A month later Elisabeth found herself on the doorstep of the Rosenthal's house. It was a blistering summer evening, but she didn't mind the humid heat. Her mind was far too occupied by the fact that she was meeting the rest of Dara's family that night. She was excited yet nervous, because it signaled a definite serious turn in their relationship. Knocking on the door, she waited for someone to answer as she fiddled with the bottle of wine she had in her hand.
Within in moments the door opened and there stood the woman she adored. "Hi," she greeted shyly, knowing her nerves were getting to her.
"Hi," Dara answered with a smile, reaching for her girlfriend. She pulled her into the house by the waist and landed a soft kiss on her lips as she shut the door. "I've missed you. This week has been tough without seeing you," she mentioned as her gentle assault on her lover's mouth continued.
"I missed you too, but you know obligation beckons."
The taller woman nodded absently as she persisted in her indulgence of her girlfriend's lips. It was only a deep chuckle that broke them apart. Dara knew who it was before even turning around. "Get lost, Tom."
"Oh, come on now. Don't keep the guest of honor all to yourself," he insisted as the two women broke from their embrace. Smiling at the blonde, he stuck out his hand. "Hi. I'm Thomas, Dara's brother."
"Elisabeth. Nice to meet you."
"Well, you better come in before the rest of the group starts to rush the door," Dara mentioned, taking the blonde's hand. "Are you ready?" The older woman nodded. Heading into the kitchen, they heard all commotion stop and attention turn to the two of them with the exception of Dara's nephew who was oblivious. "Everyone, I'd like for you to meet Elisabeth Gunter. Elisabeth, my family," she proclaimed generally. Taking her to each person, she made a more formal introduction.
When it was over, the blonde went to the younger woman's mother and extended her gift. "Well, thank you, Elisabeth. That's so sweet of you," she said, hugging the blonde.
Even though the blonde attorney wasn't expecting the contact, she participated in the hug as she realized where her lover got her consoling embrace. "Well, it was the least I could do for having me to dinner," she mentioned.
Breaking into the conversation, Tom inquired, "So, Elisabeth, Dara's been so secretive about you. What do you do?"
Knowing she was in a house full of Democrats, the woman chuckled to herself. She didn't want to argue with her hosts, but she knew she had to be honest about her career. "Currently I am working on the Minion-Bonaparte re-election campaign," she admitted.
Suddenly the room fell completely silent. She could feel all eyes on her, but no one said anything for a moment. Finally Dara's father smiled. "Now I understand why Dara said we weren't supposed to talk about politics," he jested.
"Yeah. Don't hold Elisabeth's career choices against her. She's still has many other admirable qualities," Dara joked, poking fun at her girlfriend while she could.
Elisabeth took it in stride, relieved that she was only going to be the source of jokes, not criticism.
"Well, she must if you're still in love with her," Emma stated. "That really does prove love can conquer all."
Nodding her head, the brunette attorney wrapped an arm around her girlfriend's shoulders. "If I can look past that so can all of you. Let's just drop it. Politics are off limits tonight."
"Agreed," Eric stated quickly with another grin. "There's plenty of time to convert her before you get married anyway."
Dara and Elisabeth both blushed as the rest of the family laughed. Even though she had confided in her parents her feelings about her relationship with the blonde, she wasn't ready to share it with the older woman yet. Hearing her father tease her about it left her mortified, but she played it off as well as she could.
Once dinner was served, everyone sat in the formal dining room. Dara pulled out her lover's chair before taking her own. The blonde smiled at her in return. Throughout most of the meal she was the center of the conversation. All of the brunette's family seemed anxious to know as much about her as they could. Even though she wasn't used to being in the spotlight, Elisabeth still enjoyed herself. She learned quite a lot about her girlfriend, things that she knew Dara never would have shared otherwise, which pleased her greatly.
When the meal was over, Elisabeth's polite offer to help with the dishes was accepted, leaving Dara alone with her brother and father. "So, she's a Republican?" Eric questioned, sipping the last of his wine from his glass.
"Dad, please don't start. We're more closely aligned than it sounds. Working on the campaign was a good career move on her part. I don't begrudge her that. It's what she needed to do."
"But how can she manage it being a lesbian? Her boss hates her."
"He doesn't even know. Just trust me on this, Dad. I know what I'm doing."
"I'm sure you do, Dara. I just don't want you to get hurt, but I want you to be happy, and I can see that she makes you that."
Smiling the brunette nodded. "She does. If things go well, I know I'm going to ask her to marry me. There is just something about her that says she's the one."
"If that's what you want, we'll be happy for you," he said with a pat on her shoulder. "Now we should probably go rescue her from your mother. Knowing her she's putting her through an inquisition."
The three of them moved into the kitchen with the rest of the dishes from the table. Sure enough Dara's mother, oldest sister, and sister-in-law had the blonde answering questions unceasingly. Knowing she should come to her lover's aid, Dara stepped into the middle of the conversation and put her arms around her girlfriend's waist. "All right. You three have had enough time. Let Elisabeth breathe."
Her mother smiled at the couple. "Why don't the two of you go into the study and relax? I'll let you know when dessert is ready," she suggested.
Elisabeth started to protest, because she hadn't even bothered to help with the dishes while she was being quizzed, but Dara cut her off. "That's a great idea, Mom. We'll do that," she quickly answered, dragging the blonde from the room before anyone could change their minds.
As soon as they were alone, they smiled at each other. "Your family certainly can talk," the older woman teased.
"Now you know where I get it," the taller woman replied as she pulled her lover down onto the sofa.
"How do you think it's going?" Elisabeth inquired.
"I think they adore you despite the Republican aspect. I wish they could know the truth."
"Me too. Well, they can always think you converted me before we got married. That's good enough," the blonde said with a smile.
Flushing lightly the taller woman mumbled, "Yeah. About that, I'm sorry."
"It's all right. After all, it's not like the thought never crossed my mind," modestly Elisabeth responded, breaking their gaze.
"It has?"
The older woman nodded. Hoping that she wasn't alone in her feelings on the matter, she questioned timidly, "Have you ever thought about it?"
The brunette nodded her head. "Actually, I have, Elisabeth. You know, we have the same wants and dreams, and things are going so well. It just seems natural to think about the future. I know I want you to be a part of it."
Leaning into the younger woman's shoulder, Elisabeth sighed in contentment. "I feel the same way," she stated softly.
They simply sat in a quiet embrace until they were retrieved by Dara's mother for dessert. After that the family merely sat around talking. Elisabeth felt special to be included in the family conversation, because it made her feel as if she belonged. When it was time for Dara's nephew, Justin, to be put to bed, the six-year-old whined about having to leave the party.
Trying to pacify him though, Dara asked, "Do you want me to read you a book tonight?"
He shook his head defiantly. "I want Miss Elisabeth to read to me," he demanded, crossing his arms across his body.
"Well, maybe you should try asking her nicely." Thomas, his father, instructed.
Going to the blonde, Justin sat down next to her on the couch and gave his most charming grin. "Miss Elisabeth, will you read to me?" he asked with his best manners.
"Please," Tom directed
"Please," Justin copied.
"Sure, Justin. I'd love to read to you."
"Yeah," he screamed happily, jumping from the sofa.
"Say thank you, Justin," his mother, Clara, stated.
"Thank you, Miss Elisabeth," he complied, taking her by the hand to help her off the couch.
"I'll get him settled," Dara offered, standing and following her nephew and girlfriend up the stairs into her old room where he was staying. Going into the bedroom, Dara proceeded into that bathroom while Justin lingered with Elisabeth looking at books. "Get in here, sport. You have to take a quick bath," she said. Immediately both of them appeared. The brunette started the water, but when she noticed he wasn't undressing, she mentioned, "Don't be all night about it. Take off your clothes."
He shook his head. "No. I want my privacy first," he demanded.
Elisabeth chuckled in amusement and surprise at his declaration. However, she said, "I'll just wait in the other room."
When she was gone, Justin looked at his aunt as he pulled off his shirt and shorts. "She's pretty, Aunt Dara."
"Yes, she is, Justin."
"Mom said you two were going to get married. Would that make her my aunt too?"
Dara nodded. "It would. Would you like that?"
He nodded as he went to the bathroom. When he was finished, he got into the tub. Quickly Dara washed his hair and body before asking, "Do you want to play for a little while?"
"No. I want Miss Elisabeth to read to me."
"Okay. She can read you an extra story since your bath is so short tonight."
He smiled with excitement and quickly pulled the plug on the drain. As usual he watched all the water disappear before getting out while Dara went to fetch his pajamas. When she returned from the bedroom, he was drying himself off with one of the large towels. Together they hastily got him into his pajamas and brushed his teeth before heading back into the bedroom.
Elisabeth smiled from her position on the floor as he came bounding out and crashed next to her. "I was just looking at your book collection. Which one do you want me to read?"
"Aunt Dara said you could read two," he mentioned as he began to rifle through the books in search of the ones he wanted.
The blonde looked over toward her girlfriend. Dara was busy setting up some medical equipment she hadn't noticed earlier. However, she didn't have time to ask what it was as several books were thrust into her lap. She laughed lightly. "That's a few more than two," she said.
"They're short," he protested.
"Fine. Why don't we get in bed?" Elisabeth suggested. Justin did as he was told, climbing under the covers in the middle of the bed. She took a seat next to him. "Which one should we read first?"
Dara smiled at how easily her girlfriend took to her nephew. It made her own longing for children with the older woman much greater, because she could tell the great capacity Elisabeth had for love. She continued to watch as she prepared her nephew's feeding tube for the night. Then she went into the bathroom to get his medication.
Coming back she said, "Sorry to interrupt. Justin, your mom said you've learned to swallow your capsules now. Is that true?" He nodded, obviously proud of himself for that fact. "Awesome, buddy. Here. Then take these." She handed him two pills of enzymes with a glass of water. He did what he was told before putting his attention back on Elisabeth.
With that completed, Dara pulled up his pajama shirt to open the cap on his feeding tube. He didn't even seem to notice being too enthralled with his book, but the blonde's eyes couldn't help but stray to watch. She felt her heart beginning to break at the sight of Dara's nephew with a permanent tube protruding from his fair skin. Justin seemed oblivious to the process. However, she continued to read as she watched the taller woman out of the corner of her eye. Dara connected the tube together and then turned on the machine before dropping onto the bed next to Justin for the rest of the story. Elisabeth smiled as the six-year-old snuggled into his aunt.
After several books Dara rose from the bed. Taking her lead, Elisabeth did the same. The blonde smiled down at Justin and leaned to kiss him on the forehead. She was surprised but pleased when his tiny arms came around her neck. "Good night, Justin," she whispered.
"Good night, Miss Elisabeth."
She then moved toward the door while Dara went to hug him. "Sweet dreams, sport. I love you," she whispered, rubbing his chest lightly in affection.
"I love you too, Aunt Dara," he answered, giving her a hug. "Can I ask you something?" he inquired.
"What?"
"When are you two getting married?"
Dara blushed lightly, knowing that Elisabeth had heard the question. However, she didn't focus on her embarrassment. Instead she smiled at him and answered, "I don't know, Justin. Why?"
"I want to be there," he said.
"Don't worry. You'll be there. I wouldn't get married without you. You're my guy. In fact, you can even walk down the aisle with me if you want."
"Can I really?"
"Of course. I promise you, Justin. When it happens, you'll be there. Now it's time you go to sleep." He nodded his head as she rearranged his covers and then stood. Turning to her girlfriend, they both quietly left the room. Once they were outside with the door closed, Dara noticed that Elisabeth wasn't all right. Concerned that her nephew had offended her unintentionally, she asked, "Are you okay? Sorry about what he said. He overheard his parents talking."
The blonde shook her head. "It's not that."
"Then what is it?"
The older woman closed her eyes in order to compose herself, but as she felt strong arms embracing her, tears began to track her face. "He's just a baby," she uttered.
"I know. I'm sorry. I should have warned you. It's just that we're so used to all of it that it doesn't cross our minds. It takes getting used to, honey. It's hard to see him like that in the beginning, but this is what we have to do to keep him alive and as healthy as we can."
"It's just heart-breaking," she whispered.
Dara nodded her head. Smiling at down at the woman in her arms, she said, "I love you, Elisabeth. You have such a big heart." Gently the brunette kissed her, expressing deeper feelings that words never could. "Come on. Let's go back downstairs and endure more of my family's torture."
Heading back to the living room to where the rest of the family was, both of them took their spots on the sofa again. However, this time Dara held Elisabeth's hand in her lap as they all just talked. The blonde allowed her to do so, enjoying the simple affectionate attention. That was one of the things she loved about Dara. She was so giving to everyone. She had a natural gift that made every person in a room feel special.
Finally after awhile Leah suggested a late night swim to the family. However, Tom said, "That's okay. You all go ahead. Someone needs to listen for Justin."
"We'll stay inside," Dara offered, knowing her brother well enough to know he did want to go out by the pool.
"Are you sure? You don't have to, Dara."
"It's fine. Elisabeth didn't even bring her suit. We'll listen for him. You go have fun. You don't get much a chance to do that. You might as well take advantage of the opportunity."
He nodded. "All right. We won't be long though."
With that all the Rosenthal children went to get their suits, leaving Dara with Elisabeth and her parents. "Are you sure you don't mind, Dara? We'd be more than happy to stay inside," her mother said.
"Really, it's fine. Why don't you two join them?" she suggested.
Mother and daughter looked at each other for a moment in silence before Emma nodded her head. "All right. We'll do that, but if you need anything, you know where we are."
With that Dara and Elisabeth were left alone on the couch. Shooting her girlfriend a grin, the younger woman joked, "Oh the sound of silence."
The blonde shook her head. "You didn't have to get rid of everyone. I was perfectly content talking to your family."
Leaning in toward her lover's neck, Dara replied in a whisper, "Well, I wasn't content. In fact, there are other things on my mind."
"I can only imagine what," giggled the blonde as she shrugged away from her lover's lips. "Your parents could walk in."
"They won't care," Dara insisted, leaning in again, but Elisabeth held her at bay.
"Well, I will. If you insist on this, let's at least go somewhere a little more private."
"Fine. Let's go in the study. No one will come looking for us."
"Can we still hear if Justin needs anything?"
The brunette nodded. "Not to worry. I wouldn't let anything happen to my Justin."
"I know," the shorter woman answered as they got off the couch. Going into the study, Dara closed the door almost all the way before coming to her lover in the middle of the room. They kissed slowly for a few minutes.
"I've been thinking about this all night. You look so incredibly beautiful, Elisabeth. It's taken all my willpower to keep my hands off you."
The blonde moaned lightly as the younger woman's hands roamed over her body. "You feel so good, Dara," she murmured in pleasure as the brunette took in the landscape of her neck with her gifted mouth.
"So do you."
After a few moments the blonde pulled back slightly and smiled. "I feel a little self-conscious about this. The last thing I want is for them to be able to hear us."
Nodding her head, Dara pulled out of the blonde's arms. "I have just the thing." She went over to the stereo cabinet and turned on the equipment. Picking out one of the CDs that she had always liked for a romantic setting, she put it in and then turned up the volume. "Now. That's a sure sign for them to stay away." Pulling Elisabeth over to the sofa, Dara quickly went back to her girlfriend's neck. Soon both of them forgot about Dara's family as they lost themselves in the feeling of each other. The brunette was happily indulging in her lover's endowment when a loud beeping could be heard over the music. Dara groaned as she reluctantly sat up.
"What's that noise?" Elisabeth asked in breathless confusion.
"Justin," Dara sighed. "I'll be right back."
Rushing from the room, Dara took two steps at a time upstairs. Going into her old bedroom, she found that her nephew had only rolled over onto his feeding tube in his sleep, and there were no major problems. Repositioning his little body in the bed, she made sure there were no kinks in the tube and reset the machine. His groggy eyes opened and whispered her name.
"Hey, sport," she said softly, running a hand through his hair as she kneeled next to his bed.
"Where's Jerome?" he muttered, inquiring about his favorite stuffed animal.
Dara looked around the bed and then under the linens for the stuffed frog. Finding him under a pillow, she placed it in Justin's arms. "Here you go."
As she stood to go, he put his hand out to her. "Stay until I fall asleep again," he requested.
Dara thought about the woman downstairs and then her nephew. Knowing she could never deny him, she carefully lay down on the bed near him and lightly began to play with his hair as she waited for him to fall asleep. Within moments he was snoring softly again. However, Dara stayed there just looking at her nephew. He looked so angelic with his soft features.
Several minutes passed with Elisabeth just waiting on her lover's return. Wondering what might be taking so long, she figured Dara might need some assistance, so she quickly buttoned her top and made her way out of the study. She could still hear everyone out by the pool, so she made her way upstairs. The doorway to the brunette's old room was open, and as she came to it, her heart stopped and then began to beat in double time. There was Dara on the bed cradling Justin in her arms as the little boy slept. The blonde could see the wetness of her girlfriend's face even with the poor light of the hallway. Dara's eyes were closed, but the blonde could tell she was still awake by the way she was stroking Justin's hair.
Drawn into the room by the powerful scene, Elisabeth did the only thing she could think of in the moment. Without a word, she crawled onto the bed behind the brunette and wrapped her in her arms. She felt the taller woman relax into her embrace. Neither of them said anything as they laid in the darkness.
The next thing Dara knew she was being awakened by hushed voices coming from the hallway. Looking around in confusion, she realized she had drifted off as she had tried to put Justin back to sleep. Slowly sitting up, she noted that Elisabeth had somehow gotten into bed with them as well and was now asleep. Dara gently tried to rouse her girlfriend.
"Sweetie, we have to get up," the brunette whispered. "We fell asleep in Justin's bed."
Blue eyes opened sleepily. "What time is it?" she asked through a yawn.
"Late. After midnight."
"Oh, God. I have to get going," Elisabeth grumbled as they both stood.
"No. Why don't you just stay here since you're tired?"
"Can't. I have a team meeting with George and the other boys in the morning."
"Are you going to be all right to drive? Do you want me to take you home?"
"No. I'll just have to come get my car in the morning. I'll be fine. I promise," she assured as they made their way downstairs.
By the lack of lights on the main floor, they could tell everyone had retired for the evening. Dara and Elisabeth walked outside to the blonde's car quietly. Embracing each other they kissed gently. "Are you sure you're fine?" the taller woman asked again in concern.
"Yes, Dara. I'm fine. It's not that far. I'll call you when I get home."
"All right. Thanks for coming tonight. It means a lot to be able to have you here with my family."
Elisabeth nodded her head in understanding. "I had a great time. Can't wait to do it again."
*******************************************************************
In August Elisabeth and Shelby's mother came into town just as the older blonde had promised. It was now Dara's turn to meet the mother of the woman she loved, which left her even more nervous than when she had introduced the shorter woman to her own family. She wanted Elisabeth's mother to be impressed with her. On a Friday evening Elisabeth invited Dara to join her mother, sister, and her for dinner. Even though Shelby would be there and the two of them had been straining for civility towards each other, the younger woman knew this was her one chance at winning Elisabeth's mother over, so she accepted.
Going to the blondes' house after work, Dara sat in her car a moment preparing for their first meeting. She knew it was important for her to make a positive first impression. When she felt calm, she took the flowers off the seat next to her and went up to the house. She gave a strong knock and then waited. Within a few moments Elisabeth answered the door. She smiled brightly at her lover.
"Hi. You got here sooner than I expected," the blonde mentioned, opening her arms to her girlfriend.
They embraced and kissed softly before Dara handed her the flowers. "I couldn't wait to see you," she admitted.
"Well, come on in. My mother's in the kitchen."
Taking Dara by the hand, Elisabeth led her to where her mother was. As soon as they cleared the doorway, she announced, "Mom, this is Dara Rosenthal. Dara, my mother, Patricia Gunter."
"Ms. Gunter, it's a pleasure to meet you," Dara said to the blonde woman in front of her as she extended her hand. Even though Elisabeth's mother was also fair-headed, they held little resemblance to each other until the older woman smiled.
"Dara, it is so good to finally meet you. Elisabeth's been going on and on about you that I feel like I already know you so well," she mentioned, taking the brunette's hand in both her own. The handshake was firm and friendly, encouraging the young attorney. "I'm so happy that you've found each other. I always hoped my little girl would find someone special."
"Well, she means a great deal to me, Ms. Gunter."
Smiling the eldest blonde said, "Please call me Pat."
Turning to Elisabeth Dara asked, "So, where's your sister?"
"She said she had to work late at the last minute at the hospital, so it's just going to be the three of us if you don't mind."
"Not at all. Would you like me to drive, or do you want to?"
"You can drive. I just need to put these in water before we go." Elisabeth quickly got out a vase and filled it with water for her flowers while the two other women just watched. When that was finished, the three of them headed to Dara's Jeep.
"So, where are we going, ladies?" Dara inquired when all of them were settled.
"We decided to do Mexican. Guapos in Tenley Town."
"Sound good."
Being that it was a summer Friday night, the wait at the restaurant was a long one, but the three of them entertained each other at the outdoor bar, drinking margaritas as Elisabeth's mother shared stories of her daughters when they were young. However, after while the conversation turned towards careers.
"So, Dara, Elisabeth tells me you want to be a politician."
The brunette nodded her head. "That is my aspiration. I would like to be the first lesbian governor of Maryland. I think the state is ready for that or at least will be by the time I'm ready to take on the challenge."
"Then how do you feel about Elisabeth working for the President? Surely you don't agree with his politics."
"Well, my sister once asked me that. I just told her that if Arnold and Maria could do it so could we. I don't like the President, but it was a good move for Elisabeth's career. I understand why she chose to do it. I have a feeling that by the time I am elected governor of Maryland Elisabeth's political opinions will be more mainstream. After all, it'll be one thing to be the first lesbian governor, but it'll be more difficult to win if my wife is thoroughly against my politics," she teased.
The surprise on Pat's face was obvious at Dara's declaration. "Oh? I didn't realize you two were already planning that far ahead," she said with a smile at her daughter.
Elisabeth shook her head. "We're just talking about it, Mom. Nothing's been decided. It's just something we both know we'd like to do, and things are going so well. It just seems to be the next step, but we've only been dating a few months."
Pat looked at the both of them and then took a large sip of her beverage. She shook her head lightly as she smiled. "Whatever you say. Just know that I'm happy for you." A moment of silence followed before Elisabeth excused herself to the restroom, leaving Dara and Pat alone. The older woman looked at Dara and gave her a reassuring grin. "Tell me, Dara. It's been decided, hasn't it?"
"That we're going to get married?" she questioned in clarification. The blonde nodded. "I've decided," she declared. "I haven't asked her yet, because I feel like we should continue to get to know one another, but I've made up my mind about her, Pat. She's the one."
"How can you be so sure?"
Dara looked at her drink as she contemplated how to answer her lover's mother. "I just know in my heart. She's everything I've ever wanted in a woman. She's caring and thoughtful. She's intelligent and beautiful. Every time I look in those eyes, I'm just more swept away. I've hopelessly lost my heart, and I never want to retrieve it."
"Was there a moment that you knew for sure?"
"As a matter of fact, there was. Not too long ago Shelby and Elisabeth got in a huge fight, so much so that Elisabeth had to leave the house. She came to my place all upset, and we talked it out. She felt like she couldn't face Shelby that night, so she stayed with me," she said hesitantly. She noticed that Pat didn't even flinch at that admission, so she continued. "We were getting ready for bed, and we were both standing in my bathroom brushing our teeth. I looked over at her standing there in my pajamas that were way too big on her, and I realized that I want to stand next to her and brush my teeth everyday for the rest of my life. In fact, I'd rather watch her washing her face or brushing her teeth or even putting on makeup than do just about anything else. I just want to be with her. I want to hold her and love her in a way neither of us has ever known. My heart just tells me that she is my perfect companion. There's really no other way to describe it."
Pat nodded her head. "And you two are compatible in all areas?" tentatively she asked.
Not know exactly what the question was referring to, Dara inquired, "Meaning?"
"Look. I'd been extremely naive if I thought my thirty-two-year-old daughter was inexperienced. I just want to make sure you can make each other happy in all ways. It's not the only thing that matters, but it's important that each of you is satisfied in and out of the bedroom. I would hate to think this decision was based on the activities that go on behind the closed door. There's much more to a marriage than that."
"To assure you, Pat, I'll say that my decision is not based solely on that. In fact, I shouldn't probably tell you this, but I'm going to anyway. We've limited ourselves in that area, so we can have a chance to really get to know one another. If we're serious about it, that can wait."
"Then how do you know you're suitable for each other that way?"
"There's been plenty to go on," she answered.
Seeing the blonde headed back their direction, Pat smiled at Dara. "Well, you certainly do have my approval. I've never seen Elisabeth this happy in my life."
"Thank you. That means a lot to both of us," she stated as Elisabeth took her seat once again.
"What means a lot to both of us?" she inquired in interest.
"Oh, I was just tormenting Dara about her intentions regarding you to make sure they were admirable."
"Mom," she warned, her face flushing lightly.
"What? This might be my only chance to rake her over the coals before you two run off and do something crazy, like going to Massachusetts and getting hitched. I only want what's best for you, and I won't accept anything less," she stated.
"Mother, Dara is what's best for me. Now drop it."
Smiling at her daughter, she laughed lightly. "Well, I'm certainly glad we agree on that," she said, throwing a wink in Dara's direction.
The brunette laughed as she slid her arms around her lover. "She got you good on that one," she joked.
Elisabeth rolled her eyes at the both of them. "Well, I suppose I should be grateful that you two get along so well."
Through the rest of dinner, the conversation was light as they all chatted. They even made tentative arrangements for Pat to meet Dara's parents the following evening, leaving the brunette thrilled at how well the night was going. When she dropped the two blondes off later that night, she promised to call them in the morning about their families getting together.
The next day instead of doing dinner the three blonde Gunters came to the Rosenthal house for a barbeque lunch. Dara answered the door when they arrived but she was surprised to see Shelby. Nevertheless, she extended her a warm welcome and escorted them out to the pool. Dara's parents and Leah were already outside sitting poolside under the shade of an umbrella. Dara took the official duties of introductions, but the strain between Leah and Shelby was noticeable. Nevertheless, Elisabeth and Dara both tried to ignore their younger sisters and focus on getting their parents well-acquainted. However, sitting at the table with their parents, Elisabeth's attention kept being diverted to the way Dara looked in her bathing suit.
Even though she was wearing something a little more conservative then the last pool party, the sight of the brunette in her long board shorts and tank top made the blonde's libido spring to life. The other night when Dara had dropped her and her mother off at the house, the younger woman hadn't come inside, so they had not had a chance to spend any quality time alone together, which had left Elisabeth with a craving the night before. In fact, she had to relieve her own tension before she could find restful sleep. Now as she sat next to her lover those latent feelings from the night before resurfaced. She desperately needed a few minutes alone with the brunette to feel her strong arms around her body. Suddenly a perfect opportunity presented itself as Emma asked if anyone wanted something else to drink from the house.
Instantly Elisabeth was out of her chair suggesting, "You know what? Dara and I can get the drinks, Emma. Right, dear?" she inquired.
Unsure of what was going on in her lover's head, the taller woman just nodded and stood. "Sure. Of course. We'll be right back." Following the older woman up the stairs of the deck and into the house, she was about to ask what was going on when her lover jumped her as soon as they got through the door.
"God, I've missed you," she muttered, assaulting Dara's mouth brutally. "You have no idea how badly I wanted you to stay when we got home last night."
The taller woman groaned as her hands roamed under her girlfriend's top. She could feel the bare skin of her back. "I wanted to stay, but I thought it might be a little much for your mother the first time we met."
"She wouldn't have cared. She's a very modern woman," Elisabeth stated as her hands yanked up the brunette's tank top. "Oh my God. You're not even wearing a bra," she growled as her head swooped down and captured the younger woman's left breast in her mouth.
Dara gasped loudly and clutched the golden head. Her hands were equally busy trying to get into the blonde's clothes. She grumbled in frustration when she realized the blonde was wearing a conservative one-piece suit that was practically inaccessible. "This is so not fair," she whined, unable to find a good entrance to get to her lover's bare body.
The older woman chuckled at the brunette's predicament. "All's fair in love and war," she teased as her hands went to the tie on her girlfriend's swimming trunks.
"Whoa, baby. What are you doing?" the younger woman inquired, taking hold of her lover's hands, so she couldn't go any further. Triumphantly she wrapped them around the blonde's back. Elisabeth struggled playfully trying to free herself, but it only served to throw herself off balance and into her girlfriend's frame. Now in control Dara maneuvered them, so the blonde was leaning against the island. Holding both wrists with one hand, she smiled devilishly at the blue-eyed angel. "Now what should I do with you?" she inquired needlessly as her right hand went to the buttons on her lover's blouse.
The older woman continued to strain against her bonds, but Dara was not letting go as she managed to work open the older woman's top. The younger woman could see just a hint of cleavage in her lover's suit. Licking her lips slowly, she grinned sexily. "Am I going to enjoy this," she muttered, leaning down and taking a mouthful of the blonde's breast with suit included into her mouth.
"Dara, please, baby. Let me go," Elisabeth pleaded.
"What was that you said a moment ago about all being fair in love?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Please let me go. I'll make you feel so good," she vowed, trying once again to free her hands. She could feel the taller woman grasping harder, so she couldn't get away. Elisabeth's breath began to grow uneven as she strove to get her hands liberated, but the way Dara was holding her down was making her incredibly turned on. Wanting the feeling to grow, she tried arduously, knowing the younger woman would not allow her to get free until she was ready. Eagerly the older woman thrust her body into her lover's, trying to bring them closer together as Dara pummeled her mouth.
Feeling herself lose control, Dara released Elisabeth's arms as she dove deeper into the blonde's mouth. Immediately one came around her neck and the other made its way down the back of her shorts and grabbed her bare backside. "God, Elisabeth," she moaned. "We have to stop. We have to stop."
"No," the blonde whimpered.
"Our parents. They're waiting on us."
"I know," the older woman whispered, combing her hand through dark hair as she tried to take a deep calming breath. "We're not going to make it until November."
Dara shook her head. "Maybe we should rethink that," she proposed.
"Maybe," Elisabeth conceded.
Just then they heard the door leading from the deck into the living room open, and they barely had time to get themselves presentable before Dara's mother came into the kitchen. She gave them a knowing smile as the two younger woman tried to act normally without success. "I just thought you two might need a little help," she mentioned. Pouring two glasses of lemonade, she turned to the blonde. "Elisabeth, be a dear and take that to your mother and sister."
"Sure, Emma," she replied before leaving the room, so mother and daughter were alone.
Emma didn't say anything for a moment, but she was humming an annoying pleasant tune, a sure sign Dara recalled from her past, that her mother was about to say something embarrassingly provocative. The older woman continued to fix drinks and place them on a tray while Dara simply waited. Finally the older woman turned to her daughter and smiled. "Dara."
"Yes, Mom?"
"You have lipstick on your neck," she stated, pointing to a section of her daughter's neck that Elisabeth had assaulted. Abashed that her mother noticed, the attorney quickly wiped it off with the back of her hand.
When the tray was full of beverages, Dara inquired, "Would you like for me to carry that for you?"
"Thank you, dear." Dara went to pick up the tray, but her mother stopped her once again. "One more thing, Dara."
"What's that?"
Her mother's eyes drifted over her body. Leaning in she patted on her daughter's stomach and whispered, "Tie your shorts, sweetie."
Groaning in discomfort Dara quickly turned from her mother and retied her shorts. "Sorry, Mom," she tried to apologize, thinking her mother might be upset.
However, Emma just continued to smile. "It's okay, honey. You're in love. That's what kids in love do. Just do something for me."
"What's that?"
"Marry this one. She's perfect for you."
Smiling at her mother, Dara enfolded her in a hug. "I'm so glad you think so because so do I."
"Come on. Let's get back out to our guests."
Once back out by the pool, Eric and Dara started the grill for their meal. It didn't take long before they all were sitting down to a pleasant lunch. During the meal, Patricia looked over at Dara's mother and inquired, "So, Emma, what do you think about these two kids getting married?"
"Mom!" Elisabeth exclaimed with a flush. Dara laughed as she too turned red in embarrassment.
However, Emma just gave a charming grin. "Well, Pat, I'll be honest. Seeing them together makes me wonder just how long it will be before we have another grandchild running around. Something tells me it'll be less than a year after they get married that Elisabeth gets pregnant."
"I certainly hope so," Pat agreed. "Women today just keep hitting the snooze button on their biological clocks, and then before they know it, the window of opportunity is closed. We wouldn't want that to happen to you two."
"Mom, I'm only thirty-two," the blonde protested. "Besides, we've already decided that children will play a part of our family. However, we still have to get married first. Dara hasn't even asked me yet."
Seeing the playful grin her lover was sporting, the taller woman shook her head. "You're just lucky that I want to marry you, Elisabeth. Now I know where you get your persuasive attitude. Between our mothers and you, you'll have me walking down the aisle before the year is out," she teased.
"I hope so. I can't give you a chance to get away. I have to snag you while you're still blinded by the delusion of my perfection."
Shaking her head lightly, Dara turned to her father. "Dad, help me out here. These women are already trying to run my life."
With a smile of his own, he quipped, "Get used to it. It only gets worse. Personally I'd like nothing more than to see another grandchild. Maybe a little blonde girl with pigtails."
Seeing the dreaming demeanor of his face, Dara sighed. "I'm outnumbered. Leah, help?"
"Not a chance, sis. I'm just glad it's you and not me."
Putting her hands up in surrender, Dara said, "Fine. I give up. You all just plan my life for me. I suppose I should just be glad it includes the woman of my dreams."
Elisabeth shook her head as she laughed at her lover's pathetically sweet remark and patted the brunette on the leg in affection. "I love you, you big goof ball."
"I love you too, angel."
That evening when the Gunters finally left, Pat graciously thanked Dara's family for their hospitality before the three blondes went home. All the way there Elisabeth could tell something was on her mother's mind, but she didn't mention it at the moment. She waited until they had gotten home before sitting her mother down for a talk.
"So, what did you really think? I can tell you have a reservation."
"Not at all, Elisabeth. To the contrary, I think you've found someone amazing, and Dara has a great family. I'm truly happy for you."
"Then why the pensive face?"
Pat sighed as she looked at her daughter. Deciding to get right to the issue, she questioned, "Have you told your father about Dara?"
"No."
"Do you plan to tell him?"
"Of course. He's my father. I figured I'd be courteous enough to tell him I was getting married. I don't need his permission or expect his approval. This is my life, and I want to be with Dara."
Her mother nodded in understanding. "I'm glad you feel that way, sweetie. You know you're father will not take to this news. The fact that Dara is a woman first of all and a Jew on top of that, he will say some horrific things. I just want to make sure you're prepared for what's to come with him. It won't be easy."
"I know, but he's not going to stop me from being with her, Mom. I love Dara, and she loves me."
Nodding Pat mentioned, "She certainly does. Listen, Elisabeth. I am so happy this has finally happened for you. I know it's what you've dreamed of your entire life. I'm going to be there every step of the way. I will help you with your father. Perhaps it might come a little better from me. Maybe I should be the one to break the news."
"You would do that?"
"I'd do anything to spare you the pain of his verbal abuse at your decision. I think this is the right one for you, and I won't let him belittle you for doing what is best for your life. Why don't I make the call?"
"But you haven't spoken to him in two decades. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Do you even remember enough German to do it?"
"I remember enough. When was the last time you talked to him?"
"Easter. We only talk on major holidays. Mom, it's really okay. I can handle this. You don't have to."
"I want to. Are you planning on introducing the two of them?"
"Only if she wants to meet him. Dara knows all about him and the rest of the family. She doesn't like it, but she lives with it the same way I do. She might not want to meet him."
"I suppose only time will tell."
"I know this though, Mom. Dara and I will be together, and Dad won't come between us. If I have to choose, Dara is going to win. I want her to be my life."
Pat smiled at her daughter and took her hand. "You'll never know how long I've dreamed of this moment for you. Your whole life I've wanted you to find the right person. I was scared that you wouldn't, but all those fears can now be put to rest. Dara really is perfect. I love the way she looks at you and treats you. You can just tell she absolutely adores you, Elisabeth. And she treats her mother well. That's the real test of someone's respectfulness of others. She treats her mother like a queen. I have no concern that she'll be the same way with you."
Elisabeth nodded her head. "She does treat Emma and her sisters well."
"There's just one thing I want to ask you. I asked her this yesterday, but I want to make sure the feeling is mutual. Does she fulfill your needs, all your needs?"
Looking at her mother, Elisabeth thought about what was really being asked of her for a moment. When it came to her, she flushed lightly. "Mom, you really asked her that?"
"Yes. It's important. I know it's not the easiest conversation to have with your mother, but I want to make sure that she is the right kind of lover for you. Does she satisfy your needs now and will she continue to do so in the future? I want your happiness in all areas. If you're going to be married, you have to face the reality of the sexual side of your marriage. Marriage is difficult enough without sexual problems. I should know. I've failed at it twice, but if you are not in the same place sexually, it can create major issues."
"Trust me. We are of the same mind when it comes to that. We feel the same way about it, and we've talked about it a lot. We're matched well in that area."
"That's what she said. I guess I just want to know how you really know that if you've never actually been together. I don't want you to find yourself in a position in which you thought one thing, but the reality is something else."
"She told you we hadn't slept together?" the blonde questioned in mortification.
Pat chuckled. "You say that like it's a bad thing. Would you have rather her say that you had?"
Shaking her head, Elisabeth answered, "You're right. This is a hard conversation to have with you. I don't know what's worse. Admitting that I'm not as experienced as you probably think I am or having you think I am experienced as you think I am."
"Why? You're thirty-two-years-old. I used to be that age. I know what a woman that age is like."
"Not this woman. Mom, exactly how many people do you think I've been with?"
Pat shrugged. "I know you haven't dated much. Half a dozen," she guessed.
Elisabeth shook her head. "Way wrong."
"More?"
"Fewer. Much fewer."
"Really? You can count them on one hand?" her mother asked in surprise.
"I can count them on one finger."
"Really?"
"Really. I haven't had that much experience, but I know from what I have had with Dara that she is right for me that way. We've been close enough many times that I can judge."
"All right. Just out of curiosity though, why the wait? What are you waiting for? A ring?"
"No," Elisabeth said with a laugh. "We're waiting for the election to be over. We are both so caught up in that and on opposite sides. We felt it best to wait until November to venture the rest of the way. I can't wait though. She drives me crazy, Mom, in a way no one else ever has."
"That's a good thing."
"That's a very good thing. I'm already planning the whole thing too. She won't know what hit her that night. It's going to be like nothing else either of us has ever experienced."
"Well, I hope you're right. I take it she has more experience than you?"
The blonde nodded. "Yes, she does, but that's okay. I'm just glad she knows what she's doing. That's what is most important to me," she joked.
Pulling her daughter into a hug, Pat stroked Elisabeth's fair hair. "The two of you are going to be so happy together. I just know it." After a moment of silence between them, Pat asked, "Tonight something struck me as odd, honey. What was going on between Shelby and Leah? They could barely look at each other."
"Oh that? The two of them were experimenting with each other a few months back, but it ended badly. Shelby is still mad at Leah and Dara I think."
"How did Dara play a part?"
"She didn't really. It was Leah's decision to end it, but Shelby blames Dara anyway."
"That's too bad. I thought I saw them sneaking longing glances at each other when they thought no one was watching. Do you think they can work it out?"
"I don't know. It's up to them. I don't think they've even seen each other in several months until today. I hope they can at least be on friendly terms again. I don't want that kind of trouble between Dara's family and Shelby."
"I'm sure they'll work it out in their own time, sweetie."
"I hope so. I just want them both to be happy."
"So do I, Elisabeth, so do I."
*******************************************************************
Dara sighed as she looked up at Elisabeth's house from the street. It was late on Sunday night in mid-September, and she had just received a call from Shelby a little earlier. The blonde had said something was wrong with Elisabeth and that she should come to the house as soon as she could. Since her lover had gone to North Carolina with the President and several members of his campaign staff for a working weekend getaway, the brunette wondered what could possibly be wrong other than the fact that her girlfriend had returned a day before she was scheduled. She knew whatever it was had to have been serious though, because her relationship with Shelby had been strained since Leah broke up with her, and they had hardly had a civilized conversation since. For Shelby to have called her, something had to be amiss. Taking a deep breath, Dara picked up the roses she had bought for her girlfriend from the passenger's seat and got out of her jeep. She made her way slowly up to the house and knocked. Shelby answered it after a moment.
"Dara, I'm glad you're here. Elisabeth's upstairs in her room, and she refuses to come out and talk to me."
"She won't say what's wrong?"
"No. She's just been up there sobbing. I didn't know what else to do, so I called you."
"Thank you for calling me, Shelby. That was the right thing," the taller woman said before heading up the stairs to her lover's room. She knocked softly on the door before opening it.
"I told you to go away, Shelby," Elisabeth growled from somewhere under a mass over covers.
"Honey, Shelby called me. She's upset and didn't know what else to do," Dara said, announcing her presence. Suddenly a blonde head appeared from under the pillows. The younger woman could tell her girlfriend had been crying by her red eyes and swollen features. Moving to the bed, she took a tentative seat and inquired, "Do you want to talk about this?"
"No. I just want to be alone. You're the last person I want to see right now," the shorter woman answered, sticking her head under her pillow again.
Trying not to be hurt by the statement, Dara said, "I brought you some flowers. Why don't I go put them in a vase for you? I'll be right back." Vacating the room, she retreated to the kitchen. Putting the roses in a vase, she headed back upstairs, even more curious as to what was so awry that Elisabeth didn't want to see even her. Going back into the bedroom, she placed the vase on the bedside table. "Here you go. Your favorite."
Blue eyes looked at the flowers and then Dara. "Thank you. They're beautiful."
"You're welcome. Is there anything I can do to help you?" The blonde shook her head. "Elisabeth, I'm the one you should be able to count on for anything. Whatever it is, I'll help you through it. That's what I'm here for, but you have to tell me first. You'll feel better if you do."
"It's just awful," the blonde sobbed.
"What is?"
"This weekend. Everything went horribly wrong."
"Is that why you're back early?"
"He sent me back."
"George did? Why?"
"Because I screwed up so badly. I could lose my job, Dara."
"What happened, sweetie? What could have gone so wrong?"
"Well, we were all down at the President's farm as you know. On the way down, he and I started talking about horses since that's a pastime of his as well. He invited me to go on a ride with him this morning."
"And?"
"I should have known something was up when I realized it was just the two of us plus one Secret Service agent. The three of us saddled up and took off for a sunrise ride. He and I rode far in front of his agent. We were just talking about the election, and he was telling me his concerns about the way the campaign was going." Elisabeth paused as she tried to formulate her next few sentences. She knew she had to tell Dara what had happened but that it would be incredibly difficult to admit to her lover. The emotions she was still feeling swarmed around her heart, making it difficult to focus on the facts.
Seeing her girlfriend struggling, the brunette sensed something hurtful was looming. Elisabeth had been forthright with her concerning her relationship with the President as much as she could due to the constraints that surrounded her position in the past. However, now looking at the blonde, Dara could see something was indeed amiss. Trying to lend her support though, she softly stated, "It's okay, Elisabeth. I'm here. Take your time."
"We came to this stream on his property, and he got off his horse, so I did the same. We were just standing there under this oak tree talking, and suddenly things started getting very personal."
"How?"
"He put his arms around me and started nuzzling my hair. I was so uncomfortable."
"I thought you had put an end to that," Dara mentioned.
The blonde shook her head. "There hadn't been any opportunity to talk about it, and he hadn't made any advances of that sort for some time, so I thought he had changed his mind."
"Sounds like that wasn't the case though."
"Not at all."
"So what did you do?"
Shaking her head, Elisabeth pulled the covers up over herself as she admitted, "I panicked."
"What does that mean?" the taller woman asked in confusion.
"I didn't know what to do, Dara. I thought I had it in me to confront him, but in those first few moments I was scared. I kept thinking about my job and the mission."
"So what happened?" the younger woman inquired, suddenly not liking the direction of the conversation.
Knowing she had to confess all that had taken place, Elisabeth's tears began anew. She had never wanted to betray the love she felt for Dara, but she felt as if she had done just that by her failure to act in time. "I can't," she cried.
Those words assured Dara that she wasn't going to like what was coming next. In fact, she had an inclination of Elisabeth's ensuing news, but she still didn't know how much damage had been inflicted to her girlfriend or to her own heart. Recognizing that she had to know everything, she prodded, "Tell me what happened, Elisabeth."
Elisabeth looked at her bedroom door. At that moment she couldn't look into the dark eyes she loved. She didn't want to see the sadness that would plague those eyes when she confessed what she had done. She didn't even want to admit it, but she knew she had to be honest with Dara. It was what the younger woman deserved. In almost a whisper, she began, "He kissed me. In fact, we kissed for quite a few minutes. The whole time I kept thinking about the reason I was there, but then he started unbuttoning my blouse and kissing down the side of my neck. When he touched me, I freaked, Dara. At that moment I realized nothing was worth giving my body to a man I hate. He doesn't deserve me. You're the only one who can touch me, and I quickly let him know he had crossed the line. That's when all hell broke loose."
The thought of someone else touching her beloved shattered her heart, but Dara knew Elisabeth had her reasons. Seeking to be supportive even in her own pain, she quietly asked, "What happened when you said no?"
"We started to argue. I told him that we couldn't have that kind of relationship that my heart belonged to someone else, and I couldn't be with him. He got angry and even more aggressive toward me."
"Did he force himself on you?"
"No. He just grabbed me by the arms and shook me. He knows about us, Dara. He said he's known all along, and he was mad that I lied to him. Then he said that if I didn't want to be outed that I would do what he wanted."
"Sounds like coercion to me."
"I said no, but he still tried, so I slapped him," she admitted.
Surprised at that comment, Dara looked at her lover seriously. "You what?"
"I slapped him."
"You slapped the President of the United States? You're damn lucky you weren't shot on the spot. Did Secret Service see you do that?"
The blonde nodded. "They saw the whole thing. I cut his lip with the ring I was wearing at the time. I told him his behavior was not becoming of the most powerful man in the world and that I would not do anything that would change the way you felt about me. I told him you were my whole world, and there was nothing that could change that. He told me to go home, that he'd deal with me later. I'm scared, Dara. I don't know what's going to happen now."
The brunette nodded in understanding. Her girlfriend has just stood up to the President and now faced an uncertain future. "Well, look at it this way. He can't fire you. If he does he's looking at a huge sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit. He can't really out you, because if he does that he opens the door to your public response, which could be ugly. The election is only two months away, and this could explode in his face."
"Although this is the kind of thing that could land me dead in the Potomac," the blonde added.
Dara nodded. "I won't let that happen, though. Your choices here are limited. Perhaps resigning might be your best option."
"That's the last thing I want to do, Dara."
"Well, he's going to force you out. You've lost his trust, Elisabeth. The game is over. Getting out now hopefully will save you trouble down the road."
"But what would I do? I need a job. Where am I going to find one? And what would I tell people? I'm leaving the campaign before the election is over. That's going to look horrific on my resume, Dara."
"Not if you start working for the other side. Elisabeth, think about this logically. I know it's hard right now, because you're so upset with him but think about your options. Perhaps a deal can be negotiated in which you leave and his secrets get buried under a big pile of money. It would support you at least until you got another job."
"That's blackmail, but maybe I should think about it that way. Breaking this story would almost ensure his downfall, though. That's what I've wanted all along."
Dara shook her head. "I'm not going to let you do it, baby. I won't let you take on that responsibility. Don't put yourself in the firing line like that. It's not worth it. The election is not worth being labeled for the rest of your life."
"Not to mention that it won't look good for your career either," the blonde stated.
"That's not my concern as much as your happiness. You can't ever be truly happy again if you do this. People will always know you, and some people will always despise you for the rest of your life. I know you don't want that kind of attention."
"You're right. I don't, but I'd been willing to do it if it meant the end of him."
"He will meet his end in his own time. Don't sacrifice yourself."
Silence prevailed between them for several minutes. Finally though Elisabeth sighed. "Thank you for being here, Dara. I do feel better. I felt horrible about what happened, and I thought for sure you'd be upset too."
Dropping her head forward, the brunette sighed. "To be honest, Elisabeth, it does hurt. I'm not going to pretend it doesn't. However, I know your heart, and I believe that you love me as much as I do you. This was a job, and you did it to the best of your ability. Yes, it hurts that the man I hate so much has had access to you in ways that only I should, but I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself. I'm sure I'll get over this in time." Knowing that was as positive a response as she could expect from the taller woman, Elisabeth held out her hand to Dara. When the younger woman took it, the blonde pulled her over onto the bed, and they curled up in each other's embrace. After another lull in conversation, Dara said, "You know, I've wanted to mention this to you before, but I didn't want to do it until the election is over. However, since things have changed though, it's worth mentioning."
"What's that?"
"A job prospect for you."
"What kind of job prospect?"
"Do you remember my friend Allison Holladay? She was at the CF event we went to."
"Yeah, I think so. You went to Hollins together?"
"Yeah. She's the executive director of an international human rights non-profit. They're based out of D.C. Well, Allison is looking for another attorney for their counsel. It would be a significant raise over the DOJ. I've already mentioned you to her, and she's quite interested in meeting. You would be a great candidate with all your civil rights background."
"So would you."
"Well, I'm not necessarily looking for a position right now. I'm happy where I am at the moment. You, on the other hand, are a free agent, and anyone should feel honored to get you. It's a good fit, Elisabeth, and I think you'd be happy there."
"But the non-profit sector is notoriously bad when it comes to salary. How much of a raise could it really be?"
"Allison brings in six figures as the director. She told me privately that they are looking around the low 90s for an attorney. Of course there are other benefits on the table as well."
"Wow. How can they afford that?"
"Private donation. The Chairman of the Board funds most of it himself. He has money and no family. It's what he wants to do for his legacy."
"And you're sure you don't want that position?"
"Well, we talked about it, but she shared some information with me that makes me want to hold off personally."
"Which is?"
"They are going to move the home office to New York City and have D.C. as a satellite. Right now it's the other way around. The Chairman feels that would help their international exposure, because the organizations they work with most are based out of New York, but she disagrees. She's thinks there is better lobbying opportunity here. Nevertheless, she wants to remain the director of the home office, so she's going to go. However, she wants to make sure the right person is in the director position in D.C. That's where I come in, because she and I would be working extremely close together."
"Would that make you my boss?"
"I suppose, but we wouldn't have to see each other all the time. We'd both be traveling and stuff."
"But what about your career aspirations of being in political office?"
"Well, the way I look at it, I can delay that for a few years. Being the executive director, I would be able to reach out to even more people. I'd make even more of an impact than I am as a counsel member at the HRC. I'd be running my own show. Besides if we're going to have a family, we need a good income stream. We can't live in my parents' basement or share a house with Shelby forever. I'd want a place of our own for our children. It's a good move all around, Elisabeth."
The older woman nodded. "It sounds that way. When are they looking to fill the position?"
"I told her you wouldn't be available until after the election. Your position is open until it's filled. However, they are taking their time and interviewing lots of candidates. However, she's made it clear that she'll wait to talk to you before making a decision. As for the director's position, they aren't moving the office until next fall."
"What's going to happen to the current New York office director?"
"He's resigning."
"I suppose I should at least entertain the idea."
"We both would like it if you did. I wouldn't ask this of you if I thought it was the wrong thing. I know you and Allison would work well together, and you have the skills she wants. When the time comes, if I'm chosen to replace her, you and I will be able to handle working together just fine, I think."
"All right. I guess I'll talk to her about it, but I want to wait until things are resolved with George first. If he wants to keep me, I want to stay, Dara. It would look bad for both of us to part ways now."
"I want you to do whatever you think is best, honey. I'll stand by you."
"Thank you. I appreciate that more than you know."
Later that night once Elisabeth had fallen asleep, Dara quietly got out of bed and went into the bathroom. She took off her clothes and started the shower in order to try to relax her tense frame. The whole situation with Elisabeth and the President had taken its toll on her body. The stress made her muscles and head ache. Standing under the warm spray, the brunette just stood there for a long time thinking about her beloved in the arms of someone else. The image of it in her mind demolished her heart. Even as much as she knew of the responsibility Elisabeth carried on her shoulders, Dara couldn't get past the fact that her girlfriend had allowed someone else so intimately close to her. Dara tried to rationalize it to herself, but her heart refused to justify it. Unable to suppress her pain, she started to cry. The woman she loved, the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with had betrayed her heart, and it didn't matter that Dara understood why. Her feelings couldn't differentiate Elisabeth's devotion to her mission and the violation of her undying love.
Suddenly her heart started to question whether or not the blonde was truly the one she was meant to be with, especially when they had agreed to put an end to the sexual game the older woman and the President had begun. Dara felt misled that such a relationship had not quickly been snuffed before things got out of hand. Knowing she was being irrational about her feelings, she tried to pull herself together, but it was impossible. The damage had been done, and she wasn't sure she would be able to move beyond it. Once her shower was complete, Dara went back into the bedroom. She was restless but didn't want to wake Elisabeth after all the effort it took to get her to relax, so she sat in a chair across the room and watched her lover sleeping until she eventually dozed off herself.
The following morning the older woman awoke alone in bed. Sitting up she looked around her room, but there was no sign of the brunette attorney except for a note saying she had to leave and would check on her later that day. Knowing she had a stressful day ahead of her as well, she reluctantly got out of bed. She knew she would have to face the President who would decide her fate. She only hoped she would be able to win his trust again and stay on the campaign until the end, but she wasn't quite sure if it was possible.
By the time the blonde arrived at her office, there was a message that her presence was requested by the President at noon without exception. Recognizing she had no choice, she made her way over to his office to meet her destiny. When she arrived, she was escorted into the Oval Office where he was sitting behind his desk. When he looked up at her and took off his reading glasses, Elisabeth almost felt sorry for him for a moment. He still had a swollen lip from where she had hit him the day before, but she had been amused when she heard the news report of his riding accident to cover for the cracked lip she had given him in her anger.
"Elisabeth, I've asked you here to discuss your behavior yesterday."
"Yes, sir."
Standing from his chair, he rounded the desk and took a seat on the edge of it. Crossing his arms across his chest, he said, "You were right. I was out of line. I apologize for my behavior."
"Excuse me?" the blonde questioned in confusion.
"Elisabeth, I don't know what possessed me to act the way I did yesterday mornin'. I guess I just let my feelings get in the way of my responsibilities. Contrary to what you might think, I'm not that man. I might run the most powerful country in the world, but I had no right to do what I did."
"Mr. President, I'm not sure what to say."
"Say you'll accept my apology."
Elisabeth shrugged. "It depends."
"On what?"
"What's going to happen now? Am I fired?" He shook his head. "Are you going to out me for your campaign?" Once again he shook his head. "Then what?"
"I want you to resign, Elisabeth, of your own accord and with a generous severance package."
"And if I don't want to?"
"You don't really have a choice."
"Oh, I think I do, Mr. President. You sexually assaulted me, and you're discriminating against me right now, because I'm a lesbian."
"Elisabeth, I don't want to get involved in a lawsuit here, and I don't want my wife to know about this. I'm askin' you resign for both our benefit. I just can't keep you on. You serve no purpose to me now. Now I'm goin' to write a number down and hand it to you. This is my only offer."
Elisabeth watched him move to the other side of the desk and take out a pen. Quickly he wrote something on a plain piece of paper and folded it before extending it to her. "There better be quite a few zeros on this," she commented, holding the sheet in her hand. "I don't take to kindly to being bought, sir."
"Everyone has their price. I think this is yours."
Curious to the amount written, the blonde unfolded the paper and looked at it. "This is outright bribery."
"No. It's your severance package," he corrected. "I suggest you take it."
Sighing Elisabeth weighed her options. She knew she was being purchased at that moment. He wanted her silence, and he was willing to well pay for it. For a moment she thought about the consequences to accepting such an offer. It was true they could both pretend it was severance, but she knew differently. However, if she did take it, the charade would finally be over, and she could go on with her life. She could file her final report with Chad and then spend the time she wanted with Dara. The thought of the brunette made her smile. All she really wanted was to be with the taller woman, and that outweighed everything else. Nodding her head, she said, "Fine. I'll take your severance offer if you do something for me."
"What's that?"
"I want a glowing letter of reference. Then once I have that, I want us to pretend we don't even know each other. All relationships are severed."
"Agreed. You'll have your reference letter by the end of the week as well as the severance payment as promised pending a few legal documents."
"Very well. I'll remain in my office until everything is settled."
"No. You will pack up immediately. You'll be paid your salary through the end of the campaign plus what we discussed, but I want you gone today."
"Fine. I want to make one more thing clear, sir. This is never to be spoken of again. I don't want this to see light if Dara or I ever run for office. If it does, I will make you suffer."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a fact, Mr. President."
"Fine. Dara's and your careers are safe. They fall under the agreement. Now there's somethin' I want to know, Elisabeth. Why did you lie to me about Dara?"
"Because I wanted privacy. Contrary to your political policy, who shares my bed has very little to do with the way I perform my job. All the gay Republicans have left you, sir, because of the initiative for the Constitutional ban. I stayed, because I needed the opportunity, but I didn't want to be used by you as a campaign ploy." He nodded. "Now answer something for me, sir. There are other ways to resolve my dismissal. Why choose this one?" she questioned, waving the paper with her severance offer on it.
"Because I like you, Elisabeth, always have. You've held a soft spot with me since we met. You remind me of my wife when we were younger. You have a brilliant future ahead of you, and I want to see you utilized for the good of the Republican Party. I can't see that come to pass if we don't end it this way."
Realizing that he had never figured out her true intentions, Elisabeth just nodded. "I suppose that's true."
The President moved around to the other side of his desk again and opened the top drawer. "Here. Take these with you. I don't need them any more," he stated, thrusting an envelope at her. "Now it's time for you to go. I want your resignation at the same time you sign the papers."
Knowing her time was over, the blonde nodded her head and without a word retreated from his office. She waited until she was on the street again before opening the envelope he had handed her. Seeing photographs of Dara and her, she gasped in surprise. She recognized where all of them were taken and wondered just how long he had really known about her involvement with Dara, because many of the pictures dated back to the early summer. Quickly stuffing them in her briefcase, Elisabeth sighed. She had been fired, and yet she still had gained quiet a bit financially in the process. The thought of being bought off put an ill feeling in her stomach, but she realized she had been spared much more painful things by taking the money. She could have met a grim fate, but instead she left him with the impression she was still on his side even if she no longer could work with him. The ultimate ruse had been successful even if it had come to a premature end. She only hoped that by taking a deal with him, she had not sabotaged any of Dara's or her future career prospects. That was her main concern. She was letting the President go after having tried so hard to catch him, and she would have no recourse should he ever come back with accusations against Dara or her. However, she knew she would have to believe in his word just as he apparently believed in hers, but if there was any solace in that, it was that he had never gone back on a promise that she had known.
Heading back to her office Elisabeth packed up her belongings. She could see other employees eyeing her curiously as she did so, but she didn't pay them any mind. Instead she just focused on her task, placing all her personal effects into a box that had been lying around the office. She hadn't put much in when she started, so she was ready in a short amount of time. With her belongings packed away, she left her office, closing the door behind her. As cheerfully as she could she said good bye to those co-workers that were around before stepping out on the street a free woman.
The first thing she decided to do was to tell Dara what had happened, so she hailed a cab to go to her girlfriend's office. However, when she arrived she was told that Dara had not come to work that day due to a family situation. Wondering what was going on, she called up to her lover's house. Leah answered the phone. "Leah, hey, it's Elisabeth. I was looking for Dara. She's not at work."
"No. She's up in Philadelphia actually. Justin's in the hospital."
"What? When did this happen?"
"He went in this morning."
"Was this planned?"
"We found out about it late last week. Dara went up to help out at the hospital for a few days, because Tom was going to be in New York on important business until Tuesday. It's her turn."
"When will she be back?"
"Probably not until Thursday or so. That's when I'm planning to go up."
"What hospital is he in?"
"Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. You want the number?"
"Can you tell me how to get there? I want to go up."
"Yeah. Sure."
"Great. I'm not in a place where I can take directions down now. Will you call and leave them on my voicemail at home?"
"Yeah. No problem. She'll be glad to see you, Elisabeth. Something was wrong with her when I saw her this morning, and I don't think it was Justin."
Dara spent the entire day with Justin and her sister-in-law at the hospital. "Are you sure you're all right, Dara? You don't seem like yourself," Clara asked.
The brunette shrugged. "I'm not quite myself, Clara, but I don't really want to talk about it now."
"Does it have to do with a certain blonde?" Dara nodded. "Problems?"
"Yeah. A big problem actually and I don't even know if I can get past it," she admitted.
"What? How can that be? You two looked so in love when we last saw you."
The brunette looked over at the bed to make sure her nephew was asleep. Safe in the knowledge that he was, she said, "I can't even tell you the details, because it's just so complicated. However, she did something that really hurt me. I know why she did it, and I can accept why she did it. If I were her, I probably would have done the same thing. My mind can come to grips with the incident, but my heart is a completely different story, Clara. She did the right thing for her career, but it still hurt. My head tells me it's nothing and my heart says otherwise."
Taking her by the hand, Clara gave it a supportive squeeze. "I'm sorry, Dara. What's going to happen now?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I thought she was the one. I wanted to marry her, Clara. My head still does."
"But your heart?"
"It's not as sure."
"Well, there's always a possibility you'll get over this in time. She's a great woman, Dara."
"I know, but that doesn't make it any better right now."
After a few minutes of quiet between them, Clara looked at her watch. "Why don't you go back to the house now? It's after five already, and you're going to need to be fresh for in the morning."
"Are you sure? You're going to be here all night. I can stay a little longer."
"No. Go home. There's a good bottle of wine in the refrigerator. Open that and then sit out on the porch and enjoy the evening."
Dara nodded her head. "All right. If you need me though, just call. You know I'm here for you."
"I know, Dara."
Getting up from her chair, Dara went to the bed and kissed Justin on the forehead. She smiled at her sister-in-law and then left the room. Heading back to Tom and Clara's house, she went into the kitchen to find that bottle of wine. Opening it she took a glass from the cabinet and settled herself on the front porch. She wasn't ready to talk to Elisabeth just yet even though she was curious as to how her lover's day had gone. She felt as if she needed some time to gather her thoughts before making that call.
When Elisabeth arrived at the hospital, she took a deep breath when she got off the elevator at Justin's floor. She hadn't called ahead of time, so she wasn't sure how her presence would be received. However, she knew that Dara would need her whether she admitted it or not. With that in mind, she headed down the corridor to Justin's room. She could hear him talking to someone as she approached. Peeking her head through the crack in the door, she knocked.
"Miss Elisabeth!" he exclaimed when he turned toward her.
"Hi, Justin. How are you?" she questioned with a smile even though she could feel her heart tearing at the sight of him there. He was in pajamas with a large IV attached to his arm. However, he appeared to be in good spirits. "Hi, Clara."
"Hello, Elisabeth. This certainly is a pleasant surprise. Come on in."
Going into the room, the blonde extended a wrapped box to Justin. "Here. I brought you something just in case you got bored."
Excitedly he ripped into the present. "Cool!" he exclaimed at the GameBoy. "Thanks, Miss Elisabeth! Show me how to play it."
Doing what was requested of her, the blonde took a tentative seat on the bed next to him and placed a game cartridge into the slot. He watched intently as she played the first round to show him how it worked before relinquishing the game to him. Once he was rapt by it, the attorney turned to Clara. "Sorry I didn't call first. Leah told me today that Justin was here, so I just came up. I hope that's okay."
"It's wonderful. He's always glad to see you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I know it must have been difficult with the campaign and all."
Elisabeth nodded as she moved from the bed to a chair. "I'm not working on the campaign any more," she confessed.
"Really? Why not?"
Cracking a smile Elisabeth answered, "He's not the man he used to be. I'm starting to realize that Dara might be right. Politics is like driving a car. If you want to go forward, you put it in D, and if you want to go in reverse, you put it in R. We've been in reverse for four years too long."
Laughing lightly Clara said, "That sounds like a classic Dara quip."
"Speaking of her, where is she?"
"I sent her home to get some sleep. She looked exhausted. I can give you directions to the house if you want to go over."
"Maybe later. Right now I just want to visit with Justin if that's okay."
"It's fine by me. If we can tear him away from that game, maybe he'd like to give you a tour. That's his favorite activity to do with visitors," she mentioned.
The next several hours Elisabeth stayed at the hospital with Clara and Justin. The little boy was enthralled by her company and showed her all around his hospital floor, including the game room where he would sometimes play during the day. Elisabeth did her best never to let her smile falter, but it was difficult to see all the sick children and their families who resided on the floor. It made her heart ache for them and at the thought of Justin ever being so ill. That evening when it was time for his physical therapy, Clara and Elisabeth just chatted while it took place. As usual though he fell asleep, leaving the two women just talking.
"Will he be asleep for the rest of the night now?" the attorney questioned, consulting her watch.
"He should be. Why don't you go back to our house now? It's starting to get late, and I'm sure you're tired."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to stay here until Dara relieves me in the morning. Someone has to stay here overnight. Tom and I usually alternate, but since he won't be back until tomorrow morning, I thought it best to take the night shift. Let me get you directions to the house now. I'm sure Dara is still awake."
The brunette was still sitting on the front porch that night just staring at the stars when a car pulled up in front of the house. Instantly Dara recognized it, but she was baffled at the sight of the gray Honda. Seeing the driver's door open, she gasped as her girlfriend emerged from the car. The blonde pulled a bag from the backseat and then started up the walk. Her eyes quickly found the brunette's.
"Elisabeth, what are you doing here?" she asked, standing and moving down the sidewalk. She took her lover's bag and shouldered it.
"Leah told me Justin was in the hospital. I wanted to come help," she answered. "Why didn't you tell me he was going in?"
"I wanted to, but you were so upset last night. I didn't want to make you worse. I was going to call you. Come in," she suggested as they went into the house. Leaving Elisabeth in the living room, Dara said, "Let me just drop your bag in our room. Be right back."
The older woman watched her girlfriend go. She could tell something was bothering the taller woman, but she couldn't quite figure out what it was, so she decided to wait and see if the brunette would reveal it given some time. Taking a seat on the sofa, Elisabeth just waited for her lover's return. A moment later Dara was taking a seat next to her.
"So, I take it you saw Justin," the younger woman stated.
The blonde nodded. "I went by the hospital. It was harder than I expected."
"I know. It's never easy when you start thinking about why he's there. And the other children are enough to rip out your heart. That's the floor for the terminally ill children. Most of them don't go home," the younger woman whispered. "It's hard to see him there, because you realize that he really is sick, but you have to remain strong."
"I felt the same way. I just wanted to cry the whole time I was there."
"The worst part about it is that it doesn't get easier," Dara murmured. "Each time he's there, it's like we lose a little bit of him, and we'll never get it back. He'll never get it back. He spends more time in the hospital in a year than most people spend in their life."
Sensing that her lover was struggling and knowing she was as well, Elisabeth slipped her arms around Dara. Instantly the embrace was returned. "He's going to be with us a long time, Dara," she said.
"I know, and we're lucky for that. I just don't like seeing him suffer, and I don't like seeing those other children suffering."
The blonde nodded in agreement before they both fell silent. Minutes passed before she decided to share her own news with her lover. "I saw George today."
"What happened?"
"I resigned. We both thought it best, and he gave me a generous severance package. It's over, Dara. I'm a free woman."
"Finally he did something smart," the younger woman commented.
"Yeah. I can't believe it's over. This is the moment we've been waiting for, and it's finally here. I was so excited about it until I found out about Justin. That kind of knocked the wind out of my sail."
"It has a way of doing that," Dara agreed.
"Of course it didn't change the fact that the first person I wanted to be with was you. It's only in your arms that the world feels right," Elisabeth confessed.
Hearing those words, Dara contemplated their meaning. She too felt that way about the blonde. It was the shorter woman's embrace that made her feel safe and loved. She wished that Elisabeth had not hurt her with the sexual encounter with the President, but the mistake had been made. Dara tried to focus on the fact that her girlfriend had put an end to his advances and admitted her feelings for the taller woman. Even more, the blonde had just done something that no other women she had ever dated had. She came to Justin when he was in need. Elisabeth had immediately come to his side out of her love for the little boy, and that simple act made the brunette realize that nothing else mattered. The older woman had proven her worth through her actions, and it left Dara with the conclusion that Elisabeth Gunter truly was the woman she wanted to be with the rest of her life.
Cupping her lover's face, Dara titled it up until their gazes met. Gazing deeply into blue eyes, she sighed. "Thank you for being here, Elisabeth. I love you."
"I love you too, Dara," the blonde whispered before their mouths met gently.
Moaning into the kiss, Dara let the feeling of love wash over her. Several moments passed with them trading tender kisses, but then the brunette pulled back slightly. Meeting blue eyes again, she whispered, "I need you, Elisabeth. I need to be close to you tonight. I need to touch you."
Elisabeth's heart sped up at the admission. The thing she wanted most was about to come true. Dara was asking to make that final physical commitment, and she was more than willing to surrender to the pleasure she knew would soon follow. Giving a small grin, the shorter woman seductively murmured, "I'm yours, Dara." The simple submission to her desires by the older woman further fueled the dark-haired attorney's passion. However, Dara knew this moment shouldn't be rushed. She needed a tenderly methodical pace to be sated. Trying to show that, she leaned in to catch her lover's lips again. Elisabeth sighed into the exchange. It was so gentle, but she could feel the fervor just underneath the surface. Breaking away slightly she questioned softly, "Do you want to go to bed?"
"Desperately," Dara admitted. "But I don't want to rush this. Could we just stay here for a little while? Just let me touch you. I promise we'll make it to the bedroom soon enough."
"Fine. Whatever you need, baby," the older woman answered, giving herself to her lover's want.
Dara felt her desire grow at Elisabeth's willingness to accept her wishes. Gently maneuvering her girlfriend across her lap so they were face to face, the younger attorney leisurely began to kiss along her lover's neck as her hands found the buttons on the blonde's suit blazer. She worked them open slowly before pushing the black jacket from Elisabeth's shoulders, revealing a cream-colored camisole. Her hands roamed lightly over the silk garment, taking in the feel of her girlfriend's body trembling slightly under her hands. Dara smiled into the blonde's neck at the sure sign of Elisabeth's desire. She loved how much this woman craved her touch. It always spurred her own ardor even more. Dipping her head, the brunette licked a path down her lover's chest into her cleavage as her hands came to her breasts. Instantly Elisabeth clutched to the back of her head as she cried out lightly.
"Dara, that feels so good," the blonde moaned, raking her hands through dark hair. She had imagined this moment so many times before, but all her fantasizes failed in comparison to her lover's caress. Everything she ever wanted from the younger woman, she was finally going to get, and the thought of their bodies being one started a fire in her that was quickly flaming out of control at the gentleness her girlfriend was showing.
Going with her emotions, Dara leisurely pulled the camisole from her lover's skirt and over the blonde's head, leaving her in only a white lace and satin bra from the waist up. Immediately her head was pressed back into the older woman's chest. "Elisabeth," she murmured. "You are so beautiful."
Elisabeth could feel her heart respond to those words. She felt beautiful right then, more than she ever had in her life. "I love you, Dara," she said softly.
"I love you too, darling, more than I could ever say." The taller woman's hands ran over the contours of the blonde's back until they reached the zipper of her skirt. She began to undo it, but her girlfriend stopped her.
"Here. Let me help with that," she offered, slipping off Dara's lap. Elisabeth stood in front of her lover as she let her skirt fall to the floor. She could see the brunette gasp at what she had on under her conservative business attire. She smiled devilishly. "Do you like that?" she inquired needlessly as she resumed her position straddled across Dara's lap.
The brunette could only nod as her hands went to her girlfriend's legs. Her hands traced over the garters that were holding up the blonde's thigh-high hosiery. "You look so sexy," she acknowledged. Her hands ran around the older woman's outer thighs and then up the back of them. She squeezed the shorter woman's bare backside gently as her fingers played with the thin material of her girlfriend's white thong. "I never expected this."
"Well, I like to dress like this sometimes. I was in a sensual mood this morning, because I was thinking about you. On the way up here today, I kept thinking about your hands on me, and I was getting so excited at the idea of you finally making me yours," she murmured sexily, nipping her lover's ear. "I can't wait any longer, Dara. Please. Make love to me. I want to feel you inside of me."
Dara groaned loudly at the admission. She had never heard anything more inviting in her life. She desperately wanted to give Elisabeth what she desired, because it was what she yearned for as well. Knowing she would do what the older woman asked, the brunette allowed the shorter woman to start undressing her. Her cotton dress shirt was unbuttoned with methodical care as Elisabeth kissed along her jaw. When it was open, she sat up enough to let the older woman take it off. Her black bra was next. Both of them groaned as Elisabeth dipped her head to Dara's left breast, taking the crest of it into her mouth as her hands continued to undress the taller woman. Her belt was out of its loops within moments, and then her pants opened. Feeling the blonde's manicured fingers slip between her legs, Dara shuddered. "Oh God. Elisabeth, please," she begged.
"Dara, take me to bed now," Elisabeth demanded softly.
Just as the brunette was about to do as what was asked of her, a surprised yelp broke them out of their reverie. Both of them jerked their heads towards the sound to see Dara's brother shielding his face. "My eyes. They're melting," he teased.
Instantly Dara took her shirt and managed to cover as much of Elisabeth's bare body from her brother's sight as possible before asking, "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be home."
He waved off his sister's comment, stating, "I can't even talk to you right now. I've just been blinded by a sight I never wanted to see," he quipped. "Please get decent before you try to talk to me. How much therapy do you really want to pay for?" he joked, scampering from the room.
Dara laughed off her uneasiness before cupping the back of her girlfriend's head. Elisabeth had ducked into the crook of her neck when Tom had appeared, from embarrassment of being caught by family, the brunette guessed. "It's okay. He's gone."
"I can't believe this. Clara said we were going to be alone tonight."
"I know. He certainly knows how to ruin a mood, doesn't he?" The blonde nodded, not quite meeting her lover's eyes. "I better go do some damage control. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll show you to our room," she suggested. With a nod the older woman slid off her lover's lap and quickly put on Dara's shirt to cover herself. The taller woman retrieved the rest of their belongings from the floor and then led the way to the guestroom where they were staying. Grabbing a t-shirt for herself and then leaving the blonde there, Dara went to the master bedroom and knocked on the open door.
Tom looked up from where he stood at the dresser and gave a crooked grin. "What? You're finished so soon?" he teased.
"How do you expect me to carry on now that you're home?"
"Sorry to have broken the mood there. You two looked so cozy, not that I ever needed to see that."
"I could have lived without it as well. Hopefully you weren't too scarred by that," she jested.
"Fortunately for the both of us, I only got a glimpse of that fine looking woman of yours. However, what she was doing at that moment, I want to try to forget. No brother needs to see that much of his sister's sex life." Dara nodded in agreement. "Could I ask you something?" he questioned after a brief pause.
"What's that?"
He gave a mischievous smile. "How in the hell did you get her to dress like that for you? Talk about hot. Lingerie, stockings, heels and nothing else. Men would die for a woman dressed that way. I don't think I could get Clara to do that for all the money in the world."
Dara laughed lightly. "If I tell you a secret, you have to be able to keep it."
"You know I will."
"She dresses like that, because she wants me badly. It's an enticement to get me to sleep with her. It's just a seducement that will probably fade in its own time. I'm sure two years from now after we're married and have had kids, she won't do that. However, for now I'm enjoying the ride and putting her off as long as possible. That's my secret, Tom. You get the women to come to you. You make them so desperate for you that they'll do anything."
"You mean, you two haven't done the deed?"
Dara shook her head. "Trust me, Tom. Postponing things makes it so much better. It's hotter that way."
"Damn. The restraint it takes to resist a woman like that. Are you sure you aren't straight? I mean I wouldn't be able to do it," he teased.
"Did I look straight when you walked in on us?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Definitely not. You looked like you had given in to her desires," he said.
"And I had. Had you not come home, I'd be in bed with a beautiful woman right now. As it is, I'm stuck in here talking to you. Sometimes life just isn't fair," she pouted playfully. Changing the subject she inquired, "What are you doing home anyway? You weren't supposed to be back until tomorrow."
"I didn't want to stay away from Justin. I prefer it if I did nights at the hospital. I never can sleep when Clara is there overnight. Just something about it makes it hard. I'm actually going to go up there tonight. I just need to pack some new things."
Dara nodded. "Well, since I'm here you'll only have to have an eight-hour shift."
"Good, because I'm going to be tired tomorrow. I just know it. Why don't I take the night shift? Clara can have the morning, so she can be there for all the usual tests, and then you and Elisabeth can take the evening."
"That sounds fine to me."
"How long is Elisabeth going to be here?"
"I have no idea. We hadn't talked about that. Personally I'm just amazed she came at all."
"Me too. That says something about her, Dara."
"It certainly does. It just reconfirms that she is the one for me."
"Well, now that you know that, when do you think you're going to ask her the big question?"
"I'm not sure. Soon though. I guess that means I need to do a little ring shopping."
"Mom helped me when I did it for Clara. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to go with you."
"I'll ask her when I get back then."
Giving her another smile, he suggested, "Why don't you go back to that blonde of yours now? I'm sure she's counting the minutes you've been gone. You two have some fun. Just keep the noise down, so I can't hear you."
"Believe me, after what happened, I'm not going anywhere near Elisabeth while you're in vicinity of this house, but I am getting tired. I'll see you tomorrow."
He nodded. "Good night, Dara. Sleep well."
"You try to as well."
Heading back to the guestroom, the tall woman found her lover in bed already asleep. Dara figured the emotional day had taken its toll on Elisabeth and that she should let the older woman be. Gathering her pajamas, she went into the bathroom to change and get ready for bed. When she was finished, she came back to the bedroom and gently slipped under the covers as to not wake the fair-headed woman next to her. The brunette just looked at her girlfriend for a few minutes, admiring her beauty even in a state of sleep. With feelings from earlier not completely gone, the sight of her beloved began to stir her passion again. She couldn't help but imagine what might have happened had Tom not walked in on them. She envisioned the feeling of Elisabeth's bare frame pressed closely to her own. Just that one thought put her body in sexual frenzy. She needed alleviation in a way she hadn't known it in a long time. Pondering her options for a moment, she figured she could bring herself the relief she needed without waking her sleeping companion, so she softly turned over facing away from the blonde. Carefully Dara began to touch herself in an effort to appease her fervor as her mind conjured up visions of her and the blonde together. The younger woman was so involved in her own fantasy that she didn't realize the shorter woman was awake.
Blue eyes opened at the soft yet heavy breathing. Elisabeth was confused for a moment before realizing that her lover was actually touching herself in their bed. Turned on by the sound, the older woman just listened as Dara tried to hold back a whimper. The sound echoed through her own body. Even though she had already done the same thing before her girlfriend had joined her in bed, the sounds of Dara brining herself pleasure settled in her heart, especially when she heard the brunette softly whisper her name. Unable to control herself from touching her lover, Elisabeth rolled onto her side toward the younger woman. Dara seemed oblivious to her. Scooting up to spoon behind her, the blonde placed her hand on top of the brunette's on the outside of her pajama shorts. Instantly the taller woman panted in surprise. However, any protest was silenced when the shorter attorney bit Dara's earlobe and she asked, "You need help with that?" She didn't wait for an answer, instead pressing harder, forcing her girlfriend's fingers deeper.
Dara moaned. It felt so good to have the blonde assisting in the process. Deciding to take the offer, the brunette maneuvered the older woman's hand, taking it from between her thighs and placing it on her breast. Instantly Elisabeth seemed to take the unspoken direction and began to fondle the taller woman with a firm but tender touch as her mouth continued to explore the side of the younger woman's neck.
"Tell me, Dara. What are you thinking about right now?" she inquired seductively.
"You," she confessed breathlessly.
"And what am I doing?"
The dark-haired woman groaned at the thoughts running rampant through her head. Conceding her fantasy to the older woman, she admitted, "You're inside me."
Elisabeth moaned at the confession. She hadn't expected it, but it made her heart palpitate harder. In response she groped her lover more firmly, eliciting a small cry from Dara. "I know you're going to feel so good," she murmured. "I can't wait to touch you, Dara. I can't wait to taste you."
The taller woman called out the blonde's name in growing need. It was only moments before Dara reached the summit under their combined efforts. She wanted to scream loudly, but knowing her brother would hear them, she turned her head and sealed Elisabeth's lips in an intense kiss. Her whole body shook from her peak before settling. Pulling away from the shorter woman's mouth, Dara panted for air. "Oh God," she muttered in a shaky voice.
"Are you all right?" Elisabeth asked sweetly, curving her arm around her lover's waist and placing her head on her shoulder.
"That was intense," the brunette admitted.
"Yeah. You seemed to need that," Elisabeth said, softly caressing her beloved's arm.
Turning to look at the blonde in the dark, Dara asked, "Is there something I can do for you in return?"
Elisabeth shook her head. "I already took care of myself while you were talking to Tom."
"Damn. I wanted a chance to please you."
"I am pleased just by being close to you. That's all I need right now."
"Are you sure?"
The blonde nodded. "Just hold me while we fall asleep," she requested.
Dara complied, wrapping her arms around the smaller woman and pulling her closer. They were silent for several minutes until they drifted to sleep. For the next several days Elisabeth stayed with Dara helping take care of Justin and enjoying the time with her girlfriend's family. Finally on Thursday though, it was time to go home. Since they had separate cars, Dara and Elisabeth caravanned together until the blonde turned off on her exit for home. Driving the extra few minutes to her own, the brunette went straight upstairs to her parents' house after dropping her bags in her room.
Her mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner. "Dara, hi. How are you? How's Justin?"
"He's all right. I'm great myself. You'll never believe who came to visit Justin and help out for a few days? Elisabeth."
"Really? I always knew there was something special about that girl. That's so sweet of her."
Dara nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah. She really is something. Listen, Mom. I want to ask a favor of you."
"What's that?"
Smiling at her mother, the attorney said, "I want you to help me find a ring for Elisabeth."
"A ring? You mean an engagement ring?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes, an engagement ring. Tom said you helped him with Clara's. I need some help with Elisabeth's."
Throwing her arms around her child, Emma hugged her tightly. "Oh, of course I will. This is so exciting! Do you know when you're going to ask yet?"
"Not yet but I was hoping soon. Now that I know this is right, I want to do it as soon as possible."
"Well, just tell me when you can go, and I'll go with you. I already know lots of great places to try."
"I knew you would."
"Oh, my little girl is getting married! I'm so happy for you."
"She has to say yes first, Mom."
"She will. There's no doubt about that."
********************************************************************
A few weeks later Dara and Elisabeth were having a quiet evening at Dara's place. They had just finished dinner and were doing dishes when the blonde said, "Dara, I've been meaning to ask you. Since I'm no longer working on the campaign, I was wondering if you wanted to go away for a few days around the election. I think it might be good for us after all the stress it's caused. We can just be alone and work on us. What do you think?"
"That sounds like a great idea. I'd love to go somewhere with you, but we'd have to leave on election day at earliest. I have volunteered to help put up signs the nights before. You can come with me though if you want."
"Maybe."
"So, where do you want to go?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Well, I'll tell you what. I'll let you plan it. You pick a place and make the reservations. We'll go anywhere you want."
"All right. It's a deal."
Changing the subject the brunette mentioned, "I got an invitation in the mail to both of us from Allison's wife. She's throwing Allison a birthday party. It's over there on the table."
Elisabeth went to pick up the mail in question. Reading it she said, "It's a costume party on Halloween."
"Yeah. Allison was born on Halloween. It's her 29th, so Deborah wanted to do something special. Do you want to go?"
"That sounds like fun. Do you want to go?"
"Yeah. Deborah's parties are always a blast. She's a real party planner. She should have taken that up as her profession."
"What does she do instead?"
"She's a professional student. That woman has more letters after her name than anyone else I know."
"And Allison is okay with that?"
"She doesn't care. Deborah comes from money. Her father is a retired senator. Allison did something that no other woman has ever done at Hollins. She actually won over one of the old school girls. There was a real class divide at the school back then. There were those that had money and those that didn't, and there wasn't a lot of associating between them. Allison was one of those that didn't have money. Well, she had it but lost it when she came out to her family. They disowned her, because she chose the life she wanted to live instead of the one they wanted her to. She broke through the class divide though and charmed her way into Deborah's life. A girl like Deborah wasn't supposed to end up with the first drag king of Hollins."
"Drag king?"
"Yeah. She did that to make money for school. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. There was a gay club in Roanoke where she performed."
"That's wild. Did you ever go see her?"
"Oh yeah. King Rex was a crowd pleaser."
"King Rex? What kind of a name is that?"
"Her stage name. Trust me, it suited her. She grew up in the South, has family in Texas and Louisiana. It was always one of her childhood fantasies to be the king of Mardi Gras, hence the name King Rex, because Rex was the king of the particular ball with which her family was associated way back in the day. At least that's the way she tells it. If you knew her back in college, it would make more sense. More than that though, Allison had this way about her, still does actually. Perhaps you've noticed it."
Elisabeth shrugged. "What kind of way?"
"Back in school Allison was the lesbian on campus. Women either wanted to be her or sleep with her, which is a little strange given that she wasn't the best-looking woman at school."
"She's attractive enough," the blonde conceded.
"Yeah but she's not perfect either in the looks department. The thing that makes her irresistible to women is her noble charm. She has those southern manners, and she has a way with words that can get any woman out of her clothes. You remember how she flirted with you that night at the CF function?"
"I guess she did a little. Deborah didn't seem to mind though."
"She never does. She's secure in the knowledge that Allison will never leave her. Allison loves to flirt, but her heart belongs to Deborah and always will. They were the couple everyone epitomized. You can just see it in the way they look at each other that the love they have is so incredibly strong. I've always wanted that."
Moving up and wrapping her arms around her lover, Elisabeth stated, "Well, now you have it."
"I certainly do. All right, I'll call Deborah and let her know we're coming."
"Fabulous. Now the hard part is finding an outfit."
Dara nodded in agreement. Redirecting their conversation once again, she casually inquired, "What are you doing tomorrow? I was wondering if you wanted to join me for lunch."
"Actually, I'm supposed to meet the infamous King Rex herself," she teased with a laugh.
"Really? I didn't know you two had set up an interview. That's great. I probably shouldn't have told you all that stuff then," she mentioned. "Wouldn't want to spoil Allison's professional image."
"Oh please. That's nothing. It actually makes me a little less nervous. I know that you two are such good friends. I wouldn't want to get in the way of that if this doesn't go well."
"Impossible. It's going to go great, but even if it didn't, it wouldn't change my relationship with her. I don't just throw decade-old friendships out the window over trivial stuff."
"Well, good. That's what I was concerned about most."
"How about we meet after that then? I'd love to hear all the details."
"Okay. That sounds good. I'll call you when I leave her office." Checking her watch the blonde said, "I hate to do this, but I should probably get going. I have some things to do to prep for tomorrow. I haven't really done my research yet or updated my resume, and I don't want to look like an idiot."
"All right. If you must," the taller woman mumbled. Walking her lover out to the car, Dara embraced her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "You'll be great tomorrow. Trust me."
Elisabeth just nodded. "Good night, Dara. Sweet dreams."
"You too. See you tomorrow."
The following day when Elisabeth arrived at Allison's office, she was greeted with a large smile and firm handshake from Dara's old friend. "Elisabeth, I'm so happy we were finally able to get together for this chat," the brunette stated, gesturing the way to her office.
"Me too, Allison. You have quite an exciting organization here."
"I'd like to think so," she answered as she closed the door to her office. "Please have a seat. Could I get you something to drink? Coffee, water, soda?"
"No thank you. I'm fine."
"How's Justin doing? Dara told me he had to go back into the hospital a few weeks ago."
"He's doing better. He was just released last week."
"Good. Glad to hear it. My nephew also has CF, so I understand what it's like. It's never easy to see them sick."
"No, it's not. Dara didn't tell me your nephew also had CF."
"Yeah. He was actually the first in the country to be diagnosed prenatally."
"I've never known anyone else to have it."
"Well, it's the German blood, especially the German Jewish blood. Deborah is German, so it runs all through her family line."
"Interesting. I'm German as well but never knew much about it until I met Dara."
"Most don't. It's the second most common genetic disease in our country, but it doesn't get much attention. Anyway, enough about that. Perhaps we should talk about why you're here. Basically I told Dara that I wanted her on staff, but she seemed to think you were a better match. She's managed to convince me of that fact. It would actually be good press to have a Republican on staff. Most people that work here are on the blue team," she said with a smile.
"That makes sense. Dems are more inclined to social causes."
"Exactly but you have quite the resume of civil rights experience. I think you're a good fit. This meeting is more of a formality, so it looks like I'm weighing all my options. Really I've already made up my mind. I want you on staff, Elisabeth. It's more a matter of whether you think you would be happy here, so ask me anything. I'll give you the best and worst of the organization to see if it's a place for you."
Taken back by Allison's proclamation, the blonde hesitated a moment. She had been prepared for an interview, but the brunette had made it clear she wasn't interested in that. Decided to forge ahead with her questions then, Elisabeth pulled them out and began her own interview of the director.
An hour later Allison smiled at Elisabeth. "Listen, Elisabeth. I know that you need some time to think about this. You won't be able to start until the election is over."
"Actually, I want to take off November and December, Allison."
"Oh, well, that's fine. I want to fill this position by the first of January. I have plenty of qualified people, but I'm giving you first choice. Do you think you'd be able to get me an answer by the election? That's four weeks from now."
The blonde nodded her head. "Yes, I will definitely have an answer for you by then. Thank you for this opportunity, Allison. I really need to talk to Dara before making a final decision."
"I understand. I wouldn't make a decision like this without consulting Deborah."
"Speaking of which, did she tell you that Dara and I will be at the party?"
"No. That's great. I'm so looking forward to it. She always throws me the best parties. She's the best."
Elisabeth nodded in agreement. "The only hard thing is figuring out what costume to wear."
"I'm sure Dara will help you. She always thinks of something brilliant."
"I'm counting on it. Well, I should go. I'm supposed to meet Dara when this is over. She wanted to try to do lunch."
Consulting her watch, the brunette said, "Well, you could still catch a late one. Tell her I said hi when you see her?"
"Of course."
Standing from her chair, Allison escorted the blonde from her office and back to the reception area. Extending her hand professionally, she said, "I look forward to talking to you soon."
"Likewise. Bye, Allison."
As soon as the blonde attorney stepped out onto the street, she pulled out her cell phone to dial her lover. Dara answered cheerfully. "Dara Rosenthal."
"Hey. How about that lunch, sexy?" she inquired.
"You're finished with Allison already? That was fast."
"Yeah. It was faster than I thought it was going to be. I'd love to tell you all about it. Why don't I come pick you up?"
"Actually, I have another idea," the brunette stated, starting to dig into her briefcase. She pulled out the blonde's engagement ring that she had picked up that morning on her way to work. Opening the box, she gazed at the ring as she said, "Meet me on The Mall in an hour."
"Why The Mall?"
"Just placate me this once."
Instinctively Elisabeth knew her lover was up to something, but she answered, "Fine. Where on The Mall?"
"On the bench by the carousel where we first met."
"Dara, what are you up to?" she pointedly asked.
"Nothing. There's just an exhibit at the Smithsonian I wanted to show you while we were out for lunch," she lied, trying her lover's ring on her own large hand as she thought about what she was about to do. She knew she wanted to catch Elisabeth completely off guard with her proposal in order for it to be a surprise.
"All right. Fine. I'll meet you on the bench, but don't be late. It's chilly out today."
"I'll be there. See you then."
"Yeah. I love you, Dara."
"I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up her phone, the older woman wondered what was going on. Dara seemed so secretive, but she didn't know what the taller woman was up to at the moment. However, she decided she should just leave it alone for the time being. She had more important things to think about like Allison's unexpected job offer.
A little more than an hour later, Dara slowly made her way out of the Smithsonian metro station. Wind caught her dress coat, making her realize her girlfriend was right. It was a rather cold day. Quickly she walked toward the bench where she first met her beloved. She saw Elisabeth in the distance already there reading a book. Diverting her path, Dara went over to one of the street vendors and bought two cups of coffee before continuing on her way. Her mind drifted to the day that they met. Dara had spilled the blonde's coffee all over her work, and from that chance encounter she had found the love of her life. Getting to the bench, she took a seat before the older woman even noticed her, being so involved in her book.
When she looked up though, Dara smiled brightly. "Hi," she greeted, extending the coffee to her girlfriend.
"Hi. What's this for?"
"I still owed you that coffee that I had spilt the day we met," she explained.
Elisabeth laughed lightly at her lover's sentiment. "Thank you."
"So, tell me how things went with Allison."
"She offered me the job."
"Fabulous. What did you say?"
"That I wanted to think about it and talk to you first before making a decision. I told her I'd get back to her in a few weeks."
"Well, what was your first impression?"
"I liked it. I think I'd do well there," she answered, although hesitantly.
Sensing it right away, Dara questioned, "But?"
"I don't want to rush into a decision. There are other things I want to do."
"Such as?"
Elisabeth broke eye contact with her lover and gazed out over the grass. "I'm contemplating where my life should be going personally. There's a part of me that wants to take the position, because it would great to do something of that magnitude. However, there's another part of me that wants to get married and start a family. I'm not sure I can do both as well as I would want. Part of me wants to keep making that difference but the other just wants to be the mother of your children," she confessed, meeting the dark eyes she adored.
Dara felt the admission settle deep in her heart. They had talked about such matters before, but at the moment it seemed much more serious than in the past, making her realize this was the right moment to propose. However, before she was ready, she asked, "Which part has the stronger pull on you right now?"
Elisabeth shrugged. "I keep thinking about what my mom said when we were over at your parents' house. The clock is ticking, Dara. I'm thirty-two, almost thirty-three. If not now, when? This position Allison offered me takes real commitment. It will take lots of time and energy. And of course we want to have kids. I want to be with them, not just drop them at daycare everyday, but that would mean us living on one income. I don't want to burden you that way."
Scooting closer to her girlfriend, Dara slid an arm around her shoulders. "If that's what you want, we can make it work. I want to make you happy. If you want to stay at home with the children, I'll support you. I have the means to do that. I'll just take over Allison's old job when she leaves."
"But I know that's not what you necessarily want, Dara. You have a plan for your career, and I want you to stay on it, because that's what will make you happy. You want to run for state congress soon, and I think you should. My severance package is enough to keep us quite comfortable for several years. I'd rather use the money to support our family, so you can follow your dreams if that's what it comes to."
Caught by surprise at the comment, Dara inquired, "And just how much of a severance package did you get? Typically it's one week for every year of service. That's not much."
The blonde shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't want to really tell you the exact figure, because it's outlandish."
"What do you mean? Is it six figures?"
"Seven," the blonde admitted.
"He bought you?" Dara inquired in surprise.
Elisabeth nodded her head shamefully. "Yes," she confessed. "He bought me."
"Why did you let him?"
"Because I wanted my freedom, Dara. It was either this or end up in the Potomac with a bullet in the back of my head. Which would you have chosen?" Elisabeth snipped.
"You're right. Your choices were limited," the younger woman conceded.
"He and I made a deal. He'll never hurt you, Dara. He'll never speak ill of you or me publically. That's part of our agreement."
"Well, at least you covered the bases as well as you could."
"You know the irony of the whole situation is that before I left his office that day, I asked him why he chose to handle things this way. He said it was because he wanted to see me use my talents for the good of the Republican Party. He never realized why I was really there. He still thinks I'm in the red corner."
"Well, under the circumstances I think that is a good thing."
"It is, but it also means I have stay here for a while longer. I hate the party, Dara. I don't want to be a Republican anymore."
"It's only a name, Elisabeth."
"I know, but here I am, the future wife of the Governor of Maryland, and I've taken a bribe from the President of the United States."
"You made a successful severance negotiation. I know he would never contradict that. It's going to be okay, Elisabeth. I promise."
"But what if it's not? What if I've ruined your dreams? What if you never become governor because of me?"
"That's impossible. It will not happen, Elisabeth. I'm so sure of it, I'm willing to give you this to prove it," she mentioned, digging into her pocket. Pulling out the ring box, she opened it and turned it toward her lover.
Blue eyes widened at the sight of the diamond ring as her heart stopped a moment before starting again in double time. "Dara?" she questioned in delighted surprise.
Taking the blonde's left hand in her own, the taller woman looked at the woman she loved. "Elisabeth, Allison made you a job offer today, but I have my own job offer for you. It's a lifetime of service to me and my cause, but in exchange I'll do everything I can to make you happy. I'll give you as many children as you want and help you fill our house with laughter and love. I'll hold you at night and protect you from the world. I'll make love to you and worship your body, mind, and soul. I'll tell the world that you are the greatest gift God has ever given me. Elisabeth, I love you, respect you, and need you more than words could ever express. You're the one that I want standing next to me for the rest of my life, and I want to be the one standing next to you if you'll have me. Please make me the luckiest woman in the world by accepting my hand. I will do everything I can to make your dreams come true. Please, will you marry me, Elisabeth?"
With tears flowing freely down her face, Elisabeth smiled at her beloved. "Yes, I will marry you, Dara. You know I will. It's what I've always wanted," she whispered, pulling the brunette into her arms for a strong embrace.
Dara responded in kind, wrapping her arms tightly around the blonde. Both of them were silent for a few moments, clinging to each other as they thought about the commitment they had just made. The younger woman could feel her lover's tears on her own neck as Elisabeth buried her head in the brunette's hair. Dara could feel her own eyes starting to water as joyed filled her heart. She never imagined this moment could bring such a surge of emotion. Finally after several minutes, she pulled back enough to smile at the blonde and gently wipe Elisabeth's wet face. "May I put this on now?" she questioned, taking the ring from its box.
Elisabeth could only nod. She watched as her lover gently placed the ring on her finger before looking back into dark eyes. Cupping Dara's face with her left hand, she smiled. "I love you so much, Dara," she whispered.
"And I love you, Elisabeth," the younger woman answered as the blonde pulled her into a powerful yet loving kiss. For a long time the two of them stayed embraced exchanging tender intimacy as the world hurried on around them. However, Dara finally pulled back and mentioned, "It's getting cold. We should go."
Elisabeth nodded in agreement. As the two of them got off the bench, she inquired, "So, what is this exhibit you wanted to show me?"
The taller woman grinned and laughed. "Oh, nothing. That was just a ploy."
"You mean a lie is what it was," Elisabeth bantered with a laugh of her own.
"All right. It was a lie. Are you disappointed?"
"No. I knew it was, but you owe me lunch for making me sit out here in the cold," the older woman teased, looping her arms around her fiancee's waist.
"Fair enough. I'll take you anywhere you want to go."
Over lunch neither of them spoke much about wedding ideas. Instead they just enjoyed each other's company and talked more about Allison's offer. When the meal was over, they went outside and walked to the nearest subway station. "I wish you didn't have to go back to work," Elisabeth complained, pulling Dara in for a close embrace.
"That makes two of us. Right now there is nothing I want to do more than to be alone with you," she whispered in her lover's ear. "To make love to you," she growled seductively.
Elisabeth whimpered at the thought. However, knowing it was impossible at the moment, she decided to tease the brunette. Slipping her hands into Dara's coat, she brought their bodies even closer together. With one hand firmly planted on her lover's lower back, her right one trailed teasingly between the taller woman's thighs. To any outsider it would have looked like two lovers just sharing a close embrace, not really knowing the naughtiness Elisabeth was initiating along the seam of Dara's wool pants with her hand. Pulling the younger woman's head down toward her own, she kissed the brunette lightly on the ear as she murmured, "I would love that too, Dara. It's too bad we can't do that. I guess I'll just have to go home and take care of myself. While you're at work, you can think about me alone in bed. My hands will be all over my naked body, wishing they were yours. I'll be calling out your name as my body arches up toward yours, seeking out the weight of you on top of me. My fingers will be thrusting in and out of my wet flesh, slowly teasing me the way I know you would do it. I'll imagine your tongue licking up my thigh and agonizingly leisurely entering me, tasting me from the inside, eating me like I was the best meal you ever had."
"Oh God," Dara trembled lightly as her legs began to shake. She knew Elisabeth could feel how turned on she was. She was so wet at the older woman's words that she knew she had ruined her slacks. However, she merely held the blonde tighter as Elisabeth continued her teasing with her hand. Suddenly Dara's body tensed slightly, and she nuzzled the blonde's neck tenderly in an effort to suppress the scream of her climax.
When the younger woman's body relaxed in her arms, Elisabeth chuckled under her breath. She looked up into dazed dark eyes and smiled. Patting Dara on the cheek lightly, she gave her a peck on the lips. "Have a good rest of the day, dear," she said before pulling away and hopping on the escalator that headed down to the tracks that would take her home. Dara just stood there watching her until she was out of sight as she tried to recover from the unexpected event that just taken place. Even though she knew Elisabeth was going to be wild when it came to sex, she never imagined her lover, her fiancee, her soon-to-be bride would make her orgasm in the middle of the subway station with the world going by around them. Looking around she noticed that no one seemed to either know or care about the dirty little thing that had just taken place between them. Taking a deep breath Dara made her way over to where the subway would take her back to work as she thought of the woman she loved.
Once back in her office, the brunette shut the door behind her and locked it before going to her desk. She wasn't about to let the blonde have the last word between them. In fact, she had her own plan to make her fiancee tremble. Consulting her watch she realized Elisabeth wasn't home quite yet, so she fidgeted in her chair and checked emails for several minutes. Conferring with the clock on her desk, she figured the older woman should just about be back at her house, so she dialed her lover's cell phone.
"Hello," Elisabeth purred into the receiver after a few rings.
"Where are you?" Dara inquired without a greeting.
"I'm just walking into the house."
"Is Shelby home?"
"It doesn't seem like it. Why?"
"I want you to do something for me," the brunette requested seductively.
Instantly Elisabeth caught on to the game her lover wanted to play and smiled into the phone. "What do you want me to do?" she whispered.
"First of all, put me on hands free if you haven't already and then go up to your bedroom."
Doing as asked of her, the blonde went up the stairs and into her room. "Now what?"
"Did you close the door?"
"Yeah."
"Open it. All the way, Elisabeth," Dara instructed.
"But Shelby could come home," protested the older woman even though she complied.
"I know," Dara growled sexily. "Now put your briefcase down and take off your coat. Don't hang it up. Just lay it over the chair. Then take off your heels but leave them by the side of the bed."
Following instructions the blonde removed her shoes before asking, "Now what?"
"Tell me what you're wearing underneath your skirt."
"Hose and a thong," she answered.
"What color?"
"Black," she murmured, closing her eyes to help the game. She imagined Dara there with her.
"Take those off." The brunette waited until it sounded as if that task was complete before continuing. "Now take off your sweater."
Elisabeth put the phone to the side long enough to pull her black sweater off her body and dropped it on the floor with her other clothes. Immediately she put the earpiece back to hear her beloved's voice. "That's done. Now what do you want?"
"What color bra are you wearing? What's it look like?" Dara questioned as she closed her eyes. In her mind she tried to create the image of Elisabeth there in her room.
"It's black lace."
"Get rid of it."
"Okay."
After a pause Dara resumed. "Now what are you wearing?"
"Just my skirt."
"Good. Lie on the bed on your back and close those pretty blue eyes."
"You don't want me to take off my skirt?" Elisabeth questioned in surprise.
"Did I say to take it off?" the brunette asked in a husky tone.
"No."
"Then don't. Leave it on. Are you on the bed?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now reach into the nightstand and get your favorite toy. Do you have it?"
"Yes," breathlessly the blonde replied as her mind already drifted to the pleasures forthcoming.
"Now flip up the front of your skirt, Elisabeth." The blonde followed the directions with a whimper. She really wanted her lover to actually be there at the moment. "Is it up?"
"Yes, Dara," she answered.
"Good girl. Now slowly take your toy and run it along your body. Take your time. Start where I would, kissing along your neck and ever so slowly making my way down. Let me just listen to you."
Elisabeth moaned as she turned on her vibrator to the lowest setting. Her mind was running rampant with thoughts of the woman she loved. She pictured Dara there, her frame hovering above her own while her mouth began a tortuous tease. The older woman took her time as charged, lingering along her neck before leisurely moving the toy down to her breasts. Her breath caught as she caressed first on the tip and then the other. "Dara," she called.
"Yes, baby. I'm right here. Does that feel good? Do I feel good to you?"
"Yes," the shorter woman answered.
"Where am I now? What are my hands doing? Where is my mouth?"
"Your hands are on my hips, and your mouth is kissing down between my breasts over my stomach."
"Then I kiss each hip gently before moving to your left thigh. I can already smell you, Elisabeth. God, you smell incredible. I can't wait to taste you. Do you want me to?"
Envisioning it in her mind, Elisabeth found her body tensing even tighter. "Oh God, please," she begged.
"Slowly I lick a path over the top of your left thigh before moving over to the right one. You are so hot and wet. I haven't even touched you yet, and I can feel it."
Elisabeth followed Dara's words, using her vibrator to simulate her lover's presence. Her legs quivered in anticipation. "Dara, please. Don't tease me. I need you."
The younger woman groaned wantonly as she began to touch herself with growing fervor on the outside of her clothes. "God, I want you, Elisabeth. Giving in to both our needs, I let my mouth trail up the inside of your thigh. I can already taste just a hint of you. It's heaven. Wanting more I open my mouth to take all of you in. You're so wet for me."
"Dara," Elisabeth whimpered, dragging her toy through her wetness. She wanted her lover inside desperately, but she waited until the brunette directed her further.
"Elisabeth, you taste so good. I can't stand it. I have to be inside of you right now. Wrapping one arm around your leg to keep you steady, I allow my other hand to wander up your body. You grab hold of it with your own as your other hand finds the back of my head. You're pushing me harder, deeper into you, and I'm helpless to resist. Slowly I enter you with my tongue."
"Baby, I'm so close," Elisabeth cried as she entered herself to mimic her lover's words.
"I can feel how close you are, sweetie. You feel so good. Knowing how badly you need to climax, I don't waste any time. I plunge into you as deeply as I can before with drawing. My tongue alternates between thrusting into you and teasing your clit," she whispered, knowing that would be all it would take to push the blonde over the edge.
Elisabeth started to shudder as her body quickly rose to peak with the combination of Dara's words and her own hands. "Dara!" she screamed, trying to clutch the imaginary head between her legs. It took her several moments to recover. Finally when she was able to focus again, she mumbled, "Oh God."
"You all right?"
Elisabeth nodded her head. "Fine. Never better," she replied with a slight chuckle. "How are you?"
"Great."
"Were you touching yourself?" the blonde asked as she pulled the toy out and tossed it onto the bed. She smoothed her skirt back into place.
"Of course. How could I not?"
A moment of silence passed while they just listened to each other breathe. Finally Elisabeth said, "Thank you for the surprise. I love you."
"I love you, too, Elisabeth. Now I really should get back to work. Can we get together for dinner tonight?"
"Am I on the menu?" she teased.
"Actually, I was sort of hoping we could have dinner with my parents."
"Oh, way to ruin a mood there, honey," the older woman teased.
"Sorry about that."
"That sounds fine."
"Okay. Let me call to make sure they can do it. Shelby can come too. I'll probably invite Leah."
"Fine. I'll ask her when I see her." Another pause passed. Neither woman wanted to hang up, but they knew they had to. "I should let you go."
"Yeah. I'll call you later about a time. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. I look forward to your call. Now get back to work."
"See you tonight. I love you."
"I love you. Good bye, Dara."
"Bye, honey."
That evening the blonde drove over the Dara's place to meet her fiancee and her parents for dinner. When she pulled into the driveway, she took a quick look at herself in the mirror. She knew this would be the night the two of them consummated their relationship. The way the day had gone so far, it had to be the moment for which they both craved. Checking herself over she decided she looked presentable, so she went to the front door and rang the bell. Only a moment passed before Dara opened it with a large smile.
"Hey, gorgeous," she said, wrapping her arms around the older woman's waist to pull her into an embrace.
Elisabeth smirked as she whispered seductively, "Hello, lover. How about a kiss?" Dara complied, kissing the blonde gently on the mouth, but the shorter woman just shook her head. "Like you missed me, Dara. Like you want to ditch your parents and make love to me."
Growling lowly the brunette ducked her head for a second time. Catching the older woman's lips slightly open, she probed passed them torridly. Instantly Elisabeth responded, matching the fervor as she ran her hands through dark hair. Several moments passed before the younger attorney finally pulled back. "We should stop before my mother catches us."
"Too late," her mother's voice called out lightly from behind her.
Elisabeth rolled her eyes playfully. "First Tom and now your mother. Who's next to catch us?" she teased as she pulled out of her lover's arms. Moving to Dara's mother she greeted her with a hug. "Hello, Emma."
"Hi, Elisabeth. I can't tell you how happy we are about you and Dara getting engaged. You really are the best thing to ever happen to Dara," she mentioned, squeezing the blonde tightly. When the embrace ended, she cast Elisabeth a grin as she said, "Besides it wouldn't be Dara if we didn't catch her in the act of naughty behavior. Your future wife is known for that."
"You don't say?" the blonde joked as she and her future mother-in-law walked arm in arm into the living room.
Eric stood as his wife and soon-to-be daughter-in-law entered and smiled at them pleasantly. "Well, if it isn't the lady of the hour. Elisabeth, I'm so thrilled someone has finally tamed Dara. I knew it would take someone special to do it," he said as they hugged.
"That's for sure. She's a handful," the blonde teased as her lover came up behind and slipped her arms around her waist.
"Well, in celebration of this wonderful news, we've taken the liberty of making reservations at one of our favorite places. Hope you don't mind," Eric said.
"Of course not, Dad."
"Fabulous. Then we should probably go."
Eric drove that evening, leaving Dara and Elisabeth time to playfully tease each other in the backseat. Even though she knew she should behave in front of her future in-laws, the blonde couldn't help but think of later that night when it was just she and Dara. She wanted to continue what had started hours ago, but she knew that would have to wait. She and her fiancee would have plenty of time to for that. In the meantime she would enjoy the chance to be with her future family.
Once at the restaurant, Eric ordered a bottle of champagne for them in celebration. When it came to the table, he raised his glass in toast. "To the future governor of Maryland and her lovely better half," he teased lightly.
However, Dara grinned. "I second that."
"Seriously, you two, we couldn't be happier that you have made this commitment to each other. I know for most of Dara's life she always wanted the kind of love that is usually only read about in books, but I truly think you've found it. What you have is a gift from God. It's a blessing, and it's not to be taken lightly. Marriage is work, but I know the two of you will have what it takes to make your love last. The look in your eyes, Elisabeth, tells me you adore my daughter more than anything else. Dara, you look at this incredible woman the way I see your mother looking at me and I hope she sees from me, complete devotion. This is a perfect match between you, and we are so happy that you have chosen Dara for a spouse, Elisabeth."
After everyone had taken a sip of champagne, Elisabeth smiled at Dara's parents. "Thank you both for welcoming me so warmly. One of things I love about Dara so much is her devotion to her family, and I clearly see where she gets it. I look forward to adding to that family someday very soon."
"So, have you discussed any plans at all?" Emma inquired.
"Not yet, Mom. However, I think we both would like to do this sooner rather than later. Once the election is over, we'll both have lots of time. I don't know what Elisabeth has in mind, but I thought spring might be nice."
Joining the topic the blonde stated, "We'll have to decide some of the details before picking a specific date. Spring sounds about right though. So much goes into it though that I'm not even sure where to begin."
"Well, just know we'll be here should you want or need any help. We want this to be a perfect day for you both," Emma said, patting Elisabeth on the hand.
Through the rest of the meal Eric kept refilling the younger women's champagne glasses, even ordering a second bottle. After her fourth glass, the blonde realized her in-laws had stopped drinking but Dara hadn't. Figuring it would be best to stop before she got sick, Elisabeth finished off her glass but declined when Eric tried to give her more. "Eric, please, I can't."
"But you must," he insisted, reaching for her glass anyway. He poured her a refill before doing the same for his daughter. Dara, who seemed none the wiser, thanked him and kept drinking. The brunette didn't seem to be fazed the volume of alcohol she was consuming, but the older attorney knew there was no way she would be able to keep up with her lover, so she switched to water through the rest of the meal.
When they left the restaurant that evening, Elisabeth watched her lover carefully as she stood from the table. She was amazed at how unaffected the taller woman seemed by the champagne. However, as they were walking through the parking lot toward the car, the blonde felt the younger attorney slip her arm around her shoulders and begin to lean into her slightly. "Are you okay?" she asked softly as they fell behind the brunette's parents by a few steps.
"I'm wonderful. How are you?" Dara inquired in a hushed tone.
Elisabeth could smell the alcohol coming off her lover. "Are you drunk?" she whispered.
Dara sneered as she shook her head. "Do I look drunk?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact," answered the older woman.
"Well, maybe drunk with the idea of what's going to happen when we get home," she sexually alluded.
Knowing to what she was referring but choosing not to let on, the shorter woman innocently questioned, "What's going to happen?"
"We're going to inaugurate my bed. At least I hope," Dara growled, leaning in to nip her fiancee's ear.
"You think you're going to get lucky, do you?" Elisabeth joked. It was too tempting to pretend otherwise even though she knew she wanted it as well.
"You can't resist me," Dara stated with confidence as she stopped walking and turned the blonde toward her. Without warning she swooped down as claimed her fiancee's lips in a smoldering lock.
Unprepared for the onslaught, Elisabeth had no time to react. Instinctually she pulled the woman she loved closer, indulging in the deep exchange, but her senses soon surfaced. "Your parents," she mumbled, trying to break free.
"Screw them. They know we're going to do it. They think we've been doing it all this time. They expect it," she said, already trying to go back for a second kiss, but Elisabeth held her at bay, glaring at her brazen behavior.
"Dara, it's one thing to act this way after we're married, but until then I don't like it when you do this stuff in front of your parents. It makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel like a huge tramp, which we know I'm not," she admonished.
Immediately Dara pulled back out of the older woman's personal space. "Fine. I'm sorry. I won't do it again," she snapped.
"Don't do that to me, Dara. Don't make me feel guilty about this. You know I love it when you touch me, just not in front of our parents."
"They don't care, Elisabeth."
"But I do, Dara. I know it's hard. I want to touch you that way so badly right now, but please try to control yourself until we're alone at least. I promise it'll be worth the wait."
Nodding her head the younger woman replied, "Of course. I'll behave. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. I would never want you to feel that way."
"Thank you. I can't wait to get home either, you know. After today I can't wait to see you in action. If you can do those amazing things with your words, I can't wait to see what you can do with your mouth. I bet you have me walking funny for days," she teased lightly, taking her lover's hand.
Once back at Dara's place, the foursome made their way inside. Emma offered the younger women a beverage and dessert, but they both declined. "I'm actually getting kind of tired. Must be all that champagne," Dara stated. "I think it's time to say good night."
Eric just nodded his head at his daughter. Turning to Elisabeth he mentioned, "At the risk of sounding like the father that I am, I hope you're not planning on driving home right now, Elisabeth."
"No, Eric. You don't need to worry. I'm not driving home now. I'm hardly fit to do that."
"Good. We wouldn't want anything to happen to you," Emma said with a soft smile.
Looking at her parents, Dara could tell what they thought. They assumed that the brunette was making an excuse to be alone with her lover, but they were right. All she wanted was to be with Elisabeth in the confines of her bedroom at the moment. Giving them a smile, she said, "Thank you for dinner."
"You're welcome. Congratulations again," Emma said as she moved to hug both women. "Go on now."
"Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad," Dara said, hugging both her parents. Elisabeth followed suit.
"Good night, you two. Sleep well," Eric called out as they retreated to the staircase leading to the basement.
When they were alone in Dara's den, Elisabeth chuckled. "Talk about an awkward good bye. I imagine they thought we were ditching them to have sex."
"Yeah but that is what we were doing," the brunette conceded. "They know me better than any parent could know a child. When I was a kid, I could never get away with stuff. My mother knew, just instinctively knew when I was up to no good."
"I imagine she did. You seemed to be quite the trouble-maker too, but enough about that. There are other things we should be talking about right now."
"Such as?" the younger woman inquired in interest as they moved toward her bedroom.
Elisabeth waited until the door was closed behind them to jump into her lover's arms. Immediately assaulting her with kisses, she whispered sexily, "How you're going to make me scream in orgasmic ecstasy."
Dara moaned as her lover continued to barrage her with hungry kisses. In response her hands became active, already beginning to work open her lover's blouse. It was soon on the floor. The blonde's bra soon followed. Needing to even things a bit, the older woman pulled away from Dara's mouth just enough to pull the brunette's sweater from her body. Looking into dark eyes as she did so though, Elisabeth found herself lost once again and gave in to her need to kiss her fiancee. Soon there was just a flurry of movement as clothes were shed quickly, and then Elisabeth found herself on her back on the made bed. She moaned deeply at the weight of Dara's body on top of her own. Her hands ran over her lover's bare back taking in the feel of the muscles as their mouths continued with their torrid exploration. Needing to get even closer, the shorter woman wrapped her legs around her fiancee's naked hips.
Dara groaned in response. "You feel so good, baby," she whispered as she found the side of the blonde's neck with her lips. The younger woman was in heaven at the feeling of Elisabeth's frame pressed into hers. She had wanted this for so long. Letting her emotions guide her, her hands ran up her lover's sides to her breasts.
Elisabeth panted, arching her back toward the caress. "Dara," she called softly. "Please, I need you."
"I'm here, baby. I'll take care of you," the brunette vowed as her head started to descend down the older woman's frame. Getting to her fair breasts, Dara took long minutes teasing the right one with her hand as her mouth attacked Elisabeth's left. Hearing the shorter woman whining at the fact that one was getting more attention than the other, she focused on the right as her hands wandered lower down her lover's body. Her fingers took in the landscape of Elisabeth's hips as her lips left her favorite assets and traveled south. As many times as they had been intimately close, they had never ventured that far before, so as the taller woman's mouth trailed over the blonde's soft skin of her stomach, her mind began to spin with the thoughts of them finally consummating their relationship.
As the older woman lay on her back, the only thing she could concentrate on was the feeling of Dara's hands and mouth on her. She had dreamed of it so many times, but now it was actually happening, and it was better than anything her own mind could create in her most private thoughts. Lacing her hands through dark hair, she moaned as she felt the younger woman's tongue licking a path from her hip over the top of her right thigh. Not shy in asking for what she needed, she pulled the taller attorney by the back of the head toward her wetness as she begged, "Please, Dara."
The brunette groaned as she found her head between her fiancee's thighs. She could smell Elisabeth's arousal, and she knew it was mere moments before she would be able to taste her. Trying to postpone it for a moment longer though, she kissed the older woman's inner thighs teasingly. "Do you want me, Elisabeth? Are you ready for me?" she whispered sexily.
"Yes, baby. I need you, Dara," Elisabeth pleaded, jerking slightly at the feeling of the younger woman's mouth along her thigh. She tried in vain to pull the brunette's head to where it was needed most, but Dara refused to budge. "Dara," she whimpered.
"Oh God," Dara suddenly mumbled, pulling back quickly.
Completely confused blue eyes opened and stared at the brunette. "Dara? Are you all right?" she inquired, trying to reach for her lover, but she was held back.
"I think I'm going to be sick," the taller woman announced, waving the blonde away from her.
"Do you think you're going to throw up?"
The brunette nodded her head before suddenly jumping from the bed and heading for the bathroom. She barely made it before she started to regurgitate all that she had eaten and drank from dinner into her sink. As she stood bent over her basin, she could feel consoling hands on her, one running long strokes over her back, the other gently rubbing her stomach. When it appeared she was finished, the younger woman simply put her forehead against the cold counter and mumbled, "I'm sorry, Elisabeth. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, baby. That's not quite the reaction I was expecting," she teased.
Managing to meet blue eyes in the dark, Dara gave her a pained expression. "It wasn't you. I swear."
"I know. I was just joking. You had almost a whole bottle of champagne by yourself. I'm not surprised actually. I would have been amazed had you not gotten sick," she admitted as she stroked her lover's hair.
"Just give me a minute, and I promise that we can continue," the younger woman said, placing her head back down against the counter. Her head was starting to spin, but she was determined to fulfill Elisabeth's desires.
"No, I don't think so, Dara. You're not going to do anything like that. You need to just get in bed and go to sleep."
"But, Elisabeth, I want to. I've never had so many false starts at this. It's driving me crazy."
The blonde smiled at her fiancee. "I know. Me too but we have plenty of time, Dara. We have the rest of our lives. I think we're just trying to hard. Let's just not think about it for now. Let me get your pajamas and help you to bed."
Several minutes later the brunette and blonde were both clothed in some of Dara's pajamas. Elisabeth gently guided her beloved back to bed and pulled the covers over both of them. Silence prevailed for long minutes before the taller woman finally whispered, "I love you, Elisabeth Gunter."
"I know, and I love you, Dara Rosenthal. Sleep now." Almost immediately the brunette fell asleep, but the older woman was awake as she held her lover. She idly caressed Dara's dark hair as she thought about the fact she had committed her life to the woman in her arms. A wedding and marriage to someone perfect were her adolescent dreams, but she had never truly believed they could be reality. Even when she thought she might be with Suzanne forever, it just never seemed to be the perfect match she had always fantasized about as a little girl. However, now she had met the one person she knew she could remain lovingly faithful to for the rest of her days. Dara Rosenthal loved her in ways she never knew existed. The dark-haired woman challenged her intellectually and sparked burning passion she didn't know she could have for anyone. The younger attorney's zeal of politics and human rights matched her own, but the one thing that stood out to the blonde was the way Dara related to her family.
Elisabeth had always been close to her mother and sister, so she was thrilled the brunette was the same with her own family. The gentle way the younger woman handled her mother, sisters, and sister-in-law made it obvious the reverence Dara had for those four women. Equally powerful were the relationships she had with her father and brother and the respect she paid them. Above all though, there was Justin. Dara's eyes always were lit with loving warmth at the sight of her nephew. They were at ease together and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. It was apparent her bond with the six-year-old was stronger than anything she could possibly imagine. It was clear proof that Dara would be the best mother Elisabeth could possibly have for her children. Content in the choice she had made, Elisabeth sighed and snuggled up next to her beloved. Kissing her on the temple, she whispered, "Sweet dreams, wife of mine."
*************************************************************
On Halloween night Dara pulled up to her fiancee's house just after eight. She and Elisabeth had debated for quite a few days on the most appropriate costumes given the party's vampire theme, but in the end Dara's idea of going as two of Germany's most notorious vampires, the Vampire of Dusseldorf and the Hanover Vampire, prevailed, because she felt it would be a fun nod to their lineage. Not only that, she knew Allison would choose to be the Prince of Darkness, eliminating her original idea of Dracula.
Going up to the door, she was pleased to find her lover ready. "You look fantastic," the brunette complimented.
"So do you. Good enough to eat," Elisabeth teased, affecting her words with her own German accent.
Dara laughed. "That is the point. Let's get going. It takes a while to get to Allison and Deborah's place."
"Where do they live anyway? You never did say."
"In Old Town Alexandria down on Union Street. You know those outrageously expensive townhouses down on the water, the French looking ones at the end of Union Street?"
"Yeah. I know those. They live there?" Dara nodded. "Those places go for over a million a piece easily."
"I know and believe me Deborah has it filled with only the best furniture. It just goes to show we're in the wrong jobs. When Allison got her JD, she had offers from all over the place, but she helped her friend found a non-profit, and they are paying her an obnoxious amount of money. Not only that she's a financial genius. Although I'm sure Deborah's trust fund helps a bit as well," the brunette joked as she escorted her lover to the car.
"Well, the George H. Minion trust fund that I have makes up for some of that. It's just too bad it came at the price it did. That was not the way things were supposed to go."
"I know, but it's over now, and there is nothing either of us can do about it. The election is in just a few days, and after he loses, it's ancient history."
"But we both know nothing ever really goes away in politics. It just makes me nervous that it can reappear at the most inopportune time like when you're running for governor."
"Again there is nothing we can do about it. We just have to keep it out of our minds. Now forget about him. Let's have some fun."
Upon arriving at their friends' house, the party had already begun with loud music and guests. Immediately joining in the two women went to find their hostesses. Upon seeing Deborah and Allison, they quickly went over to them, hugging both of them tightly as the two brunettes exchanged smiled. "Happy birthday, Allison. Last one before the big 3-0."
"Don't remind me, Dara. Just remember no matter how old we get, you'll always still be older," Allison joked before turning her attentions to the blonde. "Elisabeth, how are you?"
"I'm great. How are you, birthday girl?"
"I can't complain. It's my birthday, and I'm surrounded by lots of hot women. This must be what heaven is like," she stated, sliding her arms around Elisabeth's waist.
"Easy there, Allison. I'm spoken for. You wouldn't want Dara to get upset now, would you?"
"Please. I can take Dara any day. Besides you aren't spoken for until I see a ring. It's either that or you start working for me. Until then you're free game," Allison replied.
"You're shameless. I don't know how Deborah puts up with you."
"She loves me," the brunette teased.
"She must, but I have to tell you I have that ring now, so you better keep your hands in check."
Pulling back in surprise, Allison grabbed her hand. "No way. Is this for real? You and Dara are getting married?" Elisabeth nodded. "Oh my God. Congratulations. I can't believe it."
Seeing her long-time friend hugging her fiancee tightly, Dara leaned over and interjected, "Hands off. She's mine."
"So I just heard. I'm thrilled. We have to celebrate. I have to make an announcement." Seeing Allison rushing off to do just that, the couple received hugs and well-wishes from Deborah as well.
For the rest of the evening, the two of them kept getting barraged with congratulations and questions about their plans for the wedding. However, they fielded them as well as they could even though they had agreed not to discuss it with anyone else until things were finalized. Late that night as the two of them stood embraced dancing slowly to a love song among a sea of their other friends, Dara looked down at her fiancee and smiled.
"So, have you told the birthday girl your answer yet about her job offer?"
"No. I actually wanted to talk to you again about it first."
"What's there to talk about? If you want the job, you should take it, and if you don't, keep looking. I don't care. I just want you to be happy."
Moving her arms from her lover's waist and wrapping them around her neck, Elisabeth inquired, "What if I said I don't want to work at all, Dara? What if I said I wanted to have a baby?"
"Is that what you really want?"
The blonde nodded her head. "Yes. I've thought about it a lot over the last month, and I think it's time. I want to get married and have a baby with you. I don't want to wait any longer unless you aren't ready."
Dara took a moment to ponder that unasked question. She knew she wanted to have children with Elisabeth, but she wondered if she was ready to take on the responsibility of being a parent. "Do you think I'm ready?" she inquired.
"You'll be a wonderful mother, but if you don't want to do this yet, then we shouldn't. It needs to be something we both want."
"Oh, I want to have kids with you, Elisabeth. It's just the reality of it boggles my mind. I mean we're talking about creating a life together. It'll be ours, just ours. I mean, we can't just give it back if we get tired. It's a lifetime commitment."
"You're committed to me, Dara."
"I know, but you can take care of yourself as well. I don't worry about you getting fed or clothed. You're self-sufficient. We're talking about a baby."
Feeling her heart drop a little at the sound of her beloved's anxiety, Elisabeth decided to reassure her that they didn't have to get pregnant if she wasn't prepared. "Dara, I promise it will be all right. You have no idea how good you are with children. I've seen you with Justin, and he has special needs. Our child will be healthy. However, if you think you're not ready to take on the challenge yet, we won't do it. We can wait longer."
The younger woman shook her head lightly. "You know, I think this might be the only time I envy straight men. Their wives and girlfriends can just drop the bomb on them, and they have to be ready. There's no talking it over. It just is that way. I'm afraid that I could rationalize putting it off for quite a bit longer, Elisabeth, because I don't want to mess it up. Although I know I can do it. I know in my heart that I want to have a baby with you. I fantasize about it all the time. I think it's just one of those things that I have to jump into, but once I do I'm fine."
"So, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying we should have a baby. I promised you that we would have as many as you wanted. How could I ever expect to fulfill that promise if I don't start now?"
"Are you sure? We don't have to, Dara."
Giving her fiancee a smile, Dara nodded her head. "It's time, Elisabeth. We're going to get married, and then we should have a baby. It's what we both want. There is no reason to postpone our happiness."
"If you're sure?"
"I am, and as far as the job is concerned, if you don't want to work, you don't have to. I already told you I would take care of you."
"We'll take care of each other. All right. We'll get through this wedding and then start planning our family. One step at a time."
"I like the sound of that. I love you, Elisabeth. I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy."
"You already do," the older woman answered, placing her head against the taller woman's shoulder.
Just over a week later was election day. As Dara had promised, she had stayed out all night long assisting the Democratic Party in putting up signs for their candidate. Elisabeth, on the other hand, had finished the last-minute packing they had to do for their trip and got a good night's rest. After packing her car with all the things they would need, she left her house to go cast her vote before meeting her fiancee at her apartment.
By the time she arrived, Dara was ready to go and wore a tired but happy countenance. Greeting her lover with a kiss, the shorter woman asked, "Are you ready?"
"Yeah. Bags are packed. Vote has been cast. Let the best man win," she answered with a grin.
"Good. Since you look like you could use a nap after being up all night, I'll drive. Just put your bag in the trunk, and we'll be ready."
As the two of them made their way out to the blonde's car, Dara asked, "So, are you going to tell me where we're going? You've been so secretive about this whole trip."
"No, I'm not telling you. All I will say is this. There is no TV, phone, or radio where we're going. We won't even know who won until we get back, that is unless you cheat and use your cell phone to find out," she joked.
"Sounds like we're going somewhere that we can't get reception."
"There's good enough reception, but I'm just not going to allow you to interrupt our vacation with politics. For three days it's just going to be you and me."
"Are you sure you can stand to be with me that long?" Dara joked as she made herself comfortable in the passenger's seat. For the next two and a half hours the couple just chatted as Elisabeth drove them to their destination. Dara stayed awake the entire time against her fiancee's urging, because she was too curious to see where they were going to sleep. However, when they arrived at a small cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the taller woman smiled at her surroundings. "You brought me to the woods. How in the world did you find this place?"
"You'd be surprised what you can do with no job and lots of free time surfing the internet. Come on. Let's see if it's all it said it was on the website." Going inside the blonde was pleased to find everything as she had wanted.
Taking a look around, Dara found the entire layout extremely comfortable except for the lack of technology. Coming outside to the car where her lover was already beginning to unpack, she said, "You certainly know how to pick a place. A fireplace and a hot tub. Very nice."
"Glad you approve. Now if we could just get our stuff inside we can start doing nothing, which sounds so good at the moment."
Between the two of them, the car was unpacked in a few trips. Dara took the duty of putting away their clothes while Elisabeth did the food. When the brunette was finished, she found the older woman in the small kitchen making them lunch. Quietly they ate their simple meal before Dara stated, "I hate to say this, but I'm starting to get sleepy."
"I'm not surprised. You haven't slept in over thirty hours. Why don't you take a nap? We're not on a schedule here."
"You sure you don't mind?"
"Not at all. I'm just going to read my book by the fireplace."
"You don't want to join me?"
"I'm not tired, and you need to actually sleep. Go on. Take a nap. I'll be right here when you wake up."
"All right. Don't let me sleep too long though. After all this vacation is about spending time together."
"Not to worry. I'll come get you in a few hours. Just relax now, Dara. That's what vacation is for."
Nodding her head, the brunette leaned over and kissed her lover on the forehead. "All right. Thank you for lunch. I'll be much better after a nap." Going back into the bedroom, the younger attorney stripped off her heavy fall clothes and put on a t-shirt and a pair of boxer shorts. Sliding under the covers, she nodded off almost immediately.
For the next three hours Elisabeth sat in front of the fireplace reading leisurely. However, when she had come to the end of her book, she wondered if Dara was awake yet. Deciding to find out, she made sure the fire had dwindled enough before heading back towards the bedroom. She stood in the doorway a moment looking at her lover in bed. The taller woman was obviously still asleep, giving Elisabeth time to observe her undetected. The younger woman looked so much more like a child at rest. In fact, she could easily see the resemblance between Dara and her nephew. Even though their coloring was different, they had the same countenance lost in dreams. It made her think about their own children. Elisabeth wanted their kids to look as much like Dara as they did her and wondered about the best way to accomplish that as she came to the bed.
Slipping onto it, she just lay on her side facing her fiancee and studied her with adoration. Her mind began to spin fantasies of their future, their wedding day, their first child, living life as the governor's wife. She wanted it all, and yet she knew even if none of it ever came to pass, she would still love this woman for the rest of her life. It wasn't what Dara wanted to become but rather the woman she already was that made Elisabeth hopelessly lost in eternal devotion to the brunette, and that feeling was heightened by the fact that she knew without a doubt Dara felt the same.
Unable to resist the dark-haired beauty next to her, the older woman gently reached out and caressed her face. She traced lightly over her right brow and over her cheek before the younger woman began to stir. Eyes twitched for a moment before opening. Elisabeth smiled lovingly as she whispered, "Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay. How long have I been asleep?" Dara yawned and stretched her back.
"About three hours. Did you have a good nap?"
The brunette nodded as her reached for her lover. Her right hand lazily ran through golden locks. "Very good. The best part was waking up though," she said softly.
Brown eyes and blue ones just gazed at each other in silence for a few moments before Elisabeth murmured, "You are so beautiful, Dara."
Caught off guard at the unexpected compliment, the younger woman blushed modestly. "I'm nothing compared to you, my dearest."
Elisabeth continued to look into her beloved's eyes as she thought about the moment in which she now found herself. This trip was to be the time she finally succumbed to her desires for the brunette. She had laid out an elaborate plan in her head to seduce the willing younger woman, but looking at her just then, none of that seemed important. She didn't care about the feeling of Dara inside of her as much as she did about worshiping the woman who held her heart. Smiling at the taller woman, she said, "I want to show you something."
"Okay," Dara answered.
Elisabeth could tell the brunette was oblivious to what she was about to do, but she enjoyed it that way. "Will you close your eyes for me?" she asked sweetly.
Dara did as was requested of her. For a brief moment, the blonde looked at the taller woman lying there with her eyes closed, waiting for the unknown. Knowing what she wanted though, Elisabeth leaned over and softly began to paint her lover's face with airy kisses. Instinctively Dara's arms found their way around her, but she stayed on course until she came to her beloved's lips. She kissed them tenderly at first but with growing fervor. However, just when she started to feel the younger woman responding, she moved her mouth away down to Dara's neck. The lightness of the bombardment continued as her hands maneuvered the dark-haired woman onto her back. Straddling her lover's waist, Elisabeth leaned over the strong body beneath hers to Dara's mouth again. She could tell Dara was struggling to keep her eyes closed as her hands moved to the hem of the taller woman's t-shirt. Willingly Dara sat up just enough that Elisabeth could pull it off her body.
Once she was exposed, the shorter woman continued her exploration with her hands and mouth over the brunette's frame. She took her time idolizing her lover's breasts. She hadn't had the opportunity to spend much time with them in the past, but now she gave them her complete attention as she listened to the erratic breathing from her Dara.
For all of her surprise at the unexpected attention, the brunette allowed her lover to continue. Elisabeth's hands felt wonderful on her body, and even though her usual fantasies were of taking the blonde, this was a pleasant change. Giving herself over to the probing, the younger woman decided she would let Elisabeth go as far as she wanted if it pleased her. Wanting to reassure the blonde of her efforts, Dara cradled the older woman's head closer to her chest as she whispered, "That feels so good, Elisabeth."
Hearing the words above her head, the older woman gained confidence in her endeavor. Pushing the limits further, her hands wandered to the brunette's shorts. Without a word Dara simply lifted her hips in invitation of which Elisabeth gladly accepted. Rolling off her lover, the blonde worked Dara's shorts off her body, leaving the brunette completely naked. Elisabeth looked up to her lover's face and saw eyes open.
"I have to see you, baby. Please let me see you," requested Dara, not taking the initiative to remove the blonde's clothes. She wanted to see what the shorter woman would do if left to her own devices. Without a word Elisabeth just smiled and then began to unbutton her blouse as if in show for her lover. Dara lay there engrossed in the sight of Elisabeth slowly pulling off her blouse and then bra. Next the older woman's hands went to the zipper of her own jeans. The only sound in the room was the sound of that zipper teasingly being lowered. Then Elisabeth gently pushed them off her body until she was also naked.
For a moment they lay there gazing at each other as if it was the first time in fascination. Unable to restrain herself any longer, Dara reached for the woman she loved, slipping her arms around Elisabeth's bare waist and pulling her on top of her own frame. However, she didn't try anything else, instinctually knowing the older woman wanted to lead. Seeing the submission in the dark-haired woman, Elisabeth quickly resumed her course. Her mouth recommenced where she had left off, kissing over her lover's abdomen and then down her right leg. She made it all the way to Dara's foot before switching to the left and leisurely making her way north once again. Back at her lover's wetness, Elisabeth paused for a moment, taking in the scent of her soon-to-be wife. The aroma was intoxicating as it filled her lungs. She knew she couldn't wait any more to know this woman. Risking one last look into her lover's eyes, she saw Dara gazing back with loving openness and no expectation. She was just as Elisabeth imagined her to be, perfectly content in their closeness that she would never take, only give whatever she could to heighten the blonde's enjoyment.
Closing her blue eyes, the shorter woman allowed her emotions to guide her to her destination as she tasted the woman she adored for the first time. Instantly Dara cried out lightly as her hands found perch in fair hair. However, she didn't force Elisabeth, instead letting her take her time. With her own moan of satisfaction, the older woman settled in further. Her tongue snaked out to take in the contours of her fiancee's heat.
Dara's body was on fire as she felt Elisabeth slowly tasting her. She had imagined it before on a few occasions but nothing like it truly was. The sight of the blonde head between her thighs and the sound of Elisabeth's eager arousal caused her own to surge. As much as she wanted to touch her beloved, she knew she would please the older woman the most by allowing her to explore to her contentment, so she simply closed her eyes and allowed the feelings to overcome her. It wasn't long until she could feel herself on the edge of climax.
In her want she gave her only directions. "Elisabeth, please. I need you," she begged. Immediately she was rewarded as the blonde slipped into her awhile her mouth still continued to drink all her body had to offer. Dara gave herself over to the pleasure as it crashed over her in a giant wave. She felt as if she was drowning in the ecstasy of it as her body shuddered, but as she started to settle again, she realized her lover had no intension of stopping. Even though Elisabeth withdrew her mouth, her fingers stayed in place as she kissed up Dara's body to her mouth. Dara groaned as her fiancee kissed her lips in fervor.
"God, you feel so good, Dara," Elisabeth confessed. "I've wanted this moment almost since the first time we met."
"Me too," the brunette managed to reply.
"I love you so much, Dara."
"I love you too, Elisabeth," she gasped as the blonde started to bring her to peak a second time. Once it subsided though, she smiled at the older woman and reached down to her wrist to stop her. "As good as you feel, you're going to incapacitate me before I can reciprocate," she mentioned.
"I don't care. I just can't get enough of you," the blonde desperately responded, collapsing against her lover's body as they kissed again.
Dara laughed lightly when she pulled away. "I'm glad for that, but you're driving me insane. To be able to smell you and not taste you is more than I can bear. Please let me touch you, Elisabeth. I need to taste you," Dara begged, rolling them over so Elisabeth was on her back.
As soon as the taller woman said those words, the blonde felt her pulse start pounding even harder. This was the moment she had waited for her entire life, to receive love from the woman she was destined to marry. Knowing she would give Dara anything, everything she ever desired, she withdrew from her fiancee's body and wrapped her arms around the taller attorney's back. "Take me, Dara. I want to feel you inside of me," she confessed as they met gazes once more.
Smiling at the admission, Dara leaned down to meet Elisabeth's mouth in a gentle probing kiss. "I love you so much. No one has ever made me this happy, Elisabeth, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to make you just as happy," she promised as her hand trailed over the blonde's hip between her legs. Her hand was greeted by a flood of hot throbbing anticipation. Elisabeth gasped as Dara merely cupped her wetness firmly a moment. Methodically the brunette's mouth took a similar path Elisabeth's had minutes ago but stopped when it reached the older woman's thighs. Dara moaned wantonly. "You smell so good, baby. Please may I taste you?" she inquired, still letting the blonde have the lead for a moment.
Elisabeth couldn't even speak. Just the sight of Dara lying between her thighs, her head so incredibly close to her greatest desire, made the blonde mute with passion. With a nod she managed to squeak, "Please."
With permission granted Dara closed her own eyes as she lowered her mouth to savor her lover. She moaned at the first taste as she quickly found herself becoming lost in the feeling of Elisabeth. She was so soft and wet. Every curve was deeply explored before her tongue found its way home.
Elisabeth cried out loudly as she felt the brunette's tongue enter her. Clutching tightly to Dara's head, she felt her legs tremble as her fiancee started to thrust in gentle pace. "Dara, oh God," she called as her thighs clenched against the brunette's shoulders. Her pinnacle came so quickly she hardly had time to relish it, but the aftershocks left her quaking for several moments. Feeling her lover's body spasming, Dara stopped for a minute, resting her head on the blonde's thigh. When she appeared to have recovered though, she was back again but this time, she started her teasing with the tips of her fingers.
Lifting her body Dara rolled them, so they were on their sides slightly regarding each other's faces endearingly. The taller woman's fingers didn't cease as she just gazed into blue eyes. Elisabeth strained to keep the connection even though her eyes threatened to flutter closed at the caress on her body. Reverently leaning in to kiss the smaller woman's cheek, Dara whispered, "You are so beautiful like this, Elisabeth. I am truly the luckiest woman in the world to have you."
Elisabeth couldn't even respond with words. Instead she cried out lightly, her eyes reflexively shutting, and her arms clutching Dara to her as she felt her fiancee enter her tight wetness. The older woman felt like crying. It felt so flawlessly perfect to have her lover finally know her completely. She felt as if it was truly her first time. Feeling Dara's lips on her own, she kissed her powerfully, lovingly showing what she could not quite manage to say in the moment.
Turning them once again so the smaller woman was on her back, Dara slid her body completely between Elisabeth's legs. Immediately the older woman wrapped hers around the brunette's waist to hold on tighter as the younger woman started a slow deep thrust with her entire weight. Each plunge led to a gasp from the blonde as Dara went deeper with every plunge.
"Dara," Elisabeth whispered with rising need. She was close again already.
Knowing her lover was close to the edge, the younger woman bit her earlobe gently as she whispered, "That's it, darling. Just let it go. I love you, Elisabeth, and I always will."
That was all it took as her climax took her, shook her completely. Elisabeth clasped tightly to the body above her own, pressing them together as tightly as they could go. "I love you, Dara," she murmured over and over for a few moments.
"I love you too, my wife," she said.
Blue eyes popped open at the statement and met smiling dark eyes. She allowed that smile to warm her entire being. The life she had always wanted had finally come true. "I like the sound of that," she confessed.
"So do I, Elisabeth, so do I."
Quietness followed for long minutes before the older woman asked jokingly, "Is this the sex I have to look forward to for the rest of my life?"
"I certainly hope so. I'll always give you anything you want, Elisabeth. All you have to do is ask."
Smiling up at her fiancee, she cupped her face affectionately. "Good because right now I want more," she growled with renewed ardor.
"And you can have it. I'm yours forever," Dara assured, leaning to kiss Elisabeth as they started to once again make the most of the first day of the rest of their lives.
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Author's Note:
Listed below are the organizations in this story. To highlight just a few, my school Hollins University, which has been a driving force in women's higher education for more than 150 years. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which strives to find a cure for the second largest genetic disease in the United States. To whom I volunteer my time, so my nephews may someday live the life they deserve free from this life-shortening disease. The Human Rights Campaign, the most prominent gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender social/political organization in the United States, promoting advancement for our community. Lastly but certainly not least the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee. The United States will be holding one of its most important and historical elections in November for the office of the presidency. To all my U.S. readers, no matter what side you are on, know your candidates and get out and vote!
Schools:
| Hollins University (My alma mater, our motto "Women who are going places start at Hollins") |
www.hollins.edu |
| Washington and Lee University | www2.wlu.edu |
| Yale Law Schoo | www.law.yale.edu |
| Non-profit and Social/Political Organizations | |
| American Jewish Committee | www.ajc.org |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | www.cff.org |
| Democratic National Committee | www.democrats.org |
| Human Rights Campaign | www.hrc.org |
| National Association for the Advancement of Colored People | www.naacp.org |
| National Rifle Association | www.nra.org |
| Republican National Committee | www.gop.com |
| Government Agencies: | |
| FBI | www.fbi.gov |
| Museums: | |
| National Museum of Natural History | www.mnh.si.edu |
| Smithsonian Institution | www.si.edu |