The sweltering summer heat of Texas beat down on Emily, Erin, and Blaine as they made their way to Erin's truck from the airport baggage claim. Emily was beginning to get used to the extreme temperature differences between New York and Texas. The last six months had helped her with that transition. She and Erin had both commuted back and forth during the six months since New Year's to see each other. Emily managed to fly down one weekend a month, while Erin usually came to New York twice a month. Even then she normally extended her visits to New York by several days at a time, allowing their relationship the opportunity to continue to flourish. When they were together, regardless of where they were, the two were inseparable except when Emily's job called her away from the arms of her beloved.

Now Emily was in Texas for Jared and Margaret's much-anticipated wedding. Even though the blonde and brunette had not discussed the direction of their relationship in the six months they had officially been dating, the comment that Margaret had made on New Year's Day about the two of them being engaged by the wedding came to Emily's mind as the threesome headed into Dallas instead of going back to the ranch. They were going to be staying at Erin's house in the city near Jared's for the next two days to help with last minute preparations, but there was a part of Emily that wondered if there was going to be a surprise for her. Margaret was usually accurate in assessing Erin, and the times Emily had spent with Margaret alone in those six months, the dean made it clear she still felt it was on the short-term horizon.

"You're being quiet over there," the Texan stated. "Tired from the flight?"

"Yeah. It's so long. It always takes something out of me."

"I know. I really don't enjoy it myself, but it is a means to an end," she said with a smile, reaching for Emily's hand.

"That alone makes it worth it," the attorney said, squeezing Erin's hand with her own.

"Well, if you're that tired, you can take a nap while I run errands for Margaret and Jared. He asked me to go pick up the tuxedos this afternoon and drop them by their house. I'm supposed to drop Blaine off at our parents' house after that, so I can get ready for the bachelor party, but if you're that tired, I can take you home first."

"I'm not that tired."

"Are you still going to Margaret's bachelorette party tonight?"

"Of course. It was either that or sit around the house while you have fun with your brother and cousins, and I'm not about to let you have all the fun."

"Good. We have to be ready for the parties and at their house around seven tonight. There is a little cocktail party for all the guests before we break off into our separate groups. Margaret's going to the spa tomorrow morning with her bridesmaid's, and then we'll be heading to the church around four or so to get ready for the rehearsal."

"All right. Sounds busy."

"I don't know how many more weddings we Mahoneys could put into a year. At least none of my other cousins are getting married any time soon," the tall woman mentioned.

Emily said nothing. Maybe Margaret's wrong this time. Erin seems to be disinclined toward weddings at the moment. I guess I'll just have to see.

The three of them went to pick up the tuxedos before dropping them off at Jared and Margaret's place. Neither of them was home, so they continued on to Erin's parents' house. Liam was thrilled to see the three of them. He gave Emily a warm hug and smile after his granddaughter as he asked, "How's my favorite attorney?"

"I'm good. Liam. How are you?"

"Great. I'm excited to be marrying off my son after all this time. Now he can be someone else's problem," he joked. All of them laughed. Turning his eyes on his daughter, he said, "Then it's Erin's turn. I don't suppose you'd like to take her on as a challenge?"

"Daddy," Erin growled with a warning scowl.

He shook his head. "Of course you wouldn't. Who wants an Irish lass with a temper like that?" he questioned with his smile firmly intact.

"You never know, Liam. I might be persuaded still. Erin has a lot of other fine qualities."

"That's true. If anyone could handle her, I know it would be you," he said, looping his arm through hers as they wandered into the house. Erin and Blaine followed closely behind.

"Well, she would have to ask me first, you know," Emily stated, looking over her shoulder at her girlfriend. Erin's face showed little emotion about the conversation at hand. Margaret's wrong this time. She's not going to ask me to marry her. It's too soon anyway. Nevertheless, Emily felt a small sense of sadness in her heart. She had hoped for it in her private thoughts from Margaret's insistence. I should have known it wasn't going to happen. Erin's not ready.

The two women stayed for only a short time at the house visiting before they were once again off, but this time it was to Erin's city home. Emily had only been there a few times, and the couple had never stayed the night there. Erin hefted her girlfriend's bags onto her shoulders before they went into the house. The brunette took them to the master bedroom with the blonde following closely behind.

Emily saw the pink roses that were by the bedside waiting for her. She smiled. Erin never failed to have them waiting wherever they went. Going to that side of the bed, the blonde flopped down onto it. "Do we have time for a small nap now?" she asked.

Erin nodded as she placed the bags on the floor at the foot of the bed. "Yeah. It's just the two of us now until we go to the parties. We have a couple of hours."

"Good. Then could I convince you to join me?" she questioned, patting a place next to her on the bed. Erin smiled demurely before sliding onto the bed. Emily looked at the tall brunette lying there. Erin looked so sexy to her. "Are you going to take off your boots?"

Erin shook her head. "I only take off my boots to make love and go to bed," she answered with a grin.

The attorney nodded. "Well, we are going to bed, at least for a nap."

"I'm not really tired, but I'll keep you company. I like holding you while you sleep."

The blonde nodded. "I'd like that, but I want you to take off your boots first."

"Then go right ahead," Erin answered, lifting her foot to signal she wanted Emily to do the honors.

Crawling down to where her girlfriend's feet were, Emily slowly pulled one brown boot off and then the other. They landed with a light thud on the floor. Emily knelt there for a moment by Erin's feet looking up toward the brunette's face. Erin had her hands stacked behind her head, creating a pose of casual sexiness. Crawling up the Texan's legs, Emily reached her belt buckle. "This has to go, too," she whispered, undoing the western buckle and pulling the belt from its loops.

Erin reached for the shorter woman hovering over her body. Pulling her down, their mouths met in a slow kiss. Hands slowly pulled open the button-fly jeans causing Erin to meet blue eyes. "I thought we were taking a nap."

"We will, but I just want to make sure you're comfortable first," Emily replied, pulling the green knit shirt her girlfriend was wearing out of her jeans by the hem. Hands began to roam along the hard body.

Erin gulped at Emily's advances. They had not made love in the six months they had been back together, even though they had become familiar with each other's bodies once again, but it was getting harder for her to keep her resolve. She wanted the blonde desperately, but she also knew to have her would mean to give of herself completely. Even though she felt she was ready, she wanted the moment to be a special one. Right then they would be rushed at best, so she put her hands on top of her girlfriend's. "I think we should go to sleep," she suggested.

Blue eyes met brown. I can tell you want this. What's stopping you, Erin? I had hoped we would be beyond this by now. Without a word, Emily just nodded and removed her wandering hands from Erin's body. She lied down with her head on the brunette's shoulder and an arm around her waist. Erin could tell that the blonde was displeased that she had to stop, but she didn't know what to say just then that hadn't already been discussed several times. Instead she just wrapped her strong arms around her beloved, trying to express her love with the embrace as Emily drifted off to sleep.

When they awoke from their nap several hours later, it was obvious Emily was not over what had happened right before they drifted to sleep. She was quiet and withdrawn as she prepared for Margaret's bachelorette party. Erin in turn decided silence was best just then as she also got ready for her own party. The couple drove silently to Jared and Margaret's house for cocktails with all the other guests. As soon as they walked in the door, they wandered in different directions to talk to various people.

When Margaret saw Emily headed her way, she smiled and opened her arms to embrace her. "Here's my favorite future sister-in-law. How are you?"

"Fine," Emily answered with a smile that didn't quiet reach her usually sparkling eyes. "I can't believe this day has come. You and Jared are finally doing it."

"I know. As soon as it's over, I'm going to have to work on Erin's and your wedding."

Emily shrugged. "I'm not so sure about that. She has to ask me first, and I have to say yes."

The older woman looked at the blonde carefully. Excusing the two of them from the rest of the group of women around them, she took Emily by the hand and led her out to the back deck for privacy. "What's the matter? Did something happen?"

The blonde shook her head. "Nothing happened."

"Then what has you upset?"

"It's nothing. We shouldn't be talking about me. This night is about you and Jared. We should be celebrating."

Margaret shook her head. "No. I want to know what's wrong, Emily. You're family, and that's more important than anything."

"I don't know. It's kind of silly. The last six months have been great, but I've kept thinking about what you said about Erin and me, about us being engaged by your wedding. I guess a part of me hoped that really would happen, but I know it won't. It's too soon. Erin's not ready."

"What makes you think Erin's not ready?"

Emily looked through the glass door that separated them from the rest of the company as she weighed her options on what to tell Margaret. Finally she decided to go with the truth. "We haven't made love once since we got back together, and every time I try to initiate something, she holds us back. She said she wanted us to wait until we were sure. I'm sure, Margaret, but I have to assume she isn't by the way she acts."

Margaret wrapped her arms around Emily. "Have I ever given you wrong advice when it comes to Erin?" she asked.

"No. You've always been right about her."

"Then I have to ask you to trust me when I say that she's ready. She loves you, and she wants to be with you. She's just waiting for the right moment. Give her a chance, Emily. Give her an opportunity to do this her way. It'll come. I promise you."

The blonde nodded as the two women hugged. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, let's go back inside. Tonight we're going to have some fun, and you're going to forget all about Erin for awhile."

The cocktail party only lasted for about an hour before the groups departed for their own parties. For the women, first was a lavish dinner followed by bar hopping at the most exclusive places in Dallas. Emily did her best to put Erin from her mind. She enjoyed Margaret, the female Mahoney cousins, and the rest of the dean's friends. She had often thought Erin's female cousins were more reserved than the men, but she realized that night that it was only in comparison to their male counterparts. The Mahoney women were serious partiers as well, and when it came out what the issue was between Erin and Emily that night, the Mahoneys were as determined to nullify the blonde's pain with liquor as they were to inebriate Margaret in celebration of her big day.

As for Jared's party, they all went for more practical food at a rowdy restaurant full of scantily-clad women. Then they went to see a Texas Rangers baseball game before finishing off the night as strip clubs until the early hours of the morning.

When Jared and Erin were dropped off at his house around dawn, both of them stumbled up the pathway to the door. They were laughing as they fell all over each other in an effort to hold their balance. Getting to the door, Jared struggled to open the lock with his key, but they finally managed to make their way inside. The house was quiet as they went toward the kitchen. Jared went immediately to get some aspirin for them to take while Erin dug out water. Together they downed lots of both.

"I really should get home," Erin mentioned. "I bet Emily's wondering where I am."

"You can't drive right now. You should stay here and sleep it off. She wouldn't want you on the road."

"I'll call her to come get me," she said, reaching for the phone. Calling her house, she didn't get an answer. Deciding to try the blonde's cell phone, she heard it ring. However, another phone in the house rang simultaneously. She found that unusual, so she tried again when she got Emily's voicemail, only to have the same thing happen. Finally on the third try, she followed the ringing to the living room where she saw her girlfriend's purse on the coffee table. "Maybe she spent the night, too," she said to Jared as she came back to the kitchen to hang up the phone. "Her purse is here."

"Come on. We're not going to be any good later today if we don't get some sleep. You're staying for awhile."

Together they made their way upstairs. Erin checked the first couple of guest rooms until she stumbled upon Emily asleep in bed. Going into that room, Erin pulled off her clothes and climbed into bed with the attorney. Emily didn't even stir at first. Slipping arms around her, Erin noticed that the blonde was naked under the covers. It instantly stirred her passions. Leaning down she kissed her on the neck. Emily moaned lightly in her sleep.

"Erin," she mumbled sleepily, reaching for her lover.

"I'm right here, Emily," she whispered, leaning for her lips. Their mouths connected in a powerful kiss that woke Emily. It took her a moment to realize what was happening to her. She and Erin were in bed naked together, and the brunette was kissing her in wantonness. She moaned at the feeling of need that passed from her girlfriend's body into her own. She wanted Erin desperately, but at that moment she realized the woman in her bed was more intoxicated than she had ever seen her, and it caused her to pull back enough to control her own desires.

"Easy there, Super Dyke," she whispered, rolling them over, so Erin was on her back.

Erin's hands ran through her girlfriend's long blonde hair to hold it back from her face as they continued to kiss. "You are so beautiful, Emily. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Erin," she replied, continuing to kiss the brunette while she settled her against the pillow and pulled the covers around her.

"I want to make love to you until we both pass out," Erin whispered.

"That sounds good," Emily answered, smiling with some amusement as her girlfriend's eyes stared to flutter closed. She could tell Erin was fighting it, but Emily did her best to facilitate the process. She stroked Erin's dark hair and kissed over her face lightly until she felt arms that held her go slack. Erin had indeed passed out. Emily chuckled lightly. She hadn't really expected Erin to drifted off so soon. Looking down at the woman underneath her, she shook her head. What am I going to do with you, Super Dyke? I guess Margaret was at least right about your desires. You do want me, but this was hardly the right time. What are you thinking, Erin? Leaning down she kissed her girlfriend lightly on the lips. Snuggling down against a strong shoulder, Emily closed her eyes and was back asleep within a few minutes herself.

The house didn't stir much again until it was noon. All four adults looked tired and disheveled as they met in the kitchen for coffee. No one talked as they all nursed their caffeine in order to ward off their headaches. After a few cups each, Erin and Emily decided to go back to Erin's house to nap more before the rehearsal at the church.

By the time four o'clock arrived, Jared, Margaret, Erin, and Emily all seemed fairly normal as did the rest of the group. However, it was rather subdued for a Mahoney gathering. There wasn't as much loud chatter as usual. Everyone seemed mellower as they went through their various parts of the service to practice. Once that was complete, they went to the rehearsal dinner. By the time food and drinks were served, the Mahoney clan seemed much more like itself.

Erin smiled at Emily across the table from her after dinner. They had been seated with some of the cousins and oil executives from their firm. Emily was charming as she always was, making quite an impression on the other executives of Mahoney's business. All the men were angling for dances with her, to which she obliged them, but her eyes were never far from her beloved. Finally when Erin had seen enough, she asked her girlfriend to dance to the lively western music.

"You really are doing a number on the executives, you know."

"It's business."

"Drumming some up business for Johnston Brown, are we?"

"I'm trying to. Although I think they are bit more intrigued that I'm with you than that I'm an EVP at Johnston Brown."

"What makes you think that?"

"I can just tell. They're envious of you. They want what you have, and that includes me," she teased.

"Well, what's not to want when it comes to you? You're absolutely perfect in every way. They'll take you seriously in time. Trust me. It took me a while to break through, because I was just a former beauty queen, but they came to respect me and my ideas. They'll give you the same respect, but it takes time. Right now they just see you as a flawless piece of ass, and let's face it. You do have a flawless ass," she joked.

Emily flushed and laughed as she smacked her girlfriend in the shoulder for the remark. "Well, just in case they get any ideas, you better mark your territory now," she suggested.

"And just how should I do that?" Erin asked, playing along in the game. She was intrigued to know what Emily might come up with. She was certain she'd like it.

"Kiss me."

"That's it?"

She shook her head. "Kiss me in such a way that it makes everyone in this room stop and stare. Kiss me like you want to rip off my clothes and take me right now."

"My parents are here," Erin stated.

"So? Come on, Erin. You know you want to," enticed Emily, running her hands up into Erin's dark hair.

That was all it took. The tall woman stopped their dance as she swooped down to claim Emily's lips in a searing lock. The attorney moaned at the brutal assault on her mouth. It was all she could do to hold on to the strong body against her own as her lips were devoured like Erin wanted the world to know exactly to whom Emily Parker belonged, and it was only the chorus of catcalls from the rowdy Mahoney cousins that finally broke them from their embrace.

"How was that, Ms. Parker?" Erin whispered with a smile.

Emily couldn't even answer at first. She was completely overwhelmed with what she had just felt from her lover. She knew her knees would have collapsed had Erin not been holding on to her. Finally though she managed a smile. "It makes me want a lot more," she replied.

"Me too."

"There's no way we can sneak out of here, is there?"

Erin shook her head. "Unfortunately not. Not only am I the sister of the groom, I'm the best man. People would notice if we go missing to go make out in the coat closet."

"How do your executives look after that?"

"I've never seen as many disenchanted cowboys in my life. I'm afraid your allure is gone."

"I only need to be alluring to you."

"And that you are," she growled, leaning to kiss her once again.

That night when the couple made it home they were both tired. The lack of sleep and the hangovers from the morning had caught up with both of them. They got prepared for bed early and watched a movie in bed until they fell asleep.

On Saturday they awoke later than usual. Jared and Margaret's service wasn't until the afternoon, but Erin was needed for most of the day, and Emily was more than willing to assist her with all her last minute projects. Both of them were so busy that neither had time to dress for the service until it was closer to time, forcing them to bring their outfits to the church. They snuck into where Margaret and the rest of her bridal party were dressing to change their clothes.

Margaret smiled when she saw the two of them. "Just the ladies I wanted to see," she said, coming over to them. Hugging them both she said, "I just want to thank the both of you for everything you've done for Jared and me the last few days. We couldn't have done it without either of you."

"It's our pleasure. Anything for my sister-in-law," Erin answered with a smile. "We just have to change quickly. I'm needed out there to usher."

"No problem."

"You look beautiful," Erin mentioned.

"You certainly do," Emily chimed in. "Jared is a lucky man."

"Yes, he is," Margaret teased. Looking at the blonde, she smiled once again. "Emily, I was wondering if you could do something for me. I know Erin has to go, but I really need help with Blaine. I didn't want her to get dressed until the last minute in fear that she would do something to her dress. She's in the room next door watching cartoons with Jared's parents, but she is in a mood and is refusing to change. Since Erin isn't available, I was hoping you would try to get her dressed. She adores her Aunt Emily and would do it for you. I'm sure of it."

"No problem. I'll get her dressed."

"Wonderful. Thank you so much."

Erin and Emily quickly changed before they went their separate ways. Emily went into the room next door to find Liam sitting there with his granddaughter. The little girl was obviously in a grumpy mood, but her eyes lit up when she saw Emily. Blaine rushed for the blonde's open arms.

"Well, Aunt Emily to the rescue," Liam mentioned. "Thank you. I'm a little out of my league here."

"I'll take care of it. You need to go out to see to the guests. You are the father of the groom after all."

"Thanks. You look beautiful," he complimented.

"Thank you."

"You know, I look forward to doing this again some day for you and Erin. I hope it's sooner rather than later."

"That makes two of us."

When the blonde was alone with Erin's niece, she just rocked her for a few minutes while they watched cartoons. It wasn't long until the child's mood began to improve, and then it became easier to put her in her new dress for the service. Combing her dark hair, she put in the two little barrettes she had found in the bag. You look just like your aunt as a little girl. You are going to grow up to be such a beauty, Blaine. I hope Erin and I have children as wonderful as you someday.

When it was time, Emily took Blaine to her mother and went to find a seat. Erin was waiting there to usher her into the sanctuary where she placed her next to Seamus and Natalie. The blonde just watched her beloved until Natalie's voice broke her concentration. "She looks so sexy like that. I've never known another woman who looked as good dressed in a tux as Erin Mahoney."

Emily blushed at her friend's observation. "I know. She does look sexy. Although, I have to admit the tight jeans and boots are what I like best on her, my beautiful urban cowboy."

"She's not urban yet," Seamus said. "You have to get her to agree to move to New York before she becomes urban."

"I know. I'm trying to figure out how to do that."

"Ask her to marry you. That's how you do it," Seamus said.

The attorney shook her head. "No. I'm waiting for her to ask me. That's the only way I'll know for sure that she's ready. I don't want to rush her."

"Well, you do know that the cousins haven taken bets on when that will be," Natalie confessed.

"Oh, I know. Margaret already told me. Out of curiosity, Seamus, what date did you choose?"

He smiled. "Seven months in. I learned to take my cues from Jared. With Margaret advising him on Erin, I figured I put my wager closer to his. She's good at betting on Erin. Jared said she called it when you two were going to get together, but he refused to listen, thinking he knew his sister better. He lost a $100 for that mistake."

"Seven months, huh? That would leave us another month to go."

He nodded. "I know Erin wants to ask you, but I just don't see her doing it quite yet. Of course Jared's bet is on this weekend."

"Well, there's no ring on my finger yet," Emily answered, waving her left hand in gesture.

"Still I'm getting a little nervous about it. Margaret is convinced it's coming before you go back to New York."

"We'll see. It's only Saturday. She has until Tuesday morning to be right."

"I think she's right," Natalie chimed in.

"What makes you so sure?" Seamus inquired.

"A woman just knows these things, honey," she said with a smile for him and a squeeze to her friend's hand. "Erin will be a lucky woman if you say yes."

"Of course she's going to say yes," he stated as if it was obvious. However, when Emily didn't answer, he looked at her. "You are going to say yes, aren't you?"

She smiled. "She hasn't even asked me yet."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, none of us bet against you. No one actually thought you'd say no."

"I wouldn't say no. Both of you know me better than that, but we're not ready. We still have things to work out between us."

"Even so, I think it would be wonderful to have you officially in the clan. You've been a member for so long. It's about time Erin made an honest woman out of you," Seamus quipped.

"It would be wonderful," The blonde answered, her eyes drifting to their topic of conversation. Erin was dutifully still showing people to their seats.

When it was time for the service, the groom and his attendants all lined up at the front of the sanctuary instead of processing. Instead the parents of the bride and groom came in first followed by the bridesmaids. When Margaret's music began, all the attendees stood as was customary and turned toward the back of the sanctuary. Emily smiled when she saw Margaret wearing an elegant white dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers in one hand. In the other, she held the hand of her young daughter, and the two of them came down the aisle together. Looking toward Jared, Emily saw the obvious devotion he had for those two women as they walked toward him. Erin also gazed on in affection.

When Margaret arrived next to Jared, Erin knelt down and opened her arms to Blaine, who scampered over to her. The brunette lifted her niece with one arm and placed her against her hip, so she could see her parents taking their vows. The service didn't last long before the two were pronounced married by the minister. When it was time to process out of the sanctuary once again though, Jared turned to his sister to receive his daughter into his arms. With that the newly married couple held hands and carried their little girl down the aisle with them. Erin and Margaret's matron of honor followed closely behind with the rest of the bridal party in slow succession.

The reception was a dinner affair with an opulent buffet and bar for all the guests. Everyone had a wonderful time visiting and celebrating the long-awaited marriage of Jared and Margaret. Playing the part of Jared's best man, Erin had to propose a toast to the two of them, so just before the wedding cake was served, she hushed the audience before her. Looking out over the crowd she smiled before turning to her brother and sister-in-law.

"You know, when I was a little girl, Jared and I didn't always get along. We got in the typical sibling fights, and he generally regarded me as a pest while I regarded him as a bully. However, then something happened. I went off to college, and our relationship changed. I began to appreciate him for what he truly was. He was the older brother everyone wish they had. He's kind and protective. He has always supported me in all aspects of my life. For the last decade, I began to wonder if he would ever settle down. He and I both have both run on the wild side, but I did always hope he would find a woman that would complement him and love him for the man that he was. And a few years ago, my wish for his perfect companion came true. Margaret came into his life, and she has had an amazing effect on my brother. She gave his life focus and purpose in a way he had never had it before, and through their love for each other, they brought a beautiful child into the world. I should have known my brother would do things backwards," she joked, receiving a chuckle from the crowd. "Anyway, I just wanted to take a moment to thank Margaret for choosing my brother for her soul mate. He's a better man for it, and even though you have been a member of the Mahoney clan for years, it's my job now to officially welcome to this rowdy brood. I know that the two of you will be blissfully happy together, and I hope that we all can learn something about love and relationships through your example. I wish you all the best for the future and may you bless me with more nieces or nephews," she joked, raising her glass to them.

When Erin went to hug the two of them when her toast was complete, Margaret leaned to her ear and whispered, "I hope to be doing this for you and Emily soon."

Erin just smiled at her. "Soon," she promised.

Erin and Emily stayed at the reception late that night. The blonde was surprised when she found out Erin wasn't taking care of Blaine while Jared and Margaret went on their honeymoon. Instead Margaret's parents had taken on the duty. Emily had felt for sure Erin would have been the first choice for such a job.

When she asked her girlfriend about it on their way back to Erin's city house, Erin just smiled and replied, "I can't take care of her all the time. Others deserve to have a chance with her. Besides I wanted to spend some time alone with you."

"Oh? Do you have big plans for us?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. Tomorrow afternoon we're going down to the ranch after we finish doing family stuff in town. I'm taking you on a horseback ride and an evening picnic to one of my favorite spots on my property. We're going to relax if it kills us."

"That sounds good. We have been rushed these past few days. I don't feel like I've gotten any rest at all."

"Well, we get to sleep in tomorrow morning before we're expected at my parents' house for brunch with the rest of the family. After that, we have to take some people to the airport. Then it'll just be a day and a half of only the two of us."

"I like the sound of that."

"Me too," Erin replied, taking her girlfriend's hand as they drove home.

The following day as Erin had explained, they had family duties to deal with before they headed out to the ranch. Erin took their bags up to the master bedroom for them, and then they changed for the ride each of them was eager to take. Heading out to the barn, both women saddled their horses. Erin had taught Emily the proper way months ago when the brunette had taken her out for her first ride, but the Texan still double checked her work before they headed out of the barn.

Together they rode to Erin's favorite spot on her ranch. It was at the far side of her property where a small grove of trees stood by a stream. The trees provided just enough shade from the late summer sun that they could spread out the blanket they had brought with them and relax. The two women dined on a light dinner fare of assorted finger foods and wine as they just looked out over the plains.

Emily looked down at her girlfriend who was semi-reclined on the blanket, propped up on one elbow. Erin was dressed as the blonde liked her best. Her feet were adorned with a pair of brown cowboy boots, and her legs encased in snug jeans. She had on the large silver belt buckle she normally wore and tight white t-shirt that was wet with perspiration in some places. On her head was one of her straw cowboy hats. Erin's gaze was off on something in the distance, allowing Emily to just stare at her. She never tired of it.

Finally Erin raised her hand and pointed into the distance. "Check that out. A summer storm is headed this way."

Emily looked to where the brunette had pointed. Dark ominous clouds were billowing on the horizon. "Should we go back?"

The brunette shook her head. "No, not yet. This is a real treat. You get to see a Texas lighting storm. Look at those huge thunderheads. There's going to be a big storm tonight. I bet we lose power."

Emily just watched the storm swept across the sky. She had never taken the time to watch a storm develop, but she found it just as intriguing as Erin seemed to. Bolts of lighting could be seen splintering across the sky followed by tremendous booms of thunder. However, there was no rain at first. It was fascinating to watch. Just behind that though, she noticed the larger front that carried rain. It seemed to be moving quickly across the plains. "Are you sure we shouldn't go back?" she asked.

Erin looked at her and smiled. "Are you afraid you're going to melt?" she teased.

"No. I just would rather not get drenched is all."

"All right. Let's go back then. The horses would be better off in the barn when the storm gets here anyway. Come on."

Together they packed up their belongings and rode back to the barn. They just made it in before the rain began to fall against the roof. Both women took the tack off the horses and brushed them before getting them settled for the evening. However, then Erin looked out the open barn door. Rain was coming down in a cascade. She was just contemplating her options when she felt arms slide around her from behind.

"Looks like a bad one," Emily mentioned. "Do you think it will last long?"

"Yeah. Probably all night and into tomorrow." Erin felt hands run along the front of her torso from her chest down her stomach and over her buckle to the fly of her jeans. Emily kissed her back through her shirt.

"Whatever will we do with our time?" Emily whispered.

Erin chuckled as she turned in the embrace. "Don't you be getting any funny ideas now. I don't want to scandalize the horses," she said with a one-sided grin.

"Oh, a little kissing never hurt those horses before," the blonde said, lacing her fingers around the nape of her girlfriend's neck. Fingertips played with the edges of the short dark hair. They just gazed at each other fondly for a moment. "Kiss me, cowboy," the attorney finally demanded.

Erin complied, leaning down to meet the blonde's pink lips in a gentle exchange. The tenderness didn't last long as both let their desires begin to surface. Wrapping each other more securely in the embrace, their mouths connected again, only this time with more fervency. The women moaned as hands began to roam. Erin couldn't help herself. She had refrained from sex for far too long that the feeling of Emily just then put her at the edge of privation. She needed the blonde. She needed to be reconnected with her intimately. The time had come to make their reunion complete. However, she knew she wasn't about to initiate things in the barn and pulled back enough to take a breath and calm herself long enough for them to make it back to the house.

Emily wouldn't be dissuaded just yet though, as she pulled Erin back for more. She couldn't stand it. The six months they had been back together had been torturous. She had wanted Erin so desperately, but she had been determined to wait as long as Erin needed to. However, just then it seemed like that wait was over. Erin was not holding back in any way. "Do you think we should make a run for it?" Emily inquired softly through her kissing.

"It's the only way we're going to get back to the house any time soon," Erin mumbled in reply.

"Then let's go for it. I don't want to be stuck out here another moment."

Nodding in agreement, Erin led the way out of the barn. Quickly she secured the door before taking her girlfriend by the hand. The two of them ran hand in hand as fast as they could back toward the house. They were completely drenched by the time they reached the patio door, but they were both laughing playfully at the predicament as they stumbled inside.

Immediately Emily went back to kissing on her girlfriend with obvious intent as they shuffled their way over to the sofa. The blonde pushed Erin back onto it and covered her long toned body with her own smaller one. Emily tossed Erin's cowboy hat over the back of the sofa before her hands went for the belt buckle. Quickly it was opened and the t-shirt untucked. "Time for the infamous boots," she mumbled with a flash of her blue eyes.

Erin smiled. "You know I only take those off to make love and go to bed."

"Oh, I know, and I hope we're going to do both," she responded, kissing her girlfriend's neck.

At the declaration, Erin gave a big sigh. Her hands went to Emily's and stilled them from their wandering. Dark eyes made contact with blue ones. "Emily, wait," she whispered seriously.

Immediately Emily stilled herself on top of Erin's body. Oh no. This was going so well. What went wrong? "What's the matter?"

"I just need to wait a minute here. There's just something I need to say." Her hand left Emily's and drifted into the right front pocket of her jeans, but it returned momentarily with a small box. Erin placed it on her chest and looked into blue eyes once again.

Oh my God. This is it. Margaret was right. Instead of saying that though, she merely asked, "Are you comfortable like this? Do you want me to move?"

Erin shook her head and smiled. "No. I think this is the perfect position, me flat on my back pinned in helpless surrender." She took both of Emily's hands in her own again. "Emily, I love you. I have loved you for such a long time, and I couldn't imagine my life without you. I know you're what has been missing. I want to be the woman you want me to be, the woman I know I can be with you. It would be a great pleasure for me if you and I could be together always. I want to be with you every moment of every day possible, and I want to have children with you. I want to live with you raising our kids and enjoying our grandchildren when the time comes. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you if you'll have me. Please, Emily. Will you marry me?"

Emily smiled down at her beloved. Totally forgetting the ring, she grabbed Erin by the shoulders and hugged her strongly. "Oh my God, yes. Yes, I'll marry you, Erin. I love you so much. I've always hoped for this," she exclaimed, barraging her lover with kisses.

Erin smiled as they kissed for several moments. Finally when the excitement waned and reality set in a little, she asked, "Do you want me to put on your ring on you now?"

"Oh, I almost forgot about that. Of course. I'd love you to." Emily sat back once again, revealing the ring box still sitting on Erin's chest. The brunette slowly opened it and took out the ring. Taking the blonde's left hand, she slipped it on the appropriate finger. Emily looked down at the ring adorning her ring finger. It was a five stone diamond ring with a platinum band. "My God. It's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Now I'm going to have to get you something just as nice."

"You don't have to."

"But I want to. Don't worry. I won't make it too girly. I just want you to have something that lets everyone know that you're mine," Emily teased, leaning to kiss her fiancée again.

"Well, I can live with that," answered Erin. Pausing for a moment, she softly said, "And now for the best part."

"What's that?"

"I get to make love with you all night long," Erin whispered sensuously.

The tone of her lover's voice sent a shiver through Emily. She had waited for this moment for such a long time, and she was more than ready to consummate the new phase of their relationship. Meeting dark eyes with her own, she whispered, "Take me to bed, Super Dyke."

Both women sat up and eased themselves from the sofa. Leaning down, Erin grabbed Emily by the waist and hoisted her up, so they were on the same eye level. Immediately the blonde's legs wrapped themselves around Erin's waist. They started to kiss again as they made their way over to the stairs. The tall Texan easily walked them up to the master bedroom and sat her package at the foot of the bed.

"You are so beautiful," she whispered, running her hands through wet blonde hair. "I love you so much, Em."

"I love you, too, Erin." She reached her hands to her lover's drenched white t-shirt and slowly raised it by the hem. Erin allowed her to remove it. A quick flick of the clasp of her bra and it was gone as well, leaving Erin naked from the waist up. Blue eyes met brown. Emily had to focus on her breathing for a moment. She was so excited to finally be able to know her lover completely once again, but she knew a long night awaited them. She remembered that Erin would able to go all night just as she promised, and the thought made her ache all the more. Moving her hands over the naked frame in front of her, Emily just massaged the skin. She saw Erin's pulse begin to quicken in the side of her neck as the older woman struggled to retain normal breathing as well. Emily smiled at how responsive and open Erin was, far more than she had ever seen her. Dropping her hands to her lover's waist, she bypassed the open belt and pulled open the button-fly jeans. Then with her hands she pushed the material and all she had on underneath down toned legs. The wet denim clung to Erin's skin, forcing Emily to have to bend over slightly to push it down until it pooled at her ankles over her cowboy boots. Emily gently pushed Erin into a sitting position against the edge of the bed and knelt before her to pull off her boots. Within a few moments the brunette was completely naked just sitting in a relaxed pose.

Emily stood in front of her once again. When her fiancée's hands reached for her, she shook them off. Instead without a word, she placed a booted foot on Erin's thigh. The tall woman took the direction and removed it and the sock that went with it before the process was repeated with the other foot. Then she just looked back into blue eyes and waited. Emily was clearly in control, and Erin wanted to oblige her lover. Erin just watched in rapt fascination as Emily slowly began to undress herself. Slowly Emily released the buttons of her cotton blouse before easing the material from her shoulders. Her jeans followed, so she stood there in merely her matching undergarments.

Erin's patience was obviously waning as dark eyes flashed in wanton at the sight. Without asking, she raised her hands and placed them on her fiancée's hips to bring her closer. Her mouth kissed along the blonde's stomach as her fingers unclasp the bra that shielded her eyes from what she so desperately wanted to see. Then they moved back to Emily's hips to remove the final article of clothing. When Emily was naked, Erin pulled her body down on top of her own. Both of them groaned.

"You feel so good," Emily whispered.

"So do you, Emily. My God. I love you so much."

"I love you too, and I'm going to make you so happy."

"You already do."

Blue eyes flashed excitedly. "You haven't seen anything yet," the attorney promised.

"Then show me. Take me. I'm yours," Erin offered, gazing deeply into blue eyes.

Oh God. How I've longed for you to say those words, Erin. And now you have. Now you're mine for always. Taking on the loving challenge, Emily leaned down to kiss her lover thoroughly. Erin just hung on, allowing Emily to lead them. The blonde took her time. She wanted to enjoy this moment to its fullest. Never had she been able to be so close to Erin. The feeling of it was almost overwhelming. Kissing her way down the brunette's neck, her hands took in the landscape of Erin's chest. Erin moaned with satisfaction at the gentle pace. "You are so sexy. You're the most attractive woman I have ever known," Emily whispered.

"I'm nothing compared to you, love." Emily kissed down Erin's chest until her mouth found its mark. Erin groaned deeply as her lover explored the crest of her left breast exhaustively. She had never allowed Emily that close, but it felt so good to be able to let go with the woman she loved the most. "Don't forget the other one," she moaned, pressing the blonde head closer.

"Never. I'm not going to forget anything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy."

"I'm doing that. It feels incredible."

Long minutes passed with Emily continuing in her task between her lover's breasts. Her right hand drifted lower, first taking in Erin's left hip and then skimming across her scar from where she had been shot. Finally it came to rest in a place she had never been. Emily whimpered when she felt how warm and wet her fiancée was at her touch. It was beyond any fantasy she had ever had about feeling the strong Texan.

"Erin," she whispered.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

Eyes met. "Thank you for being mine."

"You're the only one I could ever truly belong to, Emily."

Blue eyes studied brown as Emily made their connection complete. Erin's eyes fluttered closed as she moaned deeply at the feeling. Emily paused to remember the moment completely. Erin's surrender was absolute. She held nothing back from Emily. Overcome with emotions, Emily began to cry.

The sound brought Erin's eyes open once again. "Are you all right?"

The attorney nodded. "I just always dreamed of this moment. You've made all my dreams come true."

"Well, in that case, we'll have to start dreaming together, won't we?" Emily nodded. With a characteristic grin, Erin then requested, "Now would you please make love to me? I've been waiting all my life for this moment, for you, Emily."

The blonde nodded and acquiesced with delight. Going back to task, she focused on Erin's pleasure. Together they moved slowly. Erin was completely open to her lover's explorations of her body. She encouraged Emily onward as she made a methodical ascent. Emily did all the things she dreamed of, touching and tasting Erin to her heart's content. Holding her closely, she tenderly took her fiancée to the edge of oblivion and beyond, and it wasn't until Erin begged for a reprieve that they paused.

"My God. You really were worth all the waiting. I'm thrilled to know those talents belong to only me from here on out," Erin said with a chuckle.

Emily laughed lightly. "They're yours any time you want them."

"Oh, I'm already wanting them again, but I think it's time for me to stop just lying around on my back and return some favors," she whispered seductively. Kissing her lover, Erin gently turned them, so Emily was on her back.

Emily moaned as she clung to the body above hers. "This is just as I always wanted it to be. You feel so good."

"I'm glad. Now it's my turn to render you helpless."

Erin took an orderly approach starting at the top of her lover's head. She flooded Emily with adoring kisses, leaving no inch of skin uncovered all the way down the front side of her frame. Resting her head between Emily's thighs, she took her time, rendering her talents on the blonde's body. She loved to see the blonde quiver at her touch. It was magical the first time she had ever seen it, and the sight had haunted her through the years they had been apart. However, now Emily would be hers forever. It was what she had wanted for a long time.

"I love you," she whispered.

"Oh, Erin, I love you," Emily cried, gripping tighter to brown hair as Erin bestowed the intimacy she had craved for so long.

Erin lingered long enough to evoke several climaxes from her fiancée before making her way back up Emily's body. She smiled at the blonde and received a smile in return. Kissing the attorney's lips gently, she sunk into the depths of bliss for both of them. She kept perfect time with the rocking of Emily's hips. The leisurely pace started to turn more frantic as time passed until they were both straining to reach that pinnacle. When it came, it rendered Emily depleted for a moment.

Neither spoke as they just lied there trying to catch their breath. Erin closed her eyes and just allowed herself to feel the body beneath hers and the hands along her back and in her hair. It was the essence of contentment. She felt she had come home after being away her entire life. Emily Parker had held the key all along, but she had finally embraced her rightful place in the arms of her beloved.

Long into the night the two reacquainted themselves with each other. It was heavenly to finally know the other and to be united in the intention of marriage. It was what both of them had wanted. Finally when exhaustion overtook them, they lied curled up together in the large bed. Emily's gaze floated out the French doors of the balcony. The light of a new day was just coming over the horizon. She sighed.

I love you, Erin. You are everything I always wanted, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. You are my life, my love, my Super Dyke.

Continued...