The Gift

Author: PC

Disclaimer: SMK and the characters belong to Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Productions.  The story is mine.

Summary: Filler for "Do You Take This Spy?"

Author's notes: Thanks to Lori C., for being such a great beta!  Thanks to Kim for suggesting the title.

Feedback:  Welcome, both public and private

Archive: Here

Lee Stetson was convinced that his face would literally explode if his grin got any bigger.  "Wow, I can't believe we are actually married," he thought as he stole a glance at his bride before returning his attention to the road.
 

Amanda echoed his thoughts as she repeated what the justice of the peace had said just a little while earlier. "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Stetson.  I like the sound of that."

"Me, too," Lee replied, bringing her hand up to his lips for a quick kiss.

"Lee, I can't wait to see the inn where we are going to spend our first night together."

"Patience, my dear. First, I thought we would get some dinner, though I think I might like to skip dinner and go straight to dessert."  There was a mischievous glint in his eye.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea to me, too, but since we didn't eat lunch today, I guess we'd better eat.  I have a feeling we're going to need it for all the 'strenuous exercise' we'll get tonight."  Amanda smiled at the look of surprise on Lee's face.  He wasn't used to this more sensual side of his partner, but was certainly looking forward to it.

Lee turned the 'vette down tree-lined drive and stopped in front of an old white farmhouse that was surrounded by a white picket fence. He squeezed Amanda's hand before getting out and opening the door for her. He led her through the latticed arch that served as a gate and past a lamppost illuminating the sign that welcomed them to Fox Valley Inn. He guided her inside with his hand at the small of her back. He smiled down at her, seeing the excited look on her face.

"Oh my gosh!  Lee, I can't believe this!  The last time Mother and I had lunch, we overheard a woman describing this place in the country with fabulous food and wonderful ambiance.  I had forgotten all about it until I saw the sign."

Lee chuckled, marveling at his wife's ability to say so much in one breath, especially when she was excited.

The maitre'd assured them that he had the reservation under the name of Stetson, and led them toward a secluded table near a corner fireplace. As they approached their table, Amanda glanced at Lee, and noted the dancing flames reflected in his hazel eyes.  She smiled, thinking how often those same eyes shone with love for her.  A shiver went up her spine, as she anticipated their life together as husband and wife. Lee's hand on her back indicated their arrival at the table.

"Lee, this is wonderful," Amanda said, as her husband held her chair. She took in her surroundings, noticing the low lights, candles on the linen covered tables, and the soft music playing.  It never failed to amaze her how sweet and romantic the love of her life could be.

"I read about this place, and checked it out last week when I looked at where we will stay tonight," Lee replied, smiling.  "The wine list is excellent, and their chef has won awards all over the world. I thought you might like it, but I had no idea you'd ever heard of it.

"Any place with you would be perfect."  Amanda gently stroked Lee's hand with her thumb, as they sat quietly, just enjoying being Mr. and Mrs. Stetson.

Their reverie was interrupted by the arrival of their waiter.  Lee turned his attention to the wine list, and ordered Dom Perignon '79 to celebrate their marriage.  After consulting with Amanda, he ordered quail salads and grilled New York strip with port wine sauce and root vegetables.

As they enjoyed their meal, Lee and Amanda talked excitedly about the week ahead.

"When my uncle was stationed in California, I used to love the weather. I want to take you to Catalina Island. It's just beautiful."

"I was thinking how wonderful it'll be just being Mr. and Mrs. Stetson." Amanda smiled at the thought.  "Nobody else will know us, except Barney."

"I can't wait for you to meet him.  Barney was really special to me while I was growing up.  You're gonna love him."

Amanda reached over and touched Lee's hand.  She knew that his childhood had been hard, being raised by his uncle, Colonel Clayton.  She was glad she would be able to share what was obviously a bright spot in Lee's past. "I'm sure I will. Anyone that meant that much to you has got to be special.

After the waiter cleared their dishes, he brought over a small square white cake that was decorated to look like a present.  On the top, the bow made of icing wove in and out of two simple gold rings.

Amanda's eyes widened as she gasped in surprise and delight.  "Lee, what is it?"

Lee's face lit up as he saw his bride's reaction.  "It's our wedding cake.  I thought you might enjoy one, since we aren't having a traditional wedding."

"How sweet! What a wonderful surprise!  Thank you so much."  She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips.

"I'm glad you like it.  Besides," Lee broke into a grin.  "I have a reputation to maintain. You know, Lee Stetson, the romantic and all that."

Amanda reached over and turned Lee's face toward hers.  "Listen here, Lee Stetson," she chided him gently.  "You do NOT have a reputation to maintain with me.  Maybe you think you do as Scarecrow, but the man I fell in love with and married is Lee Stetson. Yes, Scarecrow is part of that man, but the real Lee, the one I know and love, is gentle, loving, protective, giving,
sensitive, kind, incredibly romantic, my best friend and my soulmate. Lee, don't ever think you have to be anything but yourself with me.  I love you the way you are.  That's why I married you."

She saw the moist sheen in his eyes as he lovingly caressed her cheek.

"Amanda, what have I done to deserve you?  The reason this cake looks like a present is that's how I think of you...an indescribable gift that I've been given.  I've learned a lot about love from you, and I have a lot more to learn.  Thank you for loving me, and being very patient with me. I'm sure I will make mistakes; I'm sure we both will, but there's no one else I'd rather have on my life's journey than you. I love you with all of my heart."

Lee leaned over and kissed Amanda, lightly at first, then deepening the kiss. They broke apart, breathless and their eyes dark with desire and passion.

"What do you say we take this cake and go have our real dessert at the Crystal Springs Inn?" Lee whispered in a husky voice to Amanda.

"What are we waiting for?"

Lee threw some money on the table, and they hurried out to the 'vette, both eager to begin their new life together...as Mr. and Mrs. Stetson.