Chapter One

An early morning sunray touched lightly upon Lacy Levine's fair skin as the blonde next to her adoringly watched the woman she loved sleep. Gage Ballant ran her finger delicately along the dark haired woman's chin and in response Lacy snuggled closer, allowing a small smile to bloom from the gentle touch.

"Morning." Lacy yawned, stretching luxuriously against her lover. She met Gage in a soft kiss before realization dawned. "This is rare. You? Up this early."

Gage smiled.

"Must be something important. Care to share?" Lacy asked, stroking the blonde's backside, which always guaranteed a pleasurable response from her lover.
Gage moaned in contentment. "You. The most important person in my life. Waking up just to watch you sleep is more than reason enough. You're beautiful."

Pleased with her lover's compliment, Lacy ripped back the silk sheet, revealing her naked form. With an arch eyebrow, Lacy offered herself to her lover.

Gage took advantage of the welcomed invitation, straddling the younger woman. Laying down fully atop her lover and postured for a full frontal attack, Gage leaned in closer. Dazzling green eyes flared seductively meeting waiting blue ones. Then just when Gage's lips brushed ever so lightly against willing ones, a sudden loud bang interrupted her sexual assault. Gage jumped up, coming to a standing position over her lover.

Lacy ran calming and reassuring hands along her lover's legs. "Sweetheart, I'm sure it's just the boys."

Gage's shoulders slumped. "And, that's the other reason I wanted to get up early."

BOOM.

"Lacy, we have got to talk to your brother about starting later in the day." She looked down at her lover and said seriously. "Offer him more money."

Lacy laughed.

"Seriously," Gage insisted, laying back down next to Lacy. "Tell him we'll pay him more if he? say, comes an hour later."

Lacy sat up. "And, why would we want that?"

Gage negotiated herself behind her lover, pressing against Lacy's bare back. "So, we can come?. earlier." The blonde husked suggestively.

Lacy looked back over her shoulder and kissed Gage. "Then the house would never get finished and?.. we wouldn't have any privacy." Lacy slipped from her lover's embrace. "I need to check on Sammy."

BANG.

Pitching a fit, Gage pouted, refusing to get up. When another loud bang erupted, a low deep guttural moan escaped the blonde. Banging her own legs up and down against the bed, Gage yelped in frustration, vowing. "I will find a way to have my woman."

"Sweetheart, you can be such a baby sometimes." Wrapping herself in a robe, Lacy smiled at her frustrated lover before she slipped out of their bedroom door.

Watching Lacy leave, Gage groaned. "Ahhgggrrrr?"

Suddenly, Lacy peaked her head around the doorframe. "Tonight." Then just as quickly disappeared.

"Yeeees!" Gage cocked her arm in victory.

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

Fully dressed, Gage joined Lacy in the upstairs' hall bathroom. "Need any help?"

"Mmmmm." Lacy shifted her two year old son to her other hip. The dark haired woman was definitely distracted as she gathered up a few items on the counter. "Here. Can you take him?"

Gage reached for Sammy but was met with resistance. The dark haired boy stubbornly clung to his mother. Further efforts by Gage were futile.

"No." Sammy buried his head against his mother, squirming tightly.

With pursed lips, Gage tried again. "Come on, Sammy. Your momma needs to get ready." He continued to ignore the blonde. "You want to go play outside?"

Shaking his head furiously, Sammy refused to budge.

Gage cocked her hands on her hips with an exaggerated flair. "I told you. He doesn't like me. That's all there is to it."

"Gage, don't be so dramatic. He just loves his mommy." Lacy kissed her youngest son. "Don't you, sweetheart?"

"So do I." Gage smiled, attempting to get Lacy's attention.

With his mother's prompting, the young boy complied, falling reluctantly into the older woman's arms. "Oh?and fix some breakfast." Lacy asked with a questioning smile. "Please?"

Acquiescing to her lover's request as always, Gage tightened her hold on the young boy and headed dutifully to the kitchen.

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

As Sammy patiently waited at the table, Gage opened the refrigerator. Gathering a few food items in her arms, she turned to meet the serious look on Lacy's face. "What's wrong?"

"I need another egg," Lacy stated, matter of factly.

Gage sat the milk down on the counter and retrieved an egg from the carton she was holding. Handing it to Lacy, she grinned.

"Funny. Very funny." Dejected, Lacy plopped down on the kitchen chair.

Quickly, Gage wrapped her arms around the distraught woman. "I'm sorry. I guess it didn't come up your favorite color. Huh?"

"No." Lacy watched Sammy wiggle, trying to escape his seat so he could get to her. She reached for him but Gage intercepted, gathering her young charge and placing him in Lacy's arms. Feeling comforted temporarily as she held her son, Lacy sighed. "We'll try again."

Gage swirled around. She dropped to her knees, placing herself in front of Lacy. "No!" The blonde said harsher than she intended.

Shocked, Lacy pinned her partner with glaring blue eyes. "What are you saying? You don't want this? I thought?"

Sliding her hands up Lacy's thighs, Gage proceeded cautiously. "That's not it, Lacy. It's just that?" Hesitation dwelled precariously upon speaking her next words. "?it's been so hard on you."

"No more than you."

"Lacy, I love you. And, although I want this baby as much as you do? I don't want you to have to go through this again. We've tried for nearly a year now and?"

"You don't think it's going to happen, do you?" Unshed tears filled her blue eyes.

"I see how hard it is for you every time you? we try and nothing?" Her words fell silent. Long moments passed between them in quiet understanding. For the last year, Lacy had desperately tried to get pregnant. Using Gage's egg, and with their close friend Mark Calico supplying the needed sperm to fertilize the egg, Lacy was going to give Gage the greatest gift of love she could think of. Carrying her baby.

Placing a soft touch to Gage's cheek, Lacy forged ahead with determination. "I want to do this. I need to do this? for you."

Gage started to protest.

"For me?. for us, really." Lacy relented, finally sharing her unspoken reasons for her resolute decision. "Sweetheart, I know you feel? how can I say this? Like we're a family?"

"I do." Gage inserted quickly, wondering what Lacy was getting at.

"I know." Lacy leaned in, kissing her. "We are very much a family in every way."

"But?" Gage knew there was going to be a but somewhere in there.

"But, whether you want to admit it or not? there's a part of you that still?. it's as if you don't feel?.deserving of a family. There are times you hold back."

Retreating, Gage dropped back on her heels. "That's not true," she stated in a small voice. However, it was true. No matter how hard Lacy had tried ever since they had been together to pry parts of Gage's hidden past out, the blonde remained firm in keeping it buried.

Pulling Gage closer to her, Lacy continued. "Then why won't you share parts of your life with me?"

Straining against her partner's grasp, Gage turned her head away, focusing her downcast eyes on some distance spot. "It's not important?"

"It is to me." Lacy gently returned Gage to face her. "I love you, Gage. And, I want you fully, completely with me in everyway. I want to know every aspect about you? your past, everything. Our future depends on it. Our family depends on it."

"What are you saying?" Scrambling up from the floor, Gage retreated then lodged herself against the kitchen counter.

Lacy placed her son in his chair, offering him a small diagonal piece of toast Gage had meticulously cut. Sammy took the buttery slice and munched happily on it. With her son pre-occupied, Lacy wrapped her arms around her quiet partner. "Gage, sweetheart, I want this baby. Maybe it will?maybe you'll feel. What I'm trying to say is that with a baby that is a part of you?and me then just maybe you'll give yourself to me?us completely."

Even though the argument was awkward and unsteady, Gage knew exactly what Lacy meant. She did, at times, remain aloof and indifferent toward fully committing herself to her new family. Although, Gage wholeheartedly gave to Lacy and all three of the children, doting on them with unconditional love, she remained at a distance just in case her new fragile world came tumbling down. By holding back her past, Gage was able to do two things. Creating a barrier would protect her from the hurt and pain of one day losing this family - like she had experienced years ago when she was given up for adoption. It also let Gage take the easy way out, instead of facing her tormented past and dealing with it head on.

"I'll try." Gage offered with less assurance than Lacy would have wanted.

"That's all I can ask then." Capturing her partner's lips in a very sweet and reassuring kiss, Lacy willed her love, enveloping her partner. She hoped it would provide the security she felt Gage so desperately needed.

Strolling through the kitchen door, Jason McIntyre walked in on the pair in a lover's embrace. Clearing his throat, the tall man caught the couple's attention. "Sorry."

Unfettered by her ex-husband's presence, Lacy remained in Gage's embrace. "Jason, good morning." Lacy ducked in for a quick kiss from Gage. Without looking toward him, Lacy's hungry eyes remained on her lover when she asked. "Want something to eat?" The dark haired woman smiled at Gage before continuing. "Where's that brother of mine?"

Trying not to notice Lacy as she ran her hand up and down Gage's arm, snuggling even closer, Jason answered her. "No, thank you?. he's outside. Wants to talk with you about the deck." Clearing his throat again, Jason hurried his next words. "After breakfast, of course. Excuse me."

Kissing Gage deeply once again, Lacy laughed. "Do you think we scared him away?"

"No. I think he thinks you're going to have me for breakfast." Gage grinned as her hands roamed freely over her partner's body.

Lacy and Gage shared the same sensual thought but Sammy had a different idea, banging his hands against the table and getting his mother's full attention. "Momma?momma. Want you. Now."

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

After talking with Lacy's brother, Hank Lewis, and Jason about her plans for the deck, Gage strolled around their newly built home just outside of St. Troy with Lacy by her side. Sammy remained faithfully propped on his mother's hip.

"Do you think we'll be happy here?" Gage asked off-handedly.

Tugging on her partner's hand, Lacy pulled Gage to a dead stop. "Why would you ask something like that?"

"Oh, I don't know." Gage shrugged, dropping Lacy's hand. Focusing on the lakeshore only a couple hundred feet away from the house, the blonde said softly. "You're used to so much? more." Quickly, turning to meet her partner, Gage halted the dark-haired woman's protest. "Hollywood. You know, the glamour, big homes? mansions."

"And, this place isn't big enough?" Lacy spread her arm out toward the $1.5 million dollar home they had built. "We have?. what? Twenty-five acres. A private lake cove that extends?."

"At least a mile and it's not that private." Gage moved closer to her lover. "That's not what I mean anyway. Besides, most of it was your money."

Lacy grunted a small laugh. "I wondered when that would come up."

"What do you mean?" Gage retorted in surprise.

Grabbing the blonde's reluctant hand again, Lacy led her down the path through a small rose garden. "Money. How much I have versus how much you have."

"Well, it is a bit lopsided." It was then Lacy gave her lover a lopsided grin before Gage finally relented. "Oh, I don't want to argue about money."

"If it really bothers you, Sweetheart, I'll make a deal with you."

Gage perked up at the suggestion.

"You can be my loooove?slave." Lacy's arched an eyebrow seductively. "Do what I want, when I want?. whatever way I want it." Lacy sashayed back to the house, fully aware of her lover's eyes tracking her.

Gage called after her before hurrying to her side. "And that would be different ? how?"

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

After Lacy and Gage dropped off Sammy at his grandmother's house, the couple headed to the doctor's office to confirm what Lacy had already discovered.

Gage drove the curvy narrow Benton's pass with care as she covertly watched her silent partner. "You miss them, too?"

Dropping her hand on her lover's thigh, Lacy confirmed. "More than I ever thought I could?and it's only been a few days."

Placing her hand over Lacy's, Gage reassured the younger woman. "They'll be back with us in a little over a week. I'm sure everything's fine."

"You're right. Stella's with them." Lacy nodded, reassuring herself.

Gage pursed her lips together. "Stella! Are you sure it was such a good idea hiring her. I know Julie vouched for her but?" Stella Smith came highly recommended by Julie Grant, head of Primrose Studios and Mark Calico's girlfriend. The nanny had been with them for nearly eighteen months now and Gage was still wary of her.

"The kids love her. She worked for Julie for years and never once had a problem. I trust her." Lacy was more concerned about her two oldest kids staying with her ex-husband and their father, David Levine. But, she was most concerned about her oldest son, Derek. It was a well-known fact that David was hard on their six-year-old son. "Dani won't have a problem. She loves her father."

"Yeah, she has a way of saying things and never getting in trouble. I don't know how she does it." Gage inserted.

"Derek on the other hand? I'm just glad Stella agreed to go along for his sake."

"Yep." Gage said with a disgruntled mumble. "Sammy doesn't like me and, now, I think Derek likes her better than me."

"Oh, he does not. What's wrong with you today?" Lacy searched her partner carefully, looking for any clue as to why Gage was so out of sorts that day.

"I don't know? there's something familiar about her. It's weird somehow. I can't explain it." Gage slowed, cautiously negotiating the hairpin curve due to the blind spot at Benton's Pass. "I wish they would get this fixed. People drive too fast through this area."

Lacy waited till her partner had carefully traversed the dangerous curve and resumed normal speed. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"Nothin'." Gage grunted.

"Mmmmm hmmmm. I believe that." Lacy smiled. Sarcastically, she continued. "First, Sammy doesn't like you, Derek likes her better than you and I have too much money."

A small smile rose on the blonde's face. "It's not that you have too much money?it's just that I don't. I know I'm being a baby." Gage winked at her lover. "But, I'm your baby."

Lacy's hand caressed Gage's cheek. "Yes, you are."

After a few more miles, Gage pulled their new Grand Cherokee Jeep into the doctor's parking lot. She opened Lacy's door, grabbed her hand and said. "Come on, let's go make a baby."

Even though today wouldn't be the day for that, Lacy loved her partner's enthusiasm and newfound attitude. Happily, she followed the older woman inside.

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

As they waited in the doctor's office, Lacy noticed an article in USA Today about a kidnapping in Los Angeles. She pored over the piece, soaking in every detail. "You're right. The cove's not that private. Anybody on the lake can drive their boat right down to our house."

"What?" Gage asked before Lacy jammed the newspaper in her chest.

Remembering that they both left their cell phones at home, Lacy insisted. "As soon as we get home I'm calling David."

A nurse came to the door. "Ms. Levine, the doctor will see you now."

Lacy jerked Gage up. Completely bewildered by her partner's demeanor, Gage followed as she tried to read the article in question.

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

When the couple arrived home, Lacy took her sleeping son to his bedroom with Gage right on her heels. "How is that you go to the doctor and I come back finding out that I'm anemic?"

"You know very well how. She took blood tests from both of us." Lacy was distracted. She wanted to call David immediately and negligently dismissed her lover's concern. "You better get that straightened out because we are going to have a baby and nothing is going to stop us."

Before Gage could reply, Lacy was out the door, heading for the nearest telephone. She punched the numbers quickly and impatiently waited for someone to answer. "Hayston? Hi. Is David there?" Lacy tapped the table. "David? How are the kids? Are they there with you? Did you see the papers?"

"Lacy! Hold on there, honey. Yeah, the kids are here. Matter of fact, they're outside in the pool. Stella's with them. What's up?" David wondered about his ex-wife's rapid-fire questions.

"Good." Lacy sighed a heavy relief. "Let me talk to them."

"In a minute. Now, what's wrong?" David asked again then noticed the light haired young woman walk up, handing him a drink. "What paper are you talking about?" When the young woman silently quizzed him regarding his question to Lacy, David shrugged his shoulders at his girlfriend, Hayston Rawlings.

"The kidnapping. It's all over the news." Lacy stressed her disbelief at David's casual attitude. "You do read, don't you?"

"Honey?.." The stern look he received from Hayston caused him to amend the endearment toward his ex-wife. "Lacy, they're fine. Derek even smiled at me today."

"Ha!" Hayston countered with a wicked laugh. "That was only because you spilled wine on your expensive shirt."

"Either way, it was a smile." David shot back at his lover.

"David! Focus." Lacy fumed. "Let me speak to Dani or better yet.. Stella."

Lacy waited the few minutes it took to get Stella on the telephone. She blew a kiss to the patiently waiting blonde standing nearby. "Hi, Stella. How's the kids?"

Gage watched as the dark-haired mother quizzed the nanny. Asking every question conceivable under the sun about how her children were doing. Lacy capped her inquisitive queries before talking with each of her children with one last question to Stella. "You have Derek's Epipen, right?" Lacy's faint nod confirmed that all was well.

When Lacy finally hung up, she opened her arms wide, beckoning her lover close. In less than a heartbeat, Gage wrapped her lover in her arms. "I love you."

Allowing her lover to briefly nuzzle her neck, Lacy reluctantly pulled away, guiding the blonde to the bedroom.

When they arrived, Lacy noticed a rose lying on her pillow. "How did you? When did you?"

Gage shrugged.

After giving the blonde a thank you kiss, Lacy dropped to the bed. "I'm exhausted."

"I'm not surprised." Gage sat down next to her. "It's been an eventful day."

"You won't be mad if we don't?" Lacy's words dropped into a silent abyss.

Laying Lacy back on the bed, Gage undressed her partner with tender loving care and affection. "No." The blonde adoringly smiled at Lacy.

"I know I promised." Gage pressed a finger to the lips of the woman she loved.

"It's okay. Besides?." Gage winked at her lover. "I talked to Hank and Jason. They won't be coming till noon tomorrow." Gage waggled her eyebrows and wrapped her lover close, warding off the unease of the day and providing Lacy with a safe harbor through the night.

Chapter Two

Heavenly silence met the waking couple. Gage slid over her partner but hesitated briefly before dropping in for a sweet and gentle good morning kiss. "Should we chance it?" The blonde wiggled her eyebrows seductively.

"We should." After a restful sleep, cradled in her lover's arms, Lacy was more than ready for what Gage had in mind.

Once again, Gage brushed her lips against willing ones then repositioned herself, propping her leg between Lacy's thighs. The blonde left a trail of hot kisses down her lover's neck as her right hand found refuge on Lacy's breast.

"Mmmmmm." Lacy moaned, closing her eyes in pleasure. "Heading for your favorite spot?" She knew her lover well. Gage always spent an inordinate amount of time feasting upon her breasts. And, Lacy never complained.

"I have many." Before their young son woke and the boys arrived to work on the deck, Gage found every spot and gave it her undivided attention, much to Lacy's delight.

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

Lacy hurried to dress upon hearing her son calling. "What are you doing today?"

Gage relaxed on the bed, watching her lover haphazardly throw on her clothes. "Write. I guess."

"That's nice." Sammy wailed loudly once again. "What about later? We need to talk about the movie." Lacy rushed to the door, paying very little attention to her lover's answer.

Gage watched Lacy run out the bedroom before she could reply. "Oh, well, I'm not going to complain." Gage plopped back on the bed and a huge grin promptly sprung upon her face. "I finally got me some."

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

Gage wrote the rest of the morning while Lacy played with Sammy and consulted with Hank and Jason about the house. When the writer finally put away her laptop, she searched out her partner, hoping to have a late lunch together. The doorbell rang before she located her missing lover.

"Hey, Mark. Come in. Help me find Lacy." Gage headed for the kitchen with Mark following closely behind.

"Things are coming together. I like it." Mark said, looking around as he walked through the main entrance and down the long hall to the kitchen. "Lots of light in here."

"Yeah, Lacy likes the kitchen bright and cheery. She insisted on solar power, too. A real environmentalist." Bending over, Gage popped her head in the refrigerator as Mark surveyed the eloquently decorated high ceiling stuffed with numerous skylights. "How bout some lunch?"

"Nice view." Mark commented.

"You're not flirting with my woman, are you, Mark Calico?"

With her head still in the refrigerator, Gage's green eyes popped wide open and Mark stuttered in an attempt to reply. "Ahhh. No? I was?" Pointing up, Mark continued. "It's a nice view up there. Not, there." His hand dropped to point at Gage.

Lacy's blue eyes glanced at Gage's backside. "Now, you're insulting my woman's ?.. assets?"

"Ahhhh?." Mark stumbled before Gage saved him.

The blonde stood upright. "Drop it, Mark. You're sinking fast." Walking over to Lacy, Gage kissed her. "Thank you for defending me."

Returning the kiss, she smiled at Mark's embarrassment. "Anytime. Someone said something about lunch?"

"Siddown. I'm fixing sandwiches." Gage glanced at the kitchen door. "What about the guys?"

"Jen and Lisa came over. They're having lunch by the lake." Lacy smiled at Gage. "Sammy's with them." Jen Farris was Hank's girlfriend of almost five years now and Lisa Lewis, Lacy's sister, had secretly set her sight on the thirty-five year old Jason McIntyre.

"Oh?.." Maybe if Mark doesn't hang around too long, Lacy and I could?. Gage let her mind wonder as she quickly made the sandwiches, meticulously cutting them diagonally before serving them. "Eat up."

Lunch lasted longer than Gage had hoped. When Mark showed no sign of leaving, Gage reluctantly broached the subject of Lacy's upcoming movie, HERE COMES JORDAN. "So, Mark, have you finalized the casting yet? Got anybody to play Shelley?"

Mark nodded. "Shanti (Shaun-tee) James."

Lacy gathered a few plates from the table. "Marva's niece?"

Both producers of Lacy's new movie shrugged their shoulders.

Surprised that they didn't recognize the famous actress' name, Lacy informed them. "Marva DuLaine. She did several episodes on my show." After placing the plates in the sink, Lacy sat back down at the table, contemplating. "Most of her career was on stage." The dark haired actor allowed a few brief memories of her old friend to invade her mind. "She's a character. We had some?. crazy times together."

A concerned look briefly traversed the blonde's face then Gage cleared her throat. "What kind of crazy times?"

Placing her hand on the blonde's arm, Lacy soothed her partner. "Not that kind of crazy."

"What kind of crazy do you think I was talking about?" Gage retorted as if being insulted then pretending to pout.

The tall dark haired businessman slowly stood up. "Guess this is my cue to exit." Mark laughed at his own remark. "Show business talk? guess I've been spending too much time with Ryan." The director for their upcoming movie was Ryan White. For the last several months, Mark and Ryan had been spending hours together in pre-production. Recently, Mark had asked Ryan to join Shadow Productions. That reminds me I need to talk with Gage about that invitation.

Lacy popped up, pushing Mark back down. "Sit down. You two talk. I'm going to check on Sammy and the rest of them." Glancing quickly back at her lover, Lacy smiled then mouthed. I love you.

Gage smiled. Oh, why did she go and do that? Just when I was working up a bit of steam?. getting mad so we could? make up later. Her mind drifted to their earlier lovemaking session, stirring a physical reaction in her that still lingered hours later.

"Gage?" Mark quizzed, waving his hand in front of his long time friend and partner. "I know she's a distraction but she's been gone for the last five minutes."

Harnessing her full attention back to her friend, Gage said. "Mark, I love you really I do. Like a brother. But, we need to come up with a signal."

Being extremely intelligent and having known Gage for over four years, Mark knew exactly what his younger friend was referring to. "Stayed too long, did I? Hey, if I can't be with my girl than neither can you?"

"How are Julie and the kids?" Gage stood up. Before allowing him to answer, she continued. "Come on, let me show you my writing room. I've got those stories you wanted to take a look at."

"Did you finally finish HEART OF AFRICA?" Mark followed his friend through the kitchen door. When they reached Gage's writing room, Mark stopped short. Clearing his throat, Mark cautiously continued. "There's something I want to talk to you about?. it's Julie."

The seriousness in his tone commanded Gage to give him her full attention. "Sit down." She motioned for him then she sat in her leather chair behind a desk. "What is it?"

Long moments passed as Mark tried to get comfortable. "Several things really. First, I asked Ryan to join our company. I know I didn't talk with you about?"

Gage halted him with an upraised hand. "That's great, Mark. You know I don't have a problem with that." She leaned forward in her chair. "There's something more serious on your mind. What is it?"

Mark sucked in a deep breath. "How do you?. how did you win over Lacy's kids? I know they love you."

Nodding, Gage surmised the problem that plagued her good friend. Julie Grant had two children, Joe and Jessie. They loved their father very much and it was after he died that Mark entered Julie's life again. Mark, Julie and Joe, Sr. had been friends for years. Prior to meeting Mark again, Julie was still trying to deal with the inherent problems of running her own production company, her ex-husband's death, and how the kids reacted to it, all alone except for the help of her nanny, Stella Smith. So, when Mark re-entered her life, she found in him a safe haven.

Puzzling over his dilemma, Gage leaned back. She watched Mark intently study the hundreds of books that lined two walls of the room as if trying to avoid the very question he posed. "To tell you the truth, Mark. Although, Lacy will deny it, Sammy doesn't like me at all."

Shooting his friend a doubtful look, Mark remained silent but his concentration was now fully focused on her.

"Well, maybe he likes me a little?" Gage squeezed her finger and thumb closely together. "?bit. And, that's only when he's hungry or needs his pants changed and Lacy's not around to do it."

Stretching out her name slowly, Mark said. "Gage?."

She tossed him her latest screenplay. "You're asking the wrong person. Derek liked me just like that." Gage snapped her fingers together. "Dani?." She let a heavy sigh escape. "Dani. I bribed her with a?. your speedboat when we were at your cabin on the lake. Actually, when I think about it?." Gage continued seriously. "?. she just needed to be reassured that I wasn't there to take their mother away from them."

Mark flipped through the screenplay without really giving it much thought. "I've tried that. Julie keeps reassuring me that they'll come around." He stood up abruptly, tossing the script on the desk.

"I see you liked it." Gage said dryly.

"Damn it to hell, Gage." Mark paced around the room. "It's been close to two years and nothing has changed. I've tried everything. Here I am CEO of an international company, producer of my own production company?" Mark paused, looking at his co-producer.

"Go on." Gage encouraged her friend to vent.

"I wheel and deal every day knowing that thousands of people in my companies depend on me. I am a good employer." Mark wasn't looking for Gage to boost his ego just to confirm the truth. He desperately needed reassurance from his friend.

"You're a great employer?and person." Gage added. "I know of none better. Mark, no other company in the world offers the kind of benefits you do to your employees. Daycare for your employees. They have stock in the company. And, I know for a fact when one of your employees or partners?." Gage smiled, remembering when she backed out on helping him when he produced her first screenplay in New Orleans. "?.needs time off for personal reasons? no problem. You're there for them."

The fuming man eased back down in the leather chair. "That reminds me. I can't stay long. I need to go to New York tomorrow."

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

Lacy lingered near the pathway to the lakeshore as she watched her older brother, Hank playing with his nephew. Her attention soon turned to her sister gazing at Jason with unchecked adulation. Guess mom was right. "Room for one more?"

Sammy jerked his dark head up. "Momma!" He scrambled out of his uncle's arms, waddling toward his mother. Lacy plopped down on the blanket the foursome were picnicking on right before the two year old jumped into her arms.

After watching Sammy's reaction to his mother, Jen smiled at Hank. "I wonder what it would feel like? having your child love you that much."

The never been married thirty-five year old man swallowed hard before glancing away, intently checking out a duck on the lake.

It was then his youngest sister, Lisa, nudged him. "You can look at the duck all day long bro but even they have families."

Much to Hank's dismay, several little ducks joined the adult male duck along with their mother. Hank shot all of them a dirty look but what really irritated him was the smirk on his friend and construction partner's face. "Lisa, did I tell you that Jason thinks you're pretty?"

It was time for Jason to swallow hard but he regrouped quickly. "As a matter of fact? yes, I do."

"You do?" Lisa thrilled at his words.

"All of the Lewis women are beautiful actually." Jason concluded.

Lisa's happy balloon deflated slightly, dropping her hazel eyes, she concurred. "Lacy is."

Quickly sensing his words hurt Lisa, Jason confirmed. "Yes, she is." Summing all the courage within his muscular six-foot three-inch frame, the dark haired man continued not caring that the others were close by. "But,?." His long finger lifted her chin. "?when I look at you there's nothing more beautiful." Emotion well up inside him as he thought I don't know where those corny words came from but with that smile on her face, you'd think I just hung the moon. Without looking away from Lisa's radiating face, Jason said. "Shut up, Hank."

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

"Make yourself useful, Mark. Hand me that needle." Gage studied the lining in Lacy's hope chest.

He did as directed but couldn't help but tease his friend. "Little miss homemaker."

"For that you get to sleep in the shed." Gage carefully stitched the lining back into place. "Lacy got this from her grandmother. She keeps all her treasures in here. Her grandmother's broach and other trinkets she collected through the years. Take note here, Mark. You could learn something. This will score me lots of points."

"Hmmmm. I don't think Julie's kids have a hope chest." Mark sat on the edge of Gage and Lacy's bed.

"Mark?. about her kids? I was thinking. Why don't you and Julie and the kids, of course, come back here on the 4th of July. I'll put in a good word for you." Gage winked. "And, if that doesn't do it, I'll sic Dani on them. She loves you. You own the boat after all. She'll get them to change their minds."

"It's a thought." Mark shrugged, not really giving much merit to the suggestion.

"Maybe Lacy will have some ideas. You're staying the night?" Gage was carefully closing the lid of the chest when a hidden latch popped open, revealing a secret compartment. "Well, what do you know?" Ducking her head into the chest, Gage perused her newfound discovery.

"What I know is that I've got to find someway to get the kids to accept me. I can't ask her to marry me until I do."

Jerking her head up sharply, Gage hit the top of the chest. "What? When did this come about?"

Raising his arms to stop her questioning, Mark answered. "It hasn't happened yet and won't unless things change."

Gage dropped the chest lid down and then sat on it. "Mark, you can't let that stop you from getting what you want. I know Julie loves you. She told Lacy and she told?.. well, you know."

"I love her, too. Very much." Dejected, Mark fell silent.

Jumping up, Gage paced the floor. "I can't believe you, Mark Calico. Where's all that self-confidence? I've seen you go into meetings and stand firm even as those corporate sharks tried to surround you. You never backed down." When Gage finished her tirade, she was standing right in front of her friend.

"I told you earlier I had to go to New York." Gage nodded. "My VP there? is having some personal problems with his marriage. Part of it is that his wife's oldest son from her first marriage? I think he's sixteen now? has gotten in with some gang, drugs and other things. Apparently, the whole gamut."

Gage backed away, reclaiming her spot on the chest. "That's tough. I worry about Lacy's? our kids getting older and being around stuff like that." That was one of the main reasons Lacy and Gage decided to make their home in St. Troy.

"Anyway, they're having disagreements about what to do about him which is causing problems in the marriage. Jett's loving every minute of it. He never did like Mitch."

Mitch? Now that name takes me back. "You think that could be you in a few years."

"Not a few years? now. He's the same age as Jessie and Joe's eighteen." Mark stood, walking to the huge bedroom window that overlooked the lakeshore. "We live in LA. That kind of stuff is all over just like in New York. Julie's already had a few problems with Joe."

Having very little experience with kids except for a few years she worked with teenagers, Gage felt helpless to offer her friend any kind of sound advice. Telling him about my teen years wouldn't be helpful? not after everything I did. It would only worry him more. So, instead of proffering some hollow counsel, Gage hugged her friend.

"Should I be jealous?" Lacy stood at the doorway to her bedroom.

Whipping around, Gage smiled. "Only if I could benefit from it somehow." The blonde walked away from Mark toward Lacy.

Yet, upon seeing the tall man covertly wipe away an errant tear, Lacy bypassed her lover heading directly to Mark. She whispered in his ear as he hugged her. "Julie loves you more than life itself. Whatever it is, the two of you will make it through?.together. Trust me."

Mark wasn't surprised at Lacy's words. He knew Julie and Lacy had become fast friends in the last two years. His girlfriend was a very intelligent woman. Julie surmised Mark's fears and more than likely discussed them with Lacy. "Just like you and Gage?"

"Yes. Just like me and?." Lacy's piercing blue eyes shifted toward her lover who was vigilantly watching with a perplexed look on her face.

"Should I be jealous?" Gage mocked her partner's earlier words.

Chapter Three

Before Mark Calico headed off to New York to help his VP, he made another deposit at the doctor's office. As Lacy and Gage waited patiently in the examining room for the doctor, the blonde fidgeted while debating on whether to bring up the subject on her mind.

"Lacy, the movie starts in a couple of weeks and I was thinking??"

Lacy cut her partner off. "Me, too. Why don't we pack Sammy up and head out to LA early? I miss the kids so much. We're staying at Mark's place so that's not a problem."

Seeing the bright smile on her lover's face, Gage happily agreed. "Exactly what I was thinking." But, it wasn't exactly what Gage had swirling around in her blonde head. Her mind was focused on the medical procedure Lacy was about to undergo once again. Baby, if this doesn't work this time, I don't want to see you hurting again. It breaks my heart.

As if reading her partner's mind, Lacy reassured Gage. "Sweetheart, have faith."

Faith was something Gage desperately lacked. For years, as a child and even into her young adulthood, the blonde stayed the course in her belief that one day everything would fall into place and she would finally understand why her life went the way it did. Ultimately, that vessel of belief crashed down around her, leaving her to drift in the choppy waters of life without any real course or direction. It wasn't until Lacy Levine walked into her life years ago that she finally found reason to hope, to believe that everything that ever happened to her happened for a reason. And, it was that reason that led her to her soulmate.

The young doctor entered the room after a brief knock. "Lacy, shall we give it another go?"

The dark haired woman offered a shake of her head, indicating the doctor should proceed. Oblivious to the doctor but not to Gage was the slight hesitation in that nod. She hurried to Lacy's side and kissed her cheek, whispering. "This time, for sure, we make a baby?. together."

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

Gage slowed the jeep, cautiously negotiating Benton's Pass on their way back home. When a black Jaguar passed her on the curve, the blonde erupted. "Damn it! Did you see that?"

Even Lacy felt grave concern as the impatient and reckless driver took the curve too fast.

"This whole thing needs to be revamped." Gage fumed.

"I don't know why this pass bothers you so much, Sweetheart. It was just one crazy driver. Most everyone else drives safely?. not as safe as you but?"

"It has a bad blind spot." The blonde countered.

"Maybe you should be on the city council. Get it changed." Lacy suggested, eyeing her partner's reaction carefully.

Offended, Gage shot back. "Maybe I will."

"Next time, I drive." Gage cast her smiling partner a wary look. "I know you love to drive. You can be the passenger just once, right?"

"Right." Gage smirked. The blonde driver was not a very good passenger. She loved to be behind the wheel. She considered it her job in the family.

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

Lacy and Gage lazed on the deck of their new thirty foot boat, enjoying the setting sun. "Dani's gonna love this." They were anchored in Pin Oak cove not far from their home. It was on the secluded and quiet southern side of the lake. The cove extended close to a mile before it opened up to the main channel. Lacy and Gage owned the land on either side of the cove. However, the cove itself was open to the public.

The younger woman's fingers slid down Gage's arm, lingering there. "It was a good idea to leave Sammy with mom."

"I figured since we're leaving tomorrow that it would be nice for them to spend some time together."

"Mmmm Hmmm?." Her disbelief showed.

Ignoring her partner's doubt, Gage continued. "We won't be back till the fourth of July, you know. By the way, I invited Mark and Julie."

"I know." Lacy stood. Giving her partner a come hither look, she grasped Gage's arm and yanked her up. "Come with me."

A goofy look adorned the blonde's face. "Anytime."

Lacy led her willing partner to the sleeping quarters below deck. The thin blue swim skirt dropped to the floor, revealing a very shapely behind for Gage to gaze longingly at. The thong bikini her lover wore hardly covered anything except the bare essentials and Gage didn't mind one bit. However, had they been in public the jealous blonde would have had to erect a tent around her lover to ward off inquiring eyes.

The dark haired woman lounged on the bed, showcasing her sexy long legs and offering an invitation to Gage that she would never resist. Gage stripped off her top and cut off shorts in record time. Lacy welcomed her lover's undivided attention.

When the roaring sound of a speeding boat whipped past them, Lacy's mind turned elsewhere. Thinking about her kid's safety, she asked. "Did you talk with Hank?"

Desperately trying to untie the knotted string holding Lacy's top on, Gage grunted. "Hank?" Her lips dipped between Lacy's well-endowed breasts. "Yes. I talked with him about the security system and he has a friend that's going to upgrade the whole thing." Gage mumbled before capturing the newly revealed nipple.

Lacy moaned but remained coherent. "You think I'm being silly."

"No!" Gage's head shot up. "I should have thought about it way before this."

The wake of the speeding boat rocked them. Rolling in each other arms, they gazed deeply into each other's eyes until the rocking boat stilled. Then the blonde resumed her sexual onslaught. Her hand slid between them, removing Lacy's thong, letting it fly across the small cabin. "Now I have you." Gage wedged her body between Lacy's long legs.

"Yes, you do."

Gage kissed her lover deeply.

A simple request. "Love me."

"Always." A promise for eternity.

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

Darkness fell on the quiet cove as Lacy and Gage lay in each other's arms. "It's been nice? just the two of us this evening."

"Mmmmm?." The blonde cuddled closer. "I could never get enough of you."

Running her hand through her lover's short blonde hair, Lacy shared her thoughts. "Does having the kids make?."
Shaking her head against her lover's chest, Gage assured Lacy. "No. They don't take away from us. As a matter of fact, having them makes things?. I don't know?even better." Gage lifted her eyes to meet blue ones. "I love each and every one of them. And, watching you with them, taking care of them, loving them?.you're a very sexy mother."

"Ha!" Lacy laughed.

"I mean it."

"You think I'm sexy, huh?" Lacy's dark eyebrows shot up. "When I had baby spit all over me?"

"Yes." Gage swept in for a tender kiss.

"Chasing the kids around in the morning even before I've combed my hair? With no make-up!"

"Beautiful."

"How bout when both Dani and Derek had the flu? sniffling with kleenexes everywhere. Sammy was crying because he was cutting his first tooth and there I was sitting with all of them? a total mess and then you walked in. Yes, it was such a pretty picture." Lacy spat sarcastically.

Remembering that very night, Gage said seriously. "Lovely. That's what I thought, it was a lovely picture."

Lacy scoured her memory for a long moment. "What about the time I was cooking dinner? Derek zoomed by and the spaghetti ended up all over me and the kitchen floor."

"Now, that was disgusting." She held the serious look for as long as she could before she burst out laughing. "Lacy, there hasn't been a single moment since I've known you that I haven't thought of you as the most beautiful, alluring?.. intelligent." She quickly inserted. "And, the sexiest woman ever."

Lacy rewarded her lover with a kiss. "I think the same about you."

"Damn straight." The older woman laughed then thought about it for a moment. "Well, with a slight curve."

"I love your curves." Lacy admitted and decided then and there to intimately examine every curve her shapely lover had.

Chapter Four

Gage and Lacy, carrying Sammy, followed the servant though the mansion and out onto the patio deck that overlooked the swimming pool. After arriving in LA, they headed straight to David Levine's home. Lacy wanted to surprise her two older children by their early appearance.

Dani was the first to notice the newly arrived couple. "Mom!" The waving eleven year old yelled. "Watch." The dark haired girl executed a perfect dive off the board.

Scrambling from the edge of the pool, Derek raced to his mother and Gage. Hugging his mother like a drowning man upon finding a life preserver, the five year old smiled brightly then turned to his favorite person. "Hi, Gage." Jumping into her waiting arms, he gave the blonde a hug and a quick kiss. Then leaned over to do the same to his mother. "I'm glad you came to get us."

David took serious note that his son's ever-present gloomy face brightened upon seeing his guests. Walking up to the couple, he addressed Lacy and deliberately ignored Gage who had his son wrapped around her. "Hello, Lacy." The thirty-seven year old producer leaned in, giving his ex-wife a peck on the cheek. "Here. Let me have him. Come here, Sam."

The two year old finally succumbed to his father's bequest. Juggling his wiggling youngest son in his arms, David relented and put his drink down on a nearby table. The dark haired woman noted the time of day and the apparent contents of his drink.

When Lacy's arms were free, Derek hopped from Gage to his mother. Derek leaned in and whispered. "Can we go home?"

Kissing her son, Lacy's reply met wild enthusiasm from Derek. "Right now?" She nodded then he slipped from her arms, waiting patiently between his mother and Gage.

Suddenly appearing on the deck was the beautiful fair skinned actress, Hayston Rawlings. "Darling! It's Ron Griffen on the phone." She sidled up to her lover, draping her arm over his shoulder. When David started to hand Sammy to her, she pursed her lips and withdrew ever so slightly.

Noting this, Gage stepped up, taking the young child from his departing father. "I'll get him." To her surprise and relief, he didn't resist. Maybe he does like me.

The twenty-five year old actress debated following David. Hesitatingly, Hayston nodded to her ex-co-star of the television show, CRACKDOWN.

"Hayston, how are you? I hope the kids didn't give you a hard time." Lacy conversationally quizzed.

"Oh, no." The light haired woman answered with a fake smile. Thank God the nanny was here. Hayston Rawlings grew up the only child of loving but poor parents. She wasn't used to sharing the limelight. Having two of David's children visit for the last week threw a wrench in her plans to spend that time alone with him.

The jubilation Gage felt when Sammy easily came to her only lasted a few seconds until Stella Smith reached out to the young boy.

"Hello there, Sammy." The sixty-year-old woman stroked his soft cheek, causing him to giggle. It didn't take long for him to reach for his nanny. Taking her young charge, Stella greeted the couple. "Hi, Lacy." She turned to the blonde. "Gage."

Gage frowned. "Stella."

"Dani!" The mother yelled. "Get over her and give your mother a hug."

Hurrying across the pool area, Dani wrapped her wet arms around her mother, then laughed. "Wanna go swimming with me, Mom?" The young girl stepped back, looking her mother up and down and said. "You might as well you're already wet."

"Mmmmm." Lacy's mock frown turned into a loving smile, hugging her daughter tightly again.

"Hi! Gage." The soaking wet girl opened her arms wide and with an impish glint in her blue eyes asked. "How bout you?" Not waiting for Gage to reply, Dani stalked her prey.

Gage dashed off with Dani hot on her heels. It didn't take long for Derek to take off after them. "Wait for me. Hey!"

Lacy, Stella and Hayston stood silently watching the mayhem before them when David arrived, breaking the ice. "Honey, could you hand me that drink?" David winked at his live in lover when she complied with his request. "Ron's pushed back that movie till the fall." Taking a long sip, he continued. "Summer's shot unless?.." Turning to Lacy, he speculated. "?there's a part for Hayston in your movie. What'd you say, Lacy? Anything interesting?"

"David!" Hayston admonished him with a forged smile. She circled her arm around his, pulling him closer. "Why don't we just take the summer off? We haven't had any time alone lately."

The cold glare he shot his lover froze her in place. "We'll talk about it." Patting her hand, David turned his attention to his two older children's antics. Nodding at Gage as she frolicked with the kids, he remarked sarcastically to Lacy. "You always wanted a houseful of kids."

Ignoring her ex-husband's caustic remark, Lacy said. "We should go."

Even from forty feet away, Derek's keen ears heard his mother's welcomed words. "Gage, Dani, come on. We're leaving." He grabbed Gage's hand and fully expected his older sister to dutifully follow.

It took a little time to pack their bags before they departed David's Beverly Hills mansion. After hugging his daughter and bidding goodbye to his youngest son, David hesitated before approaching Derek. "Goodbye, son." He reluctantly stepped toward his oldest son but the dark haired boy had already turned and headed toward the waiting car.

"Bye." Derek's answered over his shoulder, firmly holding Gage's hand.

Lacy astutely noticed the distance between father and son. After packing the kids in the vehicle, she stepped in. As Gage pulled away from the curve, Lacy ventured a distressing thought. If something should ever happen to me, I wonder?.. Turning to her partner, Lacy softly stroked Gage's forearm and smiled. I need to find a way?...

Perplexed by Lacy's quiet yet serious expression, Gage returned the younger woman's forced smile. Something's on her mind.

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

Over the next couple days, Lacy and Gage along with their three children settled into Mark's home in LA. Since he was presently in New York City and a few months ago had moved into his girlfriend's home, they had the place to themselves.

Dani commandeered the cottage they had once used when staying at Mark's house as her personal clubhouse. She reasoned with her mother that a young girl on the verge of being a teenager needed to have her own space even though Mark's mansion housed seven huge bedrooms. "But, mom." Dani whined. "The boys get on my nerves sometimes."

Lacy cast her daughter a doubtful look. "Like I believe that. Besides, you're not even twelve yet. You complained just this morning about how much you missed Sammy when you were with your dad."

Dani plopped down on the small couch in the cottage next to her mother. Thinking quickly, she changed her tactics. "What I was really hoping was that you and I could? this could be our place. Like a girl's club?for when we want to talk about?.. serious things."

"Just you and me? Not the boys and? not Gage." Lacy inquired.

"Right." Dani confirmed, feeling a victory at hand.

Over the last two years, Lacy had started setting aside special time with each child. It was something her mother had done with Lacy and her four siblings. She believed that was one of the reasons all of the kids had remained so close to her parents. Lacy kicked her legs upon the small table in front of her and agreed. "Okay. You get the place but during the day only. You sleep in the main house." Mark's security equipped home was fortified with a ten-foot stonewall surrounding the estate giving Lacy a feeling of relative security for her children.

Dani's bright blue eyes widened. "That's a given."

"Now, what's on your mind?"

Mother and daughter talked for hours about nothing in particular and then about everything important. When they concluded their girl talk, Dani suggested they go find the others. As much as the maturing young girl was reluctant to say it, what she enjoyed most was spending time with her family.

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

Stella cut the sandwich diagonally before placing it in front of Derek. "You eat this first then you can go out and play." The five year old frowned and she smiled. Mussing his hair, Stella gathered the rest of the plates from the table and began placing them in the sink.

Before she could draw the dishwater, Lacy entered with Dani. "Stella, I'll do that. You'll have to leave in a little bit, don't you?" Lacy moved the older woman away from the sink. "Do you need a ride?" She was very curious about Stella's mystery meeting.

Removing her apron, Stella agreed. "I do and no. If you don't mind, I'll take the family car. Gage said it would be alright."

Flipping around, Lacy insisted. "Of course. Stella we're going to be here for the summer. Gage and I will be working during the week and you'll need it. Not just for?. we got it so you'd have something to drive. Use it whenever you want."

"Thank you. You've both been so kind." Stella quietly said. "I won't be long."

Lacy's curiosity piqued even higher causing her to offer again. "But, we'd be glad to drive you to this? mystery appointment of yours."

Stella removed Derek's plate, which Lacy took. "No mystery about it." The nanny shrugged. "I'm going to visit Julie and her children."

Really? Julie never mentioned anything about that. "Why don't I invite them over here and we can all enjoy the afternoon together?"

Surprised by Lacy's suggestion, Stella wavered a moment. "That's very kind of you but we've had this planned for a while now."

"Planned what?" Gage walked in, taking her place next to Lacy.

The older woman checked her watch. "I need to get going now. Goodbye." And with that, she was out the door.

"That's strange. She didn't know we were coming out here a week early." Lacy mumbled. Turning back to the dishes in the sink, she pondered further. "Why would she have planned it when she knew we wouldn't be here?"

The blonde was trying hard to decipher Lacy's words but opted to temporarily ignore them. "Come on, why don't we go for a swim?"

Having no interest in doing the dishes at the present time, Lacy agreed. Then she noticed her crying son waddle in the kitchen. Her shoulder's slumped. "He needs changing."

Derek walked up behind his younger brother. Twisting him around to head back out the door, Derek admonished the young boy. "Sammy, you need to learn to go to the bathroom on your own."

Gage stopped Lacy. "I'll get it." She intercepted the boys, relieving Derek of his self-appointed duty. "Derek, as I remember it took a long time to potty train you."

A dark cloud framed the young boy's face. "No, it didn't!" Derek yelled before he stormed out of the room.

A stunned Gage looked to an equally bewildered Lacy. "What'd I say?"

"I'll go." Lacy quickly left in an attempt to track her son down and find out what was bothering him.

Gage was left to change the two-year-old who had stopped crying when he heard his older brother's outburst. "Come on, little guy."

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

After several minutes of failing to find Derek, the concerned mother ran into her daughter. "Have you seen Derek?"

She jerked her thumb over her shoulder, pointing to the back of the house. "Outside to the pool, I guess." Without another word, Lacy flew by as fast as her brother had. Realizing something was wrong, Dani said to an empty room. "Guess I'll go too? just in case." Shaking her head, Dani suspected why Derek was upset lately. An older sister's job is never done. She trotted off after her mother, expecting to run interference if necessary.

Derek ran past the swimming pool and the play area then through the iron gate that lead to the beach. The few people that walked by didn't pay attention to the young child.

When the now frantic mother arrived on the beach, she immediately spotted her young son furiously throwing small rocks into the ocean. Calming her beating heart, Lacy slowed her approach. Dani remained at a distance when she realized all was well for the moment.

"Derek?" Lacy tentatively called his name.

The sound of his name produced an even harder frown and with great effort, he pitched the small stone in his hand out to the sea.

"Honey, what's wrong?" For the last two days, she noticed her son was somewhat aloof but his behavior never reached the pinnacle it had a short while ago. Lacy placed her hand on his shoulder.

The sullen boy remained still. With pursed lips, he offered a laconic answer. "Nuthin'."

Lacy knelt down next to him. "Here give me one of those." She received a small stone from him. Tossing it out the short distance to the shoreline, Lacy continued. "I used to do this all the time when I was little. Though the waves makes it hard for the rock to skip."

"Wasn't trying to make it skip." He continued to pout.

Shifting her blue eyes toward her son, she agreed. "I know." Retrieving a small flat rock from the sandy beach, she handed it to him. "Try this one."

With a mighty swing, he tossed the rock further then the rest of them, which produced a genuine smile. "Did you see that?" Derek's projectile caught the edge of an incoming wave, flipping it up and over. "It skipped."

Smiling, she happily agreed. "Yes, it did."

Figuring that her mother had everything under control, Dani headed back to the house to let Gage know where her mother and Derek were.

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

Holding the squirming boy, Gage waited patiently. Over and over in her mind, she replayed the situation. Realizing that what she said could be rather embarrassing to a growing young boy, the blonde's shoulders slumped in frustration. I was only teasing. Usually that's okay between us.

When Dani arrived, Sammy hurried from Gage's arms. He ran up to his sister and ordered. "Hold me." Dani swung her young brother up on her hip then related what was presently transpiring between mother and son on the beach.

"Why don't you go change? Sammy, too. I'll watch you swim." Gage resigned herself to being alone for the present moment. I guess I'm good enough to do that.

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

Gage didn't have to wait long. As Dani arrived back outside with Sammy, Lacy and Derek showed up. Timidly, the blonde waited, wondering whether she should approach him. Gage relaxed a bit when Lacy gave her a reassuring smile then took Derek inside to change as well.

The family enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. And the distance between Gage and Derek narrowed slowly but surely. Gage felt most hopeful that things were back to normal when Derek decided to douse his hero with his massive water gun.

"I gotcha now." Derek shouted.

Pulling herself out of the water, Gage chased the boy until Lacy cleared her throat causing both of them to slow to a fast walk. Finally, Gage cornered the five year old near the diving board. "I got you now." Trapping him in her arms, he proceeded to climb on her back. Both smiling, Gage stepped out on the diving board and jumped. A splash of water greeted Derek's nearby sister in the face.

"Oh, you're not getting away with that." She retrieved her own water gun, waiting patiently for her two attackers to surface.

Sammy clapped his hands and giggled at the antics. He slipped from his mother's lap and headed toward the edge of the pool. "Oh, no, you don't. Dani? Stop your brother."

Torn between getting back at the pair of water assailants and stopping Sammy from jumping in the water, Dani relented and halted the smiling boy. "I said it once and I'll say it again. An older sister's job is never done." She redirected him back to his mother then dipped a pail of water for Sammy to play with. In the meantime, Gage and Derek were safely on the concrete shore.

Dani watched Gage take up residence next to her mother. Guess that target's out of the question. Turning her hunting eyes toward her other brother Dani threatened him. "Derek, prepare to get wet."

"No running!" Lacy yelled, then glanced at Gage. "They get that from you."

Who me? Gage mouthed. Her attention soon turned to Sammy who delighted in dipping his hand in the pail of water and sprinkling her with it. Over and over again and much to Gage's dismay, he was encouraged by his laughing mother to continue playing this game.

"Stop laughing. Maybe he'll stop then." Gage implored her partner. Only to be met with more laughter by Lacy.

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

Stella called and said she'd be late. So, Lacy, Gage and the kids decided to go ahead and have dinner, with Gage fixing the meal. To her surprise, Derek insisted on setting the table with plates and utensils. Although, Gage suspected Lacy put him up to it. She watched the small boy set two forks at his plate setting while he gave his sister two spoons. Gage surmised he found that funny as the whole time he had a devious smile on his face.

They enjoyed a relatively quiet dinner. Sammy demanded and got Lacy's full attention for most of the meal. If his mother was within eyesight or he heard her voice, Sammy inevitably gravitated to her. When the meal was finished, Sammy made another demand. Opening his arms wide, he eagerly called. "Momma! Get me."

She lifted him from his seat and said. "Honey, I need to do the dishes why don't you go to?.." Lacy looked around the room. "Gage."

Sammy shook his head vigorously.

"Dani?"

Again, he shook his head and pouted. Not that he didn't love his older sister but he loved his mother much more. "Want you." When she lifted him from his chair, he laid a sleepy head on her shoulder.

Reluctantly, she gave in. "Guess I'll do the dishes later."

"We'll do them." Gage offered.

Dani's eyes popped wide open. What are you talking about? I got things to do. I got two new CDs dad got me?? Her thought trailed off when she heard her mother's welcomed words.

"No. You fixed dinner. And, besides, some of the dishes are still from lunch."

"Lacy!"

"Gage?" She said sharper than she intended then her tone mellowed. "Sweetheart, you were going to do some writing and I promised Dani?. well, she's got things to do." Lacy offered her daughter a knowing look.

Hmmmm?. Dani smirked. That's right. I said I'd talk with Derek and let her know.

Gage reluctantly agreed and headed off to her writing room. But, she knew her heart wouldn't be in it.

Dani grabbed her brother's hand and jerked him up.

"Hey!" Derek protested.

"That's what you get for giving me two spoons." Seeing a growl form on his face, she offered. "I'll let you listen to my new CD." She whipped around and left, knowing full well that her brother would be right behind. To Dani, it seemed as if she was the piped piper. Derek was always willing to follow her around endlessly, especially while they were at their father's house.

Left standing in the kitchen with a nearly sleeping child, Lacy soon headed up to her son's room. She was tired and relished the idea of rocking her son to sleep. Lacy realized she would probably succumb to the rocking motion herself.

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

When Stella finally returned in the early evening, she checked on Dani and Derek while Gage headed up stairs where she found her partner just as Lacy herself predicted, asleep in the rocker holding her son.

Gage gazed fondly upon mother and son. I wished he liked me. Oh, well, two outta three ain't bad. Gage decided holding off on talking with Derek until she had a chance to discuss the issue with Lacy. While they were swimming earlier in the day, Lacy silenced her anxious partner who was being very impatient about finding out about what the two talked about on the beach. "We'll talk later." It was the kiss that accompanied her words that convinced the blonde to wait.

Gage eased the sleeping young boy from Lacy's arms, putting him in his bed. The blonde didn't realize Lacy was now awake and was watching her as she placed a gentle kiss on Sammy's forehead.

"He loves you." That statement met a doubtful shrug. "And, I do, too."

Gage winked. "Come mere."

"Anytime."

They shared a tender kiss. Holding each other, green gazed into blue. "Are you going to tell me now?"

"Later? after I talk with Dani." Lacy assured the blonde.

Grasping the younger woman's hand, Gage pulled her out of the room. "Then let's get the show on the road." The older woman didn't want to wait another second. The thing with Derek had gnawed at her all day.

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

After a short talk with Dani and a quick goodnight to her oldest son, Lacy found her way to her bedroom. "Did you talk with Stella?"

"Yes." Gage was busy arranging the covers and pillows in the bed just the way she liked them. "And, I tucked Derek in?." Without looking back, she continued. "No, I didn't talk with him and he didn't say anything to me but?" Gage suddenly stopped what she was doing, demanding her partner's full attention. "?he kissed me goodnight."

Both hands came to Lacy's face in mock surprise. "Will wonders never cease!" Quickly shedding her clothes, Lacy joined the patiently waiting blonde in bed. "Now? come mere."

Gage hurried to her side of the bed, pulling Lacy closer. "All right. Now what are you going to do with me?" The blonde cocked an eyebrow and smiled. When Lacy's still sleepy eyes drooped, Gage sighed. "Nothing, I guess."

Lacy eased her long form against her lover. "Let me close my eyes for a few moments, okay?"

Adjusting Lacy even closer to her, Gage held her tightly. She brushed her lips against the younger woman's forehead. "Are you too tired to tell me what Dani said?"

Lacy yawned. "As I?. we suspected. David. His smart comments to Derek are hurtful and Derek feels? he's very sensitive right now. "

The blonde tried to control her rising rage. "Why in the world would a father? treat his son that way?"

"He doesn't beat him." Lacy countered weakly.

"No. Something much worse." Gage sat up. "Words, at times, are far more damaging then??" Gage's own words trailed off as she remembered far too many times when reckless and careless words stung her like a slap in the face. You don't forget some things people say?.hateful, mean, vile things that a young child never forgets. "Lacy?" Gage pleaded and got Lacy's full attention. The dark haired woman's blue eyes were wide open now. "You know, I was only kidding. He usually takes it so well."

Lacy hushed her partner with her fingertips. "Gage, sweetheart, it wasn't you. You're right. Words can be? very damaging. Derek knew you were just teasing. It reminded him of the kind of things David has said to him. Only when he says them there's a kernel of truth to it."

"And, even a five year old is smart enough to know that." Gage concluded.

She kissed her lover. "Talk to him tomorrow. I suggest you two do something together. I'll get Stella to go shopping with the kids and me. I promised Dani."

"Okay. I can come up with something we'd both like."

"No trouble!" When Lacy admonished her partner, Gage simply offered her an innocent yet devious wink. "I mean it sweetheart. I do not want to come home and find this place in shambles like I did?.."

Smothering her lover with a soulful kiss, Gage doused the head of steam Lacy was building inside. "Save that fire for later." Gage waggled her eyebrows.

Snuggling closer, Lacy yawned again. Hoping her partner would take the not so subtle hint, Lacy said barely above a whisper. "Just a little sleep before I have to get up in the morning and?. oh, that reminds me I didn't?."

Gage stopped her with another gentle kiss. "You know I love you, don't you?"

"Yes. I know." Perplexed, Lacy crunched her eyebrows together.

"I'm gonna show you??." Gage wiggled up and over her lover. The blonde kissed Lacy deeply before running an eager hand along her lover's side. "?..just how much." When it looked to a very tired Lacy that Gage was determined to her have her way, the blonde jerked back up. "I'm gonna wash the dishes." Gage planted one more sweet kiss on her lover then was up and out of the room, heading for the kitchen.

Snuggling under the covers, Lacy inhaled deeply the scent of her lover. "God, I love that woman."

Chapter Five

After forcing Gage to swallow several vitamins to counter the affects of being anemic, Lacy kissed her and Derek before bidding them farewell on their great expedition together. Then, Lacy slipped back into bed, savoring a few quiet moments before she gathered up the rest of her brood and headed out on their shopping adventure.

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

The long drive to the Meadow River slipped by in relative silence. Both sleepy heads were excited about the float trip, but the early morning hour waged war against their enthusiasm. When they finally arrived and readied the raft, Gage asked Derek if he wanted to be in front or back. The blonde realized this was a huge risk. There was no way she would allow him to be at the stern of the raft since they would be encountering a few nasty rapids. But, she wanted to encourage confidence in the shy child and make him feel somewhat of an equal in their upcoming adventure.

Gage allowed a grateful breath to escape when Derek finally revealed the answer he was pondering. "No, you drive." With his life vest snuggled securely around him, he jumped into the raft.

"Whatever you say, skipper!" Gage shoved off and soon the current caught them and away they went.

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

Lacy hurried to the front door so she could bring the car around while Stella finished helping the kids get ready. When Lacy opened the door, there stood David. The startled look on her face prompted David to announce. "Surprise!"

"What a nice one it is." Lacy said in a deadpan voice.

"Oh, come on." Attempting to kiss her, his lips barely brushed her cheek because she hastily evaded his unwelcome overture. Frowning, he said. "Guess that's the way it's going to be."

Impatient, Lacy quizzed. "Did you want something David?"

"Matter of fact, I was still supposed to have the kids and since you came back early?.. I came over to spend some time with them." He waggled his eyebrows and displayed his snake-like charming smile then concluded. "You're not going to deny me, are you?"

Easily recognizing his double entendre, the actress coolly replied. "No.
Not that anyway." When Stella arrived with the kids, Lacy suggested. "Why don't you come along?"

"Yeah, dad." Dani wholeheartedly agreed. "It'll be fun."

"Okay." David followed them to his car. "Ahhh?, where are we going?"

She slipped into the car then answered. "Shopping." Lacy didn't have to turn around to see the pitiful look on her ex-husband's face.

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

"You know, Derek." Gage paused. "Why don't we pull up onto that sandbar?" The blonde wanted to talk and didn't want any distractions.

"Aye, aye." Jockeying to the other side of the raft, Derek paddled with all his might.

After a few moments both sailors settled down on the big rocks. Derek jammed his hand in the watertight bag, retrieved a sandwich and gave it to his mate.

"Thanks." Gage said. Grateful that Lacy got up early to fix them something to eat, she chomped down into the delicious sandwich of peanut butter and bananas. I do love that woman.

Drawing Gage from her musings and much to her surprise, Derek asked. "What's on your mind?"

Shifting her green eyes to her son, Gage smiled. That's the way I've thought of him? my son? from the very beginning. And, Dani, too. Now, Sammy?

"Gage?" The five year old demanded her attention. "What is it?"

Gage mussed his hair which he tolerated but only because it was from her or his mother. Derek liked Stella yet he thought he was getting too old for her to do that. When his mind started to drift, Gage brought him back to the present. "You're a smart young man. You know that?"

A shy smile rose on his perfect young features. "Yep." Then he quickly revealed. "Mom told me you had something you wanted to talk to me about."

"Ohhh, she did, did she?" Stalling a bit longer, Gage threw some crushed ice in a plastic cup and poured her soft drink in it. She chewed on the ice for a few moments. "The other day?"

A sad look crossed his face. "I know. Dani said I overreacted?." The last word was said with a dramatic flair. "Mom had to tell me what she meant by that."

"No." She interrupted him. "I should have realized?. Derek, I know things are a bit difficult between you and your father. He does love you."

The young boy cast her a very suspicious look.

"I know. I know. It may not seem like it." Retrieving a distant memory, Gage continued. "There was a time when this woman came into my life. She helped me stop stuttering." Gage winked at Derek. Both knew they shared this one time obstacle. "I really came to like her. Before that the only other person I trusted was my caseworker lady. Anyway, there we were getting along so well and I thought she cared. Then, one day?." The blonde snapped her fingers. "?she was gone. I was very young then?. the things that will go through a young kid's mind when something like that happens."

Derek nodded thoughtfully. "Where'd she go?"

"For years I didn't have a clue." Gage revealed. Sucking in a deep breath, she continued. "I guess I was bout twenty-one, twenty-two. I decided to look for my parents." She said with a hint of remorse. "My only lead was the caseworker. So, I found her. Now, she wouldn't reveal anything about my mother." A fond memory surfaced as Gage recalled when the caseworker gave her the necklace that Lacy now wore. "But, she did tell me a few things about that woman. It wasn't that she didn't care or love?." Gage found it hard to say the word even now. "?me. You see, I was up to be adopted. She felt it was only right to, well?. give me the best chance to bond with my new family."

"Did you like them?" Derek fondly looked up at his hero.

Mussing his hair again, Gage refused to entertain that dark and gloomy part of her life. "Now, that's a story for another time." Releasing a heavy sigh, Gage did entertain another thought that she would soon have to do something about. I never did tell Lacy any of this. Guess I'll put that on my list of things to do. Glancing at Derek, Gage let out a small laugh. Dani, is sure to interrogate her little brother and if she knows then Lacy?.well?. that just jumped up to number one on my list.

Derek pondered the blonde's story. "Mom says that, too. And, Dani. Bout him caring about me." The small tyke crossed his arms, gnawing hard on this idea then concluded. "Me, too."

There were still words left unspoken between the two. However, with the relationship they had formed over the last few years, both grinned in silent understanding, both knowing that they loved each other very much. Derek stuck out his fist. Gage did the same, slapping his fist with hers together from the front first, then the top and finally from the bottom.

"Are we okay?" Hesitantly, Gage asked.

"Yep. If you let me drive now." Derek jumped up and headed for the raft. "Those rapids are gonna be soooooooo smooth."

Shocked green eyes nearly popped out.

Derek gathered the cooler, leaving the trash on the ground behind.

"Derek. Let's pick up the trash." Gage snagged a piece.

"Oh, Gage?" Derek pouted.

Nodding, she said. "Keep America clean, that's what I say."

He did as he was told, stuffing the trash in a plastic bag. Turning around, he spied his floundering partner still slightly stunned from his earlier request of being at the helm. Her green eyes tracked him as he approached the rear of the raft. When Derek quickly redirected his feet to the bow of the boat, an impish smile rose on his face. "Gotcha." Derek let out a full belly laugh. "Dani said it would work."

Recovering, Gage shook her head and mumbled. "You're getting more like Dani everyday."

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

After a couple hours of shopping, David persuaded the small group to have lunch. When they were finished, David tossed his young daughter a couple of twenties. "I saw you eying that CD. If you can get Stella to take you back there??" His words quickly dropped.

Fully aware of David's no so subtle tactic to spend some time alone with her, Lacy agreed. "Stella, would you mind?"

"Not at all. Shall I take Sammy with us?" The nanny inquired.

"Yes." David ordered.

Stella patiently waited for Lacy's approval. "Yes, thank you. We'll wait here."

Dani happily hurried off with brother and nanny in tow.

David leaned forward and reached across the table. He placed his hand over hers. "I'm surprised Lacy. I didn't think you'd fall for that."

"What? Quality time for us?" Withdrawing her hand, Lacy picked up his hand and placed it back in front of him. "This belongs to you."

"There was a time it was yours. It could be again?.. that's not all." Throwing her his sexiest grin, David winked.

Refusing to return his rude serve, Lacy volleyed back to him. "Besides, it worked to my benefit. I wanted to talk with you alone."

Tipping his hand to her, he acquiesced. "Advantage Lacy." David relaxed back in his hard chair. "What's on your mind?"

"Derek."

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

As they traversed the worst section on the river, Derek noticed a small fish trapped in the protruding roots of a tree at the water line. Desperately flapping its fins, the small fish tried to escape its plastic beer holder prison.

Tossing his paddle on the bottom of the raft, Derek launched toward the port side of their ride. "Gage. Look!"

Nearly hanging over the side, Gage reached out to the young boy, grasping the top of his shorts. "Derek! Get back in the boat."

"Gage, we gotta get him." His concerned hazel eyes remained glued on the little fish even as the raft floated past.

The blonde yanked the small boy back from the edge. Planting him firmly between her legs, she navigated the swift current, bringing the raft safely to shore.

Derek hurried out of the craft then rushed to the water's edge.

"Derek!"

Turning to her, Derek pleaded. "Do something? please?"

Gage's shoulders slumped in resignation. "I hate fish." Trudging upstream through the rough water, Gage fought the current across the river then secured herself to an exposed root. After several attempts, the slippery fish eluded her causing Gage to slip against the moss-covered rocks. The deluge of water doused her completely. Now soaked and still hanging tightly to the root, Gage rifled her hand through the water capturing the frightened fish. Carefully, she made her way back through the rapids.

Derek plopped down beside her at the shoreline. "Is he still alive?"

"Yep. Hold on little fella." After a quick search in her pocket, she snapped her small knife open. Carefully, she slipped the steel blade between the plastic strip and the fish, cutting it away. "That's why we pick up after ourselves. This river belongs to him as much as us. Even more so I reckon."

Handing the fish to Derek, he scrambled up, waded out a few feet in the water then released him. "Keep America clean, right?" The brilliant smile Derek threw her way was all the reward Gage needed.

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

Lacy thoroughly spelled out her evidence, detailing incident after incident where David verbally mistreated his son. When she was finished, there wasn't much for him to say.

David huffed. "If it wasn't for her?.."

Blue eyes flared at him. "Don't you dare blame Gage! This was going on long before she came in our lives."

Reluctantly, David retreated from that approach. "I'll try."

She shot him a doubtful look. "Promise me. David, I will not allow our son to be exposed to this kind of treatment any longer. You've done it in such an off-handed way at first I didn't recognize it for what it was. Abuse! Don't make me do something I would never want to do. But, I will protect him."

Realizing that Lacy was threatening his right to see his son, David relented. "Fine." He couldn't help but add. "You know, a judge might not see your side on this?. your relationship?."

"Is none of your business." She spat at him. Sucking in a calming breath, she held up her hand, stopping him and reluctantly admitted. "All right. I do realize that my relationship with Gage does affect our children so indirectly it is somewhat a concern for you."

The producer produced a smug smile in victory.

"I want all of us to get along. David, we need to do what's best for our children." Lacy pleaded. "Leave this? what has happened between us regarding Gage?..and Hayston out of it."

David pondered her words for a long moment. Realizing it was the best arrangement he could get at the moment, he concurred. "Deal."

She took his proffered hand in agreement.
"So, all is right between us?" David asked, figuring he had come out ahead in the negotiations.

"There's one more thing I'd like to discuss."

The handsome producer raised a concerned eyebrow.


Chapter Six

With Gage and Derek's relationship back on track, the blonde and Lacy prepared for shooting their upcoming film. After dinner, the couple gathered with Stella and the kids enjoying a relatively quiet evening together. They played a few turns of charades before Dani suggested they read through Gage's script for her mom's movie.

Gage took it as a compliment and Lacy took it for what it was. She's got some ulterior motive. "Any particular scene you'd like to go over?"

Flipping to the earmarked page, Dani handed it to the couple that was sitting on the couch. "How bout this? I'll play the young Jordan."

Sammy grabbed for the script, attempting to get a taste of it. He pouted when Gage pulled it back then tried to hand it back to Dani.

Dani rejected the script. "I already have it like? memorized completely."

Lacy settled her son in her lap who gave Gage the evil eye. "Sammy, here." She handed him Derek's old yellow duck. It was a gift from Derek to his brother on his second birthday. It became Sammy's favorite toy. Turning her attention back to her daughter, Lacy concurred. "I'll bet you do."

Gage was totally oblivious to what was transpiring between mother and daughter. With a cocked eyebrow, she shot her partner a questioning look.

"Dani, why don't you explain to Gage?"

Shocked blue eyes met her mother's knowing identical blue ones. "Like ?. what? I haven't the slightest idea?.." Dani countered with a dramatic flair. Trapped by her mother's knowing glare, the eleven year old caved. "Oh, all right. I was thinking? and I don't want any like special treatment but?.. what about me playing the young Jordan?" Dani laid out her case. "I'm a natural?.. just like my mom." That has got to score points with both of them.

Lacy and Gage watched the young would be actor continue in what turned out to be an audition.

The television program he was watching was boring compared to his sister's performance. So, Derek plopped down on the couch next to Gage. Stella sat quietly in an easy chair thoroughly enjoying the antics of this young and very precocious child.

Dani started act two. "I grew up on the set of the very best show of all times." Dani mentally checked off another point in her favor. Now, for the closing act, she concluded. "One more thing, I look exactly like you when you were my age?. beautiful."

"Dani, if you've read the script, then you would know that young Jordan is six years old in it."

"Maybe you could re-write it? make her, say, eleven." Dani eyed Gage and said seriously. "It shouldn't be a task for you. You're a great writer."

"No." Lacy said.

Gage shot her partner concerned look.

"No to Dani? not you." Lacy kissed her lover. "She's right. You are an excellent writer." That brought a jubilant smile to Gage's face.

Dejectedly, flopping down on the floor in front of them, Dani weakly suggested. "Then can Derek play little Jordan?"

Derek huffed up at his sister's proposal. "I will not play a girl." It was probably the first time Derek ever totally disagreed with his sister.

"You don't have to play anybody, Derek." Lacy assured her irate son. Pursing her lips together, Lacy formulated an idea. "You know, Dani, there is a scene where Jordan has to sing and dance. Perhaps you could help choreograph that."

Bolting up off the floor, Dani warmed up to the proposition immediately. "Just what I was thinking. As a matter of fact?." Dani shoved aside the coffee table. She entertained them with an impromptu dance routine.

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

As the evening came to a close, Lacy and Gage readied the kids for bed and tucked them in. When they returned to the living room, Stella was fast asleep in her easy chair.

Gage generally allowed Lacy to deal with the nanny. Her continued wariness of the older woman plagued her. So, in a rare show of concern, Gage offered. "Should we? wake her up?"

With eyes still closed, Stella said. "I'm awake. Just resting my tired old eyes."

"Good then." Pulling Gage down beside her, Lacy asked. "Do you mind if we go over a few things? regarding the movie?"

It was hard to break Stella of calling her ma'am like she did with Julie Grant but Lacy finally won. "Whatever you say, Lacy."

Seeing the puzzling look on the older woman's face, Lacy inquired. "Is there something wrong?"

"No?.no. It's quite unusual for the nanny to have it so easy. I'm used to putting the kids to bed, getting them up? taking care of them. Working for you is like being on? vacation." Stella admitted. The older woman felt that Julie Grant, her former boss, would have been the same as Lacy except for the fact that she ran her own production company. Though there were many times that in spite of her demanding schedule and being totally exhausted Julie found the time to be there for her children.

"That's about to change." Lacy informed her. "I'm afraid the movie will take a lot of our time. However, I want the kids to be with us as much as possible."

"As if Sammy would ever let you get more than ten feet away." Gage said with mock sarcasm.

"Whatever you want." Stella agreed.

"Stella." The dark haired woman sat up straight. "I want?." She sighed. "I want this to be more than an employer employee relationship. You've been with us for nearly two years now and?. we think of you as family."

Stella chanced a hasty look toward Gage.

I see. Lacy mused. She jabbed Gage with her elbow and requested confirmation from her partner. "Right, Gage?"
"Hey." Following suit, Gage agreed. "Family, right." Somehow that statement did not meet a warm reception by either party especially Lacy. "And?.." Gage rapidly continued. "?everybody likes you, the kids, Lacy?." Another nudge prompted her again and her voice squeaked. "..me. Matter of fact, the kids love you? just like a grandmother." Feeling as if Gage just saved herself from falling off a very tall cliff, she smiled.

"That's the nicest thing you've?." Stella made a quick verbal detour. "Thank you." The brilliant smile on the nanny's face gleamed. It took a great effort for the older woman's eyes to peel off the blonde, coming to rest on Lacy. "I've never been on a movie set. Mrs. Grant let her children come to the studio offices but not on the set."

"It'll be fun. My producers were so thoughtful?." Lacy spared Gage a loving glance. "..they have set up two trailers. One of them for my costume changes, etc. and the larger one is for? all of us."

"We realize you and kids may want to stay home? there's lots more to do here. Or, you guys may want to come by later in the day." Gage said then added. "However, when you do that?." The blonde paused to glimpse at her partner. "Lacy and I will have a car pick you up. We don't want to take any chances."

Stella nodded.

Lacy leaned forward, placing her hand on Gage's thigh. "Stella, if at any time you feel the children?.. it's about their safety."

"You will be the first to know if I see anything or anyone suspicious. Mrs. Grant had the same concern. Trust me, I know the drill." The nanny assured them. Pushing herself from the easy chair, Stella said. "If there's nothing else?."

Gage nodded and Lacy bid her goodnight.

Long moments passed before Lacy spoke again. "If we were shooting this movie in St. Troy, I'd feel much better. I know crime is everywhere and you can never be too safe but?.."

Seeing the worried and forlorn look on Lacy's face, Gage suggested. "Lacy, we could hire a bodyguard."

Laying her head on Gage's shoulder, the dark haired woman snuggled closer. "I thought about that. Having family close is another reason I'm glad our home is in St. Troy."

A brilliant idea popped in Gage's head. The blonde shifted her body up and around, facing her partner. "Lacy, let's build a studio there."

"What?"

"Lacy, listen. Hank and Jason could build it. Oh, nothing fancy? enough that we could use it. At least, when you're doing a film Mark and I are producing and what the heck even if you do someone's else film?. we'll rent it out cheaper than they could get here in LA."

Mulling the idea over for a moment, Lacy reached up and kissed her lover. "Knew I loved you for more than your body." The younger woman crawled onto her lover, knocking Gage back onto the couch and growled. "But that's the part I want now."

As if being trounced by a great hunter, Gage felt like the prey. With the way her lover was devouring her in their heated exchange, all she could do was pray that she would survive.

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

The next day Lacy's agent, Arthur Graham met with her at Mark's home. "Hi, Art. Thanks for meeting me here. Why don't we go in the library?" Lacy led the way. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Nah." Even as he followed his client, Art was rifling through his satchel. Pulling out some papers, the uptight man handed them to her before she sat down. "Not much there to speak of??." His words trailed off. Art didn't relish breaking the bad news to Lacy. However, it was his duty as her agent. "Lacy?."

"Art. Please sit down. Relax." It didn't take her long to peruse the document that revealed the skimpy offers. "Beating down my door, aren't they?"

In a rare display of emotion, Art replied. "What the hell do they know?" Catching himself before he completely dropped his ever-present professionalism, he continued. "Sorry. Lacy, it's not about your talent. Everyone knows you're the best. The quintessential actor."

That last statement brought back fond memories of when Gage first said that about her acting. She allowed that recollection to wash over her, relishing in the image of Gage's soapy hands gliding over her body, lingering, tantalizing every inch as she fell blissfully into the wonderful touch of her lover.

"Lacy!" Art elevated his voice to get her attention.

It was Lacy's turn to apologize. "Sorry."

"It's?. well, it's like this. Hollywood wasn't too happy about the way you seemingly turned your back on them. It was your self-imposed exile." He shifted in his chair when she raised her eyebrows. "Crackdown was a huge hit. You were riding on a wave that everyone and I mean everyone wanted a piece of. You know, when you announced that it would be the last season, the offers poured in. Your popularity was higher than?.." Art paused briefly. "?.at one time I would have said the pope but, now?? Anyway, the execs?.the producers felt you rebuffed them personally when you walked away." The actor started to protest but met an upraised hand. "Let me finish."

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

Gage bolted through the door, practically falling into the kitchen. Upon seeing Stella near the sink, she hastily shoved the item in her hand behind her back.

Stella's astute green eyes recognized the item in question. "She's in the library."

An embarrassing smile found its way to Gage's face before she shuffled sideways across the kitchen. After she passed through the doorway, the blonde heard a knowing laugh escape the nanny. "Damn." Though that didn't deter her from finding the love of her life. Gage sped down the hallway and around the corner then just as she was about to approach the library's door, she recognized Art Graham's voice. His words froze her in place. Perched just outside the slightly opened door, Gage couldn't help but overhear.

"Then there's your involvement with Gage." Once again, Lacy opened her mouth to protest, meeting that same hand. "Lacy, hear me out." The balding forty-five year old agent cautiously proceeded. "The whole town's gay if you ask me. It's just that working and living in this fantasy world of theirs, they would much rather pretend to be straight. As if it legitimizes them. Oh, you got your one or two?.. mutineers that come out and when they do?. what happens? Actors, producers, directors, all of them run for the hills acting so appalled as if they aren't gay themselves?so most of them dig deeper in the closet. It's really all about money." Art sat back in his chair. "For any person who comes out in this business, it's like signing a death warrant for their career. It's a fact of life, Lacy."

With those words, Gage's world crashed down around her. Dropping the single red rose to the floor, the very dejected blonde ran.

"I'd do it all over again, Art. Wouldn't change a thing." Lacy adamantly stated to her agent. "Yes, it's a fact of life as you say. It's a fact that needs to be changed." Lacy stood up. "I never wanted to be a poster girl for anything. Role model or anything else. I'd much rather live a very private and quiet life." This time it was the actor who cut off the agent's protest. "Apparently, that's not in the cards. If my relationship with Gage costs me roles then so be it." Leaning over the desk, Lacy propped herself up and vowed. "Lacy Levine will not go quietly into the night."

It could turn into a hornet's nest but?.. Art grinned. "Right with ya."

"One more thing, could you set up an appointment with my lawyer? Sometime in the next couple of weeks would be great." Lacy guided her agent out of the house but not before picking up the fallen rose.

Chapter Seven

The first day on the set was going to be extremely hectic so the decision was made to leave the kids at home. It was a welcome relief to Stella as she had a couple of telephone calls to make and wanted the privacy.

The couple arrived at the studio at dawn and immediately met up with Mark and Ryan White along with several other members of the cast. Over the next few weeks they would be shooting most of the interior scenes in the film. After a holiday break on the fourth of July, the schedule called for the 'arch scene' to be shot in St. Louis. Then it was back to LA for the final few weeks of shooting.

While many of the players coveted their early morning coffee, Gage sucked on the ice in her cup. I can't seem to get enough of this lately. The novice producer decided to sit back and let Ryan and Mark lead the way. She relegated her role as producer to gopher. At least, I'd go fer anything Lacy wants. Gage spared a glance at her delicious looking lover across the room as Lacy reacquainted herself with Shanti James.

"Does my aunt know?" Shanti inquired.

"Gosh, I haven't talked to her in years." Lacy answered after a short moment. Out of the side of her eyes, she saw her partner watching her.

Shanti placed a friendly hand on Lacy's forearm. "Neither have I. She's been traveling all over the world for a while now." Leaning in conspiratorially, she added. "Husband #4."

"Lacy, Shanti." The director interrupted. "I'd like you to meet Ben Thomason."

The twenty-seven year old sandy haired actor leaned in, extending his hand to Lacy then Shanti. "Toffer." (Toe-fur) Meeting Shanti's questioning look, he continued. "My character."

"Ohhh?" The reddish-blonde actress smiled. He's cute.

Ryan continued the introductions. "And, this is Boyd Dietrich? he's playing Michael Cooley."

Boyd nodded.

Turning to the tall black actor, the director made the final introduction. "Shonnel Westin."

Shonnel clipped his heels and fell into character before he quoted one of his lines. "Jackson, Jackson Bodine? don't you just love it? the name, I mean."

"Everything's here, Ryan." Michael Jessop announced.

"Good. Everyone. Take a seat." Ryan directed.

It took a few minutes as everyone rushed to make a quick trip to the breakfast buffet laid out on a nearby table. Gage saw the stampede headed her way and evaded being tromped on but not before snagging a donut and bagel for her partner.

"Michael. Give everyone their packet." The forty-three year old director commanded then waited a few moments as his young assistant director finished his mission.

Lacy covertly handed her partner an iron pill along with a vitamin. Completely ignoring Gage's disgusted face, Lacy nodded then glared at the blonde until she reluctantly swallowed the pills.

"You'll find the schedule in there along with everything else you'll need. Michael's?."

The young man snapped to attention. "Yes, sir."

Ryan ran a hand through his gray hair, attempting to relieve the growing stress. Twenty minutes into it and that young man's gonna cause me a nervous breakdown. Michael Jessop begged Ryan to work as his assistant director for the film. Over the last couple of years, Michael worked for Griffen Studios and the studio boss there kept the young man's talent harnessed. It was Jessop's dream to direct. When Ron Griffen showed no sign of allowing Jessop to develop his talent, he quit.

Directing his comment to Michael, Ryan said. "I was just going to say that you're the AD on this shoot. Now, siddown and relax."

"Right."

Gage pushed the empty chair next to her out for him.

Addressing one of his partners, Ryan continued. "Mark? You got anything before we start the read through on these scenes?"

Mark shook his head.

"Gage?" Ryan turned to the other producer and writer of the script.

"Me? Oh, no?no." In a vain attempt to don a very professional producer's decorum, Gage rubbed her chin and said. "Let me get back to you on that."

The room erupted with laughter and Lacy nudged her lover.

God, that was embarrassing. Gage's spirit deflated but soon soared when she looked into the loving blue eyes staring at her. Leaning in close to her lover, Gage whispered. "Why don't I call it a wrap and get the heck out of here."

Lacy brushed her lips against the blonde's cheek. "See you later."

"Mark, come on." Gage scooted back her chair and rose. When Mark closed the door behind them, the younger producer fell against the wall. "Great first day, huh?"

Mark rubbed his chin with his fingers and said seriously. "I don't know. Let me get back to you on that."

Sneering at the smiling man, Gage growled. "Funny. Very funny."

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

When Lacy arrived at her trailer, she spied a note attached by a magnet to the small refrigerator. LL, be back in a bit?. had to run an errand for Mark. All my love, G

After waiting for a half an hour, Lacy gave up the vigil and headed back to the set. Ryan's schedule called for a run through of a couple of scenes that afternoon. Not knowing where her partner was at, Lacy knew she'd be a bit distracted until she saw Gage again. I'll have Michael look for her. God, I can't believe I'm so worried or how much I miss her. She walked out the trailer and right into Boyd Dietrich.

"Ryan sent me. Thought you got lost." His lips curled into a snakelike charming yet poisonous smile.

"Boyd." Lacy recognized the excellent job Mark and Ryan did regarding casting. He was so much like his character, smug and self-serving. "Did I mention you are going to be a perfect Michael Cooley?"

A knowing smirk crossed his face. He took her covert insult as a compliment. "Thanks. I knew you had brains as well as beauty." The thirty-eight year old dark haired actor had heard all the rumors regarding Lacy Levine and her female lover.

"Bright, too." Smiling, the actress added sarcastically.

As they walked side-by-side back to the set, the slightly shorter man stood straight up. Gotta put those lifts back in the shoes. God, she's tall. Another viper smile spawned on his face. And all mine!

Boyd had a theory about women. He figured even if they had a boyfriend or husband, or in this case a girlfriend, no matter how perfect the woman's partner was, they always had a flaw. He would find that flaw, exploit it, then Lacy would fall into his arms.

There was one thing that was definitely flawed with his thinking. No matter what kind of flaws the blonde had and, there were a few, nothing was more powerful than Lacy's love for Gage.

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

Across town, a very desperate and demanding daughter was pleading with her powerful producer father to get her a job on the set of a new movie. Reluctantly, he acquiesced. "You know, I'm going to owe him big for this one."

Skipping around his massive desk, she plopped down on his lap and kissed him. "Thank you, daddy."

He watched his stubborn daughter leave. "I hate owing anyone. I got a feeling this ones gonna come back and bite me in my derrière." Reluctantly, he picked up the telephone and called his old friend.

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

Gage rushed back onto the studio parking lot. Checking her watch, she knew she would miss Lacy so she headed straight to the set. Swirling around the corner, she pounced head on into Mark. Jamming the small article into his chest, she apologized. "Sorry."

"Hold on there." Mark stopped her. He spared a quick look in the small box then pocketed it. "Thanks. Wanted it to be a surprise."

"No problem." Gage moved away and was jerked back suddenly.

"Hey, what's the hurry?" Still holding on to his impatient partner. "I hoped you'd go over a few things while they're rehearsing."

Squinting her green eyes at her friend, Gage said. "Mark, we're tight and I'd do anything for ya? which I just did." Nodding to the small parcel in his pocket. "But, nothing and no one gets in the way of me finding my woman."

Mark ignored the teasing sneer on his friend's face. "Later?"

She nodded. "Right after I tell her I'm back. You know, you made me miss lunch with her. I can't believe all that traffic. Sure, quick trip there and back."

Mark chuckled at the serious look on his friend's face. "What can I do to make it up to you?"

"A million dollars to start." Gage teased.

"You got it."

The blonde paused only a millisecond pondering if he was serious before she headed off to find her partner. Gage ducked every technician, carpenter, prop person and stray actor there was as she flew through the set. Rounding the last corner, she met Lacy's relieved eyes. Staring at each other across the set, the couple was oblivious to everyone else there.

Ryan took quick note of the exchange then dismissed it as he had things to do. It was Boyd who squinted his beady brown eyes and smiled. Standing up your woman once, she may forgive you but twice? Let me see what I can do about that.

Lacy and Gage mouthed 'I love yous' before the blonde waved and mouthed. 'Mark's expecting me.' Gage didn't want to interfere with the production. She remembered all too clearly the day of Lacy and Koda Kannon's big love scene. When Gage's jealous rage got the best of her, she bolted onto the set and made a fool of herself. Something she vowed never to do again.

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

Gage met up with Mark in his studio office. "This is nice."

"Sure you don't want one?" He pushed aside some papers he was perusing.

"Nah. Be spending most of my time on the set or in the trailer with Lacy and the kids." Gage plopped down in the wooden chair. "What'd ya need from me?"

Mark and Gage went over a few last minute items regarding set changes, an electrical problem and making sure that everyone on the cast and crew were being notified when and where to report. It was like juggling a hundred bowling pins all at once. It was a good thing Mark had so much experience running a multi-million dollar company. Gage admitted to Mark that she was clueless.

So, at first, Mark thought Gage was nervous about all of the plans he was going over but something told him there was something else gnawing at his friend. "What's on your mind?"

"Like I said?. all of this is?.foreign to me." Gage drooped back against her chair. His concerned blue eyes repeated the question. Shoulders slumping, Gage decided to seek his advice. She fiddled with the ring on her finger, remembering their wedding day. "Lacy?.. " Looking up, she continued. "It's all my fault you know. Her career's been ?."

"I thought that was her decision."

Throwing Mark a knowing look, she pursed her lips. "It was the only decision she could make? with me in the picture."

Mark leaned up against his desk. "She wouldn't be in this picture if it wasn't because of you." He stood up and crossed around his desk, resting on its edge. "This role is a perfect opportunity for Lacy to showcase the depth of her talents. We've got a winner here, Gage. Ahhh?ahhh.." Waving a dismissive finger at her protest. "You can't tell me she'd change these last few years with you."

"Neither would I." Gage stretched out her legs and crossed them. "Why ?. why in the world does it have to matter? Why does it have to affect your life, your career?. your children?" Jumping up, Gage twisted sharply around as she thought of how the children might be tormented or teased because of her and Lacy's relationship. "What the fuck do they know about our love anyway?" Unshed tears rushed to her eyes.

"Gage." Mark placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Refusing to meet his eyes, Gage remained in place, fuming at the prospect of society's attitude, moral judgment and condemning eye looking down on them. This from a God loving nation of people.

Fully understanding his friend's dilemma, Mark gently turned her around. He pulled her closer, wrapping his soothing arms around her. "Let me think about this?" Taking a chance, Mark whispered. "I'll get back to you on it, okay?" Relief consoled him when Gage muffled a small laugh.

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

When Mark and Gage arrived on the set at the end of the day, Shanti yelled over at them. "You guys want to come, too?" A small group including Michael, Ben, Shonnel and Boyd surrounded her.

Mark raised his eyebrows in question as Gage watched her lover sashay toward her.

"We're all going to Heyduke's." Realizing Mark was unfamiliar with the name of the establishment, she informed him. "It's a bar? couple of blocks from here."

"Maybe another time." Mark begged off.

Lacy welcomed her lover with a kiss. "I declined for both of us if that's okay?"

"Mmmmm?. bar full of drunks or a houseful of kids." Gage pretended to wage one idea against the other. "I'll take the kids any day. Besides, I've missed them."

"And they've missed you, I'm sure. Even Sammy." Lacy added before Gage did.

"Ryan? you coming?" The handsome young Michael called to his boss.

Waving a dismissing hand, Ryan White never took his eyes off the paper in front of him. "Go on? I'll catch up with you later." Finally, he looked up, searching for the man who could answer his pending questions. "Mark? You got a minute?"

"See you two tomorrow." Mark said to the couple before meeting up with Ryan.

Gage turned to Lacy. "It's been a long day, huh?"

"Yeah, and it's not over yet." Hand in hand, they headed through the studio set to their car. "I'm sure the kids will be bounding with energy when we get home."

"You're right." The blonde sighed, offering a rhetorical question. "How many more days are left on this film?"

Chapter Eight

The rest of the week and weekend flew by. Lacy and Gage met profound fatigue up close and personal. During the three years since her show ended, Lacy had temporarily forgotten about how hectic making 'magic' was. Gage's only experience making movies was when Lacy was making her movie with Koda Kannon shortly after they met. Her only responsibility was taking care of Dani and Derek while Lacy worked. The short stint where she replaced Mark in New Orleans, when he went back to New York after finding out his brother-in-law was alive, was relatively easy. Ryan did most of the work. It would have been a piece of cake if Griff hadn't been on the set causing trouble. Gage smiled fondly as she remembered when Lacy, her pregnant knight in shining armor, came to rescue her from the raging, flaming redhead just in the nick of time.

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

The couple arrived early on set with Stella and the kids. They helped the nanny settle the two sleeping ones before heading off to shoot the upcoming scene.

"Mom, I get to go, right?" Dani's wide blue eyes questioned her mother. "I know this isn't the dance scene but?.you'll have to kinda like?. dance." Dani was referring to the scene in the movie where Jordan has to step in for the photo shoot and pose for the cover of a magazine since the assigned models never showed. "Just in case, you need some technical advice about it."

After being exposed to millions of flashbulbs popping and camera's snapping, Lacy smiled at her daughter's offer. "Will you? That would be so cool. I'm not used to having someone take my picture."

"Oh, mom." Dani whined. "You don't have to be so sarcastic." The young girl was out the door and headed straight to the set as if was born to lead.

"Sweetheart, this could be trouble." Lacy teased.

Glancing at the sleeping duo then to Lacy, Gage replied. "With you guys, there's always trouble." The blonde made her way out of the trailer.

The nanny was the only one who heard Lacy when she pondered out loud. "Whatever am I going to do with her?"

"Apparently whatever you want." Stella wielded the smart aleck but accurate remark.

Flabbergasted by Stella's statement, Lacy swung around before agreeing with the nanny. "You got that right."

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

Several hours later, Lacy waited patiently while the crew switched a few lights and cameras. It turned out that some of Dani's advice was very helpful. When Ryan wasn't satisfied with the lighting during one of the takes, he called. "Cut."

Dani yanked out the magazine she had hidden somewhere and approached the director. This was nothing new to Ryan since Dani practically grew up on his mother's show. The one he helped produce and direct. "Ryan, see." She pointed to the latest, greatest teen magazine. "How the lighting is casting shadows in the background?. like it gives off that ethereal effect."

Stunned, Ryan stared at the bright young girl then to her mother.

Lacy peered over his shoulder and agreed. "She's right."

"I? I? agree." Ryan confessed. After Dani strutted off to talk with the lighting technicians, he scratched his head. The director frowned at Lacy and reluctantly asked. "What does ethereal mean?"

Cast and crew held it for as long as they could before bursting out in a hardy laugh. Gage joined in though she felt sorry for the director and felt a bit of an accomplice. Over the weekend Gage searched the dictionary for that very word when Dani walked in. She was bored and decided that torturing Gage would kill sometime. Instead, they discussed the story Gage was writing. It was then Dani learned the definition of the word.

Gage was so lost in the moment she didn't notice Mark approach. His hand on her shoulder startled her. "Ohhh? hi!"

"Can we talk?" His voice was stone serious. "I got a call."

Mark and Gage quietly discussed the call. "If we do this, I know him, he'd feel he owes me. That may end up helping Lacy's career in the long run if we go along with his request."

Reluctantly, Gage agreed. This is going to be a real pain and Lacy will never understand but?.. Mark's right.

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

It was a hectic day on the movie set with plenty of extras for the runway scene. After a difficult morning, the director called for a late lunch. Lacy was a bit on edge this morning and Ryan allowed the irritable actor extra time while the crew made some set changes.

Due to the morning scenes running late, Lacy had lunch alone. She desperately wanted to talk with Gage but when she returned to the trailer, Lacy found a note from Gage. It read.

LL,
Stella's sick. I'm going home to pick up the kids and bring them
back. Eat something? it's in the fridge.
Love, G

The food and the time alone did temporarily soothe her unbundling nerves. When filming started in the afternoon, Lacy's stomach had settled some. She anxiously watched for her partner's return and prayed the rest of the day went smoothly. God, I can't wait to get home and fall into her arms.

Gage talked a reluctant Mark into sitting with the kids in the trailer so they could eat the take out she got for them while she went to let Lacy know she was back. Gage hated to leave her ailing partner though there was nothing she could do when the nanny called.

The blonde arrived at an opportune time. Ryan had just yelled 'cut' and the crew busied themselves changing the set. It was a quick change so Lacy and Gage only had a few minutes.

Ignoring everyone else on the set, Gage missiled toward her lover. "Hey." Grasping her partner's hand, Gage led Lacy away, hoping for a clandestine rendezvous. "Come with me." The blonde whirled her lover around and up against the wall. Pressing the full length of her body against Lacy, Gage kissed her. Her arms wrapped tightly around the actor and breathed deeply the scent of her woman after she broke the kiss. "Let's not ever be away from each other that long again."

Lacy giggled in between her nibbling of the blonde's neck. "It was what? a couple of hours."

"Too long." Gage captured the willing lips again.

Pressing their heads together, Lacy asked. "Stella?"

"She's fine? still feeling the affects of the flu."

"The kids?" Sharing a few quick kisses between the questions and answers.

"Mark's watching them while they eat." Lacy moaned as Gage's hand roamed down her side then back up coming to rest perilously close to her left breast.

"Don't go there."

Gage pouted.

"This dress?." Lacy was wearing a sleek white evening gown for the runway scene. "?is so sheer?. you're making me wet already."

"Oh?.." A triumphant smile dawned on the blonde's face. "So, you're telling me?.."

Lacy stopped her partner's all out assault. "Later." The dark haired woman saw the disappointment in her partner's green eyes. "Sweetheart, I just want to get this day over with so we can go home and ?.." Lacy kissed her lover deeply. "? relax."

"Okay?.. feeling better?"

"With you near I always feel better." Lacy heard the director calling for her.

Gage placed a quick kiss on her partner's lips before she said. "Good. I'll get the kids and watch? if that's okay?"

"More than okay." Even after she heard Ryan yell across the room that they needed her now, Lacy refused to budge until she tasted the sweet lips of her lover once again. Now, I feel much better.

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

When Gage arrived back on set with the kids, she ushered them over to some seats a short distance away. Dani was in heaven. She couldn't wait to see all the frilly dresses the model wore for the big scene. Derek sat quietly, heeding his hero's request while his mom worked. Gage held the wiggling two year old on her lap as she whispered in his ear. As he pointed to different spots on the set before him, Gage identified what each thing was.

Lacy waited patiently off to the side for her cue. Her headache had returned, extending to the pit of her stomach. If I can just make it through this last scene flawlessly then I can go home.

The very astute director pulled Lacy aside before the scene and informed her that after they finished it he wouldn't need her for the rest of the day. The many years of Ryan's close working and personal relationship with Lacy was enough for him to be tuned into how his actor was feeling. So, after a little bit of mental juggling, Ryan directed Michael to take care of the necessary arrangements.

The upbeat music permeated the room as each model strolled down the runway. When it was Lacy turn to march down the catwalk, every eye turned to her. As she sauntered along, her sense of confidence was building. Twenty more feet and I'm home.

Gage's pointed finger to Lacy caught Sammy's blue eyes. Before the blonde realized it, the young agile boy slipped from her lap and raced to his mother. "Momma! Momma."

At first, no one in the crowd heard him over the din. Desperate to retrieve her young charge, Gage did just that, charged after him. Like a seasoned racecar driver, Sammy shuffled, evaded and slipped through several of the crew's legs. His small body met less resistance than Gage's larger frame.

Ryan was the first to hear the scuffle behind him and turned just in time to see the dark haired boy whiz past him on a direct course to his mother. And, that's when he noticed the cameraman making his scheduled move as Lacy neared the end of the runway.

"Momma!"

Even without seeing her son's approach or hearing him, her mother's instinct kicked in. Lacy's keen laser blue eyes scanned the mass of movie equipment and crew before her. Spotting her son and even with four-inch heels on, Lacy rushed to him, scooping him up before the oblivious cameraman trampled the little boy.

The very concerned and emotionally near the edge mother met her son's beaming eyes. "Love you, momma." Sammy jumped into her arms.

Kneeling down on the floor, Lacy hugged him back. "I love you, too." She said, and kissed him. Relief washed over her but the pounding headache and upset stomach bit at her last nerve. Seeing Gage, Lacy stood up, still holding her son.

"Sorry." Gage offered apologetically.

When the blonde attempted to retrieve the small boy who had interrupted the costly scene, Lacy refused. "Dani! Come here."

Her daughter did as Lacy requested and took her brother from his mother.

"Take him and Derek back to the trailers?" She ordered then softened her tone. "Okay?" After Dani nodded, Lacy turned to the assistant director. "Michael, would you escort them there?"

It only took a few seconds for Michael to round up the children and guide them off the set. To Gage, it seemed like a lifetime. She felt the burning heat of the movie lights sear through her but they were nothing compared to the look Lacy shot her way.

"Gage!" Lacy's sharp voice sliced easily through steel armor Gage wished she was now wearing.

Gage prepared for the worse. This can't bode well for me. She usually calls me sweetheart.

The actor sucked in a deep breath in a vain attempt to calm her fragile nerves. She knew they would have to repeat the whole scene again. What would have been the last take in her mind falsely escalated into a dozen more takes. Feeling the ill affects of the hammering in her head and nervous stomach, Lacy needed a place, in this case, someone to lash out at. And, Gage provided the perfect target. Rubbing her forehead, the dark haired woman ploughed ahead. "Gage Ballant!" Lacy fumed. "Ahggg?.. Now, we're going to have to take time to re-shoot the whole damn thing? not to mention the extra cost?." Her arms shot down to her side as she slammed her eyes in frustration. "One simple little thing... like watching my children while I work?. Can't you handle that?.even Stella does a better job than??.." Finally, opening her eyes, blue met the shocked and embarrassed green ones that halted Lacy from her tirade.

Being browbeaten by your lover in front of fifty or so cast and crewmembers was not Gage's idea of fun. Especially since, to her, she didn't see the problem. Sammy was unhurt after his search and destroy mission to get to his mother. "So, you have to shoot it over." Gage felt a great more confidence about her partner's skills as an actor than Lacy did at the moment. "What's the big deal?"

"It's not." Ryan watched the two embattled lovers in front of him. "Take five." He yelled to the rest of the cast and crew.

The silence that brewed between the couple spiraled into a deafening tone as the others hurriedly left. Only Ryan and the other producer standing a distance from the set remained. Attempting his hand at mediating, Ryan said. "Lacy, Gage?. listen?.." The director was unable to force another word to his lips. The heated energy burning off the couple caused him to take a step back. Ryan had always considered himself a smart man and did the intelligent and safest thing to do. He existed, leaving the couple alone to sort it out.

Blue drilled into green. Gage was the first to flinch. God, it's happening all over again? the movie. Lacy's mad? I'm in trouble. But, this time I don't know? Awakening from her own concerns, Gage finally noticed Lacy rub her temple again. "Lacy?" Gage tentatively reached for her, grabbing her partner's upper arms before Lacy doubled over and fell to the floor. "Baby! What's wrong?" The blonde's trembling voice asked.

"I don't feel? so?. well." The weak woman pulled Gage closer.

Mark, who witnessed the whole thing, called the paramedics.

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

Being married to the producer of your movie had its benefits. But, too much is too much. The very restless actor listened as Gage insisted that she take the next couple of days off. It was something she was very unwilling to do since she felt better that very night. As the lead actor on the movie, Lacy felt a great sense of obligation and responsibility to the success of the film. And, being a professional with a thoroughbred work ethic that was drilled into her by her hard-working ex-husband, Lacy reluctantly acquiesced. It was the pouting face and pleading words that came from Gage that crushed her resolve.

By the second day of rest, Lacy was chomping at the bit. "Gage, sweetheart, I'm fine? really." She insisted.

The blonde cocked her hand on her hip and glared at her forced bed-ridden partner. "You are not getting out of that bed until the doctor gives you the okay. She'll be here this afternoon." Gage placed the tray of sandwiches and milk on the side table. "Here take your vitamins."

"Only if you do." Lacy insisted, and then mumbled. "The doctor already did the other day."

The patient waited until Gage grabbed one pill and swallowed it. "Happy now."

Lacy popped in her own pill. "What about your iron pill?"

Ignoring her partner, Gage walked to the door and called the kids in before she turned back to Lacy. "We have something planned for you."

When Gage came to Dani and asked for her to set something up to entertain their ailing mother, the young girl squealed in delight. She was in charge and it was something she loved to do. Entertain. Being the center of attention is right down my alley.

Gage flopped Sammy down next to his mother on the bed. "He wouldn't play nice." No matter how hard Dani, Derek or Gage tried to get Sammy to act in the little play Dani made up, he stubbornly refused. "Wanted his momma, go figure."

Stella joined the waiting audience of two as the trio conspired together about the last details of their show. Leaning forward in her chair, the nanny asked Lacy. "Feeling better?"

"According to whom?. her?" Lacy pointed a frustrated finger at her lover. "Or, me?"

Stella's green eyes equaled her knowing smile. Over the last couple of days, Gage never stopped once except to comfort her partner. When Lacy was sleeping or resting, Gage took it upon herself to cook, clean and take care of the kids' every need. She barely let the nanny help out at all. Somewhere in Gage's mind the statement Lacy wielded at her about Stella being able to take care of the kids better than she could still haunted her. It was something Gage refused to share with Lacy, not wanting her partner to feel any guilt over the hurtful words. When Lacy tried to talk with Gage about it, the blonde shucked it off as if it was nothing. This further frustrated the younger woman when it came to her partner sharing her feelings.

The anxious blonde checked one more time on her partner. "You okay?" Gage brushed her lips against Lacy's forehead. "No fever." She declared.

"I never did have it."

The older woman leaned in closer. "Just wanted to kiss you again. And, you know how Dani ?.."

It was Dani's turn to cock her hand on her hip. "Gage! If you're finished making out with our mother then do you mind joining us on stage?"

Caught, the blonde's shoulders slumped and she winked at Lacy. "Just like you?. demanding." Gage scooted away before Lacy's backhand caught up with her.

Dani allowed Gage to play second fiddle to her and Derek's performance. She sang and danced while Gage and Derek supported the young star during her solo performance. Switching gears, the dark haired girl played a superhero young girl in pursuit of saving the world with Derek getting the cool part as the villain. Gage was reduced to acting like a very dense traveler roaming around haphazardly in the night. They each had to sing out their parts. When the villain was hawking the unsuspecting traveler, Dani's superhero came to the rescue. Dani saved Gage from Derek's evil villain before he skulked off into the dark night never to be heard of again. A very reluctant actor rolled her green eyes at the next part. Oh, well, I did ask her to come up with this whole thing. When Gage stepped forward for her big scene of the skit, she dropped down on her knee and sang out the praises of her savior.

Lacy and Stella laughed, Sammy giggled and a loud clap drew the blonde's attention to the doorway. Having Mark and Julie catch her in a very embarrassing situation, Gage stood up and brushed her knee, mumbling. "What I won't do for love."

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

After Stella took the kids outside for a swim, Mark asked Gage if they could talk which left Julie alone with Lacy. "I thought you were feeling better? Relapse?" Julie Grant asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"No. Gage." Lacy flipped back the sheet and stood then pulled off her nightgown, revealing the top and shorts she was secretly wearing. "Come on. I gotta get out of here for a while."

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

Lacy and Julie slipped out of the house unseen by her vigilant and overprotective partner. They came close to getting caught when she noticed Gage absently staring out the window as they ran across the yard. They slipped quickly behind the manicured bushes. Peeking out from behind the shrubbery, Lacy sighed after Gage turned her back to the window. Dropping down, the younger woman said. "God, I love that woman but she's driving me crazy."

The slightly shorter woman nodded. "Mark, can be like that."

Lacy took a few moments to closely watch her friend. "You wanna talk?"

Julie nodded then said. "Maybe. But, first, honestly? how are you doing?"

"To be honest, I needed these last couple of days of rest. The doctor ran some tests but I'm feeling a hundred percent now. She gave me some vitamins? said I needed to eat better? and, yes, get more rest." Lacy added flippantly. Placing a reassuring hand on her friend, Lacy concluded. "Stella had the flu over the weekend and I think I may have had a touch of it. That's all." Changing the boring subject, Lacy asked. "So, tell me? Trouble between you and Mark?"

"I like you, Lacy. Straight to the point." The brown-eyed woman paused briefly before sharing her concerns with Lacy. "I think Mark's going to break up with me."

"What!" Lacy erupted in disbelief then softened her voice. "No way."

Shaking her head, the dark haired woman continued. "Something's up? that I know. Mark had to go to New York and help out his friend." Lacy's raised eyebrows caused the older woman to explain further. "Mitchell Stone is also Mark's VP there. He's having problems with his step-son."

"Yeah, Gage told me something about that." Lacy remembered the brief conversation they had regarding this subject.

"Mitch needed some time off. It was right around the same time a big contract was being negotiated and?. anyway, the family problems his VP is having?..they've separated recently." The VP's troubles hit too close to home for Mark and Julie. "Mark's afraid even more so?..you know, we've talked about it."

Lacy heaved a heavy sigh. "Julie, that doesn't automatically mean Mark will leave you just because??"
"That's not all." Julie interrupted her.

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

"Gage. Can I get a little bit of your attention?" The blonde turned away from the window, focusing completely upon her friend.

"Julie's going to leave me." Mark revealed seriously.

"Does that mean we have to move out?" Gage piped up, trying to break his bleak mood. At first, she didn't think he was serious. "I'm sorry. Me and my big mouth." The blonde moved around the desk and leaned against it. "Mark, you have to do it."

"I know." Mark concluded then quickly changed his mind. "I can't."

"Mark, let me tell you something I've never even told Lacy." A distinct frown crossed her face. That's not saying much. I've not told her a lot of things. Recalling the many times her partner encouraged, prompted and enticed Gage to get her to talk about her past, the blonde remained elusive regarding that part of her life. "For years, I ran?.ran from love, from life." Gage knew her next words would hurt her friend. "Just like you did after your parents and wife?.. died."

Mark turned away.

"For years, Mark?. just like me. We both threw away the chances that came our way because we suffered a great loss. Both of us, Mark?." The blonde allowed only a brief moment to entertain a former lover to enter her mind. Gage hooked his chin, forcing him to face her. "?and where did it get us? Oh, yeah, you're a big CEO with billions. Me? I did okay through the years, I guess." Gage pulled up a chair next to Mark. "There was this moment, Mark, with Lacy when I thought that?." She remembered a more recent event. "As a matter of fact, what I talked with you about earlier."

Mark scrunched his eyebrows in question.

"The talk Lacy had with her agent. Remember what you told me?" Gage finally smiled. "You were right. I was crying all over the fact that Lacy would be better off if we'd never met?. a person could make a case for it regarding Lacy? but, there's one thing for sure. I wouldn't be. Oh, sure, I'd be making movies and writing and such but, my life now. God, Mark, if you could just feel for one moment what I do having my family around me, loving me."

Suddenly being flushed with an overwhelming feeling of the love Julie showered on him, Mark stopped her. "I do."

Pointing a knowing finger at her friend, she declared. "And, those are the exact words that will get you want you want?.for a lifetime."

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

"Do you think that will work?" Julie quizzed her.

"Absolutely. I'd only give him till then and after that?.." She left the unspoken words hang. Grasping each other's hand, they shook them. "It's a plan."

Julie jabbed a finger in the air, correcting Lacy. "Secret plan."

Chapter Nine

Lacy was back to work on Thursday. Feeling more energetic than she had since the movie started, the grateful actor corralled her producing partner for a brief but very hot rendezvous in her trailer during the noon lunch.

"I thought Stella was going to be here with the kids." Gage looked around the empty trailer.

"Nope?. just you and me." Lacy quickly shed her clothes. "Get us something to drink." She slipped behind the curtain.

While Gage pulled out a couple of cold drinks, Lacy hurriedly slipped on a red teddy. "Sweetheart?" Lacy called from behind the curtain. "Would you get the red scarf for me?"

"Sure." Gage sat the drinks down on the table before turning her back to the curtain. She opened the small closet door, searching for the requested item. "Lacy, I can't seem to find?.."

A very seductive. "Sweetheart." Drifted across the room meeting Gage's alert ears.

As Gage turned around, her sensual hazed green eyes met the beautiful vision before her. The blonde swallowed hard. "I?. I?."

Walking seductively toward her lover, Lacy purred. "I take it you like it."

"Like it?" The shocked blonde panted. "I love it." A slow enticing seductive smile rose on Gage's face. "Come here."

Lacy's long arm reached out to her lover, guiding the blonde toward the small bedroom. Like a drought led to water, Gage drank deeply of the vision of her lover.

Embracing each other, their lips met in a feeding frenzy as they tried to devour each other. Hands roamed effortlessly across each other's heated bodies. Backing Gage up against the bed's edge, Lacy reached down grabbing her lover's backside. The bolt of pleasure shot up and down the blonde's body coming to rest at her center. With weakened knees, Gage collapsed on the bed taking her lover with her.

Lacy settled between her lover's legs. Their lips melded together only breaking apart in order to take another quick breath before they tongues engaged again in a passionate dance. "Sweetheart?."

"Mmmmmm."

"Take?." Lacy tugged at her lover's clothes. "?it?.off!" The overheated actor demanded before flipping both of them over.

With Gage now on top, she took full advantage of the position. Gage's lips found refuge between Lacy's breasts. "God, baby, I want you." Her hand ran down Lacy's shapely side coming to rest briefly at the dark haired woman's hip. The blonde paused long enough to meet her lover's eyes. "I will have you, woman!"

"I'm counting on it." Gage resumed her sexual assault on her lover's breast, nipping, sucking and driving her crazy. Lacy snapped her head back as Gage's roaming hand found it's way to her center. It didn't take long for her partner's skillful fingers to do their magic.

"Oh, God, sweetheart, God yes!"

On the brink of knocking on his star's trailer door, Lacy's words sailed through the air stopping him. "Guess I'll talk with them later." Ryan turned abruptly, mumbling. "I only have a movie to shoot, schedules to keep? and do it within a budget." Ryan shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, well, she's gonna be in a good mood this afternoon." I hope that takes the edge off when she sees?.. The director's thought trailed off. Even he didn't look forward to the two adversaries reunion.

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

As Ryan figured the afternoon went smoothly. Both Lacy and Gage set the tone for the rest of the cast and crew. Everyone was in an upbeat mood and they had finished ahead of their shooting schedule. Ryan hoped that Gage would whisk Lacy from the set before their new crewmember arrived. The director remembered his earlier conversation with Mark. "Can we wait till at least late in the day? I'm already behind schedule with Lacy getting sick and?." Scratching his full head of hair, he continued. "I'm not looking forward to this."

"I know, Ryan." Mark shuffled back and forth. "Neither am I. I'll have Michael wait till late in the day. We have that production meeting after filming today and it's inevitable." He placed a reassuring hand on his co-producing partner. "I think we'll be out of the line of fire. Now, I'm not sure Gage will?.. and, of course, we both know who will be the real target."

As Mark had stated, it was inevitable. Michael arrived a fraction of a second before Lacy turned to leave. He escorted the new crewmember onto the set.

And, with much ado, a loud and clear voice sang out. "Hey, guys. I'm back."

Lacy spun around; glaring first at the unwelcome redhead then she shot a quick glance at Ryan, Mark and finally her shocked blue eyes came to rest on her partner standing next to her. She met guilt-ridden green and knew. With pursed lips and a dangerous glint brewing in her now stormy blue eyes, Lacy commanded her partner. "You have some explaining to do." Grasping Gage's hand, Lacy jerked it. "Come with me."

Mark and Ryan caught their friend's stunned green eyes begging for them to help her before Lacy dragged her away. "I guess she's going to miss the meeting."

Mark agreed. "Count on it."

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

The next day Lacy decided to take the high road but not before she had a couple of choice words with the newest crewmember. She let the day play out so as not to upset her friend and director's schedule.

After the long days filming, Lacy gather her things and headed for her trailer where she hoped she would meet up with her partner. After letting Gage stew the night before and all day, Lacy felt it was time to let her partner know she was not really mad at her. The rest of the cast and crew gathered around after filming when Michael, after being prompted, suggested they meet up at the bar, Heydukes.

Several members jumped at the idea. The young assistant director approached his boss. "Ryan, you gonna go? I'm buying."

"Yeah, sure. Why not?" Ryan answered. "I'll catch up with you later."

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

When Lacy arrived at her trailer, Gage was nowhere in sight. She found a note stating that her partner would be there shortly as she was in a meeting with Mark. Good. She quickly changed and backtracked through the studio, waiting for her prey to pass.

As the redhead approached her red sports car, she waved to several other co-workers. "Be right there."

"Or not." The cold, clear and firm words stopped the redhead in her tracks.

Turning around to meet the taller woman, the younger woman sarcastically said. "Well, well, well?. the divine Levine."

"And, if it isn't? Kathy Griffen. Or, should I say? Griff the rift." A red eyebrow jumped up before Lacy continued. "Yes, rift. Like the one you tried to cause between me and Gage on my last movie and in New Orleans when you intercepted my calls to her."

"Oh, that." Griff laughed off the accusation. "That was nothing." She stepped closer to the taller woman. "You haven't seen nothin' yet."

Fuming, Lacy stifled the raging fire building inside. "I don't know how you connived your way back onto this movie but rest assured?. if you so much as touch?." Sucking in a stilling breath, Lacy continued. "?No one, nothing will come between me and Gage." Lacy poked the redhead's chest. "Got it."

Griff watched Lacy walk away then mumbled. "Got it. That's the plan. Gonna get it." Smiling, she slid into her convertible and cranked the engine.

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

When Lacy arrived back at her trailer, Gage was anxiously waiting. The night before Lacy had been distant and it seemed nothing had changed the next day. Gage felt like she was the plague the way her partner was ignoring her. I can't really blame her. When Lacy asked if Gage knew Griff was hired to work on the movie, her partner's guilty look confirmed her suspicions. There was a time in my life when lying was easy?but, I just can't lie to her. So, Gage took her punishment in stride. She was desperately trying to figure out a way to make it up to her partner when Lacy arrived back at the trailer.

"I'm sorry." Gage offered for the umpteenth time.

Sitting down next to Gage, Lacy decided it was time to make amends with her lover. "The only thing that really concerned me was that you knew about it and didn't tell me or why." Lacy informed her partner.

Gage pulled Lacy closer. "You weren't feeling well and I didn't want to put anymore stress on you. I was going to tell you. Really. I couldn't find the right time."

Lacy eyed her partner carefully. Something's up, I know that for sure. But, she has never lied to me. The dark haired woman kissed Gage.

"Am I forgiven?" Gage asked hopefully.

She kissed the blonde again. "For now." The younger woman stood up. "Come on, let's go home." I will get to the bottom of this though.

Gage happily jumped up and led Lacy out of the trailer.

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

Tony Kussler carefully eyed the cast and crew of Lacy Levine's new movie. He choose a dark and secluded corner in the crowded bar as he waited for his cohort. Thinking of the movie star, Tony's anger flared. I will get that bitch. Somehow? someway.

When Blade arrived for the schedule meeting, he plopped down across from the dark haired man. "You buying?"

Waving for the waitress, Tony ordered a beer for his flunky. "Let's make this quick." Nodding to the group he'd been carefully watching, he said. "Didn't know they'd be here."

Blade gulped down the ice-cold beer, swiping his mouth with his sleeve. "Ahhh? everything's set. I can move anytime."

Tony felt compelled to slap his partner in crime but reframed from that impulse. "Are you stupid or something? Your job is to keep an eye out for anything I can use. You don't move on them unless I say. Got it."

"Hell! After what she did to you, losing your job and all." Blade sneered. "I woulda already?" The young man knew his boss blamed Lacy Levine for getting canned from a very lucrative co-host job on a network entertainment show.

"Shut up. You do what I am paying you to do." A loud roar from the crowd greeted their director as Ryan entered the bar, which caught Tony's attention. "You need to get closer. I want everything?anything. Now, get out of here. I'll call you later."

Blade whined. "I was gonna have another beer."

Squinting eyes shot daggers at the scruffy man with long blonde hair. Tony threw a twenty at him. "Now, go on. I'll call you later." Tony watched Blade leave. He knew Blade would jump into his black shiny sports car and head straight to a liquor store before he would crash in his one room apartment.

Ryan joined the small group gathered around the table. "Hey, guys." He sat down between Shanti and Shonnel Westin. Griff sat across from him next to Michael and with Ben Thomason on her left. Boyd Dietrich was trying to make time with the pretty young waitress serving them.

"What will you have Ryan?" Michael asked.

Shonnel laughed. "You'll have to get it yourself. Boyd has our waitress cornered."

Shanti propped her hand under her chin. "Somebody should save her."

"Yeah, she doesn't look too happy." Ben agreed. The gallant actor rose and set out on his mission.

"He's nice." Shanti's green eyes followed the handsome young actor.

When Ryan finally answered Michael, he found his assistant director's attention riveted on Griff as she spoke to the other strawberry blonde across from her. "If you like that model." Griff purred then gave Shanti a wink.

The slightly older girl returned Griff's comment with a shy smile.

Ryan cleared his throat. "Maker's Mark and coke if you don't mind."

Sucked in by the magnet pull Griff generated at Shanti, Michael summoned all the strength he had to respond to his boss. "I'll get it."

As the evening progressed, Ben saved the waitress from the inebriated older actor and eventually one by one each member of the group drifted out leaving Michael and Griff alone at the table. Both, somewhat the worse for wear, revealed the thoughts they were harboring all night long.

"You know, Michael, my friend?. Shanti means peace." Griff slapped him on the arm. Smiling, Griff concluded. "That's exactly what I'm going to get?. a piece."

Devastated by his friend's announcement, Michael countered quickly in order to hide his true feelings. "Not before I do." And, the bet was on.

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

Stella had one of those mysterious Saturday morning meetings. And, since Lacy asked Gage to take the kids out for some ice cream, she had the house to herself as she met with her lawyer.

"If David agrees, what other problems might I encounter?" Lacy was anxious to get her wishes cemented on paper.

Jack Timble perused the paper before him. Finally, he took off his glasses. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes." Lacy said adamantly.

"Then as along as he agrees to it?. I see no problem." Shuffling the papers together, he concluded. "However, Lacy, anyone?someone else in the family or even David himself even if he signs it?. can take this back to court and try and have it changed."

"No." She forced out quickly. "This has to be an iron clad contract. I want nothing? and I mean nothing to break my wishes on this matter."

"Okay, I'll talk to Art about it."

"My agent?"

The fifty-seven year old man stood up. "Lacy, I know of none better than Art to ensure that every potential loophole is covered?"

Remembering how Art Graham skillfully dodged any loopholes in her contract negotiations with Ron Griffen, Lacy agreed. "He is rather good at that."

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

As Gage negotiated her vehicle at the turn near the entrance of Mark's home, she spotted Derek handing Sammy his cone. "Derek, no. Wait till we get home." Her attention then turned to see Lacy walk out the front door with her lawyer right behind. Gage smiled. She is beautiful. So, lost in her thoughts, Gage didn't see that even as Derek tried to comply with her wishes, Sammy's quick hands snatched onto the cone.

"Hey! Sammy, don't do it." Dani warned her youngest brother as he cocked the cone in the air, ready to throw it. "You're gonna be in big?." Too late. "?.trouble."

The cone filled with melting ice cream splashed on the leather seat, dripping onto the carpet. Gage pulled the car to a stop, put it in park and turned off the engine.

"Uhhh ohh?" Derek groaned. Scared, the young five year old waited for the explosion he was sure would come. The last time this kind of accident happened, Derek was with his father.

Sammy, on the other hand, was smiling while Dani slammed her hand across her face, peeking through her fingers at Gage. She was thankful her mom was now standing at the passenger door after seeing her lawyer friend off.

Gage slowly twisted around to see the sloppy mess. In one moment of reflection, Gage pondered a similar incident from her past.

Lacy, seeing the mess herself, spoke sharply. "What happened here?" She glanced at Derek then to her smiling two year old. Lacy knew how much Gage loved her old jeep, taking meticulous care of it. "Derek?"

Finally, Gage spoke. "Lacy, it's okay. It was an accident." The blonde smiled at Derek. "That's all."

Except for Sammy who didn't care, the rest of the group was surprised the dam hadn't burst from the owner of the vehicle. Gage got out of the car and helped the kids out before she turned them over to her partner. "Derek, why don't you help me clean this mess up?"

Seeing that she wasn't mad at him, he was only too eager to help. "I'll get the cleaning stuff."

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

The next morning Lacy was wide-awake. Placing gentle kisses on her partner's lips, Lacy tried to coax Gage to wake up. Her hand ran up under the top the blonde was wearing landing squarely on Gage's breast. "Come on, get up."

"Mmmmmm?." The sleepy blonde enjoyed her partner's ministrations.

"Gage, sweetheart. Come on, I'm in the mood?.."

Green eyes sprung open. "In the mood? Okay." Gage pulled her lover closer.

"For some exercise." Lacy stated.

Wrapping her arms around Lacy, Gage agreed. "Me, too."

"Good." Lacy pulled away. "Let's go."

"Huh?" The confused blonde grunted. "You know, I'd do it anywhere you wanted, but?." She patted the bed. "..this is much more comfortable." Gage waggled her eyebrows.

"Gage?" Lacy waited for her partner to move.

"Oh, okay?" Gage reluctantly kick started her body.

Seeing how much her lover was willing to do as she was requested, Lacy changed her mind and jumped on her partner. "I love you, you know that."

Smiling, Gage kissed her lover lightly. "Me, too."

Lacy's long finger traced the outline of her lover's jaw down her neck and continued downward. "Sweetheart?" She hesitated. "You really enjoy being with the kids, don't you?"

"I love being with them?but, I loooove being with you." The blonde pulled her lover down on top of her. "Want me to show you?"

They exchanged longing kisses before Lacy laid her head on Gage's shoulder. "How do you do it?"

Gage frowned at the question before her.

Lacy didn't need to look to know what expression just crossed her lover's face. "When Sammy dropped the ice cream in the car, I'm afraid I wouldn't have handled as well as you did."

A deep laugh escaped the blonde. "Oh, that's easy really. The secret is when something like that happens I pretend it's someone I hardly know that did it. That way I don't show if I am upset about it. You see, when I do this, it gives me time later to re-evaluate what happened. I realize that it's only leather not the end of the world. And, truthfully, it's a big reward to me. I guess I'm a bit selfish about it to know I didn't get mad or angry and that makes me feel good."

"Easier said than done." Lacy countered.

"Yeah, I know." Tapping her lover's nose with her finger, Gage confessed. "That happened to me once? it was an ice cream soda and I wouldn't want anyone to go through what I did. Okay?"

Lacy nodded and brushed her lips against her lover's neck. "I'm sorry. What I said about you taking care of the kids. You're wonderful with them."

Gage allowed a single tear to fall from her eye. "Thank you."

Lacy glanced up at her lover and wiped the tear away with a kiss causing Gage to smile. "Now, about that exercise you wanted."

It was a long and tiring session but very satisfying for both.


Continued in Chapter 10