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A Romantic Valentine's Day
by Lori Anderson

Chapter 1

"Bernie, don't worry about what we're planning for Gary and Toni for Valentine's Day," Lois Hobson told her husband at their breakfast table inside their house in Hickory Indiana one sunny day.

Bernie sipped his coffee, and put his cup down.  "Just how are you going to keep it a secret from them until that day Lois? You know how Gary feels about us springing surprises on us.  Remember the last time we did something specail for him ?"

Lois sighed.  "It turned out alright after all that mess.  Besides, he and Toni deserve to have a specail Valentine's Day and evening together alone. We'll take the kids for that night and you can handle the paper for that time."

"Lois, you're forgetting one thing:  Hazel.  Did you forget that she's their babysitter for when they go out?"

Lois sipped her own coffee.  "I didn't forget about her Bernie.  She'll babysit the kids during the day, and we'll have the kids for the night.  I'm glad that they hired Hazel.  She sounds like a nice lady."

Bernie smiled.  "I've got a surprise for you.  You're going to meet Hazel when we go to Chicago this weekend."

"We didn't plan on going this weekend.  Bernie Hobson, what have you got up your sleeve?"

"Nothing.  We're going camping like we planned, and we'll just go see Gary earlier than we planned is all."

"I'd better tell Gary to expect us then."

Bernie nodded, and decided to finish his breakfast.

***************************************
In Chicago, Gary was reading the paper that Ottis had delievered to the front door earlier that morning.  Having a dog deliever it other than the cat was better because of Toni's allegery to the cat.  Last thing he wanted was for his wife to break out in hives. Nothing on the front page caught his attentiion, so Gary turned to the metro section and found what he was looking for. "Car Runs Out Into Traffic With Boy Age 10 Trapped Inside.  Barry Stoner, age 10, is listed in serious condition in Country General Hospital, after the car he was in, rolled out into oncoming traffic from his driveway.  The boy had been sitting in the car waiting for his mother when he accidently moved the gearshift, and the car started rolling out of the driveway.  Police say that it was lucky that he was thrown on the floor in the back when a passing car sturck the back.  Mother is being charged with child endangerment," Gary read, and checked his watch.  The paper said that it was going to happen at ten that morning on Park Avenue.

Toni came into the kitchen wearing her blue cotton robe and saw Gary reading the paper.  "Morning sweetheart.  What's in the paper today?," she asked
pouring herself a cup of coffee, and coming over to sit besides him.

"Hi honey.  I've got to save a boy from being hit in traffic in his mother's car at ten.  He accidently hits the gearshift causing the car to go backwards out onto the street," he replied sipping his own coffee.

"Parents shouldn't leave their children alone in their cars without making sure they can't reach the gearshift.  I make sure ours aren't left alone in the car to do that.  Don't forget we have a meeting with the principal of the pre-school the kids are going to this fall this afernoon at two.  We promised we'd see her today."

"I haven't forgotten about it.  I'll meet you there at two.  Hazel'll have to watch the kids durning that time."

"She knows.  I told her about it yesterday."

The phone rang then, and Gary went to answer it.  "Hello.  Hobson Residence. Gary Hobson speaking.  Oh hi Mom," he said.

"Hello honey.  I just wanted to tell you that your father and I will be in Chicago this weekend," Lois told him.

"This weekend?  I thought you were coming sometime next week."

"We decided to come earlier.  We haven't seen the grandchildren since Chirstmas."

"Okay.  No problem.  I'll tell Toni you're coming this weekend, and she'll tell the kids."

"Good.  We'll see this weekend then.  Give our love to Toni and the kids."

"I will Mom.  See you this weekend.  Good bye."

Gary hung up the phone, and turned to Toni.  "That was my mother.  She and my father are coming here this weekend."

"Oh?  I thought they were coming sometime next week.  What made them change their minds?"

"They just decided to come earlier than expected."

"We can tell them about enrolling the kids in school this fall then."

"I hope they understand."

"They will honey.  I'm sure they'll like the idea."

****************************************
Hazel sat in her apartment doing her knitting in her rocking chair listening to her stereo. She was going to babysit the children while Toni and Gary were at the meeting with the principal of the school they were enrolling their children in this fall.  When Toni told her about it, Hazel had smiled and said she thought it was a wonderful idea. "They'll have other kids their age to play with, and they'll learn all kinds of nice things," she had said.

"I know.  I can do some work around here, and be here for them when they come home.  It's time they went to school anyway. I'm not a fan of homeschooling.  It's fine for some parents, but ours are going to a regular school," Toni had told Hazel.

"That's the way it should be Mrs. Hobson.  Mine went to a regular school, and they loved every minute of it."

"I'm sure our kids will too, and please call me Toni."

Now, thinking back to the conversation, Hazel smiled and knew that the Hobson twins would have a good time in school. 

Chapter 2

Gary drove his jeep to his bar wondering what his parents had up their sleeve. Sure, he knew they wanted to see their children which was fine with him, but somehow, he got the feeling that there was something thing else they were planning that had to do with him.  He didn't know what it was, but knowing his parents, he hoped it wasn't anything like the last time.  Pulling the trick with to get him to come downstairs for his surprise birthday party, and then, the meeting with his old girlfriend.  What a mess that had been at first, and then, it had all turned out alright in the end, with both of them going out for dinner and a movie afterward. He hadn't told Toni about that yet, but he was going to when he got the chance. There were no secrets in their marriage. Arriving at the bar, Gary parked his jeep in it's place, got out, locked the door, pocketed the keys, and walked towards the front door of Mc Gintys. "Morning Marissa.  Chuck," he said smiling at his friends, and partners.

"Morning Gar.  I finally got a good night's sleep last night.  Jade didn't have any strange cravings that I had to get for her," Chuck said sipping his coffee, and stepping aside so that Gary could enter the kitchen and pour himself a cup of coffee.

"Toni told me about the shopping trip they had the other day.  Jade helped her pick out a pair of men's underwear for me."

Chuck smiled.  "I can just imagine what she told Toni what she thought would look good on you.  I had to make sure she didn't get me anything that would embrass me.  Women are like that at times, present company excluded of course."

"Thank you Chuck.  Any saves today in the paper Gary?," Marissa asked.

Gary nodded.  "Yeah.  I have to save a boy from being hit in a car by another car in traffic at ten."

"Sounds dangerous. "

"It's not really that dangerous.  I've got a meeting with the kids principal at two this afternoon with Toni."
 
"She's really going to go through with putting them in school.  She said something about it one day when she was here."

"Well, I didn't find out about it until the principal called here and told me about it."

Chuck shook his head.  "I bet you had a talk with Toni when you got home that day."

"I did, but we got things straighten out.  Oh, my parents are coming for a visit this weekend."

Marissa smiled.  "That's nice.  They haven't been here since Christmas."


****************************************
Back in Hickory, Lois was on the phone talking to the captain of the cruiseship that made trips down the river.

"That's right captain.  My husband and I are paying for a romantic dinner cruise for my son and his wife on Valentine's Day. It's our gift to them.  We felt that they deserved a night alone just the two of them," she told him.

"That's nice of you Mrs. Hobson.  How are you paying for this?  Cash or credit card?"

"Neither sir.  I'll be sending you a check with the amount on it.  It's safer that way.  So, you'll have a reservation for them on the 14th of next month on your ship?"
 
"Yes.  Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hobson.  I'll let my crew know about it too, and don't worry, I won't tell him whose idea it is."

Lois laughed.  "Captain, my son will somehow figure out that we're behind it. Thank you.  You'll be reciving the check sometime next week."

"I'll be looking for it Mrs. Hobson.  Have a nice day."

"Thank you, and the same to you.  Good bye."  She hung up the phone, and turned to Berine who was reading the paper. "It's alset Bernie.  Gary and Toni have reservations on the ship for the 14th at night,."

"Good work Lois.  I know Gar and Toni will be surprised and thrilled," Bernie said smiling.

"That's what I'm counting on.  I'm going to let Hazel in on too,so she know what's going on."

"Make sure she doesn't tell them about it when you tell her."

"Oh, I know Hazel can keep it a secret."
***********************************************

Back in Chicago, Gary sat in his office doing some paperwork, and thinking about the conversation that he had with his mother on the phone the other day.
He knew Valentine's Day was coming, and he had both her and Toni to get something nice for. At 9:30, Gary quit the paperwork, and stood up from his chair.  He grabbed his jacket, put it on, and went to the door. He had to get to where the boy lived to save him from being hurt when the car he was in rolled down the driveway onto the busy street.  Ten minutes later, Gary arrived at the scence, and saw that the mother was going inside the house for something, and the boy was sitting in his car seat in the back not yet buckled in.

"Hey lady!  Your son's not fastened in his seat, and he could climb over the back seat and reach the gearshift.  He might accidently get the car to go backwards and then, he'd really be in trouble if it went out on the street and  got hit from behind," he warned the boy's mother,who had just turned to see
him running towards her from the sidewalk.

"Oh dear!  I'd better make sure he doesn't climb into the front seat while I'm in the house for a minute.  Thank you for telling me mister----------------,"
the woman said trying to think of Gary's last name.

"Hobson.  Gary Hobson.  You're welcome.  Just make sure you either take him inside with you, or fasten his seatbelt, and have the car in park.  My wife
keeps telling me how she's seen bad accidents because of something like this."

"I'm going to take my son inside with me for a minute while I get something I forgot.  Thank you again Mr. Hobson."

"No problem.  Take care, and have a nice day."

Chapter 3

Patrick Quinn entered the bar feeling like he had never left it.  He should've called first he knew, but he wanted to surprise Gary and the others with his wonderful news.  Not only had he done good teaching in Oregon, but he had found a girlfriend also. "Hello Marissa," he said smiling at Marissa, and Marissa recongized his voice.

"Patrick!  How nice to hear your voice again.  What are you doing back here? I thought you were in Oregon teaching," she said.

"I am, but I came here to pay everyone a visit.  I've got some terrific news to tell everyone."

"I can sense that you have.  Stay there.  I'll go get Gary.  He'll be surprised to see you as well."

Marissa walked towards the door of their office, and entered.  "Gary, could you come out to the bar for a minute please?  There's someone who wants to see
you," she told him.

"Okay," Gary replied, and followed Marissa out into the main room from the office.  When he saw Patrick standing there, Gary was shocked and surprised.
Partrick was the last person Gary expected to see standing in his bar.

"Hello Patrick," he said smiling at his ex-bartender.

"Hi Mr. H.  I know you're surprised to see me standing here."

"You could say that.  What are you doing here?"

"I'm on a little vacation right now from the school.  I didn't get fired or anything.  I just wanted to see everyone and tell you my news. It's too great to tell you over the phone."

"Okay.  What's your news Patrick?"

"I've got a girlfriend who's also a teacher at the school.  Her name's Violet, and she teaches English."

"That's wonderful Patrick!  I knew it was a matter of time before you found someone," Marissa said.

"Thanks Marissa.  Sometime, when we're both off for the summer, I'll bring her here so you can meet her."

"Way to go Patrick!  I'm happy for you.  Don't mess it up."

"I won't Mr. H.  I heard about your marriage and your children from a friend of mine who sent me an e-mail."

"You heard right Patrick.  I married Toni, and we have twins.  A girl Rose, and a boy Jeff."

"That's great Mr. H!  I kept hoping that you'd finally be happy with someone."

"Don't forget about your appointment at two today Gary," Marissa reminded Gary.

"I won't.  Toni and I are going to meet with the principal of the school that our kids are going to attend in the fall."

***************************************************
Toni was getting ready to leave for hers and Gary meeting with the principal after having served lunch for her and the children.

"Hazel's going to come and stay with you while I'm at the meeting with Daddy today.  Be good for her," she told them.

"Can we have some ice cream later if we are?," Rose asked.

"If you do what she says and behave yourselves, then you can have some ice cream for desert after dinner.  Okay?"

"Okay Mommy."

"Good.  Your grandparents will be here this weekend.  I almost forgot to tell you that.  Remember what I said.  Be good and mind Hazel.  Make me proud of
you."

"Okay Mom.  I like Hazel.  She's neat," Jeff said.

Toni smiled.  "She likes you too.  Both of you.  I'll wait for Hazel to get here before I leave."

***********************************
Hazel called the cab to come and get her from her apartment.  She was going to go babysit the twins while Toni was at the meeting with Gary.  She had been
surprised to have gotten a call from Lois Hobson, but once Lois told her what she and Bernie was planning for Gary and Toni for Valentine's Day, Hazel had
smiled and promised not to tell.  She thought it was a wonderful idea for them to give Gary and Toni a romantic cruise on Valentine's Day.  They needed some time alone together. "They'll be surprised when they get handed the tickets for the cruise from Lois and Bernie," she said . Making sure that she had everything she needed, Hazel put on her coat and waited for the cab to come and get her. She hated winter with all of it's cold and ice, but liked the snow.  Even when she was a little girl, she had always loved snow.

Chapter 4

Gary stopped by the flower shop on his way to the school for the meeting with the principal.  He was going to get the flowers for Toni ready ahead of time,
and have them delievered right on the 14th which was Valentine's Day.  His special present to her would be given to her that morning he decided as he drove towards the flower shop in his jeep bronco from Mc Ginty's. Gary parked his jeep outside the flower shop, went inside, and approached the clerk standing at the desk. "Hello.  I'd like to order a dozen red roses please," he said smiling.

"Certainly sir!  Your name please," the clerk replied taking out her order form.

"Gary Hobson."

"Your address?"

"!312 SouthShore Drive."

"Phone number."

Gary told her.

"Okay Mr. Hobson.  That's one dozen roses.  What would you like the card to read?"

"To my wife with love.  Happy Valentine's Day."

The clerk wrote the message down and nodded.  "We'll put it on the card and put the card in with the roses.  When would you want them delievered?"

"At nine that morning.  I want to make sure she's up by then."

"Nine o clock.  Valentine's Day morning.  Got it.  Our delievery boy will bring them then."

"Thank you.  How much do I owe you?"

The clerk tailed up the roses, the card, and everything else.  "The total comes to $!0.00"

Gary took out his wallet and paid the clerk for the order. Wishing the clerk to have a good afternoon, he left the flower shop.

*******************************************
Toni had made sure that Hazel had arrived to watch her children before she left to go to meeting at the school. When Hazel was inside, Toni had promised she'd wouldn't be long, told the kids to mind Hazel, said good bye, and went the door. She drove towards the school listening to the music on her radio.  It was a jazz station, but Toni didn't care. "I won't listen to jazz on Valentine's Day that's for sure.,  I'll make sure he plays something romantic for us that day," she said. She was a romantic at heart at times, and especially on Valentine's Day.  She knew that Gary was a romantic too at times. Arriving at the school, Toni parked her car in a parking space, got out, locked her door, and went to the front doors.

"Allow me honey," Gary said coming up besides her, and opening the door for her to enter.

"Thank you sweetheart.  Did you get your errand taken care of?," Toni asked as they went inside the school.

Gary nooded.  "Yep.  Did the sitter get to our house alright?"

"Yes.  Hazel took a cab there, and I left after she was inside the house."

They walked towards the front office where the secretary and principal were at.

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Hobson.  Mrs. Smith is expecting you.  Go right in," the secretary told them.

Thanking the woman, Toni and Gary entered the principal's office.

"I'm so glad that you made it Mr. & Mrs. Hobson.  I'm Mrs. Smith.  Please sit down," the principal said smiling.

********************************************

Back at the bar, Chuck was busy doing some paperwork of his own and almost fell out of his chair when he saw Patrick.

"This is a surpirse.  When did you get back in town kid?," he asked forgetting not to call Patrick that.

"Just a while ago Mr. Fishman.  I realized that I should've called first, but I just couldn't tell anyone my news over the phone. I've already told Mr. Hobson and Marissa my news," replied Patrick smiling.

"Oh.  Now you can tell me.  I hope it's good news."

"It is.  I've got a girlfriend Mr. Fishman.  She's a teacher like me at the school."

Chuck smiled.  "That's great Patrick.  So you finally found someone.  I'm glad for you."

"Thank you Mr. Fishman.  One of these days, I'll bring her here to show you and everyone else."

"You do that.  How long are you in town for?"

"Until tomorrow.  I've got to go back tomorrow afternoon."

"Did you ride that bike of yours here?"

"No sir.  I sold it, and used the money to buy a car.  It's outside."

"A car's a good thing to have Patrick.  You know that I'm married now, and will be a father soon."

"Yes Mr. Fishman.  Congrulations."

"Thank you Patrick."

Chapter 5

Gary drove back to the bar thinking about the meeting with the principal that he and Toni had just gone through . He had heard everything that the school had to offer his children, been shown where their classes were going to be, where they'd eat lunch, and gym by the principal.  She had even introduced them to who would their teachers, so why was he feeling a little sad for?  Snap out of it Hobson!  There's no reason for you to feel this way, he told himself and felt a little better. "The kids will love it once they get used to it. We'll have to tell them soon so it won't be so much of a shock to them. They're great kids, and this will be something they'll always remember for the rest of their lives," Gary said smiling.

Toni stopped inside a man's store on her way home from the meeting to make sure she got Gary the perfect Valentine's gift. "Good afternoon.  I'm Toni Hobson.  I'm checking up on the special item I had you put on layaway for me," she told the clerk.

The clerk smiled.  "We stilll have it Mrs. Hobson.  I believe you ordered the black terrirobe and aftershave that most men have been asking for.  We have the robe in the box and will put the aftershave with it on that morning.  You still want it delievered?," he asked.

Toni nodded.  "Yes.  You have the address and phone number.  He'll love it! Thank you so much."

"You're welcome Mrs. Hobson."

Toni left the shop smiling knowing that her special secret gift for Gary was already for him.  She had one more thing to do to make sure their Valentine's Day was perfect, and that was to get someone else to take the paper that day.

*****************************
"Bernie, we have to take care of Gary's paper the 14th for him.  We can't let it ruin his and Toni's special day and night." Lois told her husband as they were getting ready to leave their house to go to Chicago that weekend.

"Relax sweetheart.  I've already got it taken care of.  When we get there, I'll tell Gar that I'm taking care of the paper on the 14th for him so that he won't have to worry about it," Bernie told Lois as he sipped his coffee.

"Good.  Sometimes I wish that he never got that paper.  All of the terrible things that have happend to him because of it."

"Lois, I'm sure he feels the same way at times, but there's nothing he can do to get rid of it.  He's tried, and it always keep coming back.  Along with that cat.  There have been some good things that have happend with the paper as well."

Lois sighed.  "I know. but I keep remembering how he felt after not being able to save that homeless that day.  The phone call we got from him that evening made me want to crawl through the line and just hold him in my arms." (Spolier: Fate).

"I know what you mean hon.  That wasn't his fault and he had tried his best to save that poor man.  He had his friends there to help him get through it then,
and now, he has Toni and the kids to help him through anymore times like that. I ran into Stan the other day at the Y and he asked how Gary was liking married life and fatherhood.  I told him that Gary was loving every minute of it, and that he should give Gary a call sometime just to tell him hello."

Lois smiled.  "Did you know that Gary saved his life and that Gary gave Stan the credit for capturing those escaped convicts?"

"Yeah, he told me about that.  He couldn't believe that Gary would do something like that after having been locked up by Stan before .  He also told me that he went to the school principal and told him that Gary had been falsely accused of not returning a book when he was in school by the librian, and that he had checked himself and found out that someone didn't check the in box that day to see that the book was there.  He said that Gary wouldn't keep a book after the due date, and that he was always retunring even the public library's books he checked out two days later."

"I bet the principal had a few choice words for the lady after that."

Bernie chuckled.  "Stan told me that the principal had the secretary check Gary's record, and found that Gary had indeed returned that book.  He had told the secretary that he was, and even showed her that he had in his hands that day.  The old librian owes Gary an apology, and has been told to retire."

"Good!  That woman has been nothing but a pain in Gary's side ever since she started working there."  (Spolier-Home Groan.)

*******************************************

Toni returned home to find Hazel sitting in a chair doing her knitting and watching the kids playing a game on the floor.

"I'm back!  How were they Hazel?," she asked as she hung up her coat in the closet.

"They were real good Mrs. Hobson.  They paid attention to what I said to do, and did it when I asked them to.  They wanted to p lay their game instead of watching the television.  Said they'd watch it later with you and Gary," Hazel replied.

"Good.  Come into the kitchen and have some coffee with me."

Hazel went into the kitchen with Toni and sat down at the table while Toni poured them some coffee.

"How was the meeting with the principal?," Hazel asked.

Toni smiled as she handed Hazel a cup of coffee.  "It was fine.  We were shown where they'd have their classes at, where they'd have lunch at, and other rooms.  She told us everything she thought we should know about the school and gave us papers with information to show to the kids when we tell them about it if they ask any questions."

Hazel sipped her coffee.  "I hope they're ready for such a big step right now."

Toni sat down with her coffee and took a sip.  "It's time they went Hazel.  I know it's a big step for them, but they'll get used to it.  They'll meet new friends there and have fun learning too.  The hard part will be telling them, and I haven't decided when to tell them yet.  Gary has agreed to be with me when I do tell them."

Chapter 6

Toni told Hazel she'd take her home so she wouldn't have to pay for a cab fare again.  "Get your coats kids.  We're taking Hazel home so she doesn't have to call a cab," she told her children, who went to get their coats out of their rooms. Rose and Jeff came out in their coats, and Toni and Hazel helped them button their coats.  They went outside to Toni's car, she and Hazel fastened the kids in their seats, and got in the front seat where they buckled theirselves in. "Mind I you ask you a personal question Mrs. Hobson?," Hazel asked when they  were on their way to her apartment.

"Only if you call me Toni.  Mrs. Hobson is too formal." Toni replied smiling keeping her eyes on the road.

"Alright Toni.  How did you and Gary meet?  Pardon me for asking, but I'm a little curious."

"It was by accident Hazel.  (Spolier- The Iceman Taketh)  We were on the same boat: I was there on assignment to catch a jewel theif called The Iceman, or
Icewoman as it was a woman who was the the thief.  Gary was there for some reason, and he took the name tag of my parrner who couldn't make it because he was stuck in traffic.  Anyway, to make a long story short, Gary posed as my husband and with his help, I managed to retrive the neckalce and arrest the
person reponisble.  We began dating not too long after that.  I'm so happy with him and the kids, and he's the same with us."

Hazel smiled.  "I showed my daughter a picture of you both when she and her family was here visiting, and she couldn't believe it. "This is the Gary Hobson you're working for?", she asked.  When I said yes, she said that he sure was good looking."

"Everyone says that about my Daddy," Rose said from the back seat.

"Speaking of your father, why don't we surpirse him at McGintys after we drop Hazel off.  How does that sound?"

"Great!  I'll bet Daddy'll be glad to see us," Jeff replied.

**************************************************
Gary sat in his office doing some paperwork with Marissa.  Chuck had gone home early to be with Jade in case of an emergency.

"This inventory sure is long today.  Just how many cases of wine did we order anyway?," he said scratching the back of his neck.

"We didn't, Chuck did.  He thought you wouldn't mind 20 cases of wine for some reason," Marissa replied.

"20 cases!  For what?  We don't need that many wine cases unless it's for a special occasion or something."

"That's what I told him, and he said that he'd explain when he comes in tomorrow.  He had to leave early just in case Jade needed him to take her to the doctor or something."

"That guy will never learn.  I'm going to have a little talk with him tomorrow when he comes in."

"Good luck.  You know how he can be if he thinks he's right at times."

"I ought to make him drink all of it.  What am I going to do with all of these wine cases?"

"You could bring a couple of bottles home and we can save them for Valentine's Day," a voice said from the doorway.

Gary looked, and saw Toni standing there with the kids in front of her smiling at him.

*****************************************************************************
****
"Hi sweetheart.  This is a surprise,"  Gary said going over to greet his family smiling back.

"I think I'll leave you alone with your family in here.  I've got something to take care outside," Marissa said as she left the room.

"Sit down Toni.  What brings you and the kids here?  I thought you went home after the meeting."

"I did.  I took Hazel home so she wouldn't have to call a cab.  Those cab fares are expensive for her.  Anyway, we were in the area and we thought we just drop in and pay you a visit.  Fishman overdid it again I see," Toni replied.

"If you mean the wine cases, yes, and I'm going to have a talk with him tomorow about it.  I don't want to discuss it in front of the kids.  We could get Hazel a bus card she could use.  That would save her from calling a cab everytime we need her."

"Good idea.  She'd like that.  If we need her to spend the night, we could set up the sofa for her to sleep in too."

***************************************************

Hazel poured herself some tea and sat down in her chair.  The heat felt good after being outside in the cold.  She had something that she should've told them about, but didn't think it was important at the time.  It had to do with Lucis Snow,and how she had meet him when she was just a little girl.  "I'll tell them about it one day.  What a sweet man he was," she said.

Taking a sip of her tea, Hazel sighed, and relaxed.  Gary and Toni Hobson were the perfect couple in her book, and their children  were just good to babysit for when they needed her.  One day, if it was alright with Toni, she'd teach Rose how to crochet. Crocheting was better than kintting for Hazel because she didn't have to worry about doing it any certain way.

Chapter 7

That night,inside their house, Jade was telling Chuck that he had made a mistake by ordering those wine cases without telling Gary.  "You know what you did was wrong,honey.  What is Gary going to do with all of those wine cases that you foolish ordered?  You took advantge of him by ordering them when he was at his meeting with Toni today.  How do you he's goning to react once he finds out what you've done?," she said sipping her herbal tea that she had
made and sitting in her favorite chair.

Chuck sipped his coffee and sighed.  "I thought it was the wise thing to do at the time.  I didn't think there was anything wrong until I realized that we don't have the room for them in back.  I should call Gar and tell him that I'm sorry for ordering that many.  I should've let Marissa do the ordering," he said knowing just what Gary would say when he found out.

"Don't ruin his evening Chuck.  You can tell him tomorrow when you see him at Mc Ginty's."

"Yeah.  I'll do that."

*************************************
Gary yawned and streched his legs as he sat on the loveseat with Toni inside their house watching their children watch tv.

"So when do we tell them about going to school, sweetheart?," he asked looking at her.

Toni sighed.  "We'll tell them tonight.  The sooner the better.  We'll tell your parents when they get here," she replied.

Gary nodded and took a sip of his coffee.  "Sounds good to me."

Toni sipped her own coffee and looked at her children who were watching the Discovery Channel about bears. She hoped that they would like the idea and not get upset.  So many children first react that way when told something like that.

"Oh look Mommy!  That bear's trying to climb the tree to get the honey," Rose said laughing at the silly bear.

"I see him Rose.  If he's not careful, he's going to get his nose stung by those bees, and that'll hurt."

"I'm never going to get stung by any old bees," Jeff told his parents.

Gary smiled.  "If you keep away from them, and don't do anything to anger them, you won't son."

"Bees make honey from flowers.  You'll learn about that and more when you go to school."

Jeff frowned.  "What do you mean by that Mommy?"

Both Gary and Toni looked at each other.  The cat was out of the hat.  The time had come to tell them.

"Kids, your father and I have something to tell you.  As of this fall, both of you will be going to the pre-kindergarden in town. You'll meet kids your age, and learn all kinds of neat stuff.  I'll take you there and pick you up after school," Toni told them.

Rose looked like she wanted to cry.  Gary motioned for her to come over to him, and gently sat her on his lap when she did.

"Honey, school's not all that bad.  I went to school when I was your age, and it was an expericence I'll never forget. We're not getting rid of you if that's what got you a little upset.  We just think that it's time you and Jeff started going to school," he told her smiling that adorable smile at his with those mud-puddle eyes.

"Okay Daddy.  I feel a little better now."

"Good.  Go back and finish watching your show."  He set her down on the floor.
******************************************************

Bernie and Lois were packing their bags ready for their trip the next day. They'd be traveling in the new RV that they had brought.

"I asked one of our neighbors to check our mail for us while we're gone Bernie," Lois said.

"Good idea hon.  Can't have it piling up on us .  I can't wait to see the look on Gar's face when he sees those tickets," Bernie said.

Lois smiled.  "Me neither.  Maybe I should bring my camera with me this time so I can take their picture."

"Put it in your purse or suitcase right now so you won't forget it."

"I'll do that before we turn in tonight.  Thanks for reminding me Bernie."

"That's what husbands are for."

"They're good for something else too, but that's beside the point right now."

"Are you hinting about something Lois?"

"No.  Not what you're thinking anyway.  I'll tell you later what I meant when I said that."

"Okay.  That's a relief."

"Bernie Hobson!  Are you saying that you wouldn't want to have another child?"

Berine shook his head.  "No, I"m not saying that.  If it can happen, yes, but we're at the point right now where having another child wouldn't be right. We've both got a lot of things going on, and another child would only get in the way."

"I agree with you there.  Let's drop the subject.  Make sure you don't forget anything."

Chapter 8

That night, Gary lay besides Toni in their bed and put his arm around her pulling her closer to him.

"Just what are you doing sweetheart?," Toni asked smiling at him as she lay in his arms.

"Pulling you close to me my love.   Is that the nightgown I got for you on our honeymoon?," he replied.

"Uh huh.  I thought I'd wear it to bed tonight just to surprise you."

"I don't mind if you wear it everynight honey.  You're lovely in it."

"Do you think the kids took what we told them earlier alright?"

Gary's mud-puddle eyes looked into her blue ones.  "I think so.  Once we explained everything to them, they liked the idea.  Anyway, let's not talk about it now.  My parents will be here tomorrow, and I'll need my rest for when they arrive."

Toni nodded.  "You're not going to handle the paper next Thursday.  I want you all to myself that day."

"Your wish is my command my love.  I'll get my father to handle it for me that day."

"Good.  Let's go to sleep okay."

********************************************
In Hickory, a very tired Berine climbed in the bed besides Lois who was already under the covers waiting for him.

"I've got everything ready for tomorrow.  I put enough gas in the tank to get us there and back, checked everything inside to make sure they were in perfect order, and locked the door after I was done.  Now, all I want to do is sleep." he told her yawning.

"Get in bed Bernie.  We'll need a good nights sleep if we want to get an early start tomorrow morning," Lois said.

"Sounds good to me.  It'll be good to see Gar and his family again."

"Just don't embrass Gary by telling those stories of when he was a boy.  You know how he hates that."

"Okay.  I promise not to tell any stories about Gary as a boy.  Let's get some sleep."

Bernie turned off the light, turned over, and put his arm around Lois.

******************************************************
Back in Chicago, Hazel was getting ready to go to bed herself.  She had had a very busy day, and now was looking forward to getting into her bed and having
a good night's sleep.  Before she went to sleep, Hazel read her Bible, and said her prayers. She had started it as a young girl, and wasn't going to stop now that she was 65.  She had tried to get her children into doing it, but didn't force the issue.  Her daughter had told her that she and her family was doing it, and
Hazel was proud.

"Thank you for your word dear Lord.  I treasure everyword that I read.  I thank you also for the wonderful gift you've given me, and for letting me use it for helping people.  I pray for the Hobsons.  They're good people as well as my employers, and I know you'll keep them safe.  You already know the others I pray for.  In Your Precious name, Amen," she prayed, and then turned off the light.

With a smile, Hazel closed her eyes knowing that everything was going to be alright with the people she cared about.

Chapter 9

The next day, Gary decided to have it out with Chuck about the wine cases before he handled the paper and his saves. "Alright, Chuck.  Care to explain to me why you ordered 20 cases of wine when we don't that much room for them in back.  We're running a bar here, not a resturant," he said his hands on his hips as he and Chuck were in the office.

"I guess I made a mistake Gar," Chuck replied feeling a little uncomfortable at the monment.

"You could call it that.  I know you pal, and you'd never do this before. What possesed you to do it this time?"

"It seemed like a good idea at the time, but when I realized that we didn't the space for all of it, I was sorry I had done it. Thanks to me, we're stuck with these cases.  Would it help to say I'm sorry?"

"It might, but don't do it again.  Okay pal?"

Chuck nodded.  "Sure Gar.  No problem."

Gary sipped his coffee glad that problem was solved.  He could concerate on whatever saves he had that day.

"I've got an easy morning.  I've got to prevent an old lady from having her purse stolen while she's in the mall.  She's walking along carrrying her purse with her, and someone bumps into her and takes off with it."

"Does the paper say what time this happens Gar?"

"Yeah.  It happens at 10:30.  The guy's wearing a leather jacket and wearing a baseball cap."

"Good luck."

"Thanks pal."

******************************************
Bernie and Lois were on their way to Chicago after a good breakfast, getting the dishes done, and then making sure they didn't forget anything.  "That was a good breakfast Lois.  That's one of the reasons I married you," Bernie told her smiling,

Lois almost blushed.  "That's not the only reason.  You married me because you love me too," she said.

"Of course.  Nice day for a trip.  The sun's shining, and there's not a cloud in the sky."

"Since when are you interested in the weather all of a sudden?"

"I don't like driving in bad weather Lois.  I watched the weather channel before I turned in last night just to make sure we'd have a good day to drive to Chicago.  You know how I hate going anywhere if the weather's bad."

"You've got a point there Bernie.  I hate driving in bad weather too.  Can you believe that Valentine's Day is just a few days away?"

"Yeah.  Gary and Toni are going to have a very special one thanks to us."

"That's what I'm planning on.  They deserve a little time to theirselves on a romantic day like that."

*****************************************

Hazel sat at her kitchen table finishing the last of her breakfast.  She had gotten up at eight after having a good night's sleep. She had a dream about Snow again, and it was always the same.  He had just saved her from being attacked by an angry man whom accused her of trampling his flower garden on his yard when she had just been walking by on her way to the store. Snow had just came out of the resturant he had lunch in, and saw what was happening.  He had quickly ran over to the man's yard, and stepped in between Hazel and the man.  She always woke up before she got around to thanking Snow in the dream.
Her eyes went to the picture of her late husband on the counter. "You would've liked Mr. Snow.  He saved my life, and he was such a nice man," she whispered tears in her eyes. Sighing, Hazel finished her tea, and decided she'd go to the garden store and get some plants and flower seeds for spring. She wanted to have her own garden and flowers growing outside her apartment.

Chapter 10

Valentines Day came, and Bernie got the paper before Gary could get it. Today, Gary would have off from the paper as promised. Lois came inside the kitchen wearing a bathrobe that she had brought along, and kissed her husband good morning. "You've got the paper.  Good!  I made sure that Gary didn't get up in time to get it," she said pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Bernie smiled at her.  "What did you to keep him from getting up at his normal time?," he asked sipping his own coffee.

Lois took a sip of her coffee before she replied.  "I didn't do anything. Toni was the one who shut off the alarm last night."

"I'm sure that you put the idea in her head somehow."

"Nope.  My part in the whole thing was to keep Gary from catching Toni shutting off the alarm in their bedroom which I did."

Bernie chuckled.  "I had no idea that you were that sneaky Lois.  I wonder if he's noticed the alarm didn't go off yet."

"I don't know, but I have a feeling that he will sooner or later."

***************************************************

At that monment, Gary looked at clock, saw it was seven o clock, and frowned. He was sure that he had set it the night before. Someone, he didn' t know who, had shut it off without telling him, and he had a pretty good idea who that someone was. "Someone shut my alarm off so it wouldn't wake me up this morning.  Toni, did you have anything to do with it?," he asked.

Toni had to hide her smile.  "What if I did sweetheart?  You deserve a day off the thing and today's the day.  Your father's taking care of the paper today
which means we have the whole day to ourselves," she replied yawning.

Gary sighed.  "My dad has the paper.  Why do I get the feeling that something bad will happen?"

"I don't think anything bad will happen with the paper that Bernie can't handle.  Would you rather Fishman take it?"

Gary shook his head.  "Nope.  He'd be too tempted to either get a lottery ticket, or bet using the sports page."

"Then, you know you can depend on your father to do the right thing with the paper.  Lie back down and sleep a little longer."

Gary didn't argue.  He was glad not to have to worry about the paper for once.

*******************************************************************

Downstairs, in the kitchen, Lois and Bernie put the cruise tickets for Gary and Toni by their coffee cups on the table.

"I'll get breakfast started.  We're going to have some very hungry grandchildren when they get up," Lois said smiling.

"They're still asleep upstairs.  I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they see their tickets," Bernie replied.

Five minutes, Toni and Gary came downstairs together dressed in their bathrobes .

"Good morning Mom.  Dad," Gary said smiling at his parents.

"Good morning Gar.  Toni.  Lois is fixing breakfast.  Sit down," Bernie told them smiling back.

Gary pulled out the chair for Toni, waited until she sat down, and then, he sat besides her in his chair.

Lois poured each of them a cup of good hot black coffee.  "Did you sleep well last night?," she asked.

"Yes.  Someone shut my alarm clock off so it wouldn't go off this morning. You wouldn't know anything about it, would ya Mom?," Gary replied taking a sip of his coffee as he looked at his mother.

"I had nothing to do with it ."

Toni noticed the envelope with her name on it by her cup.  She picked it up, and opened it.  "Oh Gary!  It's a ticket for the cruise ship tonight.  Open yours!," she exclamied.

Gary opened his envelope and took out his ticket inside.  "Wow!  I wonder who brought the tickets for us," he said.

"Happy Valentine's Day!  That's yours and Toni's special gift from Bernie and I."

"Thank you both.  What a wonderful gift!  Right honey?"

Gary nodded.  "Yeah.  Thanks Mom.  Dad.  You've just made this a special Valentine's Day and night for us."

Bernie smiled.  "You're welcome.  Don't worry about the kids.  They'll have fun with your mother and I all day today.  You just enjoy the day and the cruise tonight.  You can tell us about it later."

"We will."

The End

Email the author: lori@maplecity.com
 

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