Disclaimers: See part 1

I'd like to thank my wonderful Beta reader and friend, Bookie. You rock! My deepest gratitude to the readers. Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Part 4 The Conclusion

Josie sat at her wife's bedside, impatiently waiting for her to awaken. She jumped when Charlie entered the room, chart in hand, looking professional in his lab-coat. He pulled up a chair, sat down and went over the chart with her. "Well, I see we have her potassium level under control. Let's continue to monitor that q 4. Her neuro signs have improved, but she's got a ways to go yet. I'm going to give her 8 mg of dexamethasone IV now, then 6 mg IM in 6 hours and 4 mg IM q6 times two doses, then reassess her need for it. This should help a lot with her pain and decrease the intracranial swelling. That and Motrin is all I dare to give her for her discomfort with that head injury. I think we can change those neuro checks to q 4. Her body could use the sleep to recup. She's developed a temp, nothing serious. I ordered a broad spectrum antibiotic IVPB. I expected this and just forgot to order it last night in all the excitement. It's been a while since I covered an ER. I've got to thank Dr. Jenkins for letting me have free reign like that. He's a great guy. We've spent many a Saturday fly fishing. His wife hates it." Charlie chuckled. "So, I get him by default. Why don't you see if you can wake up sleeping beauty, while I give these orders to her nurse?"

"OK..... Thanks, Charlie," Josie smiled, warmly. The little blonde sat upon her partner's bed, leaned over and kissed her, ever so gently, on her lips, then her cheeks, eyelids and her forehead. "Time to wake up, my love." Sandra's eyelids fluttered and a soft moan escaped her throat. "That's it. Rise and shine. Let me see those baby blues." Josie coaxed. The light in the room had been kept dim in consideration of the patient's photosensitivity. Sandra opened her bleary eyes and tried to focus upon her wife's precious face. "Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"

"Bus hit me?" Sandra whispered, then sipped from the straw Josie proffered.

"Nah, just a boulder the size of a Buick." Josie grinned and kissed her lover again. "How many of me do you see this morning?

Sandra squinted her eyes and studied her wife's image. "Just one, but you're coming in kinda fuzzy."

"Well, I'd call that an improvement. How's your chest?"

"Still hurts." Sandy grimaced, bringing her hand up to rub over her broken rib.

"I'm going to get Charlie. He wants to speak with you. I'll be right back. OK?"

"OK. Come back?" Sandy implored.

Josie squeezed her wife's hand. "You just try to get rid of me," she smiled.

Sandra took the opportunity to assess her injuries while waiting for her wife and doctor to return. Her mind and memory were still foggy, but the Motrin the nurse gave her took a bit of the edge off the pain that had been torturing her before.

"Good morning, sunshine." Charlie spoke softly. "How's my favorite patient this morning?"

"I hurt, but I can think more clearly."

"Good. Let me check your eyes and reflexes." Charlie took a pen light out of his lab coat pocket and proceeded with his exam. "Still a bit sluggish, but much improved." The big man smiled.

He then got out his stethoscope and listened to her heart and lungs. "I'm going to order CPT for you, along with your breathing treatments. I'll see that they know about your rib. We need to get rid of that congestion. I want you to use incentive spirometry q 2, while awake. We can't have you developing pneumonia."

Sandra's face went white with fear. "Hurts to deep breathe, Charlie. Hurts a lot." Sandy whispered in distress.

"I know, Sandy. I've ordered more dexamethasone for you. It should be enough to cover you for the next 24 hours. That will help with the intracranial swelling and the pain. I've also ordered you a liquid diet. If you tolerate that well, then you can graduate yourself to soft. I'll leave that up to you. Your tray and your shot should be here shortly. Any questions?"

Sandra squinched up her nose. "Bath? I smell like old blood and betadine."

"I want those stitches kept dry, Sandy. I'll order a bed bath for you and the nurses will just have to clean your hair as best they can. You can elevate your head up to 30 degrees. Let's see how you tolerate it. Raise your hand when you want me to stop." With that, Charlie pressed the bed controls and raised the head of the bed in small increments.

Sandra breathed as deeply as she dared in an effort to control the nausea and dizziness assailing her as the head of the bed slowly lifted. She raised her hand as her face took on a green hue.

Charlie walked out to the nurse's station and ordered dramamine 50 mg IV now, then returned to his patient.

"Ok. I've ordered you some dramamine IV. That should help settle your stomach and stop the room from spinning. Green is just not your color," Charlie chuckled lightly.

"Thanks Charlie." Josie responded as her partner was too busy holding on to the mattress. The nurse came in and quickly injected the dramamine into the heplock and flushed it with normal saline. She followed that with the dexamethasone and flushed the heplock again.

"You'll feel better in a minute, Sandy. Hold on, baby." Josie encouraged, laying her warm hand upon her lover's.

Sandra lay still, her eyes closed, totally concentrating on regaining her equilibrium without having to lower her head in defeat.

Josie felt the skin on the back of her neck prickle and turned around to find Andre' Broussard standing in the door way, a look of worry and compassion on her beautiful face.

Josie quickly walked up to her mother-in-law, taking her elbow and leading her out of Sandra's room. "How is she?"

"She's improving. They just gave her a shot for nausea and dizziness. I want to give it a chance to work before she gets excited." Josie reassured Andre', rubbing her arms which the older woman opened to her.

"Comment ca vas, mon petite?" Andy asked lovingly.

"I've been better, but I've been worse." Josie sighed, enjoying the warmth and protection of Andy's long arms.

"Your friend, Beth, is in the lounge. They only allow two visitors at a time. Why don't we join her and you can bring us both up to date?"

"Beth came too? You two are the best. Sandy and I are very blessed." Josie gave Andy a squeeze and pulled out of her arms. "Let me go tell Sandy that I'll be gone for a few minutes. I don't want her to know that you're here until she's settled a bit."

"I agree." Andy nodded and walked out to join Beth.

"Sweetheart, how are you feeling now? Has the room stop spinning?" Josie softly asked her partner.

Sandra had fallen asleep and did not answer.

"You sleep, my love. I'll be back with a surprise for you in a few minutes." Josie leaned down and kissed the sleeping beauty's forehead.

***

Beth sat in a chair, looking out the window, while Andre' paced. Josie entered the waiting room, getting the undivided attention of both women. Beth jumped up and approached her best friend. "Hey. How are you holding up?"

Josie straightened her back. She didn't want to lose it yet. "I'm OK. Sandy's asleep." She smiled and took Beth's hand. "Let's all sit down and I'll fill you in." Josie went through the entire story, starting at Sandra's hooking the monster fish and ending with her dramamine and dexamethasone injections just a few moments ago. She lost her composure a few times, but was able to go on. It was a relief to share it with others that she knew loved her stricken wife.

"Josie, why don't you two talk for a while. I want to check on Sandra." Andre' said.

***

Andy stood in the doorway of her daughter's room in the ICU, taking in all the monitors and machines that let the nurses know their patient's status at all times. She checked that each machine was working properly and the correct flow rates were being administered. Satisfied of her daughter's safety, Andy sat down, held her hand and gazed at the face of her child. Memories of a tall, lanky little girl played through her mind like a retrospective. There was laughter and tears and the deep joy of placing a dark haired little boy into his big sister's protective arms. There was the deep sadness of placing another dark haired little boy into the ground at his mother's feet.

"Excuse me,"a deep, resonant voice begged. "I was looking for Mrs. Broussard."

Andy wiped at the wetness on her cheeks with the back of her hand and cleared her throat as she stood to face the tall, handsome doctor. "I am Andre' Broussard, and you are?" The statuesque woman composed herself.

Charlie paused to take in the vision before him. "I'm sorry, you must be Sandy's mother. I'm Charlie Ferguson, the doctor who called you on the phone yesterday." He proffered his hand, which Andy took. "Actually, I was looking for your daughter-in-law."

"Josie is visiting a friend in the lounge. Is there a problem with Sandy?" Andy's face turned white and Charlie grabbed her elbows, assisting her to sit.

"No, no. I just had offered her a ride back to the cabins after visiting hours and wanted to make sure she wasn't getting too tired. I didn't' mean to frighten you. Are you alright?" Charlie kneeled at the distraught woman's side as she took deep breaths and calmed herself.

"I'm sorry, Doctor Ferguson. I'm not normally like this. It's just been so difficult not knowing how serious my child's condition really was, then packing and hopping a plane to a strange city. I've never flown before. It's all been so unnerving..... You were there when the accident happened, yes?"

"Yes, I was. It was just a stupid accident. She slipped on the wet rocks. She was in the water and floating with the current before I could reach her."

"Oh, mon Dieu!" Andre's long, elegant hand trembled as it covered the cleavage of her ample breasts. "How did you get to her?"

"I didn't." Charlie shook his head in dismay.

"Mais, non?" Andy was confused.

"It wasn't me. It was Josie. She dived for her and managed to reach her in time, pull her head above the water and was carrying her towards shore when I caught up with them and the rest, as they say, is history. That little lady's the real hero." Charlie gave Andy his warmest smile.

"Oh, mon petite Josie. Merci, merci , merci." Andy whispered as she joined her hands as in prayer. The dark woman smiled and looked into gentle eyes. "She is very special, little Josie. My Sandra is a lucky woman, yes?"

"Yes. I'd say they are both very lucky women." Charlie stood up at the sound of intrusion. "Speak of the devil."

"No wonder my ears were burning." Josie giggled. "How's my girl?"

"She's still asleep. I don't expect her to awaken again for a while. Why don't you go get us some good coffee?" Charlie asked. "There's a Starbuck's next to the hospital."

Josie looked at her wife's peaceful countenance and at her mother-in-law's sweet smile, then at Charlie's hopeful face. 'I do think he's trying to get rid of me. This could get interesting, Charlie and Andy? Why not?' "Sure. Beth and I can take a little walk, get some fresh air, and pick up some real coffee for everyone. Can Sandy have coffee?"

"Yeah, sure. I don't have a problem with that." Charlie piped up.

"Ok. We won't be long." Josie backed up toward the door.

"Take your time." Charlie prodded.

"Umm, sure, it's a nice day for a walk. Take care of my girl for me."

"Will do." Charlie said.

"Bien sur, cheri." Andy nodded.

Josie took another look at her wife then reluctantly left her in their capable hands.

***

"Mmmmmm, this is heaven." Beth moaned as she bit into her hot onion bagel with cream cheese and chives.

Josie giggled. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Good golly, I have no idea. Sometime yesterday I suppose, if you don't count the 6 peanuts they gave me on the plane."

"And you worry about me taking care of myself." Josie huffed at her friend.

"So, fill me in. Why do you think the doc has a thing for your mother-in-law?"

"You had to be there. It was just too cute. He looked like a lap dog, sitting there making goo goo eyes at her. Yeah, he's smitten, alright."

"Wouldn't that be wonderful if something good could come out of all this."

"It would. I just don't know how receptive Andy is going to be to his advances. She hasn't dated anyone since I've known her and I got the impression from Sandy that she hasn't shown any interest in anyone since her husband died. I hope Charlie can get her to open up a bit."

"Should we bring a bagel or something back for Sandy?" Beth asked.

"No. I don't think bagels are on a liquid diet. But let's bring one back for Andy. She must be starving."

***

Charlie, Josie and Andre' sat in the cramped ICU room, drinking their coffee and watching Sandra as she slept. Charlie hung on Andre's every word, enraptured by the sound of her velvet tones and delightful accent. Josie sat on the opposite side of the bed observing their banter and barely hidden flirtation.

"Charlie, could we pass by the grocery on our way out of town? My Sandra must eat. She is too frail." Andre' inquired.

"On one condition..... You fix me some authentic Cajun food. OK?"

"Mais oui. It would please me to make you Cajun cuisine. You must join us for breakfast tomorrow."

"Well, if we are going to stop at the grocery store and get you gals back to the cabin in time for you and my young friend here to get some shut-eye, we'd better get a move on. It's about time for Sandra's neuro check and I believe the nurse's aides will be here shortly to give your daughter a nice relaxing bath."

Josie sat upon the bed and leaned over to kiss Sandy's forehead, nose and lips. "Time to wake up, sweetheart. You have company."

Sandy's blue eyes fluttered open and gazed up into the sea-green eyes she loved, blinking in an effort to clear away the fuzzy edges.

"How am I coming in?" Josie asked her drowsy lover as she helped her take a few sips of water.

"A little clearer." Sandy whispered. "My head doesn't hurt so much."

"I'm glad. How does the rest of you feel?"

Sandra concentrated on her body and grimaced at the stiffness and pain in her shoulder and low back. "I think I've been lying in the same position for too long. My back aches."

"I'll ask the nurse to give you a back rub after your bath today." Charlie piped up.

"You have a visitor, sweetheart." Josie squeezed her wife's hand, then got up, allowing her mother-in-law to take her place.

Sandra looked up into her mother's concerned blue eyes, so like her own. "Momma?"

"Mais, oui, mon coeur. C'est moi." Andre' Broussard leaned down and gently kissed her daughter's forehead. "Comment ca vas, Sandy?"

"Pas mal, merci." (Not bad.) Sandy fibbed.

"Plutot mal?" Andy knew her child was under playing how bad she felt.

"Quelle histoire!" Sandy grinned, weakly, causing her mother to laugh.

"Oh, mon petite fille, I think you will be fine, yes?"

"Oui, Momma. So, don't fuss."

"I am the Momma. It is my job to fuss." Andre' cupped her daughter's beautiful, pale face in her hand, tenderly.

Charlie broke in. "OK, pretty lady, let me check your neurological status." Andy stepped away from the bedside.

"We'll wait in the lounge, out of your way. Poor Beth must be bored stiff." Josie said as she took her mother-in-law's hand and stepped out of the room.

"OK, my friend, let's take a look at you." Charlie proceeded with his exam. "Good. The dex has done its job. Your pupillary reaction and reflexes are much improved. How's the headache?"

"Better. Still hurts, but not making me nauseated anymore."

"You want to try raising your head a bit more? Let's try 45 degrees, OK?"

"OK." Sandra looked at her friend with barely veiled fear in her dull blue eyes. "Let's go real slow."

"Real slow it is." Charlie smiled and patted her hand, offering comfort to the apprehensive woman.

Sandra held on tightly to the sides of her narrow bed as her head was slowly raised. Blue eyes slammed shut and deep breaths were sucked in through clenched teeth. In a few short seconds, the nausea and dizziness subsided and the dark beauty breathed a sigh of relief.

"How ya doin, Sandy? You want me to lower your head?"

"No. I'm OK. Just give me a minute." Sandra whispered as a tear crawled down her cheek.

"What is it, Sandra? What's wrong?" Charlie asked with obvious concern.

"My back... God, it hurts, Charlie!" Sandy cried.

"I'll be right back." Charlie went to the nurse's station and ordered Motrin, a heating pad and a back rub to be given now.

"Take it easy, my friend. The cavalry is coming." The big man smiled warmly and Sandra couldn't help but be soothed by his bedside manner.

"Thanks..... Charlie....., will you do something for me?"

"Sure."

"Take care of Josie. She needs to monitor her blood sugar and get lots of rest." Sandra expressed her concern.

"Your wife is doing just fine, Sandy. Don't worry so much. I can personally vouch that she went back to the cabin last night to rest and she ate a healthy breakfast this morning. Now, your Mom and your friend will be with her until you get discharged."

"My friend? What friend?" Pictures of Kathy alone with her wife played across her mind's eye.

"A woman.....Beth, I believe is her name."

"Beth is here?" Sandra heaved a sigh of relief.

"Yes. In fact, she's been sitting out in the waiting room since early this morning."

"Bless her heart." Sandra exclaimed to herself. "We are so lucky to have a friend like Beth." Then to Charlie. "Beth will take good care of Josie. She knows her routine as well as I do. Can I see her?"

"Ok. But for only five minutes. Visiting hours are over. If I bend the rules much more, the nursing staff will have my hide."

"Thanks, Charlie. I really appreciate everything you've done for us. You're a good friend." Sandra squeezed the big man's hand. He nodded in response.

***

"Hey there, my friend. How are you feeling?" Beth inquired in a gentle tone, aware of Sandra's headache.

"Hey there, yourself." Sandra smiled and reached out to take her friend's hand. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your taking time away from your family to help us."

Beth sat on the bedside chair. "Hush all that before I have to fuss you. You and Josie are our best friends. We all love you."

"We love y'all too." Sandra's lower lip quivered as she smiled up into hazel eyes.

"Hey now! What's with the tears?" Beth asked with concern.

"I'm sorry. I just feel terrible about ruining Josie's honeymoon and making her worry like I did."

"You couldn't help that. None of this is your fault. It was an accident. Jo knows that. She wouldn't want you beating up on yourself like this."

"But what if she gets sick and I'm not there for her?" Sandy sobbed and winced at the pain it provoked in her head and chest.

"Sandy, your mother and I are with her. She's taking good care of herself. You don't have to worry about a thing." Beth grabbed a box of tissues from the bedside table and handed them to her distraught friend. "You just concentrate on getting well so you can get out of here. Now, we are all going back to the cabin to rest and we'll be back this afternoon when visiting hours start again. Anything you want me to bring you?"

"Yeah, my wife, safe and well." Sandy grinned.

Beth nodded and grinned back. "You got it." Beth stood up and leaned over to kiss Sandy's forehead. "Get some rest, cher. And, stop worrying so much."

***

Beth started a fire in the hearth to take the chill out of the cabin while Josie helped Andre' in the little kitchen.

"How many people are you expecting to feed with all of this?" Josie laughed as she put the many bags of groceries away.

"My Sandra needs to gain some weight. She is too frail. And you, my little one, have the appetite of a small horse." The older woman laughed heartily at the feigned look of indignation on her daughter-in-law's sweet face.

"I resemble that remark." Josie retorted. "So what are you feeding us? I don't think Sandy can tolerate too much fat and cayenne quite yet."

"I thought of that. Perhaps I'll whip up some chicken gumbo with a loaf of hot French bread. And, if I know you and my little girl, there is ice cream in that freezer." Andy placed her hands on her hips and lifted a dark eyebrow in emphasis.

"Guilty as charged." Josie felt great relief and warmth rush over her at the presence of Andre'. She sighed and smiled to herself. "What else can I do to help out?"

"You, mon petite, can go "doe doe". You must rest. Take your friend to bed and I will call you when dinner is ready. Poor Beth has had no sleep since she came to my rescue last night. You know she arranged our flights and came all the way to New Orleans to escort me to the airport. You have a very special friend in that young woman."

"Yes, I know. We've been friends since college. She's the closest thing I have to a sister. We've been there for each other through the most important events of each other's lives..."

"That's right. Josie is Nanan to my two sons. I don't trust just anyone to be Godmother to my children." Beth piped in as she entered the room.

"That is a great honor." Andre' agreed.

"Yeah. Besides, I'm crazy about the little heathens." Josie quipped.

"Beth, why don't you take Josie to bed. You both need some sleep. I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"What about you? You didn't get much more rest than me." Beth complained.

"Oh, I'm use to little sleep working the night shift all of these years. Please, Josie, Sandy needs you healthy and strong." Andre' pleaded.

"Of course..., you're right. I'll go take a hot soak to relax and crawl into bed with Beth." Josie giggled self-consciously. "That didn't sound right."

"I thought I was gonna get lucky for a minute there." Beth laughed out loud. "Come on Casanova, let's go to bed."

***

Josie felt her ardor rise as her lover's long elegant hand traced a path up and down her hip and thigh, then slipped between her legs to lovingly cup golden curls. A hot tongue lathed her shoulder and traveled up her neck with gentle bites, stopping to suckle at her pulse point. Josie shivered with lust. She gasped as long fingers parted her nether lips to delve into her slick depths. Round hips pumped and ground into the probing digits, her breathing becoming raspy and uneven with her arousal. She could feel her areola contract and her nipples harden as a wandering hand squeezed and enticed them. 'Oh God, I love you, Sandy.....'

"Uh... Josie?..... Hey, Jo! I'm not Sandy, Josie. It's me, Beth." Beth groaned as she physically removed her best friend's hand from her breast, the grinding of the smaller woman's pelvis into her buttocks having awakened her.

"Hmm? What...? Sandy?" Josie slowly awakened from her erotic dream.

"Nope. Not Sandy. Just me."

"Beth?"

"Yep."

Josie groaned in embarrassment as she removed her hand and turned away from Beth, her face red, but not from lust anymore. "Uh, sorry about that. I was dreaming about Sandy."

"Yeah, I know. Just go back to sleep. Don't worry about it." Beth rearranged her linens and began to drift off.

"Thanks... Goodnight, Beth." The little woman sighed in frustration.

"Night, Jo."

***

"That's very good. Now, keep your eyes open or you'll lose your balance." The nurse instructed. Sandra sat on the side of the bed, legs dangling, struggling to maintain her balance and not lose the meager contents of her stomach. "Let the Dramamine work for you. Take deep slow breaths..... That's right. You're doing fine."

"Well look at you!" Josie exclaimed as she entered the room.

Sandra's face lit up from within as a toothy grin spread across her pale face. "Hi, Boss. How's my girl?"

"Your girl misses you desperately." Josie exclaimed. She addressed the nurse. "Why don't you take a break. I'll make sure Humpty Dumpty here doesn't have a great fall. It's OK. I'm a nurse." Josie gave her her most winning smile.

"Alright then. But don't let her break that pretty face." Then addressing Sandy. "You, don't try to sit up for too long. Just a few more minutes, OK?"

"Sure, OK." Sandy responded, never taking her eyes off her wife's lovely face.

"You're a little green, my love." Josie said as she walked up between long legs and placed a hand on either side of her wife's face.

Sandra's eyes closed in pleasure at her lover's touch, but that just caused her body to pitch back.

"Woah!" Josie exclaimed as she quickly grasped her wife's slender shoulders to steady her. "No fair dipping without warning your partner. Who's leading in this dance, anyway?" Josie tried to lighten the situation, but Sandra pursed her lips and blew out hot air in frustration.

"Hey, sweetheart, you are making great strides. Don't let yourself get frustrated, OK?" Josie softly encouraged her partner.

"I feel like a toddler, Boss. I can't even walk to the bathroom. This damned catheter burns like hell's fire....."

"I know, baby. I wish I could make it all go away and take you back home with me right now. But, I can't. You need to be patient with yourself, give your poor body time to heal...."

"But, I miss you...." Sandy began to cry.

"Oh, sweetheart, please don't cry." Josie took her wife in her arms. "I'm here, Sandy. I love you."

"I love you, too." Sandy blubbered into her wife's shoulder. "I'm sorry to be such a baby. I just can't seem to help myself."

"Did you hear me complaining?" Josie quipped.

"No." Sandra said, her face becoming more pale with each passing moment.

"You've been through a hell of a lot in this past week, good and bad. You have reached your limit for stoic endurance and just need to dump some of it off. That's what I'm here for, not just the good stuff, but the rotten stuff too. You are always taking care of me, Sandy. Please, I want to help you..... Let me." Josie pleaded.

Sandra pulled back to look into the green eyes she loved. She searched their depths for a minute, then made her decision. "OK."

Josie grinned broadly and kissed her wife's tender lips, placing all the love she felt in her heart into it.

"Umm...hmm." Andy cleared her throat as she entered the room with two hot thermoses in tow. "I hate to interrupt you two, but I was concerned when Josie's five minutes alone turned into twenty."

"Hi Momma. What do you have there?" Sandra looked at the thermoses with lust in her eyes.

"Ooooh, mon cheri, I have chicken gumbo and hot Lousianne coffee with chickory."

"I have the best family in all the world." Sandra gloated.

"Here, sweetheart. Let me get you situated so you don't fall over." Josie assisted her wife back onto her bed with the head elevated and the over-bed table in place. She and Andre' positively glowed as they watched their loved one eat to her heart's content without need of an emesis basin.

After enjoying her fill, the exhausted patient fell into a deep, healing sleep.

***

"Andy this is the best breakfast I have ever had the pleasure to eat." Charlie beamed, moaning in pleasure, seafood crepes melting in his mouth.

"You really have outdone yourself. I wish Sandy could be here to enjoy this." Josie piped in as Beth nodded her head vigorously and made happy noises to avoid talking with her mouth full.

"Ah, it is a pleasure to cook for such an appreciative group. And, do not fret little one. I have beignet's for our impatient patient. They are her favorite treat. She would visit Café' du Monde every morning for hot coffee and beignet's when she lived at home. Now, she is too skinny. I must put some meat on her bones." Andy said in jest, but noticed the hurt in Josie's eyes. "On mon Dieu. I am so sorry, mon petite. I did not mean that as it sounded. I know you take good care of my Sandy. Please forgive my faux pas."

Josie looked into her mother-in-law's beautiful face, so much like her wife's, and her heart melted. "It's OK, Andy. No permanent damage done." She smiled what she hoped was a convincing smile.

"Bon. You are the best thing to ever happen in her life. I want you to know I know that." Andy got up from her chair and walked behind the much smaller woman to hug her shoulders and lay her cheek upon shaggy blonde curls.

Josie reached her hand up to pat a long arm. "Thanks, Andy. I love you, too." A tear threatened to escape so she quickly changed the subject. "Why don't we let Charlie clean up this kitchen, while you make my wife something sinfully delicious to eat. If it's OK with you, Beth and I will go on ahead to the hospital in the rental car. We'd like to visit a bit before she leaves for the airport. Charlie, you don't mind riding Andy to the hospital, do you?"

Charlie's eyebrows quirked at the wording of that question. Then he chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "Nope. It would be my pleasure to escort Andy. That's if she doesn't mind my company." He looked at the object of his affections hopefully.

"Merci, Monsieur le Docteur. I would be honored to have such a handsome and distinguished escort." Andre' teased, then, realizing that she was flirting, blushed to the tips of her silver haired temples.

Josie and Beth excused themselves and left their elders to their own resources.

***

"Did you see that?" Josie asked.

"A blind woman could see that. They are soooooo whipped. I think you'll be getting a new member to your little family, my friend. A six foot, two inch hunka-burning-love." Beth teased in her best Elvis impression.

Josie burst into gales of laughter at her best friend's shenanigans. "From your mouth to God's ears, my friend. Andy deserves some happiness after all she's given up for her children to have their dreams come true. She's a fine woman."

"Yes, she is. I hope the geographical distance won't hurt their chances of making it work out."

"I hadn't thought about that. I hope it doesn't get in the way either. Sandy and I had talked about helping her out financially. Once Sandra starts her new job at Chalmette Medical Center she'll be making good money and I have a comfortable income from my investments. We won't need to keep all of her salary for ourselves. Tony will be making a healthy income once his law practice takes off. Maybe we can get him to chip in too. Then Andy can retire or work part time, travel a bit, like to Colorado Springs to visit a certain physician." Josie wiggled her eyebrows.

"Jo, that's a great idea. But, do you think Andy will accept money from her children?"

"She's fiercely independent. And, proud of it. We'll just have to work on her." Josie smiled.

***

"Hey, look at you. You're just full of surprises." Josie greeted. Sandra beamed with pride of accomplishment as she sat up straighter in the bedside chair. She'd accomplished the transfer with the help of two nurses. But, she'd done it. "And, no catheter?"

"Hi there, beautiful lady." Sandra greeted with quiet exuberance. "They say as soon as I can ambulate to the loo and urinate without falling on my butt, I can go home." She smiled.

"Now, that's the best news I've had since a certain beautiful brunette agreed to be my wife." Josie leaned down and gave her bride a gentle kiss. "Mmmmm, apple sauce?"

"Yep. It's the finest in h'aute de cuisine in this resort." Sandy retorted and licked her lips, savoring the taste of her wife's sweet kiss. She pulled the small woman to her and buried her face in the ample softness of Josie's breasts and moaned.

Josie wrapped one arm around her shoulder and the other gently around her disheveled dark head, careful not to place any pressure near her healing wound. "I love you, Sandy. I can't wait to get you into our bed. Sleeping with Beth just don't cut it." Josie grinned.

"Huh?"

"Never mind. I'll tell you about it some other time. I just want to hold you to me right now. I've missed this soooo much, sweetheart." Josie sighed content to savor the feel of her wife's love.

Sandra snuggled her face between her wife's breasts and kissed plump cleavage. "I love you so much, Josie, that it hurts sometimes, deep inside me. Being separated from you has hurt more than my head. And, believe me, that's saying something." Sandy grinned, feebly.

"I'm flattered. I think." Josie kissed her wife's forehead before pulling away to fetch another chair. "So you want to try ambulating a bit in here. I would be honored to offer my arm to m'lady." Josie bowed and winked.

"You'd better get some more help. I don't want to squish you when I fall." Sandy smiled.

"Oh, ye of little faith. I am a nurse, you know, trained to lift, pivot and ambulate full sized humans. Let me go get an ambulation belt from the nurse's station. I'll be right back. Oh, and your mom has a surprise for you when she gets here." Josie said as she walked out of the door. "A couple of surprises." She whispered to herself and grinned.

***

"OK, you're doing great. Now, keep those eyes wide open." Sandy swayed a bit but Josie held her firmly upright by the thick leather belt she'd wrapped around her mid section. "Slow up, sweetheart. Short even steps. That's it. Do you want to try to use the loo?"

"Oh yeah." Sandy slowly headed to the bathroom as her wife concentrated on keeping her upright.

"OK, now turn around slowly. Atta girl. Now, look at me."

"My pleasure."

Josie blushed. She held the hand clasps on either side of her wife's belt and helped lower her to the toilet seat. "Just bend your knees. I'll direct you. Keep looking at me...... You did it! Mission accomplished!"

Sandy was excited at her new success, but nauseated at the same time. Josie saw the subtle change in her wife's palor. "Slow deep breaths, sweetheart." Josie turned on the cold tap and dampened a face cloth and placed it on her patient's neck. Sandy's hands trembled as sweat broke out on her forehead and chest. Josie hit the nurse emergency call button on the bathroom wall and assistance arrived within seconds in the form of Andy, Charlie and her nurse.

Sandra looked up at her audience and groaned in embarrassment. Josie just shook her head and addressed the crowd. "Can we have a bit of privacy here. Nurse stay, Mom and Charlie out!" Josie stood in front of her wife, blocking the view of the intruders. Everyone followed the directions of the determined little woman. Sandra continued to take deep breaths as she fought to hold down the contents of her stomach. The nurse moved the trash basket over to her patient's side in case she had to regurgitate.

"I think it's passing." Sandra panted. "God, that's a yucky feeling."

Josie wiped the beads of sweat from her wife's brow. "Do you want us to leave you alone?"

"Yeah. I'll be OK now. You can leave the door cracked if it will make you feel better." Sandy requested, sheepishly.

"I'll do that. If you feel dizzy again, call to me. I'll be right outside the door. Deal?"

"Deal."

Josie and the nurse stepped outside and left the door cracked open. "I think you can leave her to me. If I need you, I'll call." Josie thanked the nurse for her prompt response and pulled a chair nearby so she could hear if Sandy needed her.

"How is she doing?" Charlie asked from the door.

"I think she's OK. I'm waiting to see that everything comes out alright." Josie snorted.

"If she can ambulate back to bed with just my help can I take her home?" She asked hopefully.

"Let's wait and see how her CT scan and EEG results look from this morning. Speaking of which, they should be faxing them up any minute now. I'll go check. Your mother-in-law went to call Sandy's brother and bring him up-to-date."

"Gosh. I'm glad somebody thought about poor Tony...."

"ARGH!"

"Sandy!?!" Josie jumped from her chair and ran into the bathroom to her wife's side.

"I'm alright, Josie. It just burns so bad. I'm sorry I scared you." Sandy hissed out of clenched teeth as she swiped at the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. "God, it hurts. I feel like I'm trying to pass shards of glass."

"I'll ask Charlie to order you some pyridium. Do you think you're finished?"

"Yeah..... Josie, I can't go home like this, Boss." Sandra whimpered.

"Oh, baby, everything is going to be alright. You'll see. The pyridium will stop the pain and burning when you urinate. I guarantee it. Now, wipe your hands on this wash cloth and let me get you back to bed."

***

Josie sat with her head resting on her hands that still held her lover's as she watched her sleep. Charlie stood in the doorway for a moment to take in the loving scene before him. "How's she doing?"

Josie lifted her head and kissed her wife's hand before turning to address the doctor. "I think the pyridium is working. She was so exhausted from her first walk and all that pain, she fell right to sleep as soon as I tucked her in." Josie released a deep sigh as tears burned her eyes. Charlie took her hand and led her out into the lounge, then pulled her into his big strong arms and let her cry.

Andre' became alarmed at the sight until Charlie raised a hand to halt her excitement. "Sandra's sleeping. Josie's just a little upset. She'll be fine. Not to worry."

"I'm OK. I just hate seeing Sandy so miserable." She sniffled. "Charlie, how did her tests come out?"

Charlie smiled broadly. "I am pleased to tell you, your wife is improving sufficiently to be sent home as soon as she can ambulate to the bathroom safely with your help. We'll let her rest, eat a good meal and try again. Why don't you and Andy let me buy you a bagel and a Frappucino while Sandra sleeps?"

"Mais, oui. What a good idea." Andre' exclaimed.

"You two go ahead and bring me back mine. I'll stay here with Sandy." Josie wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt.

"Josie, Sandra will be fine for an hour. She doesn't need a babysitter." Charlie stated.

Josie gave her new friend a look of absolute steel. "I'm not leaving her." With that she turned on her heel and returned to her wife's bedside.

***

"Andy, don't worry so much. Josie's been handling all this exceptionally well up until now. She's only human. After all she just got married and her wife gets seriously injured on their honeymoon. I'm amazed she's handled it as well as she has." Charlie said as he spread cream cheese on his hot bagel.

"I guess you're right. It's just hard being a mother not being able to kiss the hurt and make it better. I know Sandy will be coming home soon and all this will be over." Andre' smiled as she gazed into Charlie's eyes.

"That's my girl." Charlie realized what he'd said and blushed. Andy grinned and blushed too.

"I'll stay until the girls can manage on their own. I have a job to get back to . I've taken off more time this year than I ever have in the past, with Josie's illness, the wedding and now this. I don't want to lose my position at the hospital. I've been there too long."

Charlie became very quiet, staring into his coffee.

"Charles, you're awfully quiet all of a sudden. Is something wrong? Is there something you're not telling me? Sandy is going to be able to come home soon, yes?"

"Yes, yes. I'm sorry, Andre'..... I just hadn't thought about you leaving. I was hoping to get to know you better. New Orleans is so far away." Charlie sighed.

"Yes, it is very far away. But, I have a life to go back to, Charles."

"I like it when you call me Charles." He blushed a deep scarlet. "Andy, do you think it would be alright, I mean, would it be a problem if I came down to visit you and the girls sometime. You know, I could stay at one of those bed and breakfasts in the French Quarter and you could show me the old town. What do you say? Would that be alright with you?" Charlie held his breath.

"I think I'd like that very much, Charles. And, I know the girls would love to see you." They smiled at each other, both relieved and afraid at the same time. "You'll love New Orleans. We have the best food and most colorful people. We could have coffee and beignet's at Café' du Monde with Sandy and Josie."

"Sounds wonderful." Charlie beamed.

"But, you don't have to stay in a hotel, Charles. You can stay in Tony's old room." Andy offered as she covered his large callused hand with her own soft one. Charlie looked deeply into bright blue eyes and covered her hand with his own.

"That is very kind of you. But, I don't want your neighbors to get the wrong impression."

"I am soon to be 56 years old. I have educated two children, of whom I am very proud. I've buried one husband and my grandson. I support my church and have been active on just about every fund raising committee St. Anthony's women's league has organized over the past thirty years. I deserve to have some fun and if those old biddies don't like it.....C'est la vie! Anyway, they love to have something to talk about with their coffee after mass." Andy laughed out loud along with Charlie as they collected their things and returned to the hospital.

***

"Hey sleepy head." Sandy whispered as she ran her fingers through her wife's curly hair.

Josie blinked and rubbed her face, trying to wake up. She looked into Sandra's loving eyes and smiled. "Sorry, I must have dozed off. Did I miss anything?"

"Nope. Not a thing." Sandy stretched and grimaced. "Shit! I need to urinate again." She looked at her wife with trepidation. "You up for another trip to the loo?"

"I am if you are. Let's give it another shot." Josie strapped the ambulation belt around Sandra's slim waist and helped her sit up for a few moments until she got her sea legs. "You ready to try standing up?" Josie asked.

"Yep. I think I can do it." Sandy grinned and slid off the bed onto her own two feet. Josie held on to the belt as Sandra held her shoulders until she felt secure enough to shuffle toward the bathroom.

"You're doing much better, sweetheart. Let's see how well you tolerate sitting down. You just bend your knees and I'll guide you. Here we go." Josie lowered her wife as gently as she could to the toilet seat. "Keep your eyes on me. Don't close them. That a girl." Josie studied Sandy's face for signs of distress but saw none.

"I did it. Now, if you'll stand outside the door, I'll try to let her rip. Don't go too far, OK?"

"OK. Good luck. I hope the pyridium did the trick."

"Not half as much as I do." The two women giggled cautiously as Josie walked out of the door.

Josie turned when she heard the sound of her mother-in-law's voice. "Bonjour, we are back. How is the patient?" Andy asked, obviously very happy, piquing the younger woman's curiosity.

"She's in the loo, giving it another try..... Listen, Andy, I want to apologize for raising my voice earlier. I was out of line."

"Mais, non, cheri. You were just worried about your partner. I understand this and so does Charles. It is forgotten." Andy gave Josie a hug and kissed her cheek.

"Ah.....eeeeee!"

Both women ran into the loo to find a very happy, smiling patient sitting on the toilet.

"Are you alright, Cher?" Andre' asked her daughter.

"Woops, sorry Momma. I'm great. Everything came out alright." Sandra boasted.

"No pain?" Josie asked.

"No pain. That pyridium is a miracle drug. Help me back to bed, Boss..... Momma, get Charlie and tell him to release me. I'm going home with my wife." Sandra exclaimed as she allowed Josie to guide her back up to her feet and steady her as she shuffled back to bed.

***

"Mmmm, this is the life." Sandra stated. "Good food, good coffee, good company and a beautiful sunset to share. I truly have been blessed."

"Yes. I'd say all four of us have." Josie agreed as she snuggled into her wife's shoulder. "Charlie, I want to thank you for all you've done for us. You put your neck out and I am grateful."

"It was my pleasure. If it weren't for you two, I'd never have met this beautiful lady." Charlie said, taking Andre's hand in his.

"Quelle histoire." Andy retorted, batting her long dark eyelashes, causing everyone to crack up.

Josie and Sandra looked at each other, sharing their amazement at Andre's coquettish behavior.

"Well, it's getting late and you two could use some time alone. Andy, I hope the sofa sleeper isn't too uncomfortable for you. The offer to take my guest room is still open." Charlie said, hope filling his heart.

"Merci, Charles. But, I want to be here in case Josie needs my help with Sandra."

"Mom, we will be just fine." Sandy retorted.

"Charlie's cabin is close by if we need you, we can call." Josie jumped in.

"I think they want to be alone." Charlie whispered in Andre's ear.

Andy looked from Josie to Sandy and back to Charlie. She nodded in acquisition and packed her bag. "I will see you girls at breakfast. If you need me, please call. Do you have Charles' number?"

"Yes, we do. We will call you if we need anything at all. Now go and have a good time." Josie said as she hugged her mother-in-law. "And, Andy, we love you very much."

Andre' hugged her daughter and kissed her cheek. "Do not overdo, mon petite fille. You must rest. I'll be back early in the morning to cook us all breakfast."

"Thank you, Mom. I really appreciate the chance to be alone with Josie. Why don't you take advantage of the opportunity to be alone with Charlie." Sandy whispered in her mother's ear.

"I just may do that." Andy whispered back, causing Sandra's eyebrows to disappear into her bangs.

"Oh, mon Dieu." Sandra whispered to Josie. "I think we've created a monster."

***

Two days of rest and good food, provided by Andre's culinary art, restored Sandra's strength and feeling of well being. Other than a mild headache and a nasty lump on her head, she was feeling fit. Well, she would be if her back wasn't so stiff and sore. But, it was a great excuse to have Josie give her a hot oil massage every night.....naked. Sandy sighed, forcing herself back to the present noisy surrounds of the airport. The young couple told their angel of mercy a tearful goodbye as they left Andre' in Charles' capable hands and returned to their honeymoon cabin.

***

"Mmmmm, this is bliss." Josie stated as she sank into the warm bubbles of the hot tub and snuggled back against her wife's soft curves. "Am I hurting you?"

"Not a bit. You feel delicious." Sandy sighed, wrapping her long arms around her wife's soft body. She licked and nibbled on an ear. "Oh, I was right. You are tasty."

Josie giggled at the sensation. She lifted her arm to pull Sandra's lips to her neck and sighed as she felt soft kisses. "I love you, Sandy."

Sandra licked her ear again. "Love you too, Boss, forever and always." A soft cheek rubbed gently against Josie's own. "Let me make love to you, Josie. I want you so badly." Sandra pleaded.

"I want you, too, my love, but I don't want you to hurt yourself." The small woman felt soft hands cover her breasts, teasing the nipples, causing her to moan with pleasure. "Oh, God. You don't fight fair." Smaller hands covered Sandra's and increased the maddening pressure.

"You feel so soft....so good to me." Sandra's right hand slipped from Josie's breast, down into golden curls, eliciting a loud moan.

"Oh yeah! Sandy, I've dreamt about this so much since your accident. I even woke up in a compromising position with Beth." She chuckled.

"You what!?!" Sandy's hands froze at this revelation.

"Please, sweetheart, don't stop. I'll tell you, but, please, don't stop." Josie beseeched her flabbergasted partner.

"So talk." Sandy demanded as she resumed her perusal of her lover's slickening folds.

"Oh, yeah.....ummmm. I was dreaming about you..... You were making love to me. It was so real. You were running those gifted hands of yours all over my body, driving me insane with desire. Then Beth woke me up. In my sleep, I thought she was you.....and"

"You didn't." Sandra groaned out her embarrassment.

"I did. I woke up spooned behind her with my hand on her breast, grinding into her backside. It was too funny. She just removed my hand and said, "I am not Sandy. Now go back to sleep." So, I just rolled over and that was that." Josie giggled at the memory.

"Poor Beth. I guess you gave her a story to tell the grandkids."

"Good gravy. I hope not." Josie blushed. "I have an idea. Let me turn around and face you."

"OK by me." Sandra helped her partner turn and slip well muscled, albeit short, legs over her hips, allowing their vulvae to slide against each other. "Oh, God, Josie, that feels incredible."

"I know. And, this way you don't have to bend forward, putting pressure on your rib and back." Josie pulled Sandra's hips into her as long legs bent to increase the pressure of their contact. Causing Sandra to groan. "Are you OK?" Josie asked, thinking she'd hurt her lover.

"I am far better than just OK." Sandra grinned lasciviously. She pulled Josie to her, kissing sweet lips deeply, passionately, tongues warring for dominance. Josie pumped into her lover's sex, sending their ardor soaring. No thought could permeate their lust but the desire to fulfill it. Sandra reached around her. Ignoring the pain in her chest and shoulder, she cupped firm buttocks and pulled Josie into her harder, their slick folds gliding together, engorged clits pounding with life's blood, breasts rubbing, nipples nearly painfully tight. "Oh shit! Josie..... I'm gonna come. I can't hold it..... Ah..... Ahhh..... Ahhhhh!!!" Sandra pumped into her partner with all of her might, sending Josie into ecstasy with her.

Sandra lay back against the tub, eyes closed, trying to regain her breath. The little blonde allowed the water to buoy her up as she floated back, releasing her partner's hips, luxuriating in the feel of the bubbles against her tingling body.

"God, I've missed your touch, your passion for me, Josie." Sandra purred. "Do you think we could try out that little wedding gift from Beth again?"

Josie sat up at that request. "Mmmmm, I'm sure that could be arranged. But first, I want to do your wound care and dry your hair. The doc said to keep those stitches dry."

"Oh, now, that's romantic." Sandy snorted as she pulled herself out of the tub and turned to assist her wife.

After tending to Sandra's wound and blow drying her long dark tresses, Josie retrieved the pink dildo and leather harness from it's storage box and began to strap it on.

"Wait...... ummm....., I mean....., can I try it?" Sandra asked timidly.

"Sure." Josie was taken aback by her normally shy lover's directness. "Let me help you strap it on." Small hands trembled at the thought of what her beautiful lover was soon going to do to her.

Sandra ran long, elegant hands through her wife's blonde curls as the harness was snugly attached. "You need a hair cut, my little golden sheep dog." Sandra stated, incongruously. "I can trim it for you."

Josie stood up, her eyes taking in the flawless skin and soft curves of the enticing body before her then gazed into the blue eyes she loved. "Sure. Can we do that later...., much later." She reached up and pulled the dark head down to capture luscious lips.

"Later's good." Sandra gasped then resumed teasing and probing her partner's mouth.

Josie pulled away to look at her wife's visage with phallus protruding from her loins. "You look ..... awesome."

Sandra's chest swelled with pride at her lover's admiration. She stood tall and slowly approached the object of her carnal lust, backing her up against the wall. Blue eyes perused every delectable inch of the woman before her. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I am so very grateful to God for bringing you to me." Sandra ran the back of her fingers down Josie's chest, up the slope of her breasts, slowly over her nipples, then sought her shoulders again. She caressed the skin there then ran the palms of her hands down both arms, enjoying the feel of her, the scent of her. "I love you so much..... sometimes it frightens me. I can't imagine living without you."

Josie raised her own hand to stroke her wife's face. "Make love to me, Sandy. I need you." Her hand ran down the long neck to cup a full breast. She brought it to her lips to lick and taste the taut nipple.

Sandra's breath caught in her throat as passion fired in her groin. She held the golden head to her breast as her other hand trailed down Josie's back and squeezed her firm butt. Josie let her teeth graze the nipple, eliciting a shiver from her partner. "Ummm, Josie, I need to lay down."

Josie's head shot up in concern. "Are you alright?"

"Don't look so worried, Boss. I am just getting a bit weak in the knees. Let's take this to our bed." Sandra explained as she slid her long lithe form onto the sheets.

Josie smiled at her lover's unintentional erotic display. "My God, you are gorgeous." She took a moment to just admire the vision before her.

"Come..... mount me." Sandra reached out a hand to draw her near. Josie crawled upon the bed and straddled her lover's hips. Sandra watched in amazement, her heart pounding in her chest, her arousal soaring as Josie positioned the phallus at the mouth of her vagina and ever so slowly lowered her self and pumped her pelvis, eyes rolling back as lids closed. "You alright, Boss?"

"Oh yeah. This feels so good." Eyelashes fluttered and Josie's pelvis pumped a little harder. Sandra reached up and fondled tempting breasts, petting the nipples, twisting and pulling the hard buds. "How are you doing?"

"I'm enjoying the view. You look so sexy." Sandra took her hands away to push herself up into a sitting position and pulled her lover against her, their sweat slicked breasts rubbing together, further stoking the fire burning in their bellies. They kissed. Sandra explored Josie's warm mouth with her tongue, enjoying the different textures and tastes. She found she had the desire to pump the phallus into her lover but was unable to do so with Josie's weight upon her, so she held her tightly as she rolled over onto Josie's smaller body. She placed a hand on either side of Josie's head to hold her weight and to look into her partner's eyes as she pumped in and out of her sex. The motion rubbed the leather straps of the harness against her vulva, sending jolts of pleasure through her loins. Blue gazed into green with all the intensity of her desire. Josie wrapped her legs around her partner's slim hips allowing deeper penetration. Sandra found the feel of her lover wrapped around her body intense. Then discovered if she rolled her hips, she could both inspire groans of pleasure from her partner and stimulate her own clitoris. Sandra leaned her head down to capture sweet lips. She licked and nibbled, offering her tongue for Josie to suckle upon. The sensation was nearly enough to push them both over the edge. Sandra's arms began to tremble and Josie's hands reached up to guide her hips, further increasing their mutual stimulation. Sandra pumped into her lover with all she had. "Oh God, Josie..."

"Oh yeah. You feel so good." Josie could feel her orgasm slowly approaching and relished every second of the sensation.

Sandra's arms gave way and she fell to her forearms, never stopping her incessant pumping. Josie removed one hand from her partner's hip to place a dark, taut nipple into her warm mouth, then returned it to guide her lover's efforts.

"Oh.....shit! Yeah!" Sandra relished the feeling of the warm tongue licking her breast and sharp teeth taunting her nipple. Her orgasm built, hot and demanding and shot flames of ecstasy from her sex up through her belly and down her legs. Her back arched, as her head flew back. She couldn't breathe or move, just experience the overwhelming pleasure shooting through her body and soul.

Josie watched in fascination as her lover's orgasm overcame her. 'God, she's so beautiful.' Josie mused as she traced the sweat running down the side of Sandy's beautiful face, down her neck and between her swaying breasts. Then her long, luscious body fell upon Josie's smaller one as her climax released her. Tears filled the little woman's eyes as her lover sobbed on her shoulder. "Sh...sh, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

"I missed you so much. I dreamt about holding you, loving you like this." Sandra sobbed as Josie rubbed her back and cooed words of comfort in her ear. "Oh, Josie, I never dreamed I could love anyone like this, trust anyone like I trust you. I want to have a family with you, grow old with you."

"Me too, sweetheart. I want all those things with you. I'll do everything I can to make all your dreams come true, Sandy. I promise, baby." The little woman pushed her lover's hair out of her face and kissed her deeply, making her arousal known. Both women moaned.

"I want to taste you, Josie. Can you get this off of me?" Sandra fumbled with the leather straps.

"Oh yeah." Josie helped her partner out of the harness and nearly pushed her dark head where her mouth was most needed. Sandra was happy to oblige, the scent of her lover's arousal already stoking a fire in her belly. But she knew her partner's need was great and there would be no time to play. She separated Josie's outer lips and ran her tongue down the length of her sex, then plunged deep into her vagina, feasting on the nectar, which she found in abundance. Josie trembled, as her pleasure was intense. Sandra ran her tongue up and over the engorged clitoris, then slowly slipped three fingers into her lover's sopping sex. The small woman groaned out her arousal, bringing a smile to Sandra's face. "I need you now!.....Oh, God, Sandy please!" Josie begged for release. Sandra took Josie's clit ever so gently between her teeth and suckled it hard. Josie growled and bucked her hips as her climax hit her like a freight train. Unintelligible words and sounds came from deep within her as Sandy fought to keep her place to prolong her lover's pleasure. When the groans subsided, Sandra released her and crawled up to hold her close. Tears of joy and release slowly slid down Josie's face and Sandy kissed them away.

The lovers lay in each other's arms as Josie's tears turned into heart wrenching sobs. "What's wrong, Josie? Why are you crying, Boss...... Please talk to me."

"I'm just so grateful that you're OK, that you're here in my arms, safe and happy. It hurt so much to see you in pain, to not be able to do anything to help you, to take your pain away..." Josie sobbed into her wife's shoulder, letting herself be comforted by the very woman she'd feared would be taken from her. "..., not knowing if you would survive intact and then to watch you be humiliated, unable to care for your most basic needs. My heart bled for you. I think that was the first time I really understood what you must feel when I am sick; how you try to let me do as much as I can for myself and you have to fight the urge to do everything for me. I guess the shoe was on the other foot, huh?"

"Yeah..... I'm so sorry you had to be put through that. I never wanted you to be in that position."

"Don't be. It certainly wasn't your fault. And, in a way, some good came of it. It gave me a whole new perspective on your role in my life. One I don't think I'd have otherwise understood." Josie said contemplatively..... When we get home do you think we could look into starting our family?" Josie inquired, hope filling her heart.

"Are you sure?"

"Other than wanting to spend the rest of my life with you, I've never been more sure of anything else in my life."

Sandra's tears of joy ran down her beautiful face. "Oh, Josie, you're gonna make a wonderful mother."

"I'll do my best. As long as we have each other, we'll make great parents. Have you thought how you'd like to go about getting pregnant? I mean, as much as I'd love to do the honors....."

"I've noticed you don't have the necessary equipment..... Thank God." Sandy chuckled. "You have no male relatives, do you?"

"Nope. The closest thing I have would be Tommy. Do you want to ask him to be our donor?"

"Ooooooh, I don't know how Beth would feel about that." Sandy grimaced.

"Well, we can always go to the sperm bank in New Orleans. I hear they have a list of their donor's nationality, education, profession and physical characteristics. That might be better. The donor would have no ties to complicate our lives."

"Your right. I think I like that idea. I want our baby to look just like you." Sandra beamed.

"Oh no. I want her to look just like you. We could look for a Cajun donor with a medical background, tall with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes." Josie sighed.

"We'll see....." Sandra retorted.

"Yes, we will, my love, we'll see." Josie snickered.

The girls' play was interrupted by the ringing of their cell phone.

"Who could that be?" Josie asked as she jumped out of the bed and dug in her bag for the obnoxious object. "Hello? Oh, Beth, is everything alright? Are the pups OK?" Josie asked anxiously.

"Yeah, everything is just fine on this end. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that I picked up your mail and there is a legal looking letter from the hotel where you two stayed in Colorado Springs. I thought you might want to know about it before you left for home."

"A legal letter? What in the world could that be about? Open it up and read it to me." Josie requested.

"OK..... Oh my goodness! It's a bill for damages. Seems the hotel is suing you for $300.00 in property damages for one broken head board and for repairs to the sheet rock on the wall of your hotel room."

Josie looked at her lover with astonishment and fell to her knees in a fit of hysterical laughter.

"Jo? Hey, Jo! What in the world did you two do in that room?"

The End of The Honeymoon

STAY TUNED FOR THE CONTINUING STORY OF SANDRA AND JOSIE

Tell me what you think, Lena.

JonyakaLena@webtv.net