hugged the harbor's edge and, other than the occasional convenience store, the town remained as it had for years.

"This is great, Dave," she complimented.

"Wait'll you see everything," he told her as they parked in a long-term parking lot.

"I can't wait. Let's walk," she agreed and took his hand. 

They strolled up and down the streets admiring the different flower shops, boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops. 

Finally, outside of the Kavanaughs' dress shop, he stopped to tie his shoe.

As he did, she gazed through the window at an elegant dinner dress. It was made from turquoise-colored velvet and had two black straps and a purple pleat along the bottom. "Oh, that's beautiful!"

"Want to look at it?" he asked.

"Sure, but I don't want to take up the whole afternoon," she disagreed.

"This is our vacation, remember?" he reminded her.

"Well...okay," she conceded the point as they walked in.

As they entered the shop, a middle-aged woman with fair skin and dark brown hair came over and asked if she could help them.

"Yes," Angie noted. "I'd like to try that dress on in the window please."

The woman nodded and handed the dress to her. 

Angie smiled and walked into the dressing room. A few minutes later, she came out and asked her husband, "What do you think?"

He admired the vision. The dress seemed to be made for her, fitting her like a glove. "I love it."

"Well, let's see. How much is it?" she asked. Seeing the price tag, she exclaimed, "$350.00! We can't afford this!"

"In any event, it's being held for some one. Sorry," the salesperson apologized. "A gentleman will be coming by to pick it up very shortly in fact."

"I knew it was too good to be true," Angie sighed and moped back into the dressing room. Three minutes later, she came out in her own clothes and with the dress on a hangar. "Here it is. Let's go, Dave."

He shook his head and produced an orange strip. "Is the number on that tag 107213?"

"Why yes! Can I see an ID please?" the woman inquired. After he gave it to her, she nodded and handed it back to him. "Mrs. Dubois, the dress is yours. Sorry for the mix up."

"But...but...you said that the dress is being held for someone," Angie argued. Seeing him chuckle, she demanded, "What's so funny, Hotshot?"

"The dress was being held all right...for you. I special ordered it before we left Tucson," he revealed.

"But we can't afford this!" she protested vehemently.

"Hey, you need a frills dress to go with those doctor suits of yours, all right? I agree we can't do this every day, but I want you to have something nice. Besides, I already paid for it," he pointed out.

"He did," the salesperson agreed, smiling.

"In that case, Dave, thank you," she grinned. I can't believe you did it, you son of a gun. 

After the dress was wrapped and in her hands, they hung it up in the car and kept shopping. Finally, after browsing through some used bookstores, they stopped at an old café.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Hey, you don't have to," he pointed out.

"Hey, I want to. No arguing, all right? You get a coffee at least for that dress," she stated firmly.

He chuckled. When she gets like that, there's no winning. "All right, all right, I give up. How about a Chocolate Cherry mocha and a cookie?"

"Done," she agreed. "Be right back." She went over to the counter and returned a few minutes later with two cups and their snacks. 

"Thanks," he accepted with a smile.

"No problem. About time I get to do something for you," she slurred while sipping on her coffee. "What are we doing tonight?"

"Depends on Frank. It's getting on for 4:30, so we should be getting back," he noted.

"Thanks for the dress," she beamed, kissing him as they got in the car and headed back. I love that dress. He's so good but I really have to do something for him if it kills me.


Chapter 5

About 6:00, they pulled into Frank's apartment complex. The lights shone brightly through the windows and through the vents, they could smell cooking sauce.

"Mmm...Jolene's making sauce," Angie giggled.

"Oh, you're in for a treat, Princess," Dave indicated. "C'mon, let's go sample the goods. Do you have your prize?"

"Right here," she replied as they walked into the apartment.

"There you are!" Frank announced. "We were just about to send the dogs out when you pulled in. Looks like someone's been shopping. What did you get?"

Angie shot her husband a knowing glance and uncovered the dress. "He got me this."

Needless to say, everyone was stunned.

"Hey, it's her Christmas present," the librarian argued. "She needed a frills dress. Now she has one. If you'll excuse me, I want to play with Jerry for a second. Frank?"

When the two guys had left, Angie shook her head and told the other girls. "He had me completely fooled. The chump even stopped in front of the right window to tie his shoe just so I'd see the dress. I had to go in and try it on. I couldn't believe how well it fit! When the salesperson told me I had to put it back, it broke my heart."

"So what happened?" Jolene asked expectantly.

"So, Dave pulls out the slip and reads off a number. The next thing I know, the dress is mine. I'm...well...in shock. Girls, I have to do something for him, but I don't know what he'd want."

"I could ask Frank," Jolene offered. "But I think Karen, you would know better."

The nurse grinned. "If we could get a hold of his reading wish list, I could tell you."

"I've seen it," Angie indicated. "In fact. Jolene, can I use your phone for a local call to Border's?"

"Sure," the hostess agreed.

Angie dialed away and asked, "Hi, I was wondering if you had one of the set The Black Death: A Global History by McAllister in stock?"

The information desk person typed away on his computer, checking the stock. "Yes, we have one here. It's five volumes and runs about $350.00. In fact, there was a talk on this topic not too long ago."

"Did you go?" Angie inquired.

"Yes, I actually drove all day up to Albany to see it. The speakers were great. I wish I could meet them and say thanks! Anyway, do you want to have this item held?"

"I would and you're talking to one of them. Please hold it for Dr. Angela Dubois please," Angie informed him.

"You're the second speaker?" he wondered as he pulled the set off of a nearby shelf.

"Yes. I am," she giggled. "I'll be right there if you can keep it for me. And thank you for the feedback!"

"You're welcome," he concluded. "Talk to you shortly." With that, he hung up.

Karen shook her head. "I know that look, Angie. You've got something up your sleeve."

"Who me?" the oncologist asked humorously. "Little me? If you want scheming, ask my husband."

"Yeah, you two have definitely been together for too long," the nurse joked.

"Are you going to help me or what?" Angie asked, looking around. "He can use those books."

"I'll run interference here if you both want to go," the hostess offered.

"Let's go! I can't wait to see his reaction!" Karen snickered as they left for her van.

****

As the ladies carried out their plan, Dave and Frank sat at the table drinking beers and discussing things.

"That's a really nice thing you did for her, Dave."

"It was nothing really. I want her to feel special. Believe me, the look on her face was worth every penny of it." Dave shrugged.

"It's nice that you have focus now. I saw your talk on the hookup here. Nice work," the doctor complimented.

"It was special to work with her like that. Hopefully, it'll continue," Dave agreed.

"I don't see why not," Frank observed. "You two have a great thing going."

"I hope it stays that way," the librarian agreed. Just then, he heard the door opening. "Who?"

"Just us deliverywomen with a package. Hey, 'sir', how about some help here?" she requested.

"Coming right up!" Dave agreed and took the box. "Wow! What's in here?"

"Just a minute," Angie told him. "Everyone, front and center." When the group was there, she continued, "Here's where I get even with you, Pal." Her grin spread across her face.

He looked at the heavy box. "For me?"

"Uh huh. Now, aren't you going to open it, Silly? C'mon, Sweetie, America's waiting," Angie teased.

"Okay," he agreed. Taking his keys out, he sliced open the tape on the box top and opened it to find the books. "Angie, thank you, but it's too much!"

"Hey, you all have had your fun. Now it's my turn," she told him frankly. "Look, I'm getting sick of watching you lug those books back and forth between the Med and Main Libraries. After we got to the bookstore, I even discovered that I could get a faculty discount, so shut up and enjoy them. And let's not have a spending war, okay?"

"All right," he agreed, looking at her and smiling.

"Good, but I can still enjoy your book purchase. After your performance, you deserve them. Go ahead and look at Volume One."

He did so and saw this inscription:

Dearest Dave,

Thank you for everything! Here's something to help your research (and your back). Keep plugging and being you.

My Love Always

Angie

"Thanks, Honey," he said appreciatively.

She nodded and pointed out, "There's a note in there for both of us."

He picked up the folded piece of paper and read it.

To the Drs. Dubois:

Hi. My name is Mark Leminster and I'm an undergraduate at SUNY-Stony Brook. I made the drive up to Albany to see your talk and loved it. You two did a great job in stating it all and making it understandable. 

Thanks!

Mark Leminster

"That's really nice," Karen indicated.

"You never did deliver junk, Dave," Mike agreed.

"Now I know where I saw you before Westport! You were in his junior year medieval survey!" Frank realized.

"Oh yeah. I survived a year with the Holy Terror here. Everyone wondered what triggered the attitude. I just squirmed a lot," Mike added.

Heh, heh....Yeah, Ah did have some fun that year, didn't Ah? Ya'll better be careful cuz Ah'm still here, the Child noted.

And you'd best behave, Dave disagreed.

Yeah right. Gimme a reason not to and Ah'll be back, the Voice told him, going silent.

He's going to be the death of me yet, the librarian worried. "Too bad I don't remember much of it-other than the historical stuff."

"You really don't remember anything?" Mike inquired in disbelief.

"Nada," Dave stated.

"Well, we'll have to make the best of the future is all," Angie asserted, rubbing his shoulder. Just how much of his life was his and how much was the Child's? We can't know but I can make sure that he gets the best from here on out.


Chapter 6 [New Year's Eve]

The next day, the group drove back into Manhattan and wandered the streets once again.

"What do we do first?" Frank asked as they stopped in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts.

"I was hoping to see some artifacts in there," Angie suggested, pointing to the building.

"You mean medieval stuff, don't you? Oh, I can see where this is going," Mike teased.

Dave smirked sarcastically at him and led the group inside. Once they had made a small donation to the museum, he led them around the European and Middle Eastern wings describing in detail what they were seeing.

"Look out, he's back," Mike gibed.

"Hey, behave," his wife lectured. Dave's finally getting back on track and I'm not going to let my husband ruin it.

"Oh that's typical, Karen," Dave remarked dryly and shaking his head.

"Nice volley," Angie complimented. "Now about that exhibit over there?"

****

About 11:45 that evening, they stood in Times Square in the midst of the throng. 

Dave has never seen so many different people in one place at one time. It was something to say the least. 

"I love this," Karen stated while sipping on her cappuccino.

"It's a dream come true. First, Rockefeller Center and now this! Thanks, Sweetie!" Angie expressed.

"Don't thank me. Thank Frank. He made it possible," her husband told her.

"I can't take all of the credit, Pal," Frank retorted.

"Now, Dave, when the wife wants to give you credit, you take it," Mike added.

Karen rolled her eyes. "I give up."

"No, he's right for once," the oncologist agreed. Turning back to her husband, she continued, "I'm trying to be romantic with you, 'sir'."

"Romantic, yes. Original, no," the nurse chuckled.

"Hey, you sold her the copyright on those lines," Dave teased.

She shook her head but conceded the point. Then she saw the ball start down. "It's starting."

They watched as the decoration lowered itself to the platform and made contact precisely at midnight.

"Happy New Year!" Dave cheered, kissing his wife.

"And the same to you," she replied. "And to you as well, everyone!"

They all hugged and toasted for the next hour. Finally, after picking up the kids from Jolene's parents, they returned to Frank's house.


Chapter 7 [New Year's Day]

Even though it was a good morning for sleeping, Dave rose about 9:00. After pouring himself a glass of orange juice, he cracked open Volume One of his new set and looked at the inscription again. She's something else. He flipped through the tomes, looking at the sources and accounts. "Incredible. And people call them the 'Dark Ages'. They ought to take a look at this," he mused to himself.

"Or take a Middle English reading class maybe?" Karen giggled. "Morning, Dave. Back at work already, I see?"

"More like admiring my Princess's handiwork. How are you this morning?" he replied.

"Good. Last night's still a little fuzzy. Mika and I were up for most of it. Part of being a parent," she recounted. Seeing the wistful look on his face, she knew the doubts were creeping back in again. "And you're going to be a great father, all right? Your Dad's a galaxy class jerk. You're not like him and you won't treat your kid like that. On another note, ready for the game tonight?"

"You need to ask?"

She chuckled, "No, I guess not. Don't change, Dave."

He got up and ground some beans. "Coffee?"

"Mmm...thanks," she expressed. Noticing that he was working with the TV tray, she asked, "What are you up to?"

"I'm going to give her breakfast in bed," he replied, pouring the cereal and slicing bananas into it. "As soon as the coffee's done, we'll get going." Fixing their coffee, he gave a cup to Karen and then, put another on the tray. "Be back."

"Mmm...I smell coffee," Angie muttered drowsily.

"Yes you do. Morning, Sleepyhead. Breakfast is served," Dave informed her with a bit of humor.

The oncologist rolled her eyes. "Not again! You're too much, but I'll enjoy the moment. Thanks!" 

"No problem," he smiled.

Then a flash went off. As they looked, Karen waved at them. "Gotcha!"

"Whatever." He shrugged. "Hey, Angie, your minor league team plays in two hours. You might want to get ready."

She sighed. I'll give him 'minor league'. "I'm on the way to the shower. I'm sure you're already set for the game tonight?"

"What do you think?" he asked.

She just shook her head and walked away.

****

The football frenzy went well for all concerned. ASU defeated Florida State 28-18. Northwestern edged Washington 21-20. And in the nightcap, Arizona took out Notre Dame 34-16.

"What a day," Angie summed up. "Perfect...well almost perfect."

Her husband raised an eyebrow. "I know better than to get into that one with you, Miss Devil. Coffee?"

"Yeah, thanks," Frank replied. "You know where it is."

Meantime, the others were watching the ticker. As the Orange Bowl score flashed on, they looked at each other.

"Frank, can you?" Angie requested.

"Done," he agreed, flipping the channel. "Dave, take a look at this."

"What?" the librarian asked, reentering the room.

"The Orange Bowl. Get a load of the score," Karen told him.

"30-10 Miami over Virginia, huh? Let's watch this for a while," Dave agreed, sitting back down.

Angie shook her head. "If there's something that Dave likes almost as much as U of A winning big, it's Virginia losing big."

Once the game was over, Dave smiled smugly. "Now I'm satisfied and this will make the trip more satisfying."

Everyone looked at him. "What trip?"

"Next May," Angie revealed, a frown on her face. "We're heading for Charlottesville. He was invited to present there and the administration wants him to do it. Well, we'll be there with you, Dave."

And so will Ah, the Child vowed. Them twits better behave themselves or they'll git 'nother taste of me.



Conclusion

When Dave and Angie returned to Tucson, they found a couple of bundles waiting at the Post Office.

"What are these?" she wondered after they were back in the apartment.

"One's from Columbia and the other's from Istanbul. Let's open them. Istanbul first," he said, unwrapping that one first. Inside was the picture of their embrace on the Bosporus. A note read:

Hi guys:

Research is going well here in Istanbul. I should be back about the 25th. Pick me up at the airport? I saw your talk over the satellite feed and you both were excellent. Marie passed along the news about Angie and Cybelle. Congratulations!

See you soon!

Lydia


"What a picture," Angie admired.

"You bet. Now let's see what Karen sent," he agreed. "Of course, the last time I got something from her, it was ticking."

"Oh hush!" she chided pleasantly. "Guisanto's behind bars and everyone's happy again." She ripped open the envelope to find a picture of the breakfast in bed. "Oh wow!"

The note with it read:

Hi guys,

As threatened, here's the evidence! (I hope you don't mind if we kept a copy. Hee...hee...hee.) It was great to spend the weekend with you.

My parents send their best and their congratulations concerning the pending papoose. Keep us informed as to what happens with the new addition.

With Love and Warmest Regards,

Mike and Karen Montoya

"Unreal," Angie snickered. "What did we do to deserve friends like these?"

"I don't deserve her, but then, I don't deserve you or the little one either," he pointed out.

"Oh hush! Stop that!" she exclaimed. "You are worth it!"

He smiled. "Yes, Dear."

"I definitely do. Now, listen to your doctor-my prescription is for intimacy."

"You want me to order in from back east?" he joked.

She shook her head. "Arrgh! Dave, what am I going to do with you?" She whacked his head with a pillow.

"Hey!"

"That's for the ordering in comment. You have what you need right here," she pointed out.

"Indeed," he grinned, wrapping the comforter around them both.

She sighed and relaxed. After being on the road for so long, it was good to be home, snuggling in front of the fire and getting to be next to the person she loved. She could stay like that forever-or longer, if need be.

THE END

Back to the Dubois Chronicles Series 2 Page