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Author: angelsslave

Rating: PG

Summary: As Amanda and Lee prepare to say their vows and join together as man and wife, our handsome spy reflects over the course of events that have finally led to this day. From the very 'first time' at a train station in Arlington.a chance meeting that changed his life.for the better. Flashbacks:indicated with * Present day: are highlighted in bold text.

Disclaimer: Scarecrow and Mrs. King are the property of Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon productions. The author as for pure entertainment purposes copyrights this story.

Author's Notes: Like many of you, I jumped for resounding joy the day Lee and Amanda finally said 'I Do'. So to this touching episode I have written this story.

'Do You Take This Spy' written by: Robert W. Gilmer, Tom Chehak, George Geiger and Burt Brinckerhoff. *Dialogue from 'The First Time', 'All The Worlds A Stage', 'Stemwinder part 1', 'Night Crawler' and 'Do You Take This Spy' with special thanks.

Song: (hehe) as always I guess this is my trait.I have placed a lovely song to go with it. The first time I heard this - the story just clicked in my head, the connection to a ranch and horses - not to mention of course the wonderful Bruce Boxleitner and his love for them. So to me this song fits perfectly. Bryan Adams - 'Here I am' Borrowing of these lyrics with special thanks.

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PART ONE.

'Here I am - this is me.There's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be! Here I am - it's just me and you. Tonight we'll make our dreams come true.'

He stood opposite the mirror fixing his tie making sure it was straight for about the fifteenth time, not quite recognizing the man staring back at him.

Lee Stetson had been through tougher situations, spent his life dodging bullets and hiding out from a nest of villains. But today was different - no bullets, no villains KGB or otherwise! No today was the day that had finally arrived.the day where he would slip a gold band on her finger and recites his vow 'to love and cherish to death they part'

Today was the day that he and Amanda King would become Mr. And Mrs. Stetson.

The very sound of it made the Goosebumps rise on his skin, and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He had waited for this for what had felt like eternity probably without even realizing it. To grab an unsuspecting woman in the middle of a busy train station, to plead for help - to save his skin.throwing all caution and sanity in the wind by getting her involved in 'his world'.

That had been the beginning of their relationship - well if you could call the last four years running around in top secrecy, dodging death threats from unsavory characters. Handing over secrets for 'pillow talk', with a live in mother and two little boys who didn't suspect a thing. He the top government agent, she the all American housewife.

They had both wanted different things at the beginning - 'he didn't want another partner, partners only got killed' Amanda King had craved adventure 'she wanted some excitement in her mundane, predictable life'

Putting it all together they were like chalk and cheese, night and day, black and white - complete opposites and yet. Together they where unstoppable - together they where 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King'

Well that was all to change in little over half an hour.as he looked at his reflection one more time, slipping on his jacket as he smiled at himself.showing off the devastating smile that had captured her heart. He and Amanda where to begin a journey that both of them had been waiting for.

***

Lee had often reflected on just what had made him scan the crowd on a busy commuter platform, faces of people whizzing past his eyes as he had kept looking back for the 'two muscle' had had followed him. What on earth had possessed him to pick her?

Well it was simple, first impressions last right? She had certainly impressed him, the way she was walking - confidence shone out of her, even thought in retrospect she had lousy taste in men.well, that was back then four years ago.

Four years ago he had been carrying a package with a clue as to who or what had been killing off 'top agents' gaining inside knowledge to the agency.the agency he and they worked for.

Funny how he now laughed at how silly he looked in a hired waiter suit, a little frazzled around the edges having spent the entire night trying to loose the goons who had shot and killed his colleague Frank Warner before coming after him. Trying to blend into the crowd had been a bad idea - as he looked a little suspect mixing with the morning crowd trying to get to work - looking for the man he was supposed to give the package to.

Amanda King had been there that morning because her 'boyfriend' didn't want to take his car, being a weatherman of course he knew it was going to rain! She had driven him to the station and had walked him to his train bound for New York.if by chance that you meet someone that had no connection to you, but that all of a sudden it was meant to be - then this was the day. He saw her and he knew he had to get her attention.walking quickly with the crowd as she was passing in the other direction - he made his move and took her arm, steering her with him as he did. He realized very quickly that she wasn't going to go without a fight.

"Whoa.excuse me?"

"Just walk with me!"

"I certainly will not!"

"PLEASE, I'm in trouble!"

She turned, causing him to break his hold on her arm, as she started to walk away from him thinking this was some kind of joke, "NO.I've gotta go?"

But Lee was quick and with lightening reflexes he went after her - grabbing her again to try and stop her from moving away, "Wait? Just one more thing.Please?"

"NO!"

Bringing her round to face him trying to get her to understand he didn't have time to argue or reason with her. "I'm in trouble.Please?"

He looked deep into her eyes, a desperate man in a whole lot of trouble, hoping that somehow he would be able to reach her common faith to help her fellow man. It was there that he realized, right there standing in the middle of the platform that even close up she was a very attractive lady with the biggest brown eyes he had ever seen. Even with the disheveled hair and the tan raincoat.and - was that a nightgown she had underneath that coat?

"PLEASE?"

Amanda had closed her eyes feeling an onslaught of emotions bubble to the surface as she tried so hard to hold them down. A total stranger in the middle of a train station in broad daylight had just manhandled her - in a waiter's outfit no less. This stranger with perfect light brown hair and boyish features, with beautiful, beautiful hazel eyes.wanted her help, needed it!

Taking a deep breath, she made her decision against her better judgment.

"What is it you want me to do?"

XXX

Those eight simple words, the short but to the point sentence 'what is it you want me to do?' had saved his life - well he did get caught by the goons and had them pummel him into the dirt. But in given her the package and putting her on the train where he was supposed to meet agent Guthrie - bought him enough time to still have his life in one piece. But when Guthrie had turned up dead and the package not on him - well as the saying goes it was the 'beginning of a beautiful relationship' off course in his mind then. it was nothing but.

Amanda was the fly in his ointment and Billy Melrose 'his boss' thought it a wonderful idea after solving the case and putting the ones responsible behind bars - to team them both up as partners. The civilian agent in training with confidential clearance and an ear that liked being bent, was to be his partner?

He didn't laugh at it at the time.there was one thing he learnt very early on was that if there was any possible way Amanda King could get herself in trouble? Well he could've written a book and it become a bestseller.

She had a knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the four years as agency partners he had pulled her out of more dire situations than he had time to count on all fingers and toes. But it was fair to comment that she had equally pulled him out of more near death experiences, mostly because he had gone into rescue her in the first place.

She had been kidnapped, drugged, accidentally knocked on the head 'causing amnesia' mistaken as the wrong person. Traded for a Russian, called a truce on Christmas Eve.posed as 'his wife' several memorable times, and all with the flair and grace that was totally her own. And he had watched her from 'his' safe distance marveling at her quick thinking that had saved both their necks several times over with the grace and tenacity that was totally her own.

'It's a new world - it's a new start, It's alive with the beating of young hearts. It's a new day - it's a new plan, I've been waiting for you.HERE I AM!'

XXX

In the three years that it took for finally Lee to take off the blindfold that had been covering his eyes, and see the woman that had been there for him all along. three years of pent up frustration, watching various men try and catch her attention and not liking how it made him feel, until enough was enough!

***

Following a case that had involved a particularly nasty Russian, Serge Krutiov - code name 'The Puppet Master' amongst other choice names, and a poor unsuspecting writer - the infamous Tony Marchand.who fell foul to the Russian's plot for 'world domination in the spy satellites' Lee and Amanda had just finished down in the de-briefing room and had returned upstairs to The Q-Bureau. Lee had been troubled for some time about the way their relationship was heading - he knew.well he hoped he knew of his feelings for her, but knew of nothing about her feelings for him, I guess it was time to pay the piper and find out!!

Lee watched her walk over to where his desk sat, doing what she normally did when she was feeling nervous by rubbing her hands together.they had spent very little time alone since the beginning of this case, and now finally they where with no other agent or 'mother and the boys' in sight!

Closing the door behind him he stood just beside it waiting for her to turn around, "Amanda?"

"Yeah?"

He moved towards her slowly, deliberately slowing his steps as he spoke hoping to covey everything that was on his mind without sounding foolish.stalking her with his deep voice and his movements stealthy like a cat. "You know.you and I have a lot to talk about?"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! - We have been getting to know each other for what.um?"

Together they both announced, "Three years!"

Lee smiled usually they always seem to say the wrong things at the same time, particularly when it came to going undercover - but matters of the heart, now that was different! "Yeah! - I think there is a lot about you that I don't know?"

Taking her hands in his, he looked down at them as if discovering for the very first time - how smooth and delicate they felt in his, and how perfected they fitted into his large male ones - well heck they always did!

"But I'm sure going to enjoy finding out!"

Amanda's eyes where as big as saucers, she couldn't believe in all her wildest dreams what she was hearing, Lee was finally telling her what she had been longing to hear - and as Lee leaned towards her, she knew without a shadow of doubt that they where about to kiss. Her heart filled with joy and panic filled her soul.with just one kiss, the relationship they had formed and founded three years ago - would change forever.

XXX

Just as Lee was about to taste Amanda's sweet lips, the door to the stairs banged shut and the voices of Francine and Billy could be heard outside the Bureau asking if he was still in the building. The sudden realization that they where about to be interrupted YET again, caused Lee to take drastic actions.leaving Amanda's side momentarily.

"Ah, ah.no not this time!"

Switching the lock shut so that the door could not be opened, just as Billy tried the handle.ensuring they would be totally alone!

He returned to her smiling as he took her in his arms, linking his hands at her waist.she had always felt right being there, nestled against him.her slight frame molding perfectly with his. Looking deep into the brown depths of her eyes that he had grown to love, each emotion fluttering across the surface.

She slipped her hands up his chest resting them on his shoulders.feeling the strength that was totally Lee. Touching each muscle and sinew like inspecting a valuable piece of art.feeling him trembling as she did, knowing it was she that was making him that way gave her a sense of power - an emotion of strength.

Lee trembled slightly, his heart racing wildly in his ribcage as he stood there like a nervous teenager on his first date - about to kiss for the very first time.and not a piece of gum or breath mint in sight! He shook his head at that thought - crazy as it sounded this was just like a first date - his and Amanda's.

This was a moment that somehow, crazy as it sounded had always seemed destined.somewhere up there someone saw them as the ideal combination - spy and housewife. She smiled back at him almost laughing hysterically as she too was thinking the same crazy thought - too crazy but oh so right!

"Yes!" She spoke as if given him permission to take the next step.his cue to kiss her and he didn't need a second one - no undercover assignment - no reason to ad lib there way out of an awkward situation, just the two of them.Lee and Amanda.

XXX

He kissed her tenderly at first, and his heart soared - they melded perfectly together and the same strange sensation gripped him like it did a year ago on a sandy tropical island of Saint Angelo, when they where

pronounced man and wife.

Lee had lifted the veil to look into her large brown eyes so full of trust and innocence, having been told by the minister to kiss her, he lowered his lips hoping to give her just a peck to keep their cover from being blown.

But instead he got swept up in the emotion of the occasion.loosing all sense of time and sanity - it had left him deeply troubled at the feelings that where left behind after he had kissed her, not once but twice. He knew they where both playing their covers and he knew as a professional this sort of scenario was often played out to the hilt - but kissing her soft lips had been like honey, so sweet so pure and he had wanted more.

Lifting his head he gazed into those same large eyes and saw the same look as she had given him back then, and felt the same déjà vu feeling.only this time there was no turning back.

He kissed her again, giving into the tidal wave of passion that was sweeping them along.deepening the kiss holding her tight as she wound her arms around his neck bringing him even closer until she touched his desk. It was more than his wildest dreams to be kissing like this, it was even wilder to be doing it in his very own office, but Lee was never one to go by the rules.and he only hoped that Billy would not insist on getting his attention as it was otherwise engaged!!

Lee knew now more than ever that no matter what was going to happen in their lives - this moment, this feeling was going to last forever.

XXX

He had seen such love and devotion in the eyes of his parents, through the many photographs that he had scattered around his apartment, and the distant memories of a little boy before they died/taken from him at such an early age had left a young Lee deprived of such the basic emotion as that love. His Uncle 'the Colonel' had brought him up the best way he knew how - as an army man he traveled extensively from barrack to barrack with 'Skip Stetson' on tow dragging his heels behind him.

Lee had become wise in his young years and had seen many sights around the world that only people dreamed of ever seeing - but love? That was never something mentioned or said.it was a taboo subject - a subject that he never fully understood until he had met and fell in love with Amanda King.

He saw the same love shinning in Amanda's eyes as he saw in his mothers when she looked adoringly up at her own husband - his father. Felt that same depth of feeling his father would have had watching his wife by his side, counting each day as a blessing for bumping into her one late autumn night in London/England.and having many years later their own son doing the exact same - only on a busy platform at the train station in Arlington/Virginia.

'Here we are - we've just begun, And after all this time, our time has come. Yeah here we are - still going strong, Right here in the place where we belong.'

Checking his watch once again.nervously he licked his dry lips, In a few minutes he would be knocking the door to the room next door, and Amanda would be there waiting for him. Waiting to walk the short distance to the office where they would begin the service that in Lee's mind would prove and show Amanda the depth of love he had for her - and her's for him.

Yes he finally admitted to her that he loved her - took him a while guaranteed, he wasn't totally convinced himself until they were put in a situation of being hunted down by their very own Agency with 'treason' as their brand mark. He smiled at the way the situation was handled, no candles and flowers - no wine and soft music to be seen anywhere.

Nope Lee did it over the phone at first, and all because of some crackpot Russian with revenge on his mind, revenge on the agent that had put him in prison for nine years. Plenty of time for Alexi Makarov to plot the fall of the 'great Scarecrow' and watch as it almost happened, using his own granddaughter as the bait to wheel Lee in - in a sting operation that had the new director of the Agency order a manhunt against Lee with orders to 'shoot to kill'

***

Amanda was caught in the middle of it, where else would she be? - Lee was on the run; the Agency was on full alert, Stemwinder was in a mess.and the evil finger was being pointed at them for treason. Following a coded phone message from Lee while she was in Billy's office, with agents frantic to trace his call - Amanda's only link to him was through their dear friend and associate T.P. Percival Aquinas.

Lee had a fair idea what was being done to him, and knew that she would follow his instincts and go to 'T.P' where he would contact her again through the 'briefcase telephone' that 'T.P' kept by his side. Knowing that he didn't have much time before the network would close in on his whereabouts he told Amanda to get home and stay there.use up the agency's man power that had followed her from she had left, but not to loose them - they were her security.

He knew she was worried, he knew that no matter what was going to happen her safety and the safety of her family was his top priority. He could take care of himself he always had - but things where different now.and that was what kept him going. The words 'I love you' came out of his mouth so natural - it was if they had always been there, ending the call had been difficult hearing her sharp intake of breath.but he had run out of time.

Amanda had gone home and quickly rounding up her mother and Jamie explained to them the best way she could the mess that had happened, signaling that federal agents would possibly be calling to speak to them about her 'friend' in work. Retiring to the safety of her room - to try and collect her thoughts she found and almost scared Lee, who had crept into her house and had been lying on her bed.

Stopping her from opening her blinds keeping the room dark so as not to draw attention, Lee sat up on the bed and Amanda sat down beside him.glad he was okay but knowing it was not safe for him. As she tried to look at the injuries he had on his face, Lee stopped her taking her hands in his as he tried to tell her the words he never wanted to say.

"Amanda I came to say goodbye!"

"What do you mean goodbye?"

He had been trapped, Alexi had turned the 'Agency' against him to the point that he couldn't even go to Billy for help, even when Amanda tried to explain that she was tangled up in all of it Lee didn't relent. While he was out there loose he would be able to do something to clear their names - find Alexi before he disappeared himself.

Lee saw in her eyes the devastation and the hurt, he didn't like to see her in so much pain - but he knew it was the only way she would be safe, the only way he would be able to concentrate on what he had to do. Getting up from the bed the both stood facing each other.Lee taking her by the waist, circling it with his arms.

"Now I may be gone for a while."

"How long?"

"As long as it takes!"

"Oh!"

"Amanda, I meant what I said on the phone.I just want you to know that before I go. I love you."

"Ooh!"

Tears brimmed her eyes as she fought the emotions threatening to spill, knowing that the last thing Lee needed was to see her cry. But at that moment in time he didn't care as he could feel his own threatening to release.

"I have for a very, very long time.I just wasn't ready to.you know?"

She nodded as she touched his chest feeling his heart beating, knowing that the words he spoke came from there, "I know!"

XXX

The doorbell rang downstairs and Amanda's mother called her letting her know that the federal agents she had spoken about where here. Lee and Amanda both looked at the bedroom door as if expecting it to come crashing in.they were out of time and he had to go,

"Now they're gonna be up here in a minute."

But Amanda cut him off; she didn't want to hear anymore of his excuses, "Now wait a minute, you can't just walk into my life hand me a package tell me to give it to the man in a red hat tell me you love me and walk out of my life again?"

Lee shook his shoulders lost - whispering softly, "No!"

He didn't know what else to do - except gather her into his arms and kiss her - hoping that it wouldn't be the last time they would do this. She was the most important thing in his life, and that would keep him going - finding comfort in her arms one last time as he reluctantly let her go,

"I'll get word to you."

"I'm going with you!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"Forget IT! - I'm going to a place so deep you may loose you name, you're way EVERYTHING! Now Alexi thought he had me today."

"I know!"

"He won't miss twice."

"I know!"

He couldn't risk having Amanda out there with him, while trying to track down Alexi, Lee would be using up valuable time and energy and wouldn't be able to baby her out there.

Seeing no sense in arguing which was the strongest one, Amanda cut him off - she was going to watch his tail just as she always did. It wasn't safe for her to be here for her or her family, and she couldn't rightly do anything for them stuck in an agency holding cell.

"And I love you too!"

Lee was lost; no matter what why he looked at it Amanda was right, of course she always was even in dire situations like this with her back against a wall - she was right! Shaking his head in mock defeat smiling as he felt comfort seeping through his bones for the first time in 24hrs.

"Well I guess it's your tail too.!"

They had escaped through Amanda's window, broke the trellis and lead the feds' around by the nose. Using all the resources they managed to keep their cover long enough to convince Billy that they where indeed innocent, bringing to an end Alexi Makarov's revenge on Lee - clear their names and have Dr. Smith appoint Amanda to work with Lee full time in the Q-Bureau.

XXX

Life at the agency had gotten back to normal, but with that the frustration of not seeing enough of each other niggled at Lee no end. He understood that Amanda had family commitments - she always had. But keeping the romance a secret was difficult to say the least, one sniff of it and they would be forced to work separately, maybe even be transferred out of Washington to somewhere else.

As the relationship before - it was easy to say goodnight at the end of each day and go home.throw in a little romance and you had a different outlook to life 'outside the world of espionage and intrigue' changes where going to have to be made.changes that would effect the 'forever bachelor' and the 'once married twice shy housewife/spy' for better for worse, for richer for poorer.

XXX

PART TWO.

Many times in their partnership they faced off some very undesirable terrorists, and survived the day to re-live the tale. None had been too personal to be able to shrug off with a fine bottle of wine and a good meal - except for one!

Lee had worked for months to gain information on a known Arab terrorist by the name of Addi Birol. The 'A-Tack' team headed by Lee had done some pretty harmful damage to his little operation, being in the right place at the right time - thanks all to his source 'Night Crawler'

Amanda had always managed to keep her personal feelings from getting in the way of her work, not knowing she would ever be scrutinized for them. And for her part she had done pretty well.the unsuspecting partner of Lee Stetson never thought in a million years that one slip up, one simple way of signaling to her partner that he was in danger would be used against her - but it was and at the worst time possible as Lee was about to ask her a very important question.

He smiled now as he fidgeted with his tie YET again, although at the time he didn't, the whole mess had almost driven him insane. Addi Birol was an evil twisted son of a bitch who would stop at nothing for his own sick propaganda and Lee's source knew it.

After all she was his lover and his right hand man - not to mention the sister of Magda Petrak a Hungarian that Lee helped defect three years previous. Mara had become 'Night Crawler' to bring about the end of Addi's reign on terrorisim - helping the Agency be there when he was trying to show the world he was a force to be reckoned with.

The recent turn of events being at 'Dulles Airport' in Washington where he had been planning bombing attempt. Lee's A-Tack team where partly disguised as a news reporting team 'CSN' a way of being able to keep a radio frequency open incase of any complications.Amanda was in that team, Francine and Lee along with a small group of others had been disguised as 'airline crew' Everything had gone according to plan the woman who left the suitcase packed with explosives was arrested by Francine, but as the commotion had taken place - a truck sped round the corner and Amanda saw it before Lee did yelling out to him in all the panic, allowing him just enough time to get out of the way and lift the suitcase - throwing it into the back of the security van as it exploded leaving him precious seconds to spare!

Once again Addi had been fowled and he was enraged deciding he wanted to go on camera and let the world know what his intentions would be. As it was Lee's project from the start he organized the 'CSN' newsgroup to handle thed media coverage placing Amanda outside in the van where he thought she would be safe enough as his team went inside to go after Birol once and for all. But it didn't play out that way.Addi Birol had a plan that he had devised up from seeing the footage shot at the airport, he knew that Lee Stetson had a weakness - a weakness that would be played out to his advantage. As the team charged into the building and rained fire on Addi - Addi had used a smoke and mirrors routine, actually just a mirror that broke allowing him enough time escape out the back way and to the parked van with Amanda alone inside.

Lee followed out but was just too late as Addi along with the now kidnapped Amanda rounded the corner and out of sight. Billy was left with one of his agents a hostage in exchange for 'Night Crawler' and his other top agent blaming himself for her being taken in the first place. Not a good scenario for the section chief to have to deal with, he knew that Lee would do anything in his power to get Amanda back, but it was just too risky - too many people involved for him to just go barging in 'guns blazing'

XXX

Lee was resigned to just sit and wait - something that he wasn't very good at! Billy watched his worried agent and friend leave his office - years before he knew the 'Scarecrow' would not have felt as passionate about an operation going wrong - but this one was personal, very personal. He had an emotional hang-up and for a highly trained agent that was a bad sign, and Billy Melrose could recall a time when Lee hadn't any emotions at all.

With all his best efforts and calling in all his favors, Lee tried every known avenue he could to find out just how Addi singled out Amanda. Including going to agent Leyland in cryptology to find his answers and they had been simple, there was no science involved just one word 'love' it's what Addi saw when he had looked at the video footage of the airport - or as Leyland put it saw the light that is shown in a 'cats eye' when a woman is in love she sees with special eyes 'the eyes of love'

Addi had seen that when Amanda called out to Lee in order to save his life - the only reason she would have done that was through love for him. While talking to Lee about his findings Leyland had drawn out an intricate pattern on a piece of paper.a 'lovers knot' an interwoven pattern that had no beginning and no end - and it signified the love between two people hence the name 'Lovers Knot'

It is how Lee felt about Amanda, without her he with powerless, empty - with her he was complete and victorious, and if he knew that, then he would be his life on it Addi Birol knew too.

So he had no other choice but to take matters into his own hands, even though Billy took him off the case - with the help of Francine and a pair of brown contact lenses - (the ruse she had pulled off with success when Magda Petrak was helped by the agency in her defection/Francine became Magda and fooled the heavies that had been sent to watch over her) and for Madga's part - she now the proud owner of a successful boutique in Washington, was having to put her differences aside and become Addi's lover once more, and with the help of Mara aka Night Crawler aka Addi's right hand man/lover.

Magda had played her part out well - citing she had never given her heart to the West and that she came with a proposition from the Libyan's for Amanda King the 'American' Addi was to give the whole proposal some thought, meanwhile Francine on the other end was already in talks with two Libyan's she by chance met as in her own role as Madga. Lee had called on 4247 Maplewood Drive to visit Amanda's home, surprising and delighting Dottie West who could now put a face to the name and voice she had heard so many times before.

For Lee it was a connection he needed - to be able to feel her in the house, see her in the kitchen.and for a split second he thought she had told him in a distant breeze that she was okay. The same way Amanda had dealt with her own sleep deprivation that Addi had put her through to get to the source of 'Night Crawler' - was to see and feel in her own 'splinter of a minds eye' Lee telling her that he was coming to get her!

XXX

The key to the whole turn of events was to find out where Addi had Amanda stashed - he had six different houses in the Washington, D.C. area so it was a process of elimination to find out which one. In Mara's opinion Addi was a perfectionist and would never be caught with any personal belongings of his captives unless he had just taken it from them. So therefore when she saw a diamond heart on a platinum chain dangling from his trouser pocket, she knew he must have just taken it from Amanda - and informed the Lee later that day of what she had seen including drawing a map out with the location of the house.Lee had nothing left to loose.

With the much-needed help of Francine, Lee was hooked up to a homing device and on a radio frequency so that Francine could hear what was going on - scaled the wall of the estate and was able to without much problem break into the house using Z.C.P. (zap gas) highly lethal gas that rendered you paralyzed from the neck down - eventually wearing off.

Addi had just managed to make it down the stairs collapsing at the foot of them - radioing through that he had Birol; Lee found the necklace where Mara had said Addi had it on him, anger seethed through him as he grabbed Addi with one hand pocketing the necklace in the other, "If you have hurt her, my business with you hasn't even started yet!"

He found a body and presumed it was Amanda but it had been a cleverly orchestrated plot to get 'Scarecrow' as the floor gave way and Lee was deposited into a fishing net trapped!

Birol had known who 'Night Crawler' was and had fed the information to Mara knowing she would pass on what she had known, so now he had Scarecrow and Amanda - and as Francine looked on outside the house that Lee had gone into, Birol and possibly Amanda inside went up with a bang!

XXX

Of course Lee wasn't dead much to the relief of Francine and the Agency, Birol had taken him hostage bringing him to where he was keeping Amanda. She was a sight for sore eyes when he was finally left alone with her, gathering her in his arms he gathered her in his arms and held on tight!

"Oh hi!"

"Amanda!"

"Oh this is getting pretty good now!"

Still slightly bewildered, Addi had played so much with her mind that she thought he was an illusion, but before she could utter another word he kissed her passionately.and it felt so good to have her back and still alive. It was only when he made her touch his face to feel that he was really there and in front of her that she was able to let herself have the luxury of happiness knowing he had come after her - but it was short lived as Birol had returned with demands, and a gun pointed at them.

He had no reason to keep either of them alive and he made that quite clear, however he could possibly be persuaded not to hand Amanda over to the Libyan's for a price.Lee's list of the A-Tack team, his assets and any American contacts. Giving his demand and leaving a pen and paper Addi Birol left to make his meeting with the Libyan's that had been pre-arranged by Francine and Lee, they where finally left alone to continue with their reunion.

After holding her in his arms once more not wanting to let go, Lee fished the heart pendant out of his pocket and put it back on Amanda, the catch was broken - but it would hold until they got out of there! Making Amanda sit down while he made the list out only caused her to complain about how unfair it was, and that if they let Birol away then there would only be the NEXT time.

In Lee's mind making the list would by them some time.seeing Amanda distressed over what he was going to do, he set down the pen and knelt beside her holding her arms rubbing them absently as he spoke, preparing her for the worst,

"We might not make it out of this one!"

"Yeah I know it.this stinks doesn't it?"

He held her hands in his as she lowered her head defeated; putting his fingers under her chin he brought her eyes level with his, "Hey?"

She looked at him with the certainty that if they where not going to make it out, at least they would be together.Lee had other thoughts on his mind at that very moment,

"Amanda King, you are the best, the bravest.the smartest, the most beautiful woman I have ever known."

She smiled tears brimming un-checked in her eyes, "I love you!"

"Then will you marry me?"

Amanda couldn't believe what she had just heard, Lee couldn't believe how easy it was to say those words.and held his breath waiting her response, knowing that this was as good a place as any to ask the all important question,

"Will I marry you?

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah I'll marry you.we're the luckiest two people on the face of the earth!"

"Oh!" Lee laughed euphoric as with tears in his eyes they both kissed sealing the moment in the face of adversity.

'Oh it's a new world - it's a new start, It's alive with the beating of young hearts. It's a new day - it's a new plan, I've been waiting for you - HERE I AM!'

In reflection it was the most memorable moment in his 36 years, he had asked the woman who had torn his life apart and re-built it again to marry him and she had agreed.even though they where in a pretty bad situation, with the possibility of not making out alive? But that was Amanda King, no bravery, no drum roll.just honesty and pure love

The sting was set in motion to catch Addi Birol. Francine was disguised as Magda, Billy and another government agent where disguised as Libyans watching the whole meeting take place. Addi had arrived with not Amanda but Mara drugged disguised as Amanda.Magda went inside the shop and as she was about to leave tripped up on the carpet, spilling out blonde hair from underneath the wig - making Birol think it was a trap as Francine with the dark wig on got into the truck with him and took off.

He arrived back furious that the Libyan deal had not gone down, but it had given Francine the opportunity to be with him, and with the homing device on her allow Billy to follow behind. Lee and Amanda where sitting on her make-shift bed when Birol barged in along with Francine who was able signal to Lee that it was her - taking out a canister of zap gas as Lee lunged at Birol knocking him over and with a burst of energy knocked the terrorist unconscious and ending his tyranny.

XXX

Days later and with everything more or less back to normal, Lee had come into the Agency earlier than his partner. Placing the blue tiffany ring box on her desk, slipped out quietly to await her arrival. She didn't disappoint him, as minutes later she came through the door and putting away some groceries into the fridge didn't notice it until the very last minute. She opened the box with shaking fingers and held her breath at the most beautiful ring she had ever saw, all 2 carats of clear cut diamond sparkled back at her, it had a simple yellow gold band, but in her mind it was perfect simply because it had been picked by Lee.

He opened the door while she sat transfixed with the ring in her hand until finally he sat on her desk and took it off her. Taking her left hand in his, he slipped the diamond solitaire onto her finger with very little effort as it fitted perfectly. It had been the most nerve-raking moment in all his life, and when she looked up and smiled at him, the breath that he had been holding suddenly vanished as he sealed their engagement with a kiss.

XXX

He looked at the box where his and Amanda's shiny gold wedding bands where, soon it was all going to happen - his breath was shallow and his heartbeat was thumping fast in his chest. This day had arrived, but not without its glitches and hiccups, something they had gotten used to over the years, but not today - not their wedding day? Unfortunately because they had to keep it a secret no one knew just how important this day was to them. Except two days previous when they had everything arranged, vacations and honeymoon suite - did things suddenly take the wrong turn.

***

If there was anyway a day like your own 'Wedding Day' was to get screwed up, then Lee and Amanda where have that day, well series of days actually. The where to leave on Friday to make their way to Marion to the justice of the peace and without too much of trouble.that was until Lee saw the p22 file she had pulled out of the vault with Nick Grant's name written all over it.

Nick had previously escaped from a Turkish prison, a prison that Lee had put him in following their last encounter. Nick was a thief pure and simple, he dabbled in fine art, jewels, and other men's women, his ruse was to wine and dine, then bed while stealing your wealth right out from under your nose. He used several forms of disguise as well as several aliases; if he weren't such a bad apple he would be perfect as a government agent - possibly even given Lee a run for his money.

In seeing the report and knowing full well he was the agent that had filed it; Lee took the matter up with Billy. And in being the agent on the report he also knew that the Agency would want a follow up, something he wasn't willing to do so close to their 'big day'.

The last time he rubbed shoulders with Nick was in France, where he wound up paying a HUGE hotel bill, and was charged with 'grand theft' - but all Billy wanted was to make sure that his arrival in the capital was simply a visit, as there had been rumors circling that he was now into 'State Papers' and they wanted to keep a lid on it.

Reluctantly Lee and Amanda followed their lead to a top hotel in the city, where they were not amazed to find he was under the alias of Lord Nicolas. In seeing his old adversary Nick welcomed them warmly being introduced to Amanda for the very first time, and asked them to meet him in the 'gold room' where he would be happy to answer their questions, Lee should have known it was a distraction so he could slip out of the hotel and out from under their noses.

Sending Amanda home to finish up her own packing and giving her very amused mother her ternary for the week, as Lee followed Nick to a top restaurant where he finds him with a woman by the name of Felicia McMasters, whom he claims he has fallen head over heels in love with. But it was the same M.O. that Nick had used before - so with Felicia excusing herself to the powder room, Lee suggests they take a little walk!

Stepping outside, Lee voices his number one concern 'who Nick was going to 'rip off' in D.C.?' little did he know that they had been followed. As within minutes they come under fire from a car, with Nick managing to pull Lee to safety behind a dumpster before taking off on the run again.

Finally heading back to the Agency with now a few scraped ribs, Lee fills Billy in, who is still not happy with the situation after finding out that the woman Nick had been with at was none other than the wife of Jason McMasters, son of Jason McMasters S.R. who had a priceless art collection at his ranch. The perfect crime for Nick, steal the woman then steal the oils.

Lee argued that he didn't think this was Agency business and suggested getting the F.B.I. involved, but once again Billy felt it imperative that Lee stick closely to Nick like a ten-week-old tan!

So Amanda and Lee pay a visit at the McMasters ranch, and just their luck all appeared to be not well at all. The fact that there appeared to be domestic fighting going on - kind of gave it away!

Unfortunately Nick was nowhere to be found, although that didn't mean he wasn't involved. Felicia had let Nick in the night before - spent the night with him, then let him out very early. When the rest of the house woke up they found that the entire collection of oil paintings belonging to Jason McMasters S.R. was gone, and his son was given the news that his wife had been having an affair right under his nose! With Felicia vehemently denying Nick's involvement in the theft.

With headaches all round Lee was pointed in the direction of a telephone to break the news.

XXX

Contacting Billy, Lee gave him what little he knew - Felicia was duped and the collection was gone. Unfortunately for him, Billy had been given an order passed down by Dr. Smith to clean the mess up - 'off assignment' which was going to end up eating into his and Amanda's vacation time, making it even more difficult to run their wedding plans as smooth as possible.

So with a heavy heart on the state police still questioning the McMasters Lee and Amanda hopped into the Corvette and drove the twelve miles that would take them to Marion and where the Justice of the Peace who was to perform their nuptials, handing in their documents that where in order.

Having settled that they wanted a Friday wedding (popular day of the week) his honor introducing them to his clerk, who was to take their pictures - then they drove back to await and see Nick was going to raise his head above the ground again. It didn't take long before Felicia McMasters was on the road having left her father in laws ranch.with Lee and Amanda following close behind.

They followed Felicia's car to a motel car park where she got out and went into one of the rooms, with little time to improvise Amanda dressed up in a cleaning maids coat along with trolley that Lee could hide behind she approached the door and in her best impersonation knocked the door and waited.

Nick finally answered and was greeted with the smiling face of Lee along with his gun pointed at him. Wanting answers as to why he ran and why was Felicia there? It wasn't long before the car park was filled with police cars, Nick's trunk door being opened and the discovering of one of the paintings from the ranch.

XXX

Lee's intelligence training told him that it wasn't Nick who had stolen them; crazy as it sounded he genuinely believed that Nick was in love with Felicia. Which left only one person that could possibly have done it out of revenge - Jason J.R.

But without enough evidence to charge him with - the Agency needed proof that this was the case, so with the help of Nick himself Lee and Amanda posed as wealthy art collectors Jeff and Dixie Roth, who where to meet with the middle man to the McMasters art collection a man by the name of 'Big Tony'

Word had already hit the street that someone had the collection and was willing to sell it at a price - 'Big Tony' was to oversee any potential buyers and whittle down the ones he thought where genuine. This meant the 'Roth's' needed some collateral to sweeten him with. Easy Lee and Nick went to the art museum and acquired a very pricey Picasso - citing that 'The President' himself had put the order in for it.

Nick took the Picasso to 'Big Tony' and Lee and Amanda waited outside in the hired Limo for him to come back. And waited, and waited, and finally realized that Nick had once again made fools out of them - heading back to the Agency with a lot more than wedding jitters to contend with. Nick was screwing up their wedding, making mockery of the Agency and making them both really angry at him - that was until he called them on the phone and told them that 'Big Tony' was happy with the painting and wanted a meeting with the 'Roth's'

This brought the Agency into play and Billy headed off a team that would follow the Limousine driven by Francine to the arranged meeting. After driving around several times, with the possibility that they weren't followed - 'Big Tony' finally brought them through the back gates of the McMasters ranch. After stopping at the horses paddock and with a homing device being switched on for Billy to track them, Francine opened the door to their car and 'Big Tony' met up with the 'Roth's' taken them to where the paintings had been stashed.

After going in to the stable's himself to check out the goods that where to be sold - Lee and Amanda had maneuvered themselves outside the door. To the person selling the private collection, none other than Felicia McMasters herself, she was greeted with the news that the paintings she had painstakingly taken from her father in law's house where none other than copies - but pretty good ones at that. Time for Lee and Amanda to play their ace and let them both know who they really are, as they where leading Felicia and 'Big Tony' out of the stable, Felicia untied a bale of hay dropping it on Lee and Amanda making her escape.

Checking to see if Amanda was okay, Lee went after Felicia who had fled on her horse - nothing else for it then as Lee himself borrowed another and went after her. Felicia galloped at top sped but it was easy for Lee to match her as she headed out of the grounds and to a nearby field breaking through a fence in her wake. Cutting across the pathway Lee headed her off, finally bringing her to a stop and ending the chase.

Struggling he just managed to keep hold of her as Billy and Francine arrived - depositing her in their hands as Amanda arrived with a screech of tires in the Limo and he got in, yelling that he would send them a postcard as the car left in a cloud of dust, with a bewildered Billy and Francine watching it.

XXX

'Here I am - this is me. There's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be. Here I am - just me and you. Tonight we'll make our dreams - come true' Oh it's a new world - it's a new start, It's alive with the beating of young hearts! It's a new day - it's a new plan, I've been waiting for you - HERE I AM'

He had indeed been waiting for her all his life, from the young scamp who was orphaned at such a young impressionable age.he had longed for love. From the young dashing 'rookie' Agent with charm and looks to match.he had thought about love. From the young hero in trouble with a package he needed to pass on, using whatever sources he could get his hands on.he had looked into the eyes of love.

A chance he had taken four years previous had now led to this day. He had maybe not in his mind at the time fallen in love with Amanda King - the woman at the train station in a raincoat and nightgown, but that didn't matter. She had put her trust in a complete stranger and in her own special way saved his life, that day started their partnership - today was to start their married life.

Looking at his watch he closed the ring box and put it back in his pocket. Checking his appearance one last time in the mirror, smoothing the creases of his dark suit - Lee Stetson picked up the simple pose of fragrant flowers he had selected for Amanda's bouquet and left the room to walk down the hall to her room.

They had made it just in time to change while another couple had just gone in to the Justice's chambers to go through their own ceremony - next it would be them, and Lee began to pace with worry and excitement bubbling in his chest.butterflies in his stomach.

Knocking the door as he checked his watch he called into his 'bride to be'

"Amanda?"

No answer, he paced again coming to her door once more. "Amanda come on, he's gonna go home!"

The door opened and Amanda stepped out, for once in his life Lee was speechless. She had picked a simple cream suit, silk jacket over a full skirt with showed off her shapely legs - managing to fix her hair and apply fresh make-up adding simple earrings and shoes. He always thought she was beautiful, but right now she looked breathtaking.

Adjusting her jacket, as she stood opposite she spoke in a breathless whisper, "Okay!"

Lee smiled at her, hearing the nervousness in her voice and knew he wasn't the only one that had the jitters, "You look beautiful!"

Amanda smiled back - taken in the man of her dreams his broad shoulders, his killer smile. "You look handsome!"

As they spoke the door to the chambers opened and Mrs. Bauman smiled at both of them announcing their names as they both turned round - it was time.

XXX

Standing in front of the small window that let in a soft glow to the room, all was quiet apart from his honor who looked at both of them smiling as he spoke, "Do you Lee take Amanda to be your wife?"

Lee smiled at Amanda as he replied, "I do!"

"Do you Amanda take Lee to be your husband?"

Amanda smiled back at him as she replied, "I do!"

Looking at both of them the justice asked them to join hands - turning towards each other Lee and Amanda stood as the emotional feeling in the room settled all around them and they joined hands. Turning to Lee first the Justice asked him to repeat after him the words of the solemn vow.Lee looked deep into Amanda's eyes as he spoke to convey to her that what he was saying, he meant with every word.

"I Lee take thee Amanda to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better for worse, for richer for poorer in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish all the days of our lives."

Tears where threatening to reach the surface as he took a deep breath - love shown out of Amanda's eyes as she smiled at what he had said, taking up from where he left of as she said her vow to him,

"I Amanda take thee Lee to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better for worse, for richer for poorer in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish all the days of our lives."

The justice then asked for the rings, which had been given to Mrs. Bauman and who now passed them on to him - as he gave Lee Amanda's ring first. "Now put this ring on Amanda's finger and say these words,"

Lee placed the ring on Amanda's finger holding her hand as tight as he could looking into her soulful brown eyes as he repeated what was asked, "This ring I give thee in token and pledge.of my constant faith and devotion."

Slipping the ring on until it rested against her knuckle - she was now his.

As Amanda took his ring and did as he was told to do, repeating the same words, "This ring I give thee in token and pledge.of my constant faith and devotion."

Slipping his on and almost laughing in giddy response, looking down at the two pieces on gold now on each other's fingers. as the justice of the peace made his final conclusion to the ceremony,

"By the authority rested in me, by the statuaries of the commonwealth of Virginia. Lee Stetson and Amanda King, I am pleased to pronounce you - man and wife!"

XXX

'Here I am - oh right next to you! And suddenly the world is all brand new. Here I am - I'm gonna stay! There's nothing standing in my way.'

They both couldn't believe it had finally happened - they where now Mr. And Mrs. Stetson, and with the laughing from both of them and the joy beaming out of both Mrs. Bauman and the Justice himself - his clerk lifted up the camera and announced, "You may kiss the Bride!"

As if Lee needed an invitation as he took Amanda in his arms as she laughed a happy, "Yes!"

He took her lips in his for a gut-punching kiss - the first one as her husband and with many more to come. They had marked this day for the rest of their lives no matter what was going to happen - they where certain that from this day forward, they where REALLY going to face it together.forever!

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