Summary: Amanda's mother discovers her secret
Author's notes: I just want to thank Kara and Alliana for beta reading for me. And just let me know what all of you think of my story.
Time line: After the end of the 4th season
rated G
"Great," she thought, "now I have to find my keys." She sighed and leaned against the door trying to fish her keys out of her purse and keep ahold of her bags when all the sudden the door opened. "Oh my gosh", Amanda said as she dropped both her bags and her purse. Amanda looked on in horror as her 9mm and badge falls from her purse. "At least the safety is on" Amanda thought relieved. Her relief turned to dread as she saw that it was her mother who had opened the door.
"Amanda June West King, what in the world are you doing with a GUN in your purse? And just what is this?" Spotting the badge that had fallen open, she stooped to pick it up. Looking at the badge she realized it's a federal ID.
"Mother I...." Amanda stutters.
Just then, Lee walked and up seeing the situation said. "Mrs. West, Amanda I think we should take this inside."
"What I think is that I should have some explanation as to why my daughter is carrying a GUN and a FEDERAL ID in her purse," Dottie said very loudly.
"We'll explain inside Mrs. West, I promise," Lee said to his mother-in-law. "Please, Amanda and I'll pick this up then we will be right in."
"Oh all right," Dottie said giving them both suspicious looks, she dropped Amanda's badge in disgust and turned to go into the house. "I'll be waiting for you in the living room."
"Oh Lee, what are we going to tell her? "Amanda said as she bent down to pick up the rest of the stuff from her purse. Quickly shoved her gun back into her purse.
"I think we should tell her the truth," Lee replied with a grimace running his hand through his hair.
"How much of the truth?" Amanda almost whispered as the situation sank in.
Lee put the last of the fallen groceries in the bag, and then put his arms around her and held her close.
"As much as won't compromise national security," Lee sighed laying his cheek on top of her head. "It's the safest way. If we don't she's likely to snoop around till she finds something and it wouldn't be hard for her to get into trouble that way. And we might as well go ahead and tell her about our `engagement' now instead of after dinner."
"You're right. Well, let's go get this over with." Amanda said with a sigh as she thought of how this night had been suppose to go. Dinner and then the engagement announcement. Oh well, how often did things actually go as planned for her.
"I"m not getting any younger," Dottie called from inside the house.
Amanda and Lee exchanged looks of dread and headed into the house like two condemned prisoners being escorted to the chair. As they walk into the living room and sit on the couch side by side they look over to Dottie. "This better be good," she said.
"Mother, I'm an Intelligence Operative and work for a government organization called The Agency," Amanda said.
"A what?"
"A spy," Lee said. "Though I've never really like that word..."
"I can't believe this. My Daughter. My little girl is a spy," Dottie groaned as she buried her face in her hands.
Amanda looked at Lee, and thought, "So far this isn't going so well."
"Ok, so how long has this been going on? And how did you get involved in this?" Dottie asked, recovering a bit.
"About four and half years ago," Amanda told her, then she took a deep breath and then continued. "Well I had gone to take Dean to the train station. He had just gotten onto the train when this obnoxious man came up to me and too my arm." Amanda began
"Obnoxious?" Lee asked, with the hurt expression of a little boy who had just lost his favorite toy.
"Ok, annoying then." Amanda smiled a bit as she continued and for the next hour she told her mother about the secret life she had led for the last four and a half years. Explaining about need to know, national security, mystery trips and late night phone calls. Dottie interrupted every now and again with questions and Lee or Amanda would answer as best they could.
"Well a lot of things make sense now. Is there is anything else?" Dottie sighed.
"Well, actually there is one other thing. Lee asked me to marry him today." Amanda burst out with a huge smile.
"You're engaged? " Dottie breathed. "Congratulations!" she said as she got up off the couch giving first Amanda and then Lee a hug and a kiss. "When are you going to tell the boys?" Dottie asked.
"Tonight after dinner," Amanda replied. "Oh my gosh look
at the time. I have to get dinner started." Amanda hurried
into the
kitchen to start dinner leaving Lee and Dottie alone in the living
room.
"Mrs. West, I want you to know I really love Amanda and will do the best I can to take care of her," Lee told Dottie.
"I know you will Lee, you obviously have for the past 4 years. And you must call me Dottie. After all you'll soon be part of the family. By the way have you set a date?"
"No not yet, you'll be the first to know as soon as we set one." Lee said.
"Mom, can I go watch tv now?" Phillip asked.
"Just a minute Phillip," Amanda told him. He sat back down and looked at Jamie. Amanda took a deep breath and smiled at the boys, "something happened today that I am very happy about. I hope you'll be happy for me too. This does affect you and your Grandmother which is why I wanted to tell you right away." Amanda took another deep breath before continuing. "Lee asked me to marry him today and I accepted." Amanda said the last all in a rush.
"Way to go Mom," Phillip yelled.
"Alright Mom," Jamie cheered.
Lee visibly relaxed at this, no matter how well Amanda had told him that they boys would take it Lee was glad to see their reaction had been positive
"Congratulations Lee, " Jamie told his step-father.
"You know I like you better than any of the other guys mom has dated." Phillip said as he stepped over to shake Lee's hand
"Well, come and give me a hug," Amanda said to her sons.
"Ok now we just need to start planning the wedding," Dottie said.
Lee and Amanda smiled at each other. "We haven't really discussed how big of a wedding we want Mother. We'll let you know as soon as we decide." Amanda replied.
"I'll just go upstairs so you can talk," Dottie said, smiling.
Left alone, Lee and Amanda walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Amanda put her head on Lee's shoulder as he put his arm around her, "When do you want to get married?" Amanda asked.
"Well I don't want to wait too long. After all this one is just for show. Besides I've slept alone enough, I want to wake up with you by my side every morning." Lee replied with a smile.
"Well, this is late May, how does August sound? It couldn't be a very big wedding in that amount of time but, I want everyone to know I'm your wife and I hate waking up without you too." Amanda said.
"OK, August it is." Lee said smiling and leaned over to give her a kiss.
"How do you think the Agency will take all of this?" Amanda asked.
"I'm not sure. Billy will be happy for us I'm sure. The rest I don't know. I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Lee replied as he pulled Amanda closer and snuggled down into the couch.
A few hours later....
"I'd better be going. Unless you're going to invite me upstairs." Lee growled in Amanda's ear smiling wolfishly.
"Lee, Mother and the boys are here, I can't," Amanda said.
"Well then, I guess I had better be going." Lee said, standing up and holding his hand out to Amanda.
"I'll walk you to the door," Amanda said getting up.
As they walked to the door Lee said, "I'll pick you up tomorrow."
"Ok, I'll see you in the morning. I love you." Amanda said, giving Lee a kiss.
"I love you too." Lee said returning Amanda's kiss. "Bye." Amanda said and closed the door behind Lee. Amanda smiled and walked upstairs to bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning. Lee came up to the door just as it opened. Phillip and Jamie stepped out. "Hey Lee."Phillip said as Jamie opened the door and yelled. "Mom, Lee's here. Grandma, hurry up."
Amanda hurried out the door. "Come on Lee, we'll be late." She said giving her sons a kiss on the cheek. Have a good day fellas." She told them and headed down the walk. Lee helped her into the car and walked around to the other side to get in.
As they pulled away from the curb Lee said "I'm going to ask Billy to be my best man."
"Oh Lee, I couldn't think of anyone more perfect to ask." Amanda
said. "I've picked who I'm going to ask to be my maid of honor too."
"Who?" Lee asked
"Francine." Amanda replied
"Francine!?....." Lee said surprised.
"Yes Francine, I don't really have any close friends outside of the Agency anymore. And well, Francine and I have sorta became friends I think. Though both of us would deny it." Amanda replied smiling.
"Ok if you say so," was Lee's only reply. A short while later they pulled into IFF's parking garage, having filled the time with small talk about the wedding plans.
"Are you ready?" Amanda asked Lee
"Ready as I'll ever be." Lee replied as they stepped off the elevator and walked straight toward Billy's office, knocked on the door and opened the door as Billy waved them in. "Billy, we have something to tell you." Lee said as they sat down.
"Ok go ahead," Billy said, putting down his donut.
"I've asked Amanda to marry me," Lee said his voice full of pride.
Billy just smiled. "Congratulations you two." He said coming around the desk to give them both hugs. "I knew you two were perfect for each other. Putting you two together was one the best decisions I've ever made."
"There is just one other thing Billy." Lee said "I would like for you to be my best man."
"I would be honored, Lee." Billy said looking so proud he could burst. "Now I have a question. Who gets to tell Francine?"
"We probably should really tell Francine before we make the general announcement. After all we wouldn't want to have to pick her up off the floor." Lee said with a laugh.
"I'll get her in here, I wouldn't want to miss this for the world." Billy said and walked to the door. "Francine, could you come here a minute, please."Billy said looking at his blonde agent.
"What is it Billy?" Francine asked as she walked into the office and saw Lee and Amanda already sitting there.
Amanda smiled at Lee and told her. "Francine, Lee asked me to marry him."
"You're joking right?" Francine asked looking from Lee to Amanda and then to Billy. "Oh, I get it this is a cover for some case. Don't worry, I'll go along with it, even though it is far fetched. Scarecrow getting married. Now I've heard everything." Francine said with a laugh.
"This is no joke Francine, Amanda is going to be my wife for real." Lee stated in a very controlled voice.
Francine this is not a cover they are really getting married." Billy confirmed.
"Francine, Lee and I are really getting married. I hope you can be happy for us." Amanda said as she showed Francine her engagement ring looking a little bit frustrated.
"You're really engaged?" Francine said once again looking at the other three people in the room.
"Yes." Lee said taking Amanda's hand and kissing it. "And I hope you can be happy for us Francine. But if you can't then just leave us alone. Because we are very happy about this."Lee said looking very annoyed with Francine
"Well congratulations. I really do hope both of you are very happy." Francine almost whispered looking a bit shocked.
"There is one other thing Francine. I would like for you to be my maid of honor?" Amanda said
"After everything you really want me to be your Maid of Honor." Francine said looking surprised as she sat down on the loveseat.
"Yes, I really would like you to be in the wedding. After all, you're one of Lee's best friends.
"I would love to Amanda." Francine coming over and giving Amanda a hug. Looking suspiciously misty-eyed. "We'd better be going or we'll be late for the staff meeting." Francine told them, trying to cover what was obviously an emotional moment for her.
"We're going to make a general announcement after the staff meeting." Lee said to Francine as the four of them walk over to the conference room.
After the briefing Billy said. "I think Lee has something to tell everyone."
Standing up Lee looks around the room and said "I've asked Amanda to marry me. And she has done me the honor of accepting"
His announcement was immediately greeted with stunned silence at first then the congratulations began. Most of the agents coming over to give Amanda a hug and Lee a handshake.
After a few minutes Billy said "OK back to work everyone." He smiled at Amanda and Lee as he left the room.
Later that day Dr. Smyth walked into Billy's office. "I hear two of your best agents have decided to set up housekeeping." He said. "I don't want them working together anymore Melrose. Is that clear?"
"They are my best team. You can't split them up." Billy roared
"Oh, but I can and I have." Dr. Smyth replied.
Just then the phone rang. Picking it up Billy heard the voice on the other end said. "We have a call for Dr. Smyth from the president. Should we patch it through?"
"There is a call from the President for you. Should I have them patch it through to here?" Billy asked
"Yes." Dr. Smyth replied, reaching for the phone.
"Put it through," Billy said before handing the phone over.
"A senator has just been murdered. Smyth, I want that Scarecrow and Mrs. King on the case," the President said.
"Their partnership has been dissolved." Dr Smyth told him "but I'll send Scarecrow over immediately."
"Been dissolved. Why?" was the question asked of Dr. Smyth.
"They have gotten engaged. That's against Agency policy." Dr Smyth replied.
"You broke up the best partnership team in the Agency just because they decided to get married?" The President shouted into the phone. "I want that partnership reinstated and them sent over to Senator Duncan's office within the hour. Do I make myself clear Smyth?" the President said
"Perfectly," was Dr. Smyth's only reply. Billy was watching the conversation with growing interest. He'd never seen Dr. Smyth this frazzled. "I was told the call was transferred to Melrose's office. Let me talk to him, it seems that he may be the only reasonable man in the room at the moment. And I better not hear of Stetson and King's partnership being dissolved for something this silly again."
"Stetson and King's Partnership is reinstated." Dr Smyth said passing the phone back to Billy and leaving the office. "Oh, and the President wants to speak with you. I also noticed the King woman doesn't have a code name. Take care of it." Smyth said as he slammed the door and left the office.
"Yes Mr. President." Billy said into the phone.
"I had Stetson and King's partnership reinstated and it is to stay that way." The President told Billy
"Yes sir." Was Billy's reply.
"I also want them down at Senator Duncan's office within the hour. He was murdered and I want his killer found." The President said.
"Yes sir. I'll tell them immediately." Billy said.
"Very good. Goodbye Melrose," said the President.
"Goodbye sir." Billy said and the only response was the sound of a dial tone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile up in the Q Bureau.
"So when are you going to tell Joe?" Lee asked.
"Tonight when he comes to pick the boys up. I've already called him and asked him to come over early." Amanda replied.
"Good." Lee said walking over to Amanda's desk. "I want him to know just how taken you are." He said with a smile and a kiss.
Just then the phone rang. "Stetson here." Lee answered.
"I need to see you and Amanda down here." Billy barked
"We'll be down in just a few." Lee replied.
Looking at Amanda, Lee said, "Let's go, Billy wants to talk to us."
Amanda just smiled at him. "Wonder what Billy wants, Oh my gosh do you think Dr Smyth might be trying to split us up?" Amanda said with a look of panic on her face.
"It is possible, but if he is we'll fight it. I can't work with
another partner or by myself anymore. I rely on you too much."
Lee
told her.
Lee knocked on Billy's door and they walked in for the second time in one day. "You wanted to see us Billy," Lee said.
"Yes sit down," He said
"Well first of all I think you should know that you don't have to worry about you're partnership being split up because you're getting married." Billy told them and smiled as they sighed in relief
"Why don't we have to worry? I sense a good story here." Amanda said
"Well Dr. Smyth had just given the order for you to be split up when The President called. I'm not sure what all was said but I've never seen that expression on his face before. They talked for a few minutes. He said that your partnership was reinstated, that the President wanted to talk to me, and for me to make sure Amanda got a code name." Billy said smiling
"I get a code name?" Amanda questioned
"Yes, it's something I've been meaning to get to anyway. I have one picked out already" Billy replied.
"Well, what is it?" Amanda asked impatiently
"Nightingale" Billy told her
"Why Nightingale? If you don't mind my asking?"
"Well Nightingale because you're always trying to help other people."
"What do you think Lee?" Amanda asked
"Well I like Nightingale. It suits you." Lee told his wife
"I like it, sir." Amanda said
"Now what The President wanted to talk to me about was Senator Duncan has been murdered and he wants you two on the case. You're supposed to be over at Senator Duncan's office within the hour." Billy told them.
"Anything else we need to know about?" Lee asked
"No, just get over there and solve this case." Billy replied
A couple of weeks later they were sitting in the Q Bureau having finished
up the Senator Duncan case. They had even got a
commendation on that one
"I've really got to find me a dress. The wedding's not that far away." Amanda said to Lee.
"Why don't you try Magda's dress shop?" Lee suggested.
Just then the phone rang. "Stetson here," Lee answered
"Lee, it's Magda," was the reply.
"Hi, how are you? Amanda and I were just talking about you." Lee answered.
"I am doing good, and I hope what you said was good." She answered. "Is Amanda there?"
"Yes and yes. Just a minute I'll get Amanda," Lee replied
"Amanda, it's Magda. She wants to talk to you," Lee said
Picking up the phone Amanda said "Hi Magda, it's so nice to hear from you. How are you doing?"
"I am doing good," Magda replied. "How are you?"
"I'm good. Was there something you wanted?" Amanda asked
"Yes, I heard through the grapevine that you and Lee were getting married. I owe you so much I would like to make your wedding gown, and maid of honor dress," She replied.
"Oh Magda that would be so lovely," Amanda said.
"Could you come over sometime today so I may get started?" Magda asked
"Of course, I could come over around 12:00 if that would be ok?" Amanda replied
"That would be great, I'll see you then," Magda replied, hanging up the phone
"What was that all about?" Lee asked
"Magda offered to make my wedding gown and Francine's dress," Amanda replied "I need to call Francine and see if she can go with me."
Picking the phone back up and calling down to Francine's desk "Desmond here," she hears. "Francine, it's Amanda. I just got a call from Magda. She's offered to make my wedding gown and your dress. I'm supposed to be over at her shop at 12:00. Can you go with me?" Amanda asked
"Let me see," Francine said looking at her calender. " Yes, give me about ten minutes and we can go," Francine told her.
"Ok, I'll meet you in the bullpen," Amanda replied
Going over and giving Lee a kiss, Amanda said "I'll be back in a bit."
"Have fun," Lee replied
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A couple of weeks later.
Francine catches Amanda as she's heading up to the Q Bureau. "Amanda, could you come over to my place tonight?" she asked
"Sure what's up?" Amanda asked
"You'll see when you get there. Be there 7:00 sharp." Francine said walking away.
"Wonder what that's all about?" Amanda thought, going on her way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night.
Amanda walks up to Francine's apartment and knocks on the door. "Ok, what's going on Francine?" Amanda asked as Francine opened up the door and invited her inside. As she walks in she saw the whole place was decorated and was full of people.
"I wanted to surprise you with a bridal shower," Francine said
"Oh my gosh. How nice of you Francine," Amanda said looking a bit misty eyed.
"Ok sit down, and let's get started on these presents," Francine said smiling.
Amanda smiled back and sat down. A few of the presents made her blush at how revealing they where. But Francine gave her the present that she thought would be perfect for her wedding night, it was a long white gown touched with straps and lace just in the right spots As she started to leave that night, she said, giving Francine a hug. "Thank you so much Francine. You don't know how much this meant to me."
"What are friends for," Francine replied. "But if you repeat
that I'll deny it," Francine said smiling. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Francine closed the door and Amanda went on her way
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The night before the wedding they were all sitting around the table at the rehearsal dinner talking.
"What I'm looking forward to most is getting to spend a whole week with my bride." Lee said picking up Amanda's hand and kissing it. "Thank you Billy, for giving us a whole week."
"Not a problem. Where are you two going anyway?" Billy asked.
"That is on a need to know basis. Meaning it's for us to know and you not. So if something comes up find someone else," Lee replied as everyone laughed.
Later as Lee was walking Amanda to her car, "Ok, no guns or hospitals this time, huh?" she said, stopping and putting her arms around him.
"Definitely," Lee replied. "I'll see you tomorrow, at 2:00 p.m. sharp."
"I can't wait. To finally be married in everyone's eyes is going to be wonderful. No more pretending," Amanda said kissing him. "Till tomorrow," She said getting in her car.
"Till tomorrow," he replied closing the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day
"Lee is a nervous wreck," Francine said giggling. "You, however, are the picture of calm. I'm amazed," Francine said
"I've gone though this before, Francine, and this time I know it's forever," Amanda said smiling serenely.
Just then the wedding coordinator walked in and said, "Ok Ladies, it's show time."
"You ready?" Francine asked.
"Yes," Amanda said with a smile.
As they walk toward the aisle they hear the beginning of the music. "Good luck," Francine said as she walked down the aisle
"Ready boys?" Amanda said as she took a deep breath and heard the wedding march.
Phillip and Jamie took her by each arm and began to lead her down the aisle to Lee.
Looking down the aisle at Lee he had a look of pure love and wonder on his face. Billy was standing proudly at his side. When Amanda arrives at the end of the aisle, Lee shakes both Phillip and Jamie's hands while Amanda gives them a hug. They turned and faced the minister who began the ceremony. It was a beautiful, simple ceremony in which they pledged their love and devotion to each other and left quite a few misty eyes in the room. When the preacher told him to kiss the bride, Lee gave Amanda a kiss that left her breathless.
Billy made the first toast "Amanda, Lee I hope the two of you are always
as in love as you are today." And the rest of the toasts just got
more maudlin. As they where cutting the cake Lee acted like he was
going to smash it in Amanda's face before delicately feeding it to her.
Then Lee made a big production of removing Amanda's garter, making her
blush. The garter was caught by Jonathan who looked at Francine and
smiled. Amanda threw the bouquet which was caught by Francine who
blushed and looked at Jonathan. Later after they had changed clothes
Lee and Amanda ran to Amanda's car through a shower
of birdseed. Lee's car was still at his apartment. After all,
he didn't want his precious car messed up. Just before driving off
into the sunset they turn around and wave to everyone.
"Where are we going." Amanda said
"Crystal Springs Inn. And the room is ready. I called earlier to make sure. I thought instead of California we could try Florida this time," Lee said, smiling at his wife.
"Just as long as I'm with you I don't care where we go." Amanda replied
"I'll always be there." Lee replied
The end