CHAPTER one - May 1990

Phillip King buttoned the top button of his dress shirt and tucked his shirt into his pants. He reached over and grabbed the bow tie. Even at seventeen years old, he wasn't sure how to tie a bow tie and he was going to need his stepdad, Lee, to help him.

As he walked over to the bedroom door he called out to Lee. "Hey Pops...are you free to help me with something?"

He heard his stepfather, Lee Stetson, walking up the stairs. Lee peeked into the door and said " Yeah, Chief. What do you need?"

Phillip held up his bow tie and Lee chuckled to himself. He walked over to his son and put the tie around his neck. He proceeded to put a knot in the tie and straighten it for Phillip. Lee smiled at him and said " Well, tonight is the big night, kiddo. Senior Prom. Are you nervous?"

Phillip shrugged and said, "Nah, I think I got this. I mean seriously, Annie and I have been dating for over two years now, Pops. I just hope I can remember to breathe when I see her. I swear, when she walks into the room, I still have trouble breathing. Just looking at her makes me almost kind of dizzy."

Lee snickered and said " Phillip I know what you mean. I still get that way whenever your mother walks into the room"

Phillip looked at Lee and said, "Really. That feeling never goes away?"

Lee nodded " Honestly, now that your mother is pregnant I see her in a new light so to speak. She's even more beautiful than ever. They weren't kidding when they say women glow when they are pregnant! She has always lit up a room when she came into it but now...there's just something about her that's even more stunning to look at. I could very well be biased because she's having my baby...but I still think she's the most beautiful woman I have ever known. So, yeah I guess you could say the feeling never goes away!"

Phillip smiled at Lee and thought about what he said. He loved Annie with everything in him and couldn't wait to start their future. In just another month they would be graduating high school and heading to Penn State University in the fall, together. Their parents were a little reluctant about them going off to college together, but after lots of discussions it was agreed that it was the best thing for the young couple. Annie and Phillip were very excited about going to college, but tonight was their senior prom and it was going to be a fabulous night.

Lee finished tying the bow tie and patted Phillip on the shoulders. " There! You look great Phillip! You better go show your mom how handsome you look! She's feeling kind of cranky today. She's ready to have this baby and we still have 2 months to go. She was crying today at work saying she looked and felt like a beached whale. I said she was beautiful but that just brought on more tears! I imagine her seeing you in this tux she will most likely start crying again!"

Phillip laughed at Lee's comment about his mom. Amanda Stetson looked absolutely beautiful pregnant and her family doted on her the past few months. From the moment it was announced that she was expecting, the whole family was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Baby Stetson as it was referred to.

Phillip grabbed his jacket and took one last look in the mirror. He ran his fingers through his sandy blond hair and took a deep breath. He and Lee walked downstairs and into the den when Amanda was lounging in one of the big comfy chairs that sat in the corner of the room. Amanda was literally glowing with her little baby bump sticking out of her teal blue tee shirt. She was reading a book and sipping her tea when she heard Lee and Phillip come into the room. She looked up and smiled at the two men. Phillip was no longer her little boy. He was now as tall as Lee and very handsome with his classic good looks, sandy blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She thought about how much he looked more like her father then he did Joe as he got older. Joe. He would be so proud of Phillip Amanda thought to herself. Joe King had unexpectedly died a year ago from a heart attack. It was very difficult for the King boys to adjust not having their dad anymore, but having Lee around made up for their loss. Lee proved time and time again that fatherhood was in his blood and Amanda couldn't wait to bring their child into their world. She patted her belly and stood up.

" Oh Phillip! You look so grown up and handsome! I can't believe my baby is going to his senior prom!" Amanda said as tears welled up in her eyes. Lee shook his head and gave Phillip a " told you so" face. Phillip giggled and then cleared his throat as he noticed his mother glaring at him over the exchange he had with Lee.

" Thanks Mom''. Phillip said and gave his mother a quick hug.

Amanda hugged her son a bit tighter and said " Annie's corsage is over on the kitchen counter. I hope she likes it! Are you sure you are going to be okay driving over to the Hamilton's? I know that Marie said she would take a ton of pictures since I can't even fit in a car anymore! I swear this baby is going to be 10 pounds, Stetson!" She looked over at Lee at that moment and he shrugged and rolled his eyes at his wife.

" I will be fine Mom. Seriously. Well, I better get going. Don't wait up, remember. I am staying at the Hamilton's with the whole gang afterwards. We are just hanging out and crashing there...then in the morning Mr. Tom is gonna make everyone breakfast. I will call you when we get there after the prom. Okay?" Amanda nodded and kissed her son goodbye " Don't forget to tell Annie how beautiful she is. You may even be a bit surprised." Her brown eyes twinkled as she looked at her son and husband. She blew Phillip a kiss and sat back down in her chair. Lee walked Phillip to the front door and put his arms around his shoulders.

" Um, Phillip...here. I want you to take this tonight." Lee held up the keys to his Corvette. Phillip looked at his step dad with amazement. Lee never willingly let anyone other than his mom drive the Vette.

" Pops...your Vette? Are you sure? I don't know what to say!"

Lee placed the keys in Phillips hand and smiled. " You can start by picking up your girl in style and having a great time. You only have your Senior prom once. Enjoy every minute of it. Just DON'T let anything happen to her. No one else is driving it. I mean it. Have fun tonight and we can't wait to hear all about it."

Phillip threw his arms around Lee and gave him a big hug. " Thanks Dad! This means so much to me! I promise I will take good care of it! Thank you so much!" And he took off to get in the Corvette. He started it up and it purred to life. Phillip slowly backed out of the driveway and waved as he drove off to pick up Annie. Amanda came up behind Lee and put her arms around his waist. He reached down and took her hands. She whispered to him from behind " That was very nice of you, Stetson. You know you made his night. You are a pretty great Dad, you know that."

Lee turned around and put his arms around his wife's ever growing belly. She placed her hands on his chest and Lee leaned down to give her a sweet kiss.

" He deserves to have a night to remember. I never got to go to my senior prom so I wanted him to have some amazing memories."

Amanda hugged her husband and a happy tear escaped from her eye. She knew that her children were the luckiest kids to have Lee Stetson as their dad.

Phillip pulled into the driveway of Annie's home and turned off the engine of the Corvette. He took one last check of his hair and got out of the car. He picked up Annie's corsage and walked up to the front door. He rang the bell and Tom Hamilton answered the door. He smiled at Phillip and let him in.

" Phillip! You look good, son! Annie will be down in a few...come on in!"

Tom led Phillip into the family room and they sat down on the couch. Tom could tell that Phillip was nervous about tonight and smiled at the young man. He wanted to put him at ease.

" Hey kiddo, you ok? It's just a dance. You and Annie have been to a dozen of them since ya'll have started dating. Just relax…" He chuckled and patted Phillips' knee. Phillip looked at Tom and smiled back. How does he always know how to put me at ease? Both him and Lee can do this just by a look...Phillip thought to himself.

Phillip cleared his throat and said thank you to Annie's dad. At that moment, Annie's mom came in. Phillip stood up and gave Marie a hug. "Oh Phillip, aren't you so dashing in your tux! You and Annie will be the best looking couple there! How's your mom? Is she feeling ok?"

Phillip nodded and blushed a bit from the compliment Marie gave him. " Yes ma'am, she's ok. She complains about how big she's getting, but she's doing all right, I guess... Is Annie ready?" He asked nervously.

He saw her out of the corner of his eye. She once again was a vision in his eyes. Annie Hamilton was wearing a white dress with spaghetti straps and beading all over it. The skirt went down to her ankles and it had several sheer layers that over lapped one another. Her hair was down and curly and she had a white daisy pinned on the side of her hair. She had on simple diamond earrings and a necklace that matched. She looks like an angel. Phillip thought to himself. That dress...wow. She is beautiful.

Annie smiled at Phillip once she saw him. He looked very handsome in his tux and she mentioned it to him. He beamed at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He wanted to pull her into his arms and really kiss her but didn't think doing that in front of her parents was such a great idea.

" Annie, you look beautiful! WOW!" Phillip managed to get out. He was having trouble breathing.

Annie blushed and said " Aww thanks King. I was so excited that your mom let me borrow this dress! It's stunning! I wanted a white dress and she said she had the perfect one for me! I burst into tears when she showed it to me!"

Phillip looked at the dress again and realized it was his mothers. He had seen her wear it a couple times when she and Lee had to go to a premier or something for work. He remembered one weekend Annie had come to the house and she and his mother were locked in the bedroom. His mom called it having " girl time". He now realized that they were trying on some of his mothers dresses to see what one would work. He was so glad she picked this one. She was radiant in it.

Phillip handed Annie's mom the corsage box and Marie opened it. Inside was a sweet arrangement of red roses and white daisies. Annie smiled at the corsage. Phillip placed the corsage on Annie's wrist as her mother snapped picture after picture. Tom had brought in Phillip's boutonniere and Annie pinned it onto his lapel. It was a white daisy with a tiny red rose. They matched perfectly.

Phillip helped Annie with her wrap and they walked outside. Annie saw that Lee had let Phillip drive the Corvette. She was so excited!

"Oh Phillip! Lee let you have the Vette! This is so special."

Phillip pulled Annie into an embrace and planted a kiss on her soft lips. Annie returned the kiss, deepened it and they were breathless once they parted. Phillip snickered " I wanted to do that the moment I saw you but didn't think it was a good idea in front of your parents!"

Annie laughed and she kissed Phillip again. She wiped off traces of her lipstick from his lips and smiled at Phillip. "You can kiss me like that anytime King! Just not in front of our family!" Phillip laughed and agreed with her. He then helped Annie into the car and walked around to the driver's side. He got in and laughed. " I swear I didn't know what to say to Pops when he handed me the keys! I was really shocked! He told me I needed to pick up my girl in style!' He leaned over and their lips touched in a sweet soft kiss. Phillip smiled. " Ready, Red? Senior Prom here we come!" Annie nodded.

Phillip pulled out of the driveway and they waved to Annie's parents as they drove away to have an evening to remember.

CHAPTER two - June 1990

The graduating class of 1990 of Arlington Heights High sat in the auditorium of the high school full of excitement and merriment. This was the day they all were waiting for. Graduation Day. Phillip King looked at the front row where he saw his girlfriend, Annie Hamilton. She was valedictorian of the class and would be giving her speech shortly. She was so nervous in the days leading up to graduation day. Phillip spent hours with her as she practiced her speech. He reassured her that it was nothing short of amazing and she would be great. Annie would smile at Phillip and give him a sweet kiss every time he would tell her how amazing she was. He knew he was falling more in love with her every day. Annie was a part of his life forever. He also knew she felt the same way about him. He watched her fidgeting with the tassel from her cap and whistled towards her direction. She looked around at him and he winked. She beamed at him and blew him a kiss. He was so proud of Annie for being top of their class. He was just glad his teachers were letting him graduate.

Phillip looked around the auditorium and saw his grandmother, Dotty and Jamie walk in with Annie's parents. They all waved at both Annie and Phillip as they found some seats. Phillip then saw his mother and step dad slowly walk in. Amanda was eight months pregnant and she was miserable. It was June and very hot in Virginia. She was ready to have Baby Stetson make its appearance, but silently asked it not be the day Phillip graduated from high school. Lee found the two seats near the end of the row that Dotty had saved for them. Lee looked at Phillip and gave him a "thumbs up" sign and smiled.

After some welcoming remarks, the principal introduced Annie as the keynote speaker since she was the Valedictorian. She stood up and walked over to the podium. She glanced out at the crowd. She smoothed her gown and turned one last time towards Phillip. He caught her eye and blew her a kiss. She took a deep breath and started her speech. She knew she could do anything with Phillip King in her corner.

" Phillip, let's get some pictures of you and Annie, please! Stand together!" Amanda Stetson yelled to her son. Phillip rolled his eyes at his mother but smiled at her. He went over to Annie and the group of friends she was talking to and took her hand. She smiled and he kissed her softly on the nose. They walked over to where the Stetson/King family was as well as the Hamilton's. Everyone was cheery and happy for the young couple as they were officially high school graduates. Amanda was snapping pictures with her camera as well as Jamie. She didn't want to forget any part of the day. Lee walked over to her and whispered something in his ear. She nodded and Lee went over to Phillip.

"Chief, can your mother and I talk to you and Annie for a second? We um...well...we have something for you for graduation."

Annie and Phillip looked at one another and shrugged. They went over to their parents and Annie said " What's going on?"

Tom and Lee both cleared their throats and Tom said " Honey...Phillip, you know that we are all very proud of you both. This is a huge accomplishment and we know that you both will do amazing things in college. Well, we don't want you to be without something and we all see how committed you two are to one another…"

Lee piped in and continued " Well, we all chipped in together and got you this. That way you have a way to get to school and home...for several visits if your mother", motioning to Phillip, "has anything to say about it." Lee winked at his wife who rolled her eyes and swatted his arm. Lee handed the young couple a box. Annie lifted the lid and inside was a set of car keys. The keyring caught Phillips eye as it was the one his dad carried his keys on..it was a medallion with Africa on it and his initials on the other side. Phillip looked at his girlfriend and she had her mouth open. She looked at her parents and the Stetsons who were all beaming at the young couple. Phillip scooped Annie up in his arms and swung her around several times. She squealed and laughed.

"A car! Phillip...we have a car!" Annie said over and over again. Phillip showered her with kisses as he swung her around. He finally put her down and went over to his parents and hugged them as well as the Hamilton's. Annie did the same. Phillip looked at Lee and said " Did you drive it here? Where is it?"

Amanda laughed and pointed to the parking lot. Annie and Phillip looked over towards the lot and there it was. A 1968 white Ford Mustang. It was parked right next to Annie's parents' car and the Waggoner that belonged to Amanda. Annie burst into tears as she saw the car. " Oh Daddy! You didn't?" She looked over at her parents. Tom smiled and nodded at his daughter.

Phillip looked at Annie and frowned " What's wrong sweetie?"

Annie hugged Phillip and whispered to him "That was my Daddy's car. When he and Momma first got married. He gave us his car, Phillip. It was in the garage at Granny's for years because it didn't run. They all paid to fix it up for us so we could take it to State College!"

Phillip looked over at his family and Lee nodded. He took Annie's hand and whispered in her ear so she alone could hear him. " Just walk with me?" as he reached down and gave her a kiss. Annie smiled and took his hand. "Anywhere and everywhere. You know this." The young couple walked over to their car and got in. Phillip yelled as they pulled out of the parking lot " See you back at the house!" The family all laughed and waved as the kids drove off.

CHAPTER three - July 1990

Amanda Stetson woke up early on Saturday morning. It was just a few more weeks until she would be sending her oldest son off to college. She rolled on her side as best as she could. Being nine months pregnant it was becoming difficult and in true Stetson fashion this new little one was late. Three days late to be specific. She rubbed her very large belly and sighed. She could hear her sons talking and laughing as they headed down the stairs. It was very heartwarming knowing that their friendship had gotten stronger since losing their dad and having Lee become their stepfather. She knew that it's what they all needed. And now this little one would make their family complete. She looked over towards her husband and smiled. She loved watching him sleep. There was almost a peace about him that she really never saw during the day. She gently brushed the hair off his forehead and reached over to kiss his forehead. Lee opened his eyes and smiled. He reached over and pulled her in for another kiss.

Amanda pushed him away and laughed.

" Hold it Stetson! That's how we ended up with this!" pointing at her belly. " At least let me have this one before we start anything else!" Lee laughed and threw the covers back. He sat up and ran his fingers through his hair. The waiting game for Baby Stetson was starting to take a toll on everyone in the Stetson/King home. He never realized babies came on their own time and a "due date" was just a guess. He looked at his wife as she struggled to stand up. She had a little bit of dizziness as she stood up and Lee rushed over to her side.

" Are you ok?" He asked worriedly

She patted his hand and nodded. "Just a bit of dizziness, but I'm okay. I promise." She walked towards the bathroom door and turned around " So what do the men in my life have planned for today?"

Lee followed her to the bathroom door and put his arms around her. He couldn't wait till Baby Stetson made its arrival because hugging Amanda was challenging as she had gotten bigger. " Well, Mrs. Stetson, we are washing the cars, cleaning out the garage and going through things that Phillip will be taking to college. All in all, I'd say it's a pretty " normal" day in the life of suburbia"

Lee's hazel green eyes twinkled as he made the long standing joke between them that they were a normal family. Never mind the fact that Lee and Amanda were actually federal agents and had a secret life the family had no idea about. Anytime the couple could make fun of being "normal" they would.

Lee walked over to his dresser and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt as Amanda went into the bathroom. He was in the middle of changing when he heard his wife call his name.

" Lee?" she said meekly

Lee looked at his wife and she was leaning against the bathroom doorway. She looked a bit pale and like she was sick. He walked over to her and grabbed her arm. He helped her over to the bed and she sat down.

"Amanda?" Lee said and he knelt down in front of her.

" I think washing the cars may be out of the question today." Amanda smiled at her husband and nodded. He looked down at her belly and looked back at her.

" Is it?...baby time?" Lee said. Amanda nodded again and took a deep breath. Lee could tell she was having a contraction and he told her to breathe. He yelled downstairs to Phillip and Jamie.

" BOYS! Go get your grandmother! It's BABY DAY!"

Lee helped Amanda get into some shorts and a tee shirt. He wouldn't let her bend over to put on her sneakers so he was in the middle of putting them on when Dotty walked into the room. Amanda was in the throws of another big contraction. Lee looked at his watch and then glanced towards Dotty.

" They are three minutes apart. We have to go, don't we?"

Dotty nodded and she helped Lee hold onto Amanda as they went down the stairs. Phillip had his mothers overnight bag in his hands and Jamie had the camera. Phillip grabbed the car keys to the Wagoneer as they made their way out of the house.

" Phillip, could you drive please? I don't want to leave your mom's side." Lee said to his stepson. Phillip nodded as he and Jamie got in the front and Dotty, Amanda and Lee climbed into the back of the car. Phillip watched as his mother had yet another contraction. She winced in pain and sighed once it was over "That was a big one! Please don't speed, Phillip. It's still a while before the baby will be here."

Lee looked at his wife in awe. Here she was about to give birth and she was more concerned about Phillips driving then her own pain!

The drive to the hospital took about 10 minutes. Phillip pulled up to the curb as Lee and Dotty took Amanda inside. Phillip and Jamie parked the car and walked up to the maternity ward. They were told to wait in the family waiting room.

"Hey there big fella. Would you like to hold your daughter?" Amanda Stetson smiled at her husband. He was standing next to her bed and was leaning over just staring at the little baby that was cradled in her arms. I have a daughter! Amanda did it. We have a baby. Wow Stetson. This is something else. I am so scared to hold her. DO I? What do I even say to the woman I love more than anything in this world? She has given me so much and now this. I love her so much. Lee's mind was racing and it reminded him of one of Amanda's rants that he found so endearing. He could barely get a word out and only managed to nod his head.

Amanda smiled and carefully lifted their little girl in Lee's arms. She knew at that moment it was love at first sight for Scarecrow and he was finished. That baby already had him wrapped around her finger. Lee gently secured the baby into his strong arms and carefully leaned over to give Amanda a sweet kiss.

"Thank you Amanda. She's beautiful, just like her mother. We have a daughter! This is incredible!" Lee gushed to his wife. She laughed and kissed him back. She laid her head back on the pillow and sighed. She's here. I so wanted her to be a girl! Lee is so happy. He's going to be such a wonderful dad. I love him so much. Amanda thought to herself as she watched her husband with their daughter. He was whispering to the baby and Amanda raised an eyebrow at Lee.

" What are you plotting with her already Stetson? Spill it."

Lee looked at his wife and gave her a full dimpled grin. His hazel eyes were dancing and twinkling.

"That's a need to know situation, Mrs. Stetson...and you do not need to know. We aren't going to say a word to Mommy, are we?" Lee looked down at his daughter and the baby sighed and wiggled in her fathers arms.

Amanda threw her head back on her pillow and laughed. Yep. That baby has definitely taken over! Lee Stetson was never going to be the same, and it made Amanda very happy.

" Well, Daddy...don't you think that this little girl needs a name? I mean after all...we never picked a girl's name. You were adamant that it was a boy. We never set anything down for a girl."

"Jennifer Kate." Lee said quietly.

Amanda smiled and she thought her heart would burst. Lee wanted to name their daughter after their mothers. Jennifer was of course Lee's mothers name and Kate was Dotty's middle name. It was perfect.

"Jennifer Kate Stetson it is! Don't you think you should go out and tell the family about her? I am sure that they are all waiting patiently for news"

Lee shook his head. " Let's just have a few more minutes of just us. Is that okay? I can't tell you how much I love you, Amanda Stetson. You have given me so much and now….you have given me Jennifer Kate. I love you."

" I love you too Lee. More than I can ever say. Thank you for giving me our little girl."

Lee kissed her passionately and sat down on the bed next to Amanda so they could have a few more minutes together.

" Jeez Grandma, how long does it take to have a baby? Jamie King was pacing back and forth in the waiting room. Dotty was looking out the window of the hospital. She was watching the hustle and bustle of people walking in and out of the building. Her thoughts were of course, with her daughter and son in law and the new baby they were bringing into this world. She couldn't wait to get her hands on the little one. She wished for a little girl. She looked at her youngest grandson and smiled.

" Sweetheart, your mother was in labor with you for over 15 hours. So I would sit down and relax because this could be a long day!"

Jamie slumped into the chair next to his grandmother and huffed a breath. " Fifteen hours?! Good grief! This is gonna take forever!" He threw his hands up in the air and Dotty giggled.

" Well, these things take time darling. Bringing a baby into this world is a tough job. Your mom and Lee will let us know as soon as they can. Be patient."

Dotty looked around the room and watched the group that had gathered to hear the news regarding Baby Stetson. Annie's parents, Carrie and the twins along with her mother, Billy Melrose, that annoying Federal Agent and Francine Desmond from IFF. That was sweet of them to come and wait. They really must be good friends to Lee and Amanda. Dotty thought to herself. They were after all in their wedding so they must be close friends. They rush off all hours of the day and night. I guess that's the film business for you. I will never understand it. Dotty sighed and went back to thinking about the new baby. She couldn't wait to get her hands on it.

About ten minutes later, Lee Stetson walked into the waiting room with a huge grin on his face. Everyone looked up to see the new dad and waited patiently to hear the news. Lee cleared his throat. He didn't want to get emotional again, but he knew he couldn't fool his family and friends. They all knew how important today was to him as well as Amanda.

" Everyone, we have a 7 pound 9 oz baby...GIRL! Jennifer Kate Stetson!" Lee was beaming as he announced the birth of his daughter!

Dotty flew into his arms and was saying " A girl!" over and over! She was ecstatic. Jamie and Phillip high fived one another, as they had a secret bet between them that it was indeed a girl. Billy and Francine stepped over to Lee to congratulate him. The Hamilton's also came over to Lee.

Lee stood proudly as he described his daughter to the crowd " She's absolutely beautiful. Looks just like Amanda. She's doing fine by the way. Sends her love to everyone. Once we get settled in a room then we can have visitors. I just wanted to let everyone know that Jennifer Kate is here!"

Lee gave everyone another quick hug and said he'd come back when they could have visitors. Billy and Francine said their goodbyes. They stated they had to get back to their offices and share the good news but promised Dotty they would come back by. Carrie, her mom and the twins all gave hugs goodbye and left. They would wait till Amanda and the baby were home before they would come visit. Having a newborn and two toddlers in the house would be a lot. The Hamilton's also said goodbye. Marie told Dotty she would have a meal waiting at the house when they got there. Dotty hugged Marie and thanked her. Annie was staying with Phillip so she could see the baby with him. Phillip King sat down and looked out the window. A baby sister. Wow. I am really happy for Mom and Lee. I hate that I will miss a lot of this since I am leaving for college in less than a month. This is gonna be a fun and busy month! Phillip chuckled to himself as he listened to his grandmother rant on and on about a baby girl.

CHAPTER four - August 1990

"Well, this is it. That's the last of the bags". Lee said as he dropped the bags he had in his arms on the floor of Philips doom room. Amanda Stetson was sitting on the bed with her one month old daughter, Katie, as they all decided to call her, in her arms. Lee walked over to Amanda and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He knew this was going to be hard on his wife. He turned around and smiled at his step son. Phillip was moving into college. Lee felt a sense of fatherly pride as he watched his son unpacking the boxes and put things away. Amanda was fighting back tears as she gently rocked the baby.

"Thanks Pops! I appreciate you helping me get all moved in. My roommate will be here tomorrow and tonight Annie and I are heading to the freshman orientation party. I think we are gonna have a great time here." Phillip smiled at his parents. He knew that this was going to be hard on his mom...but something told him that Lee was going to miss him just a bit more. They had forged a strong bond ever since his mother started dating Lee Stetson. Lee was always there for him. His parents worked together and they were gone a lot but they made it a point to be home as much as they could for dinner or whatever activities Phillip or Jamie had. Phillip appreciated how much Lee seemed interested in his life and genuinely cared about him and his brother. When his dad died, Lee was right there for him. Lee gave great advice when it came to asking questions about Annie. Lee seemed to understand women and Phillip was going to miss their man to man talks.

Amanda stood up and shifted Katie in her arms. She motioned for Lee to take the baby and Lee willingly took his daughter in his arms. He gently kissed her little forehead as Amanda walked over to Phillip. She took her son into her arms and hugged him tightly. Phillip knew this was going to be hard on his mom. He hugged her back and fought back tears as she rambled on about calling home and coming to visit as much as he could. Phillip laughed and said he would when he could. Amanda kissed her son on the cheek and hugged him once more.

" You know that we love you and are very proud of you! If you need anything you call us. Both you and Annie. I mean it. We are just a call away."

Phillip nodded " I know Mom. We will be ok. This is just college. I think I can handle this. Don't let Jamie take over our room too much. I will be home for Christmas after all."

Lee laughed and Katie stirred in his arms. He passed her back to Amanda and walked over to Phillip. He ran his hands through his sandy blonde hair. He took a deep breath and looked at Phillip.

" Hey Chief...I just wanted to say that I am really proud of you. You know that I have always felt you were my son as well as Joe's. I...um…"Lee stuttered. Showing emotion was still something new to Lee and it was hard to let his family know how he truly felt. He had kept them safe for so many years and now his son was going off to college. He made a silent reminder to get in touch with the local agents in the area to make sure they kept an eye on Phillip and Annie.

Phillip could tell that Lee was struggling. He gave Lee a hug and whispered just loud enough for Lee and he to hear. " I love you too Dad. I mean it. Thank you for everything. You are the best."

Lee looked at Phillip and hugged him back. " Yeah Chief, I love you too. Take care and be great. Have fun. Enjoy every moment...and please don't make stupid choices. Okay?"

Annie Hamilton hugged her mother goodbye and Marie gave her a kiss. She saw that her father, Tom, was leaning up against the mustang her parents and Phillips had gotten the young couple. Annie smiled and hugged her mother once more and slowly strolled over to her dad. She stood next to him and leaned up against the car.

" Well, Poppa….this is it. Your little girl isn't so little anymore." Annie said quietly.

Tom looked at his daughter. She had grown up so much in the last few years. She was a stunning beauty. Her strawberry blonde hair and hazel green eyes, she was taller than her mother but not quite as tall as him, she had a perfect little nose and high cheekbones. My baby is going to college. I am so proud of her. I think she's going to do wonderful. And she has Phillip here to watch over her. That's why I allowed this. I knew that he would never let anything bad happen to her. And of course Lee will have people watching. Tom laughed at that thought. He had found out a few weeks ago that Lee and Amanda Stetson were not exactly telling the truth regarding what they did for a living. Tom was at work one morning at the Library of Congress and he noticed Lee talking to his friend and co-worker, T.P. Aquinas. Later that afternoon during lunch, Tom and TP were talking and it came out that Annie was dating Lee's stepson. T.P. had informed Tom that Annie was in very good hands when she was with Phillip. T.P. regaled Tom of the many stories he knew about the Agency's top team of Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Tom laughed knowing their secret and wondered if they would ever come clean or would they leave the IFF cover alone.

Tom put his arm around his daughters shoulders and gave her a squeeze. She leaned into him and put her arms around him.

" I am gonna miss you darlin', I just don't know how I am gonna make it without my girl. I am super proud of you honey. You make sure Phillip takes care of you and ya'll get through this college thing stronger together. I have high hopes for you and him. Ya'll will make it. I just know it."

Annie looked down at her feet as she listened to her dad. She was forcing herself not to cry. She looked up and batted her eyes to stop the tears.

"How do you know this Poppa? What is it about Phillip and I that has you so convinced we are going to make it? Just curious." Annie looked down at her promise ring Phillip gave her at Christmas. It made her smile thinking of when Phillip gave it to her.

" Anne Marie, do you love him? Like really love him?' Annie nodded.

" OH honey, I see your mother and I in the two of you. I see Lee and Amanda in the two of you. He can't breathe when he sees you and your face lights up when he's near. He's very protective of you and looks out for you. He thinks about you first and foremost.. Ya'll are soulmates. Remember that."

"OH Poppa! I know that you are right! I think we are gonna be just fine!" She hugged her father and told him that she loved him more than anything. He chuckled and said " Liar, you love Phillip more and I know it. You are his girl now."

Annie looked at her father and kissed his cheek " I will always be your girl. Forever. I will see you at Christmas. Okay?"

Tom hugged his daughter once more and he let go. He said goodbye and walked towards his wife. As they were heading to the car they saw the Stetsons walking outside with Phillip. Marie and Tom hugged Phillip goodbye and Annie watched as he said goodbye once more to his parents. They put Kate in her car seat and everyone got in their cars. Annie and Phillip waved goodbye and they watched them drive away.

Phillip leaned up against the car and put his hands in front of him. He looked down at his feet and took a deep breath. Annie did the same.

" So Red, what do you say we go unpack our rooms and then head to that party? I am ready to show off my girl!"

Annie looked at the ring that Phillip had given her for Christmas and smiled. She looked up at him and put her arms around his neck. He placed his hands around her waist and drew her close. He leaned down and gave her a passionate and sweet kiss that showed both of them how much they meant to one another.

"Just walk with me?" Phillip whispered in her ear.

Annie nodded and said " I love you King"

Phillip let go of her waist and held out his hand. She took it and they walked towards their dorm. They were both thinking that as long as they were together they could do anything.