~ Love in Photographs ~
by Alex Tryst
Copyright © June 2002

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Disclaimers: See Part 1

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Part 10

Three weeks later Torrance and Helen were on their way down to Helen’s parents’ house for her father’s birthday. Arriving at the bed and breakfast late Thursday night, they called her father to let him know that they had gotten their safely and that they would see him tomorrow. However Torrance asked to speak with him as Helen went into their bathroom to prepare for bed.

“John, listen. I was wondering if you were free early tomorrow morning. There is something I wanted to discuss with you.”

“Well, sure. You and Helen can come by the house if you’d like.”

“Actually I wanted to talk to you alone, just the two of us. Would that be possible?”

“Sure. There’s a coffee shop close to the bed and breakfast. Is Helen still a late sleeper?”

“Yeah. I figure I could sneak out of here about eight or so and be back before she wakes. How does that sound?”

“Sounds fine. I’ll see you then.”

“Fabulous. See you in the morning. Good night.”

Early the next day Torrance was out the door before eight and waiting anxiously for John at the coffee shop. As he came in, Torrance gave him a friendly wave and waited while he got himself something to drink before joining here. “Morning, Torrance.”

“Good morning, John. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks. Now what did you want to talk to me about? I’ve been wondering all night.”

Torrance gave a little chuckle. “Now I know where Helen gets her voracious curiosity.”

“Well, tell me. Don’t leave me in suspense.”

The photographer gestured in mock surrender before taking a sip of her coffee. “Well, since you’re so anxious, I’ll get straight to the point. Helen and I have known each other for quite a while. I love your daughter with all that I am and ever hope to be, John, and I want her to be my wife. As her father I would like to ask you for your daughter’s hand.”

Giving a large grin, John replied, “You don’t have to ask me, Torrance. You already have my blessing. This is the best birthday present I could’ve ever gotten. Have you gotten her a ring yet?”

“Yeah. I figured you might like to see it.” she stated digging the box out of her pocket. Opening it she placed it in front of him.

“Wow. This is a beautiful ring, Torrance. She’s going to love it.”

“Do you think there is any way she’s going to say no?” hesitantly the brunette asked.

“Not a chance. Helen has spoken to me many times about how she wishes to be your wife. She is going to say yes. When are you planning on asking?”

“Well, I was thinking about today before the party if I can find a romantic spot.”

“I know of the perfect place. I’ll show you after this. It’s rather mild out today too, so you shouldn’t have a problem being outside.”

“Yeah. I was hoping it could be outside since the weather is unseasonably warm all of a sudden. I don’t want to ask her today though if it’s going to cause a problem.”

“No, I think you should do it today if you’re ready. I’d love to be able to introduce you at the party tonight as Helen’s fiancee.”

“I just don’t want your wife to take her disapproval out on us in such a public forum. I would hate to ruin your birthday with that.”

“Nonsense. You can’t ruin it. This is the best gift you could’ve given me. The only thing that would be better is if Helen arrived tonight with this ring upon her hand.”

“I guess that settles it. Assuming that we can find a spot, I’ll do it today.”

“Actually there is a place on the property of the B&B that I think would be perfect. It overlooks the water, and it still looks somewhat spontaneous. She’s a smart one and would figure out if you tried to do something planned.”

“Very true. Come on. Show me these places you have in mind. I have to get back before she wakes up and discovers I’m gone. I’d have some explaining to do.”

An hour later Torrance returned to the room to find Helen getting dressed. “Hey. There you are. I woke up, and you were gone. I was wondering where you went.” the blonde mentioned.

“I was just went for a walk. It’s a nice day.”

“Oh. Well, we have so much to do before the party. I still have to go buy my dad a gift. I just have no idea what to get him. It’s his sixtieth, so I feel like it should be special.”

“It will be, because you gave it to him, Helen. Come on now. Let’s have our breakfast and go shopping. We have to be back here early to get ready.”

That afternoon they returned to their room around four to get ready for the evening. As usual Torrance was ready first deciding upon a nice suit since it was a formal event. As she took one last look at herself in the mirror, she took a deep breath. The moment she had dreamed about was fast approaching, and her stomach was fluttering nervously, but she was determined to make her marriage proposal to her beloved before they left for the dinner. Turning to Helen she gave the woman she loved a smile. “I’m glad you’ve decided to wear this dress tonight. It really does look great on you. My mother has excellent taste.”

“She sure does. Besides I want to wear it, because you bought it for me.”

“Well, I’m going to go downstairs to wait. I like getting the full effect when you come out fully dressed.”

“All right. See you in a bit. Give me about fifteen minutes.”

Torrance left the room and headed off to find the owner for the bed and breakfast to ask that he send Helen out to the garden when she came down looking for her before going outside herself. Taking a seat on the wooden bench, she looked out over the Chesapeake Bay to watch the last bit of sun. She hoped Helen would make it down before the sun completely set, but she figured even if she missed it, it was still romantic enough.

Ten minutes later the photographer heard footfall behind her. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the blonde coming toward her. Torrance felt her chest tighten at the sight of the teacher in her elegant black dress with a black wrap covering her shoulders. “You look beautiful.” she stated standing and extending her hand to the model.

“Thank you. You look sexy yourself. You should wear suits more often. I love they way they look on you.” Helen said. They both looked out over the water to watch the last bit of sunset. “It’s a beautiful night.” the blonde mentioned.

“It certainly is.” Torrance replied looking down at the younger woman and giving a smile. “You want to sit?”

“We really should get going.” lightly Helen protested.

“Just for a minute.” Torrance said knowing by the blonde’s answer that she could be swayed easily.

Nodding in consent the younger woman took a seat on the bench and looked up at her tall companion. “Well, aren’t you going to join me?”

Nonchalantly Torrance slid her hand into her pocket and slipped the ring partially onto her large ring finger before taking a seat on the bench next to Helen. “Helen, I love you.”

“I love you too, Torrance.”

“From the moment you came into my life, I wanted to be close to you. You had a magnetism about you that I had never felt with anyone else, and I feel blessed that you have allowed me to love you. Lately I’ve been thinking about where I wanted this relationship to go, and I had decided that I was going to ask you to move in with me. However I know how much you dislike New York, and I wasn’t so thrilled about the idea of moving to Philadelphia due to my career, so I felt as if I was stuck, but then something happened. We were at the loft, and I was holding you after we had made love when you said something that made me realize what a fool I was being. You said you wanted to have a baby with me, and it was at that moment that I realized nothing else mattered to me except you. If I never took another picture again, I’d still feel complete as long as I had you. Because I feel that way, I decided that it didn’t matter where we lived as long as we were together. My need to be with you everyday outweighs everything else, Helen. The obvious choice would be to ask you if you wanted to move in together, but you deserve more than that. You deserve it all, and I want to give it to you.” Torrance softly confessed as she slid off the bench and down to her knee. Taking her girlfriend’s hands, she smiled nervously. “Helen, you mean the world to me, and I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone in my entire life. It would be the greatest honor if you would allow me to be your wife and mother to our children. I will do anything within my power to make you happy. Helen, will you marry me?” she gently inquired pulling out the ring and slipping it on the younger woman’s finger.

Helen stopped breathing momentarily as she stared first at the ring adorning her hand before looking into the green eyes of her beloved Torrance. “Oh, God, Torrance. You’ve caught me completely by surprise. I wasn’t expecting this. I thought for sure I would know when this was coming.”

Torrance waited another second before half jesting, “Helen, I’m having a minor heart attack here. Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“Oh, Torrance.” she exclaimed throwing her arms around the brunette’s neck. “Yes, I will marry you. I’ve always dreamed of this moment. You have no idea how much I want this.”

“Probably as much as I do.” the photographer teased leaning up to her fiancee’s lips. After several minutes of kissing, she mumbled, “We need to get going to the party.”

“I can’t wait to tell my dad. He’s going to be so thrilled. Come on. Let’s go.” Helen excitedly taking her fiancee by the hand and leading the way to the car.

When Torrance and Helen arrived, the young blonde took the photographer’s hand and led her into the ball room of her parents’ country club. Immediately people took note of their entrance and greeted them as they headed directly for the teacher’s father. As John saw them, he came rushing over. “Helen, I’m so glad you’re here.” he stated embracing her in a tight hug.

“Happy birthday, Daddy.” she said as he kissed her on the cheek.

Finally breaking away he turned to Torrance and brought her into a firm hug as well. “Thank you for bringing her, Torrance.”

“You’re welcome.” Leaning down slightly towards his ear, Torrance whispered so only he could hear, “She said yes.”

John’s eyes lit in warmth as he turned back to his youngest and grabbed her left hand. “Oh my God! This is great!” he screamed in joy.

“You knew about this?” Helen asked of her father.

However Torrance answered for him. “Knew about it? He helped me plan.”

“Oh, Daddy, thank you.” the model said throwing her arms around him.

“Anything for you, Helen.” he whispered, his eyes beginning to tear.

“Why are you crying, Dad?”

“I’m just so happy for the two of you. My little girl is getting married, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better mate. Oh, Mrs. Whitfield, I’m overwhelmed with happiness.”

Hearing her father call her by her soon to be married name made Helen start crying as well as she clung tighter to him. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, sweetie. Now I guess we better introduce the newest member of our family to everyone, huh?” he suggested taking one of Torrance’s hands in his own.

For the rest of the evening Torrance was introduced by John as Helen’s fiancee. If anyone had a problem with it, no one said anything, but the brunette could tell that Diane Melbourne was extremely unpleased with the development. However the rest of the family seemed to welcome her with open arms, and she spent most of the night with Helen’s siblings and nieces.

That night as John was presented with his cake, he stood to address the group. “Well, I have to say that this has been absolutely the best birthday I’ve ever had, and I thank all of you for being here to share it with me. However there is someone in particular tonight that I wish to thank for being here for she has brought me a special gift. For those of you who have yet to be introduced to this woman, I want to introduce her now. Over here with my family is Torrance Whitfield.” he mentioned coming to put a hand on her shoulder. “I haven’t known this woman very long, but in our short acquaintance, she has given my family something that no one else ever could, another daughter. Just this evening she and my own daughter Helen decided that they want to be married for which I am overjoyed. No words could ever truly express how I feel about this news. I’ve always dreamed of my children’s spouses, and even though I never imagined that this well to do, internationally famous photographer would sweep my youngest right off her feet, I still feel blessed that she has. I know that the two of them will be happy together, so I have to thank Torrance for giving me the best gift anyone ever could. You have made Helen’s dreams a reality and therefor her father’s as well, so tonight as I celebrate my sixtieth birthday, I toast the two of you and wish you all the best.”

Moved by the public display, both Helen and Torrance enfolded him into a hug as he finished speaking. As attention was turned back to everyone’s own tables and conversations, John reached up and cupped the side of the photographer’s face affectionately. “Welcome to my family, Torrance.”

“Thank you, John. I promise that I’ll make your little girl happy.”

“I know you will. You already do.”

A little bit later Torrance went to the bar to retrieve another drink for Helen and herself when she was approached by Helen’s mother. “Good evening, Mrs. Melbourne.” the brunette greeted as politely as possible.

“Doesn’t feel like one.” she mumbled. “You’re not going to go away, are you?”

“I hadn’t planned on it. I love Helen, and I want to be with her.”

“And she has agreed to marry you?”

“Yes. Apparently she wants to be with me as much as I do her.”

“Well, I don’t like it.”

“I’m aware of that, and I’m sorry that’s the way you feel.”

“I want my daughter back, Torrance.”

“And I want you to have your daughter back, Mrs. Melbourne, but I want you to have the real her, not the one you want her to be.”

“Torrance, regardless of what you might believe, I’ve always had the real Helen. Whatever this phase is, she’ll get over it. I’m upset that she’s choosing to do something that I disagree with so immensely, and marrying you, whether it’s for your money or not, is wrong.”

“It’s her choice, Mrs. Melbourne. It’s her life, and I just feel blessed that she has decided to spend it with me. I want her to have her family too, but she’s made it clear that she’d rather have me than anyone else. It’s your choice whether or not you want to be in her life. I wish that you would, but I’ll comfort her if you’re not. She wants her mother back but with an apology for the way she was treated, and she also wants you to show your support. Maybe in time you can come to accept us as a couple, but even if you don’t, that’s not going to stop her from fulfilling her own dreams. She will do as she pleases, but there will always be a hole in her heart where you are supposed to be. I wish that you would fill that void before it’s too late.” Torrance stated as she looked up to see Helen watching them. “Excuse me. I need to get back to Helen now.”

Heading back to the table, the brunette set Helen’s wine down in front of her. “What were you talking to my mother about?”

“You. She’s just voicing her opinion on this latest news, but don’t give her another thought. How about a dance?”

“Sure. That sounds great.”

Helen and Torrance took to the dance floor for the next hour, but after awhile, John asked to cut in and dance with the blonde, leaving Diane and Torrance standing there. Putting on a confident face, Torrance looked down at the older version of her beloved. “Mrs. Melbourne, would you like to dance, or should I escort you from the floor?”

“I’m not finished talking to you, Torrance.” she stated.

“Very well. We could dance and talk or maybe find a quiet place over by the bar.” she suggested. “Whatever you would like would be fine.”

A moment that seemed to last forever passed before she answered, “I want to stay right here.”

Surprised by the response, Torrance experimentally extended her hand for the older woman to take. Diane Melbourne stared at the outstretched hand for several moments before putting her hand into the larger one. Swallowing her nerves, Torrance stepped to Helen’s mother and put a tentative hand around the older woman’s back. Just as indecisively Diane’s hand came up to the photographer’s shoulder. Torrance began to slowly move the two of them to the music, and there was silence between them for a few minutes. The brunette’s thought were running wild as she held the woman who had caused Helen so much pain. It felt strange to her that a woman that felt so much like her beloved could have open hostility for her.

Helen danced with her father as she watched what was happening with Torrance and her mother. “Oh my God. They’re actually dancing together.” she whispered in complete shock.

John looked over his shoulder at his wife and Torrance. “Good. I was hoping that Torrance would turn on the charm. It’s only a matter of time now before your mother comes around, Helen. I promise you that she will.”

After a few songs passed, Diane stated, “This is a strange sensation, Torrance. I’ve never danced with a woman before. You’re so much larger than my husband that it’s almost like dancing with another man.”

“Well, I am usually tall. That much is true.” nervously she replied, unsure of how to proceed in conversation.

“Torrance, after what you said to me earlier, I feel like I should be honest with you about my objections. I know with complete certainty that Helen is the type of girl to do as she pleases regardless of what I think. She always has been that way, and I don’t want to lose her. She’s my daughter.”

“I don’t want you to lose her either. Children always need their mothers regardless of their age.”

“Torrance, I just have a real moral objection to you and Helen being together.”

“You don’t like the fact that I am a woman. Mrs. Melbourne, notwithstanding that one point, do you have any problems with me?”

“Well, I think you’re haughty. You have too much money for a person of your age.”

“I do work hard for a living, Mrs. Melbourne, but most of my money I was born into. There is nothing I can do about that. Don’t you want Helen to be taken care of? I can give her anything and everything she wants.”

“I don’t think that is always best. I don’t want her to become spoiled. Helen has had a nice upbringing. She’s always had what she needed and a lot of what she wanted as well, but I think moderation is good for everyone. I mean that dress she’s wearing tonight is not something you just buy off the rack. I know you had to have bought it for her. I don’t want her to become arrogant because of your status.”

“I don’t think she will. Helen has made it clear to me that she wants nothing to do with my money. It makes her uncomfortable. Mrs. Melbourne, I don’t want to change Helen in anyway, because I love her as she is. The reality of the situation is that the money is there, but I don’t think either of us has the intention of abusing it. What else about me bothers you?”

“You have an ego problem.”

“What makes you say that?”

“That night we went to dinner with you and your parents you were introducing Helen to everyone like she was some sort of trophy. There is more to her than her looks, Torrance, but the way you kept touching and ogling her made me uncomfortable.”

“I’m terribly sorry. I wasn’t aware that I was doing that. I just want everyone to know who Helen is, because I’m so proud of her. She’s an amazing, special woman, Mrs. Melbourne, and I want the world to know it.”

“She is special.” Diane conceded.

“See. We can agree on something. If I were a wealthy, haughty, egotistical man instead of a woman, would this bother you as much, or do all those things about me truly irritate you?” gently Torrance inquired, hoping not to sever the wavering connection they were sharing.

“They would still upset me, Torrance, but to answer your unspoken question, the fact that you are a woman is the key issue.”

“Good.” the photographer mumbled.

“Good? Why is that good?”

“Because I only have one real issue to deal with. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to change your mind about all of those things.”

“And you think you can change my mind about how I feel?” Diane challenged.

“Yes.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Two reasons really. Number one you came to talk to me twice this evening. If you were truly set in your ways, you wouldn’t have given me the time of day. Secondly, but more importantly in my eyes though, is the fact that you are dancing with me. If you really objected to two women being together, you wouldn’t be here allowing me to lead you around this dance floor. You’d be off in the corner cursing my very existence, but instead you are out on a limb trying to resolve this issue with me. That says a lot about you, Mrs. Melbourne. It proves what I’ve always thought to be true. You do love Helen, and you want what is best for her. Hopefully in time you will come to realize that she thinks I am what’s best for her.”

“Dancing with you is one thing. Two women being intimate is quite another, Torrance. That’s not something I agree with.”

“Well, you’d probably be uncomfortable with that idea regardless of who was with Helen. She is your baby after all. It’s hard to see her as an adult, but she’s twenty-nine. Intimacy is only a portion of a relationship. It’s not everything. If you can just focus on her happiness, I think that maybe you’ll see that she is content. Isn’t that what matters most, her happiness?”

Diane didn’t answer the posed question. Instead she withdrew from Torrance’s arms. “I think I need to go socialize some more now.” she said, her tone of voice relaying her newfound openness in discussing the topic.

“Sure. I understand. You are the hostess after all. Thank you for taking the time with me this evening, Mrs. Melbourne.”

Helen’s mother gave a nod. “Call me Diane.” she stated as she turned to go, leaving Torrance standing there alone on the floor.

It was only a moment before her fiancee came to her. “Well, that certainly was interesting to watch. I never thought I’d see the two of you dancing together. What did she say?”

“That she doesn’t want to lose you. I think things are going to get better now. We had a good talk.”

That evening as they were leaving the party, John and Diane escorted them to the door. “Thank you for making this night.” John said to both of them as he gave them each a hug.

“Thanks for inviting me, John. I had a great time. It was a pleasure to see you again, Diane.”

The older woman just gave a nod in the brunette’s direction but then asked to speak with Helen alone. Helen followed her mother a few steps out of earshot and looked at her expectantly. Her mother shifted nervously on her feet for a moment. “Helen, I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry for what I said in New York. That’s not the way I really feel about the situation.”

“How do you feel?”

“I still don’t like it, but it’s obvious that you are going to marry this woman whether or not I approve.”

“That’s true, Mother. I am.”

“Well, if it means anything to you, I like her more than I ever liked Richard.” Helen nodded knowing that was a difficult admission for her mother to make. “Tomorrow all the family is coming over for brunch. I think you and Torrance should be there.” she stated.

“Okay. I’ll have to run it by Torrance.”

“All right. Then just give us a call.”

Helen looked at her mother for a second before moving to hug her. The embrace was returned without hesitation. “Thank you for at least understanding, Mom, even if you don’t agree. I love you.”

“I love you too, Helen.”

Pulling away Helen went back to Torrance’s side and curved her arm around the taller woman’s waist. “We’ll call you tomorrow about brunch. Happy birthday, Dad.”

“Hope to see you in the morning. Congratulations again.” he said as they turned to go.

“Well, you hugged your mother. Things must be looking up.” Torrance mentioned as they went out to the car.

Helen smiled. “I think so. She invited us to the house for brunch tomorrow.”

“Are we going?”

“That depends on you. I don’t know what you had in mind.”

“Well, I’m up for it if you are.”

“Great. Thanks, but enough about my mother. I feel like celebrating our own event tonight.”

“What did you have in mind?” curiously the older woman inquired.

Cracking a rakish grin, Helen whispered, “Take me back to our place, and you’ll find out.”

The next day they arrived at the model’s parents’ home just after eleven. After greeting everyone Helen said that she wanted to show Torrance around since the food wasn’t ready yet. Helen gave the brunette a tour of the house before taking her outside down to their own private beach. “This is a beautiful place.” Torrance mentioned as they stood and cuddled together up on the deck.

“My dad designed the house.”

“It’s fantastic. He’s quite a talented architect. The use of space is just incredible, and of course this view is wonderful too. It’s a lot better than looking at downtown New York.”

“Speaking of New York, I think we need to talk about our living situation.”

“Yeah, I know. You don’t necessarily want to live in New York.”

“But you can’t move to Philly either. You need to be in New York for your career.”

“Helen, I told you. I don’t care about that anymore. I just want to be with you.”

“I know, but I can’t let you give up on your dreams for me. That wouldn’t be loving you as you are. There has to be some amiable compromise. Can’t we live in the suburbs of New York? I mean isn’t there a place far enough from the city that suits my needs but that is close enough to meet yours?”

“We could always move to Long Island. It’s not that far from the city, and it would make my family happy for me to be closer to the family estate. I still don’t want to move in there. My parents have a place out there. I don’t see why we couldn’t get one too.”

“You see? That sounds like a great idea. Why don’t we start looking there? We have so much to discuss concerning the wedding, but if we can find a place to live, that would be a load off my mind.”

“True.”

“It’s going to be a shame to have to resign from my position however. I truly love it there.” Helen mentioned.

“Well, you can always find a school out on Long Island. There are many prestigious private schools there. I’m sure they would benefit from your talents as a teacher.”

“I know, but I was actually thinking that I might resign before the school year is over, and I know I won’t get hired for this year with only a few months left.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because we have a wedding to plan. That’s going to take time, and I think it will be especially difficult to do when we’re in two different cities. I thought it might be easier if we lived together at the loft until then. Besides when Kelly and Mark get married in two weeks, I’m going to have to move anyway. It doesn’t make sense to get another apartment for a few months just to have to move again when the summer starts. Come summer time I’ll be in New York for modeling, and I figure we’d probably want to get married sometime within the next six months or so.”

Torrance nodded. “I can understand your thought process on that. I just hate the idea of having you quit your job for me.”

“It’s for us. Besides being in New York, I can pick up a few modeling jobs here and there to give me something to do. I won’t just be sitting around our house.”

The photographer smiled as she pulled the petite woman closer. “Our house. I like the sound of that.”

“So do I. Torrance, there is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”

“When we talked about having a baby that night, I was completely serious. I want to have a baby with you.”

“As I do with you. Why is this an issue for you? Are you saying you want to have one now?”

Helen nodded. “I’d like to get pregnant as soon as possible.”

“How soon? Before we even get married?” the older woman asked turning her fiancee in her arms to look at her.

“If I could be pregnant now, I would, Torrance. The thought of our baby growing inside of me makes me ache for it all the more. I want to have your baby now.”

Torrance smiled down at her. “Well, I guess I’m going to have to get you pregnant then.” she teased lightly.

“You mean it?” hopefully the blonde asked.

“Yes. I want to give you everything, Helen, and I want to have children with you. If you’re ready, then so am I.”

“Oh, thank you, Torrance.” Helen exclaimed pulling the taller woman down into a kiss.

Several minutes passed with them sharing their intimate moment when Diane’s voice called out to them. “Brunch is ready.”

The both looked over at her seeing that she was nervous about what she had seen, but neither of them said anything, deciding that the older woman needed time to adjust. “Come on. Let’s go spend some quality time with your family.” the photographer stated taking Helen by the hand.

That afternoon after spending part of the day with Helen’s family, they left to drive up to the Poconos to see Torrance’s family. Upon their arrival the photographer’s parents rushed to them, and Maria grabbed the blonde’s hand to check for the ring. “Apparently your mother knew too.” Helen teased. “Was I the only one out of the loop?”

“Well, I didn’t know until today.” Thomas stated. “This is fabulous news. I’m so glad that the two of you are finally tying the knot.”

“Have you even started talking about the wedding yet?” Maria inquired as they moved to sit in the living room.

“Not yet. It’s just been a whirlwind between this and John’s birthday that we haven’t even talked about it yet. We’ve just discussed our future living situation, but nothing has been decided about a date.”

“Oh? And what about the living situation? Where have you two decided to reside?”

Torrance smiled at Helen as she brought her in closer into her embrace. “Well, we’ve decided that a compromise was in order. Helen isn’t thrilled on the idea of living in the city, but I need to be close by for work, so we thought we’d move to Long Island. That way we’d be closer to you all as well as Grandmother. Helen gets to keep the suburbs, and I get easy access to New York.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, but what about the wedding? Do you even have an idea of when you’d like to have it?”

“We were thinking within the next six months or so, but we haven’t set a date yet, Maria. We have so much to talk about.”

“Well, you must allow me to get you a wedding planner. That is the only way to go, especially on such short notice and with your being in separate cities.”

“Actually, Mother, Helen and I have decided that she should move into the loft with me. She’s going to resign from her position at the school.” Torrance informed her.

“Oh? You’re okay with that, Helen?” Maria inquired curiously.

“It was my idea. I just think it will be easier. I’m supposed to be moving out of my apartment in a few weeks anyway, because my roommates are getting married. It just makes more sense to do it this way. Torrance and I have so much to do, and I can still work in New York doing modeling, so I’m not too worried about it.”

“Sounds like you two are well on your way to getting things resolved, but I’d like to give you some input if you two are up for it.”

“What’s that, Mama?” the brunette asked.

“I think you should have the reception at the Waldorf. It’s the perfect place, elegant and large enough to fit everyone.”

“We’ll consider it. We have to decide what kind of service we want to have first, and where to have it is also going to be an issue, because we have so many options.”

“Well, you know that anything you need you can just ask us for. We’d be happy to help.” Maria said for she and her husband.

“We know. Thank you for your generosity, Maria.”

Later that night as they began to change for bed, Torrance asked, “Helen, what would you like to do for our wedding? Do you have any ideas?”

The blonde pondered the question for a moment as she put on her pajamas. “I don’t know. I’ve always kind of wanted to be married outside maybe by the water somewhere. What do you want?”

“Honestly I’ve never thought about it, because I never considered the fact that I might someday do this. Outside sounds nice, especially if we decide on something in the summer. I can think of two places off the top of my head to do that, at my family’s estate or at your parents’ house. We’d have water and beaches in both places.”

“I’d have to see the grounds at the estate since I didn’t last time I was there. I remember you telling me how beautiful they were. As for my parents’ house, it’s great, but it doesn’t hold a special meaning for me or anything. I didn’t grow up there, so to me it’s just a house. I kind of think the place we marry should hold meaning to at least one of us, and I know you have fond memories of your grandparents’ house from your childhood. However I could possibly forego the water if we decided to do it right here though.”

“We’ll think about it. I need to take you back out to the estate, so you can see it. I think you’ll like the set up. I can already see it in my mind. Besides all of the family can just stay at the house. That would save everyone money on hotels and stuff. My grandmother would love to have everybody there.”

“Then I guess that will be the first thing we need to decide. We’ll figure out the place, and then work on the date. I think late August or early September will probably be best. That gives us time to plan.”

Giving her fiancee a sexy grin, the photographer growled playfully, “Also gives me almost seven months to knock you up. That’s what’s going to take the most time I think.”

“And that would be bad?” Helen joked coming to kiss the taller woman.

On Sunday evening Helen and Torrance got back to the blonde’s apartment around eight. Kelly and Mark were sitting on the couch engrossed in the tv when they walked in. “Helen, am I glad you’re back. This last minute wedding stuff has been a bear without you.” Kelly stated. “I’ll be glad when this is over.”

Helen smiled at her roommates. “Well, don’t get too used to it, because you’re going to have to help with another wedding this year.”

“Another wedding? Who’s getting married?” Mark asked.

However Kelly screamed excitedly understanding what Helen was saying. “I can’t believe it! Are you really?” she asked rushing to them.

“Yes, Helen’s agreed to put up with me for the rest of our lives. How I managed that I don’t know.” Torrance quipped.

“Let me see your ring.” Kelly took the teacher’s hand. Studying the diamond and emerald stones, she stated, “Torrance, this is absolutely beautiful.”

“Anything for my Helen.”

“Congratulations, you two.” Mark said as he got off the couch to hug them. “This is great. Kelly and I always hoped you would do this.”

“So, when’s the date?”

“We haven’t set one yet, but we’re thinking at the end of the summer. We have so much to do before then.”

“Well, have you decided where it’s going to be?”

“Not yet, Kelly. Helen is being gracious enough to entertain the idea of having it at my grandparents’ house out on Long Island, because I love it there. We wanted something outside, and that would be a nice place, but we haven’t made a final decision.”

“Well, have you even talked about where you’re going to live?” Kelly inquired.

Helen nodded. “Sadly I’m going to be leaving Philly, but Torrance has agreed to leave New York City as well. We’re going to live on Long Island, but that means we have to go house hunting. There is so much we have to do.”

“Well, when do you think you’ll be moving up to New York? Are you at least waiting until the end of the school year?” Mark asked as they all sat.

The model shook her head. “I don’t foresee a need to wait. After you two get married, I’d be moving out anyway, so we thought it might be best if I just moved up to New York right away. It will be easier if I was there.”

Kelly clutched the blonde’s hand as she clarified, “You mean you’re going to move to New York in less than three weeks? What about your job?”

“Yeah. I hope to be there by the time you get back from your honeymoon. I’m going to hand in my resignation tomorrow.”

“Helen, this is so sudden. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.” Kelly said putting her arms around her friend.

“I’ll only be a short drive away. You and Mark can come up anytime.”

“Promise not to forget about us once you become a high society wife?” her roommate asked partly in jest.

“I could never forget you, Kelly. In fact I want you to be my maid of honor.”

Squealing with delight, the two women hugged. “I’d love to.”

Continued Part 11

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