Standard Disclaimer: The characters of Xena and Gabrielle do not belong to me, they are the property of Rob Tapert and Renaissance Pictures/MCA. I’m just borrowing them for this series. I’ll return them when I run out of story.

Violence: None

Sex/Language: This story depicts a loving relationship between two women who show that deep and abiding love in a physical, sexual way, explicitly, and sometimes graphically. They have toned down their potty mouths a bit, although once in a while they have a slip up. If you are not 21 years of age, if you have a problem with two women in love, if these types of depictions are illegal where you live, then please do not read my stories. Also I wouldn’t read this at work either.

Hurt/Comfort: Oh a little bit, but not too bad.

This is the next installment of the ‘Lost and Found Series’. ‘Reunion’ takes up where ‘Thanksgiving’ leaves off. If you haven’t been following the series, and you jump in here in the middle, none of this will make any sense. I really need to hear from you to let me know what you think about my story, writing, or the weather. I accept any and all constructive criticism. My addy is the same. fantasysrealm@home.com Enjoy!

Reunion

Part 1

by

Fantasy

November 24, 2000

Chapter 1: The Visitors

I had never felt such a feeling of absolute gripping, all encompassing, fear in my life. I know I wasn’t the only one for my angel grabbed our daughter protectively and defensively in her arms. I instantly moved between the older couple and my wife and daughter. Harley, thank God for him, positioned himself along side me and spoke menacingly.

"Just what in the hell do you mean to do if you find her, mister? Do you plan on taking her by force if she doesn’t want to go, cause if you do, I swear by all that’s holy, you’ll never take her from us. We’re her family. Y’all are strangers and you’re not wanted here."

Bill and Ida Stafford looked like they’d been slapped sharply. The look of shock and dismay was clearly etched on their faces. I think ya may have over done it a bit there sheriff. Says you? Fortunately, there was one among us who wasn’t bereft of sensitivity, compassion, and good sense.

"Harley, stop it. You’re scaring these folks to death. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, please come in. I’m Angie Danforth; the big mouth here is my husband, Harley. This is my daughter Rebecca Marie and her wife Dr. Stacey McGregor, and this is your granddaughter Sydnee René." Are you out of your mind? Angie what are you thinking! Smartass do something, call the police…Shut up. Angie continued.

"You must be very tired from your long trip, please come in and sit down." Angie said. Her sense of decorum and hospitality was always irreproachable. "You must forgive Harley, we have had a very trying few days with everything that has happened. I’m sure you understand that, and let me say how sorry we are for all you have suffered. I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost my Rebecca. I’m sure you can empathize with my husband’s outburst." Angie entwined her fingers with those of her large mate’s. The expressions on the Stafford’s faces had changed from total shock to wary suspicion. I still hadn’t said a word, and I could tell my angel was just as confused as I was regarding her mother’s seemingly too understanding behavior. I decided it was time to exert some authority and cut to the chase.

"Listen Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, while I can sympathize for the loss of your daughter, I have no sympathy for Askins. The woman tried to kidnap our daughter, and would have killed anyone who got in her way. She’s where she belongs. As far as I’m concerned she should receive the death…" A gentle touch on my arm stopped me before I finished the sentence.

"Mrs. Stafford, I…"

"Please call me Ida." Don’t do it Becca, keep her at arm's length. Would you go away?

"Ida, I really am sorry for your loss, but I’m sure you can imagine how threatening your presence here is to us. It’s human nature to want to protect one’s children. Before this goes any further, I think you should know, we will not allow anyone to come into our home and try to take our little girl away from us or interfere in her upbringing in any way." All right Becca, that’s it, put all the cards on that table. "In addition, if Syd doesn’t want anything to do with you, that is her decision we will not force her to." The Staffords listened to my angel attentively, albeit Mr. Stafford looked a little more agitated than did Ida, and he voiced his opinion accordingly.

"I told you this would be their reaction Ida, let’s just go, we never should have come here in the first place. These people aren’t our kind." Just what in the hell is that s’posed to mean, not our kind. Why that narrow minded son of a bitch, I’ll give him not our kind. I may help ya. Harley jumped to our defense.

"And just what kind are we, as opposed to the homicidal maniac that you spawned." Heh heh take that asshole. "If you think you’re more fit to raise Stacey and Becca’s child…" The Staffords were in total shock.

"Oh no, you are totally mistaken. Is that what you think? You think we came here to try and take…Bill my God, no wonder they…" The frail woman broke down in tears. Her husband took the sobbing woman in his arms rubbing her back in an effort to comfort her.

"Now, now honey, it’s okay, we’ll just be on our way. Don’t you be crying now." I felt like a first class heel. At least your feelings won’t be new ones. Syd left her mother’s arms to kneel in front of the crying woman.

"Now this isn’t getting us anywhere," Angie said sternly. "Harley, you just calm yourself."

"Mrs. Danforth is right, Bill, you apologize for that remark. We don’t even know these folks, so you can’t make judgments like that. Go on," she prodded, "say you’re sorry and be done with it."

"Well…I…guess…I mighta jumped to conclusions," Bill supplied begrudgingly. That’s an apology? As much of a one as we’re likely to get.

"Why did you come here Mrs. Stafford, can you tell me?" Syd asked softly. She is so like her mother: caring, loving, hating to see anyone in pain no matter the reason. Ida Stafford squared her shoulders and sat upright once again regaining her composed, dignified demeanor.

"We came here to see you, but most importantly to thank your parents for trying to help our Shelly and giving you a safe, and obviously, loving home. And we wanted to thank you for stopping Barbara. She needed to be stopped. She’s a very sick human being, and she needs help. She should never be allowed to hurt another living soul again. She could’ve been killed for what she did, maybe that is the only way she’ll ever find peace. But we didn’t come here to try to take you away from your home. Please believe that. We have no right to do that. We’ll be one our way. Thank you for allowing us into your home. Come along, Bill."

The disgruntled man stood and followed the tiny woman toward the door. Silence covered us like a heavy blanket. Then our baby girl spoke.

"Wait, don’t go. Mom, mother can’t we do something? They’ve come so far, and it wouldn’t hurt to talk, right mom? Please?" Remind me again who the adult is here? It ain’t you, or me either I think. Then do something.

"Um, why don’t you have a seat, we were just finishing breakfast, but I’m sure we could fix something for you if you’d like." God I felt like a little kid standing in front of Sis Liz again. "I guess we were expecting the worse, and didn’t stop to think how you were feeling," I stammered.

Tentatively, the middle-aged couple turned back toward the living room sofa. Angie and my Angel encouraged their movement with uncertain smiles. Harley, Syd and I hung back like we would attack at the slightest provocation. All the while we were watching the Staffords, Nip and Tuck were watching too with keen protective eyes. They would protect their mistress to the loss of their own lives, of that I was sure. Animals can sense danger far better than people can, and while they weren’t the friendly boisterous mutts they ordinarily were when company arrived, they weren’t ready to tear the two strangers apart either. Our feisty housekeeper, who was a very interested spectator in all of this, entered the living room carrying a tray laden with sweet pastries and coffee. She looked down at Bill Stafford’s fancy Tony Lamas and asked the unthinkable.

"You wiped your feet before you came in here didn’t you? I run a tidy house here ya know." She looked directly at me before she voiced her next thought. "What are they doing in here at breakfast time?" Becca chuckled, Harley snorted, and I just smirked.

"Ida and Bill Stafford, this is our housekeeper Margie Donaldson. She likes to think she runs things around here." My cocky little comment only got me a dour look from my angel, and a matter-of-fact response from Margie.

"I do and believe me it isn’t easy." With that, our bossy ‘zoo keeper’ turned on her heel and left the room, but not without giving one last order. "And Sydnee René you take those flea-bitten mongrels outside." God, I just can’t win. One thing about it Margie certainly relieved the tension in the room. Syd looked to me before following Margie’s order. I nodded.

"Go ahead, take them out. They haven’t been out all night. It’s time for their run on the beach anyway." While I was getting the pet situation straightened out, Becca and Angie were passing out coffee and pastry to our guests.

I found I couldn’t take my eyes off Ida. Anyone who cared to look couldn’t help but notice the similarity between the older woman and her granddaughter. The blonde hair, the fine features were the same, and those eyes. They were almost identical. They were the same deep, expressive brown color. Syd had the ability to look right through me, and when she cocked her head in only the way she and my heart could do, I could refuse her nothing. It was obvious; Syd was her granddaughter. This woman, this total stranger had the one thing I could never have with my own child, and that was blood. Instantly I was jealous and angry. Why did this have to happen now? We were so happy together. Why now of all times did these people’s maniac daughter have to come around and disrupt our lives? And then another, even more horrendous thought occurred to me. My God what if Syd wants to leave us and go live with these people? Could I say no? Could I ever deny my baby girl anything? Didn’t I always say Syd’s happiness came before mine? But what about my wife? If she lost Syd, it would kill her. She would never survive the pain and anguish. I remember when we were trying to adopt Syd, Becca was in such a state of turmoil due to not knowing whether we would be able to keep Syd or not. That was so long ago, I had forgotten how much wanting and needing a child had affected Becca…

"Hey baby, what are you doing up. Sweetheart, you need to rest," I murmured. I wrapped my arms around my angel. We were looking down at the most beautiful little baby in the entire universe. Hey she looks just like another little kid to me. That’s cause you don’t know a damned thing. This one is different because she’s ours. Ooohhh.

"Oh Stace, isn’t she the most precious little thing?" I glazed down at our sleeping daughter.

"Yes Angel, she is," I whispered, then kissed my angel’s neck.

"Sweetheart, I don’t think I have ever been this happy before." I frowned slightly, a tiny little pout covered my face. I received a gentle swat for my trouble. "Oh you. You know what I mean. Since we decided to try to adopt Sydnee, I feel…I don’t know…complete. It’s like the last important piece of my heart has been put into place." Complete! My baby has been feeling like something was missing? I wasn’t enough for her? I couldn’t make her happy? Oh jeeze smartass lighten up. It’s the nurturing thing. Don’t be so egotistical; the world doesn’t totally revolve around you ya know. Let Bec explain.

"Honey I don’t understand. Aren’t you happy with me?" I was seriously concerned I couldn’t give the one person in the world everything she desired.

"Oh darling, of course you make me happy. I love you; you are my world. Honey, it’s just that I wanted a child, not just for me, but for us. I see you everyday with the beautiful little children at the center, and I know you would be a wonderful mother." I was still feeling sorry for myself.

"But I couldn’t give you the one thing you wanted more than anything in the world. I…" Two gentle fingers silenced my lament.

"You’re so wrong. Don’t you see?" My angel gently brushed a slender finger along our sleeping daughter’s cheek. "You have given me a child. She’s right here, and she’s ours. No one else could have done this for me, but you." My love’s sweet lips caressed mine, and I tried to make the kiss say everything I was too inept to say. Then my angel became very quiet and still in my arms. Something was wrong, I could feel it.

"Angel, what is it? What’s wrong?"

"Nothing really, I’m just being silly." I didn’t buy it. No shit Sherlock! I lifted my beloved’s chin so I could look closely into her eyes in the dim light of the baby’s nursery.

"I don’t believe that. Something’s bothering you, and I want to know what it is. Please, won’t you tell me?"

"Stacey, Sydnee’s really ours, right? I mean no one can take her from us can they? What if her biological family should show up someday…oh Stacey…I’d…I couldn’t survive if someone tried to take our child away. Stacey, I’m so afraid. I’ve never been so afraid of anything in my life. Oh God, please. Hold me. Don’t let them take away our little baby, our Sydnee."

My wife broke down into bone racking sobs, her body shaking uncontrollably. The past few months of the strain and tension had taken it’s toll on both of us. But obviously more so on my Becca. The uncertainty of not knowing whether we’d be able to keep Syd, whether, or when Social Services would come and take little Syd from us had finally reached the breaking point. I rubbed my baby’s back while she cried vowing I would never, ever allow anyone, at any time, to take our precious Sydnee René.

"Beloved, listen to me please." I pushed Becca away just far enough so I could look into her eyes. "Honey, no one will ever take our little girl away from us. I promise you with every breath and fiber in my body, I will protect you and our child with my life. I promise." I sealed my vow with a tender kiss.

"You promise," my angel murmured, "because I would surely die if I lost either of you. I know I would kill to protect our child, and you. I swear to God I would…"

God that was so long ago, I had almost forgotten. But Becca hadn’t. I could she the fear in her eyes. But there was something else, determination, strength of purpose, and the natural quiet fury of a mother protecting her child. Something tells me the Staffords haven’t a clue what’s about to happen. They are the only ones. Heads up smartass.

I was so lost in my thoughts I failed to hear my name called until Harley nudged my soundly in the middle of my back with his shoulder. Jeeze jarine, leave some body parts in tact would ya? Thanks for your concern. Ya could have warned me ya know. I did, can I help it if you never listen to me?

"Uh I’m sorry, I was just thinking. What did you say?" My angel spoke to me again, her deep contralto voice wrapping me in warmth and safety.

"Babe come here and sit down," she said as she extended her hand to me. "Listen to what Ida has to say, please."

Ida Stafford was a caring woman that much was obvious, but the years hadn’t been kind to her. Losing her youngest daughter must have been a terribly traumatic event. Then, losing her other daughter to the insane hatred she felt for anyone different than herself must have been truly more than any one person should have to bear. Still she carried herself with pride and dignity, and I had to admire the frail woman for that strength. She could have retreated into herself and turned against everyone and everything to become a bitter, vengeful woman, but she had not.

"I didn’t know what to expect when I came here. You could have just as easily slammed the door in our faces, but you didn’t. I can’t say I have ever met two women who…uh…well who…" Angie spoke to help the struggling woman.

"Ida, they are married, they love each other. They have been together as friends and then lover’s since they were twelve years old. They are lesbians; they have known no other lovers. They have a daughter whom they love and cherish. In that, they are no different than Harley and I or you and Bill. I truly believe God has blessed this home, because wherever there is love, God resides as well."

Stafford eyed Angie, then Becca and I, suspiciously, a disgusted sneer curved the corner of his mouth. As quickly as it appeared, it was gone, and I saw the reason why. Harley had fixed the man with one of his patented lethal glares. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, and then decided his boots were extremely interesting.

"I suppose I never looked at it that way before. The way we were taught that sort of relationship was wrong. The Bible says…" C’mon smartass are you just gonna sit there like a lump or are you going to defend yourself and Becca?

"Ida, I’m not going to debate what it says in the Bible, but as far as I’m concerned, Jesus taught love and tolerance. He’s the God I pray to, and I don’t recall Him ever making any distinctions as to whom was deserving of love, or whom we should choose to love. I chose my angel, and she chose me. End of discussion. You either accept us, or you don’t. If you have a problem with us," I leveled this statement directly at Bill Stafford, "then you’ll just have to deal with it." I’d say that pretty well cleared the air. Like I always say, the sharpest knife cuts cleanest and with the least amount of pain. My soul mate tried to be a little less confrontational.

"Ida, Bill, we have been together for so long, I could never imagine what life would be like without Stacey. When Syd came into our lives, we knew we would never be able to keep her, we were sure the courts would never allow it. But we decided to bring her home and love her for however long the system would allow us to keep her; we were lucky. The courts allowed us to adopt Syd, and we’ve raised her as our own. God blessed us and gave us this beautiful little child to love and cherish. We want only for her to be happy, and I think she is happy with us. Are there issues we have to deal with because of our lifestyle? I’d be lying if I said there weren’t. People automatically think two women or two men shouldn’t raise a child. It isn’t natural. I ask you, is it any more natural for a single mother or father to raise a child? Syd has been raised in a loving, happy home. Believe me when I say, Stacey sees the results of ‘normal, accepted’ parenting on a day to day basis, and let me assure you it isn’t pretty." Mrs. Stafford nodded in understanding. Her own daughter was testament to the lack of guarantees in raising children to be happy, healthy, contributing members of society. She certainly had no right to judge others. Obviously the McGregors were having far more success at raising their child, than she did with her own.

"Mrs. McGregor, I think I’ve learned something in the past few minutes about you, both of you. I speak for Bill to when I say you aren’t the evil deviants we have always been led to believe you were. While we can’t condone your lifestyle, we can certainly respect your right to choose. And if we, Bill and I, pride ourselves in being the good Christian we think we are, then we will pray for you all, just as I hope you will pray for us." Well I’ll be damned. Yeah.

Chapter 2: Getting to Know You

I wouldn’t say a lasting friendship was formed on that November morning, but the fear and mistrust was banished. I found Ida Stafford to be quite a remarkable woman actually. She had been a high school English teacher before she retired, and I found myself engaged in quite a stimulating conversation regarding Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Inferno. Of course Syd had to put in her two cents worth, by dragging Ida and me into Becca’s studio to show the older woman a painting depicting my angel’s interpretation of Dante’s literary masterpiece. To say the least, Ida was impressed. Even Harley and Bill compromised and decided a competitive game of cribbage was by far preferable to an all out physical confrontation. But the most remarkable thing to me was the similarities between our Syd and Ida. The physical characteristics notwithstanding, I found watching the way the two women interacted was interesting. Their gestures were the same, the way Syd cocked her head slightly to the right while she was thinking, their laughter. Watching them, for an instant, the jealousy and anger I felt earlier re-emerged. It would have taken me over completely were it not for two strong, warm arms which encircled me from behind, and gentle lips caressed my neck and ear.

"Don’t worry my darling. Syd loves us and would never leave us. I think this will turn out to be a good thing." Warm lips nuzzled my neck, and a wet, pink tongue tickled the edge of my ear mercilessly.

"Hmm, that feels good," I sighed as I exposed more neck to my wife’s loving ministrations. "What makes to think this is so good," I groaned.

"Because silly," my world chuckled, "Syd will have two sets of grandparents now. Every child deserves that. Besides, I like Ida, and with a little gentle prodding, Bill will come around too." I turned in my lover’s embrace.

"How can you see all the good possibilities in things, and I see only the doom and gloom?" Warms lips captured mine, a tongue licked over my lips asking for entrance which was willingly granted. The kiss was warm and sweet, not a sexual one, but one of connection and commitment.

"Oh sweat heart, don’t sell yourself short. You see the good in things; sometimes you just let fear get in your way. You just need a little more faith sometimes." I kissed my heart again.

"Have faith in you, and our love, and our family. It’s my faith in others that is lacking sometimes. I always seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop." My love just wrapped me up on her loving arms, and nuzzled her face in my hair, pulling in my scent.

"Oh my soul, I can’t think of a better place to be than right here right now. I love you so very, very much."

*******************

Ida and Bill spent most of the rest of the day with us. They have had to deal with such pain and anguish in their lives; I can’t imagine how a parent could survive the loss of a child, let alone two children. I marveled at the quiet dignity with which Ida carried herself. In that respect, she is like Angie. Both women seemed to have a strength of spirit unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Admittedly, Angie has led a pretty sheltered life. She was raised in an exclusive higher social strata than most of us would ever see. She was cocooned from the ordinary trials and travails that most of us face on a daily basis. Still she never lost her humanity, her empathy for others feelings. When she married Harley, he became her protector, her shield against the ills of the world. While they lived a much simpler life style, they were by no means destitute. She threw herself into community action activities with a grace and charm that won people over without their even having known they had a choice in the matter. She was and is a tireless worker for those who have less than she does. I suspect the same things could be said for Ida Stafford. Bill, on the other hand, will require a little more effort to like, but with Harley’s influence on the man, I feel he will become almost human before long. The couple left with a promise to visit sometime later in the year. Bill couldn’t be more definite than that because horses, cattle, and the weather had no precise timetable, therefore neither could he. We exchanged phone numbers, home, and email addresses and promised to stay in touch.

Friday evening came to a close with Becca and I curled up on the couch listening to our favorite easy listening station on the stereo, Syd and Mom and Dad had long since gone to bed. I lay there on the couch listening to Lionel Richie singing about his "Lady", and me thinking about my own lady. I thought my world was asleep but then I felt the familiar cheek rubbing against my chest. I hope to God that I can answer whatever it is she’s going to ask.

"Are you asleep baby?" Ooooo, I think you should be able to handle that one. Oh ha!

"No angel, I’m just laying here enjoying the feeling of you lying next to me."

"Yeah it feels good doesn’t it?"

"Umm, hmm," I mumbled.

"Honey," my angel asked sleepily.

"Yes, dear."

"All things considered, things turned out pretty well don’t you think?"

Hmmm, what did I think? I would have just as soon this whole business would never have happened. That whacko could just has easily never have entered our lives and brought misery to so many people. Those police officers she killed, trying to protect my family had families too, I’m sure. All things considered. I suppose that all depends on your point of view doesn’t it? My silence alarmed my lover for she propped herself up on my chest to look into my eyes. I cupped my heart’s face in my palms gazing deeply into azure pools shining brightly in the candlelight. I stroked the soft skin, I found there, with my thumbs, reveling in the loving connection that existed between us. No words were necessary; no vocalization of our love for each other was needed. All that was required was this simple touch. I gently pulled my lover to me until our lips met. There were no lightning bolts flashing, no loud claps of thunder signaling our joining, just a tiny expulsion of breath. A reverent little sigh escaped our lips as tongues touched and lips nibbled lips. We drew away from each other to study each other’s faces, then came together again, only our foreheads touching. I reached up slightly to kiss my baby’s nose. God how I love this woman. She completes me. She makes me happy inside. Sometimes my heartaches it is so full of love for her. She has changed me in so many ways, good ones. I can hardly imagine where I would be without her love and understanding. I am so lost in her cerulean pools I had forgotten the question she asked.

"Baby are you okay? You seem so far away." But you always bring me back.

"I’m fine honey, really. I was just thinking about the people who have lost…" Two warm fingers covered my lips effectively silencing me.

"Don’t you dare. Don’t blame yourself or question why this happened. You couldn’t have stopped this from happening. Sometimes horrible things happen over which we have no control. We just have to accept that God has a reason, and in His own time, we’ll know what that reason was. Yes innocent people died. Those police officers shouldn’t have died, but they were doing their job protecting the innocent. Tell me, if you were in their place, you wouldn’t have given your life to save someone else." Ya got an answer there smartass? No.

"I know you’re right my heart, but I just feel so…responsible…I feel like I didn’t do enough to protect my own family. You and Syd are my responsibility, and I let you down. And because of that, two people are dead. How do I get over that?" You’ve been told before smartass, but Becca will explain this once more, this time pay attention.

"What I’m going to say may sound cruel, heartless, even horrible to most people. But if I had to make a choice between those police officers and you, I would choose you. Baby I’m sorry anyone had to die, but without you, my life would be empty, void of any emotion except pain and anguish. I would surely die of a broken heart. I need you just as much, or more than the air I breathe." I think I’ve got it now.

"I love you my heart, so very much," I whispered.

"I love you my soul," Becca murmured.

My angel settled back down onto my chest and I encased her in my arms. Everything else around us died away until I was aware only of my love’s steady breathing and two hearts beating as one.

*******************

You know the feeling you have when you’re positive people are staring at you, but you can’t see them. I know that is exactly why I awoke at six am on a Saturday morning. I felt like I was weighted down my something heavier than my angel. I opened one eye only to have my vision blocked by something black and wet. I turned my head a little to the right so I could focus both eyes at once on the strange object and discovered, to my dismay, there were now two black wet objects encompassing my vision. Ooohhh this is not good. The heavy weight on my chest and lower body was still prevalent as well. All right dummy wake up focus, I told myself. I turned again to my right as my cloudy vision cleared. Aahh, one mystery cleared up. My two pedigreed pups sat next to the couch waiting patiently for me to return the land of the living. Nip and Tuck shifted impatiently on their haunches and licked their chops in agitation. A soulful whine escaped their throats, then a muffled woof.

"Hey guys," I whispered. I disentangled one hand from my lover’s black tresses to stroke their heads each in turn. "I’ll let you out just as soon as I figure how to get up." A low whimper was the dogs’ only reply.

Getting up could be a real challenge. Becca and I had fallen asleep on the cushy sofa and stayed there the whole night. However, sometime during the night, Syd had gotten up and joined us. It’s a good thing this is an oversized couch. I gazed down at the two most important people in my life curled up sound asleep, using me as a body pillow. Syd lay on my left side; her head pillowed on my stomach, her arm stretched across her other mother’s waist holding her securely to my right side. My right breast cushioned Becca’s head, our enfolded hands rested over my heart. As heartwarming a scene as this was, my body was beginning to protest being in one position so long. Yet another quarter was heard from. My bladder was making its presence known feeling like it was full to the bursting point, which it was. Okay, I could just unceremoniously spill Becca off onto the floor, in which case, I would be spending the rest of my natural life sleeping alone. Not a good idea. That wouldn’t be my first choice, no. All right, I’ll try the gentle approach. I stroked my lover’s inky locks from her face and kissed her forehead.

"Becca baby, time to wake up." There was no response, other than my lover snuggling deeper into my shoulder. "Honey, c’mon baby. I have to let the dogs out, and use the bathroom, please?"

"No, don’t wanna move. Comfortable." Tossing her on the floor is sounding better and better all the time. Go ahead fool, try it. "Rebecca Marie, please baby. I really have to get up." I prodded her lightly in the ribs with my thumb. Finally the dark head arose from my chest and sleepy blue eyes peered at me through only slightly opened lids.

"Wha…where…how did we get here. And what is Syd doing here? What time is it anyway." A cold wet nose poked my angel in the back of the neck. "Oh yuck, I hate that. Tuck go away." I chuckled heartily.

"That was Nip, and good morning." I kissed my angel’s lips softly.

"Whatever, both of them could just go away." I smiled my crooked little grin.

"You heard the lady, you guys get lost. In answer to your questions, we never left, I don’t know, and it’s 6:20." I couldn’t help but laugh at my wife’s lack of a bright morning personality.

"God, I hate this," Becca groaned as she rolled over and got shakily to her feet, and I stood up right behind her. All the unwanted movement caused our daughter to awaken as well.

"Whoa, what happened to my nice warm pillow?" I swatted my baby girl’s butt and replied.

"It got up, and so should you." I had turned toward our bedroom when I stopped. "What made you decide to sleep with us on the couch anyway? You haven’t done that since you were little."

"Well I got up to let the dogs out. Someone locked their ‘doggie door’. I didn’t see you when I went out, but when I came back, there you were. I don’t know, I guess I just needed my moms to hold me while I slept like when I was a baby. Pretty dumb huh?" Our little daughter’s head dipped down, and she began twisting her fingers, a little habit she exhibited when she was nervous or unsure of herself. I lifted her chin and looked into soft brown eyes.

"No pumpkin, not dumb, I think it’s pretty neat actually. We all need a hug every now and again. In fact, I could use one right now, from both of my girls." I opened my arms and they were instantly filled with my tall, dark haired wife, and my petite, blonde headed daughter. Our grousing housekeeper interrupted our group hug.

"Are you three going to stand here all morning or are you going to get dressed. Harley and Angie will be up soon, and I have breakfast to get started. Sydnee René I want you to do something about those dogs, they have dragged something up from the beach. It looks unclean to me, so you get rid of it." When none of us moved quickly enough to suit the rotund housekeeper, she verbally prodded us once more. "Well, get moving! Chop, chop." This woman should have been a marine drill sergeant.

"God woman," I grumbled, "it’s Saturday. Don’t you ever take a day off? And good morning to you too." I received a withering look for my comment, and an additional verbal undressing.

"You just never mind about my days off. I can keep track of them all by myself thank you. Besides, you need a keeper 24/7, so just be thankful it’s me. Nobody else would put up with you." I love you to Margie, and to prove it, I lunged at the woman throwing my arms around her and spinning her around in circles. I finished the physical feat with a sloppy, wet kiss on the cheek.

"And you do a damn fine job as the head ‘zoo keeper’ around here too," I laughed. I charged off down the hall, but not quick enough to save my butt from being popped by the wet towel Margie was carrying.

"You just never mind, and don’t be getting smart with me Miz Thing." Margie turned to find Becca and Sydnee standing close by, observing the hilarious interchange, hooting with laughter. "What are you two doing still standing there. Sydnee I told you to take care of those dogs, now go. Rebecca Marie, I’m surprised at you, you shouldn’t encourage your wife’s childish behavior." A surprised look crossed my angel’s beautiful features. Margie wasn’t fooled. "Don’t give me that look, you know what I’m talking about. You enjoy seeing Stacey and I go after each other like this." My heart put her arms around our housekeeper’s shoulders and kissed the woman’s graying crown.

"Margie, you old fraud, you aren’t fooling anyone with your bluster and bravado. You enjoy these rows just as much as Stacey does. Your day wouldn’t be complete without at least one of these didoes C’mon admit it." Becca hugged our friend closer.

"Well, I guess it does make for a rousing good way to start the day. Now off with you, get ready for breakfast."

Chapter 3: Reaffirmation

I was standing in the shower, letting the hot, pulsing water cascade over my stiff muscles. Note to self: do not fall asleep on the sofa all night with wife and daughter. That was unexpected. I had planned on seducing my wife, and make mad passionate love to her all night long. I had everything ready. The spicy cinnamon candles she likes so much. The easy listening soft rock station. Who are you kidding? Fess up there ‘Miz Not into Romance McGregor’ you like that music too. Umph. God how I wanted my lady. I wanted to love her, touch her, taste her. I knew she wanted me too, I could sense her arousal. But then were got sidetracked. The events of the day, the stress of the past week, they all took their toll on both of us. There were still nagging questions to be answered. Then exhaustion overtook us and sleep covered us. But her body so close to mine, touching all the right places. God I love her so. I can almost feel her hands touching me and caressing my inner surfaces. Of their own volition, my hands began a gentle exploration of my own body. God I’ve got to get a grip. I’m worse than a hormonal teenager is. You got a problem with hormones? No, not when handled properly, and my baby can handle mine so well.

I was so focused on the healing spray caressing my frame I didn’t detect the presence of my world slip into the shower with me. However, once two large, warm hands began a thorough exploration of my body, my attention was captured in the blink of an eye. I leaned back and relaxed into my lover’s embrace allowing her skilled fingers to work their magic on my tense, stiff muscles. Warm lips nuzzled my neck, and I moved my head to the right to give my beloved easier access to willing flesh. Breathy whispers penetrated my barely conscious mind.

"Hmmm baby you’re so tense. I’m sorry you were so uncomfortable all night long. Why didn’t you wake us." I was lost in the sensual pleasure my wife’s hands were creating on my body. So lost, I could barely form coherent thought to answer her.

"I knew…mmmm…that’s so nice…you would…oh please lower my darling…take care…aaahhh yeah right there…of me…ugh…yes…this morning…oh so good…" My angel’s fingers had penetrated my warm depths, thrusting slowly in and out while her other hand caressed and pinched my aching nipples.

"I will always take care of you my love. Whatever you need, I will give you. I love how you feel on my fingers. I love how your body responds to my touch. I love you my soul." The low sexy contralto voice was nearly my undoing.

"Baby I’m gonna fall…can’t stand…legs won’t hold me…oh shit yeah…" I knew my love would never let me fall, and a strong thigh positioned itself between my legs, supporting me, while three long slender fingers picked up their pace and stroked all the inner surfaces of my clenching center. "Yes my love…feels so good…so deep…harder…please… need to cum…ugh …oh Becca…I love you so."

My climax hit with such force, my legs refused to hold me. Only the strong, loving embrace of my wife kept me from crumpling to the shower floor. I was turned in the circle of my love’s arms and held close. The same loving fingers that only moments before were bringing me to the heights of passion were now tracing slow soothing strokes across my back in an effort to reassure and support me. When I finally came back to myself, I realized the water was getting chilly. We finished the real reason for this shower in record time, and I picked up two warm, bulky, soft towels and took turns drying each other. I could never get enough of my beautiful wife's gorgeous body. My gentle drying and touching had fired my heart’s libido.

"Stacey, please take me to bed and love me. I need you so much. Baby I want you, but I want it slow and easy, make it last."

I couldn’t deny my darling’s needy plea. I swept her up into my arms and carried her to our bed. I didn’t bother turning down the sheets, I simply placed my precious bundle in the middle of the bed and covered her naked body with my own. I supported my weight on my forearms on either side of Becca’s beautiful face. I couldn’t resist tasting my love’s sweet lips. The kiss was long and sensual. It was one of our best wet, sexy kisses with lots of tongue. I licked honey flavored lips; I licked and sucked Becca’s chin and jaw. I placed light butterfly kisses on my baby’s eyelids and cheekbones. My sweetheart’s breathy whimpers and moans told me I was pleasing her. I stopped my ministrations and smoothed thick raven tresses back from her face. I gazed into azure pools thick with desire and need. I recaptured ruby red lips once again exploring my love’s mouth with my tongue. The kiss was full of longing and need. We each tried to devour the other until we had to break away for much needed air.

"Oh Rebecca Marie Danforth, I love you so very much. Will you spend the rest of your life and all of eternity with me?"

I nibbled and licked at my lover’s throat grasping onto her pulse point and sucking languorously drawing out my wife’s enjoyment along with more moans of pleasure.

"Yes my love." My angel hissed. In that instant I stopped all movement. I raised myself slightly so I could look directly into my sweet baby’s eyes.

"My heart, I intend to love you like I never have before. I will give you all the pleasure that is in my power to give. I promise you will never regret giving your love to me."

I will never tire of my beloved’s body. I could feast forever on her wondrous flesh. Her golden skin is soft and smooth hiding firm strong muscles. My fingers brought goose bumps wherever I touched her. I knew all of her erogenous zones and took full advantage of that knowledge. A particularly sensitive place is just under my baby’s left breast. I sucked the skin there, resulting in a small gasp. I continued to caress the luscious flesh under my fingers until I could no longer resist the temptation to take a now fully erect nipple into my mouth. Oh her breasts to me are like nourishment to a starving man. With each taste, I require more. I am dining at the finest of banquet tables. Becca’s exotic flavors arouse me like none of the sweetest delicacies ever could. Her scent drives me wild. Although I want to make this last, I cannot for I am weak. I must take my lover now before I go crazy with desire.

I begin to move lower on my love’s scrumptious form. I run my tongue the length of Becca’s tight, flat abs. I stop momentarily to run my tongue around the small little hole that is her navel. I dipped my tongue into the shallow cavity until my baby’s voice urge’s me on.

"Oh please Stacey, my love don’t tease me. Gods I need you so much. I need you inside, now."

I continued my journey south until I reached the thick black patch of hair hiding the most superb nectar in all the world. I kissed my world’s mons reverently and drew in a deep breath of the mouth-watering ambrosia I longed to taste. I could wait no longer and used the tip of my tongue to delve between the already swollen labia. My darling’s vulva lay there open to me like the petals of a flower. I ran my tongue the length of my wife’s womanhood. Her hips thrust up to meet my face and tongue. I licked the juices streaming from deep inside my baby’s core. I let the creamy thick liquid collect on my tongue, savoring its musky flavor like a fine wine before I let it slide smoothly down my throat. I repeated this procedure again and again until my lover’s writhing body nearly threw me from my nest between her legs.

"Oh my love your tongue feels so good on me. Please don’t stop, God don’t ever stop loving me."

At my angel’s command, I increased the pressure and speed with which I licked my woman’s beautiful sex. I brought my fingers into play and inserted two swiftly, but smoothly into her burning core. I set up a slow masterful rhythm until my lover was moaning constantly. Her fingers were buried in my hair forcing my face harder into her pussy. Strong thighs wrapped themselves around my head pinning me to her center. Her hips were pistoning now, urging me on. I thrust another finger inside to join its mates and used my other hand to stimulate Becca’s throbbing clit. That was simply too much stimulation for my world to take and she screamed her release, shouting my name for all to hear. Harley otta love this. Becca’s body thrashed and shook, orgasmic spasms rocking my baby’s body uncontrollably. The pleasure my heart was experiencing caused me to climax as well, and I followed my wife into the abyss.

All was quiet for a few moments. It took a little time for both of us to recover from our pleasure high. When I could finally breathe again, I lay there with my head resting on Becca’s belly. Her fingers were tangled in my hair scratching my scalp languidly. My fingers were stroking and playing in my love’s still moist pubic hair, occasionally dipping in between still warm, wet lips. A slight gasp and a gentle warning stopped my exploration before it got out of hand.

"Stacey my love, please not so soon." I groaned my displeasure, but withdrew my hand.

"But you feel so good. So warm. I love touching you, feeling you contract and pulse around my fingers."

I brought my fingers glistening with my lover’s juices to my nose and breathed in the scent of my angel’s arousal. I licked each finger in turn, moaning in pleasure at the tangy flavor awakening my taste buds.

"Mmmm, you taste so good my love. I can never get enough. Please let me love you again."

I raised up and kissed my love full on the mouth her taste of her cum still on my lips. Any objections my lover might have had died on her lips as she devoured my lips and tongue with her own.

"I can still taste myself on your mouth, now let me return the flavor…uh… favor to you." Without warning, I found myself flipped onto my back and a very hungry pair of lips devouring every part of my body. And my love did indeed return the favor. I lost track of the number of orgasms I had before I finally collapsed back against the bed gasping for breath.

"You’ll be the death of me one day Rebecca Marie. A death I would gladly endure for your love for all eternity, my heart."

"Then we will die together my soul, for I will not go on alone, without you. I love you more than life itself."

Those were the last coherent thoughts either one of us spoke for we fell into each other’s arms and the arms of Morpheus, safe in the knowledge our love would protect us.

*******************

"I don’t hear anything any more Gramps. I think they’re done, we can go in now." Syd ventured.

Harley and Sydnee had escaped to the back yard to play fetch with the dogs when my angel and I began our lovemaking. Angie and Margie were non-pulsed by the loud, lewd noises coming from our bedroom. They had retired to the kitchen to drink tea and exchange recipes.

"Margie, tell me something," Angie said rather timidly, "you’re here every morning right?" Margie knew exactly where this conversation was headed.

"Why yes Angie, I am. Why do you ask?" Margie replied trying to hide the small smirk she couldn’t help but have.

"Well…I was…you see…I was wonder…oh hell Margie are they always that loud?"

Margie couldn’t help but laugh. Not just a little giggle or a smirk, but an out and out belly laugh. She laughed until she cried. Angie hung her head in shame, embarrassed beyond measure at asking such a personal question. Margie saw the look of mortification on Angie’s sweet face, and at once got up to enclose her friend in an affectionate hug. She sat down next to Angie and grasped the other woman’s hand in both of hers.

"Oh Angie forgive me, I’m not laughing at you. I just never had anyone ask me a question like that before. We, Syd and I, have just kinda gotten used to their weekend morning ritual. We hardly give it a thought. Well that’s not exactly true. There was a time in this house when there was no emotion, no feeling at all except hurt and anger and pain. You know, when Becca was recovering from her accident. We missed it then. It was a long six months. There for a while I didn’t think there’d ever be joy in this house again." Angie couldn’t stop the single tear that tracked down her cheek from the painful memory.

"I remember the first time I heard them making love again. I was there at the sink, peeling apples for a pie. As you know that’s Becca’s favorite pie. I thought that might cheer her up a little. I stopped dead, and went still as stone. I thought I heard a tiny whimper, then the sound grew to moans and then I heard Becca shout Stacey’s name. Then I could hear their voices mingled together. I continued peeling the apples and I had this silly grin plastered all over my face. I remember Syd was sitting at the table doing her homework, and she asked me if I had heard what she heard. I nodded. We just stopped what we were doing, Syd got up, came over to me, and gave me a big ol’ hug. She said I got my mothers back whole and healthy Margie. We’re gonna be all right. I’ll never forget that day. Our family was healed Angie and I thank God every day for that. Love healed the pain and made life worth living again. A course every now and again their timing could be better. Like the time Father Robinson came over one Sunday morning." Angie couldn’t stifle the small gasp she emitted.

"No Margie they didn’t, not when a priest was here!"

"Yes ma’am, they did indeed. He wanted to talk with Rebecca about the plans for the mural that she was going to paint for the community center at St. Michael’s Parish. The sounds that were coming out of that bedroom were enough to make a sailor blush. Needless to say he excused himself and left rather quickly." Angie was now doubled over in laughter.

"They absolutely have no shame do they?" Angie laughed hysterically.

"None whatsoever Angie, none at all," Margie cackled. It was at that exact moment my angel and I chose to come into the kitchen to find the two older women locked in giggling fits.

"What’s the joke," I asked innocently, "care to share?" When the two women looked at the both of us, and they were off again engaging in uproarious laughter. "All right you two what’s so damned funny?" I growled. My soul mate touched my arm and kissed my cheek while handing me a cup of coffee.

"Hon, it’s probably best we don’t know. Let’s go relax in the living room. I’m sure there’s a good football game on." I kissed my angel lightly and thanked her for the coffee.

"Thanks babe." I followed my wife out of the kitchen glancing back suspiciously at the now recovering women. Meanwhile, Syd and Harley were still trying to decide whether or not it was safe to come back into the house.

"Yeah I thing it’s safe. Syd, how would you like to go golfing with your old grandpa?" Syd’s eyes grew wide with anticipation.

"Ya mean it Gramps. Just the two of us for reals?" Harley pinned the teenager with a playful scowl.

"Have I ever said anything to you I didn’t mean?" Syd shook her head.

"No sir," she replied seriously.

"All right then, let’s go." Syd pumped her fist up and down rapidly.

"Yes," She said as she charged through the door.

"Whoa! Where are you two off to in such a hurry?" I asked.

"Gramps and I are gonna go play golf," I started to rise, but a gentle hand held me down, as Syd finished, "just the two of us. Is that okay with you mom?" Harley looked at me expectantly as though he were asking for permission to spend time alone with his granddaughter.

"Sure it’s all right. You two go on and have fun." Instantly I felt that pang of fear and pain. It’s that jealousy thing again. Lighten up Stace. It’s not like she loves you any less just because she wants to spend time with Harley. Warm lips nuzzled my neck. A soft voice soothed my hurt feelings.

"She’s growing up babe, you have to let go a little bit. We have to let her try her wings, otherwise, when it comes time for her to soar, she’ll never be able to without our help. She has your courage and tenacity, how could she fail."

"If you’re sure, so am I. Are you sure?" I questioned

"Positive."

"That’s good enough for me," I whispered.

This is the end of ‘Reunion Part I’, Part II to follow. Let me know what you think.