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

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Disclaimers: See Part 1

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Part 11

Three months later found Helen and Torrance in an easy routine around the loft. Having taken Maria’s advice, they hired a wedding planner to assist them with the details of their ceremony, leaving them much more time to focus on other issues such as their living situation. Since they were in agreement about the area in which they should live, they thought it would be rather easy to find a place to accommodate their needs, but as they began their house hunt, it became obvious that they had a difference of opinion of what constituted an acceptable house, leaving them no closer to reaching their goal.

One morning Torrance was up intently studying some photographs that she had taken at a shoot a few days before while Helen was up in the bedroom dressing for the day when there was a knock on their door. Before Torrance could even rise from the table, the blonde came rushing down the stairs to answer it, peaking the brunette’s interest. She heard faint talking in the foyer before her fiancee came back to the kitchen.

“Torrance, honey, are you busy right now?” she asked.

Hearing the hope in the model’s voice, the older woman looked up at her and smiled. “Well, it depends on what you want is to how busy I am.”

“Well, I was just wondering if you had time to come upstairs and try to get me pregnant.” she stated holding up the delivery for Torrance to see.

The photographer recognized the package from the fertility clinic. “Right now? We have to leave to meet the realtor soon.”

“No, we don’t. I pushed our appointment back a few hours, because I’m ovulating right now. Are you going to help me with this, or am I going to have to go it alone?” she teased.

“Um, let’s see. Either I can stay here and work, or I can take you upstairs and make love to you. Tough decision there.” Torrance joked as she rose from her chair. Taking the package from her fiancee’s hands, she said, “You go on up and try to create some romantic ambiance. I’ll bring this up with the rest of the equipment in a minute.”

Helen smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss her lover. “Okay. See you in a minute.”

By the time the older woman made her way upstairs with all the equipment in tow, she found her blonde fiancee lounging provocatively on the bed wearing only her beaming smile. “Now that’s what I call a welcome.” Torrance growled sexily as she made her way over to the bed to kiss Helen’s mouth slowly.

“Come on, Torrance. Let’s make the conception of our child memorable. This time is going to work. I can feel it.” the blonde whispered already beginning to help the photographer out of her clothes.

Later that afternoon they arrived for their appointment with the realtor. As the three of them drove to the house they were viewing that day, the older woman couldn’t help but notice how radiant her fiancee appeared. The blonde was permanently wearing a content smile whenever their gaze met, assuring the brunette that if nothing else, she had satisfied her lover earlier that day.

“Now the house we’re seeing today I think will be a compromise for the two of you. It’s not too large as you like, Helen, but I think it’s large enough to suit your taste, Torrance. Not only that it’s on the water as you both liked with lovely grounds.” their realtor mentioned from the backseat giving Torrance directions to the house. The first thing that the photographer noticed as they pulled into the drive was that it was only a few miles from her parents’ house as well as the family estate. Slowly driving up the long winding drive, Torrance enjoyed the scenery of the grounds. As the house came into view, she noted that even though it was still smaller than those they had seen previously, she could see them living there. “Well, why don’t we start with a tour inside?” the realtor suggested as the car came to a stop.

Helen and Torrance followed her through the entire house taking in every detail. The blonde asked most of the questions as the brunette meticulously inspected every inch of every room. Once the inside was complete, they strolled on the lawn and through the garden down to the water. “Could we have a moment alone?” the model finally inquired after the extended tour. Once it was just the two of them, Helen looked up at Torrance. “Well, what do you think?”

“It’s nice. What do you think?”

“I love it.”

“Really? It’s not too big for you?”

“Well, big is a relative term. It’s rather large, larger than any other house I’ve ever lived in, but I know size is important to you. Don’t you think this is a good compromise? I mean I think ten bedrooms is more than enough. We could have all of both our families here at the same time and still have space. The master bedroom overlooks the water, and there is a fireplace in there.”

Embracing Helen around the waist, Torrance smiled down at her. “Who is trying to sell me here? Do you really like it that much?”

“Yeah, but if you don’t we’ll keep looking.”

“Can you see us raising our family here?” Torrance inquired. Helen nodded. “Well, I guess we’ll have to buy it then.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that because I like it, are you? I want you to love it too.”

“I do, Helen. It’s going to need some work, and we’ll have to get the place repainted and decorated top to bottom, but I do like the way it’s set up, and I especially like the master bedroom and bath. It has some of the same elements as my grandparents’ villa. I like that.”

“I figured you might. So, are we really going to buy it then?”

“I think so. We should go tell her of our decision. However buying it is the easy part. I don’t know when we’ll have time to get this place decorated. I guess we’ll have to hire someone for that too.”

“Well, we can always stay at the loft if it isn’t finished by the time we get married. I’m not adverse to a little more city living. I just don’t want it to be a permanent situation.”

That evening after their meeting they met Torrance’s parents for dinner out at their house on the island. Sitting down to their meal, Torrance announced, “Well, you should be happy to know that we found a house today.”

“Really? Where?” Thomas asked as he poured wine for he and his wife.

“Actually it’s not far from here, just a few miles.” the photographer replied taking the wine bottle from her father and pouring herself a glass before offering some to Helen, but the blonde declined.

“Helen, dear, wouldn’t you like some wine with dinner?” Maria inquired.

“No thank you. I’ve stopped drinking for the time being.”

“Why’s that? Are you pregnant?” Thomas teased lightly.

Helen cast a glance at Torrance before deciding just to tell her future in laws what she and her beloved had been planning. “No, not yet but we’re trying to get pregnant, so I just decided it was best not to drink for awhile.”

“So soon? You’re not even married yet. What’s the rush?” Maria asked.

“Mother, we want to have a baby as soon as possible. We talked about this a lot, and the sooner we can make it happen, the happier we’ll be. We’re both at an age where we’d like kids. The fact that we aren’t married yet is just a technicality.”

“Well, this is a surprise, but you know that we support you in whatever you want. I’ve always hoped I’d be a grandfather.”

“You will be, Dad.”

“Well, how are the wedding plans coming along?”

“Great. Grandmother is thrilled that it’s going to be at the estate, but we decided to have it in the garden instead of on the beach. Things will be neater that way, but the water will be in the background. The guest list is getting out of hand though. We never planned on having so many people. We wanted something a little more intimate.” Torrance mentioned.

“Well, maybe we can cut back on the number of people. The people we wanted to invite are just suggestions.” Thomas stated.

“Well, the list if already over three hundred people, two hundred of which are on your list. We have to do something about it before invitations go out. I don’t want three hundred people at the wedding. I wanted one hundred to one fifty tops. Helen and I have decided that if we don’t know then personally they are automatically coming off the list. Even then we’ll have to do some rearranging.” complained the photographer.

“We’ll help you, dear. We didn’t mean to be overbearing about the guest list. We just have a lot of friends, but I’ll help you weed people out if you’d like.”

“That would be wonderful, Maria. We don’t want to alienate your friends if they are close to you. I’m going to have to do the same thing with my parents. It’s not just you.”

“How are your parents by the way? Is your mother coming around?”

Helen shrugged. “She’s agreed to come to the ceremony, so I guess there have been improvements. I think she might have a breakdown though when we tell her we’re having a baby. That subject has never been broached, and I don’t think it will go over well.”

“It’s your life, dear. We, parents, can only do so much, and then the rest is up to you. I’m sure the fact that she’ll have a grandchild will give her happiness.”

After dinner that night, Maria and Torrance left Helen and Thomas alone for a moment, making the excuse that Maria wanted to ask Torrance about something. Going out onto the patio, Torrance looked at her mother. Seeing the seriousness on her face, she asked, “What is it, Mother? Is something wrong?”

Maria glanced back toward the house before taking a step toward her daughter. “Torrance, I wanted to talk to you about something serious, but I don’t want this to sound how it’s going to come out.”

“All right. What’s on your mind?”

“Torrance, I know you’re in love and blissfully happy, and your father and I are extremely happy for you as well. However he and I think that you need to think about your future. I know you think that you and Helen will last forever, and we hope that you do, but the rate of divorce is so high. In the event that you two don’t work out, we don’t want you to suffer financially as well as emotionally. We think you should consider a prenuptial agreement.” tentatively she proposed.

Torrance frowned at her. “Are you two crazy? There is no way I’m going to ask Helen to sign a prenup. That’s like asking for our marriage to go bad. It’s like saying to her that I only half believe we have what it takes to make it. No way.” she growled irritably moving away.

Her mother held her back by the arm. “Torrance, I knew you would feel this way, but try to think about it logically. You have a lot of money, a lot of which you worked hard for. I would hate to see that go to waste if for some reason Helen decided the marriage wasn’t what she wanted.”

“Are you saying you think she doesn’t love me?” challenged the brunette.

“Not at all, sweetie. I believe that she does. We’re just concerned. I mean you two aren’t even married yet, and you’re already trying to have children. As your parents we don’t want to see you get hurt if something were to happen. Does she even know how much you’re worth?”

“No. I didn’t tell her, because she doesn’t like my money. She says it makes her uncomfortable, so I don’t think a prenup will make her feel any better. That’s just making money an issue between us.”

“Torrance, a lot of people say that, but when a marriage goes bad, you’d be surprised how much that money begins to mean when someone’s lifestyle becomes threatened. What if she leaves you? What if you leave her? Don’t you think you should have a plan of some sort?”

“I don’t like it. I asked her to marry me, Mama. That’s forever, and I fully intend on staying with her that long.”

“Please just consider it.”

“No. Why should I? You and Dad don’t have one. Why should this be any different?”

“Actually your father and I do have one, Torrance.”

“But you both came from money. It’s different. Helen doesn’t have money, not like we do.”

“Even more of a reason to protect yourself. Please, I’m just asking that you seek some legal advice on this matter.”

“This discussion isn’t going to end until I agree, is it?” the younger brunette inquired. Her mother shook her head. “Fine. I’ll talk to my attorney. Are you happy now?”

“Thank you.”

That night as the couple drove back to the city, Helen could tell something was bothering her fiancee. Torrance hadn’t been her congenial self since she had returned from the talk with her mother, making the blonde wonder what was said between them. “Are you all right?” she asked.

“No. I’m irritated with my parents right now. My mother cornered me about my intentions regarding a prenuptial agreement, and she was surprised when I said I had no intention of getting one.”

“Oh. Why not? Don’t most people of your economic status have one?” curiously the blonde inquired, hoping not to agitate the older woman further.

“Apparently but I didn’t know that. I think it’s ridiculous though. Why would we have one? That’s like asking for trouble.”

“Your parents are just concerned about you, Torrance. If it would make them feel better, maybe we should consider one.”

“Not you too. Can’t people think of anything besides money? Why would you want one?”

“To prove to them and you one final time that I have no interest in your money. If you want one, I’ll sign it. You don’t have to give me anything either. The only thing I would ever ask for would be support for the children, but I wouldn’t want your money for my personal use.”

Looking over at her fiancee, Torrance smiled as she took the younger woman’s hand. “Helen, you’re so good to me. You’re dealing with this better than I did when she proposed it. God forbid something ever happen, I wouldn’t want you to walk away with nothing. I intend to love you for the rest of my life, whether you’re with me or not.”

“I feel the same way, Torrance. It’s just a piece of paper, and if it makes them feel better, I’ll do it.”

“It would make them feel better, but I just don’t like the idea of it.”

“Then we won’t deal with it. Just let our attorney do her thing. She can deal with this just like she’s dealing with my legal name change. It’ll be simple. All we have to do is sign something that says I get nothing, and it’s done. It’s no big deal.”

“All right but you’re not getting nothing. I won’t stand for that.”

“Fine. You decide, and I’ll sign it.”

“Je t’aime, Helen.” the photographer whispered kissing the back of the blonde’s hand affectionately.

Six weeks later the prenuptial papers were finished for them, and Torrance picked them up before meeting Helen at the loft after a long day. Reviewing them to make sure they were just as she instructed, she was pleased to find them just as she wanted. When she walked into the apartment, she could smell dinner from the foyer. Setting her briefcase down, she took the papers into the kitchen to find her bride putting the last touches of their meal on the table.

“Hey there. Welcome home.” Helen stated with a large smile as she came to kiss the photographer. “What do you have there?”

“The prenup. I picked it up from the attorney’s office today.”

“Great. Let’s sign it, so we never have to bring it up again.” the blonde suggested going to get a pen out of one of the kitchen drawers. Deciding to just get it over with, Torrance placed two copies on the kitchen bar. Helen reached for the first document and began to read it when she noticed things were drastically different than she expected them to be. “Uh, Torrance, I thought we agreed that I wasn’t supposed to get anything.”

“No. We agreed that you would allow me to think of an appropriate figure, and after thinking about it for a long time, that’s what I decided upon.”

“And exactly how did you come up with ten million dollars as the appropriate figure?” Helen asked in shock.

“Well, I was trying to figure out what I might be worth later in life, but that was getting too complicated, because I’m the sole inheritant of both my parents’ separate estates as well as their joint one. Then I have a trust from my father’s side and some property in Italy, so it was just getting too messy. I finally decided just to go with half of my present worth, real estate not included, because that gets too hard to value. You’re one half of this relationship, so you should have half of the worth. Thinking about it that way made things much easier. I hope that’s okay. If you want more, you can have it. I made the provision for financial support of any children as you requested. If you want to make changes, please let me know, and I’ll see to them.”

“Are you kidding? I should be asking you if you’re sure about this.”

“Helen, I believe in us so deeply that I would give you everything if you wanted it.”

“Torrance, I don’t want any of this, but if this is what you want, I’ll sign it.”

Torrance nodded. “We better sign these before I call the whole thing off. It makes me feel weird to do this.”

“All right. We’ll both sign, and then we’ll never have to look at them again. They will get old and dusty in some lawyer’s filing cabinet, never to see the light of day again.”

“Agreed.” the photographer stated, quickly signing the documents after her fiancee. Putting them back in their folder, she said, “There. Now onto better things. This dinner looks great.”

“Come sit down. We have a lot to discuss tonight.”

“Such as?” the brunette inquired as she took her seat.

“In time. Let me serve the plates first at least.”

Torrance saw that Helen truly had something on her mind, so she respected her lover’s wishes. However once the plates were served, she asked again, “Well, what’s up?”

“Well, you know how we’re supposed to go on safari in Africa for our honeymoon?”

“Yes.” hesitantly the older woman stated.

The younger woman chewed on her lip a moment before suggesting, “What if we didn’t go and went somewhere else?”

“Helen, we’re getting married in six weeks. The trip is already planned. I thought you wanted to go. Have you changed your mind?”

“No, not at all. I really would love to go, but I don’t think this is the best time for a trip like that.”

“Why not?”

The model reached across the table to take the photographer’s hand. “Well, I just think going to a third world nation right now wouldn’t be wise. I mean it’s not necessarily the safest place for...”

“For?” Torrance prompted. The older woman saw the smile that transformed her lover’s face. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and for a moment her heart stopped at the loveliness of the creature sitting across the table from her.

“Well, for an expectant mother.” Helen stated with nervous excitement.

“What? You’re pregnant?” Torrance inquired in surprise.

“Six weeks. I wasn’t sure, so I went to the doctor. She confirmed it.”

“Oh my God! This is great! I can’t believe it!” Torrance exclaimed coming to Helen’s side of the table and kneeling to kiss her thoroughly.

After a few minutes, Helen backed away a little to continue the conversation. “Anyway, I thought since it’s so early in the pregnancy that it might not be the best idea for us to go to Africa. It’s a little too rough I think. I wouldn’t want anything to jeopardize this baby.”

“I understand, and I agree. We shouldn’t go. We’ll go somewhere nice and safe. Did you have a place in mind?”

“Would you take me to Paris? I’ve never been there.”

Torrance gave a grin. “Qui, Madame Whitfield.”

“Thank you. I promise that we’ll take that trip to Africa, just not within the next nine months.”

“All right. We’ll do it next year. I’ll take you to Paris instead. You’ll have a great time there. I’ll call the travel agent to book it for us.”

“Thank you, Torrance. You’re so good to me.”

“It’s the least I could do for the mother of my children.” Torrance said with a smile. Leaning in she placed a soft kiss against the blonde’s flat stomach in affection.

“Now that you know I was thinking that we could keep this to ourselves for awhile just to make sure everything is fine before saying anything. I thought maybe if things were still good come the wedding that we might be able to announce it there.” the younger woman suggested.

“That’s a wonderful idea. That way everyone can be a part of it. We’ll do that.”

“I love you, Torrance. You make me so happy.”

“I love you too, Helen, and I am going to spend the rest of my life making sure you and our child have everything you ever want.” Torrance whispered standing to take her seat again.

The meal continued with the talking about wedding plans, but then the model mentioned, “I heard from Kelly today. She wants to throw me a bachelorette party in Philly with all our friends from there.”

“That sounds like fun. When is that supposed to be?”

“Well, I wanted to check with you first before committing to do it. I mean I wasn’t sure how you would feel about me going all the way down there before the wedding.”

“It’s not like it’s that far. If Kelly wants to throw you a party, and you want to go, I think you should. It will be your last bash before becoming a married woman. You know it’ll be your last chance to sneak kisses from available women.” she teased.

Helen chuckled. “Like I would ever do that. I just thought it might not be a good idea, because I’ll have to spend the night down there with Kelly and Mark.”

“Hey, as long as you’re not sharing their bed, I don’t care. You and Kelly do what you want. Just leave Mark out of it. He’s got a thing about you, even though he doesn’t admit it, so no fulfilling his lesbian fantasies, but if the two of you want to get wild and crazy, go for it. Just remember to take video, so I can watch.” the photographer playfully quipped.

“I think it’s you that has a thing about Kelly that you won’t admit to, you pervert, but I can assure you that I won’t be sleeping with my best friend. You can just keep that fantasy in your sick little mind.” she bantered with a grin.

“Seriously I think you should go if you want. It’s only for two days. I can handle things.”

“Maybe Morgan will throw you a party that weekend as well, so you won’t be alone.” Helen suggested.

“She’s mentioned it, but somehow I foresee Morgan’s idea of a bachelorette party being a little more wild than Kelly’s. I can already see strippers in the arrangement, and I’m not sure I’m up for that.”

“Why not? It’ll be your last chance to see some hot naked women, because after I start showing who knows what is going to happen to my body.”

Torrance shrugged. “I’ll always love you, Helen, regardless of what you look like. You’re carrying my child. That’s the most beautiful thing there is. A few pounds are not going to sway my opinion of how attractive I think you are.”

“We’ll see.” the blonde joked.

The weekend before the wedding Helen left for Philadelphia to attend party Kelly was giving for her, leaving Torrance in Morgan’s hands for a party of her own. By the time the blonde arrived at her old apartment, most of her female friends were already there waiting on her.

“Well, if it isn’t the future Mrs. Torrance Whitfield.” Kelly greeted with a tight hug. “Only a week left. Change your mind yet?” playfully she asked.

“Not a chance. I’m really excited actually.” Helen replied as she came inside.

After greeting all her friends with hugs, Kelly stated, “Well, it’s just us girls tonight. We were trying to figure out if we should have strippers or not, but then there was the big question of whether or not it should be a woman or man, so we decided to forgo that. I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

“Not at all. I’m relieved actually. I didn’t want to be put through that torture anyway.” the model answered.

“So, that left us with the idea of dinner and then getting you smashed, which is never a bad back up plan. I’ve even agreed to be the designated driver.”

“That’s awfully big of you, Kelly.” Helen said, wondering how she was going to get out of drinking for the night without telling them of her situation. As a glass of champagne was pressed into her hand, she weighed her options.

“A toast to Helen and Torrance.” Kelly stated raising her glass. All their friends did the same before taking a sip, but Helen just held hers. “Why aren’t you drinking?” Kelly asked curiously.

“Because I can’t.” the blonde said, deciding it would be easier just to tell them the truth.

“Why not? Torrance knock you up already?” her maid of honor teased, making the whole group laugh.

“Actually, yeah.” plainly Helen replied.

“What? You’re joking, right? I mean I know Torrance has a lot going for her, but she’s not a superwoman. You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

“I’m not, Kelly. I’m almost three months pregnant.”

“You’re serious?” she asked in disbelief. Helen nodded. “Wow. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because we haven’t even told our families yet. We were waiting until the wedding, so nobody can say anything. You all have to promise not to say a word, not even to your boyfriends or husbands and especially not to Torrance.”

“Fine. We won’t. I can’t believe this. This is great news.” Kelly said putting her arm around the blonde.

The evening progressed with a long dinner at one of their favorite restaurant before going to their favorite old bar where they all used to hang out before Helen left Philadelphia. As the women made their way up to the bar, Kelly put her arm around the blonde’s shoulders. “I can’t believe this is the last time we’re probably going to do this. Not only did you move to New York and decide to get married, you’re going to be a mother in half a year. It all just seems so fast.”

“I know, but it was time. We all have to grow up at some point. I’m not really into the bar scene any longer. Torrance and I spend most of our nights at home, and I’m fine with that. It’s the life I want.”

When the bartender approached and asked for their order, Kelly said teasingly, “I’ll have a Sam Adams, and get the not so virgin bride to be a virgin daiquiri.”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you? You really can’t believe that Torrance got me pregnant.”

Her matron of honor shrugged and smiled. “Hey, I knew she was one of a kind, but I never knew she could do it all. I assume she’s thrilled about this.”

“Yeah. That’s why we started early. We both want children so badly, and I’m not getting any younger. I’ll be thirty this year, and she’s thirty five. The time is right for us.”

“Well if it’s really what you want, I’m excited for you.” her ex-roommate said as the drinks were set in front of them. After a few minutes of chatting with the rest of their company, Kelly leaned over and whispered, “Don’t look now, but we’ve got some uninvited company coming our way. I should’ve known better than to bring you here, but I was trying to be nostalgic.”

The model looked up to see her ex-boyfriend Richard and ex-friend, Tom making their way across the room obviously coming right toward them.

“Don’t worry about it. I refuse to let anyone ruin our party.”

“Ladies, how is everyone this evening?” Tom greeted. “Helen, it’s especially good to see you.”

“Hi, Helen.” Richard said.

“Hi, Richard, Tom. How are you?”

“Good now that I’ve seen you.” Tom answered.

“I’m fine. I haven’t seen you since Kelly and Tom’s wedding. How are you?” Richard inquired.

“I’m fabulous.”

Taking a nervous sip from his beer, her ex asked, “What brings you here? I heard through the grapevine that you had moved to New York.”

“Actually I did. I’m just back for this wonderful bachelorette party Kelly is throwing me.”

“You’re getting married?” Tom questioned in obvious surprise and irritation.

However Richard gave a pleasant smile. “Well, congratulations. Who’s the lucky fellow? I didn’t see him at the wedding.”

“Actually, she was at the wedding. I introduced you.”

“No way! You’re not actually marrying that dyke, Torrance Whitfield, are you?” Tom shouted.

“Yes, I am marrying Torrance, and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t call her a dyke. She’s a wonderful person, and I love her.”

“Really?” Richard inquired. “You sure did switch teams awfully quickly.”

Helen shrugged. “What can I say? I fell in love. I never expected it either, but it happened, and I’ve never been happier.”

“I can’t believe you’ve become one of them!” Tom carried on.

Shooting him a scowl, Richard admonished, “Cut it out, Tom. You’re way out of line.”

Tom glowered at him. “I can’t believe you either. Your ex, the woman you thought you were going to marry and spend the rest of your life with, is telling you she’s a lesbian. How can you be okay with that?”

Richard grimaced slightly, but he recovered quickly. Turning to Helen he gave a soft, supportive smile. “As long as your happy, Helen, that’s all that matters. I wish you and Torrance all the happiness in the world. Now please excuse me. I didn’t mean to intrude on your party. I just wanted to say hello. Come on, Tom.” he stated yanking the other man away from the blonde.

As Helen watched her ex’s retreating form, she heard Kelly mention, “Can you believe the nerve of him? Man, I’m glad we don’t hang out with him any more.”

“Yeah. Tom’s a real asshole, but Richard... he looked sad.”

“Because he realizes what he lost too late.”

“I’m not so sure that’s it. I’m going to go talk to him a minute. Be right back.”

“Helen, be careful.” Kelly warned in concern. “Don’t be getting any ideas now. Leave the past alone.”

“I just want to talk to him.” the blonde stated moving off her stool. Going over to him, she asked if he wanted to go somewhere a little more private to talk. Finding an empty booth in the back of the bar, she said, “You didn’t have to rush off.”

“No. I was interrupting, and Tom was being a jerk. You shouldn’t have to put up with that.” After an awkward pause, he asked, “Are you really marrying that woman you introduced me to, the really tall, sort of androgynous looking one?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call her androgynous. You can tell by her face that she’s a woman.”

“But the rest of her body isn’t that defined as female. You have to admit that.”

Helen conceded with a nod. “Yes, I am, Richard. We’ve known each other over three years, and I’ve loved her every moment of it. I never imagined I’d feel this way about a woman, but it happened. I’m so happy.”

He nodded. “Then I’m happy for you, truly I am, because you deserve everything you want. It’s just difficult to think about, because when we broke up, in the back of my mind, I thought we might have a shot later on down the road. I mean we didn’t want the same things then, but we do now. I always imagined being with you in my older age, so it’s hard to accept that the fantasy will never be. If Torrance can give you everything you want, the more power to her. She better make you happy too, or else she’ll have to answer to me personally.” he tried to joke, but Helen could see in his eyes the sadness.

“Well, thank you for at least understanding. I appreciate that you aren’t judging me.”

“Never. Torrance seemed really nice when we met. I guess I was just too dense to put it together. Maybe sometime when I’m in New York, the three of us could go out or something if Torrance would be comfortable with that. Maybe the two of you could find me a nice girl who’s into guys that is.” he joked.

Helen smiled. “Sure. I think she’d be fine with that. Thanks for what you said, Richard.”

“You’re welcome.” After a brief pause, he inquired hesitantly, “I don’t know if you even consider dancing with men any more, but would you like to, you know for old times?”

“Sure. That would be nice.” Helen answered.

With her consent he held out his hand for her to take. He led them to the floor before shyly encircling her waist with his arm. They danced in silence for a song before he asked, “Do you remember the first time you came to Philly to see me when you were still in school? We came to this very bar.”

“I remember. It was the first time you told me you loved me.” the blonde teased. “Here on this dance floor.”

He nodded. “Yes and that night was the first time we ever...” he stated, letting his sentence trail off before he mentioned their first intimate encounter. “It seems so long ago and yet like it was just yesterday. I remember thinking about how beautiful I thought you looked that night with your long blonde hair and that black dress.” he said unconsciously fingering her short tresses. Helen shifted uncomfortably at the touch as things suddenly began to feel more intimate. Looking up into his eyes, he saw the way he was gazing at her. It was the way he had so many times in their relationship when his eyes told of his adoration. “You’ve only grown more beautiful through the years, Helen.”

“Richard, please...” she admonished lightly.

“Helen, please let me say this. I may very well never you again after tonight. We both know that. I’ll regret it the rest of my life if I don’t say this.” He waited until she nodded before continuing. “You really have only gotten more beautiful with age, Helen. I didn’t stop loving you simply, because we were no longer together. In fact I loved you from afar, hoping that one day you’d want to try again. I still feel that way, Helen. I still love you.” he confessed as his hand came off her shoulder and cupped her face in his hand.

“Richard, I belong to someone else.” she whispered even though her heart hammered wildly at his touch much to her confusion.

“I know, and she’s the luckiest woman in the world. I just wish things had worked out differently. I wish that I had gotten that second chance. In fact if I thought I could get away with it, I’d try to take it now. Just one chance, Helen.” he whispered as his arms pulled her closer. Her breathing became erratic as she realized he was about to try to kiss her.

That evening Torrance went out with a bunch of her single lesbian friends her a party of her own. After hitting the usual bars, they all went back to Morgan’s place for more drinking. Of course being mischievous, Morgan did invite strippers to the festivity. As Torrance sat in a chair in the middle of the room with two scantily clad women thrusting and grinding against her, she tried to keep her thoughts on Helen instead of all the toned flesh surrounding her. However even as much as she tried, she could feel herself becoming aroused at the sight of the attractive women shaking everything they had to offer in her face.

Suddenly the music stopped. “We’ve got a surprise for you, Torrance.” Morgan announced with a drunken smile.

“What’s that?” the photographer inquired trying desperately to ignore the fact that the strippers were both leaning their mostly bare bodies into her.

“Well, these fine women aren’t just dancers, Torrance.” she mentioned with a smile. “One of you girls better tell her what I mean.”

Before the brunette could even respond the blonde stripper straddled her and took a seat in her lap, so they were face to face. Leaning in to the photographer’s ear, she nibbled it playfully as her arms came around her. Torrance’s heart leapt into her throat at the feeling of the hot little woman’s body pressing into her own, but her hands remained at her sides at first. After a moment however the stripper took the brunette’s hands and place them on her bare hips.

“Don’t be shy.” the dancer whispered. “Your friends told me you were a real tiger.”

Torrance said nothing initially but moaned when the blonde started to kiss the right side of her neck. Then just as suddenly their were two mouths on her as the other one took in her opposite ear. Instinctively the brunette’s eyes closed, but as soon as they did, Helen flashed through her mind. “Oh God, wait.” she protested taking her hands off the woman in her lap.

“Maybe you’d like some privacy.” Morgan suggested jokingly. “You can use my room. Just leave one of them for us.”

Before Torrance could even try to explain herself, the blonde dancer grabbed her by the hand to led her in the direction that Morgan had pointed. As they went into the bedroom, the little woman closed the door before turning to the photographer. “This is better. I don’t actually like doing that stuff with an audience.”

“Doing what exactly?” Torrance inquired as the petite blonde came to encircle her waist.

“Satisfying my customers.”

Nervously Torrance backed away saying, “I’m already satisfied. There’s no need to continue.”

“But I know when someone wants me. It’s okay. My services have already been paid for. Why not enjoy your present?” she asked moving in to the photographer’s space again. Unceremoniously the blonde slipped her g-string off her hips and let it drop to the floor, leaving her naked.

“I’m okay. Really. I’ve enjoyed my present enough. I don’t need the full treatment.” she insisted trying desperately not to look at the naked woman standing before her.

“You want me, Torrance. I can tell. You don’t have to play this game. I’m a sure thing. Just touch me.” she instructed taking the brunette’s hands and bringing the up to her large breasts.

The skin under her hands felt soft, but Torrance refused to give in to the temptation. Backing away more forcefully, she stated, “No. I can’t. I’m engaged.”

“So? Who has to know?”

The blonde moved in a third time, but this time Torrance took her by the shoulders to stop her. “I’m completely serious. I’m getting married in a week, and my bride is pregnant with my baby. There is no way I can do this. I can’t betray her. I’m sure you’re a nice woman, and under different circumstances this would be something I would’ve done, but I truly can’t.”

The little blonde gave a smile. “All right. I won’t try to force the issue. Morgan just thought for sure you’d find me attractive.”

“She’s right about that, because I do. You actually look a lot like my fiancee, but my heart is hers alone, and I could never be with anyone else.”

Giving a laugh the dancer asked, “You want to know something, Torrance? I do these kind of parties all the time for men and women, and the host or hostess always pays for whatever the guest of honor might want, but more people turn me down than take me up on my offer.”

“Really? How many people turn you down?”

“Most, I’d say thirty or so for every one that wants to screw me. It’s kind of nice to know most people still have morals.” she stated leaning down to pick up her thong. “Would you at least like a souvenir?” she joked twirling it around lightly. “You can at least show it to your friends after we leave to save your reputation.”

“Okay.”

“We should hang out for awhile at least before going back out there. Want to watch tv or something?”

“How about we just talk?” Torrance suggested gesturing over to the bed, being that it was the only place other than the floor to sit. Taking her button down shirt off so she was only in her t-shirt, Torrance said, “Here. Put this on.”

“Thanks.” the blonde whispered slipping it over her shoulders.

“So, what’s your real name? How old are you?”

“Kristina. I’m twenty.”

“And how did you get into this profession?”

The young woman shrugged. “I just sort of fell into it. I moved to New York in hopes of becoming an actress or model. I couldn’t get a lot of work, and I had to pay my bills somehow. I started making porn, and after that, this seemed a step up. Stripping isn’t that bad. The money is good, and it’s not often that I have to have sex with someone unless I want to.”

“But if you could, you’d rather model or act?” the brunette inquired.

“Yeah but enough about me. What about you? What do you do?”

“Actually I’m a photographer. Why couldn’t you get work? Did you have an agent?”

“Well, sort of but he didn’t do much for me, and then charged me more than what was fair. I didn’t know it at the time though.”

“That’s a hard way to learn the business. What about now? Do you do any modeling?”

“Not really. I fired him, but I haven’t found any one else.”

Torrance nodded. “You know I might be able to help you. I know several modeling agents. I’d have to be honest with you. You don’t have a long term career in modeling. As attractive as you might be, you’re too short to make it permanently. I hope that doesn’t come as a surprise or sound harsh.”

“No. I’ve been told.” she mumbled.

“But that’s not to say you can’t get decent work that would be better than this. Did you graduate high school?”

“Barely.”

“Did you go to college?”

“No. I left right after graduation to come here.”

“Would you be offended if I gave you some advice?”

“I know what you’re already going to say. I need to go back to school. I need to be able to support myself while I’m school though. That’s the problem.”

“I understand. You feel like you’re stuck, but if you had enough money to support yourself while you were in school, would you go back? The reason I ask is because someday you’re going to need something to fall back on other than modeling. The industry is fickle.”

“I know, and if I had to do over again, I don’t think I would’ve done things this way. I know I would’ve been better off going to college, but I can’t go back. My family wouldn’t help me. I’d have to do it myself, and I can’t.”

“You can with help, and I think I can help you. As I said I know several agents. Why don’t you give me your information? Do you have any photos with you that I can have? I’ll pass them around.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Why not?” Torrance responded.

Looking at her skeptically, Kristina asked, “And what do you want in return?”

Torrance grinned. “Spoken like a true New Yorker. Actually there is something I want from you.”

“What’s that?”

“An invitation to your college graduation.”

“That’s it?” she inquired in disbelief.

“I don’t need anything from you, Kristina. If I can help you, I will. No strings as long as you give me your word to go back to school.” the older woman stated leaning back against the headboard to make herself more comfortable.

A moment passed before Kristina crawled over to her and straddled her stomach. Their eyes met for a moment before the young blonde whispered in the brunette’s ear, “Can I tell you something?”

“What?” Torrance inquired softly, not trusting her voice as the feeling of the young woman on top of her sparked her sexual appetite again. She felt the stripper’s hands edging up the hem of her t-shirt to expose her abdomen. The photographer groaned at the feeling of the dancer’s arousal against her stomach.

“You know I almost never get turned on by a customer when I dance for them, but there was something that drew me to you. You are the sexiest woman I have ever danced for. The truth is Morgan didn’t ask me to try to seduce you, and she didn’t pay me to sleep with you. I just want to, because you were making me so hot with the way you were watching me.” she murmured as her lips kissed along the photographer’s jaw until their mouths brushed.

Torrance moaned but pulled back against her body’s wishes. “I said no strings, Kristina. I meant it.”

“I know. This is just because I want to.” the blonde stated slipping the button down shirt off her shoulders, so she was naked again.

Late the following morning Helen arrived back in New York. Even though she had fun in Philadelphia, she had missed Torrance terribly, so after breakfast with Kelly and Mark, she headed for home. Coming into the loft, she noticed that all was quite, which was unusual since Torrance almost always was up early. Wondering if her fiancee was still in bed from her own party, she headed up the stairs to the master bedroom. She could smell the alcohol before she even opened the door, but nevertheless she cracked it just to see if her lover was still sleeping.

The room was dark, and the model could hear the signature snore of the photographer when she was truly exhausted before she could even see her. However as she opened the door a little further, she noticed a blonde head against her soon to be wife’s shoulder. Helen could feel her breathing stop as she just stared at the bed in what was obviously two people, and mentally she scrolled through all their friends as she thought of which of them had blonde hair, but since most of them all had dark hair, her heart began to stop beating in anxious anticipation.

Never in her life did she think Torrance would be unfaithful, but there was no denying that someone was in bed with her. Coming to the bedside, Helen quickly yanked the covers down to the floor. Neither body moved. The photographer was dressed in a t-shirt and khaki pants that were open revealing her boxers, but the unfamiliar blonde was in one of Torrance’s dress shirts, her body curled tightly into the brunette’s side with one hand resting on the brunette’s stomach.

Helen just stood there for a moment refusing to accept that her fiancee was in bed with another woman as emotions whirled through her. The anger struck first, especially when she saw a woman’s thong on the bedside table. Going to Torrance’s side of the bed, she clicked on the light as she screamed, “Torrance Whitfield, how could you do this to me?”

Torrance groggily opened her eyes at the sound of yelling. Focusing on its source, she saw Helen standing over her ranting. “Helen, what’s wrong?” she asked in concern jumping from the bed to hold her fiancee.

“Don’t touch me!” the model screamed pushing her away. “How could you? I leave for one night, and I come home to you in bed with another woman!”

Torrance looked toward the bed to see the stripper from last night starting to come to as Helen’s raving continued. Torrance tried to remember everything that had happened the prior evening, but for the life of her she didn’t know how she and the dancer had gotten back to her place or in bed together. “Wait, Helen. I can explain. Don’t get upset. It’s not good for the baby.”

“Explain? What’s there to explain, Torrance? You’re in bed with a stranger a week before our wedding! Was she worth it, Torrance? Was she worth ten million to you?” the teacher yelled.

Torrance looked at her incredulously. “How can you say that? You do care about the money! My mother was right!”

“No, I don’t are about your money! Keep it for all I care!” she shouted before turning to leave.

“Helen, wait. Please don’t go. Please listen to reason. This isn’t what it looks like.” Torrance exclaimed starting to come after her.

“Don’t you dare leave her alone up here! It’s bad enough she’s here, but I don’t want stuff going missing too! You get her out of our house right now! Then you and I have to talk! If you wanted out, you could’ve just told me instead of hurting me like this!”

“I don’t want out!” the photographer screamed to her retreating form. Turning to the bed, she just stared at the woman wearing her shirt. “Um, is this what it looks like?” she inquired.

“No, Torrance. It’s not, and I’ll tell your fiancee as much if you want.”

“How did we get here, and how did you get in my bed?”

“I brought you home, because everyone else was too drunk. Last night I tried to seduce you several times at Morgan’s and even once we got back here, but you refused me every time. You passed out, and I didn’t know how to lock up. I only intended to stay until you woke, but I guess I fell asleep too. I swear to God, Torrance, I didn’t mean for this to happen. You were so nice to me, and I would hate to cause you problems after what you said you would do for me.”

“What I said I would do?” she questioned as she thought about any promises she might’ve made. “Oh, you mean the modeling thing?”

“Yeah. Please. I’ll go downstairs and tell your fiancee anything you want if you just promise not to take that away from me.” she begged.

“My word is good, Kristina. I’m not going to take it back, but I could use your help with my fiancee. She’s about to leave me if I don’t come up with one hell of a story.”

“I’ll explain. Just give me one minute to get my clothes on.”

“Come down when you’re ready.” Torrance said before rushing downstairs to find the model.

Helen was standing in the kitchen looking out the window when Torrance came in. She turned and scowled at the brunette. “Tell me the truth, Torrance. I don’t care what it is. I just want to know.” firmly she stated.

Torrance looked at the woman she loved. “The truth?” she questioned. “The truth is I love you, Helen. You and the baby mean more to me than anything. The truth is last night I was more drunk than I have ever been except when I was a kid, and I have the worst hangover ever because of it. I don’t know all the details of what went on. However I do know this. I would never have sex with someone else. You’re the only one I want to be with that way.”

“But I found you in bed with another woman! Both of you were half naked! How can you stand there and tell me nothing happened, especially when admitting that you don’t remember?” she asked loudly.

The taller woman dropped her head forward. “Helen, I know it in my heart, and I would hope you do as well. I need you to believe me just because I said so. Can you do that?”

Before the model could answer they heard movement on the staircase. Kristina came into the kitchen and looked at Torrance before turning to Helen. “Lady, you have no idea what you have.”

“I don’t want to hear anything you might have to say! I want you out of my house!” the blonde yelled.

“Well, you’re going to listen! You don’t deserve a woman like Torrance! You’re nothing but a high society bitch! Well, let me tell you something! It’s women like you that drive people like Torrance into my arms! Torrance is the perfect example of fidelity! I didn’t even know people like her still existed! She had the perfect opportunity to be sleep with someone else, but she didn’t! She didn’t put a hand on me, even as much as I tried to get her to! She refused time and again but for what? So she could be harassed by you for supposed unfaithfulness! Get it through your head! She didn’t sleep with me or anyone else! I brought her home, because everyone else was too drunk, and she couldn’t go alone! I helped her to bed, and tried to change her into pajamas, but she was too heavy, so I just left her as she was! Nothing happened!” Kristina shouted. Turning to Torrance she said more softly, “Torrance, I’m sorry for the trouble I caused you. I was only trying to help.”

“I know, and thanks for getting me home safely.”

Looking back at Helen, Kristina mentioned, “And just one more thing, blondie! I might be poor, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have morals! I might be just a stripper and a whore, but I’m not a thief! I’m offended that you would even suggest such a thing about me! You’re not good enough for Torrance, and I hope she realizes that before it’s too late! Now if that’s all, I’m leaving!”

“I’ll walk you out.” Torrance mumbled as the dancer turned to go. The brunette looked at her beloved in silence for a moment before following Kristina to the door. They walked down to the street quietly.

“I really am sorry, Torrance.” the young blonde apologized.

“Don’t be. Thank you for bringing me home and for defending me just now.”

“Well, I know you love her. Personally I don’t think she’s the right woman for you acting like that, but it’s your life. You deserve happiness, and if she’s what you want, then I wish you the best.”

“Thank you. She is what I want. She’s not usually like that. I think she’s just being weird, because of the hormones with the baby. I hope so anyway.”

Kristina shrugged. “Well, I should go. Promise to call me about some modeling gigs?”

“I’ll try. I’ll definitely pass your information along, but I’m getting married in a week and then going on my honeymoon, so it might be a few weeks before you hear anything. Don’t think I forgot about you.”

“Okay.”

After a moment of just standing awkwardly, Torrance asked, “Can you tell me what really happened last night now that we’re alone? I need to know.”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t believe that. I don’t remember what happened when we got back to my place, but I do remember a lot of what happened at Morgan’s. Something did happen between us in the bedroom, didn’t it?”

Kristina touched her arm lightly. “Torrance, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I don’t remember it that way. I remember you sitting naked on top of me touching yourself. Didn’t I put my arms around you and help things along a bit?” she inquired as she recalled her actions of the previous night. When the dancer had taken off the shirt and started exploring herself as she sat straddled across Torrance stomach, the photographer’s willpower began to crumble. Before she knew it, her arms were around the tiny woman guiding the stripper’s hips, and she was whispering words of encouragement as the blonde brought herself to peak.

Kristina shrugged. “Torrance, had you come into my strip club and asked me for a private performance, you would’ve gotten the same thing. You never kissed me. You never touched anything but my hips. That’s hardly infidelity. Had we danced together, you would’ve touched me more. Basically you just watched. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s like watching a porn.”

“Somehow I don’t think she’s going to see it that way.”

“Don’t tell her, Torrance. It’s not worth it. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not worth what it will do to your marriage.”

“I need to be honest with Helen.”

“Well, good luck then. You know where to find me if things go horribly wrong. I’ll be there for you with open arms any time you need someone.”

“Thank you for the offer, and if I wasn’t already with someone, I’d take you up on it, Kristina. You’re amazing, and you have a lot to offer other than your body. Please try to use those other things.”

The blonde nodded. “I’ll see you around then. Take care of yourself.”

When Torrance returned back to the loft, Helen was still in the kitchen standing in the same place she had left her. “Well, I got the whole story from Kristina.” Torrance mentioned. “Seems that I did do something that you should know about.”

“What’s that?” hesitantly Helen inquired suddenly afraid of what Torrance might say.

“Apparently I let her sit on my lap naked and watched her as she brought herself to orgasm.” plainly the older woman stated. Helen’s heart sunk a little at the idea of Torrance being that close to another woman, but looking into the photographer’s face, she could tell that the older woman was being truthful. However before she could even offer any sort of response, Torrance asked, “Is there anything that happened to you on your adventure that I should know about?”

The blonde shook her head. “Nothing nearly as exciting, but I saw Richard. He tried to kiss me.”

“Did he succeed?” the photographer inquired stoically.

“No. We were dancing, and he leaned down to kiss me, but I stepped away. He told me he still loved me.”

“He’s not the only one.” the tall woman mumbled. “If you’ll excuse me now, I’m going to go upstairs and shower.”

“We’re not finished talking about us.” the blonde mentioned.

“Yes, we are. I love you, and I want to marry you. If you can’t accept my explanation of what happened, you have doubts about us getting married. I can’t marry you if you have doubts. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. I told you what I did, and that’s all that I did. You need time to decide if you believe me.” quietly the brunette explained before turning to go up the stairs.

Heading into the master bath, Torrance stripped off her clothes and headed into the shower. She let the warm water cascade over her as she thought about the woman downstairs. She felt for sure that things were going to work with Helen, but suddenly she was filled with her own doubts. When Helen didn’t immediately believe her, Torrance wondered how they could possibly have a marriage with a lack of trust. As the possibility of their relationship coming to an abrupt end again struck her, Torrance felt herself becoming weak. She sunk down on the stone shower seat as her whole body trembled, and she suddenly began to sob. The life that she wanted flashed before her mind, she and Helen being married and having children, and the thought of never knowing the baby the blonde was carrying was more than she could take.

Helen stood in the kitchen long after Torrance had gone upstairs as she thought about all that had occurred since she had arrived home. Even with all the evidence leading toward Torrance’s unfaithfulness, she knew in her heart that the photographer had told her the absolute truth. She wished Torrance had not allowed the events of the previous night take place, but she recognized that she couldn’t let that one incident stand between her and the marriage she wanted. Helen knew with certainty that Torrance loved her as much as she claimed, and through all the years they had known each other, the brunette had never given her reason to doubt her unwavering loyalty and faithfulness, making it easier to decide to accept the photographer’s actions as one last drunkenly wild night of fun. Resolved to forget about the whole event, she went upstairs to try to smooth things over with her lover.

As she went into the bedroom, she heard wailing coming from the bathroom over the sound of the shower. Concerned Helen rushed in there to find Torrance crumpled on the slate floor of the shower sobbing. Instantly the only thoughts the blonde had were to comfort her beloved, and she opened the glass door to step in, forgetting that she was fully clothed. Dropping to her knees, she pulled the taller woman into her arms. “I’m sorry, Torrance.” she softly stated. “I believe you completely.”

“You do?” the green-eyed photographer inquired hesitantly.

“Yes. I know in my heart you would never be with someone else.”

“So you’re not leaving?”

“Never. You just had one last night of being single, and I’m going to forget it even happened. It’s not worth giving up all that we have to look forward to, especially when it was my idea in the first place.”

“What do you mean?” Torrance asked in confusion.

“I’m the one who said it was your last chance to see some hot naked women, and you told me Morgan would probably hire a stripper. It was all in drunk fun. I know it won’t happen again, because I know you would never be with someone other than me.”

Sighing in relief Torrance whispered, “Thank you for believing me, Helen. I thought for sure I had lost you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Torrance. You’re stuck with me for life.” she teased lightly as she brushed back the brunette’s short wet locks away from her face.

Torrance gave a tentative smile before noticing that her fiancee was fully dressed. “You’re all wet.” she stated.

Helen looked at herself and realized she was soaked from the spray of the shower. However giving Torrance a sexy smile, she said seductively, “Not yet but I could be getting there. Maybe you’d like to finish up in here, and then I could give you a real show, not one Morgan has to pay for. That is if you think you can handle it in your hung over state.”

“I’m feeling better already.” Torrance replied playfully as they both got to their feet. Helen turned to leave, but the brunette slipped her arms around the petite woman’s waist. “Don’t go yet. Stay awhile. You’re already wet.” she suggested as her fingers began to open the blonde’s drenched top.

Feeling the taller woman’s mouth against the nape of her neck, Helen moaned as her hand came up to cradle Torrance’s head. “I can never say no to you.” she whispered.

The following Saturday morning Torrance awoke early too excited to sleep any longer. Even though the previous evening had been a late festive one with a large reception in Torrance and Helen’s honor in town, the photographer was too anxious about her wedding day to stay in bed. As she got out of bed, she walked over to the window that looked over the guesthouse on her grandmother’s property and thought of her bride. Maria had made such an issue of them not being able to see each other before the wedding, that they agreed to sleep apart to pacify her. Torrance had spent the night with the rest of her family up at the house while the blonde stayed with hers in the guesthouse.

Feeling the need to do something to rid herself of her nervous energy, she decided to go for a long run in the neighborhood, so she changed clothes and headed outside. However she ran into her mother on the back porch.

“Too excited to sleep?” her mother asked playfully.

“Yeah. I can’t believe it. Today I’m actually going to marry Helen. This has been such a long wait.”

“But now it’s over. Run along. Work all your nerves out. We’ll see you in a bit for breakfast.”

When Helen awoke that morning she felt terrible. Her stomach was churning making her nauseated, and she barely made it to the bathroom before relieving her stomach of its contents. Sinking down onto the tile bathroom floor, she moaned miserably as waves of dizziness hit her. After a few minutes she heard a soft knock on the door before Kelly called, “Helen, are you okay?”

“No.” she mumbled.

“What’s wrong? May I come in?”

“Sure.”

Her matron of honor entered the bathroom. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” the married woman inquired coming to kneel next to her friend.

“I don’t know. I just feel so sick. I want Torrance.” she pouted pitifully.

“You can’t see Torrance before the ceremony. Now what are your symptoms?”

“I just feel nauseated and sick to my stomach. I’m sweating but cold at the same time.” she mumbled brushing back her matted wet fair hair.

Kelly gave a sympathetic smile. “It’s probably just nervousness and morning sickness.” she replied.

“I don’t care. I want Torrance here now. Go get her, Kelly.” she whined.

“No. Her mother will pitch a fit. You know that. I’ll tell you what though. I’ll go call up to the house and get her on the phone. You can talk to her for a few minutes, but then we have to start getting ready. Morgan is going to be by soon to do your make up and hair. Why don’t you get back in bed for a little bit while I make the call?” she suggested helping her friend to her feet. She escorted the blonde back to bed and tucked her in before taking a seat next to her. Picking up the phone, she made the call up to the house and got Torrance on the phone.

“What’s up, Kelly? You need something?” the brunette inquired.

“I have someone here who desperately wants to speak to you.” she replied before handing the phone over to Helen.

“Torrance.” the model stated softly.

“Helen, what’s wrong, honey?”

“I’m sick, and I want you to come over here to hold me.”

Torrance chuckled lightly. “I wish I could. I’m sorry that you’re not feeling well. What’s wrong?”

“Morning sickness decided to start today. I feel awful.”

“I’m sorry, baby.”

The conversation last a few more minutes before Kelly took the phone away. “Sorry, Torrance, but Morgan will be here any minute, and I have to get your wife in the shower.”

“Okay. Take care of her, will you?”

“Of course. Just because you’re marrying her doesn’t mean she’s not still my best friend. We’ll see you soon.”

A few hours later everyone was lining up for the service procession. There had been many discussions about who would be standing up next to the couple, and after long talks, the two of them decided to have Kelly stand with Helen and Mark with Torrance, being that they were instrumental in bringing them together but not having anyone else up there with them, because their list of choices had gotten too overwhelming. Torrance processed first and alone since Helen wanted to walk alone as well, but as she stood at the end of the aisle awaiting her cue, her legs felt impossibly heavy. However when the music began, she focused on the minister who was waiting on her at the other end, hardly even seeing the guests in attendance. Getting to the end, she turned to watch the rest of her group, beginning with her parents and then Helen’s parents. Meeting eyes with Diane Melbourne for a moment, she could see the discomfort in her future mother-in-law’s eyes, but Torrance took consolation in the fact that she was still in attendance. Kelly and Mark were the next to walk, both of them smiling brightly at her as they moved to their places. Helen’s two nieces played the parts of the flower girls before there was a momentary pause before Helen’s music began. Torrance took a shaky breath as Helen came into view. She had never seen the blonde more beautiful as she was in her wedding gown carrying her simple bouquet of flowers and slowly gliding down the aisle toward her. The model’s elegance made her weak, and she could feel herself almost dizzy at the sight before her. Meeting eyes the older woman saw her bride blush slightly as she graced her with a smile.

Helen only had eyes for her beloved as she came down the aisle. Torrance was dressed in an expensive black suit, looking sexier than she had ever seen her, and the thought gave her a sudden rush of arousal. Without even realizing it, her thoughts strayed to taking the suit off her lover, but she had the grace to flush when she noticed where her thoughts had strayed. She observed that Mark hastily put a hand on Torrance’s back to steady her, making her realize she was having the same effect on the tall woman that the photographer was having to her. Finally she arrived next to her beloved and took the offered hand.

“You are so beautiful.” Torrance whispered in obvious awe. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Torrance.” she replied giving her lover an adoring gaze.

The rest of the ceremony passed quickly, and soon they were socializing with all their guests at the reception. As the evening wore on, Torrance and Helen decided that as they were leaving was time they make their big announcement. Just before they were getting ready to take off in their limo, the two of them asked everyone to settle down for one final toast. Curving an arm around Helen’s waist, Torrance stated, “Helen and I just want you all to know how glad we are you came today. You have helped make this a special day for us, and we will never forget it.”

“And because you have made it so wonderful, we’ve decided to share a secret with all of you.” Helen said. “As some of you know, Torrance and I have been planning an African safari for our honeymoon, but we had to cancel those plans. I’m making her take me to Paris instead.”

Torrance smiled down at her as she teasingly continued, “It seems that Helen and I got ourselves into a little trouble by starting our honeymoon early, and we’re actually expecting our first child now because of it, so we had to decide on someplace more civilized.” A chorus of yelling and hollering could be heard as the couple glowed under the support of the closest friends and relatives.

Breaking their gaze Helen looked back at all their friends and family. “Anyway, thank you for making this day the best of our lives, and we look forward to seeing you when we get back from our trip to Paris.”

Slowly making their way toward their limousine, they bid farewell to everyone as they passed. Getting to their parents however, they stopped to receive hugs from the four of them. John was the first to speak as he affectionately laid his hand against his daughter’s mid-section. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to be a grandfather again.”

“Yes, Daddy, and maybe with some luck we might have a son. I know you’ve been dying for a grandson.”

“I don’t care. I’m just thrilled for the two of you.” he said hugging them both before Maria came to embrace them as well.

“Well, Torrance, I guess all your dreams really have come true now.” she said.

“They sure have, Mama.”

Breaking in to the conversation, Thomas asked, “When are you two planning on coming back from Paris?”

“We’re scheduled to arrive back on September 10th. Why?”

“Then you and I need to have breakfast on the 11th. I want all the details.” he said with a smile.

Torrance gave a nod. “I think I can manage that. Now you have to excuse us. We have somewhere we’re supposed to be.” the photographer teased.

“Not anywhere that you haven’t been before.” John joked.

“Daddy!” Helen exclaimed as she flushed deeply at his inference, but Torrance laughed.

“I was just kidding, sweetie. You kids get out of here. I think Torrance would rather be alone with you right now.” he mentioned with a smile.

“We’ll talk to all of you when we get back.” the tall woman said before taking her wife’s arm and leading her to the waiting car.

Torrance’s grandmother’s driver was standing at the back door of the limo waiting for them. “Ms. and Mrs. Whitfield.” he said with a nod as he opened their door. Once they were settled, he moved to the driver’s seat. “Mrs. Whitfield, are we still going to the Waldorf?”

Torrance smiled at the fact that James addressed Helen that way. However when the blonde didn’t respond, she said, “You know, honey, James just asked you a question.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, James. I thought you were talking to Torrance. Yes, we are still going to the Waldorf.”

“Very good, Mrs. Whitfield.” he replied with a small smile before putting the divider up between them to give them privacy.

The model grinned at the photographer. “It’s going to take me a little while to get used to being called that.”

“James will call you whatever you would like for him to. If you’d prefer he call you Helen, he will.”

“No. I like Mrs. Whitfield. I like everyone knowing that I belong to you.”

Torrance gently caressed her wife’s stomach. “We belong to each other, all three of us. Thank you for making me whole, Helen.” she whispered before leaning to kiss her bride.

Concluded Part 12

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The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive