Sunset Beach doll factory

I found this in my old SB-files one day. I think it's really funny. I don't know who wrote it but in the mail adresses I see Krista E. and Haley Watkins names. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Hello and welcome to the Sunset Beach doll factory! Here, you can find
descriptions of all the dolls for Sunset Beach. This will be updated
periodically as the character changes, or a new character is added to the
cast. Enjoy!

Today we start out with Caitlin Deschanel. Caitlin comes complete with eyes
that produce tears and long blond hair that is fun to pull. When you pull
Caitlin's string, she says either, "I want my baby!" (Edition one,
discontinued) Or 2, "I can't believe Daddy is dead. I loved him, you
know."(Edition 2)

Next, we have Mr. Cole Deschanel. We only have one edition of this doll, as
when we were completing the first edition he fell apart. Anyway, Cole comes
complete with dimples to die for and a charming grin that will pull any
female under his spell. When you pull his string, though, he gets a serious
look and says, "I love you so much, Caitlin, sweetheart. I never stopped."

Next comes AJ Deschanel. This one has a mysterious, enigmatic, and charming
smile on his face. When you pull his string, he says, "Now that Gregory is
gone, I am free to marry Olivia."

Our next charming doll is Gregory Richards. This man wears a suit and has no
other clothes to change him into. He scowls but when someone yells out in
anger or frustration, the scowl turns to a smile. When you pull his string,
his hair gets messed up and he says in a desperate voice, "I did it for YOU,
Caitlin! I love you!"

Following Gregory is his wife, Annie Richards. Annie wears short, sexy
clothes that no one else could get away with, and when you pull her string,
she says, "I'm RICH! I'm rich, I'm rich, I'm rich!"

Next comes Olivia Richards. Olivia has several wigs, one short, one medium
legnth and one long. To match Olivia's hair legnth on the show, you should
change her hair once a day. Olivia also carries a baby Trey in her arms.
When you pull her string, she whines "My baby...."

Following Olivia comes Sean Richards. Sean comes complete with gansta-type
clothes, a journal, and his undetachable necklace. When you pull his string,
he says, "I can't believe I never got a chance to tell my Dad how much I
love I loved him. But I hated the bastard, too!"

Next is Emily Davis. Emily wears nice clothes and always has a worried look
on her face. When you pull her string, she cocks her head to the side and
says, "Sean, it's okay..."

Following Emily is Amy Nielson. Amy looks at Sean with longing in her eyes
and comes complete with a love potion.  When you pull her string, she says,
"...and then I will have Sean."

Next comes Brad Nichols. Brad wears a Hawiian shirt and khaki shorts, and
carries a donut and soft drink. He also has a permanent duh look on his
face. When you pull his string, he says, "I'm hungry..."

Then comes Bette Katzenkazrahi. Bette has a wonderful hairdo and clothes,
and carries a notepad to catch the latest rumors. If you say something
shocking, she gasps and covers her mouth. When you pull her string, she
moans, "Oh, Poopsie, I'm sorry..."

Following Bette is Ricardo Torres. Ricardo comes equipped with everything a
detective could possibly need. He has two expressions, The Good Cop Ricardo
and the Bad Cop Ricardo.  Recently we have not seen much of the Good Cop
Ricardo. Due to Ricardo's recent debilitating state, when you pull his
string he only utters soundless moans. If Antonio or Gabi come anywhere near
him, his eyes practically bug out.

Next comes the beautiful Gabi Martinez. Gabi has two wigs, a short one and a
long one. When she wears the long one, she has a fierce, mean expression;
with the short one she looks almost childish. When you pull her string while
wearing the long wig, she says, "Rape!!!!" and while wearing the short one
she says, "Ricardo can never find the tape of us making love, Antonio." She
comes equipped with TTOUML to play in your VCR.

Our next wonderful doll is Father Antonio Torres. Antonio comes equipped
with two outfits, a priest outfit and a workout outfit. Doll wears a longing
look in his eyes. When you pull his string, he says, "We have to find the
tape of us making love, Gabi." He also comes equipped with TTOUML.

The next doll in the collection is Mama Carmen Torres, the mother of
Antonio, Ricardo, and Maria. She wears a long dress and a shawl. When you
pull her string, she gasps, "Dios Mio! I have to find a way to get that
demon whore out of my sons' lives!"

Our next doll is Vanessa Hart. Vanessa comes with sticky rice crispies that
you can stick to her face if you want her to have Martin's Syndrome. Also
has two wigs, normal and poofy. While wearing the rice crispies, when you
pull her string, Vanessa will say, "I can't let Michael find me." While not
wearing rice crispies, Vanessa says, "I'm so happy we're back together,
Michael."

Following Vanessa comes Michael Bourne. Doll, like Sean Richards, has an
undetachable necklace. He wears swimming trunks and a T-shirt, and a big
smile on his face. When you pull his string, he says, "I love you,
Vanessa...but I'm still not sure I can trust ya!"

Next comes Dr. Tyus Robinson. Since the character suffers from
'Boringminorcharacterisits' doll doesn't do anything but stand there in his
white lab coat and smile.

Next are the new pair of dolls, Hank and Joan. Hank wears a flannel shirt
and jeans while Joan wears typical clothes.  When Hank's string is pulled,
he yells, "You better stop hurting my daughters, Evans!" When Joan's string
is pulled, she alternates between comforting her daughters and calming Hank
down.

Next in our series is Casey Mitchum. Casey wears a T-shirt and shorts. He
has a continual "Duh" look on his face, and also a smile. When string is
pulled, he scowls and says, "I can't believe you did this to me, Sara! Get
out, you're just not good enough for me anymore." If in the presence of Meg,
his face will soften and he'll say, "It's going to be okay, Meg...I promise.
I'm here for you."

Following Casey is Sara Cummings. Sara has a nosy look on her face, and when
you pull her string, she talks for over an hour, even when you start beating
her against the wall. (I'm sorry; I just found this one too priceless to
change!)

Next we have Tim Truman. Tim has spiky blond hair and a conniving look on
his face. When his string is pulled, he grins, laughs and says, "Tess, the
plan is working PERFECTLY!"

Next, we have a new doll, Tess Marin. Tess has an array of rather
unattractive, brightly colored clothes that come with her. She has an
innocent look on her face, but when you pull her string, she gets a
malicious look on her face and says, "The plan is finally working."

The next doll is Benji Evans, the son of Ben and Maria Evans. He looks
adorable until you pull his string, coz that's when he opens his mouth. He
whines about various things each time you pull his string.

Next is the beautiful Meg Cummings. Meg cries a lot. She has many, many
outfits, mostly tank tops. When you pull her string, she says, "Ben, it's
OVER. I'm not going to come between you and your family anymore!"

Following Meg is Maria Torres-Evans. Maria has a forced smile on her face
but really looks like she might cry. When you pull her string, she says, "I
have to remember my missing years."

Finally, last but not least, is Mr. Ben Evans, entrepeneur. Ben has an
apologetic look on his face, and comes equipped with a fisherman's gaff in
case you want to pretend he is Derek Evans. When you pull his string, he
says, "I'm sorry, Maria!" or "I'm sorry, Meg!", depending on which doll's
presence he is in.

Started with a chat 21

~Chapter twenty one~

Meg threw the door open. “Surprise, Happy New Year” Meg got the shock of her life, outside her front door was her parents “Mom, dad” she said “But how?” Joan stepped forward and hugged her “It’s all Ben’s idea. He invited us, he even sent us the tickets” Meg smiled “That’s Ben for you. Come on in” she stepped to the side and when her parents were well inside she got a hug from her father too. “I can’t believe you’re here” she said and showed them into the living room “Can I get you something to drink or eat?” “We ate on the plane, but some coffee would be nice” Joan said “You too daddy?” Meg asked “Sure, coffee’s ok” Meg started towards the kitchen and was soon back “Why don’t we sit outside on the terrace, maybe we can spot Sarah and Jude and call them over, they’ve been on the beach all day” “Did Sarah leave you to do all the things for the party on your own?” Joan asked surprised “Well not as much as I shooed her away, it’s my party and you know how I want to have control of it all” “That’s true” Joan agreed.

Ben checked his wristwatch; it was already half past four that meant that Meg must have gotten his surprise by now. He turned off the computer, put the papers in a nice pile and left the office. “Hey Mark, you don’t have to do more clean up now” he said as he passed the bar “I’m almost done anyways. Did you get the inventory into the computer?” he asked “Yes, and now I’m going home to Meg” Ben smiled “I’d hope she’s not mad at me” he added “Why should she be?” “I sent her parents plane tickets and had them flown in for the party, they should have arrived by now” “Ben, I bet Meg will like that very much” Mark said and put the towel away “I guess I’m done here, shall we leave” Mark turned off the lights from the bar and walked towards the stairs. “I’ll see you later then” Ben said as he turned on the alarm and locked the doors “Sure thing wouldn’t miss it for the world”

After having coffee Meg showed her parents around the house “By the way, where are your bags?” Meg asked as they arrived back downstairs. “At the hotel” Joan said with a smile “Ben arranged a room, well a suite for us at the Grenadine’s” Meg sighed “I don’t know how I could have met such a lovely man” “He sure is” Joan agreed just as Ben walked thru the front door “Hello” he said and walked over to greet Joan and Hank “Did you have a pleasant trip” “Yes it was, such luxury to fly first class” Hank answered as he shook Ben’s hand “First class?” Meg asked astonished “Only the best is good enough” Ben said and gave her a soft kiss “Talking about that” Joan said “We’d better get back to the hotel to freshen up” “Already?” Meg said “You’ve not met Sarah yet” Joan gave her a quick hug “We’ll meet Sarah tonight and besides I bet you’ve still got a few things to take care off” Meg smiled “You know me too well mom” she walked her parents to the door and when she closed it behind them she turned around and rushed over to Ben and threw her arms around his neck “I love you Ben Evans, thank you so much for flying my parents out here”

Just before seven people started to arrive, Meg was overwhelmed by all the gifts they brought. From Casey and Rae and the others at Surf Central they got an exclusive carafe and two champagne glasses; Paula, Gaby and Elaine arrived with a big palm tree plant and a gift certificate at Sunset Sisters. Olivia had almost apologized when she handed over their present that too was a gift certificate “I didn’t know what you wanted or needed for your house” she had said “This way you can buy what you want or need yourself” Meg had smiled and reassured her it was a great gift. Even Antonio and Ricardo showed up. Meg introduced them to her parents but she didn’t say that they were brothers of Ben’s ex-wife. Antonio would probably be the priest that would marry Ben and Meg when they had set a date. Of course Bette was there, she had her little recorder in one hand and her notepad and pen ready in her purse, the first column of the year was going to set the bar high for the rest of the year. The most unexpected guests showed up last, it was Ben who opened the door “Hi Ben” Annie said “I know this is awkward” she grabbed Oscar’s hand for support “But we’ve been friends a long time Ben and I really want to wish you and Meg all the happiness” Meg who wondered why it took so long for Ben to let the guests in arrived at his side “Hi Annie, officer Ruiz” she said with a smile “Why are you all standing here, come on in” Meg knew Annie was an old friend of Ben’s and the best friend of Maria’s, but there had never been any bad blood between them and besides officer Ruiz was a close friend to the Surf Central crowd and had been over when Meg invited the others so she had invited him too “Thank you Meg” Annie said and stepped thru the door “You look lovely” she complimented Meg on her dress. “Thank you Annie, you look nice yourself” the girls then laughed, they had on the same dress the difference was that Meg’s were blue and Annie’s burgundy. Ben saw to it that Annie and Oscar got drinks and told them to mingle around. Food was set out for people to pick when they wanted too.

Meg did her best to talk to everyone at the party, but it wasn’t the easiest as there were so many friends here. Bette had taken aim for Meg’s parents and when Meg saw that she only hoped they weren’t feeling interrogated. She heard someone cling a glass and turned around to see Ben standing on the little landing “May I have your attention please” Ben said and those who were on the terrace came inside. As everyone gathered around Ben locked eyes with Meg and got her to come over and when she was standing by his side he spoke again. “Thank you all for coming tonight, it means a lot to me to have all my friends and family around to celebrate this day” He took Meg’s hand “From the beginning this was only planned to be a housewarming party but when I was in Kansas with Meg and her family to celebrate Christmas I asked Meg to marry me and she made me the happiest man by accepting and as our dear friend Mark made the announcement yesterday on New Year’s Eve this turned out to be an engagement party as well” Everyone clapped their hands and cheered “Meg” he turned and looked at her “If you have any idea how happy I’ve been since I met you, first on the internet and then in real life you only know half of it, because I’ve never been this happy in my life, Meg you are my life, my soul mate and I look forward to growing old with you” Ben dried a tear away from Meg’s cheek and turned to look for Hank and Joan “Hank and Joan” he started “Thank you for raising such a lovely woman, I’ve only started to learn to know you both recently but I know that Meg wouldn’t be who she is today if it wasn’t for the way you brought her up” he then looked over at Olivia and Gregory “My dear aunt Olivia”  he said with warmth in his voice “I’d like to thank you and Gregory too for taking Meg to your hearts like you did when you first met her. I love you both as you were my parents” Ben looked around the room and then raised his glass “Now, this is a happy occasion” he said with a smile “I want you all to have a great time, eat and drink all you can. Dance the night away as I’ve got the best DJ in the house tonight and don’t worry about waking up the neighbors as their here” he looked at Bette since the house on the other side was empty at the moment. Ben bent his head and gave Meg a kiss and the others raised their glasses in a cheer “To Ben and Meg and their new house” Gregory said.

As Ben had held his speech Mark had prepared the music with Ben and Meg’s song ‘At Sunset Beach’ and he put it on. Meg took Ben’s hand and led him down the step to the floor and moved close to him, as they started to sway to the music Meg whispered “Thank you Ben, it was a lovely speech. I love you so much” “I love you too” Ben said and kissed her. When Ben and Meg parted from the dance Hank came over and shook Ben’s hand “That was a lovely speech, I knew from the beginning you were of the good kind” Ben smiled “Thank you Hank” The party went on half the night and around 4 in the morning Ben and Meg fell onto the bed exhausted “Good thing we don’t have to open the Java Web in the morning” Meg sighed “I wouldn’t gotten half of the things done right” and Ben laughed “Oh I think you would, you can do them in your sleep by now” “Well that’s how it would have been” Meg said and closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

___________________________________________________________________________

All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.

©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 20

~Chapter twenty~

Back in Sunset Beach Ben and Meg went to the house to shower and change before they headed towards the party at the Deep. Ben did his best to catch up with Mark in the office and Meg was busy working in the bar. Ben finally had the time to get downstairs to the bar “Is it busy?” he asked Meg with a grin “Dah?” she answered and took the filled tray to go serve at a table. When she came back Ben caught her by the arm and pulled her in for a kiss “I love you” he said and smiled at her “I love you too Ben, but if you haven’t noticed your club is filled with a lot of people” “I know, but I still wanted a kiss from you” and he kissed her again before he let her go. Meg left with a laugh.

After closing the Deep around 2am Ben and Meg went back to the house and fell exhausted asleep. The next day was a normal day and Meg knew she was scheduled to be at the Java Web to take care of the early deliveries. When she came home in the afternoon she had to finish with the last things in the house, especially the guest room, or should she make it rooms? She texted her sister straight away; “Hiya, do I need to fix one or two rooms for you and Jude?” she got a reply back instantly “One would be fine ;)” she sighed happily “What was that about?” she looked up and saw Ben stand in the doorway leaning against the frame filling the door up “Nothing really, just texted Sarah to ask if I needed to fix up an extra guestroom” “I take it they’ll share?” Meg nodded and walked over to put her arms around him. She didn’t have any shoes on so she had to stand on her tiptoes to reach up for the kiss “What are you doing home?” she asked since she knew he had some business meeting with Gregory in the afternoon “I had to pick some files up that I had in the safe” “Do you know when you’ll be back?” she asked and Ben shrugged his shoulders “Seven or eight, then I need to be at the Deep around ten” Meg smiled at him “Ok, then I’ll fix us some dinner around eight” Ben pulled her close for another kiss “What did I do to get you in my life” “I don’t know but I’m happy you did whatever you did” Meg answered.

Ben had made some plans of his own during the morning; tonight he was going to give the ring to Meg. He had found one of her favorite rings that he knew she usually wore on her ring-finger and brought it to the jewelry’s to get the other ring fitted for size. When he arrived home from his meeting with Gregory he walked into the house from the terrace where he had put a bottle of champagne and a bowl of strawberries that he had been at the Deep to pick up on the table. “I’m home” he called to Meg and went towards the kitchen. “I didn’t hear the door” Meg said as she came to meet him and greeted him with a kiss. “I came thru the terrace-doors” Ben said “Just had to take a look at that spectacular view of ours” he smiled and took her hand “Why don’t you come with me?” he asked and Meg followed. When they arrived at the terrace Ben opened the champagne and poured them each a glass “I want to toast to us and to the life ahead in this house” he looked at her and as she sipped her drink he took out the box he had in his pocket “I’ve got something for you” he said and went down on one knee “I’ve already asked you once, but this time it’s for real. Meg Cummings, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he asked and opened the box. The ring inside was the most spectacularly Meg had ever seen “Oh Ben” she said and looked him in the eyes “Of course I’ll marry you” Ben took out the ring and put it on her finger “It was my mom’s” he said “I borrowed one of your other rings and had it fitted” Meg put her arms around his neck and kissed him before she took another look at the ring “Ben it’s amazing, I’m so honored you gave this to me” “You are my soul mate Meg, the only other person I’d would have given it to would have been if I’d ever had a daughter” Meg saw a tear in his eye “That can still happen” she smiled and reached for her glass. Meg couldn’t stop looking at the ring.

It wasn’t many of the guests in the night club on New Year’s Eve that missed that Ben and Meg had gotten engaged, could be the fact that Mark had announced it just before he played Ben and Meg’s favorite song ‘At Sunset Beach’. It had been a busy evening and this was the first time Ben and Meg had a chance to dance, just before the countdown for midnight.

New Year’s Day Meg woke up already around 8 am although she hadn’t been in bed until closer to 4.30. She had a lot to do as they were throwing a housewarming party that Meg now suspected would turn into an engagement party. She didn’t know if she would be angry with Mark or happy that he had made the announcement. The worst had been that Maria Ben’s ex-wife had been there, standing just a few feet away from the bar. The look Meg got from her was far from friendly. Just as Meg was to put the duvet to the side and get up she felt Ben’s arm around her waist “What’s the hurry?” he asked a bit groggily. Meg rolled over and looked at him “I’ve got a lot to do” she answered. Ben shook his head “Not just yet” his hands started wander her lovely body, his kisses hit the right spot and Meg couldn’t resist him “You drive me crazy” Meg whispered in his ear just before she nibbled on it.

When Meg finally got out of bed it was much later than she had planned, but making love with Ben had been just as amazing as ever. She dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt and went downstairs. Just as she stepped off the stairs her sister came in from the balcony “Good morning, happy new year” Sarah walked over and gave her a hug “Thank you so much for inviting us and letting us stay here” Meg smiled at her sister “There were nothing to it” she said “I love having you here, besides before we both know it it’s time for you and Jude to get to L.A” Sarah smiled at the thought. Meg walked towards the kitchen she needed something to eat before she got started with all the preparations.

“Mmm it smells lovely” Meg turned around and saw Ben standing in the doorway dressed in jeans and a blue t-shirt, how could a man always look so sexy as Ben did “It’s just coffee” she said and smiled at him “And toast” Ben added just as two pieces of bread popped up of the toaster, in two steps he was by the counter and snapped the bread just before Meg could take them “Hey, those are mine” Meg said with a laugh “You have to make your own” Ben bent his head and kissed her “Why don’t you put two new in and we’ll share” he started to butter them while they still were warm. “Ben Evans, you’re incurable” she sighed “But still you love me” Ben grinned “So, what can I help you with here today?” he asked “Not a thing Mr. Evans, if I don’t remember wrong you’ve got some inventory to do” Now it was Ben’s time to sigh “Please don’t remind me” “Of course, if you like we can change jobs, you cook and I’ll go do the inventory” Meg suggested. “As much as I love cooking I think it’s still safer that I’ll do the inventory” Ben said as he sat down on one of the stools.

Sarah and Jude left Meg alone in the house to enjoy a few hours on the beach. Meg was busy preparing food and drinks, putting some folding chairs up against the walls so people easily could grab one if they wanted to sit down. When she was almost done and ready to go shower she realized she still hadn’t put all hangings up on the walls, they stood on the floor nearby where they had talked about hanging them “Well” she sighed “I better put them in the hall closet for the time being” she started to gather them when the doorbell rang. “Give me a break” she said and then called “I’ll be right there”

Thanks to a good system on his computer the inventory didn’t take all day, Ben was just about to finish up when he thought of something, he was going to do an inventory on his own life. He opened his mail program and started a new mail to “Dorothy from Kansas”

“My dearest, I’m sitting here almost finished with the inventory of my company and thought of you. If I hadn’t met you on the net those months ago I would have been on the minus side on my personal life, now I’m in total balance, more balance than I’ve ever been. I’m so happy I met you, I’m so happy you agreed to marry me and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. The love I feel for you is hard to put into words, but I hope I will be able to show it to you every day from now on until eternity. Yours forever, S.B”

___________________________________________________________________________

All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.

©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 19

~Chapter nineteen~

Even though Meg and Sarah helped out a lot in the kitchen preparing for the next day it was a pretty laid back day this Christmas Eve. Ben and Meg had already decided to go to the Buckaroo again in the evening and were trying to get Sarah and Jude to come along. “You should go out and enjoy yourself while you’re young” the girl’s grandma said. She had taken alike to both Ben and Jude at once and when Hank had told her and Joan about his meeting with Ben. “That young man will make a very good husband for Meg” she had said “I too was blinded by Tim, but knowing what we know now I’m very happy for Meg she didn’t go thru with that wedding” “You’re such a wise woman Sophie” Hank said to his mother-in-law and she laughed “I see something in Ben that I once saw in you Hank, a young man who knows what he wants”

After the dishes were done from their dinner Ben and Meg, Sarah and Jude went to the Buckaroo. It was pretty crowded for Christmas Eve, a lot of Meg’s old friends from school were there and she talked to as many as she could. Some of them wanted to know if she had seen Tim since she got back, a lot of them wanted to know about California. She felt like she was the only one ever been out of the state. “I just need to get to the bathroom” she told Ben when he asked her to dance “I’ll be here waiting” he said and sat down. Jake was playing this evening too and the crowd loved him. At the moment he had taken a break. Just as Meg walked out of the bathroom she met him “Hi, you’re playing great tonight too” she said with a smiled and Jake just grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the office. He didn’t say anything but pushed her against the door and kissed her, Meg put her hands against his chest to push him away but the kiss was familiar and she gave into it. With not too much resistance left Jake pulled away “I’m sorry Meg” he said breathless “I didn’t mean to do that” he turned around and pulled his hands thru his hair before he looked at Meg again “I know it doesn’t make it right, I just had to take the chance” Meg still stood with her back against the door “Jake…” She started but didn’t know how to go on, was she going to drag up the past. Jake stood closer now he rubbed her arms up and down “I know I’ve got no rights doing this, I know you’re with Ben and he seems to be a great guy, I just had to grab the chance” Meg moved away towards the desk in the room “Ben is the greatest” she said still with her back to him “I love him more than I’ve ever loved anyone” she turned around “Jake, maybe I can say I regret not breaking up with Tim all those years ago, but both you and I know we’re totally different people today. I mean you’re the big country star” she smiled “There is someone special out there for you too” she filled in “Have you maybe already met her?” Meg teased when she saw something glints in his eyes. “Well… it’s early days yet” he admitted “But I’ve been seeing this girl that was in my latest video”. Meg walked over and gave him a hug “I hope it turns out well” she then left the office to go back to Ben.

There was still some life left in the fireplace when they got back to the house. Ben and Meg sat down on the floor with a cup of hot chocolate. Meg snuggled closer to Ben and just enjoyed the moment. The house was so quiet and everyone else had gone to bed, even Sarah and Jude had gone straight to their rooms. Meg moved so she sat in front of Ben, he wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck “I love you Meg” he whispered and Meg took his hands and softly kissed them “I love you too Ben” she hadn’t told him about the run in with Jake, she felt that it wasn’t necessary. Ben looked into the fire for a while “It’s magic, don’t you think” he said more like a statement than a question and Meg turned her head “Everything I share with you is magic” she said and kissed him. Ben slipped down among the pillows they had put there to sit comfortable and pulled Meg with him, he knew it couldn’t lead to anything this night, but just being close and kissing was almost as good. He rolled her over so he was on top. As they broke the kiss Ben looked Meg deep in her eyes “Marry me Meg” he said and they both sat up. Meg was a bit in shock “I know this is a spur of the moment, I don’t even have the ring with me” Ben said “You have a ring?” Meg said astonished “Yes I’ve got it back in Sunset Beach, I didn’t plan on asking you just yet, but…” he took a deep breath “Meg, I love you with all of my heart and I want to share the rest of my life with you” Meg took his face in her hands “I love you too Ben, heart and soul and I too want to be with you for the rest of my life” she pulled him close for a kiss “I’d love to marry you” Ben kissed her again and sighed “It feels strange not to have the ring for you” Meg smiled “I don’t need a ring Ben, I’ve got you and that’s all that matters” “You’re one of a kind Meg Cummings” Ben kissed her again and then reluctantly pulled away “I guess we better get to bed now, I don’t know if I can keep away from you otherwise” he stood up and offered his hand to Meg to help her up. Hand in hand they walked up the stairs where they shared another kiss before they parted. Meg threw herself on the bed, she grinned from ear to ear, she was getting married to Ben, she felt like screaming it out to the world, but for now she’d keep it to herself. Ben undressed and slipped into bed, he was surprised with himself for being so impulsive and damned himself at the same time for not packing the ring, although he had thought he’d ask her at a romantic meal or a nice picnic when it was just the two of them, the only right of all that had been that it had actually been just the two of them.

The next morning Meg was woken up by someone knocking on the door, it was Ben with a fresh cup of coffee “Good morning my love” he smiled as Meg sat up in bed and got the cup handed to her “Good morning to you too and Merry Christmas” Ben bent forward to kiss her “Merry Christmas” Meg was the one that broke the silence “So, shall we tell everyone or shall we wait?” she put her head on the side as she looked at Ben who shrugged his shoulders “It’s all up to you, I mean I didn’t give you the ring…” he felt a little bad about that, but now he could at least have Meg try it and maybe get it readjusted if needed. “That’s that…” Meg said “But again I’d love to shout it from the rooftop” Ben laughed at her happiness “Then let’s tell them all tonight” Robert and Susan wasn’t coming until later on in the day as they were going to her parents for lunch. “But only if you’re really sure about it” Ben added. “I’d hate to wait until we’re back in Sunset Beach and then call home and tell them, so yes Ben, I’m sure about it. Besides grandma deserves to hear it from us both” she just loved her grandma.

When Ben and Meg told everyone about their news it was all happy faces. “But you have to wait with the wedding until after the twins are born” Susan said “I don’t want to look like this in your wedding pictures” and Meg smiled “Of course we will wait” she said and Ben took her hand “But not too long” he looked at her with a smile “No, but I don’t want to rush it either, I only plan on doing this once… I mean for doing it once for real” Joan had taken out an old photo album that she first showed to her mother “Do you remember this?” it was taken in the garden of Sophie’s house and it was Meg, Sarah, Robert, their cousins and a few other kids. The girls had managed to dress the guys up to play wedding “I do, what a job the girls did, picking flowers and getting the boys all dressed up” she said and pointed “Who’s that?” she asked about the guy standing next to Meg(who as the oldest girl was the bride) and it got Meg curious to look too “Yeah mom, who’s that, it’s not Tim for sure” and Joan looked a bit closer “I can’t say for sure” she carefully took the photo out of the corners and read on the back “Oh, it’s Jake. It was the first summer Owen’s were here, about 5 years before they moved here” She handed the photo to Hank to pass around and in a teasing mood he looked at Meg “This looks like another match made in heaven” although from the little he’d gotten to know Ben, there could be no one better for his little girl, Jake was touring with his music and he wanted a man that was close to home for Meg. When the photo reached Ben Meg tried to get it from him, she didn’t want him to see it, she had on a flowery summer dress and on special permission she had gotten to borrow her grandmother’s old veil for the photo and of course the veil was way too big and long for the young Meg “You look lovely” Ben said affectionately. Meg looked at her grandmother “Do you still have the veil?” she couldn’t for the life of her even think of why she had bought a new for her no-wedding to Tim “Yes I have” Sophie smiled at her “I even have the dress, but I think that’s very out of fashion” she looked over at Susan “Although the little tiara I gave to Susan for hers and Robert’s wedding” Meg smiled “Something old, something borrowed” she said quietly to herself.

The next morning was busy; of course Susan and Robert had come for breakfast, then after lunch Ben and Meg were leaving to get back to Sunset Beach in time for the boxing-day party. Sarah and Jude weren’t to come for another two days and Meg was happy about it, hopefully she’d get the house ready in time. Sarah was dropping them off at the airport as she had some friends to meet in town “Now, if you change your mind please text or call and let me know and I’ll come down and pick you up” Meg said as she hugged her sister tightly “You don’t have to worry Meg, we’ll take the shuffle, it’s all planned and paid for, besides I bet you’ll be busy with the house and work anyways” Meg rolled her eyes “That’s true, but you know me, I need an excuse to take a break or I’ll just go on” Sarah laughed “That’s true, you’re like one of those Duracell-bunnies, you just go on and on and on….” She said until Meg playfully hit her on the arm “I still love you though” Sarah said and hugged her sister again “I think we’d better go thru security now Meg” Ben said and Meg hugged her sister again “I’ll see you in two days then sis” she said as they parted “You try and stop me from sunny California, I’m just happy to get away from this snow” Sarah reassured.

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All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.

©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 18

~Chapter eighteen~

Everyone cheered as Jake finished the song “Thank you all, so great to be back and see so many familiar faces. I hope you’ll have a nice evening and that you’ll get off your chairs and dance a little” he said and started the next song. As it was a slower song Meg reached for Ben’s hand “Come on, let’s dance” Meg snuggled close to Ben. “I feel so safe in your arms” she whispered. Ben kissed her on the top of her head “I love you Meg” When the new song changed tempo Ben and Meg went back to the others around the table. “Oh no” Sarah said suddenly and Meg who sat with her back towards the door turned around “Oh no” she agreed. Ben had also turned around “Who’s that?” he asked “That’s Tim, my cheating ex-fiancé” Meg said and turned back around. Tim slandered over to the bar, he had already had a beer or two at home “I don’t want any trouble from you Tim” Jarrod told him as he put the beer down in front of him. “What do you mean?” Tim asked “You know exactly what I mean Tim, the slightest hint of trouble and you’re out of here” Jarrod said again and went to serve someone in the other end of the bar. Tim sat down on a stool and looked over at the table where Meg and the others sat, this would be his and Meg’s first Christmas as married if she hadn’t run off, so what that he had had a little fun with Connie, there were no harm in that wasn’t it? He thought to himself. After explaining to Jude about Tim the mood went back to party around the table and as Jake took a pause he walked thru the bar, talking to people he knew before he ended up behind Meg. He put his hands on her shoulders and lent forward “Hi everyone” he said and looked around. As he didn’t know Ben or Jude he introduced himself to them, still with a hand on Meg’s shoulder. Ben felt a pang of jealousy thru his body, he had NEVER felt like this before and he didn’t like it. “How are you all?” Jake asked and pulled up a chair and sat down between Meg and her brother. Meg moved closer to Ben to make space which gave him an excuse to put his arm around her. “So Meg” Jake looked at her “Heard you moved out west, do you like it?” Meg smiled and leaned her head on Ben’s shoulder “I love it, it was like coming home when I came to Sunset Beach, you really should come out there” “I might do that” Jake said as Meg looked up at Ben “Maybe we should arrange for Jake to play at the Deep” “That’s a great idea” Ben reached for his wallet and handed Jake a business card “The club’s about the same size as this place” Ben said “I’ve actually been thinking of doing a small tour playing smaller places instead of big arenas” Jake said “I’ll give you a call” he got up “I think I’ll have to play some more, maybe I’ll see you all here again tomorrow” he still held eye contact with Meg. The first song was a slow one and Ben and Meg got up to dance again. Jake just played a few more songs and then people started to drop off and so did Meg and the others too. “I’ll fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow” Meg said in the car “It’s been a long day” “I know the feeling, I felt the same yesterday” Sarah added “Do you know when grandma is coming?” Meg asked “I think around noon tomorrow and she’s staying over” Sarah answered. Meg couldn’t wait for her grandmother to meet Ben, especially now when it had went so well with parents and she knew that her grandmother would love Ben. Suddenly Sarah hit the break hard “What’s up?” Meg said and looked up just in front of the car was Tim “Why did you stop?” Meg said tiredly and rolled down the window “Just go away Tim, I don’t want anything to do with you” Tim walked around the car and leant on the roof “But what if I want to talk to you then…” he said and Meg shook her head “I told you that we’re done with each other. I’ve moved on and I hope you will do the same” she took a deep breath “I know we probably will bump into each other when I’m here, but I’ll do my best to avoid you” she started to roll the window up and told Sarah to drive off.

Back at the farm Meg made them all some coffee, she wanted to be alone with Ben for a bit so she suggested they’d drink the coffee in her room. She sat down on her bed and offered the only chair to Ben. Ben tilted his head a bit and searched for Meg’s gaze “Anything wrong?” he asked softly. “Not really” she shook her head “I just thought that we’d talk about what happened tonight” “You mean Tim?” Ben said “I don’t think there’s anything to say” again she shook her head “Nope, not Tim… Jake” she had felt Ben’s look as Jake had put his hands on her shoulders “You know I truly love you and only you Ben. Jake’s just a very close friend…” she didn’t know how to explain it to him. Ben put his cup down and moved over to sit beside Meg. He held her close in his arms “I know what you mean. From what Sarah said before I’m considering myself a very lucky man that you were with Tim back then and that you’re a person that’s true to the one you love, even though Tim wasn’t in the end, otherwise I would never have had the privilege to get to know you” His kiss showed Meg all the love he had for her. As they broke the kiss “There will be a woman that will be just as lucky as I am one day when she finds Jake” Meg looked puzzled at him “That you two didn’t ‘get it on’ way back when” Ben smiled. With a smile Meg reached for Ben’s face and pulled him close for a kiss “I’m the lucky one” After finishing his coffee Ben left Meg’s room. He went into the room he shared with Jude, who already was asleep, and took his laptop with him downstairs to check his mails. He knew that Mark would have left a report for him by now. “Can’t you get to sleep either?” startled Ben looked up and saw Hank “Not really, but I had to check a few things. I hope you don’t mind Mr. Cummings” Ben said. Hank shook his head “Not at all Ben, you feel like home I hope” he said “And… I hope you will call me Hank” Ben laughed “I sure will Hank” he nodded towards the coffee machine “There’s some fresh coffee if you like” Ben said as he had made a fresh pot “Well I might as well” he said and sat down with a cup “So, what’s keeping you up?” Ben asked “I’ve got a horse that was a bit unsettled when I did the late feeding and I’ve got a hard time to relax when all’s not right” he explained “I think I know what you mean, some nights when there’s been a roar or beginning of a fight at the club I keep thinking that what if they come back and try to break in or something” Ben said. Hank laughed “Maybe our businesses aren’t so different after all” Hank said. Ben closed his laptop down “I guess not, worries are always the same whatever you do I think” he took a sip of the coffee. Hank finished his coffee and stood up “I think I shall go back outside and check, do you want to come along?” he asked Ben and since Ben still hadn’t seen the stables he joined them. They ended up staying with the sick horse all night since Hank knew that the veterinarian wouldn’t come at this time anyway “You learn by time when to call emergency calls, but I hate to leave Cassie like this” Hank had said “Cassie is actually Meg’s favorite so I’d hate to see anything happen to her” “I understand” Ben said. The men talked all night and got to know each other, it wasn’t until Joan came in the crack of dawn that Ben went back inside to get one or two hours of sleep.

Meg had a restless night, she missed Ben’s arms around her and then the dreams were so strange. She dreamt she was a fair maiden in the middle-ages and that the men dueled for her, first it had been Tim and another guy she didn’t know and Tim had won her, just to lose her to Jake who in his turn lost her to Ben. All of the time Meg had been sitting on her favorite horse in a lady saddle watching the duels. When she woke up she put her robe on and went to see if Ben was awake. She opened the door quietly and saw that Jude was already up but Ben was still fast asleep. It wasn’t like Ben to sleep after eight am. She tiptoed over and sat down on the bed. Slowly she pulled a strain of hair back from his face, she knew that Ben had been too busy to get to the hairdresser’s; usually he kept his hair neat and tidy. She bent forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, Ben stirred and slowly opened his eyes “Good morning beautiful” he said and stretched out “Good morning” Meg kissed him “You look tired” she said “Yeah, I’ve only slept like…” he reached for his watch “… two hours. Your father and I” “What did dad do now?” Meg asked and rolled her eyes “Nothing Meg, don’t worry. Let me finish though, we were in the stables all night with Cassie, she was feeling poorly. I think the vet’s been here by now” he said and sat up and pulled Meg into his arms as she looked worried “Shall we go down and see how she’s doing?” Meg nodded “Let me just get dressed, I’m ready in five minutes” she said and ran into her room where she threw on a pair of jeans and a blue plaid shirt. Ben had gotten up and put on his jeans and t-shirt and a sweater on top. When they came downstairs the rest were sitting at the table having breakfast “Good morning everyone” Ben said and locked eyes with Hank “How’s Cassie doing? I told Meg and we thought we’d pay her a visit” Hank nodded and swallowed his food “She’s much better, the vet left about an hour ago” he informed them “But I think some TLC from Meg won’t do her any harm” Hank smiled at his daughter “No carrots though, it was something with her stomach Steve said” “Ok daddy” she said and Ben and Meg dressed up in boots and jackets and headed towards the stable “I can’t believe you and dad spent all night out here, how did you get to know?” she asked and Ben told her how he had checked up on business things and Hank had wandered into the kitchen. “I’m happy you get along so well” Meg said. “I’m happy too, I have to admit I was more nervous about meeting your father than your mother” Ben said and took Meg’s hand as they walked the path to the stables.

As they returned inside it was still some time before Joan would return from picking her mother up so Meg said she had some last minute giftwrapping to do and went to her room. Ben had his own agenda and went to look for Hank, he found him in the little study her had behind the kitchen. He knocked on the door and looked inside “Hi Hank, I hope I don’t disturb you?” Ben asked “Not at all Ben” he said shaking his head “Maybe you could help me out with this computer thing, I’m no good at it, Maggie always did it for me before she moved to Sunset Beach” Hank said “I can try” Ben said and stood beside Hank when he told about his problem, it was an easy thing to fix, Ben showed how he should tackle the problem if it came back on “Or you’ll just call me… or Meg and we’ll be your support over the phone” Hank nodded as Ben sat down on the edge of a chair “That’s good to know” Hank said “So, what can I help you with” Ben who never was unsure of anything suddenly felt nervous, he looked up “Hank, sir…” he started and Hank looked at him, he had a hint of what would come and didn’t know how much he’d let Ben suffer. Ben cleared his throat “I would like to… I’d hope to get your blessing… in asking Meg to marry me” You could almost feel the tension in the room. Hank couldn’t hold back “I was wondering if this was what you wanted… and I actually wanted you to suffer waiting for my answer, but Ben, I’ve not know you very long and Meg has just known you a little longer, but from what I see in her face when she looks at you and the other way around and the way we got to know each other last night I’m more than happy to give you my blessing…” he paused shortly “I’m also very honored that you asked” Ben sighed of relief “Thank you sir, Hank” he shook his hand and rested back in the chair. Hank looked at Ben, just for a brief moment he saw something that he only could describe as vulnerable. Ben got up of the chair “If you’ll excuse me I’ll go make a phone call to see that all’s ok in Sunset Beach” Hank smiled “Not at all, you go ahead”

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All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.

©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-