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From: "Night Hawk" <nighthawk2000@sympatico.ca>
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Subject: {ASSM} Kelly 20 {Night Hawk} (NEW MFF ff rom)
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Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2004 04:10:04 -0400
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I realize that many of you grab a copy of this story from a
newsgroup and read it in plain text format.
However, if you have the time, follow one of the links below
and do us both a favor...

Read this chapter as it was written!
Either on line as HTML or download it.
Available in both PDF and DOC files at:
http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Night_Hawk/www/
To download the PDF and Doc versions,follow the above link to
the News page where there is a link to the stories in PDF and
Doc formats.

or look for "The Night Hawk" at http://storiesonline.net/

Copyright 2004 by (the) Night Hawk

Kelly
=====

(Inspired by Mike C, based on characters in his novel: "James"
Characters and situations copyright by Mike C, 2002)


Chapter 20
__________

 "Hi Daddy!"

Chuck turned toward the voice and froze, his eyes wide in
shock.  For a moment, he saw his Helen, but she wouldn't be
calling him Daddy.

Then she stepped into the full light of the morning sun.

"Deanna!"  He stood and walked hesitantly toward her, stopping
a pace away.  "I've missed you, Poppin."

"I've missed you too, Daddy!"

They looked at each other for a moment, and then Chuck opened
his arms.  Deanna took the last step between them, wrapping her
arms around him.

"Oh, Daddy!" she cried, and the others saw the tears on her face.

"Oh, Poppin!  I'm sorry!"  Tears were rolling down Chuck's face
as he held his daughter tight to him.  "I'm so sorry!"

Anna was clutching Todd's hand.  "Why are they crying?" she
asked.  "I thought they'd be happy!"

"They are happy, honey," he answered her.  "Even guys can cry
when they're very happy," and she saw the tears forming in his
eyes.  "I think you should go hug them too," he added, turning
her toward her mother and grandfather.

Anna went to put an arm around her mother's waist.  "Mom?  Are
you all right?"

"Oh, Honey!" Deanna drew her daughter close, and Anna put an
arm around her grandfather's waist as well.  "I'm so happy!
Thank you, darling!"  She nuzzled her daughter's hair as she
hugged her close, then turned her face up and kissed her father
tenderly on the lips.

The kiss lasted only a moment, and then they drew apart to look
wonderingly into each other's eyes.  Chuck smiled tearfully at
her, lifted a hand to caress her hair and drew her close to rest
her head on his shoulder.

Kelly was hugging Todd's hand to her breast, the tears on her
cheeks matching Todd's, while Laura hugged her from the other
side, her eyes glistening.  Cara and Ami were holding hands,
looking uncomfortable at the raw display of emotion from the
adults.

"I thought they were supposed to be happy!" came Ami's stage
whisper to Cara.

Todd saw Chuck's shoulders shake and thought he was weeping
harder, but then heard his chuckle.  The chuckle turned into a
laugh, and Deanna's giggle joined him.  He turned his tear-
streaked face to Ami, a grin from ear to ear.  "We are happy,
honey.  This has got to be the second best thing to ever happen
to me!"

"Second best!" Deanna exclaimed, digging him in the ribs.  "So
what was the first best, then?"

"Two first best, honey.  The day I married your Mom," he said
tenderly stroking her hair.  "And the day you were born.  And I
had forgotten!" he choked, the tears starting anew.

"Oh Dad!  Daddy, it's all right!"  Deanna hugged him fiercely.
"I won't let you forget again."

"Promise?"  He smiled through his tears.  "You'll probably have
to remind me every day!"

She looked into his eyes.  "I think maybe we can work something
out, Daddy."

"Thank you, honey."

Todd moved over to Chuck and Deanna.  "Mr. Regan, I'd like to
introduce you to Master Designer, Master Builder and the owner
of this fine vessel.  Ms. Deanna Regan.  Or have you two already
met?"

Both Deanna and Chuck laughed.

"Breakfast is going to get cold," said Laura.

"Oh, Deanna, I'm never going to let you go again.  I've been so
stupid," said Chuck.

"No Daddy . I was the one who was pig-headed.  I let you down."

"No you didn't, Sweetheart.  Look what you created," Chuck
said, looking down at Anna nestled between them.

Chuck walked back to his seat, carrying Anna and holding on to
Deanna's hand.  Todd held out the chair for Deanna, who never
took her eyes off her father.  How he had changed.  Never before
had she seen him cry.

Todd sat down after Anna and slowly people began opening the
insulated containers that held their breakfasts.  Laura poured
orange juice for everyone, and then she and Kelly and Todd and
Cara and Ami took their vitamins.

Ami and Cara dug into their breakfast with gusto.  Kelly was
still misty eyed but started on hers as well.

Laura was the only one really smiling, though she understood
that both Todd and Kelly were dealing with their own demons.

"So, Chuck," she said.  "Deanna told us last night that a
detective you hired found her yesterday.  It was quite a story."

Chuck looked up, looking at Todd and Kelly and Laura.  "You
mean this wasn't a set up?  You really didn't know that Deanna
was going to be here?"

"Not a clue, Chuck," said Todd.  "It surprised the hell out of
us when she showed up last night.  We didn't even know that this
yacht was hers!"

"You came because you wanted to?"  Chuck asked Deanna.

"Daddy, I've missed you so much!"  Deanna said throwing her
arms around him again.

This time there were no tears in Anna's eyes.  She was smiling
as she started to eat, realizing that they would finally be a
family again.

"But you did trick me into coming here this morning," Chuck
said, although he smiled as he said it.

"Actually, that might technically be true," said Kelly, "but I
had forgotten to ask you if we could have our baby christened at
your lake.  My friend in the nursing home said that that's where
it should be done."

"Of course!" said Chuck.  "You didn't have to ask.  Just
promise you'll let me throw the party."

Todd laughed.  "It would only be right for the baby's
grandfather to do just that!" he said.

"Baby's grandfather?" asked Deanna.

Chuck laughed a hearty rolling laugh.  "It seems I have adopted
a son," he said smiling at Todd.

"And inherited two daughters-in-law as well," said Deanna,
"speaking of which, when is the ceremony going to take place?"

"The third week of September," said Todd.  "InterCoastal is
supplying a boat to take us to Jamaica where Kelly and I first
met.  It will be our first real vacation, and I can't think of a
better way or reason to celebrate."

"I take it this won't be an elaborate affair," said Chuck.

"Well," said Kelly.  "Todd and I have no family to invite, and
Laura doesn't think her parents would quite understand."  Kelly
looked at him earnestly.  "But we'd be honored if you would join
us if you can find the time to get away."

"No, Kelly," said Chuck.  "That would be my honor."

"Who's going to design your gowns?" asked Deanna.

Kelly looked at Laura.  "Gowns?"

"Well, you can't get married in the nude," said Deanna.

Kelly and Laura looked at each other again and got big grins on
their faces.

"And why shouldn't we get married the way Mother Nature
designed us?" asked Laura.

"You can't be serious!" said Deanna.

Kelly and Laura just laughed.  Todd had a broad smile on his
face.

Finally Deanna started laughing as well.  "Well, I suppose that
since everything else is about this wedding is unconventional."

"Can I take the wedding pictures?"  Ami asked.  "I bet I could
sell those to Playboy!"

Everybody was laughing now.

By the time they had finished eating, Cara and Ami asked if
they could spend some time with Erin.  Kelly said that would be
fine, but reminded them to be back by six since they planned on
driving home then.

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Shortly after Cara and Ami left, a deep voice shouted from below.

"Ahoy, CL1, Permission to come aboard."

"That sounds like Al," said Kelly with a surprised look at Todd.

Todd said, "It's your boat, Deanna."

Deanna walked to the edge of the deck and shouted down, "as
long as your intentions are honorable, you are welcome aboard."

Al came up with Lucy in tow.

Cara and Ami had cleared the table before they left to find
Erin, and Kelly was sitting back enjoying her first cigarette of
the day.

"Hi, Al, she said smiling, "hi, Lucy."

Lucy was a bit shy around all these adults and clung to her
father's hand.

Todd and Laura said hi to both of them, and then Todd
introduced Deanna, Chuck, and Anna.

Al shook everyone's hand, and then said to Todd that he knew
Chuck Regan, and had been trying to get Chuck to let him sell
some Regan boats at his marina at Brookhaven.

Chuck laughed.  "I'm afraid that it's out of my hands now Al.
I'm just a figurehead.  Brenda is the General Manager of Regan
Boats now, but if you like I can put in a good word for you."

Al laughed and said that would be appreciated but that wasn't
his reason for coming on board.  "This is a day for celebration
for our young friends and the successful completion of Mueller's
Wheel."

"Hear, hear!" said Chuck raising his glass of orange juice.

Laura went to the galley and brought up two fresh glasses for
Lucy and Al.  After filling them she sat back down beside Todd.

"Actually, I came looking for the best photographer and his
exotic dance partners," Al said laughing.

Chuck looked confused.

Al explained what the rumor mill was churning out at
Brookhaven.  "The restaurant has been jam packed every night,"
he said to Kelly.  "Jim Fredy - he's the owner - said if I ever
ran across the three of you again to tell you that your next
meal is on the house.  When I told him that I wanted Todd to do
the new brochure of the island, he extended his invitation to
free meals for the duration of the shoot.  He's a boating man
himself and he loved that shot of the Cuddy with the spray.
He's even got an autographed print of the one with Sara standing
Chuck's boat on its stern."

"So," Chuck said with a smile, "you girls also know how to
dance!"

Laura blushed but Kelly said, "With the right partners you can
do anything!"

"Amen to that!" said Chuck.

"So, Al, how did you like the picture of Laura with the
dolphins?"  Kelly asked.

"That was a great shot!" said Al.  "I got it framed and hung it
in the Mayor's office.  It's amazing how you got the water to
look so clear, Todd."

"It's just a matter of polarizing the lens properly," said Todd.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to have that one included in
the brochure," said Al.

"You're hiring us for the job?" asked Kelly.

"Absolutely!  I was pleasantly surprised at the price you
quoted, Kelly.  We've had a number of photographers over the
years do our brochures and they look at the boats and the
golfers and the private planes and think they'll make their
fortune on one job," said Al.  "The worst part is, they don't
have a feeling for the place, and I've always been disappointed
in the results."

"I know what you mean, Al," said Chuck.  "I hired TKO on the
recommendation of a friend figuring I had nothing to lose, and
in a shorter time than anyone else, Todd put together an entire
package of pictures so good that we increased the size of our
sales brochures.  On top of that, the picture of Sara you
mentioned is going to be the centerfold in next month's
International Powercraft!"

"What I don't understand," said Al, "is with all the big
companies you work for, and the quality work you provide . why
aren't your prices higher?"

Todd laughed.  "That's easy, Al.  This is just part of what we
do.  We also have a model agency that gives Kelly and I a very
nice income.  If the prices for my services were too high, I
would miss out on the jobs that challenge and stimulate me.  By
keeping our prices reasonable, we get offered jobs we wouldn't
normally see, and I don't have to take on any job I don't want.
It can get addictive if people keep offering you a pile of
dollars for a few weeks of your time, and then you feel obliged
to give them what you think they want."

"I understand," said Al slowly.  "That's why you soaked Peter
and me in that cascade shot.  Instead of focusing on what he
wanted, you could be creative."

"You got it, Al," said Kelly, "and look at what that Mensa
brain can do when he's doing his own thing."

"Oh," said Al.  "You don't have to convince me!  I've got
copies of all the pictures that IC ran in the different papers.
Seems it was a waste of time having the news people show up.
They were just doing a job.  Todd was making art."

"Okay guys," said Todd.  "You're going to give me a swelled
head.  I just like taking pictures and doing it my way.  Chuck
was kind enough to let me have a weekend doing his pictures my
way without any interference and I enjoyed it.  And Chuck seems
happy with the results."

"I think I would have been even happier if I had known enough
not to ask you to get those posed shots," said Chuck.  "Best
thing you can do, Al, is to let my boy here have free rein.
You'll be happier than if your stock in IC tripled!" he said
laughing.  "Now tell me about this water cascade."

Al took some time recounting how Todd and Sara had figured out
a way to show the wing on the Cuddy and then had called him and
Peter over on the pretense of seeing ahead of time what the
picture would look like.  "Of course Kelly and Laura were
wearing rain slickers and Todd had one on himself but he was
holding it up and said it was to stop spray from hitting the
camera."

"Well, that part was true," said Todd.

"So there's Peter and me, watching Sara doing something like 75
knots and she's heading right at us.  At the last second she
turns the boat, right on the wake and the last thing I see is a
wall of water that appeared out of thin air.  You can't believe
how much water there was.  It was like a swimming pool got
dropped on us!  We were totally soaked!"

Chuck had tears running down his face as he laughed.  He could
picture the surprise on Al's face.  He'd have to remember to
tell Peter the story again when he took over as the chairman of
IC.

Anna and Lucy had wandered off during the conversation and
returned bearing a platter of cups and a steaming pot of
coffee.  "I've got tea brewing right now for you, Kelly," Anna
said shyly.

Kelly put her arm around the young girl.  "Are you happy, baby?"

"Oh yes, Kelly," she said.  "Mom and grandpa haven't stopped
holding hands!"

"Do you think that maybe you and Lucy want to find your friends
from the James Gang?"  Kelly asked.

"You think that would be a good idea, don't you?" asked Anna.

"I think you are way too smart!" said Laura.  "You go ahead and
I'll take care of the tea."

Anna blushed, and then gave both Kelly and Laura a kiss on the
cheek.  The girls told their parents where they would be and
that they would be back in two hours, kissed them and ran off
down the gangway.

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

  "But you have a strange way of setting prices, Kelly," said
Al after the kids had gone.  "You discounted your own price if I
could arrange the same suite at the Hampton, and you
specifically requested a fully optioned Argo 8 wheel ATV, minus
the snow tracks but with a trailer, all of which will be yours
to keep when the job is done.  I don't get it."

Deanna spoke up.  "I think I do.  They're showing you that they
intend to put money back into Brookhaven.  Instead of buying
their own ATV, they're letting a company on the island provide
it, and instead of staying off the island at night, they are
using some of the money and spending it on what I assume is an
expensive room at one of your hotels.  Which tells me they will
be taking their meals on the island as well.  Have I got that
right, Kelly?"

Kelly smiled.  "I'd love to do business with you, Deanna.  You
hit the nail right on the head!"

Well, I'll be damned," said Al.  "How come I didn't realize
that?"

"Probably because you think like a man, Al." said Deanna.  "No
insult intended."

"You know. previous photographers did stay off-island," said
Al.  "And none made the impression you did on Ray or Jim Fredy.
I told the Hampton you may be back and they offered the suite at
a discount off their corporate rate, for as long as you want.
Deanna, maybe I can take a quick crash course from you on
selecting my business associates."

Deanna laughed.  "Maybe sometime in the future, Al.  First I
have some family matters to catch up on."

Laura came up with mugs of tea for herself and Kelly.

"But I don't understand the need for the Argo," said Al.
"There are all kinds of golf carts available to use."

"Ah," said Todd, "but they wouldn't be able to ride into the
water so I could sit off shore and shoot in, especially when it
comes to the wildlife preserve, and as far as I know golf carts
aren't that great on beaches either."

"Good point," said Al, finishing off his coffee.  "So, what do
I do with the contract now?  Our lawyers have checked it all
over and they see no problems, though they were as stymied as I
was about the unusual requests.  Wait until I explain this to
them!"

Kelly gave him Steve's number and said for Brookhaven's legal
beagles to get in touch with him.  As soon as Steve arranged the
details, Todd would start.  Kelly said they figured they would
spread the shoot out over the next three months if that was
acceptable.

"That would be great," said Al.  "That way we can get a variety
of shots and be just in time for the winter mailings."

Al stood up and shook everybody's hand, saying he had to get
back to his other obligations.

Chuck told him to give Brenda a call any time through the week
and they would arrange to display Regan boats at Al's marina.

Chuck poured himself another coffee and refilled Deanna's cup
as well.  When he saw Kelly light up, he politely asked her for
one.

"Dad, are you smoking again?" asked Deanna.

"Only when I can bum them off Kelly," he said with a grin.

After a few more minutes of pleasant conversation, Todd, Kelly,
and Laura excused themselves saying they had better say their
goodbyes to the James Gang before they started packing up and
loading up to head home.

As they left, they noticed Chuck holding both of Deanna's hands
with the two of them deep in discussion.

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

"I think that went much better than expected," said Kelly,
"what do you think, Honey?"

"It went well, but when they come off their emotional high,
they will have a lot to talk about and work out," said Todd.

"But most of their issues have already been resolved,
Sweetheart," said Laura.  "Chuck found her and made it clear
that all he wanted was to know if she was happy.  Deanna decided
on her own to come."

"Laura's right, Honey," said Kelly.  "They've taken the hardest
step already.  Putting aside the past, willing to start fresh."

"Well, we'll see how they make out now that they're alone,"
said Todd.  "I really hope they can make a go of it."

"We better find Sherri," said Kelly.  "We need to get her
studio portfolio done pretty soon, so we can find work for her."

"Speaking of which," said Todd.  "I want to present Sara to
some of the TV and movie studios as a stunt boat driver.  She's
got the looks and the talent, and you know what kind of shortage
of females there is in that line of work!"

"That's a good idea, Todd," said Kelly.  "I'll get the pictures
you took of her at Regan's and the ones for IC and I'm sure I
can get letters of endorsement from both Chuck and Peter."

"That is if they don't come knocking on our door first," said
Todd.  "I didn't realize Chuck would get that center spread in
so fast!"

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Sara was, as usual, at the open barbeque, cooking that night's
dinner.

"How come a beautiful speed demon spends so much time at the
grill?"  Todd asked, flipping her skirt to show her naked butt.

"I don't know," said Sara.  "Maybe it's because I'm a better
cook than the other girls?"

Kelly and Laura laughed.  "More likely because you can't say
no," said Laura, laughing.

"Oh?  Is that a proposition I hear?"  Sara said with a blushing
smile.

"Maybe not the one you're thinking of," said Laura, "but if
you're free at the end of September, I sure would like it if you
sang at our wedding."

"Wedding???" said Sara.  "Who are you marrying?"

Todd and Kelly just stood back smiling.

"Well . I'm going to marry Kelly."

Sara's eyes got as big as saucers.  "You're kidding me, right?"

"Nope," said Kelly, stepping up and putting her arms around
Laura.  "And then we're both marrying Todd!"

"Oh shit, oh shit, ." Sara sputtered as she hit the speed dial
on her cell phone.

"Celeste?  Look . you've got to clear the last week in
September.  We're going to sing at Laura and Kelly's wedding!  I
mean at Todd and Laura's wedding . I mean at Kelly and, oh fuck
it.  They're all getting married!!!"

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Kelly sat down at one of the many picnic tables left over from
the Press soir�e the day before and lit up another cigarette.
She felt she was doing pretty well, being down to about four a
day.  Todd went into Sandy's and picked up some cold drinks.

He had no sooner passed out the bottles when they heard a car
scream to a halt in the marina parking lot, its screeching tires
making them wonder if it missed the fences.  At the same time
they heard the throb of powerful marine engines racing into the
marina.

Todd smiled.  Generally he wasn't fond of so much attention,
but this was the "James Gang."  His friends.  If it hadn't been
for them, this day might never have happened.

In less time than it took Kelly to finish her cigarette, the
entire gang was there as well as Cara, Ami and Erin, and Lucy
and Anna.

It was congratulations all round on the successful completion
of Mueller's Wheel and Todd and Kelly and Laura getting married.

"So, you're going to make an honest woman out of Kelly after
you knocked her up?" said James laughing and pumping Todd's hand.

"No, they're going to make an honest man out of me," Todd
grinned.

The gang wanted Todd and Kelly and Laura to stay another night,
but Todd explained that they had to hit the road soon, with lots
of work waiting for them in Charlotte.

They set a date for Sherri to come to Charlotte to get her
portfolio done.  Laura offered to fly down and pick her up, but
Brenda promptly spoke up and said she would drive Sherri up the
next weekend if that was okay with Todd.

Todd didn't even need to look at Kelly as he said that would be
a great idea.  Laura just smiled at her lover.

The gang, as many as could get free, promised they would attend
the TKO company picnic on the 3rd of August.  Kelly said she
would send down all the details.

There were hugs and kisses from everyone as Todd and Laura and
Kelly led their group back to the CL1.  Erin had asked if she
could hitch a ride back since she had to pack for the tournament
next week.  She walked ahead with an arm around both Cara and Ami.

Lucy said goodbye to Anna and wished her luck with her mother
and grandfather before heading off to find her own father.

Kelly exchanged a last kiss with Brenda and whispered, "I'll be
looking forward to your 'visit.'  Maybe we can just slip away
quietly and enjoy a nice weekend by ourselves."

"Honey, that's the plan!"  Brenda whispered back, punctuating
it with a lick to her earlobe.

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Chuck and Deanna had spent the last hour just hugging and
crying, both of them regretting the wasted years.

"You look so beautiful, Deanna," Chuck said.  "Just like your
mother when she was your age."

"And you, dad, I've never seen you so relaxed and at ease,"
said Deanna.  She brushed a few loose strands of hair from the
side of his face.  "What happened to all those wrinkles?" she
asked laughing.  "You look younger."

"It's because I've got my baby girl back," said Chuck.  "I was
so afraid that I'd never see you again, Deanna."

"There's some things I need to tell you," said Deanna softly.

"It's okay, Honey," said Chuck.  "You don't have to tell me
anything.  I promise you that I will never ask about anything
either.  You've grown up and I want to share my life with you."

"Oh, daddy," Deanna started crying again.  "I've missed you and
Anna so much.  It's been eating away at me for years.  But when
I saw your note, and all you wanted to know was if I was happy .
I just knew I had to come."

"How did you know that I'd be here?"  Chuck asked.  "Sorry.
Never mind.  I said I wouldn't ask any questions.  I'm just
happy that you're here."

"I can't believe that you gave over control of your company,
dad,"

"Well, it's not as ominous as it sounds, Deanna.  A wonderfully
bright young girl named Brenda now runs the company.  She's got
the support of a great group of designers, and she keeps the
company running smoothly.  Made a lot of changes that I hadn't
even considered possible.  But I see that you've turned out to
be quite a ship builder yourself.  This boat is remarkable.  The
quality is unbeatable."

Deanna blushed.  "Well, I learned from the best, didn't I?"

Chuck's chest swelled with pride.  "I'm glad there are still
things we have in common, Deanna."

Deanna took Chuck for a complete tour of the CL1, briefly
cursing the celebrity who had commissioned her, and then reneged
on the order.  "I've got hundreds of thousands tied up in this
boat, dad, and all I have to show for it is her initial
deposit.  The bitch even wanted that back.  I should have known
better.  It's less of a hassle creating a good boat and then
mass producing it and letting dealers handle customers."

"Well, Deanna, some dealers can be as bad as customers.  But I
understand what you're saying, though I don't think you'll have
any problems selling this one."

Deanna gave him a hug.  She finally had what she had always
needed so badly: her father's approval.

As they finished the short tour and headed back to the upper
deck for more coffee, Deanna asked, "How did you come down, dad?"

"I drove 'Jackie' down," said Chuck.  "I've decided to give her
to someone who appreciates her.  Her name is Amanda.  She came
on board about a week after Brenda did.  I seem to find myself
surrounded these days by remarkable women."

"Well, do you think one of them could drive my car back to your
house?"

"It's still your house too, Deanna," Chuck said.

"Thanks, daddy.  But what do you think?  You've got no plans on
how to get home, and if somebody can take my car to our house,
you, me, and Anna could sail the CL1 back together."

Chuck's eyes misted up.  "That would be great, Deanna.  The
three of us on a leisurely cruise back home.  But don't you have
prior commitments?"

Deanna looked at her father and smiled.  "Nothing is as
important as sailing with my dad again.  And maybe we can go
skinny dipping in the lake again!"

Chuck laughed.  "You heard about that, did you?"

Deanna laughed as well.  Laughed even harder when Chuck told
her about Anna's initial reluctance to come out of the water.
"I like Kelly and Laura, dad.  Todd seems to be a really nice
guy, too, and I can see you two took to each other real quick."

"They are an amazing group," said Chuck.  "Kelly is a dear, but
there's something about Todd.  He's talented and gifted and
bright.  But his family abandoned him when he was a teenager,
and I think it still bothers him.  Just wait until you get to
see them in a normal situation," said Chuck.  "Laura is sweet
and loving and I think she's the one that holds the other two
together.  Kelly's a real gentle soul and gives much more than
anyone will ever know.  Todd is like me.  Quiet, doesn't much
care for crowds."

"I saw a lot of that last night," said Deanna.  "He talks only
when he has something to say.  He's very caring and sensitive
and Anna adores him."

Chuck shared just a bit of the information he had gathered on
Kelly and Todd, enough to get her misty eyed.  "Now maybe you'll
understand better why they have a special place in my heart," he
said.  "I was telling Todd how mean I had been to you and he
asked me if I ever beat you.  I couldn't imagine parents doing
that to their own child.  I might have neglected you when you
needed me, Deanna, and we might have had words, but I never once
thought of raising my hand to you.  But that got me thinking and
when I asked Marcus about trying to find you so I could tell you
how much I missed you, I had him do a background check on Todd
and Kelly."

"God, being beaten by your parents is bad enough, but to be
sold by them?  It makes you wonder how they managed to stay sane."

"That's why I think the bond that keeps them sane is Laura.  I
don't know a lot about her, but I understand she comes from a
very happy and supportive home.  I liked her the first time I
met her, and I'm a pretty good judge of character.  What you see
in Laura is exactly what you get."  Chuck said.  "She sees the
world as a wonderful place."

"And this business about the three of them getting married,
that doesn't bother you, dad?"

Chuck laughed.  "Nope.  Who am I to judge what makes people
happy?  If it makes them happy, then by God, I'm happy for them
and I will do anything I can to help them be happy."

"You really have changed a lot, dad," said Deanna.

"Is this a test?"  Chuck asked laughing.

"No, daddy, I'm just trying to get a feeling of the new you.
Actually . it's not so new.  I sort of remember this was the way
you were before mom got sick."

"Yes," said Chuck sadly.  "I wasted a lot of years, and took
out my pain on those I loved, especially you, baby.  I guess I'm
just now seeing how I hurt those closest to me."

"But that's okay, dad," said Deanna.  "You're back now, and so
am I, and we have Anna and a bunch of new friends, but most
importantly, we have time.  Although."  Deanna said with a
smile, "I always wondered what it would be like to have a
brother!"

"Wait until you see the portrait he did of Anna," said Chuck.
"Then you'll see what I mean about talent.  Now how about we
call up the marina and get the tanks topped off.  I'll tell
Brenda and Amanda that they'll be on their own for a few days,
then we can stock the galley and sail off into the sunset."

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Todd, Kelly, Laura, and the rest of the crew arrived just in
time to see Chuck casting off.

"Hey, Chuck" hollered Kelly.  "Are you planning on taking off
with our stuff?"

Deanna looked over the deck and said, "don't worry, Kelly, I'm
just going to move her over to the fuel wharf and get her topped
up.  Dad's going to sail home with Anna and me."

Anna squeezed Todd's hand tight.  "This has turned out better
than I could have ever hoped for," she said.

Erin had to run to get her own stuff, and Cara and Ami climbed
on board to pack while Deanna skillfully maneuvered the yacht
next to the pumping stations.

Laura volunteered to pack Kelly's stuff as well as Todd's so
that they could spend a little extra time with Chuck and Deanna,
though she was quickly learning how to pack light and quick, and
soon she joined them at Sandy's.

Besides being the marina's only restaurant, Sandy's was also
the place for boaters to stock up on supplies.  Chuck and Deanna
wrote up a list of what they would need to fill the galley and
gave it to the staff to take care of.

Chuck bummed another cigarette off Kelly and as he inhaled the
mentholated smoke he looked at Todd.  "Do you think you could
make time to do a family portrait, Todd?  I'll pay your regular
fee."

Todd smiled.  "We have a weekend free after the company picnic."

"But then we'll be tied up in New York for two weeks," added
Kelly.  "Tell you what, Chuck, you put us up for the weekend,
and my beautiful bride to be and I will work our feminine wiles
on this poor besotted suc.  I mean, wonderful man here to take
some nice pictures for you!"

By this time Chuck was roaring with laughter.

"Besides, Chuck," said Todd putting an arm around Deanna.  "I
can't very well charge to take a picture of my sister can I?"

Deanna blushed, Anna beamed from ear to ear.  Kelly and Laura
smiled.

"Then you'll stay for the weekend?"  Chuck asked hopefully.

Todd looked at Kelly.  "If we did, we could go to Brookhaven on
Monday and spend a few days shooting and scouting."

"But we'll still have Cara and Ami with us," said Kelly.
"They've just discovered something special, and I don't want to
send them home early."

"Bring them along," said Chuck.  "We've got the space, and
they're more than welcome!"

Cara and Ami arrived back with Erin, all three of them carrying
their bags.  Ami was still wearing her camera around her neck.

"I think I'm going to have to pick up some film Todd," she said
shyly.  Ami was still cost conscious and the idea of having gone
through ten rolls of film was outrageous.  But there had been so
many great things to take pictures of, and some special moments
as well.

"Looks like the first thing I'll have to do is teach you how to
make soup," said Todd.

Deanna looked up.  "Make soup?"

"That's what we call the chemicals we develop our negatives
in," said Ami.

Todd smiled.

"So that's why I haven't seen flashes going off when I didn't
expect it!" said Kelly.  "You ran out of film!"

Ami blushed.

A marina worker arrived and told Deanna that all the provisions
had been delivered and stocked and that the CL1 was fully
fueled.  Chuck tipped the boy and took the bill.  "How about we
have an early supper together?" he asked.  "I hate to say
goodbye."

Todd nodded and asked Kelly to order for him while he fetched
the Hummer and loaded their luggage.  Ami announced she was
going to help Todd, and Cara said she would order for her.  As
they walked away, Deanna asked Kelly, "another one sweet on Todd?"

"Yes," said Kelly, "but not in that sense.  More like a big
brother to her.  He accepts her as she is, and is mentoring her
in her ambition to become a professional photographer.  Ami
doesn't lean towards men for affection."

"Oh!" said Deanna looking at Cara.  "I thought you two were
just friends."

"We are," said Cara.  "Just closer than most friends."

"I'll say," said Erin.  "I've been friends with both of them
since we started gymnast training way back in the Stone Age, and
trust me. I never knew that kind of closeness."

Deanna laughed.  "The Stone Age huh?  Just how old are you,
Erin?"

"I'm 14," said Erin, "But just because I'm the youngest,
doesn't mean I don't understand."

Chuck laughed.  "If you think you've already seen the Stone
Age, you're going to love it when I tell you about the days when
telephones had dials instead of buttons, and when the best and
most efficient calculator was a pencil with an eraser on the end!"

Deanna and Kelly were laughing now as well.  "Let's not forget
Disco," said Kelly.

Erin started laughing as well.  "Sorry," she said.  "Look at it
this way - Cara and Ami are 16 and are already retired from
professional gymnastics.  I might have two, maybe three years
left if I don't grow too much or have any serious accidents."

"It's a very short career expectancy," said Cara.  "You train
from the time you're old enough to walk, and by the time you
really understand what the fuss is all about, like being able to
do a no hands flip on a balance beam, you are ready to be put
out to pasture.  When most girls are just starting to think
about what they want to do with their lives, we're already
trying to settle on our second career."

"It must be hard on young girls," said Deanna.

"Actually," said Erin, "it has its upside.  Because of the
major concentration required, you learn to be very focused and
school becomes easy.  Then you can just concentrate on what you
want to do and follow that dream.  Physically it's hard though.
Look at my hands," she said turning them palm up.  It will take
years or a lot of expensive work to remove the calluses and
scars.  Remember Tara Lipinski?  She's the young girl from Texas
who won the Gold Medal in skating in the '98 Olympics.  She's
had more surgery done on her knees than most old people, and she
retired from skating professionally only two years after the
Olympics.  Last I heard she was trying out for television."

The mood around the table had turned solemn.

"Hey," said Cara.  "Don't everybody look so down!  Tara's not
starving, and Ami and I are doing modeling right now and we know
what we want to do with our lives.  We already got to do things
and go places other kids only dream about.  And next," she
grinned at Kelly, "Disney World!"

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

"I'm looking forward to seeing your shots of the wheel when
they lifted it," said Todd to Ami.  "You might actually be able
to sell your first set of pictures."

"Really?  You think?"

"If they're clear and in focus, yeah, I do think," said Todd.
"You've got a natural eye for finding the right place.  I was
proud of you, kiddo!"

"Why didn't you bring your camera along?"  Ami asked.

"Well, sometimes, I just like to leave the camera behind.  Then
I feel like I'm taking a real break."

Ami thought on that a bit.  "Yeah, I can see where with all the
pictures you have to take, you might just want to look at
something with both eyes."

Todd laughed.  They tossed the girls' bags into the back of the
Hummer, and then Todd drove to the CL1 where he picked up the
rest of the bags before he drove over to park by Sandy's.

"Thanks, Todd," said Ami before getting out of the truck.

"For what?" asked a puzzled Todd.

"You know. the modeling work, the chance to work with you, for
you believing in me.  It all really means a lot to me and Cara."

Todd smiled and ruffled Ami's hair.  You deserve it all, Ami.
Both of you girls do.  Just promise me you'll never do anything
half way.  Always give everything your best shot."

"I promise," said Ami.  "I'll make you proud of me, Todd."

"I already am."

~~~~~ // ~~~~~

Supper was an assortment of fresh grilled fish and deep fried
battered shrimp with sides of wild rice with almonds and fries
for the girls, while Todd and Chuck had baked potatoes with lots
of sour cream and chives.

"It's funny," said Chuck to Todd, "being in boats and all, but
I rarely eat fish.  And none of that raw crap for me either or
any marine life that has legs.  I usually have chicken or beef."

"Well, I agree on preferring beef, Chuck, but you've got to
think of your arteries.  At least you eat chicken.  I like fish,
but with the exception of shrimp, I prefer mine to come with
scales and filleted!"

They relaxed with a glass of wine after supper and then the
younger and the more ambitious had ice cream sundaes for
dessert.  Kelly and Chuck had another cigarette together and then.

It was time to go.

It was difficult.

If it had been possible, they would have all stayed longer, but
Todd really did have work to get back to, and Chuck and Deanna
still had a lot of catching up to do.

Anna gave Todd a special hug and kiss and thanked him for
everything.

"Honey, you'll always be my special angel," he whispered,
holding her tight.  "You take care of your Mom and your Grandpa.
 They both need lots of love!"

After everybody had hugged, the six climbed into the Hummer.
Todd drove away slowly as the girls waved back at their new
extended family.  When they had disappeared from sight, Kelly
leaned her head against Todd's shoulder.

"Take us home, honey."

To be continued.

__________________________


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