Chapter 12

On the evening of Lola’s twenty-ninth birthday, Drew didn’t go to the house as normal. Kate had agreed to watch the children, so Drew could make dinner for Lola at Drew’s place. Knowing that Drew was going to reveal her feelings to the young woman that night, she set about trying to make the house look perfect. Hoping that her words might inspire the blonde to move to action, Drew put sheets on the childhood bed of her sweetheart, remembering a time when Kate had banned them from any physical activities in her home and chortling at the prospect of breaking that rule after all these years.

Moving into the living room, she lit the candles she had strategically placed for a romantic mood. Leaving her guitar propped up against the couch, she set the vase of red roses on the coffee table. Next she went into the dining room to make sure the table was set perfectly and that the white roses matched her place settings before lighting those candles as well. Finally knowing everything was just as she wanted it to be, she focused on her outfit. Even though part of her wanted to dress up for the occasion, she knew Lola liked her better in her jeans, so she slipped on her tightest pair before tucking in the flannel shirt she knew Lola liked the best. Sliding her boots on, Drew went into the bathroom to spray herself with the cologne Lola had given her last Christmas. Drew inspected herself in the mirror, playing with her gray hair momentarily. It had grown out a bit since being in the hospital, but it wasn’t back to its original chin length. Nevertheless Drew wasn’t going to let her bad hair ruin her excitement as she went back into the kitchen to check on the progress of dinner.

Exactly at eight, the doorbell rang. Knowing it was Lola, Drew scurried over to the coffee table to swipe one of the roses from the vase before going to the door. Opening it she gave Lola her most charming smile. “Hi. Come on in.”

Lola smiled back as she walked through the door. Drew closed it behind her. “Happy birthday, Lola.” Drew said presenting her with the flower.

“Thank you, Drew.” Lola whispered blushing slightly as she took the rose. Looking around the living room, Lola sensed something was up with her wife as she took in the atmosphere of candles, flowers, and sensual, soft Latin music.

“Come sit down.” Drew instructed taking Lola by the hand and leading her to the couch. “Dinner is almost ready. Would you like something to drink? Wine perhaps?”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

Drew went into the kitchen and poured two glasses before coming to sit next to Lola on the sofa. “We have about five minutes until we eat. How are the kids?”

“They’re good. They were so cute today. I think someone told them it was my birthday and maybe helped them make me cards and gifts.” she lightly accused.

“Maybe.” Drew answered with a smile.

“Well, you should’ve seen them. They were on their best behavior all day.”

“I see you’re wearing the jewelry they gave you.” Drew mentioned lightly fingering the tri-colored macaroni necklace.

“Of course. They suggested I wear it when I told them you were taking me to a nice dinner.”

“Well, it does match your sweater perfectly.” Drew stated teasingly, touching the arm of Lola’s red cashmere sweater. Lola looked at Drew shyly as she placed her hand on top of the sheriff’s. Neither spoke for a few moments as they just gazed at each other, but the buzzing of the timer broke them apart. “That’s dinner. Why don’t I show you to your seat, and then I’ll bring it out?” Drew suggested escorting Lola to the dining room table. Drew held the chair out for the young woman and then once Lola was situated went to retrieve the food.

As Drew placed the two plates on the table, Lola grinned. “Wow. I’m really impressed, Drew. This is quite a meal.” she mentioned.

“Anything for you, Lola.” Drew stated with a smile at her companion. Raising her glass she toasted, “To you on your birthday. May it be full of wonderful surprises.” The meal conversation centered around the children as well as Drew’s work. However once the main course was finished, Drew announced that she had dessert as well. “I’ll admit that I didn’t make this myself as you’ll be able to tell, but I know how much you love chocolate.” Coming back from the kitchen, Drew set the decadent cake lit full of candles on the table before preceding to sing the traditional birthday song to her wife. “Make a wish, Mrs. Emerson-Bailey.” Drew quietly said.

Lola smiled at what Drew had called her. In her mind she wished that she could be together with Drew again in every way, and she hoped that it could start that night as she blew out her candles. Lola cut two pieces of cake for them, and they ate quietly as they just looked at each other across the table. Finally when neither of them could eat any more, Lola said, “This was a fabulous dinner, Drew. Thank you so much.”

“It was my pleasure. Now I have a gift for you.” Drew mentioned taking the small box off the seat next to her and putting it on the table. “I hope this doesn’t overshadow the present the kids gave you.”

“You didn’t have to do this. Dinner was enough.” Lola said as she began to unwrap her present.

“I wanted to. You’ve been through so much this year, and I know I haven’t been easy to deal with. I wanted to do something nice.”

Lola popped open the box and looked inside. Shining in the dim light was a silver necklace with an intricate cross pendant. “This is beautiful, Drew. Thank you. It’s almost exactly like the one that I lost at the hospital when I had Emma.”

“I know. I felt bad about that, because it was your favorite, so I thought you might like another.”

“Would you help me put it on?” Lola inquired holding it out to Drew.

Drew obliged coming to Lola’s side of the table and clasping it around her neck. Then extending her hand to the blonde she whispered, “Would you like to dance?”

Lola felt her heart jump into her throat at what Drew was suggesting. Even though Lola and Drew were on friendly terms, the intimacy required for dancing was almost more than Lola thought she could bear. Nevertheless she decided that it was a rare chance to feel the sheriff’s sinewy frame against her own, so she took Drew’s offered hand. Drew moved them into the living room where they had more room to move. Wrapping one arm around Lola’s tiny waist, Drew took Lola’s hand in her other. Automatically Lola slipped her arm around Drew’s shoulder as she began to move in time with the body pressed lightly into hers. Both of them were totally silent, each of them focusing on the feel of their partner.

Getting bolder as the songs passed, Drew put her other hand on Lola’s waist as she ground her hips against the blonde. Lola whimpered as her fingers lightly dug into the back of Drew’s shirt. Ducking her head into Drew’s chest, Lola felt the heart of her lover pounding in a rapid cadence, matching her own. Knowing that Drew was feeling the same, Lola risked a look up into Drew’s dark eyes. What she saw there took her breath away completely, a look of pure desire coupled with undying love. They held each other’s eyes for several songs. To Lola it was almost as if they were making love with the way their bodies moved in time together and the stare that held them captive. Finally feeling as if she might explode from the sexual tension, Lola pulled out of Drew’s arms.

“Will you excuse me for a moment? I need to use the bathroom.” she stated as evenly as possible.

Drew knew she was playing with Lola’s senses, so she acquiesced to Lola’s request to put a temporary end to their dancing. “Sure. No problem.” While Lola rushed to the bathroom, Drew went over to her guitar. Taking it out of its case, she plucked the strings to make sure they were tuned and then waited for her wife’s return, knowing that the moment of truth was upon her. When Lola came back in the room, Drew was reclined against the armrest of the couch, one foot propped on the coffee table and the guitar resting between her legs. Smiling at the blonde, she gestured to the sofa. “I have another present for you. Would you like it now?”

“All right.” Lola stated hesitantly unsure of what Drew was about to do. Drew sat upright as she strummed the guitar a few times to calm her nerves, but Lola broke her concentration by asking, “When did you learn to play the guitar?”

“That’s the one good thing about losing my memory. Somehow I recalled how to play. I hadn’t played since before you were born, but lately it’s been very comforting to have this guitar. When I was young, I used to write songs, and I’ve actually written you a song for your birthday, so here it goes.” nervously she explained.

“Lady, if you care for me Then let me know That you care for me, sweet lady And that you’ll care for me the rest of your life That’s what I’d like to hear I don’t mean to be a bore but I was hoping you would know what Just what you feel girl, what you feel inside And the reason I’m insisting ‘Cause my heart just needs convincing That you care Before I ask you to be my Lady, lady, lady For the rest of our lives Can you take forever Till the end of our time Lady, lady Say you’ll be mine Always, my lady For the rest of our lives Lady, will you please grant me My miracle And say you’ll be my lady And cherish me till the day we die That’s what I need to hear I’m not even sure you know What I feel inside, nor how much How much I love you, you’re my whole life And the reason why I pressure You, because I need to measure How you feel Before I ask you to be my Lady, lady, lady For the rest of our lives Can you take forever Till the end of our time Lady, lady Say you’ll be mine Always, my lady For the rest of our lives If there’s one thing I know Girl I’m sure how much I love you But I’m not quite sure you’re feeling The same Could you please let me know If I do anything for you, oh lady Could you let me Know right away Lady, lady, lady For the rest of our lives Can you take forever Till the end of our time Lady, lady Say you’ll be mine Always, my lady For the rest of our lives”

As Drew ended the song, she met Lola’s hazel eyes that were shedding tears. “That was the most beautiful song I ever heard, Drew.” she whispered.

Drew put her guitar down and reached for the woman she loved. Bringing her into her arms, she whispered, “Lola, I remember everything, everything that matters. I remember you, and I remember us. I love you so much, Lola Emerson-Bailey, my precious wife and mother of my children. You are the light of my life, and I want to be with you again, Lola, the way we always were meant for each other. I want to be your best friend, your lover, and your wife if you will take me back into your life forever.” Drew paused to tenderly wipe the tears from her beloved’s face.

“Oh, Drew. I love you too. I’ve never stopped, and I want you back with me. I married you for life, for better or worse, and I’ll never let you go. I’m yours forever.” Drew smiled as she leaned in to give Lola a soft kiss. Both of them moaned as their lips merged, reuniting their bodies after such an extended absence. “Oh God, Drew.” Lola whimpered. “This is what I wished for tonight.”

Drew grinned against Lola’s lips. She knew that would be what Lola wanted, which is why she waited for this special moment. Dropping her voice to a sexy tone, she inquired, “Are there any other wishes I could make come true, baby?” Drew’s mouth trailed to Lola’s neck as one of her hands slid under the blonde’s sweater to her lace-covered breast.

Lola moaned, dropping her head back to allow Drew further access. “Make love to me, Drew. I need you inside of me to feel whole again.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Drew replied scooping the young woman up in her arms as they continued to exchange methodical kisses. Taking them into Lola’s old room, Drew placed her gently on the bed. Giving Lola a reassuring smile, Drew began to remove the necklace their children made saying, “We wouldn’t want anything to happen to this priceless piece.”

Lola grinned at her partner as she began to unbutton Drew’s shirt. “God, you still are one of the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. I love undressing you.”

“Well, that’s good, because I love undressing you as well.” she mentioned slipping Lola’s sweater over her head before starting on the zipper of her black slacks. They took their time removing each other’s clothing, kissing and caressing every piece of skin as it was revealed. Once they were naked, Lola spread her thighs inviting Drew’s body into the place they both knew she belonged. When Drew’s frame slid between Lola’s legs, the blonde wrapped all four of her limbs around Drew’s body, bringing them together tightly. Drew regarded her lover fondly stroking back her blonde hair as she murmured, “You look so beautiful like this.”

Lola flushed as she caressed Drew’s face. “I love you so much it hurts inside, Drew. Never leave me again.”

“Never again.” Drew promised with a smile as she leaned down to kiss her lover adoringly.

Leisurely they explored each other’s bodies as if it was the first time. Drew kissed every inch of Lola’s form, tasting and savoring the salt of the tears rolling from Lola’s hazel eyes and sweat of her body as Drew directed her slowly to fulfillment. Staring intently into Lola’s eyes, Drew watched as her lover peaked. Allowing the blonde a moment to relish in it, Drew gave her a loving smile. “You know, I was right. Watching you like this really is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

Lola gave her a content grin. “Well, I think we have a difference of opinion, Drew, because I think the most beautiful thing is watching you.” she stated as began to return the love Drew had bestowed upon her. Hours later they were lying in each others arms relaxing from their passionate exertion. Drew was on her back with Lola lying partly on top of her. Drew’s fingers were idly caressing the skin of Lola’s back as her other hand played with her wife’s fair locks. Lola’s head was nestled in the crook of Drew’s neck, one of her arms cradling the sheriff’s head as she traced a random pattern over Drew’s naked shoulder and chest. “Drew, may I ask you something?” she whispered, breaking the stillness. “When did your memories come back to you?” Lola felt the rumble of Drew’s chest as the older woman laughed softly.

“I knew you would ask that. It was actually that day I came over early to fix the kids breakfast. Melissa was there, and I was insanely jealous. That was my first clue that something was happening to me. Then when you were being a little temptress on the rug in front of the kids, I recalled our first time together but what really made it click was the tape.”

“I knew it. I knew you couldn’t resist watching that. Well, I guess I should be glad that it all came back to you even though it took a porno to make it happen.” she teased.

“Actually, Lola, it’s not what you think. Have you ever watched that tape?”

“No. I really never felt the need to watch myself on video. It was for you, not me.”

“Well, after the second segment of us, we accidentally left the tape running, and what happened after that is what unlocked everything.”

“What’s on there?”

“Us lying in each other’s arms after making love and just talking about our life together, and then there’s a point in which Libby started crying, so you brought her back into our bedroom to breast feed her. You and I were both still naked, but I held you as you fed her, and I played with her blonde hair and stroked your arm lightly. We just talked to her. It really was so moving, and as I watched us together like that, it all snapped into place like all the pieces finally fitting together. Of course after you put her back in bed, we made love a second time but it was more gentle and giving than the first. It perfectly captured the essence of who we were together, Lola, and I knew that we were meant to be a couple. It was the best thing that has happened to me since the accident. I was so elated when it made sense, when we made sense.”

Lola sighed. “I’m relieved that it finally came back to you. It’s been so hard to deny my urges to touch and hold you. I needed you so badly. I’m glad you’ve returned.”

“Me too.” Another few minutes passes before Drew mentioned, “I guess we should probably head on home to relieve your mother of her babysitting duties. It’s late, and she has to drive all the way back to the city.”

“No, she doesn’t. She’s staying the night at the ranch.”

“But still, she shouldn’t have to watch the kids all night.”

“She wanted to. I told her you were making me dinner over here, and she insisted on staying the night with the kids just in case. I told her that I had hoped this would be a special night for us. Somehow I sensed something was up with you over the last couple of days. She’s doesn’t expect us back until morning.” Lola stated propping up on Drew’s chest and looking at her playfully. “That means we’re all alone for the rest of the night if we want to be.”

“Really?” Drew asked in interest.

“Yeah. What ever will we do with our time?” innocently the blonde inquired. “We could go to sleep.”

“Try again, baby.” Drew mumbled, nibbling Lola’s ear.

“Um, well, we could watch our movie.” she suggested, seductively meeting Drew’s lips in a probing kiss.

“Good idea, but maybe we could think of something else.” Drew whispered as her hand trailed to Lola’s breast.

Smiling as if the thought had just come to her, Lola said tantalizingly, “We could continue to defile my mother’s house like I always wanted.”

Drew grinned in approval as Lola straddled her hips and sat upright. “How about we just continue to do that right here in this warm bed?”

Lola sat on top of Drew, pretending to contemplate the offer. Her eyes strayed to her Homecoming tiara that was dangling from the headboard. Lola reached for it and placed it on top of her tousled golden head. “You know twelve years ago on the night that I won this crown, I fantasized about us just like this.” Her voice dropped to a lower octave as she said, “You were naked in my bed, and I was on top of you wearing my crown like a queen sitting on her royal throne. You made love to me in excruciating slowness, leisurely driving me to the brink of ecstacy over and over again. At the time all I ever wanted was to know your touch, Drew. I never could’ve imagined what fate had in store for us.”

Drew looked up at her wife sitting across her hips in all her naked glory with the tiara on her fair head. Placing her hands on either side of Lola’s waist, Drew sat up in the bed as she gave her wife a naughty grin. “You are my queen, Lola, and as your humble servant, I am here to give you whatever your heart desires. I’ll make all your fantasies come true. I love you.”

“You already have. I love you too, Drew.” Lola murmured, kissing Drew deeply as they once again began to love each other, pledging themselves with every touch to their eternal bond.

The End