**
Thanks for the times that you've cared for me
The memories are all in my mind
And now that we've come to the end of our rainbow
There's something i must say out loud

You're once, twice, three times a lady
And I love you...
Yes, you're once, twice, three times a lady
And I love you... I love you...

When we are together the moments I cherish
With every beat of my heart
To touch you, to hold you
To feel you, to need you
There's nothing to keep us apart

You're once, twice, three times a lady
And I love you... I love you...
("Three Times A Lady" by The Commodores)
**


The Sweeney backyard was large, lush, and had a beautiful view of the beach. White Christmas tree lights had been strung overhead, among the trees and in a web-like pattern over the dance floor: a smooth wooden temporary thing, set up for the party. The lights were nothing compared to the stars twinkling high above. The perfume of nature, the fragrance of a large garden wafted on the night air. The sound of the ocean was heard through everything.

Lucky had his hands pushed deep in his pockets. He walked into the backyard slightly behind Joey and Liz, who were having a semi-animated conversation. Lucky squished the surge of jealousy that rose in his chest. He jumped when a miniature form attached itself to his leg right above his knee. He stilled and looked down.

Addie Sweeney, age five, had her chubby arms wrapped around his thigh.

"Hi, there, kiddo," he said with a gentle smile lighting his face.

Liz felt his absence and turned back to find him, but she didn't stop walking. She noted Lucky's manner: his patient smile, the light pat he gave behind her shoulders, the way he argued with Amanda when she tried to pull the little girl away. Liz turned back to Joey when he tapped her arm. He grinned nervously.

"Do you want something to drink? Or are you hungry?"

Liz nodded offering him a sweet smile. "Something to drink would be lovely."

Joey hurried off and Liz turned back to Lucky-watching. Lucky felt her eyes on him and felt an age old desire stir: the desire to show off. He pretended to ignore Liz and whisked Addie out onto the dance floor.

"Show me an Australian dance!" he whispered into her ear. She happily obliged.

**

Liz was leaning against the refreshment table, munching on hors d'oeuvres, when Andy Sweeney approached her.

"Would you do me the honor?" he asked kindly, indicating the dance floor.

"I don't know the steps," Liz replied hesitantly.

"Oh, it's not hard. You'll pick it up in minutes. Come on?" Andy pleaded, holding out his hand. Liz tentatively accepted it, and allowed herself to be led to the dance floor.

Lucky looked up briefly and happened to catch Liz's eye. He asked her if she was okay, with that glance. Liz nodded slightly, flashing him a quick smile. Andy demonstrated a few of the easier moves for Liz, and she mimicked him. She was soon so into the dance moves she felt like she was flying.

Somehow, she ended up nearing Lucky in the crowd. When the song ended, Lucky was facing her. He saw the sparkle in her smiling eyes, her flushed cheeks, her nervously clenched right hand. There was a pause in the music, and Lucky took a step toward Liz.

"Dance?" he asked, as the music began in a slow ballad. She glanced back swiftly, looking for Andy's approval. He was nowhere in sight. Liz shrugged and turned back to Lucky, taking a step and meeting him in the middle.

---

Back | Fanfic | Feedback | Next