The Pathfinder's powerful heater warmed the car to a cozy temperature causing Amanda to shed her heavy coat and gloves and lay them beside her on the supple leather seat. The SUV sped through the lightly falling snow as it crossed the nearly empty ice-covered bridge that traversed the mighty Missipp'. Five minutes more and they'd arrive at Mark’s small home in St. Paul.

"Claire, why don’t you let me drive?"

Blue eyes rolled under thick lashes. "I fine. I'm awake." But an untimely yawn seriously weakened her credibility. I knew I'd regret being too lazy to get up and make the coffee. God, how do people get up this early?

Claire shifted in her seat feeling vaguely unsettled, knowing the reason she looked longing at the conspicuously unadorned steering wheel. Driving is just not the same without you!

"You can take him out, you know."

"What do you mean? Take who out?" She tried for nonchalance. Shit!

Amanda raised her eyebrows causing Claire to scowl. "I already told you I don't think you're insane... at least most of the time," Amanda deadpanned.

"But they'll laugh at me," Claire whined in an uncharacteristically adolescent voice.

"I'll make them stop," Amanda reassured in the same tone she used with Missy.

"Ha!" Blue eyes narrowed. "You'll be laughing the loudest."

"C'mon, ya know ya wanna," the blonde cajoled, enjoying herself immensely.

"Temptress!" Claire shouted and Amanda burst out laughing.

"I've never been called that before," the therapist said as she squared her shoulders, "but I think I love it!"

Claire was indeed tempted. It seemed that every time she got in the car lately someone was with her, preventing her from keeping company with her favorite toy. "Well, maybe just until we get to Mark's place," she relented. The attorney reached into the glove box and began fishing around for her constant driving companion, Gumby. When she felt a cool bendable leg she began pulling him out of the glove box.

"God Dammit, Mandy!" Gumby was wearing a tiny red kimono and a black geisha wig. Thick red lips had been fashioned out of construction paper and taped to his face and white grease pencil covered Gumby's normally emerald cheeks. "I'm gonna kick her ass!" Claire bellowed, knowing only Jody would go to the extra effort of adding big lips in a bid to torture her. Bitch! She knows how I feel about Madam Butterfly!

The month before, Amanda talked Claire and Jody into attending the long, and, to Claire and Jody, extremely boring opera. But Claire had stealthy escaped under the pretense of using the bathroom and had happily spent nearly an hour hiding at the snack bar, talking to its teenage employees. Amanda was livid, and Jody downright jealous.

Amanda slapped her hand over her mouth in an attempt not to laugh. This one is priceless! But a few giggles managed to escape when Claire began tearing off the miniature clothes and cursing over the well-taped lips. Amanda grabbed a Kleenex from the glove box and handed it to Claire, who practically tore it out of her hand and began cleaning Gumby's face.

In less than a minute Gumby was appropriately naked and clean and wrapped around the top of the steering wheel. Another mile or two and Claire's scowl began to fade. Amanda’s eyes widened when the older woman’s face broke into a radiant smile. She suddenly felt very sorry for her business partner. Uh Oh, look out Jody.

Claire’s yawn and deep sigh interrupted her silent quest for suitable retribution. The attorney was exhausted.

Amanda grasped her partner's hand and brought it to her lips, tasting the soft warm skin. "I really don’t mind driving. I’d rather make it to the cabin in one piece," she teased, depositing another delicate kiss on Claire's knuckles.

Who are you trying to kid? You're every bit as tired as I am. But I love you for offering. Mirthful eyes pinned Amanda. "Remind me again why we’re driving around in the middle of the night." The grumpy tone contrasted sharply with the brunette's relaxed demeanor.

The prosecutor was more than ready for a vacation. Amanda had been astonished to find out it had been nearly six years since Claire had taken enough vacation time to make it out of the Cities for more than a day or two. The younger woman had firmly stated that legal conventions and business trips were just work in disguise and didn't count.

"5:30 a.m. is not night…it’s morning."

"Not according to Mother Nature." Claire raised the hand Amanda was still holding and motioned out to the expansive darkness. Then she brought the joined hands to her own mouth and returned the kiss.

The barest hint of a grin told Amanda the lawyer wasn’t really angry about the hour. The blonde smiled impishly and let heavy eyelids slide shut. "You just stayed up too late last night."

"Me?" Claire unzipped her coat and stuffed her mittens in the deep pockets, completely removing her foot from the accelerator as the car passed under an icy overpass. "What about you? I wasn’t up half the night by myself."

"But I’m not complaining." Amanda's face lit up into a delighted grin, as she considered the previous night.

"Wait until your stomach figures out how many hours it is until lunch,"

Claire drawled, only partially teasing.

The blonde snorted, then laughed outright, affectionately smacking her partner’s thigh. "Don't worry, baby." She let her hand linger on faded denim, tracing the firm muscle below. "I never travel without treats." She reached down to her feet and jiggled a large paper sack. "It's a mom thing."

Ebony eyebrows edged up as Claire peered into the dark floorboards, her fingers following her gaze.

Pulling the bag out of reach, Amanda slapped away the offending digits, drawing a playful growl from her lover. "No touching."

"That’s not what you said last night." Claire smirked, enjoying her partner’s endearingly predictable rising blush. The lawyer's hand darted toward the bag once more but Amanda pulled it away just as her fingertips grazed the paper. "Awww... Mandy. I just wanna see what’s inside," the tall woman persisted with a pout.

The therapist looked at her playmate adoringly. You are so fun, she thought with a surprised laugh, loving Claire’s silly side. "Later... it's just junk food. We can get some drive-thru food on the way out of town."

"And that's not junk food?" Yes! Coffee and Egg McMuffins!

"Are you complaining again?" The blonde shot her lover a mock glare, knowing she loved McDonald's breakfasts and couldn't care less about the nutritional value of the food.

"Nope," Claire responded cheerfully, her mood brightening further with the prospect of hot food and even hotter coffee. Huh, I never used to eat breakfast at all. Oh, well... She figured it wasn't really hurting her and she loved the time around the kitchen table with her lover and Missy. Claire rolled her shoulders forward and was rewarded with an audible pop. She'd never felt better, and a little extra time on the Stair Master, and a little (okay, a lot) less sleep, were small prices to pay for a family. My family. She shook her head in amazement as a happy warmth spread through her.

Claire pulled the Pathfinder up the slight incline of Mark's driveway and slid it into 'park'. Gumby was placed back into the glove box without a comment from Amanda, who knew better than to continue to tease Claire about her little green buddy. The two women sat in the car for several moments, talking quietly and waiting for their friend.

"Should we knock?" Amanda eventually asked, glancing at Claire then back toward the darkened structure. A small glowing porch light was the only indication anyone was home.

"I guess." Claire's scrunched her eyebrows together. "I was sure he'd see the headlights. Usually Marko is ready and waiting. He’s never late."

"Well then Jody must be making him nuts." A wry smile split the blonde's face. "She's about as punctual as I am."

Claire returned her lover's infectious grin, silently agreeing on both counts. "What is it with you two...? I..." The attorney stopped mid-sentence when the porch light flickered off and Mark stepped out of the house. The women watched as the big man awkwardly hefted up a medium sized duffel bag and large suitcase with his uninjured arm. Amanda and Claire moved to help, but Mark warned them off with a glare as he headed around to the trunk.

A frigid blast of air poured into the car when the hatchback opened and Mark began adjusting the bags. "I hate winter! Brr!" Claire shook her head, the cold morning air jolting her body awake.

When the second bag settled into the trunk, the back of the Pathfinder lowered under the weight. "Do you think you packed enough, buddy?" We're only gonna be gone for five days, for Christ's sake!"

"Don't start," he snapped. "Dammit." Mark struggled to align the duffel and suitcase, his useless arm adding to his frustration.

Claire squeezed Amanda's hand indicating that the younger woman should stay put while she moved to help her friend. "I can get this." She quickly adjusted the bags until they were lying flat. "Don't worry about it."

Mark nearly barked out a grumpy retort before thinking better of it. It's not her fault my arm is hurt... "Thanks, Claire."

The brunette flashed her childhood pal a sympathetic smile and gave his shoulder a gentle pat, her hand sinking deeply into the soft down coat draped over his shoulders. "It's okay. I know how frustrating it can be. Remember when I broke my wrist in high school?" She shuddered at the unpleasant thought.

Mark pitifully stared at his arm. "This...is...making...me...INSANE!" he whined miserably.

"Hurry it up, guys," Amanda called from the front seat. "I'm freezing!" The therapist looked at her watch. "We're gonna be late picking up Jody."

"No you're not," came the contrary statement.

Amanda nearly jumped out of her skin when her business partner's face appeared in the window next to her…seemingly out of nowhere. "Shit!"

Jody’s eyes widened. "Whoa... a little jumpy?"

"God, Jody." Amanda let out a deep breath. "Are you trying to make me wet myself?"

Wheat-colored eyes twinkled. "Considering I'm going to spend the next four hours in a small enclosed place with you... you should know the answer to that question."

Jody glanced back at the two County Attorneys who were speaking in hushed tones near the back of the car. An eyebrow quirked and she brushed some of the accumulating snow out of her bangs. I wonder what's up with them?

Jody clicked opened the back door only to be stopped by a strong hand on her back. "Let's ride up front, Jody." Mark gripped the door. "I'm too tall to be squished into the back seat and I want to sit with you."

The fair-haired attorney flashed his girlfriend a boyishly charming smile, and Jody suddenly hoped that the baby would look just like its father. Mentally frowning at the disgustingly sentimental thought, the therapist stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the Mark's thick waist, winding her fingers in his belt loops. "Fine with me, but you shouldn't drive for too long." With her elbow she gently tapped his cast.

"Keys are in the ignition," Claire said as she slipped by Jody and into the back seat. The slamming of the car door swallowed the words, "Scratch it and die." By the time the muscular woman turned to focus on Claire, Amanda was already throwing her coat to the lawyer and climbing over the front seats.

Claire shook off the last traces of snow from her hair and face. Already anticipating some good snuggle time with her lover she removed her parka as Amanda settled in next to her. The blonde snuggled closer with a contented sigh, loving the soothing heat pouring off her partner. "Mmm... Gumby, you're so nice and toasty," she murmured sleepily.

Claire sank into the embrace and pressed her lips into the soft pale head resting on her shoulder. "Let's take a nap," she suggested, as much for herself as her companion.

"Umm. Okay, you convinced me." Amanda snuggled closer still, molding herself to the taller woman as she tightened her grip on Claire's heavy sweatshirt and closed her eyes. The steady motion of the car, and the relaxed, rhythmic breathing of her lover, lulled her into a contented doze.

Blue eyes fluttered closed, all thoughts of coffee and breakfast trailing away. Claire's last conscious thoughts were swirling remembrances of the scent of leather seats, new car, and rain; the sound of pounding hearts, thunder and pleasure; and the taste of salty skin and sweet lips. She grinned a little, allowing the intoxicating sensation of new love to flood through her, until the lure of sleep was simply too much to resist. "I love you, Mandy," she muttered quietly as her mind finally let go.

"I love you too," her partner answered softly from the depths her own slumber.

Through the scope of a long-range hunting rifle, Cory watched Amanda, Claire, Jody, and Mark exit the bright red Pathfinder. He was perched high in a tree nearly three hundred yards away… waiting. He knew he could easily make the shots. Just like deer, he silently mused. The nose of the rifle dipped as he trained the crosshairs on Claire's head, the car blocking the rest of her body. Perverted, bitch! He imagined a bullet exploding through her chest and piercing her heart, her life force draining away into a hot crimson puddle in the snow. Oh yeah. Cory licked his lips. He was getting excited just thinking about it. She would be first… definitely.

Claire moved around the car to speak with Amanda, allowing the slender hunter an even better shot. Amanda. Cory lowered the scope to the smaller target. Warm tears stung his eyes. No hesitation! It’s out of my hands now. He commands it!

Cory's attention shifted as Jody and Mark emerged from the front of the cab. Dark eyes twitched as Mark leaned down and gave Jody a quick kiss before moving to the trunk of the vehicle. A white-hot rage enveloped Cory and his nearly numb fingers began to tremble. He shook his head. NO! NOT NOW! But the voice came anyway… taunting… teasing. A pressure began to build behind his eyes, and his pulse pounded. "She was not for you either, Cory," the voice cruelly pointed out. "No one is! No one ever will be!"

Without thinking, Cory brought his hands to his ears and shifted on the dry branch, sending a flurry of snow and bits of bark to the ground below. The rifle began to fall and the distraught man grabbed wildly at the gun, trying to keep it from taking a forty-foot plunge into the snow. In a flailing attempt, Cory managed to hook the rifle sling on his foot.

He closed his eyes -- a trail of sweat dripped down his nose. The voice stopped. Thank you. Thank you. Unsteady hands grabbed the rifle by its butt and began to readjust it on his shoulder. When his eyes moved back to his targets they were gone. Motherfuck!! It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, he silently chanted. I have time. They don’t.

Cory began the long treacherous descent down the tree. So, Jody’s with the lawyer. She’s probably sleeping with him. Unbidden images of Mark’s naked, bloodied body assaulted him. He ignored them. Slut! FINE THEN! YOU CAN ALL DIE! Visions of blood and carnage filled his mind’s eye as he jumped from the bottom branch, his boots crushing several dead branches buried deep beneath the snow. Cory adjusted his sock hat and zipped his camouflaged jacket to the top. Fumbling cold fingers adjusted the heavy bindings of his snowshoes and he silently disappeared back into the forest. I have time. They don’t.

Jody kicked the snow off her boots and stepped into the cabin, surprised that it was nearly the same temperature as the outside air. She looked around and her eyebrows disappeared behind wavy dark brown bangs. "Wow."

The interior was decorated in bright yellow, green and white, giving the cabin, which consisted of nothing more than one very large room, a Spring-like atmosphere -- even in the heart of Winter. Floral designs were paired with lace, and whitewashed furniture dotted the maple colored hardwood floors.

In the corner sat an extremely tall, king-sized bed. The rays of the mid-morning sun streaming through a nearby window caused the shiny gold bed frame to sparkle brightly. Intricate patterns of pale green vines climbed across the white, goose-feather comforter, and solid-yellow pillows of all shapes and sizes decorated the massive structure.

Next to the bed stood a four-drawer wooden dresser that was dwarfed by its bold, gigantic companion. Above the dresser, in an octagonal frame, hung a print of a brass vase, circled by a bright green ribbon, and overflowing with colorful wildflowers.

In the rear of the cabin a discrete door led to a cherished new addition-- a bathroom. The bathroom contained an old-fashioned claw-footed bathtub, fed by clean but cold well water, and a flush toilet made possible by clever engineering and the underground pressure provided by the hilly landscape. The kitchen consisted of nothing more than a small round table with two chairs, a shiny pump-handled sink, and an icebox.

Amanda stepped in past her friend with Mark and Claire on either side of her. The blonde nodded, noticing the shiny floors and lack of dust. "Iris must have hired someone to clean..." her eyes traveled to the bed, "...and put on fresh linens. I know she hasn’t been here since last summer."

Mark dropped his and Jody’s bags by the door. "I take it we’re staying in this one," he asked Amanda, making it clear that was his preference.

"Sure," Amanda answered, thinking she was more in the mood for the other cabin, which was set a little deeper into the woods. I think Claire will like it too.

Jody laughed and looked toward the obvious focal point of the room. "Iris, you old dog! I’ve never seen a room with a bigger or more eye-catching bed."

Mark wriggled pale eyebrows. "I like Iris."

"The place isn't as primitive as it seems," Amanda reassured, remembering everyone's initial reluctance at the lack of electricity. "The oil lamps and candles will provide plenty of light, and Iris assures me this..." she pointed to wood burning stove, "...works really well." It had better or I’m dead meat.

Jody sat down on the small loveseat that faced the hollow wood stove. "I guess we’d better fill the wood box and start heating this place up." God, why do I feel so tired? I haven’t done anything but sit in the car all morning.

Walking over to the stove Mark noticed the nearly hidden cables that ran out the back. Must be for the generator. The stove can be run with wood or gas... excellent.

Claire nodded, thinking to herself that maybe Jody could use a rest. Stubborn… Gumby altering… no good…. "Good idea. Why don't Amanda and I go get settled in the other cabin and we'll meet you guys back here in a couple of hours for lunch?" Claire's suggestion was met with murmurs of approval. Jody headed to the kitchen to unload their food and Mark began moving the bags over to the bed.

Amanda extended her hand. "C'mon, honey. The other cabin is about 100 yards up the hill." I can’t wait to show you.

Claire fumbled with the stack of logs in her arms as Amanda opened the door in front of her. The tall woman's face split into a flattering smile as she entered the smaller of the two cabins. She spun around taking in the decor. "Holy..."

"You like?" Amanda beamed inwardly.

"Amanda, this is beautiful. I mean the other cabin was beautiful too, but this is... well... it..."

"It suits you better?" The younger woman asked, already knowing it to be true.

It was as if different people owned the cabins, or at the very least, that they were the product of a split personality. And in a way they were. Iris had chosen the furnishings for the larger cabin. But Amanda's mentor had given her young protégé free rein to decorate this one, trusting her judgment and good taste implicitly.

Whereas Jody and Mark's cabin was light, airy and fresh, this cabin was warm and comforting, filled with plaids, heavy fabrics and muted, rich colors. The cabin was sectioned off into a living area, bedroom and kitchen.

The bedroom wasn't really a separate room. Rather, a wall about four-foot high separated a tiny area and afforded the room's occupants some small measure of privacy.

A narrow double bed was encased in a dark walnut frame that was shaped like a sleigh, and a wooden trunk sat at its foot. Its coverings were dark green, blue, and maroon tartans with two simple pillows that were tucked neatly under the plaids. While it was beautifully inviting, it wasn't the focus of the room.

In the living area, in front of a massive stone fireplace, sat a large, overstuffed couch covered in a heavy wine colored fabric, accented by several throws in colors matching the bedding. At the foot of the couch lay a thick oval-shaped sheepskin rug that extended nearly to the fireplace and was flanked by a set of low black walnut end tables. The tables were topped with unique pieces of sculptures made from pine cones, twigs, feathers, leather, and other local fauna.

"Mandy, it's great!" Claire smiled at the faint aroma of hardwood and cinnamon.

The walls were decorated with several Terry Redlin prints celebrating nature and wildlife, and over the fireplace hung a dark, shiny oil painting of a mountain man, Indian maiden, and child. Claire found herself irresistibly drawn toward the intriguing work of art, immediately recognizing its strong expressive lines.

The Indian woman faced the child, leaving her face a mystery, and two long braids were painted in such fine detail Claire could make out each strand of midnight hair as it blew in the summer breeze. The woman was washing a small red-haired child in what appeared to be a large barrel that had been split in half. The child's hair was a mountain of bubbles and his happy toothless grin lit up the picture.

The mountain man, dressed only in buckskin britches and boots, held an axe. He was as fair and freckled as the woman was dark and exotic, and was scratching his chin through a short, curly red beard. The man's sea-green eyes were focused on the woman and child, his adoration shining like the July sun.

Claire was speechless. It's her! Well... it would be her if she had a beard and was a man. I wonder if she even realizes? Her jaw worked for several long seconds before the words could escape. "I never knew you painted in oils," she finally commented her eyes never straying from the mountain man’s enigmatic smile.

Amanda winced, misinterpreting Claire's reaction. "I don't... really. Iris asked for something rustic and watercolors just didn't seem to fit the bill. At least not in this cabin." The blonde cocked her head and observed her lawyer. She hates it. She shrugged, trying to set aside the unexpected jolt of disappointment that stung her guts. "It just sort of happened."

"It's fabulous," Claire stated simply, the awe in her voice cutting through Amanda's insecurity.

Green eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously," she begged shamelessly for more reassurances. Damn, what is wrong with me?

Claire nodded and absently reached for Amanda's hand, her eyes still transfixed on the canvas. The blonde let out a shaky breath, a little unsettled by her sudden need, and squeezed the fingers threaded between her own. She was inordinately pleased that Claire appreciated this piece in particular. Amanda hadn't thought it mattered, but in that split second she knew it did... terribly.

The painting had always been one of her favorites and she'd never repeated her effort in the medium, deciding to quit while she was ahead. Amanda's eyes drifted from her partner, to the woman in the painting, and back again. A mischievous smile curled her lips. Tall, broad shoulders, strong arms. "She looks like you, you know." I wonder if I was dreaming about you all those years ago, before we even met?

Claire finally pulled her attention from the mountain man and considered the pictures of other occupants. "What do you mean she looks like me? All you can see is her back." Claire smiled wryly. "Besides, long dark hair doesn't exactly distinguish me from any other Native American woman from the era."

The lawyer noticed the pulling sensation in her shoulders. "Mandy, where...?"

Before she could finish Amanda grabbed several of the larger pieces of wood out of Claire's arms and dropped them into the woodbin near the fireplace. Claire followed suit, stretching out her arms as soon as she dropped the last log. She groaned.

Interested, cerulean eyes scanned the room. "There's no wood stove in here. I guess this big fireplace heats the place all on its own." Claire admired the majestic stone hearth and dark wood mantle, whose color exactly matched the floors. "How are you at starting fires?" She looked to her partner.

Me? Okaaay. "I guess we'll find out." Amanda kneeled in front of the fireplace and poked her head up the chimney. After making sure the flue was open, she grabbed a handful of old newspapers from a stack alongside the woodbin and began crunching them up into balls.

Claire looked on in fascination as Amanda started a blazing fire in under a minute. Jesus Christ. "Where in the hell did you learn how to do that?"

Amanda shrugged. "I dunno." Green eyes twinkled. "I dated an Eagle Scout once."

A well shaped eyebrow rose to it highest level. "And did he light your fire, Mandy?"

A snort was her answer.

Claire stepped forward and handed Amanda two larger logs, now that the flame had taken a secure hold of the kindling. "Well, I'm just glad you're here. Otherwise, I'd be spending the night in the Pathfinder with the heater on."

"If I weren’t here you’d be in a hotel." One small adjustment to the logs and Amanda stood up and dusted her hands off on her jeans. Soon it would be warm enough to take off their coats.

Claire stepped closer to her lover and wrapped her arms around the smaller woman's waist. "You..." she touched the tip of Amanda's nose. "...have many skills. And I don't just mean the painting and the fire."

Amanda puffed out her chest. "And you're just now noticing this?" she teased.

Claire slowly shook her head as her eyes took on a serious, intense expression and her finger traced her lover's feminine, youthful features. Another hand slid up as the lawyer cupped both of Amanda's cheeks. Blue held green for a long provocative moment. "I love you more than words can say," Claire whispered, smiling gently at Amanda's startled reaction to the surprisingly reverent declaration. "And no, I'm not just now noticing," she added sincerely.

Amanda felt a pang deep in her chest and wondered why her heart didn't explode on the spot. She clutched at her partner and buried her face in the smooth skin of Claire's neck, taking a deep breath of her lovers reassuring scent, and relishing the closeness she had come to depend on in a way so elemental that the enormity of it was sometimes frightening. "How'd you get so romantic?" her voice cracked. Warm lips gently grazed the top of her head.

Claire didn't answer, instead she simply pulled her partner closer and stared into the crackling flames for so long she wondered if Amanda had fallen asleep in her arms. "Mandy?" she said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Please tell me this cabin has indoor plumbing." Claire twisted her legs to make her point, and the blonde against her stilled… then convulsed into laughter.

Monica paused outside the door of the Cornerstone Clinic. This is long overdue. With a deep breath the blonde pushed open the door and went inside.

At the reception desk sat a young man reading a magazine in what appeared to be a completely empty office.

Since when did they get a secretary? "Hello," Monica said brightly.

"Dr. Greer?" The man looked confused. "Is that you?" He'd only met Amanda once for a few moments when the temp agency sent him over for an interview with Dr. Penbrook.

Monica smiled. I guess we still look an awful lot a like sis. "No. My name is Monica Greer and I've got an appointment to see my sister, Dr. Greer," she lied.

"You... you have an appointment?" The secretary looked down at his desk calendar and began flipping through the pages as if some piece of previously unnoticed information was going jump out and bite him in the ass.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Greer, but Dr. Greer and Dr. Penbrook are on vacation this week. I'm just supposed to answer the phone and forward any important messages."

"Vacation?" My fucking luck! Monica quickly recovered. "Amanda must have forgotten our appointment..." She paused and looked pointedly at the young man.

"Alan," he provided helpfully.

The blonde flashed him a winning smile. "Alan," she repeated as if he'd given her some unexpected good news. He stood a little straighter and lifted his chin proudly. Men... Jesus. No wonder Amanda is into chicks. "Alan," she purred. "You wouldn't happen to have a phone number and address where I could reach my sister, would you?" She looked at him innocently then licked her lips in a playfully seductive manner. "I'd be ever so grateful."

Alan's audible swallow nearly caused Monica to laugh in the poor boy's face. He couldn't move fast enough. "Yes... absolutely... here... here is her cell phone number." He paused, suddenly unsure of his actions. "She said it was only for emergencies," the secretary hedged.

"Trust me, Alan." Monica drew her finger from his breastbone and up along his neck, stopping when she reached nearly trembling lips. I do believe this boy is gonna blow his wad right here and now. "Amanda will consider what I have to tell her an emergency." She flashed him another coy smile and let her finger slide into his hot mouth. His resolve melted like an ice cube in hell.

"Here." He thrust the paper in her hand. This is the best damn day of my life!

Monica looked at the paper. "This is only a phone number Alan. I need an address too." Round disappointed eyes fixed on their target.

"But..."

"Please," she added sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

Alan began thinking furiously, then, as if a light bulb pinged on in his head, he remembered something. "I... I started last week, before everyone left and an older lady, Irene or Iris or Irma... something like that... anyway, she asked me to fax Dr. Greer something."

And you're telling me this becaaause? Monica fought the urge to scratch out Alan's eyes and simply dig around herself for the information she wanted. "And?" she said with a patience she didn't really feel.

"And it was a map."

Monica's eyes sparkled. Now she was interested. "And you have a copy of this map," she prodded.

Alan nodded and reached into the bottom drawer of the desk. After a moment of desperate rifling he pulled out a map with a note attached.

Monica smiled and folded the paper into a small square, which she shoved into her jeans pocket. "Thank you Alan, you've been extremely helpful." She studied the secretary with interest.

"Alan, how old are you?"

He opened his mouth but Monica interrupted him before he could begin. "Don't lie to me." She waggled a finger at the flustered temp.

"Nineteen."

"I see." Monica looked at her watch. It's too late to drive up to the cabin tonight, even if I could beg, borrow, or steal a car. My piece of shit should be out of the shop tomorrow. A mental sigh. Day after tomorrow will have to be soon enough to collect my daughter. Monica's focus shifted to the nervous young man behind the desk. Alan...Alan... "What skills landed you this job?" He must be able to do something. No doubt Amanda and Jody pay well.

"I can type forty words a minute and have a pleasant phone voice," Alan answered, repeating the things the lady at the temp agency told him employers liked to hear. Damn, Ricky and Mike are gonna die when I tell them about her! And they thought I was stupid for not working at the Christmas tree lot again this year. She is so hot! Suckers!

Monica moved around the desk and pressed herself against the young secretary, who looked like he was about to swallow his own tongue. Wild eyes took on a wicked glint. "Which one of these offices belongs to that bitc... I mean to Dr. Penbrook?"

On her last visit, Monica was so strung out she'd paid no attention to her surroundings. Her time in the clinic was all tied up in fuzzy memories involving a shooting and cravings and pain.

Steady, slender fingers trailed down Alan's chest and found their way to the bulge in his pants. Monica began to lightly squeeze. She raised an eyebrow and her lips shaped into crooked grin. Eager boy.

Alan didn't think he could speak, when he realized his mouth was hanging open he clicked it shut, vaguely aware of its parched texture. As the pressure between his legs built he began to feel a little light-headed. Monica's sharply raised eyebrow told him she was waiting for an answer so he just pointed to the right. The older Greer sister nodded and began pushing him toward the office, never removing her hand from his groin. "Alan, let me share with you a little business tip I've come to appreciate over the years," Monica sagely offered as she opened Jody's office door. "Never..." she smiled wickedly "...underestimate the value of good oral skills."

The office door slammed shut.

Cory was sweating heavily by the time he dropped onto the porch of the old wooden house and began unlacing his snowshoes. He'd trudged through the deep snow for the past 2 hours at a break-neck speed, driven by madness, hunger, and a burning yearning not to miss ‘Love Connection’, which was starting at 1:00 p.m.

He had discovered the idyllic home 3 days ago, while exploring the area. It was approximately 6 miles from the other cabins, down a small tree-strewn ravine and across an ice-covered river. It sat on the edge of a larger county, and was just close enough to the nearest village, that the single-story home had electricity. It would have been perfect had it been abandoned. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

Cory wiped his sweaty brow with his hand. Damn. I wonder if there’s a snowmobile in the garage? The wiry man knocked off his boots and laid his snowshoes against the porch railing. He sighed. Time to clean house.

"Hi, mom and dad! I’m home!" the slender construction worker shouted brightly as he entered the house.

Perched on the sofa, in a massive pool of sticky, mostly-dried blood, were Barbara and Davy Jensen. The elderly couple was posed in a macabre embrace, watching television through dead eyes. Their throats had been slit from ear to ear and the bodies were starting to turn rancid in the warm cabin, their acrid stench drifting into every room of the structure.

"Sorry, mom." Rigor mortis had come and gone, and Cory was easily able to pry the old woman’s arms from around her husband causing her to crumble into a heap on the floor. "Whew!" Cory made a disgusted face. "You’re ripe."

Oblivious to the blood, the dark-eyed construction worker grabbed Barbara Jensen by one leg and one arm and dragged her out of the house and across the porch. Her head thumped loudly as it banged each wooden step leading into the snow. "Oops... Sorry, Mom. I bet you’ve got quite a headache," he smirked.

Twenty more minutes and Davy joined his wife in a tangled mass next to the well-maintained woodpile. Cory cocked his head to the side and stared at the couple. After several long moments he arranged the bodies so that Barbara’s head was pillowed on Davy’s slim shoulder. A light snow had begun to fall and was already beginning to blanket the bodies. They’re together. All is as it should be. Cory nodded, satisfied with his work, and went inside to clean his rifle. He smiled as he looked at his watch. Just in time for 'Love Connection'.

Mark and Jody's cabin, though it was a good clip larger than the one up the hill, warmed quickly under the influence of the powerful wood stove. Both couples were now able to move around comfortably without their coats. Jody and Mark perched together on the small, but cozy loveseat while Claire and Amanda sat side-by-side on the floor.

Claire knew Amanda wanted to absorb as much of the radiant heat as possible, both from her and the fireplace. Perfect eyebrows drew together. I wonder what it would take to install a fireplace at home? Mandy would love that.

"Thanks." Amanda smiled sweetly as Jody passed her a half-full container of potato salad. The blonde dumped a large dollop onto her paper plate and hummed contentedly as she began to devour the tasty chunks.

Claire's attention returned to her companions and she smiled fondly at her partner. Note to self: Buy more food. The lawyer did a mental inventory of the bags they’d brought with them. Amended note to self: buy lots more food.

When Amanda finished the last of her lunch she patted her tummy appreciatively. "Thanks, Mark. Those ham sandwiches and all the fixin's really hit the spot."

Mark smiled, knowing he'd always have a grateful culinary audience in Amanda. While Jody and Claire enjoyed what he prepared, Amanda experienced it. She was every amateur chef's dream, attentive to the last crumb.

The prosecutor grabbed the empty plates and moved to throw them into the stove. When he realized he couldn't do it one-handed he let out a virulent string of curses and flopped back onto the loveseat in a huff.

Jody patted the big man's knee and leaned forward to open the stove door. With a quick flick of her wrist the flames instantly devoured the plates. Deciding the wood supply was adequate, the brunette therapist turned back to Mark and was met with an adoring look that stole her breath away.

"Thanks," he said, trying to scowl but not quite succeeding. People had been asking him all week why he had such a ridiculously happy grin plastered on his face. He had resolved himself to wear a more stoic look, mentally picturing Claire and her legendary 'bored look'. Mark sighed. Truthfully, his personality was much closer to Amanda's and he found himself lacking the will power and inclination to maintain an unaffected air in the wake of Jody's good news. Teasing be damned, he was thrilled and it showed. Still, his arm made even the simplest tasks unreasonably difficult. The severity of the break and the type and size of the cast made casual movement all but impossible. He was nearing the breaking point and he had still had at least 2 months to go. Jesus, 2 months!

"S'okay," replied Jody, snuggling a little closer to the frustrated man.

Claire watched Jody and Mark with rapt fascination. Although she often saw them together, seeing the affection and easy-going attitude that characterized their relationship always surprised her a little. It was obvious the two were first and foremost friends. She smiled a little when Mark leaned over and placed a light kiss on Jody's cheek, drawing a faint blush from the stocky, sometimes-difficult woman. I guess everything else is just gravy.

"So..." Mark cleared his throat. "What are we gonna do up here?"

Three sets of eyes turned to Amanda causing hers to widen. "What?? Why are you looking at me?"

"Well, you've been her before," Jody explained the obvious.

"But never in the winter." Amanda shrugged. "I was planning on doing some reading, sleeping late, walking through the forest, maybe heading into town to do some shopping..." Making love to Claire until she walks funny.

Mark and Jody turned to Claire dismissing Amanda's idea of 'fun'. The brunette attorney snorted and offered her own ideas. "Hmm... The ice isn't set enough for fishing, and Mark's in no condition for skiing thank God. But Twin Harbors has a movie theater and some bars...we could go there. Or maybe we could rent some snowmobiles?"

Jody and Mark shook their heads and smiled, grunting their approval, which caused Amanda to rise to her feet and place her hands on her hips indignantly. "And what was wrong with my suggestions? We're supposed to be enjoying nature and each other's company not getting drunk, acting like fools, and riding around at one-hundred miles per hour on snowmobiles."

"I wasn't going to drink," Jody informed her business partner, not bothering to deny the rest. Mark and Claire laughed.

Blue eyes rolled in an exaggerated motion as Claire stood up and wrapped an arm around Amanda's waist. "Mandy, I'll bet you were the kid in class who reminded the teacher when she forgot to assign homework."

"I was not!" the blonde protested vehemently. She winced internally. Okay... but I only did that once!

"Suuurrree," her friend's drawled in unison, laughing again.

"Fine." Amanda grumped but was soon smiling herself. "You wanna meet back here around 6:00 p.m. then we can all go to dinner?"

Mark nodded, hoping he could talk Jody into a nap. The tall man stood and tossed Claire and Amanda their coats. He looked out the window and absently noticed that the sun had disappeared behind thick clouds and a light snow was falling. He shut the door behind Claire and Amanda and made his way back to Jody.

"You want me to take a nap, don't you?" Mark had been hinting at it for the last couple of hours and Jody was trying not to let it irritate her.

"Yep." He smiled remembering how easily pregnant women got tired, especially in their first trimester. "Okay if join you? I'm not used to getting up before the crack of dawn."

Jody nodded enthusiastically and looked at the enormous bed and Mark. The combination looked like heaven to the therapist who held out her hand invitingly. "As a matter of fact... I insist."

Cory slipped out of Amanda and Claire's cabin just as the foursome exited the Pathfinder after a pleasant evening of dinner and drinks in town. The young construction worker laughed to himself, confident the blowing snow and darkness would cover his tracks leading from the cabin to the woods. Soon. He wondered how their hot blood would feel running down his hands and forearms and closed his eyes in pleasure. Wonderful, he decided. Simply wonderful.

"Should we head back into town tomorrow?" Amanda asked Claire as she shed her coat and moved to stoke the fire that had burned down to embers in their absence.

"Well, the guy at the bar told me most of the blizzard should pass well North of here. Besides, so what if it hits? We've got food and wood and as many gallons of gas as we could load into the trunk in case we need to run the generator. We should be able to ride it out if it comes to that." Claire studied Amanda's back. Moving forward she laid her palm on her lover's shoulder. "But if you'd feel more comfortable, we can bunk in a lodge or motel until the bad weather passes."

Amanda smiled and shook her head. "Nah, you're right. There's no reason we can't just stay here." Pale eyebrows wriggled. "Most of what I wanted to do on this vacation doesn't require anything but you… and since you're here with me...."

Claire chuckled. "Why, Mandy, are you propositioning me?"

"Me and everybody else in Minnesota," the therapist groused. One of the restaurant's more inebriated patrons had found Claire too appealing to ignore and put a serious damper on Amanda’s evening.

"He was just a drunken idiot." Claire rolled her shoulder. "I just try to ignore that stuff." Unless it’s directed at you. Claire sat down alongside her partner and gazed into the newly stoked flames, which were shooting dancing shadow patterns across the cabin's mostly dark interior.

Amanda’s attention was on her partner and her normally pale blue eyes, gone indigo in the firelight. "You are so beautiful," she offered dreamily. "Too bad for everyone else that you're mine." She reached up and stroked the soft skin on Claire's cheek. "All mine," she added possessively, not worrying at all about her lover's reaction.

A dark eyebrow edged upward and the lawyer flashed Amanda a sparkling white smile. "I think you made that clear tonight when you told my admirer to go back to his sheep before you kicked his scrawny ass all the way to Canada."

Amanda blushed. "Oh yeah, err..." She shrugged. "Sorry about that. But he wasn't taking your hints."

"Hints? I told him I was with you and to leave us alone. That's not a hint."

"But he didn't leave!"

"He did after you kissed me full on the mouth! Though judging from his reaction I think he really liked it!"

Amanda’s blush turned scarlet. "I... um..."

Claire leaned over and soundly kissed her partner. "S'okay," she chuckled. "I know exactly how you felt."

"Really?" Amanda asked, surprised.

"Of course. How many times have you been asked out, or at the very least leered at right in front of me?"

Amanda thought about that and frowned. It didn't happen as much with her as it did with Claire, but when it did, she knew it upset the attorney. But what can we do about it? Keep each other on leashes? Have my name tattooed on her forehead and vice versa? The frown deepened. People will always see what they want to see, no matter what we tell them or what the truth really is.

"Earth to Mandy. Are you still with me?" Claire waved her hand in front of Amanda's face and gave her a friendly bump with her shoulder. "Are you okay?" she asked, concerned over Amanda's suddenly melancholy mood.

The younger woman reluctantly drew herself out of her thoughts. "Yeah, I was just thinking." She snuggled closer to her partner.

"Ahh." Claire could read her lover easily and wrapped a long arm around Amanda’s shoulders. You said forever, Mandy, but I wonder just what type of commitment you're willing to make. Tucking that idea away for later, Claire thought about what a long day it had been. "I think I'll grab a quick shower before bed."

"You mean a bath," Amanda reminded with a twinkle in her eyes. No interruptions this time, Gumby.

Claire nodded then moaned. "But I don't think I can take that cold water! Have you felt it? When I washed my hands this afternoon I almost had a damned heart attack!"

Amanda laughed. "Oh yeah," she drew out the words. "I remember. It's like that even in the summertime. That's what this rod is for." She pointed toward a bent black metal rod tucked up along the edge of the fireplace. "In the kitchen is this huge steel pot that you can fill with water and then hang over the flame until it's boiling. Two or three pots full added to the cold water and you've got a warm bath. It takes a little time… but it's totally worth it. There's even a smaller pot for soup or stew or coffee maybe. But I've never tried it."

"Why not?" Claire couldn't imagine her lover not trying anything if it meant hot food.

"I just used the stove in the other cabin. You can sit a pot or skillet right on top." Amanda stretched out her feet and leaned back into Claire’s strong embrace. She dug her fingers into the soft sheepskin rug, enjoying its fuzzy warmth and the rich smell of the crackling maple in the fire.

"You walked there for every meal?"

"Nope. I always stay in the other cabin. This is my first time in this one."

Claire's eyebrows rose. "Does Iris take this one?" The lawyer wiggled and warmed her toes in front to the flames.

"Dunno. Iris has never been here when I've come up. I've been here four or five times but never with her. I brought Monica once a long time ago." The blonde smiled ruefully. "But we had an argument and she took off the first day."

"Did you guys drive here in separate cars?"

"No," Amanda answered simply, not feeling the need to go into all the trouble it had been to find a way into town and then rent a car. Claire didn't need another reason to dislike her sister. There were already more than enough as it was.

That bitch! Claire shifted and pulled Amanda into a hug. "Sorry," she murmured against fair hair. "Why didn't you ever stay here?" Claire asked, intentionally steering the conversation away from Amanda's troublesome sister, but not releasing her lover from the hug.

Why didn't I? "I'm not really sure. Hmm… You smell good." She felt rather than heard her lover’s laugh and happily burrowed her face deeper into Claire’s neck. "I guess... it... never seemed right until..." A smile teased at Amanda's lips and she tasted the delicate skin of her lover's throat. "...until you."

Claire smiled back. "Aww… You're such a romantic, Mandy. But are you sure you just didn't want to be closer to the stove and an easy cup of hot chocolate?"

That comment earned the lawyer a smack in the belly. "I'm sure, ya rat."

"Is his bath a warm one."

Amanda didn't have to look to know Claire’s eyes had drifted to the oil painting above the mantel. "Sure it is. She heated it for him."

The women didn't speak for several moments. They just sat and thought and gladly enjoyed the soothing presence of the other.

"Why?" Claire finally asked, breaking Amanda out of her thoughts of Missy, even though she painted the picture years before Missy was born, the smiling boy always reminded her of her daughter.

"Why what?" Amanda asked, confused.

"Why did she heat it, even in the summertime?" There was a vulnerable edge to the darker woman's voice that made Amanda pull away so she could study her face.

"Because she loves him," came the easy reply.

"Is he hers? He looks like the man but not the woman."

Amanda's brow furrowed. "No, he's not hers. But she loves him anyway, just like I love Missy."

"I love her too." Claire pushed down a twinge of nervousness as her stomach did flip-flops. Ask her you chicken shit! she mentally prodded herself. The worst she can say is 'no' and think you were nuts for even suggesting it.

Amanda reached out and grasped large hands that were uncharacteristically chilled. The therapist searched the depths of azure eyes in an attempt to figure out where Claire was heading. Finding no guidance, she simply trusted that Claire would fill her in. "I know you do, sweetheart. You show her and tell her everyday. You're a wonderful mo..." Amanda stopped, cursing herself for the near verbal slip. Stop it, Mandy. Claire hasn't said hasn't said that's something she even wants. But even as she thought it, the blonde knew it didn't make any sense.

Claire had eagerly taken on a large part of Missy's parenting. She truly was another mother to the child… in every way. But they’d never really discussed Claire's role with Missy and Amanda didn't want to make assumptions regarding something so important. Not wanting Claire to feel awkward or pressured, she had even taken Missy aside and reminded her to call Claire by her name and not 'mama', when the term had accidentally rolled of the child's tongue more than once.

The lawyer focused open blue eyes on Amanda. "You were going to say mother." It was more a statement than question.

Crap. Amanda swallowed hard and did her best to steady her voice. "Yes, I was." She waited and watched, but Claire showed no response. Then the older woman's jaw began to work. But it was several more seconds before any sound emerged. Amanda could nearly feel the tense waves pouring off her lover.

"You told Missy not to call me that." The normally strong voice cracked a little.

Amanda suddenly felt nauseous and her heart began to pound. Oh God.

Glassy orbs dropped, unwilling to see Amanda's reaction. "I understand that you..." A deep breath. "...didn't want her to. I... I was just wondering why."

She thinks... Nonononono. Damn.

Claire felt soft fingers tug at her chin and soon she was captured in intense green eyes. "You're wrong if you think I didn't want Missy to call you 'mama'. I would love that. You are that to her and you have been for months, even before we moved in together," she added sincerely. "She may be the only person on earth who loves you nearly as much as I do."

The tension in Claire's guts immediately began to ease and she felt like she could breath again. "So... it would be okay for her to call me mom or mama or something like that... you wouldn't mind?"

"We're raising her together, right?" Amanda asked, wanting to hear the words that were really nothing more than a simple confirmation of what had been happening from the very start. Claire nodded and smiled a heart-stopping smile that made Amanda's chest ache. The blonde cursed her stupidity. Jesus, how can I start with the best intentions and then mess up things so badly?

Amanda shook her head, her own eyes welling in response to her partner's unshed tears. A small smile touched her face. "You can tell her as soon as we get home." While the words were still hanging in the air she was pulled into a nearly crushing embrace.

"Thanks, Mandy," Claire whispered. "I've been wanting to ask if that would be okay... but I was worried...well... I wasn’t sure... I was just worried that’s all," she finished lamely.

Claire's warm breath tickled Mandy's ear, and she silently thanked any Gods listening for the love of this woman. "I know. I love you. I should have asked you about it sooner but I didn't want you to feel pressured. It wasn't a reflection on your parenting. I swear." Amanda closed her eyes and bit the bullet. "In fact, I think we make a pretty good team." God why am I so nervous? "So good in fact, I'd like to add another player." That's right, Mandy, make her solve a damn riddle! "I mean..."

"Yes."

Amanda pulled back. "What did you say?"

"I said 'yes'."

The therapist's senses were reeling. "Do you understand…?"

"You want another child." Just like I do.

Green eyes widened and Amanda could only nod mutely.

Claire cupped her cheeks. "I think it's a fantastic idea. I hated being an only child and we've got more than enough love to share."

A tentative smile edged its way onto Amanda's face. "Really? You've thought about this before?" The younger woman felt an uncontrollable surge of emotion well within her.

"Really and yes," Claire assured and was knocked flat on her back by Amanda's hurling body. How did she work up so much velocity? She was only one foot away from me! The lawyer exhaled loudly as the air was literally forced from her lungs when her shoulders hit the sheepskin rug. Catching her breath, she laughed as Amanda peppered her face with kisses, muttering words of thanks and devotion.

After enjoying the few moments of the lavish attention Amanda was offering, Claire spoke, not wanting to give her partner false hope. "Adoption may not be a reasonable option this time around."
 
 

Amanda stopped the constant shower of kisses long enough to consider Claire's statement. "Hmm." Her sexual orientation hadn't been an issue in Missy's adoption. She wasn't seeing anyone at the time and lived alone. No one asked, and she didn't offer the information. Now, even the most cursory investigation could be damning. "Would you...?"

"First thing next week I'll get to work on the research." Time to brush up on my family law. Some states had statutes that outright forbade same sex couples from adopting, and while she wasn't aware of any such restriction in Minnesota, she wasn't sure they didn't have one either.

Now for the tricky part. Claire screwed up her courage. "Have you ever considered one of us actually 'having' the baby instead of adopting."

Amanda stared down at the face inches below hers. "As in one of us getting pregnant?" she asked in a shocked but delighted voice.

"Well, I might have to confirm it with Jody, but I do think that's one way to get a baby."

"Smarty pants." Amanda sat up, straddling her supine partner. "Wow. I never… I mean… which one of us did you want to get pregnant?"

"I'd love to do it."

"REALLY?" Amanda practically shrieked.

"Jesus Christ, Mandy, you're acting like I told you I want to grow a beard! Is this so hard to believe?" Claire asked exasperatedly.

"No, sweetheart. Well...actually it is! You've never said a word about wanting to have a baby."

"Neither have you."

"Yes, but I obviously wanted a baby at one time or I wouldn't have adopted Missy. And when I just 'mentioned', in passing, that it might be a good idea to get a flu shot, you turned pale as a ghost."

A challenging dark eyebrow lifted. "Yeah well, I only consider subjecting myself to voluntary pain under extraordinary circumstances. And this qualifies."

Amanda’s smile stretched her facial muscles and crinkled her nose and the corners of her eyes in a way Claire found completely adorable. "I'd love to do it too... Get pregnant I mean."

"Well, it looks like we've got a lot to think about." Claire sat up and nuzzled her partner's neck. "Wadda ya say we do the bath thing in the morning and get right to practicing that baby making thing tonight."

Amanda giggled. "Unless there's something else you want to tell me... I don't think practice is gonna make perfect in our case, honey."

"I know." Claire traced Amanda's ear with the tip of her tongue then moved down to the tender skin on Amanda's neck. She felt her lover's pulse jump in response as small fingers found their way into her hair. "But wouldn't it be fun trying?" she got out, before an insistent mouth covered her own.

Comments or questions to Advocate advocate8704@yahoo.com
Continued in Part 7.