DISCLAIMERS:

COPYRIGHT: Billie and Cat are my creations, Copyright by kd bard. The leading ladies resemble our two X:WP heroines. Character or name resemblance to 'real' people currently living or dead is completely coincidental. Download it, print it out and share it if you'd like, but be sure to include the disclaimers.

SUBTEXT: This story is about two women who are committed to a caring and loving relationship. Expressions of physical love are part of any normal loving union. If this type of love offends you, if you are under 18 yrs. old, or if love is illegal where you live, you might consider reading something else.

VIOLENCE: None

TIME LINE/CONTINUITY: This is the fifteenth installment in a modern day Uber-Xena series, starting with "The 'Commitment'" and followed by "A Family in Blood," "Personal Preferences," "Fighting City Hall," "Visions in Paradise," "What's In A Name?" "Promise Me Paradise," "While I Was Gone ...," "Unchained Memories," "Happy Campers - NOT!" "At Loose Ends," "On Solid Ground," "Sweet Angel," and "You Can Choose Your Friends, But...". Since this is a continuous series, there are events mentioned within that will not make much sense if you haven't read them all in order. The complete series, along with a variety of other works, can be found on my home page at http://homepages.together.net/~warriorx/WebPage.htm.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I strongly believe that love is love, regardless of how it is packaged, so please don't flame me for believing in something so wonderful. All flames will immediately be extinguished by a tour through the city's sewer pipes, however, I do beg for constructive criticism. Send all feedback to warriorx@together.net. A very big thanks to those of you who took the time to find my booboo's ... you know who you are! I really appreciate it. Finally, a big thank you to those who graciously host my stories and provide a forum for my expression. kd :-)

SPECIAL NOTE TO READERS: I'd like to thank all of you for being so patient waiting for this next installment. My life has gone through some major reconstruction over the past year, all of which has been wonderfully positive. I have found my beautiful soul mate, Marni.... we have spent the past year building a life with our two children, Heath and Dane, two cats, Samantha and Tigger, and a new puppy, Solari. We have enjoyed all of this under the umbrella of unwavering support of both our families... support we appreciate more than we could ever put into words. I have been known to say that real life sometimes gets in the way of the fun stuff (like writing), however, real life for me over the past year has been the fun stuff. I thank you for your patience, and I hope it has been worth the wait.... kd.

For Better Or For Worse

By: kd bard

Started 9/27/2000

Finished 04/19/2001

CHAPTER IX

"Kill me... Please!" Janice begged, half sitting and half reclining; trying hard to get out of bed.

"Janice Covington, stop being such a baby. Its not like this is your first hang over, you know," Melinda replied from her seat in front of the vanity.

"It seems the older I get, the less I can tolerate a night out with the girls," Janice said as she finally righted herself. Leaning over, she rested her elbows on her thighs and dropped her head into her hands. "I need some drugs," she added, half mumbling.

"There's a couple of pain killers right there on the night stand. I kinda thought you'd need them when you finally woke up," Melinda threw over her shoulder.

Janice looked at the pills and water on the bed side table, then back at her wife. "Thank you, Mel." After taking the medication, she placed the glass back on the stand and looked over at Melinda. "Mel, why do you put up with me?" she asked. "I mean, we've been together for fifty years, and I'll be damned if I can figure out why. I haven't been the easiest person in the world to live with."

Melinda put the brush she was using down on the vanity, and looked at Janice through the mirror. "No, you haven't been the easiest to live with, but I happen to be partial to your 96 pack, Janice," she replied.

Janice frowned. "96 pack?" she asked.

"Yes... Janice, you add variety to my life. And beside, there's somethin' about you that's just so cute. I've grown quite fond of it," Melinda tried to explain.

"Cute?!! Cute?!!" Janice exclaimed. "After fifty years, the best you can come up with is CUTE?"

"Well you don't have to be so touchy about it," Melinda replied.

Janice was now on her feet. "That's cold, Mel. Damned cold!"

Now it was Melinda's turn to rise. Coming to her feet, she approached Janice and tried to place a hand on her shoulder. Janice promptly pulled away and turned her back to Mel.

"Janice?" she asked softly.

With her back still to her tall wife, Janice began in a shaky voice. "Mel, if someone had asked me why, after fifty years we were still together, I would say it's because we love each other." Turning to face Melinda, she looked her straight in the eye. "You could have left me a thousand times over the course of our relationship, and I would have never blamed you. I know I wasn't easy to live with at times.... but you stayed. As bad as things got, you stayed. I thought it was because you loved me. I didn't expect CUTE," she explained.

Mel reached out to touch the side of Janice's face. "Janice, I DO love you. Truly, I do," she said tenderly.

"Then why didn't you accept my proposal, Mel?" Janice asked sternly.

Now it was Mel's turn to frown.

"On the plane?" Janice reminded her sarcastically.

"I.... I...," Mel began before a knock came to the bedroom door.

"Grandma Mel? Chet is here to pick you up," Billie said from the other side of the door.

"Chet?" Janice asked sharply. "What the hell does he want?"

Mel wrung her hands nervously. "He called this morning while you were asleep and invited us to go to the local museum," she explained.

Janice sat down on the bed again and stared at the floor. "Well, I'll be damned," she said.

"Janice, the invitation was for both of us," Melinda added hastily.

Janice looked at her with such venom in her eyes, it caused Melinda to gasp. "No. Don't let me interrupt your little rendezvous, Mel. Have a good time," she spat before looking back to the floor.

"Janice... please, I'd like you to come," Melinda pleaded.

"Grams? Chet is waiting. What should I tell him?" Billie said from the other side of the door.

Melinda looked back and forth between the door and Janice. "Tell him I'll be right there, dear," she said shakily. Turning back to Janice, she tried once more. "Janice...."

"No Mel. I'm not going. Your date is here. You'd better not keep him waiting," she said without looking up.

Sighing deeply, Mel picked up her sun hat from the vanity and placed it daintily on her head. Casting one more look in Janice's direction, she walked slowly to the door, opened it and left.

"Damn!" Janice whispered as a lone tear fell onto the carpet at her feet.

**********

"Cat, I need a drink," Janice demanded as she stomped into the kitchen.

Cat looked up at Janice from her seat at the table. Putting her coffee cup and newspaper down, she furrowed her brow at her grandmother. "Grams, it's only 10 a.m. How about a cup of coffee?" she asked.

"If I wanted coffee, I would have asked for coffee!" the older woman snapped.

Rising to her feet, Cat approached her grandmother, who was obviously distressed. Putting her arm around the older woman, she led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit. I'll get you some coffee, then you can tell me all about it," she said.

Resigned to the fact that her granddaughter wasn't going to give her the drink she wanted, she slumped back in her chair and nodded, begrudgingly accepting the coffee Cat placed before her.

Reclaiming her own seat, Cat reached across the table and placed a hand on Janice's arm. "Now, wanna tell me what this is all about?" she asked.

"'Morning, neighbor!" Jen said as she suddenly breezed into the room, immediately drawing the attention of the two ladies sitting at the table.

Janice's eyes flew open, then narrowed into angry slits. "That's what this is all about!" she said, pointing at Jen. "Her father! That.... that.... that Casanova!" she accused angrily.

Jen's eyebrows took up residence in her hairline as she stopped dead in her tracks. "My father?" she asked.

"Grams, calm down now," Cat said to the distressed woman. "Jen, honey, help yourself to some coffee, then come sit with us," she suggested to her friend.

Retrieving her coffee, Jen cautiously approached the table, thinking to herself that this charade she and Billie were up to may be going a little too far. "Where's Billie?" she asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"She's gone to the store. It seems that the White Russians were a big hit at the party last night and we are now completely out of milk," Cat explained.

Jen grinned. "Guilty as charged. I believe I was responsible for putting away three or four of them myself," she replied.

"How are the kids this morning?" Cat asked.

"Oh, they're all still out cold. I think Fred let them stay up until dawn. They'll probably sleep well into the morning," Jen explained.

"Good. That will give me a chance to clean up the party debris before they come home," Cat added.

"I'll give you a hand. After all, I believe I was a major contributor to the mess!" Jen laughed, remembering the handful of potato chips that ended up crushed under her feet after she dropped them in a flustered state when Jimmy ripped off his bikini briefs.

Janice sat there, following the conversation between these two women like a tennis ball back and forth across the net.

"Hello!? Remember me?" she said loudly, interrupting them.

Both women looked at Janice and simultaneously replied, "What?"

Janice threw her hands out to the sides to emphasize her plight. "Chet? Casanova? Mel? Is any of this ringing a bell?" she asked sarcastically.

Snapping back to the dilemma at hand, Jen tried to calm the fears of the older woman. "Janice, I wouldn't worry too much about Daddy. He's quite harmless," she explained.

"Harmless? When he's in the room, Mel doesn't even know I exist. Hell, they're gone off together at this very moment!" Janice exclaimed.

"Grams, they're gone to the museum.... and you were invited as well. You just let your pride stop you from going with them," Cat observed.

"I really didn't want to feel like a third wheel, Cat," she said in her own defense. "If I could just figure out what she sees in him," Janice wondered out loud.

"Sees in who?" Billie asked as she stepped into the kitchen and walked across the room to deposit the gallon of milk in the refrigerator. Returning to the table, she leaned down to place a kiss on Cat's cheek, then went to the counter to pour herself a cup of coffee. Bringing it to the table, she sat down as she asked her question again. "Sees in who?"

"Janice is very upset that Melinda has gone to the museum with Daddy this morning," Jen explained.

"Well if you're that worried, Grams, you should have gone with them," Billie suggested.

"And just what would that have accomplished?" Janice asked impatiently.

"Well, it appears to me that you've left the door wide open for Chet to walk through," Billie said. "I mean, look at Chet. He's the perfect Southern gentleman. He's polite, cordial, courteous, complimentary. He has the formal manners of the South that Grandma Mel considers so important," she added.

"And what am I - dog meat?" Janice barked out.

"No.... no, of course not Grams," Cat replied quickly. "Grams, don't you see what Billie is trying to say? To Grandma Mel, Chet is a breath of fresh air, a nostalgic memory from her debutante years. She misses that."

Janice dropped her eyes to the coffee cup that she cradled between her hands. Looking up once more, the three younger ladies could see tears misting in the older woman's eyes. "I can never be that Southern gentleman she is yearning for," she said with such resignation that she wasn't the only one at the table fighting the flow of tears.

Gulping to control her emotions, Billie reached across the table and placed her large hand over both of Janice's smaller ones which were still holding the coffee cup. "Grams," she began. "She doesn't expect you to be. She loves you just the way you are. I think she just misses the old ways, and once in a while it doesn't hurt to let her enjoy it.... even if it doesn't come from you," she finished.

"But I want it to come from me," Janice replied, her bottom lip quivering slightly,.

"Then I guess we have some work to do," Billie answered, looking at the nodding heads around the table.

"Count me in," Cat said, finally allowing the tears to escape her eyes as she placed her own hand on the growing tower covering Janice's coffee cup.

"Ditto," Jen added, adding her hand to the pile.

**********

Billie, Cat, Jen and Janice were on their way to the mall to find something "special" for Janice to wear to the wedding. Along the way, their discussion centered around what the ladies felt Janice had to do to secure Melinda's attentions.

"You want me to do what?" Janice exclaimed leaning forward in her seat.

"Grams, it won't hurt you to wait on her hand and foot for a day. Even you admit she deserves it," Cat replied.

Janice grumbled, folding her arms across her chest and pouting.

"Grams, you've got to remember that Grandma Mel was raised in the old Southern style, where the ladies were pampered. It's been years since she has allowed herself that luxury. Indulge her. You want her to know you really care, don't you?" Cat asked, knowing the older woman couldn't say no.

Janice sat back in her seat and stared out the window, watching the scenery pass by. Soon, her memories brought her back to the days in Macedonia, when Mel toiled by her side, day and night, working as hard as she did to crack the secret of the Xena scrolls. Never once did she complain through all the years on their hands and knees, literally sifting through the dirt and mud, trying to unearth the secrets of ancient history. Mel had been a trooper.

The aging archeologist had to admit that the first time she laid eyes on Mel, she was tempted to put her on a plane and send her back to South Carolina. An archeological dig was no place for a delicate southern belle, however the sheer beauty of the woman took her breath away, so instead of sending her back to her southern roots, she kept finding things for her to do, and reasons for her to stay. Soon, it became obvious to her that she couldn't live without this stunning beauty, not only because she had become an integral part of her archeological success, but because she had fallen in love.

Looking back over their fifty year relationship, Janice acknowledged that she hadn't treated Mel in the manner she was used to. The Pappas household was one of opulent wealth.... one in which Melinda was used to being waited on hand and foot. It was expected that she would marry a wealthy man, settle into plantation life, and raise a brood of children with the help of several nursemaids and servants. Instead, Melinda Pappas took a stand and insisted on obtaining an education, and when her father, a reputable archeologist himself, died, she set off to Macedonia to make her mark on the world. She got more than she bargained for.... she got Janice Covington.

Janice and Melinda were constantly on the go, moving from site to site, and living in tents or low-class hotels. Somehow, through all the dirt and dust, Melinda always managed to look fresh. And she never complained... even when they were eating out of tin cans, sleeping on cots and running from grave robbers and thieves. Most of all, she was always there for Janice... assisting her with ancient translations, using her wealth to convince authorities to issue dig permits, and even carrying Janice home after drinking too much in the local pub. Life with Janice Covington was a far cry from the comfortable southern plantation of her childhood.... and yet, she never complained. As Janice reminisced, she once more wondered why Mel had stayed with her all these years.

"Grams?" came a voice from far away.

Snapping out of her reverie, Janice shook her head and came back to reality. "What? I'm sorry, Cat. What was it you said?" she asked.

"I said we're here," Cat replied, turning around in her seat to look at the older woman. "Are you okay?" she added, seeing the blank look on her grandmother's face.

"Yeah.... I'm fine. Just thinking about life, and wonderin' why the hell Mel has stayed with me all these years. It might come as a surprise, but I haven't been the easiest person to live with you know," she explained.

At this, Billie turned around in her seat. "You??? Hard to live with??? Nah!" she said jokingly, causing all four women to chuckle.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm in the mood to shop!" Jen inserted, climbing out of the car.

"Me too!" Cat replied as she flung open her door.

Billie exchanged grimaces with Janice as they begrudgingly joined Jen and Cat for the short trek from the parking garage to the mall entrance.

**********

"How's this?" Cat asked, holding a formal skirt and jacket set up to Janice's short frame.

Janice tried hard not to laugh in Cat's face. There was no way in hell she was putting that monkey suit on! "Ah.... ah.... I was kind of thinking of something a little less formal," Janice said haltingly.

"Don't you mean a little less feminine?" Billie piped in, grinning ear to ear. If truth be know, Billie wouldn't be caught dead in that monkey suit either!

"Yeah... that's it. Cat, dear.... I'm not exactly a delicate flower. I need something more sturdy," Janice explained.

"How about this one?" Jen said from across the room, holding up a dark blue business type suit with a pinstriped jacket, skirt and slacks.

Janice frowned. Still too feminine.

Seeing Janice's response, Billie threw her arm around the older woman's shoulder and started leading her away from Jen and Cat. "Why don't Grams and I go shopping by ourselves. I've got an idea what she's looking for. You and Jen can go check out that new boutique I know you're dying to see," Billie suggested to Cat.

"You mean the one with the new body lotions and perfumes?" Cat said, her interest peeked.

"Yeah.... the one with the foo foo smelly stuff.... that's the place. You go on and have a good time with Jen. We'll meet you at the food court in about..... one hour. How's that sound?" Billie asked.

Cat grinned, secretly thankful that she didn't have to shop for her picky grandmother. "Sounds great to me.... How about you Jen?" Cat replied.

"Count me in!" she said, hanging the pinstriped suit back onto the rack. "Let's go!"

Moments later, Billie and Janice were heading in a direction opposite that of Cat and Jen. "I think I know what you're looking for Grams. Come with me," Billie said, taking Janice by the hand and leading her through the mall.

**********

"Billie-Girl.... you are a genius!" Janice exclaimed as she looked at herself in the tri-fold mirrors. "This is perfect! Are you sure you're Mel's granddaughter and not mine?" she asked joking, looking up at the taller woman.

"You look great, Grams!" Billie replied, chuckling at Janice's reference to her genealogy. "Grandma Mel will certainly be impressed. You're going to steal the show!" Billie added.

"I don't want to steal the show.... I just want to steal her heart," Janice said, turning around to look at herself at all angles.

Coming up behind the shorter woman, Billie wrapped her arms around her and hugged her tight. Looking at Janice's reflection in the mirror, she said, "Well, I definitely think this outfit will do the trick.... not that you'll have to work hard at it. I think you already own her heart.... I think you always will."

Janice grinned. "I sure hope so, Billie. This is perfect - I'll take it!"

Moments later, Billie and Janice joined Jen and Cat at the food court. Billie was sporting a garment bag.... Janice was sporting a big smile.

"Well, apparently you found what you were looking for," Cat said as they approached, noting the garment bag.

"I never thought shopping could be so much fun!" Janice replied, hands in her pockets, rocking back and forth on her heels, very proud of her accomplishment.

"Can I see?" Cat asked.

"I'll model it for all three of you when we get home.... just as long as Mel doesn't see it. I want to surprise her on the day of the wedding," Janice answered.

"Hey - I'm starved.... are we gonna eat here or go somewhere else?" Jen interrupted.

"There's a really good Chinese place across the highway. Any takers?" Cat replied.

With three nods of approval, the women were on their way.

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

CHAPTER X

Having finished an early dinner, the Charland family retired to the living room where the kids immediately positioned themselves in various places in front of the television. Billie and Cat snuggled closely on the couch, while Janice paced the floor back and forth in front of the fireplace.

"You know, it's a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining, and it's still pretty early. You three should be outdoors taking advantage of the good weather," Billie observed as she looked at the three bodies sprawled on the floor in front of her.

"It's boring out there," Seth threw over his shoulder without looking at his mother.

"Yeah, there's nothing to do," added Tara.

"Why not hang out with Stevie and Karissa?" Cat suggested.

"They're gone out to dinner with their parents," Seth replied. "I think they're gonna go to the movies or something after that."

"Well... where the hell are they? Janice suddenly asked as she looked at her watch for the tenth time that minute. "They should have been back hours ago!" she exclaimed, drawing the attention of her two granddaughters.

"Grams, I'm sure they've just lost track of the time," Cat said in a futile attempt to pacify the older woman. If truth be known, she was becoming a little concerned herself as she noted the late hour. Janice was right - Melinda and Chet should have been back hours ago.

"Humph!" Janice exclaimed, not believing it for a minute. "Well, I'm not waiting another minute," she added. Walking over to Seth, she prodded him lightly in the ribs with the toe of her combat boot. "Hey Scout, how about you and me grab a couple of fishing poles and get outta this joint?" she suggested.

Seth looked over his shoulder at his great grandmother. "For real?" he asked, a sparkle of interest in his eyes.

"You bet! How 'bout it?" Janice asked again.

"Sure!" Seth said, jumping to his feet.

"Can I go too?" Tara asked.

"Why not?" Janice replied. "How about you, little one? Do you want to join us too?" she asked Skylar.

"Ewwwww! Fish are smelly," Skylar replied. "I wanna stay here with Mom and Mama. Maybe we can play paper dolls together?" she added hopefully.

Billie and Cat looked at each other and grimaced.

"Okay then. Where do you keep the poles?" Janice asked Billie.

"I'll get them Grams," Seth said as she headed toward the back door. Stopping short, he turned around and added, "Oh - we'll have to stop off and get some bait," before continuing on his way.

"Janice turned back to the ladies still cuddling on the couch. "Okay, so whose car can I borrow?" she asked.

Both ladies stiffened with trepidation - remembering Janice's driving skills from their last trip to South Carolina.

"Look.... I haven't lived three quarters of a century without learning to read body language. You have nothing to worry about. Do you really think I'd drive recklessly with two youngsters in the car?" Janice asked, hands on her hips.

Billie and Cat exchanged looks, then reluctantly turned over the keys to the mini-van. "Please be careful, Grams," Cat said as the keys jingled at the end of Janice's fingers.

"I will," Janice replied. "Ya ready to go, Rugrat?" Janice directed at Tara.

"Yep!" Tara replied as she followed her great-grandmother out the door.

"I'll get the paper dolls!" Skylar announced as she jumped to her feet and headed toward the stairs to the upper floor.

Cat shifted within the circle of Billie's arms so that she could look directly at her wife. "You know, they really should have been back a while ago," she said worriedly.

"I know what you mean. I'm beginning to believe that Grams has a right to be concerned," Billie replied. "I wonder if I should go looking for them?" she suggested.

"That thought has crossed my mind as well.... but Grandma Mel is an adult after all," Cat observed.

"I'm beginning to wonder if this ruse we set up was such a good idea," Billie confessed. "I'll never forgive myself if serious harm comes to their relationship because of it."

"Healthy competition is good for any relationship, love. A little jealousy goes a long way to making one realize when you've taken your loved ones for granted," Cat replied.

Billie looked long and hard at the green orbs peering back at her. "Do you feel that way about us, Cat? I mean.... do I ever take advantage of you?" she asked seriously.

Cat reached up and gently cupped the side of Billie's face. "Sweetheart, no... you don't. I for one believe our relationship is quite balanced. Honey, we both have our strengths.... and our weaknesses. Fortunately, our attributes tend to compliment each other.... complete each other," Cat explained.

Billie narrowed her eyes. "Is that a slam about my cooking?" she asked in mock seriousness.

"Wellllllll," Cat replied grimacing.

"I'm back!" Skylar announced as she stood before her mothers and emptied a large bag full of paper dolls on the coffee table in front of the two groaning women.

**********

After what seemed like an eternity of 'playing house' with the spineless dolls, Billie thought for sure she would die of boredom. Just as she was about to suggest to her daughter that they take a break, a noise drew her attention to the kitchen. Looking over at Cat, she was thoroughly amazed at how this grown woman could become so involved in child's play that she seemed oblivious to her own surroundings. Obviously, Cat had not heard the noise. Only Billie's rise to her feet broke Cat out of her spell.

"What is it, love?" Cat said, looking up from the array of paper dolls strewn all over the table.

"Someone's here," Billie replied. "I'll be right back."

Making her way to the kitchen, she secretly blessed their intruder for rescuing her from the grips of paper-doll hell. Billie stepped into the kitchen from the living room just as Melinda stumbled into the kitchen from the porch. It was obvious that she was a bit tipsy.

"Billie, dear, give this old lady a hand, if you would," she said as soon as she laid eyes on her granddaughter.

Billie rushed to Melinda's side and wrapped one arm around the older woman's waist, just as her knees gave away. Gently guiding her to the table, she lowered Mel into a chair. "Are you all right, Grams?" she asked.

Mel giggled. "Fine. I'm wonnerful," she slurred.

"Billie, who's here?..... Grams!" Cat exclaimed as she entered the kitchen and saw her grandmother's inebriated state. "What in god's name happened to..... how did you get blood on your leg?" Cat asked excitedly, unable to complete her sentences.

Billie looked under the table, and did indeed see a stream of blood flowing from Melinda's knee.

"I can s'plain.... I fell on the porch steps," Melinda said. "It's no big deal."

"You fell on the steps?" Cat said in disbelief. Of Janice, she would believe it, but Melinda was always so poised and careful.

"Okay... Look - we've got to get you cleaned up. Then you've got some explaining to do," Cat scolded. "Honey, would you mind getting me some towels from the bathroom?" she asked Billie as she began to tear away Melinda's battered support hose. "Oh, and bring the first aid kit too!" she added.

"Grams, you had us worried sick..... gone all day like that. And now look at you!" Cat continued to scold as she worked. "Grandma Jan is really upset - thinking you've gone and run off with Chet. What were you thinking coming home so late?" she asked. "... And where is Chet? He should have seen that you made it into the house safe and sound."

Billie returned to the kitchen carrying several white hand-cloths soaked in warm water, along with a few dry towels. "Here you go love. Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.

"Yeah, you can talk some sense into your grandmother while I take care of her injury," Cat replied.

"Janice is upset?" Mel asked. "Whatever for?"

"Grams, you left with Chet pretty early this morning. We expected you back a lot sooner. We've all been worried," Billie explained.

Indignance rose like bile in Mel's throat. "And just what business is it of yours if I choose to spend the day with a gentleman caller?" Mel asked sharply.

Billie narrowed her eyes while Cat widened hers. This was a side of Grandma Mel she had never seen before. Billie pulled up a chair beside her grandmother and leaned forward, resting her forearms on her thighs. "Since when did Chet become a 'gentleman caller', Grams?" Billie asked. "It is totally unlike you to become intoxicated. There's only one reason a 'gentleman caller' gets his date drunk. He better not have been disrespectful!"

Melinda straightened her back, a hauty manner overtaking her normally soft features. "I don't have to answer that," she declared. "Ouch! Caitlain Maureen O'Grady Charland! You're hurtin' me!" she suddenly shouted as she nearly jumped out of her chair.

"Grams, it's just a scratch," Cat responded in her best 'don't be such a baby' voice as she continued to scrub the wound.

"Well, it hurts just the same," Mel whined.

"You know, Grandma Jan is pretty upset with the attention Chet has been paying to you," Billie informed the older woman.

"Serves her right," Mel replied, hiccuping. "I'm gettin' kind of tired of standin' by while she flirts with stewardess, waitresses, and even the cashier at the grocery store. It appears she notices everyone but me these days," Melinda whined. "It feels darn right good to have someone payin' attention to me for a change."

Billie looked down at Cat who was putting the final touches to a bandage on Melinda's knee, a silent message of confirmation passing between them.

"Where is that crazy old woman anyway?" Melinda asked, breaking the silence that had settled over the trio.

"She took Seth and Tara fishing," Cat replied.

"Oh yeah! She's real upset!" Melinda said sarcastically. "She's so upset she just had to go fishing! If she was half as upset as you say she is, you think she would'a been out fightin' for what's hers. But no..... she went fishing!" Mel ranted, her arms flying around recklessly.

"All right Grams, I think it's time for you to rest," Cat said, rising to her feet and extending her hand to her grandmother.

"I'm not one bit tired, Caitlain. Besides, I have a thing or two to say to that grandmother of yours when she finally comes home," Melinda said stubbornly.

"Well, at the very least, you need to rest your leg. Doctor's orders," Cat said. "Billie, would you please give me a hand walking Grams into her bedroom? She can sit up in bed and watch TV until Grandma Jan gets home," Cat said, looking pointedly at Billie.

Catching Cat's meaning, Billie quickly helped Melinda to her feet while Cat wrapped an arm around the taller woman's waist. "Okay Grams," Cat instructed. "Now don't put too much weight on that knee.... that's it, lean on us. We'll get you there."

Within moments, Cat and Billie had maneuvered Melinda into the bedroom, helped her change into her dressing gown, and gently lowered her into bed, propping her up with several pillows. Turning on the television that was strategically placed on the dresser opposite the bed, they planted kisses on her still soft cheek and left her to settle in, closing the door behind them.

"She'll be sound asleep in minutes," Cat said as they reconvened in the living room.

"Let's hope!" Billie said. "The last thing we need is a reenactment of the Civil War when Janice gets back! I don't know what she was drinking today, but it sure did make her ornery! I just hope she didn't do something she'll regret in the morning."

"Mama, what's wrong with Grandma Mel?" Skylar asked as her parents rejoined her in the living room, where she was still playing with her paper dolls.

"Grandma Mel fell on the stairs and hurt her knee, sweetheart. Mama bandaged it up for her, and now she's resting," Billie explained.

"Oh. So can you play with me again?" Skylar asked.

Momentary panic set in as Billie tried to think of a way out of her second visit in one day to paper doll hell. She'd rather eat broken glass than play paper dolls again! Just when she thought she had no alternative but to give in, Janice returned with the older two children.

"Cat! Cat, we need some help out here," Janice called frantically, breaking Cat away from her enjoyment of Billie's paper doll dilemma. Jumping to her feet, she ran into the kitchen, with Billie right on her heels.

"What is it?" Cat asked hastily as soon as she entered the kitchen. There before her stood a wet Janice, and two very sick looking kids. "For the love of Zeus, what happened?" Cat demanded, immediately examining both children, who were quite green around the edges.

"Grandma Jan let us smoke a cigar," Tara confessed, holding her stomach.

"You did what?" Cat yelled at her grandmother.

"Hey.... I promised I wouldn't drive recklessly... you didn't say anything about not letting them smoke. Besides, cigars never affected me that way - I didn't think it would be a problem," Janice said in her own defense.

"Mom.... I'm gonna be sick," Seth complained.

"Not in here you aren't! Come on.... to the bathroom with you," Billie said as she took her son's arm and scurried him into the bathroom.... just in time.

"What ever possessed you to give the kids cigars, Grams?" Cat asked sharply, while feeling Tara's head.

"They wanted one. Hell, Caitlain, weren't you ever a kid? Can't you remember ever wanting something you knew wasn't good for you?" Janice countered.

Not wanting to argue with Janice in front of her daughter, Cat changed the subject. "Tara, honey, go on upstairs and get ready for bed. I promise you'll feel better in the morning. It's nearly bed time anyway."

After Tara had left the two ladies alone, Cat turned to Janice. "Now.... do you want to tell me why you're soaking wet?" she asked.

"I'd like to hear the answer to that one too," Billie said from the doorway. "By the way Cat, I just sent both Seth and Sky to bed.... it's nearly bedtime anyway. Oh, and I promised Sky you'd play paper dolls with her again tomorrow," Billie added, briefly changing the subject.

"Gee thanks!" Cat said dryly. Then, turning back to Janice, she folded her arms across her chest and continued. "So.... spill it. Why are you wet?"

"I fell in the lake," came Janice's reply.

"You fell in the lake?" Cat repeated.

"Is there an echo in here?" Janice said sarcastically. "You heard me.... I fell in the lake. Tara's line was hung up on the bottom. I was trying to pull it free and it snapped. I lost my balance, and in I went," she explained.

"And was this before or after you let the kids smoke cigars?" Billie asked.

"Before," the older woman answered.

"So you sat on the river bank, soaking wet, smoking cigars with the kids. Did it ever occur to you that you could catch your death from cold?" Cat asked.

"Hell no! A little water isn't going to hurt me! Geesh, you'd think I was fragile like Melinda or something," she complained.

Billie resented that last remark about Melinda. "Grams," she said. "It's about time you realize that your wife is not weak and fragile. Hell, Melinda Pappas is one of the strongest women I know. And if you don't smarten up, you're going to find out just how strong she can be," Billie scolded.

Janice did not like being chastised. "Speaking of Melinda, is she home yet..." she asked indignantly, ".... or is she still out with that 'nice Southern gentleman' you all seem to be so taken with?"

"She's home. Billie and I just put her to bed. It seems that she tripped on the steps coming onto the back porch and scraped her knee. She's in there resting right now," Cat answered.

At the mention of Mel's injury, Janice's anger vanished. "She's hurt?" Janice asked softly.

"Slightly," Billie replied. "Nothing serious."

"Well, I'd better go see if she needs anything," Janice said.

"You might want to get out of those wet clothes first and take a hot shower, Grams. I don't think Grandma Mel will enjoy sleeping next to someone who smells like dead fish," Cat added.

Janice stopped and sniffed at the sleeve of her shirt. "I guess you're right," she said, heading directly to the bathroom, leaving Cat and Billie in the kitchen alone.

Turning to Cat, Billie shook her head and grinned. "Cat, if I ever get that feisty in my old age, shoot me, okay?"

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

CHAPTER XI

"Good morning neighbors," Jen said as she peeked her head into the door. "Is it safe to enter?" she asked.

Cat and Billie were sitting at the kitchen table, sharing the morning paper, each sporting a cup of coffee. "Sure... come on in," Billie answered.

"Now, why wouldn't it be safe to enter?" Cat asked, her curiosity peaked.

"Well, I figured that Janice might be on the warpath after Daddy kept Melinda out so late yesterday," Jen explained.

"Actually, it was Melinda that was on the warpath because Janice wasn't here to see her come home!" Cat replied.

Jen frowned. "I don't understand," she said.

"It appears that Miss Melinda is turning the tables on all of us, Jen. She wanted Janice to catch her coming home late. Unfortunately, Janice thwarted her plans by taking the kids fishing. She wasn't here when Chet brought her home. Her exact words were, 'you think she would'a been out fightin' for what's hers. But no..... she went fishing!'" Billie said in her best "Melinda" accent.

"Well, I'll be," Jen remarked. "And here I was feeling guilty about setting them up like that," Jen said in awe. "So.... where is everyone this morning?"

"Well, Missy showed up bright and early.... she and Skylar are in Sky's bedroom playing paper dolls, thank the gods!" Billie said.

"Thank the gods?" Jen questioned.

"Don't ask!" Cat interjected, holding her hand up like a stop sign.

"Seth and Tara are still sleeping.... as usual, and the grandmothers are still in their room. No clue as to whether they're asleep or awake. We've seen no sign of them yet," Billie finished.

"How is Chet faring through all of this?" Cat asked seriously.

"Well, Daddy understood what we were trying to do right from the beginning, but I'm afraid he's become a bit infatuated with Melinda himself. She is a very charming... and beautiful woman. He's quite taken with her, and more than a little regretful that her inclinations lie elsewhere - if you know what I mean.... which of course you do!" Jen explained, chuckling.

"Well, the last thing we want is for anyone to get hurt. The whole reason for doing this was to bring the grandmothers closer. We really appreciate what Chet is doing to help us out. I guess the ball's in Janice's court right now," Billie said.

"Janice Covington, I am not an invalid. I will thank you to stop treating me like one," came a loud voice from the living room.

"Oh, oh.... Civil War - round two!" Cat whispered to Jen and Billie as they eavesdropped on the ladies' argument.

"Mel, don't get your panties in a wad. I'm only trying to help," Janice replied.

"I don't need you help. Kindly remove your hands from my person," Melinda demanded.

"Suit yourself!" Janice yelled as she stomped her way into the kitchen. "Stubborn, arrogant, pigheaded...." she mumbled as she headed for the coffee pot, throwing her fedora on the table as she passed by.

"Good morning, Grams," Cat said brightly as all three ladies pretended they hadn't heard a word. "What was that you were saying?"

Janice turned around. "I said... stubborn, arrogant, pigheaded.... that grandmother of yours is driving me crazy.... and don't pretend you didn't hear what was said a moment ago. Hell, it was so loud, a room full of nursing home residents could have heard it from a mile away!" Janice said, causing all three ladies to turn red with embarrassment at being caught. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she joined the ladies at the table and sat down. "She won't let me help her to the bathroom. It's obvious that her knee hurts, but she's as stubborn as Hades himself!"

"Sounds like someone else I know," Billie said softly.

"I heard that!" Janice replied, shooting visual daggers across the table at her tall granddaughter who lifted her eyebrows in mock innocence.

Just then, Melinda hobbled into the kitchen. Billie immediately rose to her feet and offered her arm for the older woman to hold on to as she guided her across the room to the empty chair at the end of the table. Seating the proud Southern woman, Billie then poured a cup of coffee and placed it in front of her.

"Thank you dear," Melinda said.

"How's your knee this morning, Grams," Cat asked after rising from her seat to kiss the older woman on the cheek.

"A little sore, but manageable," she said. "Although some people would have me believing I was an invalid," she added throwing a sharp look in Janice's direction.

"I was only trying to help, Mel," Janice said in her own defense.

"In any case, I'll be fine. I would appreciate a little something for a headache though, if you wouldn't mind, dear?" she asked Cat.

"Coming right up," Cat said as she went to fetch the pain reliever.

"A little hangover, Mel?" Janice asked coyly.

Melinda avoided Janice's eyes. "Wha.... whatever makes you say that?" she asked as she took the pain relievers with the water Cat handed her.

"I could smell the booze on you last night, Mel. You seldom drink anything stronger than iced tea. It was pretty noticeable," Janice explained.

"I might have enjoyed a cocktail or two while I was out," Melinda replied.

"A cocktail or two? Is that why you hurt your knee, Mel?" Janice baited.

Flustered, Melinda rose to her feet. "I don't have to sit here and listen to this. Caitlain, Billie, Jen..... my apologies for being such poor company. I believe I need to lie down for a while.... alone." she announced before once more hobbling off toward her bedroom.

Billie turned to Janice. "You're not scoring a hell of a lot of points here," she said.

"I can't help it! Just the thought of her in the arms of someone else! Aarrgghh!!! It just tears my heart out. Hurts like hell! All I want to do is strike back and then I turn into this monstrous bitch." Janice explained, tears filling her eyes and emotion choking the words in her throat.

"Maybe it's time to fight back with actions instead of words," Cat suggested.

Janice looked at the three ladies sitting around the table. "I really hate to admit this, but I don't think I'm strong enough to beat the shit out of Chet. And besides, I wouldn't want to hurt Jen like that," she replied.

All three ladies tried very hard not to laugh. It was unusual for Janice to admit a weakness.

"Grams, the only thing you need to beat the shit out of is that stubborn pride of yours," Cat explained.

For several moments, no one spoke, a contemplative silence settling over the group. Finally, Billie spoke up. "Look Grams, the wedding is just two days away. I would really hate for it to become a war zone between you and Grandma Mel. That wouldn't be fair to Drew or Dylan," she commented.

Janice just nodded her head before rising to her feet. "I need some fresh air. I'm going for a walk," she announced.

"Would you like some company?" Cat asked.

"No.... no, that's all right. I have some thinking to do. Besides, I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good company to anybody right now. I'll be back soon." With that, the older woman planted the fedora on her head and headed out the door.

**********

"Damn... look at the time. Billie, where do you think she went?" Cat asked nervously.

"It's hard to tell, Cat. She was pretty upset when she left. I can't say that I blame her. If I thought I was losing you, I'd be just about ready to cash it in," Billie replied.

Cat turned sharply toward Billie. "Don't say that... don't you dare say that! Grandma Jan wouldn't do anything stupid.... would she?"

"Desperation can drive a person to do things they normally wouldn't, Cat," Billie said realistically. Crossing the room, she opened her arms and took the smaller woman into them. Rubbing her hands over Cat's back, she tried to soothe away the red head's fears. "Honey, I'm sure she's okay. She's probably sitting on a park bench somewhere trying to get her thoughts together,"

"Billie, we need to go look for her," Cat suggested.

"Look for who? Janice?" Melinda said from the doorway. "I wouldn't waste your time. When Janice doesn't want to be found, there's no sense looking. This isn't the first time she's disappeared, you know," the older woman informed them.

"It isn't? What do you mean, Grams?" Cat asked with interest.

"In the fifty years we've been together, she's disappeared at least a dozen times... although I have to admit she hasn't done that for several years now. Most of the time she would just up and leave, without warning, after some big confrontation mostly. She's usually gone for days at a time. One time she didn't return for nearly two weeks. Gradually, I began to worry less and less about her safety, and more and more about our relationship whenever the mood would strike her to run off like that. Janice can take care of herself. She's a survivor. What I am worried about is not her but us. I don't know if the present state of our relationship can survive another separation," Melinda explained.

Cat approached her grandmother and reached up to cup the aging face between her palms. "The question is, Grams... do you want it to survive?" she asked.

Tear welled in Melinda's eyes. Without breaking eye contact, she began to talk.

"Caitlain, I fell in love with Janice the moment I laid eyes on her in Macedonia. She was extraordinary. I had never known a woman quite like her before. She was brash, wild, bold. Janice wasn't afraid of anything... except maybe her own emotions - but she'd never admit that to you. She had a passion for archeology that surpassed any I had encountered before. She was totally dedicated to it, heart, mind, body and soul. If Janice had sent me home that first day, I would have refused to leave. Even then I knew I couldn't live without her."

Melinda broke away from Cat's grasp as she absent-mindedly walked to the window to peer out - not really seeing anything. Billie took this opportunity to walk up behind Cat and surround her in loving arms.

"Janice Covington.... even her name sent chills of desire running through my veins.... as it still does today." Still facing the window, she continued. "Do I want it to survive? Caitlain, if it doesn't survive, then I have no reason to go on. She is my sole reason for living."

"Then why....?" Cat began.

"Why the confrontations of late?" Melinda asked, turning to face her granddaughters. "Cat, could you live in a relationship that was lop sided... even knowing your partner loved you with all her heart? Could you live without being formally recognized as the most important person in your partner's life? Child.... I love Janice more than life itself, and I know she loves me with equal vigor, but knowing that isn't enough. I want the world to know it too... and I want Janice to be proud that the world knows it."

Melinda stopped momentarily to collect her thoughts, turning her back on the duo and walking a short distance away. After a few moments, she turned around to face them once again.

"Finally, I know that Janice Covington will never be the tender, gentle, passionately sincere person I would like her to be, but it would be real nice for her to even fake it once in a while... just for me. Am I making any sense?" Melinda asked.

Billie's arms tightened around Cat, partially to support her now-weeping wife, and partially to keep her own emotions in check. Cat nodded. "Grams, you are making perfect sense," she replied through the sniffles. "So you don't want the relationship to end?" Cat asked, needing to hear the answer directly from the source.

"If it ends.... I end. Its just that simple," Melinda replied.

**********

Cat strained once more to see out through the picture window into the darkness beyond the illumination of the front porch light. Seeing nothing, she resumed her pacing; back and forth across the room, each time stopping briefly to peer into the darkness. Finally, patience wore thin as she stopped dead in her tracks. "That's it... I can't take it any longer. She's been gone all day. I'm going to call Mom.... maybe she's over there."

"You're wastin' your time, Caitlain," Melinda said from her position on the couch. "She'll show up when she's done poutin'."

"Well, I'm going to try anyway," Cat said as she dialed the phone.

"Hey Drew.... this is Cat. How are you doing sweetie? Are you getting nervous yet? Well the big day is less than two days away. Yes, I remember that I need to pick up the flowers for the attendants.... don't worry about it. I'll pick them up tomorrow. Consider it done. The flower shop is decorating the church and banquet hall, right? Good... that's one less thing for us to worry about. Okay. Hey... is Mom there, honey?" Cat asked, trying hard to get to the real reason she had called her mother's house. Moments later, Cat had her mother on the phone.

"Hi Mom? This is Cat. Is Grandma Jan with you? No? Well, she left here about nine this morning to go for a walk and she hasn't returned. Yes... I know... but she was kind of upset when she left, and we're worried about her. Yes... Grandma Mel said the same thing. Mom... I can't help but worry about her.... yes, I know she's done this before, but.... Okay Mom. I'll talk to you later. Love you! Bye," Cat said in defeat before returning the receiver to its cradle.

Cat ran her hands through her hair in a worried fashion before turning back to Melinda. "Mom said not to worry about her.... that she's done this before.... and that she'll be back when she's good and ready," Cat explained.

"I told you as much, Caitlain," Melinda replied.

"Grams, how can you just sit there and accept that kind of behavior from her? If Billie disappeared on me for days at a time without an explanation, well.... well..... I just don't think I could deal with it!" Cat said, distress dictating her tone of voice. "For someone who has lived as long as she has, she sure is acting like a child!" she added.

Melinda chuckled. "My dear girl, you are just now realizing that? Janice will never have to worry about a second childhood because she has never left her first one behind! It's part of what makes her so charming."

"Charming? How about infuriating!?" Cat blurted out.

"That too!" Melinda agreed.

"I wonder if Billie's had any luck finding her," Cat pondered. "I'm going to call her cell phone."

"Don't bother," came a voice from the doorway. "No luck.... she's hidden herself pretty good," Billie said as she threw her car keys on the coffee table and lowered herself to the couch beside Melinda.

"I called Mom's. She's not there either," Cat said, absent-mindedly crossing her arms and biting her lip as she resumed her pacing.

Suddenly the phone rang. All three women stared at it like a ticking time bomb, ready to deliver devastation.

Finally, Billie rose to her feet. "I'll get it," she announced as she braced herself. "Hello?" she said into the receiver. "Hello? Who is this?.... Joe? Joe, are you all right?" she asked. "Joe... slow down, I can't understand a word you're saying. Joe.... Look, where are you right now? Yeah... okay, all right, I know where that is. You stay put. I'll be there in ten minutes - do you hear me? Don't leave. Okay... bye." Putting down the receiver, Billie looked at the other two ladies. "Joe's wasted. I need to pick him up before he gets himself into trouble," she explained.

"Where is he?" Cat asked.

"He's at the pub, apparently drunk off his ass. Instead of confronting his problems head on, he's trying to drown them in drink," she said, collecting her car keys from the coffee table.

Cat threw her hands out to the sides in exasperation. "What is it with this family? First Grandma Jan, and now Joe. We're all going to hell in a hand-basket!" she said melodramatically.

Billie rose to her feet and approached Cat. Taking the smaller woman's face in her hands, she covered Cat's lips with her own, leaving tender butterfly kisses in their wake. "Not all of us, my love," she whispered. "Not all of us. I love you. I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"

All Cat could do was nod.

**********

"Okay Joe.... that's it.... one foot in front of the other. Watch that step. There you go," Billie instructed as she guided her brother-in-law up the steps of the back porch. "In we go," she added, pushing him into the kitchen in front of her.

"Whoa... it sure is bright in here!" Joe exclaimed as the brilliance of the kitchen bulb shot daggers of pain through his alcohol soaked brain.

"All right... have a seat," Billie directed as she pushed him into a chair at the table.

Dropping roughly into the chair, Joe immediately placed both forearms on the table, then dropped his head onto them. "Oh my god.... I'm drunk," he said, stating the obvious.

"No shit, Sherlock!" Billie answered sarcastically.

"Billie?" came a voice from the doorway.

"Hi love," Billie replied as Cat entered the kitchen pulling her robe around herself. "Where's Grandma Mel?" she asked.

"She went to bed about an hour ago," Cat responded.

"Did Janice come home yet?" the taller woman asked.

"No. Billie, I'm really worried about her. Grandma Mel says she's not concerned, but I don't believe her," Cat said worriedly.

"Well sweetie, Grams does know her better than we do. Maybe she's right.... Janice will come home when she's done sulking," Billie suggested encouragingly.

"If she can come home," Cat said, giving a voice to what both she and Billie were worrying about.

"Amy.... Amy why are you doing this to me?" mumbled a very drunken Joe as he rolled his head from side to side, momentarily drawing Cat and Billie's attention away from their worries of Janice.

Cat looked from Joe to Billie. "Did he give you a hard time? It took you longer than I expected to bring him back," Cat observed.

"Oh yeah. He decided that he wanted to beat up everyone in the bar. Accused them all of sleeping with his wife. It took me over an hour to calm them all down and convince them that he was just a raving drunk suffering from a broken heart. Then, about half way home, he decided he was going to be sick. I managed to pull over to the side of the road and pull him out of the car just in time. Otherwise, his clothing.... and my car.... would have been quite a mess. He literally cried all the way home about how he thought Amy was cheating on him. Cat... what a mess. I feel really bad for him," Billie explained.

Cat just shook her head from side to side. "I'll try to talk some sense into Amy tomorrow," she offered.

"No, I don't think you should," Billie replied. "Joe needs to take care of this one himself. Amy isn't going to listen to anyone else," she finished, rubbing her hand over Joe's shoulders.

"Maybe you're right, sweetheart. Give me a minute to make up the couch, then I'll give you a hand carrying him in there, okay?" Cat said.

Moments later with Joe tucked in and sleeping soundly on the couch, Billie and Cat snuggled closely in their bed, neither of them able to sleep, the burden of their family's woes weighing heavily on their minds.

"Billie?" Cat said softly.

"Hmmm?" Billie replied.

"Promise me our lives wil never get this out of control," Cat pleaded.

"I promise," Billie said.

"Good. I promise too. I love you Barney. Goodnight," Cat said.

"I love you too, Mrs. Barney," Billie replied. "Sleep tight."

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

CHAPTER XII

Cat rolled over, throwing her arm across the empty space usually occupied by her tall wife. Realizing instantly that Billie was gone, she bolted awake and looked around. Within moments, her eyes fell on the note resting on Billie's pillow.

Love,

Gone for a run with Jen. I'll be home soon.

I love you!

Barney

Smiling, she rolled onto her back, taking Billie's pillow with her and hugging it tightly. She loved the smell of Billie's pillow.... fresh and clean, like the herbal shampoo Billie used on her hair. After several moments of basking in the scent of her wife, Cat finally decided it was time to get up.

Dragging herself out of bed, she pulled on her robe and headed for the stairs. The aroma of coffee drifted up to greet her before she even landed one foot on the top stair. Hmmm.... Billie must be back already, she thought to herself as she scurried down the stairs and through the living room where she noticed Joe still sleeping soundly in the couch. He's going to have one hell of a headache this morning! she mused as she passed by.

Reaching the kitchen, Cat stopped short when she saw Melinda, not Billie, sitting at the table, cradling a cup of coffee between her hands. "Grams? You're up early," she said.

Melinda looked up, revealing red, swollen eyes to her granddaughter.

"Grams? Are you all right?" Cat asked, going directly to Melinda's side.

"I lied to you yesterday, Caitlain. I am worried about her," Melinda confessed, looking back down into her coffee cup.

Cat immediately wrapped her arms around the older woman. "I know you are, Grams. We are too," she replied, feeling the older woman's shoulders shaking beneath her arms.

Just then, Billie burst through the kitchen door, drawing the attention of the two ladies to her.

"Cat! Grams! Good - you're up. I need your help with something," Billie said breathlessly, a slight grin creeping onto her face.

"Billie? What is it?" Cat asked, a little startled with Billie's entrance.

"Well, I just returned from my run, and I was climbing the steps to the porch, when I heard..... well - it's hard to describe. You need to come see for yourself," the dark haired woman exclaimed.

Their interests peaked, Cat and Melinda both rose to their feet and followed Billie into the back yard.

"There.... up there," Billie said pointing to the tree house.

"What? I don't see anything," Cat said, not really understanding what was so odd about the tree house.

"Listen," Billie said excitedly.

Both ladies stood quietly under the tree house, straining to hear the mysterious noise Billie was talking about.

"Ahhhhh.... Kill me... please! I need some drugs!" came the sound.

A broad smile spread across the face of Melinda Pappas as she realized what was behind the sounds. Then as quick as the smile came, it was gone, followed immediately by her hands perching on her hips. "Janice Covington, you crazy old woman, come down from that tree house this very moment! Do you know what you've put us through?" she scolded loudly.

Cat and Billie exchanged covert grins.

"Mel!!! Mel.... I need drugs," Janice repeated as she poked her head out of the tree house window.

"You're gonna need more than drugs when I'm through with you," Melinda said through tears of relief. "You come down here this very instant!" she repeated.

"I can't get down," the aging archeologist whined. "Help me, Mel."

"You got yourself up there.... obviously in a drunken stupor.... you can get yourself down! I will be in the house when you decide to act like a proper lady," she stated before turning on her heel and stomping off into the house.

Janice poked her head out one more time. "Like a proper lady?" she said in disbelief. "I guess I'm stuck up here forever."

"Come on Grams, I'll give you a hand," Billie said, propping the kids' home made ladder up against the tree house and holding it steady for the older woman.

"How in hell did you get up there anyway?" she asked as Janice touched down onto the ground.

"Damned if I know," Janice replied. Planting both feet on the ground, she turned to look at Cat. "Kitten... could I bother you for some pain killers?" she asked.

Cat reached forward and hugged her grandmother. "Sure, Grams. Come on, Grandma Mel made a fresh pot of coffee. I'm sure she won't mind giving you a cup while I fetch your 'drugs'," Cat said in jest.

"The only thing your grandmother is bound to give me is the cold shoulder," Janice predicted sadly.

"Well then I guess you'll just have to turn on the charm and warm that shoulder up... don't cha think?" Cat suggested.

"I try hard not to.... think - that is.... at least not with a hangover!" Janice joked.

Cat laughed and hugged her grandmother once more, elated that the older woman was alive and well. "Grams," she said, "you most certainly have a colorful 96 pack."

Janice frowned. "96 pack.... there it is again! What's up with that anyway?" she asked.

"I'll let Grandma Mel explain that one," Cat replied chuckling as she led the hung over grandmother into the house.

**********

Joe had finally risen after many futile attempts to ignore the sound of cartoons blaring from the television. Rolling over, he opened his eyes and immediately closed them again as a painful bolt seared into his alcohol-injured brain. Forcing himself into an upright position, he threw his legs over the side of the couch and immediately dropped his head into this hands.

"Morning, Uncle Joe," Skylar said cheerfully.

Joe painfully lifted his head and forced a weak smile to cross his features in response to his niece's greetings. "Morning, Sky," he grumbled. "Where are your moms?" he added.

"Mama's upstairs, and Mom is in the kitchen with Grandma Jan," Skylar responded.

"Hmmmm," Joe replied as he dropped his head into his hands once more, wondering how he was going to face Amy when he returned to Ida and Doc's house. Somehow, Amy had a way of making him feel guilty - even when he had done nothing wrong. Even now, after innocently spending the night at his sister-in-law's home he felt like he had deserted her, when in reality, it was Amy's behavior with Bob that was in question. Forcing himself to get off the couch, he ventured into the kitchen where Billie and Janice were obviously having a serious discussion.

"That's what she wants, Grams. That's what would make her happy," Billie said and Janice pondered her words carefully.

"That's all she wants?" Janice replied incredulously.

Billie just nodded, a slight smile crossing her features.

"Am I interrupting anything," Joe asked as he stumbled into the kitchen.

Billie turned around quickly as she heard her brother-in-law's voice. "Joe! No... you're not interrupting at all. Come join us for a coffee. How are you feeling this morning?" she asked.

Joe shuffled over to the counter and poured himself a cup of black coffee. Turning toward the ladies, he leaned his backside against the counter and sipped the strong brew. "To be truthful.... lousy!" he complained, running one hand through his hair.

"Join the club!" Janice proclaimed. "Seems we both indulged a little too much last night. I hope when you go home, you have better luck with your lady than I'm having with mine!" Janice added.

Joe looked at Janice curiously. "Is something wrong with Grandma Mel?" he asked.

"A severe case of the cold shoulder... not that I don't deserve it." she replied.

"I know what you mean," Joe commented. "When I get home, Amy will either ignore me, or kill me.... not sure which at this point. However, considering this hangover, I'd opt for the killing," Joe said, causing both women to chuckle.

"Billie, do you have a writing pad and a pen? I have a few thoughts I want to put down on paper," Janice asked.

"Sure," Billie replied rising to her feet and pulling paper and pen out of the utility drawer and handing them to Janice. "Is there anything special I can help you with?" Billie asked.

Janice looked at her granddaughter coyly. "No... not really. I need to work this one out for myself. Thanks for the paper," Janice said as she accepted the items and headed into the living room, leaving Billie and Joe alone in the kitchen.

Billie looked at her brother-in-law. "Sit," she said. "We need to talk."

**********

"Hi Mom. Is Amy there?" Cat asked into the receiver as she sat on the edge of her bed.

While waiting for her sister to answer the phone, Cat looked around the bedroom. A sense of nostalgia suddenly overcame her. Gods, this room has held such emotion for us over the past several years. Some of our best.... and worst times have been right here, she thought as she recalled the lovemaking, the confrontations, the illnesses and the tears. It was here that she found Billie comatose one morning... only to discover later that she had been afflicted by epilepsy as the result of a gun-shot wound to the head months earlier. It was here that they lie in each other arms, both filled with fear and dread as they watched their baby girl struggle in the clutches of leukemia, not knowing if she would live or die. It was here that she paced the floor in the dead of the night as they waited for the kidnapper to call with news of Tara. It was also here that some of the most gloriously fulfilling lovemaking had occurred.... each of them totally committed to loving each other and sharing the wondrous joy of living in each other's souls. Through all their trials and tribulations, this was one place they could find sanctuary from the world. It was their secret garden... their stronghold... their nirvana. As Cat thought ahead to the pending nuptials the following day, she could only wish Drew and Dylan the same loving relationship she enjoyed with her own personal dark-haired warrior. Joys and woes included, she wouldn't trade one moment of her life with Billie.... not for all the gold in the world.

Cat was suddenly drawn out of her reverie by a voice at the other end of the line.

"Hello?" came the high pitched voice.

"Amy.... this is Cat. Look, just in case you were worried," Cat said sarcastically, "your husband spent last night passed out on our couch... you know... in case you were worried," she repeated.

"Oh... so that's where he was," Amy replied. "Go figure."

"And what's that supposed to mean, Amy? Don't you even care that he didn't come home last night?" Cat asked, exasperated with her oldest sister.

"At this point, Cat, I'm not sure what I feel. Why he chose last night to suddenly grow a backbone, is beyond me. Do you know that last night he had the nerve to accuse me of having an affair? Can you imagine that?" she exclaimed obviously insulted that her husband could even think such a thing.

"Yeah... imagine that!" Cat returned dryly.

"Ah.... ah.... Don't tell me you're siding with him?" Amy said hotly, accurately reading her sister's tone of voice.

"Look Amy, you haven't exactly given him reason not to believe it," Cat replied.

"And just what does that mean?" Amy demanded.

"I can't believe you don't know! Amy... look at how you act! You flirt with anything in pants - men and women alike!" Cat exclaimed loudly.

"And since when is flirting with women a turn off to you of all people?" Amy returned with a large dose of her own sarcasm.

At that moment, if Amy was within Cat's reach, she would have surely landed the palm of her hand across her sister's cheek. Taking a deep breath, Cat consciously calmed herself, realizing her sister had yet again drawn her into a confrontation by pushing her buttons.

"All right.... I refuse to let you reel me in hook, line and sinker like you did when we were kids. I just thought you might like to know where your husband is," Cat said. "Oh, and Amy.... tomorrow is Drew's wedding. You and Joe are a big part of it. Don't blow it for Drew or I'll never forgive you," she warned.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Amy replied.

"I mean it Amy!" Cat warned again.

"Don't worry, Cat.... I won't do anything to ruin the wedding for Princess," came the retort.

"See that you don't, Amy. She doesn't deserve it. I'll see you tomorrow then," Cat answered.

"Whatever. Later!" Amy said before hanging up.

**********

"All right Joe... remember what I said," Billie called to Joe as he climbed out of the car and headed toward his in-law's house.

Billie watched Joe progress down the walk, looking for all the world like he was a 'dead man walking'... shoulders slumped, head hung low. She felt sorry for what he was going through. She remembered a time when she thought her marriage to Cat was over. Billie sat there for several moments, recalling some of the more difficult points in her relationship with her red-haired wife. Visions of near domestic violence sprang to her mind as she saw herself pin Cat against the kitchen door, threatening her with physical dominance. Visions of Cat rejecting her during Skylar's bout with leukemia as jealousy over the little girl's love for her beloved Mommy corrupted the red head's common sense. And just recently when they nearly came to blows over the amount of time Billie's job was taking away from the family. These were all difficult times... times she would just as soon forget, as they caused her great distress. Thoughts of Cat leaving her made her physically ill. Thoughts of losing everything and everyone she loved were unbearable. Yes... she knew just what Joe was going through.

Snapping herself back to reality, she signed deeply, threw the car into gear and headed back home.

**********

Billie entered the kitchen from the porch just as Cat entered from the living room. Both stopped dead in their tracks and locked eyes. Raw emotions flew across the room on the bridge created between them. Within seconds, they were in each other's arms, clinging desperately. For long moments, they stood there, wrapped around each other, savoring in the non-verbal love that flowed so easily between them. Finally, they parted.

Cat looked up into Billie's eyes. "Sweetheart, I will be so glad when this wedding is over and life can return to normal. If I have to solve one more person's problems, or play peacemaker one more time, I'm going to lose it!" she exclaimed.

"I couldn't have said it better, myself," Billie agreed. "I just brought Joe back to your parent's after a long talk about his relationship with Amy. He is really down in the dumps, and just doesn't know how to deal with it," Billie explained.

"Well Amy has no clue as to why Joe should suspect her of having an affair.... can you believe it? How dense can the woman be? And here I thought Drew was the 'blonde' one!" Cat joked, making Billie chuckle.

Billie took Cat into her arms once more. "One more day and it will all be over with. Hopefully things will go smoothly tomorrow - then everyone can concentrate on returning to 'normal'.... whatever that means!" Billie remarked.

"One more day," Cat said wistfully.

**********

Melinda Pappas rested against the door frame of the kitchen, a glass of ice tea in her hand, watching Janice writing furiously from her curled up position in the living room easy chair. "What is that crazy old fool doing?" Melinda asked

"I don't know. Why don't you ask her yourself," Billie suggested to her grandmother as she peeled potatoes at the kitchen sink.

Just then, Tara went running through the kitchen, heading for the back door.

"Whoa... hold on here. Dinner will be ready in about a half hour. Don't be wandering off too far," Billie warned her daughter.

Tara stopped short. "I won't. I'm just lending this CD to Karissa. I'll be back in a few minutes," the teenager replied.

"Okay. While you're over there, tell your brother he'll need to be home shortly as well," Billie shouted to Tara's disappearing back.

"I thought I made it clear that I wasn't talking to her," Melinda replied.

"What's that, Grams?" Billie said, momentarily distracted by Tara.

"I said, I'm still not talking to her," Melinda repeated, a little impatiently.

Billie put the potato peeler down and turned to Melinda. "You know, I'm not sure who's more stubborn, you or Grandma Jan," she observed.

"My word!" Melinda replied, insulted. "I am not stubborn. I'm determined," she explained.

"Determined," Billie said dryly. "Well the end result is still the same," she pointed out.

"What result is still the same?" Cat asked, entering the kitchen from the basement door, carrying a basket of laundry.

Before Billie could answer, Melinda broke in. "Caitlain, dear, would you mind findin' out what your crazy old grandmother is doing writin' away like that in the living room?" she asked.

Cat looked back and forth between Melinda and Billie, a questioning frown on her face. Billie just shrugged, so Cat did as Melinda asked. Putting the laundry basket on the kitchen table, she entered the living room and approached Janice. Sitting on the arm of the easy chair, she threw her own arm across the back of the chair behind Janice. "What cha writing, Grams?" she asked.

Janice looked into Cat's face and grinned, then held the tablet of paper up for her to see. After several moments of trying to read Janice handwriting, a wide smile covered Cat's face. Bending down, she planted a big kiss on Janice's cheek then left her to her writing. Returning to the kitchen, she went directly to the laundry basket, throwing a covert look and smile toward Billie along the way.

"Well?" Melinda asked impatiently. "What is she writin?"

Cat looked at Melinda and feigned innocence. "I'm afraid she'll have to tell you herself, Grams," Cat replied.

"For the love of Zeus! What ever happened to respectin' yer elders?" Melinda complained as she stomped off to her room.

Cat looked at Billie and smiled. "One more day," she said.

Billie just nodded and returned to peeling potatoes.

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

CHAPTER XIII

"Seth! Come on! You've been in there long enough," whined Tara as she banged on the bathroom door.

"Tara... Please stop banging on the door," came the command from Billie and Cat's room at the end of the hallway.

"But Mom.... Seth has been in there for an hour. I gotta get ready too, you know," she reasoned.

Billie stuck her head into the hallway. "Seth.... let's get a move on," she called.

"All right... all right. I'm done," Seth announced as he pulled the door open to let his sister in.

Billie's jaw dropped as her son stepped into the hallway from the bathroom dressed in a black tailor cut tuxedo. "Oh my god! Seth! You look so old! Where did my baby go?" Billie exclaimed, suddenly realizing her 14 year old son was more man than child.

"What's all the commotion about?" Cat said as she led a daintily dressed Skylar out of her bedroom. She too stopped short when she saw her son. Tears of pride filled her eyes as she took in his handsome blonde looks. She was so dumb-struck, she simply could not speak.

Seth pointed to Cat. "Now don't you start crying. It's only a monkey suit," Seth said.

"Oh, it so much more than that," Cat said, finally finding her shaky voice. "It's a very handsome young man in a monkey suit."

Seth's chest puffed out with pride as he strutted toward the stairway. "I'll be downstairs watching TV while you women get ready," he said boldly.

"Am I handsome too?" Skylar asked as she watched her brother descend the stairs.

"No way!" Billie said, coming into the hall to scoop her daughter into her arms. "You, my little Rugrat, are beautiful."

Squirming out of Billie's arms, Skylar went to great lengths to imitate her brother's strut as she too headed for the stairs. "I think I'll go watch TV too while you women get ready," she said.

Billie and Cat exchanged surprised expressions. "Looks like we've got some pretty sassy kids," Cat said.

"Janice Covington, get yourself out of that bed and get dressed!" came a loud demand from down stairs.

Within seconds, Seth had taken the stairs two at a time to alert his mothers of the pending explosion between the grandmothers. "Ah.... I think you might want to break it up before it gets out of hand," he said. "Grandma Mel is really mad at Grandma Jan."

Cat scowled and dropped her chin to her chest. "What next?" she complained as she ran her hands through her hair.

"I'll go see what's up, Cat. You go ahead and get dressed," Billie offered as she headed toward the stairs.

By the time Billie reached the living room, the volume of the exchange had increased ten-fold. As she approached their bedroom door, the cause of the problem became clear.

"Of all the days you could choose to be stubborn and pig-headed, why pick this one?" Melinda demanded loudly.

"No better time than the present," Janice answered flippantly.

"Exactly why aren't you going, may I ask?" Melinda continued.

"No... you may not ask," Janice replied sharply as Billie winced on the other side of the bedroom door. "I thought you weren't talking to me. At least that's been the case for the past couple of days."

Melinda's approach suddenly softened. "Janice, please. Your granddaughter is expecting us. Please don't ruin this for her."

"She won't even notice I'm missing, Mel," Janice reasoned.

"Well, I'll notice... and so won't the rest of the family," Melinda explained.

"I refuse to pretend that everything is perfectly fine just for the sake of your image, Mel. I'm not going," Janice stated firmly.

Suddenly, the bedroom door flew open from the inside, startling both Billie and Melinda.

"Ah.... Grams! I was just about to knock," Billie stammered. "Are you two nearly ready?" she asked, trying to cover up her eavesdropping.

Regaining her composure quickly, Melinda composed herself like a proper Southern belle. "I am ready, Billie, but I'm afraid Janice has declined to attend the wedding. We will just have to go and enjoy ourselves without her," she said, brushing past Billie, heading to the bathroom to 'repair her face'.

Billie looked into the room at Janice, who was reclining comfortably on the bed. "Grams?" she asked.

"Billie! Come in," Janice exclaimed. "Take a load off," she added, patting the bed beside her.

Billie went to sit on the edge of the bed and looked Janice squarely in the face. "Why aren't you going?" she asked.

Janice grinned. "Trust me, Billie. I know what I'm doing," she replied.

"I sure hope so, Grams. You know you're not mending any fences with this kind of behavior," Billie pointed out.

"Mommy! Mama says we're gonna be late if you don't get dressed right away," Skylar said, suddenly appearing in the doorway, obviously on a mission for Cat.

Billie turned her attention to the doorway. "Okay, honey. I'll be right there," she said, rising to her feet. Before leaving the room, she paused for one last comment. "Grams, before you do something that will change your life forever, make sure you know what you're doing, because you won't get a chance to take it back."

Janice smiled. "I have no intention of taking it back, Billie. And yes - I do know I'm about to change my life forever.... and between you and I, it's long overdue."

Resigned to her grandmother's stubbornness, Billie just nodded and left the room.

**********

The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch despite Janice's conspicuous absence, and the fact that Amy and Joe were very cold to each other. Ida and Laurel beamed with pride as they watched each member of their combined family walk down the aisle, each one just as handsome or beautiful as the last.

Ida and Laurel weren't the only mothers beaming with pride. Cat and Billie had all they could do to hold the tears of pride back at the flawless performance given by their brood. Seth stood tall and confident at the altar beside his uncle, displaying no traces of the child within. Tara's attendance of Drew's train was timely and orderly, having saved her aunt from stepping on it several times throughout her walk to and from the altar. And Skylar drew smiles and comments from all present as the dainty little princess expertly strew rose petals in a path down the aisle during the wedding procession.

And Cat was right; even though Billie had objected to the purple gown, she was stunningly beautiful in it. Drew did make one concession on Billie's part - allowing her to wear lower height heels rather than the three-inch ones worn by the other bridesmaids, making Billie.... and Bob much more comfortable.

Even though Amy and Joe were less than friendly, their manner was polite, albeit a bit distant. Kevin, normally the Neanderthal, was actually attentive and respectful of Bridget, the nostalgia surrounding the ceremony softening his chauvinistic style. Even Bob behaved, having enough consideration for the bride and groom not to flirt openly with Amy at the ceremony. All in all, it was a beautiful wedding. Teary eyes abounded throughout the church at the beauty of the ceremony - including those of Doc, who sentimentally gave away his youngest child into the arms of her new husband.

The only real sadness was held within the bosom of one aging Southern belle, who sorely missed the presence of her life partner at such a happy occasion. More than once, she reached for the hand of her beloved as something especially beautiful about the ceremony touched her heart - only to find empty space. Her tears were not only those of joy, but of sadness at what could have been, but would never be.... especially now.

As the wedding party assembled on the altar to make their way back down the aisle after the ceremony, Billie noticed the door at the back of the church swing shut, its trespasser unseen. In the receiving line outside the church, she looked around, hoping to spot a familiar face in the crowd.... a face that was conspicuously missing during the ceremony.... but found none.

**********

The wedding reception was held at a rented hall. As with the weddings of his other three daughters, Doc spared no expense to make it a joyous and carefree occasion for all involved. A meal of prime rib, baked potato and summer vegetables was catered to perfection, although neither Drew nor Dylan ate much of it with the constant interruptions by party goers tapping on their glasses with knives.... a signal that prompted the new bride and groom to stand and kiss with each occurrence.

Not long after the meal was served and cleared away, the music began. Many of the party goers had started drinking as soon as they arrived at the hall, so once the music began, the floor was quickly filled with people anxious to dance the night away, inhibitions quickly chased away by the alcohol.

During the meal, members of the wedding party sat at a long table at the front of the hall, but once the dancing began, formal place settings fell by the wayside as people mingled and formed groups. In once such group, sat the immediate family of the bride and groom, along with Jen and her family... all except Tara and Crystal that is, who spent the entire reception casting hateful looks at each other from across the room.

"Look at them," Doc exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention to Drew and Dylan on the dance floor. "Don't they make a handsome couple?" he asked.

"They are cute indeed," Ida agreed, covering Doc's hand with her own.

"I can't wait for them to give us grandchildren," Laurel said excitedly. "Can you imagine how beautiful they'll be?"

"Grandchildren?" remarked Jim. "I'm too young to be a grandfather!" he exclaimed.

"Get used to it Jim," Doc advised. "Look at the brood we have.... why Seth is nearly a man already. Talk about feeling old!" he joked, chuckling heartily before turning his attention back to the dance floor.

Cat watched her father's eyes following her baby sister as her new husband led her around the dance floor. "Is that a tear I see in the corner of your eye, Daddy?" Cat teased her father. "You always were a soft touch where Drew was concerned."

"Your dad is a soft touch with all four of you girls.... correction - make that all five of you girls," Ida corrected, including a beaming Billie in the daughter head count while Doc blushed profusely at the teasing.

"Nona, are you having a good time?" Laurel asked Melinda.

Having been caught staring off into space, Mel became flustered and nearly tipped over her ice tea glass. "Oh My! I am so clumsy some times," she exclaimed as she righted her glass before any of the contents spilled onto the table cloth, embarrassment reddening her face to the tips of her ears. "I'm sorry dear. What was it you asked?"

"I asked if you were having a good time," Laurel repeated, already knowing the answer.

"As good as can be expected, dear," she replied distractedly.

Ida decided to join forces with her sister to pull their mother out of a funk. "Nona, don't let Mama get you down. You know how stubborn she can be. Just because she has chosen to miss out on the fun, doesn't mean you have to. Why don't you get out on the dance floor and kick up your heels?" Ida urged.

"I agree wholeheartedly with your lovely daughter Melinda," Chet said as he approached the table, accompanied by a very exhausted Jen. "It appears my daughter can't keep up with this old man on the dance floor. Would you do me the honor of granting me the pleasure of your company for the next dance?" he asked smoothly, bowing at the waist and extending his open palm toward Melinda.

Melinda stammered, looking for an excuse not to allow herself to enjoy the party. "Er... I....," she began.

"I have already requested a formal waltz, to be played in your honor, dear lady. Surely you can not deny me this one dance?" he teased, a dashing smile crossing his handsome age-worn features.

Unable to resist Chet's charm, and sorely in need of pampering, Melinda relented and allowed Chet to lead her to the dance floor.

As soon as the music began, dozens of couples joined Chet and Melinda on the dance floor. It wasn't long before the entire O'Grady/Stafford clan was dancing, with the exception of Joe and Amy, who were still keeping their distance from each other on opposite sides of the room. After the hangover he suffered a day earlier, Joe had consumed relatively little alcohol. Surprisingly, Amy was alcohol free herself, preferring coffee and cola instead - a fact that did not go unnoticed by Cat and Billie.

"Do you see how Joe and Amy are acting?" Cat asked Billie as they glided together in tune with the music.

Billie smiled. "Yeah - like a couple of teenage lovers who have just had their first fight. Do you see how they keep looking at each other when they think the other one isn't looking?" she asked.

"Maybe our talks did some good," Cat suggested hopefully.

"I'd like to think so, but until they actually warm up to each other, this is as good as its going to get, I'm afraid," Billie replied.

"Something needs to happen to break the ice," Cat said.

"Speaking of something happening, I'm feeling really uncomfortable about what's going on between the grandmothers. I just hope Janice doesn't do something she'll regret later," Billie told Cat. "I'm pretty disappointed with her not coming today.... and I know Grandma Mel has been deeply hurt by it."

"Yeah, I'm a little disappointed in her myself. But at least Grandma Mel is starting to enjoy herself now. I'm glad Jen brought Chet along. He'll keep her mind off Janice for the afternoon.... I hope," Cat mused.

As the waltz ended, the couples clapped and returned to their tables... all but Chet and Melinda that is. Had Melinda had her way, she too would have returned to the table to sulk, however Chet wouldn't hear of it as he held fast to her hand and coaxed her into joining him for another dance. As that dance ended, he begged for a third, a reluctant Melinda obviously wanting to return to her table. As the music began for the third dance, Melinda again, reluctantly gave in and half heartedly engaged in the dancing. Moments into the dance a loud voice boomed over the PA system.

"Stop the music!"

All eyes turned to the source of the announcement - total silence filling the room. There stood Janice, microphone in hand, dressed to the tee in the outfit she and Billie had picked out for her in the mall. Dark gray high wasted pinstriped trousers, light gray long sleeved dress shirt, black vest that came to twin vees in front, maroon ascot, black patented leather shoes, maroon waistcoat with tails, and a black top hat and cane. Despite the fact that she was obviously a woman, Janice could have easily passed as a Southern gentleman. Cat and Billie smiled at each other at the dramatic entrance that was so typically Janice Covington.

Totally captivated by the vision in front of her, Melinda took two steps away from Chet and turned her total attention to the woman who owned her heart. "Janice?" she whispered.

"I have something to say," Janice said into the microphone, her eyes never leaving Melinda's. "I should have done this ages ago, but I've been a damned fool. A damned fool who has wasted a lot of time. I know a lot of you noticed I wasn't by Melinda's side at the wedding today... but I was there. Drew, honey - you were a beautiful bride," she said, confirming Billie's suspicion that the closing door at the back of the church was her.

Turning her attention to Melinda, Janice continued. "As some of you know, Mel and I have been struggling of late. I'm afraid I have not been all that she needs. No... Mel, you know it's true," she said as Mel shook her head, refuting the self recrimination Janice was putting herself through.

"I have spent several hours thinking about our situation, Mel.... and I have decided that it's time for a change," Janice announced, causing Melinda to close her eyes and prepare for the worse. Reaching into her pocket, Janice pulled out a piece of paper with nearly illegible hand writing. "For the past couple of days, I have been putting my thoughts on paper, and I'd like to share them with you now." she said, clearing her throat and reading directly from the page.

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

I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW

I want the world to know

I'm the luckiest person on Earth.

I have my health.

I have a home.

I have loving family.

But above all else,

I have the most precious pearl

The gods have ever made.

And her name is Melinda.

*****

I want the world to know

I cherish her with all my heart.

She is my reason for living.

She is why I rise each day.

She gives my life meaning.

She fulfills me in ways unimaginable.

I would be lost without her,

As I hope she would be

Without me.

*****

I want the world to know

I find peace and comfort in her arms.

Her love blankets me with warmth.

Her love protects me from harm,

Even from myself.

She is my warrior,

My teacher,

My friend.

I would not be whole without her.

*****

I want the world to know

She has stood by my side

Through thick and thin,

In good times and bad

In sickness and in health

For better and for worse.

I would not be where I am today

Without her love,

Without her support.

*****

I want the world to know

I am not ashamed of our love.

She is a prize to be treasured,

A trophy to be displayed.

I have been a fool

To have hidden it away.

Unwilling to bear the scrutiny

Of ridicule imagined,

But never realized.

*****

I want the world to know

I am here today

To ask forgiveness.

To ask for love.

To ask for commitment.

In the presence of friends and family,

I am here today

To ask my one true love....

Melinda, will you marry me?

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

When Janice finished reading, she looked up from the paper and met the tear filled eyes of Melinda Pappas, only inches from her own. Janice.... and the crowd held their collective breaths as they awaited Melinda's reply.

Melinda reached up to cup Janice's face between her hands. "Yes...you old fool. I will marry you," she said clearly before falling into Janice's arms.

A deafening roar erupted from the crowd as dozens of well-wishers came forth to offer their congratulations to the embracing couple. Billie and Cat held back, their fingers interlaced, neither able to see through their tears to make their way through the crowd congratulating the ladies. There would be time later at home. The moment was so intensely loving and romantic that it even melted the ice wedge between Amy and Joe, who embraced warmly at the news.

Once more, Janice reached for the microphone. "Thank you all so much for your support. Melinda, you have made me the happiest woman in the world. Now all we have to do is make it official... right here - right now," Janice announced. "That is, of course, if Drew and Dylan don't mind sharing their wedding anniversary with the likes of me."

Drew and Dylan came forward and warmly embraced the couple, assuring them it would be an honor to share such a momentous occasion with them.

"Well, I guess all we need then is a Justice of the Peace, which I just happened to have scheduled to be here today just in case," Janice said.

"Pretty sure of yourself, weren't you Covington?" came a joking voice from the back of the crowd, causing a ripple of laughter to spread through the room.

"No.... just pretty sure of Melinda's love." Janice quipped.

Melinda suddenly became impatient and took the microphone from Janice's hand. "Janice Covington, I have waited 50 years for a sincere proposal from you, and now that I've got it, I am not gonna wait a minute longer. Let's do it!" Mel shouted, sending the crowd once more into a fury of clapping.

**********

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you, Janice Covington and Melinda Pappas - partners in love, soul-mates at heart, bound together for the rest of their lives by the vows they have made before us," the Justice of the Peace announced to the crowd. To Janice and Melinda, he added, "Ladies, you may kiss the bride."

As their lips touched, a deafening round of applause filled the room, and once again, the women were surrounded by well wishers.

"Time to cut the cake!" came a voice, booming from the PA system. All eyes turned to the stage where Ida was standing, microphone in hand.

Hand in hand, Drew and Dylan approached the grandmothers.

"Grams," Drew said. "We'd be honored if you'd cut the cake with us," she offered.

"Oh darlin's, you are just so sweet," Mel exclaimed as she looked at Janice to confirm her willingness. Mel's face dropped as she saw the evil expression on Janice's face. "Oh no you don't!" she declared. "You are not goin' to smoosh cake in my face, Janice Covington."

Janice feigned an insulted expression. "Now would I do that?" she said innocently.

"In a heartbeat," came Melinda's reply, causing all four of them to laugh as they headed toward the cake.

Interested in the goings on, the crowd formed a semicircle around the newlyweds as the wedding party joined them for pictures during the cake cutting.

Well aware of what her wife was capable of, Melinda grabbed Janice's wrist as she offered her the piece of cake, so she had no choice but to behave. In fact, both couples managed to exchange their cake without a spec of frosting landing on any of them.

The crowd clapped once more as the newly wedded couples faced them to accept their warm wishes and pose for more pictures.

Suddenly, a loud screech rang through the room, originating from the center of the wedding party still gathered around the new couples. All eyes turned toward the source of the sound as Amy swung back and slapped Bob across the face.

"How dare you!" she exclaimed as she rubbed her backside. "Don't you ever put your hands on me again... do you understand me?" she yelled just as Joe made his way to the center of the commotion. Grabbing Bob by the front of his tuxedo, he hauled back and he planted a closed fist on the young man's jaw, sending him flying..... directly into the cake, spewing frosting all over the rest of the wedding party.

"I have waited a long time to do that," he said, angrily pointing at the prone man. "Go near my wife again, and you're a dead man," he warned.

Bob did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed a handful of cake and threw it at Joe, hitting him squarely in the face.

"Why you little son of a....." Amy exclaimed as she lunged at Bob and pushed his face into the cake.

"Food fight!" yelled Seth as he jumped into the fray.

Unable to resist, Janice joined in, much to Melinda's chagrin.

Tara saw this as a perfect opportunity to seek revenge on Crystal as she shoved her cousin's face directly into what was left of the cake on the table.

Within moments, the entire wedding party and several of the guests were involved in an all-out cake war, momentary anger with Bob forgotten as peals of laughter and cake flew around the room. By the time the din had settled, the floor, walls, and tables were covered with sticky goo... not to mention nearly every inch of the party goers - several of them lying or sitting on the slippery floor recovering from bouts of laughter.

Cat reached down to lend Billie a hand. Somehow, during the melee, Billie found herself on the floor, her purple dress severely damaged by frosting stains. As she rose to her feet, she looked down at herself and secretly chuckled at the demise of the horrid gown.

"Hey Barney! Looks like you forgot your bib!" Jen said as she took in her friend's state of disarray.

"Okay... that's it! I've had enough," Billie exclaimed as she picked up a handful of frosting and smeared it across Jen's face. "There! Paybacks are a bitch!" she said.

Jen stuck her tongue out and licked the frosting away around her mouth. "Ah... don't you really mean, 'revenge is sweet'?" she said dryly as she smacked her lips.

Bille laughed out loud and threw her arms around her goo-covered friend. "Jen, you're a nut. Have I ever told you that?" she asked.

"Takes one to know one!" Jen replied.

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

EPILOGUE

Cat and Billie warmly embraced the grandmothers as their final flight number was called.

"Don't forget now.... the kids are scheduled to come out for the month of July," Melinda reminded them. "Just like we planned," she added, referring to the yearly trip all of the grandchildren had planned to take to Charleston each summer - a tradition that had begun as a result of the family reunion they had had a year earlier.

"Don't worry, Grams... we won't let them forget!" Seth said enthusiastically. The grandmothers were so much fun to be with.... especially Grandma Jan... and especially without parental supervision.

"You do that Scout," Janice replied as she hugged him and the girls.

This is the final bording call for Flight 1076 to Charleston, South Carolina. All passengers report to gate 23, came a voice over the intercom.

"Well, that's us!" Melinda exclaimed. Extending her hand to Chet, who had come to see them off with Jen, she smiled brightly. "Chet, I am so glad we had the opportunity to meet. You truly are a Southern gentleman," she said warmly.

"The pleasure was all mine, dear lady," Chet said, bowing and kissing the back of Melinda's hand. Turning to Janice, he extended his hand which Janice took firmly. "Janice," he said. "Take care of this delicate flower. She deserves all the love and attention she can get."

Janice smiled. "Yes she does. I couldn't agree with you more. No hard feelings," she said, unable to resist the urge to emphasize the fact that it was she who had won Melinda's heart.

"None at all," Chet replied. "In fact, if you're ever in the New York area, stop by.... I'd love to exchange archeology gossip with you."

""The same goes to you, Chet. The doors of Pappington Acres are always open to you," Janice replied.

"You'd better hurry, Grams before they take off without you," Cat urged. Janice and Melinda were the last of the family members to return home, and she and Billie were desperately looking forward to life returning to normal.

"All right... all right!" Janice said jokingly. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to get rid of us!"

Billie placed an open palm on her chest and feigned innocence. "Now would we do that?" she asked.

"Do you really want an answer to that, granddaughter?" Janice asked sarcastically.

"Ah..... no!" Billie replied quickly, hugging the older woman. "Have a great flight... both of you," she added, waving as they entered the boarding gate and disappeared into the plane.

"Well Daddy, " Jen said to her father. "We'd better find your gate before you miss your flight."

"Chet," Billie said, extending her hand to the older gentleman. "Thank you so much. You were brilliant. Janice never caught on that she was set up. You don't know what a difference you have made in their lives. We will forever be indebted to you."

"Billie, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Ms. Covington was definitely a tough cookie. I'm glad I could help," he replied.

Cat, always the sentimentalist, hugged Chet tightly as she said her goodbyes. "We're gonna miss you, Chet. You'll have to make a point to visit with Jen more often. We'd love to see you again," she said.

"I think that can be arranged, little one," Chet said, tweaking Cat's nose.

"Okay Daddy. Is your luggage checked? Do you have your tickets?," Jen said, fussing over her father to ward off the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Always the fuss-budget... just like your mother, bless her heart," Chet said as he took Jen's arm and led her in the direction of his gate.

"I'll see the two of you back home," Jen said over her shoulder as she was led away by her father.

"Mom, can we go outside and watch Grams' plane take off?" Skylar asked.

"Sure, just don't go beyond the chain-link fence, okay?" Billie replied.

"'Kay!" came the reply as all three kids ran toward the door.

"Meet us in the car!" Cat called to their backs. Then, turning to Billie, she sighed deeply. "Finally! Alone at last!" she said.

Billie opened her arms to accept the smaller framed woman, gathering her in closely, and rocking back and forth as their love blended them together.

"This certainly has been a hectic visit," Billie mused. "But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.... well except maybe our precious daughter getting tanked on pot!" she said, chuckling lightly.

Cat lifted her head off Billie's chest and looked her in the eye. "Well, we did vow to stay together for better or for worse," she said smiling.

"That we did, my love... that we did," was all Billie said as they watched the plane take off... headed to South Carolina, and to a new beginning for two very special ladies.

THE END