Mannie thought about all he and Norma had been through, how he had almost lost her. His breath caught in his throat every time he thought about his Angel, and how he came so close to destroying everything, including her. He thanked God every day for second chances.

It seemed so long ago, eight months now, since she stumbled in from the rain that night, into the lobby of the hotel, and collapsed. He had been so scared, not knowing where she was, and then, when she had come back, he was still petrified from not knowing where she had been, especially as she seemed unable to speak of it.

Things were fine now. They were happy, and she was tucked in safely with him at the cabin....their cabin. It was cozy for them both, their lives were simple again. They loved and shared the same things, and Mannie realised how right his brothers had been. Until NormaJean, he hadn't had any idea what he'd been missing. He smiled at the thought of her, his Angel.

He heard someone stirring beside him, and he glanced away from the window to see John and Max, both smiling at him. Mannie smiled back self-consciously. They knew...they understood how much he was missing her. He surveyed the rest of the lobby and was surrounded by similar expressions. They all knew how far he had come, all the pain he and Norma had endured to get him there. He was grateful that his family had stuck by him during the worst time of his life, when he had made one mistake after another.

He looked at each of his brothers, smiling more. Before he would have resented their invasion of something so close to his heart, but now...now he was a part of them, and no longer separate from them. No longer alone. He had pushed them away, time and again, and when he had reached his lowest point, when he had needed them, they were there for him. He was as connected to them as he was to Norma. At one time he had refused to acknowledge the connection, then he hit rock bottom and found himself a lost man. It was at that point that he recognised their connection...and accepted it; arms wide open, no more questions asked.

"Missing her bad, Mannie?" Bud asked. A question that none of them needed the answer to, they all chuckled.

Mannie released a sigh. "Oh yeah." He ran his fingers through his hair, still smiling.

"Well, anytime now, they'll all be here." Max spoke of all their ladies. They were all waiting expectantly for the girls to return.

The women of the nest were out on a "girls only" trip, shopping and doing the 'Girl thing' for a week. All the men were missing their partners. Zack was there, waiting for Bugdog. Max and John were looking forward to seeing Laura and Tina, respectively. East was there for Kath, Bud for Trisha, and Steve waited quietly for Brynn.

Sid was even there, waiting for Tonya. He was unusually quiet, knowing she would be here soon, he desperately missed her, although he was trying hard not to let it show. The guys knew to and they couldn't wait for Tonya to get there either, Sid had been up and down all week. One minute annoying the crap out of the them, the next minute withdrawn and quiet. They all knew how much of an impact she had been on Sid, and now that Sid had found someone, they knew he was lost without her.

There were others there too, waiting for the party to begin. There would be lots of celebrating tonight, Lovers reunited after what seemed like an eternity. Even though there was tension in the air, it was a good tension and excitement was all around.

All eyes were drawn to the window as headlights flashed across the lot outside. Two cars, one behind the other, were pulling in, followed by a pick-up. "That's Tina's Sebring, I know that car anywhere." John voice betrayed his cool exterior; he was beside himself, missing Tina as much as Mannie missed Norma.

Everyone was shifting in their spots or seats, trying to look cool. John didn't care about how he looked he just wanted to get out there and see his girl. Mannie was right behind him, not being first out the door only because John had reacted faster. The other guys followed suit.

Tonya pulled her truck in behind the other two cars, and Norma sat in the passenger seat. Both women surveying the beautiful hotel before them. It was dusk, and the drive had been long, but both women were feeling revived at the thought of seeing the guys that they had both come to need and love.

"You sure you want to do this?" Tonya asked Norma. She nodded and giggled at the little conspiracy the women had concocted.

"This is going to be sooo funny, T. Mannie is not going to know what hit him." Tonya smiled and laughed.

She looked up to see the men streaming out of the main door to the lobby of the hotel.

"My God, NormaJean." Tonya breathed." Have you ever seen a more beautiful sight?" Norma laughed and could only shake her head no. All these men, characters from Russell Crowe movies, were walking toward the now parked vehicles. Norma spotted Mannie right away, as Tonya did Sid. All of them coming out to meet them.

Tonya and Norma exchanged excited expressions and both of them grabbed for their door handles at the same time. Laughing with pure childish delight, they both ran to their loves, like sailors home from sea. One would have thought they had been gone for a month, not a week.

Norma ran to Mannie, as he picked up his fast walk to a run. He started to laugh with joy himself, knowing by the sight of her she was as happy to see him as he was her, she had missed him too. Throwing her arms around his neck, almost bowling him over, she kissed him deeply on his warm lips; he returned the hungry kiss with a passion of his own.

Normally Mannie was uncomfortable with these displays in front of others, but he had missed her so much, and with similar exchanges happening all around them, no one was really looking at them. Everyone so happy at their own reunions to pay any attention to them.

This wasn't always the case though. Ever since the day that she came back they were both subject to looks from others that said, "AWWWWWE". Which both of them found a little disconcerting. They knew the others at the Nest were happy for them, and they both appreciated this, but the 'Aren't they sweet together' expressions embarrassed them both.

Mannie and NormaJean usually held hands when they were together, both were comfortable with this. Unfortunately, the first time Mannie gave Norma a peck on the cheek, the "Awwwes" elicited from the others, put a stop to anymore public exchanges like that.

Now they shared their deep kiss, knowing that the others were too preoccupied to notice them. They both knew the difficulties that awaited them this evening, the hidden signals that would be exchanged without the notice of others. The complicated maneuvers that would take place to get Mannie into Norma's room would take Herculean efforts, but it was worth it to them both, to save them from embarrassing explanations.

NormaJean and Mannie had first made love months ago, their first time together up at their cabin was the most glorious thing for them, but it was private for them as well. So they continued to let people think that they had never actually consummated their relationship. Most knew of Norma's history, and it would seem logical that she and Mannie would take their time with intimacy. No one ever asked them outright, so they never actually lied. But when exchanges between friends would take place, jokes and such, Norma or Mannie would make vague statements like; "We're taking things slow," or Mannie would feign indignation and say; "Norma Jean's a lady." Most people would back off.

Which was fine with them, that was the goal. When Norma Jean felt ready and she let Mannie know she was, they both did a lot of talking before their first time. They had wanted it to be perfect, they wanted it to be at the new cabin, and they wanted it to be away from the prying, curious eyes of the others. The thought of returning after their weekend together to a group of others waiting anxiously for them and asking them, 'SO...How did it go?' horrified Mannie and NormaJean both. So no one was actually aware that they were sleeping together.

No one really meant any harm. John and Tina both had been easy to talk to about things, and the couple were respectful of Norma and Mannie's privacy, but a lot of other people approached them as the young couple, who surely needed lots of advice about relationship matters. Norma understood that their friends meant well, but Mannie was still Mannie though, and he found the unsolicited advice and nosy questions unnerving.

No one thought it was out of the ordinary when Mannie and Norma would head away for the weekend up to the cabin. During the week Norma stayed in one of the older suites at the hotel not usually used for guests. Peaches let her stay there and she earned her keep and paid Peaches out of her inheritance. Everyone welcomed NormaJean at the Nest, knowing her history and with all that Mannie and she had been through together, they were also glad that Mannie had found someone to call his own, but their lives were complicated by their secret. Only made easier by the fact that Mannie finally agreed with Peaches to put in a makeshift road to access the cabin and hut.

The Hut, yes it still stood in spite of the fact that the cabin was now finished, and that's where they stayed. Neither Mannie nor Norma wanted to tear it down, so it remained. It annoyed Peaches because it was such an eyesore, but unbeknownst to her as to why Mannie suddenly changed his mind and allowed the road to be placed; she didn't fight about it, she could save it for another day.

Peaches was alone in this matter though. Everyone at the Nest believed the hut should remain. Most argued that, for Mannie sake and the memories for him there, it shouldn't be torn down. Some said it would be bad luck or something, after all it *was* a part of the Mannie's movie and to take that away would be taking away from Mannie himself, and who he was.

Secretly, except for Mannie, NormaJean and Peaches' reasons, no one wanted to dismantle the Hut because it had come to be affectionately named, The Love Shack, and just about everyone thought this a riot, except for the three aforementioned people who were clueless to its nickname.

The road made it easier for Norma to sneak the truck up during the weeknights, after it was late, but they still dealt with the times in which Norma would say she was tired and Mannie would walk her back to her room. Then he would make the pretence of coming back to the Tavern before "retiring" for the night at the stable cabin, but would actually sneak back to Norma's suite and avoid being seen.

Norma pulled back from him and glanced over at Brynn and Steve and Mannie followed her gaze. The couple were a little more subdued comparatively speaking to all the others, people were still getting used to the idea that Lachlan and Brynn were no longer an item, and now she was with Steve. Brynn looked back over at Norma and gave her an evil grin. Mannie smiled back, not reading Brynn smile for what it was.

Mannie and Brynn had come a long way in their friendship. They hadn't really liked each other very much, but Norma loved them both and they loved her, so they had made an effort to get along. Mannie and Brynn didn't always see eye to eye, but both had also come to an understanding of their own.

Mannie actually cared very much for Brynn, once he had taken the time to get to know her and found her to be an incredibly intelligent and beautiful person. They still had their many differences...differences that still led to heated arguments, but aside from that, Brynn was one of those who had surprisingly stuck by him during the roughest time of his existence....and he knew he owed a lot to Brynn for helping to pull him through.

NormaJean smiled back too. Brynn and she had become so close that at times it was like they could read each other's minds. They shared so much together...including a silliness that sometimes overtook them and carried them away. That silliness was about to come to a head...hence the evil grin they now shared.

The couples wound down their affections and slowly started to make their way to the Tavern, all ready for an evening of fun and relaxing. Liz and Andy and a few others had put tables together in the separate lounge for the rowdy bunch. Everyone would still have easy access to the dance floor, but Liz knew that the party was gearing up and they would want the time and space to talk about their week without having to compete with the music.

They all found seats around the tables, Norma held tightly to Mannie's hand, she had missed him so much, and she knew she would have to wait a while longer to *show* him how much she missed him. He smiled at her affectionately at the feel of the tug on his hand and he squeezed back to let her know he felt the same.

Laura was still standing behind her chair, laughing at the commotion and chatter, with some still finding their places to sit. Max was behind her lightly rubbing her back with a certain tenderness. People were placing drink orders and beers were arriving already. There were some here too that were without their partners, Hando was here but Stef couldn't make it and Jeffery and Alex were without Wendy and Annabella.

Jeffery looked a bit more comfortable with his solitude than Alex; Annabella had to leave a few months back to care for family, promising she would be back when she could. She popped in on occasions to say 'hi' and visit with Alex, but she was sorely missed by all. She had been such a ray of sunshine that *everyone* missed her.

Brynn sat next to NormaJean with their boys on either side of them. Brynn nudged Norma and indicated the exchange taking place between Sid and Tonya. Sid was cuddled close to Tonya speaking quietly but earnestly, like a child needing to be the centre of Tonya's attention. Sid could be really sweet at times and now was one of those times. Norma still felt uncomfortable around him, but she also trusted Tonya and Brynn...who both had soft spots for him.

As things settled down, the women started bringing out little trinkets and gifts and things for the guys, showing some of the little goodies they bought. East was impatiently rifling through a bag of Kath's while she kept telling him to "Get out of there!"

Sid was pestering Tonya for his gift; "What did ya get me? What did ya get me?" As she pulled out a little brass pocket mirror, Sid giggled with delight.

East pulled out a pair of black lace panties and was holding them up for everyone's perusal until Kath snatched them from his hands and stuffed them back in her bag. John was peeking into a bag that Tina had with all sorts of pretty smelling things from Body Works, he was raising and lowering his eyebrows in a mischievous way. "This is for us for later," she said to him quietly, but not quiet enough for others not to hear. Lots of "Whoohoos" went around.

Brynn discreetly passed Steve a small-framed lithograph that she and NormaJean had picked out for him. NormaJean brought out a small box and reached to hand it to Alex, who was taken aback that she had brought him something. "These are handmade chocolates from Annabella, she wanted me to give them to you." Alex took the box and a sad smile was on his lips, Norma knew how he must be missing her.

It was a rowdy playful group and Mannie watched, amused by the crowds silliness and fun. When Norma Jean sat back down he touched her back softly, so glad to have her close to him again. He wanted to kiss her right then and there but knew this group wouldn't let it go unnoticed, so he refrained and smiled sweetly to her.

"Hey NormaJean? What did you bring back?" Bud wanted to know. Mannie smiled shyly at her as she glanced toward him. All suddenly got quiet at the tables as NormaJean looked knowingly around the table at her co-conspirators. Brynn's evil grin was back.

"Come on Norma," Brynn egged her on." Show Mannie what ya got." The others joined in as the voices rose to cheer her on. "Yeah, show Mannie Norma" "Mannie is going to love this!'' "Wait till you see what NormaJean got." Norma was blushing deep red and giggling as her cohorts kept shouting their encouragement. The men's faces were a study in curiosity now. All wondering what Norma Jean could have brought back that would elicit such excitement. Mannie continued to smile at her, curious now himself.

"What did ya get, Angel," he prodded gently. Norma looked to be working up some courage, and with the ladies around the table shouting, "Go Norma Go Norma Go Norma" adding to the excitement, the guys could tell this was *big*.

NormaJean laughed and jumped up. In a flash she had turned her body sideways and drew up her short sleeve over her shoulder to display what she had gotten to the world. "I GOT A TATTOO!!!"

"AHHHHHHH!" The shouts that erupted from the other women were louder than ever and shook the walls as they all jumped up to crowd around her to admire the tiny read heart that was now etched on her left upper arm. The way they acted you would have thought it was an engagement ring to rival one of Elizabeth Taylor's. All of them oooing and ahhhing over it. Giddy with excitement.

Of all the women gathered, Norma was the only one to see Mannie's expression. The blood had drained from his face and she could see how his jaw had set in a grim fashion. The other boys looked stunned and glanced nervously at Mannie to note the sour look as well. They just *knew* he would not be pleased by this, but they tried to hide their discomfort of the moment with weak smiles to Norma Jean, as they glanced nervously back and forth between her and Mannie.

Hando's brow knitted in question as he got up to inspect the tattoo himself.

Norma spoke quickly now. "I don't know why I did it...it's something I always thought would be fun to do....and it's just a little one, Mannie" She could see he was trying hard to keep his temper. She had known he wouldn't approve of this. His philosophy had been that it was *ok* for other women to do that sort of thing....but not his Angel. The whiskers of his mustache were twitching as he watched Hando come around to look closely at it.

Mannie looked away.

Hando got really close to the tiny heart on her arm, and a small smile played at his lips. Norma met his eyes nervously, he saw right away it was a fake. When their eyes locked he gave a little smile to say, 'I'll play along...this is good'.

Hando stood straight up and announced; "It's a good one...small...but whoever did it does good work." She smiled at him gratefully." I hope whoever did it used sterile equipment?" he asked her.

Norma shrugged her shoulders innocently. "I don't know..." All the guys groaned and rolled their eyes. Norma continued to play innocent as the women around her started giggling, now aware of Mannie's displeasure.

He was red in the face now and brushing imaginary hairs away from his face, now barely able to contain his anger. Norma saw that he was close to his breaking point, and she knew she had to tell him soon.

"Mannie?" No response. "Mannie, honey?" Still no response. He couldn't look at her. "Mannie...Look at me." He glanced in her direction but looked away quickly. His temper had almost ruined everything before and he was fighting not to explode. The guys were very nervous now. "Mannie...Please look at me."

He exhaled deeply and then turned his eyes back to her. //How could she have done this when she knows how I feel about it? //

All was quiet, you could've have heard a pin drop, everyone waiting with baited breath. Norma Jean whispered to him and they all heard her say; "It's a fake...it's not real." Mannie set expression flickered and she laughed out loud. "It'll wash off in a couple of days." All the women burst out laughing as Mannie let out a huge sigh of relief. Putting his hands to his face, the boys joined in on the hilarity of the joke.

Mannie started to smile and nod his head in resignation. "Ok Ok ...." He chuckled a bit. "You got me." Norma smiled nervously trying to gauge whether she had taken the joke a little too far. He looked around at the others laughing and started laughing himself as he looked back at her. He shook his finger playfully at her. "You.....Come here." He was now crooking his finger, motioning for her to come to him.

"You're not mad?" She smiled shyly at him, tentative. He stood up and she walked toward him. He held out his arms to her and she went immediately to his embrace. He cuddled her close in affection and reached up to stroke her hair.

He laughed again gently. "Don't scare me like that." She giggled and snuggled closer. His fingers touched her face as he lifted her chin to kiss her. A peck at first, but then he couldn't resist her and kissed her deeply on her lips.

"AWWWWWWE" the crowd said, in unison. They didn't care. For a moment they were alone in their own little world.

The kiss did end, and the party continued for a few more hours. Everyone having a great time. Mannie and Brynn had a chance to talk about the practical joke.

"I swear, Brynn I thought I was going to strangle you." Mannie laughed.

Brynn feigned indignance. "Me? I swear it was NJ's idea...we just talked her into doing it." She had a twinkle in her eye. "We thought you needed to loosen you up a bit." She giggled and he laughed a nervous laugh. He knew she and everyone thought he was uptight.

"Give me a break, will ya, mate? I think I've come a long way."

Brynn's wry smile revealed she wasn't impressed yet. "Baby, you still have a long way to go," she laughed. He smiled at her, but you could tell he was a bit offended.

By 10:30 pm NormaJean announced that she was tired and needed to get some sleep. This didn't surprise anyone, she was a lightweight, and was usually the first one to call it a night. After some pleading, and her making tons of excuses, Mannie insisted himself that she was tired, and his angel needed to get some shut-eye. He would walk her back.

She insisted he come back and not to miss out on the fun because of her and he agreed he would after he got her tucked in.

"I'll see ya in a few, Mates." Mannie announced to the crowd. Letting it be known that he would not be staying with Norma for the night. NormaJean said her goodnights again, and they were off.

After they were gone all was quiet at the table....people lost in thought...smirks and grins playing at the mouths of those there. Kath finally broke the quiet to speak of what was on everyone's mind.

"Well, who wants to start taking bets on how long it'll take Mannie to get back here, have a beer, and sneak back to NormaJeans room?" Laughter erupted from the tables and she continued through her own chuckling. "I mean...Who do they think they're kidding anyway?"

The betting was on, with East acting as bookie and Brynn deciding to enhance the good mood by leading them all into a rendition of The Love Shack by the B-52's.