Written: November 2000 (Revised December 2001)

The first in a series. Romance combined with the Paper's legacy. Has Gary found the woman of his dreams?
 

Early Edition characters are not mine. Original characters used for this story are my creation.

No profit is being made, no copyright infringement is intended.

At Last

Chapter One

Gary was tapping the desk with his pencil, deep in thought, when the door to the office opened and he heard the familiar tapping of Marissa's cane. He looked up and smiled. "Hello."

~~~
"It was the same girl? Twice in one week? Hmm....." Marissa pondered.

"It was kind of a strange coincidence, don'tcha think?" Gary asked.

"In class we studied Carl Young and his theory of synchronicity. He says that all coincidences happen for a reason. Gary you have learned with the paper that, that is true," Marissa stated.

"Maybe I should call and check on her? I feel bad
for just leaving her at the hospital like that."

Marissa smiled. "Yes, I think you should call her. Um, Gary? What does she look like?" she asked.

"She has kind of medium length, brown straight hair, these really beautiful eyes and....What difference does it make what she looks like? She hurt herself and I had to leave her at the hospital. Calling to check on her is only the polite thing to do," he said defensively.

Marissa giggled softly. "Whatever reason you have, just call her."

Gary picked up the phone. "Do you mind?"

Marissa smiled as she left the office.
~~~~~~~~

"Well?" Marissa asked as Gary came out into the bar.

"She wasn't there. I left a message on her machine. I don't know why I expected her to be home, it is a Saturday night. What if she had to stay at the hospital? I should have checked on her sooner." Gary scratched his head as he scanned the bar. He did a double take.

"It's her, Marissa. Over by the pool tables," he whispered.

"Who?" Marissa asked innocently.

"Who? Her!"pard line
"Oh, her. Well, go talk to her Gary."

Gary began walking towards Bailey. He stopped suddenly and looked back at Marissa, hoping to draw some courage from her. 'I can do this,' he said to himself, before he turned back around.

"Gary? Hi!" Bailey said and waved to him. His stomach did a flip.

"Hello, Bailey. I just called you," he said, motioning with his hand toward the office. "I wanted to see how you were doing. I felt bad just leaving you at the hospital, but I had
an, ah, appointment I had to keep," he explained.

"I'm doing much better. It was just a pulled muscle. I have to wear this brace a few more days is all. I remembered you said you owned this place, so I thought I would check it out. Actually I was hoping to see you too. I really wanted to thank you for helping me. I don't know how you knew....." She looked at this tall, handsome man in front of her. "Are you real?" she asked out loud.

He got a puzzled look on his face. "Howzat?"

She smiled, embarrassed that she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you, it's just that you're polite, chivalrous and downright cute. I didn't think guys like you still existed." She cleared her throat. "Thank you for checking on me."

Gary blushed and started to stutter. "Well, I, I was..."

Bailey laughed. "I don't know what has gotten into me. I think the pain pills have gone to my head. I think I should just shut up now. Are you busy? Can you play me a game of pool?" she asked.

"Well, I wouldn't want to take advantage of you in your weakened state," Gary teased.

"Is that a challenge?" She smiled coyly. "You're on."

Encouraged by their banter. "Pick your cue and be prepared to lose," he said as he turned toward
the cue rack.

"Bailey? Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," he asked worriedly as he turned back around.

Bailey reached for a chair and sat down, then looked up at Gary. "I just had the weirdest sense of dejavu`'. Sorry..... It was just..... Never mind..... I'm okay now. So, you think you can beat me?"
~~~~~~
"Gary, I'm going to head home now," Marissa said.

"Oh, sure. Hey Emmitt. Bailey, this is Marissa, my partner here at McGinty's and her husband Emmitt. Marissa, Emmitt. This is Bailey," Gary introduced.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you both. Marissa, you look so familiar. Could we have met before?" Bailey asked.

"I don't think so. Your voice doesn't sound familiar. Maybe we passed on the street," Marissa answered.

"Hmm, maybe."

They said their good-byes and left.

"And you were saying?" Gary asked, bringing Bailey back to the here and now. She was sure she had seen Marissa before. She just couldn't place where.

"Do you really want to hear this? It's pretty boring," Bailey stated flatly.

"Hey, you had me tell you all the sordid details of my youth," Gary laughed.

She liked his laugh. "Sordid. Ha!"

"When it involves Chuck Fishman, it is usually sordid."

"Alright. You asked for it. If you get bored it's your own fault. My dad was in the Army. He fought in Vietnam and made a career of the Army for a while. We moved all over. Germany, Italy, Japan, California. I was a real Army brat. Dad got a job in D.C. and then when I was eleven he started working for the American Embassy in London. I went to private school and just hated it. I always felt like an outsider. I wanted to go to school in the states, go to football games and hang out like a regular kid. "

She stirred the ice in her glass with her finger as she spoke. " As it was, the only fun I had was playing tennis and riding horses. I was pretty good at tennis. So my Dad hired a personal coach. I played some amateur matches and won. I started in the pro's the spring of '83. But I fell off my horse and broke my ankle. So that put me out of competition," she explained.

"I was having a rough go of it," she paused, wondering if she should tell him everything. Not yet. "So I ended up here in Chicago. My grandfather thought it might do me some good to spend the summer with him. That was the best summer of my life. I never did pursue my tennis career. I still play, even give free lessons when I can," she sighed.

"My grandfather bought me a camera that summer and photography became my new passion. I went home and finished out high school, at my father's insistence. I really wanted to stay here in Chicago with my grandfather. When I graduated high school, I went to college at USC and got my degree and I began traveling the world all over again. I was the White House photographer for a while, had a studio in Paris, then back to California. Photographer to the stars," she laughed.

"Anyway, I really started missing Chicago and three months ago, I packed up and moved. So here I am. You can yawn now, I know you are dying to," she joked.

"I'm not going to yawn. This is all very interesting. But if you loved Chicago so much, how come you went to college in California?" Gary asked.

"My grandfather died in January of the following year and I couldn't bear to come here at that time. That summer was the first time I had ever met my grandfather. We had kept in touch over the years through letters, but my father had never allowed me to meet him. My dad thought Grandpa was crazy. He didn't really even want me to read his letters. The summer I came here, my mother insisted that I be allowed to come. My grandfather may have been a little eccentric, but he was a wonderful man. He made me feel so special and taught me so much in that one short summer."

A waitress came to the table and asked if Bailey would like a refill on her tea. She shook her head 'no' and continued.

"Both my parents died in a single car accident just months after I started college. Their bodies weren't found until days later. My life kind of headed into a tailspin all at once and I got through it on things I learned from my grandfather. But coming back here wasn't something I was ready to do until now. I thought it was time to come home, so I did."

They sat in a booth talking as the last employee clocked out. "Goodnight, Mr. Hobson."

"Goodnight."

"I better get home. Look at the time," Bailey commented.

"Did you drive?" Gary asked.

"No, I took the EL. Can I use a phone to call a cab?"

"I'll take you home."

"Oh, I don't want to put you out. It's late and I'm sure you're tired. I can't ask you to..."

"You didn't ask me and I would really like to drive you home," he interrupted.

Bailey consented and soon, Gary was walking her to her door.
"Thank you again, Gary. You're a sweetheart." She stepped up and hugged him.

He hugged her back. Lord this felt right.

"I really enjoyed myself tonight. I hope I didn't bore you with my life story."

He smiled slightly. "No. You didn't bore me. Maybe we can do it again sometime?" he asked hopefully.

Her smile lit up her face. "I would love to. Only next time I won't let you beat me at pool."

"Let me beat you? I won fair and square!"

"Well, I guess we'll just have to have a rematch and find out," she teased.

"Oh, Okay. Sure we can, um, I'll call you then?" he stammered.

"You do that, Gary," she said as she unlocked her door and walked into her apartment, flashing him a smile before she closed her door.

Chapter Three

Bailey stood at the end of the aisle. He was there in front of her. Mist swirled around her. "Turn around! " She tried to cry out, but her voice was silent. "Please turn around so I can see you."

Bells ringing, bells ringing.

Bailey sat up in bed. The phone. "Hello."

"Hey, did I wake you?" Emily asked.

"That's okay. What time is it?" she asked, rubbing her eyes to clear them.

"Your time or my time?" Emily laughed. Bailey groaned.

"Never mind. I was having that dream again."

"I thought you had quit having that?" Emily inquired.

They had been friends since their first year in college. Emily still lived in L.A. and worked as a hair and makeup artist for a movie studio.

"I had. But since I've been here, there have been a lot of strange things happening. But some really nice things also." Bailey told her about her two accidents and meeting Gary.

"Three times, in one week? That seems awfully coincidental doesn't it? So tell me about him," she pleaded.

Bailey gladly obliged. She missed her friend a great deal.
~~~

"Good morning, Gary."

"Goooood Morning, Marissa. The sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in the sky."

"Someone is in a good mood this morning. So, have you called Bailey? You have talked about her all week," Marissa stated.

"Yes I did, as a matter of fact. And we have a date tonight. We are going to dinner and to Navy Pier," Gary said.

"You have date?"

"Yes. Dinner is usually a date," he stated dryly.
Marissa laughed. "Since when? With Erica and Detective Brigatti it was just dinner."

"Ha, ha, ha. Gotta run. I'll call you later," he said as he walked out the door.

Marissa shook her head, smiling. "That boy's got it bad."
~~~~~
Gary felt somewhat guilty arranging his date around the paper. But tonight the paper seemed to be cooperating. He had to stop a person from choking at Nick & Tony's then keep a child from falling over a railing at Navy Pier. He figured it wouldn’t take any time away from his date at all.
~~~~

Bailey pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it on top of the pile that had accumulated on her bed. She looked at the clock. "Please let him run late," she said out loud as she scanned her closet again. She pulled the hangers across the rod. "Nope, nope, nope. Wait."

She pulled the bag out of the closet and ripped the plastic off. Inside were clothes she had taken to the cleaners when she first moved here. She made a mental note to get more organized. She put on the black pair of jeans, again. Then put on the ivory silk blouse with scrolled design on the collar in tan and black, that she had discovered in the plastic bag. She tucked it in and pulled a black belt through the loops, then slipped her feet into black ankle boots and laced them up. She quickly twisted her hair up into a clip and put on a pair of simple gold earrings and a delicate gold chain. She put on some lipstick just as the doorbell rang.
Her butterflies were fierce and she took a couple of deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself before she opened the door. How handsome he looked. He was wearing a beige turtleneck with a beige over-shirt, blue jeans, brown hiking boots and a brown leather jacket. He held in his hands a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They smiled at each other.

"For you," he said as he held out the bouquet.

"They are beautiful. Thank you. Come on in while I put these in a vase."

Gary looked around. The apartment had a clean look about it, although it was a little on the bare side.

"Forgive my place. I'm still trying to get settled. My extra bedroom is full of unpacked boxes. There just never seems to be enough time to get it all done. There. I'm ready when you are."

Gary held open the door for her. Bailey grabbed her purse and they left.

Gary had made reservations and they were seated right away. They ordered and as they waited they talked. Their dinner arrived and they began to eat. Gary glanced at his watch. He then pulled the paper from his back pocket and hid it under the table as he looked at the article.
"Local banker, Adam Harrison, choked to death at Nick and Tony's last night at approximately 8 p.m."

Gary checked his watch again. 7:58. He looked around the restaurant, then put the paper in his back pocket. Bailey watched him. He was in his own world.

"Gary? Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?" she asked again.

"Um uh huh," he mumbled as he continued to look around.

That was when he spotted him, in a far corner of the restaurant, dining alone. He had his hand to his throat, and a panicked look on his face. Gary got up and sprinted across the room. He handed the man his napkin and told him to hold it over his mouth, before he grabbed him around the mid-section and lifted up--again. The man began to cough and Gary patted him on his back.

"Can we get some water over here?" Gary heard Bailey ask. He turned to see her standing beside him with a stupefied look on her face. The waiter arrived with water and she held the glass as he poured water into it, before she handed it to the man. He drank then cleared his throat.

"Thank you! I thought I was a goner."

"You're welcome. You okay?" Gary asked.

The man assured him he was. Gary led Bailey back to their table. She was very quiet as they finished eating. Gary motioned for the check.

"Your bill has been taken care of by the gentleman whose life you saved," the waiter said.

"That was nice of him," Gary said as he wiped his hands and dropped the napkin on the table.

"It must happen to you a lot," Bailey responded.

"Howzat?"

"You seem to be in the business of saving people, Gary. You remind me of my grandfather. He was always stepping in and helping out. Like you did with me and with that man tonight. You're a good man, Gary," she praised.

"Oh, I'm just in the right place at the right time, sometimes," Gary explained.

Gary hailed a cab when they left the restaurant and they rode the short distance to Navy Pier. The sun had set and the pier was aglow with lights. As they walked, their hands bumped and he tenderly took her hand in his. She smiled. She felt so at peace.

They looked through the shops and went through the gardens. Gary checked his watch.

"Will you excuse me for a minute? I'll be right back."

Bailey continued to look around the shop. Gary left and went around the corner. He pulled the paper out and scanned the article. 'Four year old Annie Watkins, fell to her death last night, at approximately 10 p.m., from a railing near the carousel at Navy Pier.' Gary ran to the carousel.

He looked down the railing both ways. There she was. He reached her just as she toppled over the railing. He grabbed her by the shirt collar. He put his other hand under her arm and pulled her up and over the railing to safety just as he heard a woman scream.

"Annie!" She grabbed the girl from his arms.

"Oh, thank you, thank you! Annie don't you ever walk away like that again," the woman scolded, then hugged the child.

"Are you alright?" Gary asked. The child nodded her head, seemingly unaware of how close she had come to death.

Gary ran back to the shop. Bailey was just coming out and she smiled when she saw him.

"Sorry, I had to go farther than I thought to find a men's room," he said, then put his arm around her and guided her in a different direction; so she would not see the restroom sign immediately to her left.

He took her hand again. "So are you ready for the ferris wheel? I haven't rode it in years. There is really a beautiful view from there. Especially at night," Gary said.

"The ferris wheel? You want to ride it?" she asked.

"It's great. Have you ever been on it?"

She shook her head.

As they stood in line he realized Bailey was shaking. "Cold?"

"A little. I didn't think to bring a jacket," she responded.

He took his jacket off and held it out for her to slip into. It was warm. Gary stepped into the bucket and held out his hand to help her in. The attendant shut the door and the ride moved upward.
She closed her eyes. God help her she wanted to scream. "You're still shaking," Gary stated.

He turned to look at her. "Please don't move!" she cried out.

"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

She took a breath. "I think I will be, if you don't rock this thing any."

"You're scared?"

She giggled nervously, as she clutched at his leg.
"Just slightly."

Gary laughed. "You, who tried to climb back up on a bridge she had just fallen off of and you, who climbs trees to rescue kittens, are afraid of heights?"

"Not afraid of heights. Just ferris wheels."

"Come 'ere. I can assure you that you are completely safe on this ride. I promise I will protect you," he said as he pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. "The key to overcoming your fear is to concentrate on something other than what you are afraid of. Look how beautiful it is up here. You can see the Sears Tower and look at the boats on the lake," Gary suggested.

She listened to the sound of his voice, watched the way his lips moved when he talked. The feel of his arms around her, the warmth of his body. She sighed. It was beautiful here.
~~~~
He unlocked her door for her and handed her the keys. She fumbled with them for a minute then put them in her pocket.

"I had such a wonderful time tonight, Gary."

"Except for the ride on the ferris wheel," he interrupted. "If you were so scared, why did you get on it?"

"Because you were so excited about riding it. and I didn't want to disappoint you. And it wasn't that bad. I actually kind of enjoyed it," she explained.

Gary looked at her closely. The corner of his mouth twitched as if to smile. But the smile came from his eyes.

Her heart beat faster in her chest. He put his hand to her face then leaned his head closer. It was the softest, most wonderful kiss she had ever received. He drew back, then kissed her again.
"Goodnight, Bailey. I'll see you soon."

He held on to her hand as he turned to walk away, then slowly let her hand drop. "Goodnight."

"Yes, he actually called it a date. I think he really likes her. He can't stop talking about her."

"Hello there," Gary said to Marissa.

"Gary! How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough. Who are ya talking to?"

She handed him the phone. "It's your mom."

Gary groaned. "Mom? Yes, I did have a good time. Yes, she is very nice."

"Mrs. Brown. You have a phone call," an employee told her. Marissa left the office to take the call.

"Am I going to have to play 20 questions with you? I want details," Lois stated.

"Mom!"

"Gary!"

"It was just a date," he insisted.

"So, you are calling it a date," Lois gushed.

"Yes, it was a date. Don't start picking names out for your grandchildren," Gary warned.

"Don't be silly, Gary. I've already done that. But I can't help but be excited for you. You haven't had a date in a long time. At least tell me where you went. You don't have to get too detailed," Lois pleaded.

"Oh, all right. We ate at Nick and Tony's then we went to Navy Pier. We walked through the shops, went through the gardens, watched some of the entertainment. But you know what Mom? She rode the ferris wheel with me."

Lois could tell this had some meaning to Gary.

"I'm glad she did Gary. Why was that so special?" Lois asked.

"She's afraid of them. Never rides them. But she didn't tell me until we were on it. She was scared and rode it anyway. Because it was something I wanted to do. Oh, never mind. It was no big deal," Gary recanted.

Hearing the happiness in her son's voice, Lois, trying hard to swallow the lump in her throat, said.
"It was a big deal Gary. She sounds wonderful. I hope to meet her."

"Yeah, she is pretty great," Gary responded.

He turned as he heard a knock on the door. Bailey entered the office. Seeing he was on the phone, she waved.

He felt his heart slam against his chest. "Bailey! Hi."

"Gary is she there? Put her on the phone," Lois instructed.

"NO! I mean I really need to go, now. Right now. Bye," he hurried.

"Gary don't you dare hang up this phone. I just wanted to say hello. If you hang up I will just call back," Lois threatened.

Gary looked sheepishly at Bailey. "My mother would like to speak with you."

She wanted to laugh at the look on his face as she took the phone from him. "Hello? Hi, Mrs. Hobson."

Bailey listened as Lois told her she just wanted to say hello and that Gary had told her nice things about Bailey and she hoped to meet her soon.

"My son hasn't passed out yet, Has he?" Lois asked, causing Bailey to laugh.

Sensing that Lois had a wonderful sense of humor, Bailey decided to tease Gary. "Yes, Yes it was. Yes, well of course."

Bailey turned her back to Gary and lowered her voice. "Yes, he did. No, he was a perfect gentleman. Well of course I still respect him."

Gary had stepped closer to hear what she was saying. "Give me that! What did she? Did you? I didn't!" Gary stammered.

Lois laughed into the phone. "Oh, Gary. I really like her!"

Gary looked at Bailey. "Funny you two. I'm going to hang up now. Yes me too. Okay Mom. Bye."

Gary shook his finger at Bailey. "You."

"Sorry. I couldn't help it. You looked like you had just swallowed a watermelon. Your mom just wanted to say hello. She didn't say anything to embarrass you."
"No. You managed that all on your own." He shook his head.

Bailey laughed out loud. "Loosen up Gary. Oh, here's your jacket. I forgot to give it back to you last night."

"Thank you. Thank you very much."

"Oh, come on Gary. Where is your sense of humor?" she asked as she playfully punched him on the arm. Finally he smiled.

"Okay, you got me. Happy now?"

"As long as you are," she said softly.

"Howzat?"

"I better get going. You look like you're starting to get busy out there."

"Gary, excuse me," Marissa interrupted. "Mark just called in sick, so that makes us short Lisa on the afternoon shift and Mark on the evening shift."

"We can't call someone else in?" Gary asked.

"Jake and Eddie are on vacation and it's Mary's daughters birthday and Cara and Jim have the day off. There is no backup. Everyone we have available is working. Do you want me to call a temp agency?" she asked.

"I could help," Bailey offered. "I have nothing to do today and I have all the required licenses to handle food and mix drinks. I worked at P.J. Clarke's for about a month when I first moved here. Long story. So what do you think?"

"I think it looks like you came dressed to work," Gary said.

Bailey looked down at how she was dressed, in khaki pants and a light blue stretch cotton shirt and khaki tennis shoes. Pretty much the McGinty's uniform. All she needed was the apron.
~~~

Bailey wiped down the bar.

"Come on. Just one little date?" The guy at the bar asked.

"I just don't have the time, but I do thank you. It's always nice to be wanted," she explained.
The guy paid his tab and left. As he walked out Gary came in. She smiled at him and he at her, causing her stomach to do a flip flop. One of the employees walked up and spoke to him.

"I think that was the reason you turned that young man down."

Bailey turned to the older gentleman who had been at the bar for the last couple of hours. Mr. Paige had lost his wife to cancer six months before and had started coming back to McGinty's because he and his wife had met there when it was a USO nightspot during WW II.

"You think so, Mr. Paige?"

"My wife used to smile at me like you just smiled at him. He's a very lucky man."

"Oh, we just met a few weeks ago. I would hardly compare us to you and your wife," Bailey explained.

"I knew the first time I met my wife that she was the one for me. When it's right, it doesn't take months to figure it out. Well, I have bent your ear long enough tonight young lady, but I would have to say I have enjoyed your company."

"As I have yours," Bailey responded.

"Will I see you again?" he asked.

"Oh, you'll probably see me around."

"Hello Mr. Paige. How are you doing tonight?" Gary asked as he shook the mans hand.

"I have been completely enchanted. She reminds me of my dear Isabell. You are a very lucky young man. Good night all."

"Good night Mr. Paige." They said in unison.

"How are you holding up? You really didn't have to work both shifts. We could have called a temp agency."

"I'm doing okay. I had fun tonight," she replied.

"Yeah, looks like you charmed a few of the male customers tonight."

"Oh, Mr. Paige? He just wanted someone to talk to. He's been lonely since his wife died. It must be terrible to lose someone you have been with for almost 60 years. But I envy him those 60 years," Bailey said wistfully as she picked up the dirty glasses off the bar.

Gary nodded absently. He grimaced as he moved. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah, my shoulder is just a little sore. I fell on it earlier."

"Let me finish up here and help get the place closed up and I'll put something on it for you," she offered.
~~~~
Bailey dug around in Gary's medicine cabinet until she found the ointment.

"Lay down," she instructed as she walked back into the loft.

He took off his shirt and did what he was told. She sat down next to him on the bed and began to massage his shoulder. He waited for her to ask what he was doing when he fell, but she didn't. This felt good. He was just so tired. He would just close his eyes for a second.
~~~~
*Click*

"Good morning, Chicago. It's 6:30 in the windy city, but there's no wind today. It's a beautiful sunny morning out there."

There was a loud thunk. Gary sat up in bed. That wasn't the paper.

"Meow."

He saw Bailey's head come up from behind the couch. Gary rubbed his eyes.

"Bailey, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I forgot I was on the couch not my bed. I, I couldn't get out last night. Everything was locked up and I hated to wake you to let me out and I didn't want to take your keys. I hope you don't mind."

"Meow!"

Gary got up and hurried to the door. He opened it and the cat ran in. Gary picked up the paper and shut the door.

"Hey kitten. Where did you come from? Is he yours?" she asked.

"Yeah, I guess he is."

"What's his name?"
"I never um, well, I just call him Cat."

Bailey giggled. "Kind of like John Wayne in Big Jake? He named his dog, Dog."

"Yeah, like that," he said.

"You look just like my grandpas cat. I don't think he had a name either. Strange, huh? How's your shoulder this morning?"

He rubbed it. "Much better."

"Well, I better get out of here. Talk to you soon?"

Gary followed her downstairs and let her out with a promise to call her soon.

Chapter Five

"So what are you going to do for her?" Marissa asked as Gary looked up at her.

Thankful she could not see the blush creeping up his neck. "I'm having Tony fix us dinner. Roast beef, carrots, potatoes, salad... that sounds silly doesn't it?"

Marissa smiled at her friend. "No Gary, it doesn't. I think she will love it."

Gary heaved a sigh of relief. "This relationship thing is a lot harder than I remember it being," he stated.

"You're in love. It's always hard when you've invested your heart," she explained.

"I don't know if I would say I am in love. I do know these last four months have been the happiest I have spent in the last four years. She is pretty great isn't she? Even Mom and Dad like her and she likes them. I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop ya know, for the paper to screw it up," Gary said.

"Gary don't look for disaster. Enjoy your life as it is and just believe it will work out. So, when are you planning on telling her about the paper?"

Gary laughed. "You tell me not to look for disaster then in the next breath ask me when I'll tell her about the paper? This is the worst part of getting into a relationship--telling them about the paper. It always turns out bad. When I finally told Toni about the paper, she almost had me hauled off to a mental hospital. Do you think there is anyway I can get by without telling her?" Gary asked hopefully.

"Gary! Bailey is different. I think she probably already suspects something. Just tell her and take it from there. If she isn't going to understand, don't you think it would be better to find out now, before you get too invested in the relationship?" Marissa rationalized.

Gary started to speak when Bailey walked into the office.

"Hello, Marissa. Gary," she said as she leaned over to give Gary a quick kiss. "Here's your uniform. I picked it up for you."

"This is so sweet of you to do this for Mr. Paige, Bailey. He is very excited about it," Marissa stated.

"Well, you only turn 80 once and he's had a rough year and I wanted to do something special for him," she explained.

"So what am I? A Private?" Gary asked as he pulled the plastic off of the costume.
"No. A Sergeant, silly," she teased. "See the stripes? I better get busy with the decorating out there. I'll see you later."

Marissa waited till she heard Bailey leave. "Gary, Tell her about the paper. She will understand. She has a kind heart. Just look at what she is doing for Mr. Paige. Turning McGinty's into the USO night spot it was when he met his wife and getting in touch with his children and grandchildren to come here and surprise him. And having everyone show up in 40's attire. Gary she reminds me of you. Tell her about the paper."

Gary looked at the paper and scratched his head.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. When the time is right."
~~~

When Gary walked into the bar that night he felt as if he had stepped back in time. He cautiously stepped back into his office and looked at the calendar. Yep, he was still in the present. He laughed at himself. He had never told anyone about the times he had traveled back in time. He didn't understand, so how could he expect others to.

He re-entered the bar. Bailey was in the corner adjusting a Happy Birthday sign. She was wearing a black dress with a tiny, pink rosebud print. It had a fitted top and a gored skirt. She wore black hose with a seam up the back and black pumps. Her hair was rolled across the top of her head and hung straight in the back. When she turned and saw him standing there, she smiled.

"Well, Sergeant Hobson, you look very handsome," she said as she brushed the shoulders of his uniform.

"Thank you. And you look swell," he offered and they both laughed.

"I can't believe what you've done with the place. It looks just like the pictures. Mr. Paige will be pleased."

Marissa and Emmitt arrived. She wore a tan colored suite with an ivory blouse, tan pumps and her hair fixed in a similar style to Bailey's. Emmitt wore a cream colored shirt and baggy tan slacks, suspenders and spectators.

Soon after, the guests started to arrive. Songs from Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers, Bing Crosby and others played in the background while people danced on the makeshift dance floor.

Mr. Paige wept as he realized what all had been done for him. Seeing his children and grandchildren all in one place, the place where it all started for him, made him very happy.

As he danced with Bailey he expressed his gratitude. "I know it's not the same as if your wife was here, but I wanted to bring back some of the magic for you," she told him.

He grabbed her in a hug. "My dear you have made me feel 20 again. God Bless you."
His thanks brought tears to her eyes.

~At last
my love has come along
my lonely days are over
and life is like a song.~

"May I have this dance?" Gary asked.

Bailey easily slid into his embrace. She loved to dance and felt as if she and Gary had danced together all of their lives. He leaned his cheek against hers and she sighed. She closed her eyes and was completely lost in the moment.

~I found a dream
that I could speak to
a dream that I could call my own
I found a thrill
to press my cheek to
a thrill that I have never known

Well
You smile
You smile
oh and then the spell was cast
and here we are in heaven
for you are mine at last~

To her dismay the song ended much too soon.

'In the Mood' began to play. "Are you up for this?" Gary asked.

"You know how to swing dance?" she asked. Gary responded by spinning her around.

The evening was magical. She knew she was falling hopelessly in love and Gary was realizing the same thing.

Chapter Six

She stood in the aisle again, surrounded by a swirling mist. She looked down. She was wearing a beautiful white gown. The halter bodice was beaded with sequins and pearls as were the straps. The full skirt was of net tulle with floral appliques scattered throughout with beads and sequins. She carried a bouquet of white lilies, tulips and orchids.

She looked toward the altar. He was there. There was something so familiar about him. "Turn around. Let me see you!" she pleaded silently. She looked around for anything familiar. People were there, but she could not make out their faces.

The room was very clear, but everything else was a blur. She looked back to the man standing, waiting for her at the altar. He raised his hand and scratched his head, right above the place where his hair came to a perfect point in the back!

Bells ringing, bells ringing.

"Hello!"

"Happy birthday."

"Emily it's him," Bailey said breathlessly.

"What?"

"The dream. I was just having it again. The guy in it is Gary."

"Did you see his face this time?" Emily asked.

"No but he scratched his head, something I've seen Gary do thousands of times when he's nervous. And the guy in my dream, well his hair grows to this perfect little point in the back just like Gary," Bailey explained.

"You know what you're doing don't you? You've fallen in love with this guy and you're putting him into the dream."

"I thought you did hair and makeup, not analyze people. I'm not putting Gary into the dream. When I first met Gary I had this really weird sense of dejavu`. I just never put it together until now," said Bailey.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Emily asked.

"I don't know! It's true I am crazy about him. Oh, who am I kidding. I love him. But I can't just walk in there and say, 'Hey Gar! You know I've been dreaming about marrying you for the last 5 years. He'll think I'm crazy," Bailey said as she threw her hands in the air.~~~~~

Gary had set the table with candles and the lights were dimmed. Frank Sinatra was playing softly on the stereo. He looked at his watch. She should be here any minute. He wanted everything to be perfect.

Just two days ago for his birthday, She had invited his parents down and had a party for him at her apartment with Marissa and Emmitt. They had barbequed outside and his mother had made him his favorite cake. Then to top it off Bailey had produced tickets to the Bears-Cowboys game yesterday as his gift. It had been a long time since he had been able to go to a game. Even more amazing was the paper kept cooperating. Maybe it was time to tell her about the paper.

There was a knock on the door and Gary let her in. "Happy Birthday, Bailey," he said as he kissed her softly.

After dinner was finished and the table cleared, he gave her a box containing a silver bracelet with a gold heart charm on it. Her eyes filled with tears.

"It's lovely Gary. Thank you!" She hugged him tightly.

"You really like it?" he wondered.

"Yes, this, the dinner, the music. Everything is perfect," she responded.

He took the bracelet out of the box and put it on for her. Then he took her hand and pulled her close as Sinatra sang, All the Way.

She listened to the words of the song.

~When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you
All the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you
All the way

Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes, if it's real~

She sighed as she relaxed in his embrace.

~When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs youAll the way
Through the good or lean years
and for all the in between years
come what may

Who knows where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you
All the way....all the way~

"Gary." "Bailey." They said at the same time.

"You go first." They said at the same time again.

They both laughed. Gary took a deep breath.

"Bailey I have something I want to tell you."

Bailey held her breath.

Just then the cat knocked over a box sitting in the corner by the bookcase.

"Get off of there. Look what you've done," Gary said, more annoyed with the cat than he had ever been. He went over to pick the things up that had fallen out of the box. Bailey went to help him.

"What are you doing with these?" she asked.

"It's nothing. Just some things that were given to me."

"These are my grandfathers things. How did you get them?" Bailey demanded.

"Your grandfather? Lucius Snow was your grandfather?" he asked, shocked.

"Yes he was. Gary, what are you doing with his things?" She was almost hysterical. "Did you know him?"

"No, not really, I...I," he stammered.

"Oh my word. The paper! You think you get tomorrow's newspaper a day early, too? That is why you always carry that paper and you're always running..... No this can't be," she said incredulously.

Gary took a deep breath and scratched his head.
"I do get tomorrow’s newspaper a day early. I've been getting it now for the last 5 years. It started coming the day after Snow died. That's how I got the cat," he tried to explain.

"My grandfather died in January of 1984, not 1996. And that can't be his cat. Do you know how old his cat would be? Gary, you're scaring me!"

"Here, look. This is tomorrow’s paper. Look at the date. Your grandfather didn't die in
1984. He died September 28 , 1996 at the Blackstone Hotel."

"My grandfather dummied up a fake newspaper that he would go out and, in his delusional mind, change. The next day the paper would come and his stories weren't there. He thought he was actually saving peoples lives. He wasn't hurting anyone so I never really questioned him on why he did it. I loved him . He taught me it was more important to put others before myself. That I would get more happiness from life if I did for others. And Gary, my Grandpa lived at the Brown Apartments not the Blackstone. He was put in a hospital right after I went home. I sent him letters but he never answered them. In January a telegram came that he had died. I still have that telegram."

She began to dig through the box. "I took these," she said as she pulled out pictures of Lucius Snow playing tennis, holding up a fish, standing by the lake.

She dug into the other box. Tied with a ribbon, were the letters she had sent her grandfather. In another bundle were the letters he had written her. All returned.

"You knew about this and you never told me?" she accused. Gary stood speechless. As shocked by the revelation as she was.

"I never went through the other box. I don't know why. Bailey I swear. I never knew."

Chapter Seven

At the bottom of the box was a telegram dated January 10, 1984. The same day she had received the telegram of her grandfather's death. She opened the envelope.

"I apologize for the delay STOP Couldn't find words to explain STOP Bailey killed in horse riding accident three weeks ago STOP No need to come STOP There is nothing for you here STOP R Vandercliff.

"My God! My father told him I had been killed and he told me my grandpa had died!" she exclaimed.

"Why would he do that?" Gary asked.

She shook her head. "I don't know. My father had never liked my grandpa. Like I told you before, we never saw him. All of my life he never failed to keep in touch, and the year I broke my ankle and my tennis career had to be put on hold, I, I, I. I need to sit down."

Gary helped her over to the sofa and brought the boxes to her. He went to the kitchen and fixed her a glass of water and when he returned, sat on the coffee table and took her hand in his.

Bailey looked at him and saw the concern on his face. She felt awful for accusing him of keeping this from her. It was obvious he did not realize who she was. She took a deep breath. She wanted to trust him about everything. Now was the time to tell him her secret.

"Gary, after I was hurt. I...I...I wanted to kill myself. My whole life had been geared toward being successful, making a lot of money, being famous. That was so important to my father and he was so disappointed in me and I was so unhappy with my life. It was the stupidest thing in the world to do and luckily my grandfather knew, somehow, that I was going to do it. He called just as I was about to take the pills and he talked to me, let me know how important my life was whether I became famous or was destitute. He suggested that I come stay with him for the summer. My mother was so frightened after she realized what I was about to do that she insisted to my father that I go. "

"So I ended up here for the summer. My grandfather's apartment was sparsely furnished. He had so much room in his closet. I had never lived like that. I always had everything I ever wanted, but nothing I ever needed. He gave me what I needed that summer. I felt more loved than I ever had in my life. And I learned how good it felt to give to other people. Everyday he would get up and head out to save the world. I thought, you know, that it made him happy to think he was helping people and along the way he helped some, I think."

Bailey's hand flew to her face. "Marissa! That is where I know her from." She got up and paced the room. Gary stood up with a puzzled look on his face.
"I don't understand?" he stated.

"I knew that Marissa looked familiar. My grandfather never took me with him when he went out. I couldn't get around very fast with my broken ankle, so I took pictures around the neighborhood and they would let me use the dark room at the Sun-Times to develop them. Anyway, just right before I went home, my ankle was better, I went with him. There was a young blind girl who was being teased by some boys. They were spinning her in circles to disorientate her. My grandfather yelled at them to leave her alone and they ran off. He told me to stay where I was and he ran across the street to the girl. She was so confused she stumbled out into the street into on coming traffic. My grandfather pulled her out of the way. It was Marissa. I am sure of it."

"Wow!" Gary said rubbing his brow. "Snow saved Marissa all those years ago." He raised an eyebrow. "Why would your father go to such extremes to keep you apart? Did he know about the paper?" Gary asked

"I don't know. He never said anything except that Grandpa was just a crazy old man. I wanted to come back and go to college here in Chicago. That made my father furious. He must have sent these telegrams to keep us apart," she pondered.
"What about your mother? Gary asked.

"I don't think she knew my father had lied about this. She was devastated when she found out. She took to bed for days after she got the telegram. My father told her he had contacted the landlord and told him to give Grandpa's possessions to charity and he had sent money for the burial. I can't believe my father could be so cruel. To do this to us.. This, this is..." She broke down and cried.

Gary pulled her into his arms. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea Snow was your grandfather. I was told he had no living relatives. That's how I got his things," Gary explained.

"I'm sorry I accused you of keeping this from me. I know you wouldn't do that. I guess if he thought I was dead, and when my parents died he would have had no one."

She pulled away from Gary. "Gary, if he really did get the paper early and he knew about my attempted suicide. Why didn't he know the truth about my death and about my parents?" She shook her head. "He couldn't see the future, he was just mixed up. He got lucky sometimes."

"Bailey, I know this is hard to believe. I went through the same thing when I started getting the paper. I don't know where it comes from or why. But I started getting it the day after Snow died and it has come everyday since. With the cat. I found out a little over a year ago that your grandfather saved me from being run over by a truck when I was 11. It was at that time, I guess, that I was chosen to receive the paper after your grandfather. Here, he left me this letter." He got up and pulled an envelope out of the desk drawer. She opened it.

Dear Gary,

I imagine by the time you get this letter, you've got a whole lot more questions than I have answers. I can tell you that I wasn't the first to get the paper, and I doubt that you'll be the last.

But I am certain that by now, whatever debt you think you owe me has been paid in full a thousand times over. In this you've found your gift. And I know you serve it with honor.

I can tell you that we are the messengers between time and it's keeper. You of all people know how fragile life is. So somewhere between the pages of our newspaper, Gary Hobson, find time to live it.
Lucius Snow

Bailey quietly folded the letter and returned it to the envelope, then Gary handed her a photo copy of the front page of the Sun-Times.

"This is me. This is what your grandfather saw in his paper and this is what was actually printed the next day," Gary stated.

"I just don't understand how this can all be. "

Gary gently brushed the hair away from her face.

"I don't know either. I'm still trying to figure a lot of it out myself. Tomorrow we can go to the Sun-Times and go through the archives. See if we can piece anything together," he said softly.

Bailey nodded her head. "Gary, I think I would like to go home now. I'm suddenly very tired."

"Yeah, sure. Here, you should take these. Maybe there is something else in here that will answer some questions for you. Do you want me to drive you home?"

"No. I'll drive myself. I'm sorry Gary. Thank you again for dinner and the bracelet." She kissed him softly and his heart broke in a thousand pieces.

"I'll see you in the morning and we'll go to the archives," he said as he loaded the boxes in her car.

"Yeah, okay. Tomorrow."

Chapter Eight

"Her grandfather was Lucius Snow? How can that be?" Marissa asked.
Gary explained to her what had happened last night.

"That was Snow? I had almost forgotten about that day. Poor Bailey, her world just got turned upside down and she must feel totally lost. I can't believe you never went through all of the stuff in those boxes," Marissa stated.

"I don't know why I didn't. I just never thought of it any more." He checked his watch. "I gotta run. I have to stop a woman from getting attacked by a bird at a pet shop and then get Bailey to take her to the Sun-Times. I'll call you later."

Her phone continued to ring. Where could she be? It had taken longer at the pet shop than he thought it would. The owner had accused him of trying to harm the bird and called the police. He had to stay and answer their questions. When he finally got free, Bailey wasn't home. He called the Sun-Times and they hadn't seen her.

"Where is she?" he asked out loud.

"Meow."

Gary turned to see the cat at the corner. He wasn't even surprised to see him there. He followed the cat and ended up at the cemetery at Lucius Snow's grave.

"Bailey, I'm sorry, I got tied up with the paper," he apologized.

Bailey scratched the cat's head as he climbed into her lap.

"I found a photo copy of my suicide
in the box. Then... then a copy of the next days headlines. There were letters and cards I had sent him, little keepsakes, but nothing to explain what is going on. In just a few days it will be 5 years since he died. Oh my! That's when I started having the dream. It was right after my birthday 5 years ago," she said in amazement.

"What dream?" Gary asked.

"Oh nothing, it doesn't matter. Come on let's go see what we can find out at the paper," she stated.
~~~~

"Morris?" Gary called out.

"Well, Mr. Hobson. I haven't seen you in a while. What are you needing to find out about old Snow today?" Morris asked.
"Morris, this is Bailey Vandercliff. Lucius Snow's granddaughter," Gary explained.
"Granddaughter? Bailey? Of course. You're the little photographer. I remember you, but you died. Poor old Snow almost lost his mind with grief. Kept thinking there was some way he could have saved you. He blamed himself for the longest time. So how is it you're alive?" Morris wondered.

"My father lied about my death to keep us
apart is the best I can figure right now." Bailey said quietly.

"Morris, we need to look through some old articles and try to piece some things together," Gary explained. Morris led them to the section they needed.

"Here it is. It's just a small article. It ran three days after their death. It doesn't say anything about me," Bailey said.

"That would explain why he couldn't stop it. He didn't know ahead of time. Why wouldn't he go over there. It was his daughter?" Gary asked.

"Maybe he couldn't afford the trip. No lawyer would have ever called him because he was supposed to be dead," Bailey said.

"I would like to ask Morris a few more questions," Bailey said. Gary got up to find Morris for her.
~~~

"Did he ever tell you why he never contacted my mother after he thought I had died?" she asked Morris.

"He tried. The number had been changed and was unlisted. He called your father at his office. He was told not to bother your family again. That his presence would not be welcome. He said you had been upset with your parents because they wouldn't let you come back here and you had ridden out on your horse angry. The horse came back and you didn't. He said they found you in a field with your neck broke. He blamed your grandfather for planting the idea of coming to Chicago in your head. Your father wanted you to continue your tennis career. So Snow never tried to contact your parents again," Morris explained.

"My poor grandfather. Dad made him feel responsible for something that didn't even happen. How could he be so cruel? Because of
my father, Grandpa died alone, thinking no one loved him."

"Are you going to be okay?" Gary asked "You look awfully pale."

"I just need some sleep. I spent the night going through the boxes. Reading the letters. I just need to sleep," she repeated. "I'll call you later, Gary."
~~~~~

"I'm losing her Marissa. I feel her pulling away and I don't know what to do to help her," Gary worried.

"Give her some space. She has a lot to think about. When she is ready she'll let you know," Marissa spelled out.

"I'm scared for her. This is a pretty tough blow to handle. It's been over a week and she is still not returning my calls," Gary said. "You don't think she would try anything stupid, do you?"

There was a knock on the door. Gary sighed.

"Bailey! Hi, come on in."

"Hello, Marissa. Gary," she said as she entered the room.

Marissa touched her arm. "I'm glad you're here. I'll leave you two alone." She left the room.

Gary stood and looked at Bailey, not sure what to say or do. She made a step toward him and he opened his arms and she eased into his embrace and he held her for a long time. Finally she stepped back and looked at him.

"I think I am ready to hear all about how you started getting the paper."

Continued...